The first Badenoch Derby of the season produced a triumph for Newtonmore when a 1-0 Mowi Premiership victory over neighbours and rivals Kingussie extended More's run to straight victories in their first four games.
On a Saturday hard hit by waterlogging, Declan Brannan scored after just three minutes, but the rest of shinty's biggest encounter failed to produce any further goals.
Newtonmore's victory lifts them four points clear of Fort William but with two extra games played, while Kingussie drop to fourth place on goal difference.
Newly promoted Lochaber have lost momentum following their spectacular 4-0 opening day defeat of Kyles and suffered their third consecutive loss, going down 2-1 to Caberfeidh who gained their first points.
Ewan Campbell fired Cabers ahead after just two minutes and Gavin McLaughlin followed up midway through the first half. Stuart Callison pulled one back for the Spean Bridge side after the break, but it wasn't enough.
In the second tier National Division, the two front runners Glenurquhart and newly relegated Lovat fought out a 2-2 draw at Kiltarlity.
Charlie Macleod opened for Glen in the first half, but Lewis Tawse and Marc MacLaughlan swung the game Lovat's way in the second.
With five minutes remaining, Macleod's second pulled Glen level, leaving both sides unbeaten. However Glenurquhart have a two point margin at the top by virtue of an extra game played.
Champions in 3 countries soon?! This club has cracked football
Dominating a league for decades is something many clubs in the football world have managed to do. Whether it’s Bayern Munich in Germany, Celtic in Scotland, or PSG in France – all three teams have won the title in nearly every season over the past ten years. But the following club can only smile at the idea of a championship streak in just one country.
Sudanese serial champions Al Hilal Club are currently on course to win the top-flight title in a third country (source: “11Freunde”). Unfortunately, the reason is far less cheerful.
After civil war broke out in 2023, the Premier League was suspended with immediate effect. For the time being, Al Hilal was left without a league.
Fortunately, the African football confederation (CAF) granted the reigning champions a special exemption. Until further notice, Al Hilal Club was allowed to compete in any other professional league in Africa, according to an official press release.
No sooner said than done: Al Hilal signed up for the Mauritanian Super D1 and – of course – won the title right away. Champions in two countries? That’s far too ordinary. Since the current season, the Blue Wave has been “flowing” through the Rwandan Premier League as well. At the moment, Sudan’s serial champions sit in second place, one point behind leaders APR despite having played three fewer matches. So a third title in a third country in a row seems more than realistic. But the African club is not completely infallible after all.
Just a few days ago, their CAF Champions League run ended in the quarter-finals. Against RS Berkane from Morocco, Al Hilal lost by the narrowest of margins, 2–1 on aggregate over two legs. On the bright side, they can now focus fully on the league again.
With a third title in a third country, they really would have completed football.
📸 Denver Summit set stunning attendance record during debut home match
The National Women's Soccer League has cemented its place in the record books after new outfit Denver Summit made history during their inaugural home match.
A 0-0 draw against the Washington Spirit was not enough to sour the mood in the Mile High City this afternoon, after over 63,000 fans turned up to pack out Empower Field.
Not only did this clock in as the new attendance record for the NWSL, but it became the largest attendance ever recorded in the United States for a women's professional sporting event.
A sign of the continued growth and popularity of the women's game stateside, Colorado's status as a hotbed for football in the US was also on display among the capacity crowd.
The Summit have begun life as the league's newest franchise with a solid start out of the blocks, with today's draw seeing them sit mid-table with a 1-2-1 record and German striker Melissa Kössler already among the league's top goalscorers, with three strikes so far this season.
Liverpool Are Eyeing A Move For This Nottingham Forest Defender: Good Choice For The Reds?
In a recent report, Fichajes claimed that Liverpool are eyeing a move for Nottingham Forest defender Murillo. It is believed that the Reds are showing interest in bringing the Brazilian centre-back to Merseyside this summer.
Murillo’s Impressive Form In English Football
Murillo has enjoyed a decent run of form at the Midlands club as he has put in a series of impressive displays for them on the defensive end of the field. The 23-year-old has registered two goals in 34 matches for Nottingham this season on all fronts.
The Brazilian talent is currently among the best centre-backs in the Premier League. Therefore, Liverpool will do well to get a deal done for him this summer.
His current contract at the City Ground will run out in the summer of 2029, which could make it difficult for the Reds to sign him on the cheap later this year.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – MARCH 12: Murillo of Nottingham Forest during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Nottingham Forest FC and FC Midtjylland at City Ground on March 12, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Will Murillo Be A Good Choice For Liverpool?
Murillo is a good tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to secure the ball back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the front foot and can use his strong frame to win a few aerial duels.
The Brazilian sensation has got a wealth of experience in the Premier League and won’t take much time to adjust to life at the Merseyside club. He is primarily a central defender but can also fill in as a left-back if told to do so.
We can expect Murillo to bring more bite and steel to Liverpool’s defence. He is more than capable of fighting for a regular first-team football at the Merseyside club in the coming seasons. At 23, Murillo has his peak years ahead of him, which makes him a decent choice for the Reds to pursue at the end of this campaign.
He might even help the Reds challenge for some major honours over the next few years. Furthermore, Murillo is good enough to serve as a decent replacement for Ibrahima Konate, who is currently on an expiring contract at Liverpool. All in all, the Reds would be wise to go all out to get him on board in the upcoming transfer window.
In a post on X, Penguins PR announced that Crosby is dealing with a lower-body injury, while Malkin continues to recover from an upper-body issue. Now, both players are listed as day-to-day.
“Forwards Sidney Crosby (lower-body) and Evgeni Malkin (upper-body) will not play today versus Dallas, and both remain day-to-day.” The statement reads.
The update comes at a critical time as Pittsburgh pushes for a playoff spot.
Crosby suffered his injury during a recent win against the Ottawa Senators. The captain left the game early and did not return, raising concerns about his availability. Despite the setback, reports suggest he was able to walk normally after the game. This offers some relief, though the team remains cautious.
The 38-year-old center has been vital this season. Crosby has recorded 28 goals and 64 points in 61 games, leading the team offensively. His absence leaves a major gap in Pittsburgh’s lineup, especially down the middle.
Malkin will miss his third straight game. The veteran forward has produced 52 points in 50 appearances this season. While his condition is not considered long-term, the team has not set a clear return date. There is hope he could return in the next few games if recovery goes well.
Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) and center Evgeni Malkin (71) at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Pittsburgh enters the game with a 36-20-16 record and remains in a strong position in the Metropolitan Division. The team has maintained a positive scoring differential and consistent offensive output.
Dallas, meanwhile, arrives after a four-game losing streak but still holds one of the best records in the league. The Stars also won the previous meeting between these teams.
With two franchise players sidelined, the Penguins face a tough test in a very crucial matchup.
The UFC octagon is at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle for tonight's UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Pyfer event. The fight card is headlined by a middleweight match between former two-time titleholder Israel Adesanya (24-5) and No. 14 ranked Joe Pyfer (15-3).
According to a report, Raymond had comparable offers from both the Lions and the Chicago Bears in free agency. Yet, despite his history in Detroit, he opted to head to Chicago on a one-year, $3.5 million deal.
Lions Made a Legitimate Push
This was not a case of Detroit letting Raymond walk without a fight.
The Lions were in the mix until the very end, presenting what was described as a “commensurate” offer to the one he ultimately accepted from the Bears.
Raymond even leaned on one of his closest teammates for advice before making the decision.
“Trust your gut,” Amon-Ra St. Brown told him. “Either way, I love you, man.”
That quote says a lot about the respect Raymond had in Detroit’s locker room.
Why Raymond Chose Chicago
So why leave a team he clearly cared about?
Opportunity.
“The lure to Chicago was opportunity,” the report stated. “The post-Johnson Lions veered to bigger wide receivers and had reduced Raymond’s offensive role. Johnson, however, remembers the wide receiver who was targeted 71 times in 2021 and 64 times in 2022.”
That is the key.
In Detroit, Raymond had slipped to fourth on the depth chart behind St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa.
In Chicago, he steps into a situation where his skill set is not only valued, but needed.
And it does not hurt that he is reuniting with a familiar face in Ben Johnson, who knows exactly how to use him.
A Tough But Understandable Decision
Raymond reportedly had interest from multiple teams, including the Seahawks and 49ers, making this far from a simple choice.
But when it came down to it, playing time and role won out over familiarity.
For a player at this stage of his career, that makes perfect sense.
What It Means for the Lions
For Detroit, this is another example of how the roster is evolving.
The Lions are getting bigger at wide receiver and continuing to build around their younger core. That shift naturally left less room for a player like Raymond, despite his contributions over the years.
He was more than just a receiver. He was a dependable returner and a respected presence in the locker room.
But in today’s NFL, roles change quickly.
Final Thoughts
Kalif Raymond choosing the Bears was not about money.
It was about opportunity.
The Lions gave him a chance to return. He chose a bigger role elsewhere.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Defenseman Emil Lilleberg scored the go-ahead goal and had a career-high three points, and the Tampa Bay Lightning rallied to defeat the Ottawa Senators 4-2 on Saturday.
Brandon Hagel and Charle-Edouard D’Astous each had a goal and an assist, while Jake Guentzel scored for a third consecutive game. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 26 saves for Tampa Bay, which played without leading scorer Nikita Kucherov and others.
Nick Paul and Kucherov, who entered the weekend tied with Connor McDavid for the most points in the NHL, were both out because of illness. Despite not having them and captain Victor Hedman, who is on a leave of absence for personal reasons, the Lightning improved to 5-0-2 in the past seven games.
Dylan Cozens and Jordan Spence scored for Ottawa, and James Reimer allowed four goals on 27 shots. The Senators, in the middle of a fierce playoff race in the Eastern Conference, lost in regulation for the first time since March 18 and are on the outside looking in with nine games remaining.
With the score tied at 2, Lilleberg took a pass from Hagel and chipped a backhand shot past Reimer with a little more than 11 minutes left in regulation. Guentzel scored on a breakaway later to provide some breathing room.
Ottawa had taken a 2-0 lead on goals by Cozens and Spence. This was the fourth game in a row the Lightning fell behind by multiple goals, and just like in the previous three, they got back into it in the second period.
Up next
Senators: Visit the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night.
Lightning: Host the Nashville Predators on Sunday.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 4: Sebastian Fundora, left, the WBC Super Welterweight World Champion, and Keith Thurman, right, face off with promoter Tom Brown standing in between them after a news conference at AVALON Hollywood on February 4, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. The bout will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, March 28, 2026. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Current WBC Super Welterweight champion, Sebastian Fundora, will defend his title against former WBA division kingpin, Keith Thurman, later TONIGHT (Sat., March 28, 2026) in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a highly-anticipated bout years in the making.
Fundora comes in with a 23-1-1 record, including a recent title defense over Tim Tszyu. The towering 27-year-old had proposed bouts against Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. fall through over the years, but now a big fight against Thurman will provide him with a signature win opportunity he has longed for. As for Thurman, he is 31-1 in his career with his lone defeat coming at the hands of Manny Pacquiao. He was last seen knocking out Brock Jarvis via devastating third round technical knockout last year (see it again here).
Many readers check in before, during and after the fights to share their thoughts on all of the action, as the main card kicks off at 6 p.m. ET on Prime Video PPV. Feel free to leave a comment (or several) about the bouts and chat with all the other Maniacs during the show — it’s always a lot of fun!
FUNDORA VS. THURMAN QUICK RESULTS
154 lbs.: Sebastian Fundora vs. Keith Thurman 154 lbs.: Yoenis Tellez vs. Brian Mendoza 160 lbs.: Yoenli Hernandez vs. Terrell Gausha Heavyweight: Gurgen Hovhannisyan vs. Cesar Navarro 168 lbs.: Elijah Garcia vs. Kevin Newman II 135 lbs.: Kaipo Gallegos vs. Julian Gonzalez 126 lbs.: Brayan Gonzalez vs. Brandon Medina
Though it hasn't come to a screeching halt, the talent acquisition phase of the offseason has hit a lull in between free agency and the draft. The Dallas Cowboys weren't expected to do much at the quarterback position this offseason, but they did do a relatively significant amount of shuffling this offseason, and there is a reason it's actually noteworthy heading into the draft.
For the third consecutive offseason, the team made moves at the position. In 2024, the club signed franchise starter Dak Prescott to the most lucrative deal in NFL history. Last season, they made a trade to try and find a long-term backup QB and this year they made a move that speaks to their confidence in last year's transaction. Here's a look the quarterback room as they head towards the 2026 draft.
Starter: Dak Prescott
Prescott is set to enter his 11th year in the league in 2026. The 2016 rookie of the year has earned four Pro Bowl bids, and finished Top 3 in Comeback Player of the Year honors twice. More on that in a second. Prescott had a phenomenal year in 2025, passing for over 4,500 yards, with 30 TDs against just 10 interceptions. Thanks to a porous defense which couldn't force turnovers or get off the field, he wasn't in the MVP race, but he certainly was one of the NFL's top QBs last season.
Fans should've expected it. Every year Prescott is healthy, he plays at this level. The problem is that Prescott hasn't turned in back-to-back healthy seasons since last decade, which led to the changes below.
Backups: Sam Howell, Joe Milton
The Cowboys acquired Milton for a late draft pick last year in a trade with New England. Milton has an absolute arm cannon; he's able to fling the ball downfield with unreal ease. It's the rest of the job description that wasn't quite ready in 2025. Milton, a second-year player, performed horribly in the first two preseason games, then showed some promise in the exhibition finale. Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer was hesitant to play him in regular-season games though, even blowouts, as the season went down the drain to a 7-9-1 finish.
Without any evidence that Milton can handle extended duty as Prescott's backup, and with the reality that the starter averages just eight starts in his last three even-numbered seasons, the Cowboys had to come up with a contingency plan. Enter Sam Howell, a young veteran with a lot of time under center.
Howell started 18 games across his first two seasons in the league (5-13) with the Washington franchise, but hasn't started since 2023. The likely hope is that Howell is competent enough to get an offense as stacked as the Cowboys through some Prescott missed games, knowing a long-term injury to a franchise QB spells doom for most orgs anyway.
The two will have all of training camp and the preseason to determine the best plan, which could include different players for different scenarios (in-game replacement vs multiple-game starter).
Prescott of course is the lion's share after inking a four-year, $240 million extension that began last season and runs through 2028. The team converted almost all of his base salary into a restructure bonus, as was planned, taking advantage of void years to lower his 2026 cap hit to $43.5 million.
Milton enters the third year of his rookie deal, of which there is no bonus allocation for Dallas, that pays him $1.08 million in 2026.
Howell signed a one-year, fully guaranteed $2.5 million deal.
Draft Projection
It's difficult to imagine the Cowboys using one of their draft picks on the quarterback position. They have the young inexperienced guy with the big arm already, and a young veteran. The window for Dak Prescott is at least through 2028, and anyone drafted wouldn't serve much purpose in any transition plan.
"I put my phone on Do Not Disturb last night," Jackson said on Saturday, twelve hours removed from her 3-pointer that ended No. 2 LSU's season. "I try to respond to as many people as I can because I'm very grateful that they're even watching women's basketball... but I haven't been able to get back that much."
Jackson revealed that one message was from Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant on Instagram.
"I was so happy about that. He's one of my favorite players," Jackson added. When asked if she was able to respond to Durant's message, Jackson said, "Of course. I just hit him with a thank you so much."
Jackson said she hasn't had time to fully process the shot that will go down in March Madness history, much like Arike Ogunbowale's buzzer-beating 3-pointer to win a national championship at Notre Dame over Mississippi State in 2018. Jackson remembers watching Ogunbowale's shot "as a kid. It was really cool to see. And now I have the opportunity to say that I was a part of [tournament history]."
Jackson's game-winner was a mainstay on ESPN's "SportsCenter" and social media Friday evening, so much so that Jackson "got tired of seeing it."
"It's literally everywhere. Every time I scroll I see it," Jackson said with a laugh. "I just put my phone down. I just replay in my head the ball spinning and spinning and I'm like, bro, I don't want to see that."
The shot rimmed around the basket for several seconds before ultimately falling down. Jackson was immediately engulfed by her teammates as they celebrated in front of their bench. She shared an embrace with head coach Kara Lawson and even went in the stands to celebrate with Duke alum Chelsea Gray.
"The shot was great, but that feeling was better of them telling me how much they believed in me, telling me how much they love me, I wouldn't trade that for the world," Jackson said. "Regardless if I would've missed that shot or not, they would've told me the same thing. And I feel like that speaks volume, especially for our program. We call ourselves the sisterhood and it feels exactly like that."
Jackson didn't end up going to bed around 2 a.m. as emotions were running high. She said rest is going to be "very, very important" moving forward with the tight turnaround.
No. 3 LSU plays No. 1 UCLA in the Elite Eight on Saturday 3:00 p.m. ET (ABC).
Her text messages can wait until next week.
"People are still texting me," Jackson said in disbelief. "I've been just trying to stay present, trying to stay where my feet are. I've gotten back to some people. I plan to get back to as many people as I can, but just trying to take it all in with (my teammates). It's my last time at this."
Reach USA TODAY National Women’s Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at chenderson@gannett.com and follow her on X at @CydHenderson.
As the undisputed top wide receiver in college football, any program would like to add Ohio State Buckeyes star Jeremiah Smith if he were to enter the transfer portal. Only a select few could actually command the attention of Smith, as the NIL deal would have to be significant and the location ideal.
Both could be offered by the Miami Hurricanes, as Smith is an Opa Locka, FL, native, less than a 30-minute drive from Miami. Head coach Mario Cristobal's program spent big on a Duke Blue Devils duo of quarterback Darian Mensh and wide receiver Cooper Barkate, wooing both to commit via the portal following the season.
And while Smith wouldn't specifically say the words "Miami," it wasn't difficult to guess which program he was referring to that played in the national championship game and went after him hard this offseason — despite never entering the portal.
"I knew especially at the end of that game that a certain program was going to come at me very hard. Not gonna say no names, I think everybody here knows who it was. But I wasn’t goin’ nowhere."
NEW: Ohio State star WR Jeremiah Smith was asked about post-season transfer portal offers:
“I knew especially at the end of that game that a certain program was going to come at me very hard. Not gonna say no names, I think everybody here knows who it was. But I wasn’t goin’… pic.twitter.com/wgRZKsxiPy
Indiana was the other program in that game, but they made many of their transfer portal additions prior to the championship game, adding TCU quarterback Josh Hoover and Michigan State wide receiver Nick Marsh. All signs point towards Miami, Smith's hometown school and a program that was heavily involved in his recruitment out of high school.
But despite the enticing location, Smith remains committed to the Buckeyes in what will likely be his final year of college football. He's widely projected to be a top 10 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, the first year that he'll be eligible to be selected.
Contact/Follow@College_Wire on X and@College_Wires on Threads. Like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of college sports news, notes, and opinions.
Thomas Tuchel is the first England manager with nine clean sheets in his first 10 matches [Getty Images]
There may be 80 days before England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Texas, but this international break has been widely seen as last-chance territory.
A final opportunity to mould a team capable of competing in this summer's tournament - and for any players hoping to force their way into Thomas Tuchel's plans.
The German's approach to this window has been novel, naming an expanded 35-man squad, split into two separate camps across the two fixtures.
The first has been made up primarily of fringe players, with the returning Harry Maguire and Phil Foden lining up alongside debutants James Garner and James Trafford in Friday's flat 1-1 draw with Uruguay.
Captain Harry Kane leads an 11-man entourage who will come in for Tuesday's game against Japan. Tuchel's most tried, tested and trusted are among that group - players like Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Morgan Rogers.
Will he be satisfied with what he's seen so far - or could he come to regret his left-field squad strategy?
To put that into context, Roy Hodgson's first 11 matches came within the 169 days following his appointment. It has taken Tuchel 609 days to reach the same number.
England breezed through qualifying, winning all eight games, scoring 22 goals and conceding none to finish comfortably clear at the top of Group K.
However, their group opponents were Albania, Andorra, Latvia and Serbia - four sides ranked outside the world's top 20.
Indeed, their toughest test in terms of ranking last year was a friendly against Senegal, who were 19th in the world at the time. England lost 3-1.
When the fixtures against Uruguay and Japan were announced, Tuchel said "we wanted to play two teams ranked in the top 20 in the world and test ourselves against opponents from outside of Europe".
So do we now have a better idea of how the Three Lions might shape up against higher-quality opposition in the summer?
"We expected an indifferent performance because of the changes," ex-England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I'm not so sure we have learned anything different about the team as a collective.
"We weren't looking at England as a collective. It wasn't a performance to be judged as a team - it was for individuals."
BBC senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel added: "I wouldn't go as far as saying it was a pointless exercise - but I'm not sure Tuchel would have left Wembley having gleaned too much new information.
"That's the problem with this sort of audition, players are always likely to take an approach with a view to impressing the manager instead of playing the game they would usually."
'They looked like a bunch of trialists... you can't dress it up'
According to Robinson, therein lies the problem for Tuchel and England - Friday's game played out more like a trial than a quest for "cohesion" and "team performance".
"You got the impression watching the game that individuals were trying too hard in certain situations," said Robinson. "They looked like a bunch of trialists trying to impress a manager to get through to the next stage of that trial.
"It really stunk of a performance of players who were playing for a place on the plane for self gain rather than team gain. It was a difficult watch at times.
"He created that atmosphere by naming that 35-man squad.
"You can't dress it up any other way, Thomas Tuchel can say he's looking at all these players, that we're going to play this way, this is what we're doing, it's a team... that's nonsense. It was an individual trial game."
Tuchel, however, said he had "learned a lot" from the draw.
"You just see it in the details," he added. "You learn a lot in the details, how is the behaviour and you see the level. I'm happy that we did it the way we did it."
Once Tuesday's match against Japan at Wembley is out the way, England have two more friendly games against New Zealand on 6 June and Costa Rica on 10 June.
The World Cup gets under way 24 hours later.
'This was still a very worthwhile exercise'
Tuchel must submit his final squad by Saturday, 30 May, meaning he has just one more game before choosing who to take to the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Fair enough, then, that he would want to see as many players as possible up close?
"This was a still a very worthwhile exercise for Tuchel and he was correct to give so many of England's shadow players game time," said BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty.
"With many of his starting line-up set in stone, he was well within his rights to take a look at those he is still considering against a Uruguay team under Marcelo Bielsa that simply does not do friendlies.
"Maguire showed his worth and experience in defence, while Everton midfielder Garner looked perfectly at home on the England stage – although whether he did enough to force his way into the World Cup squad is another matter.
"Tuchel must settle on an understudy for England captain Harry Kane, one of his most crucial decisions, so it was understandable he utilised both Tottenham's Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin from Leeds.
"As for Tuesday's friendly against Japan, we can expect to see many of England's World Cup first choices return – but Tuchel could not be blamed if he took another look at some who still need to convince him of their worth of a place in his World Cup squad."
'It's about keeping the core group really fresh'
When naming his 35-man squad, Tuchel emphasised the importance of keeping players fresh.
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior said his side were tired, having played "over 100 games in 18 months with no break", while Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has often lamented the schedule, previously calling it a "disaster" for players.
Liverpool's Arne Slot said the lack of a winter break in England is "not helpful". The French, German and Spanish leagues all enjoy winter breaks spanning 10-17 days.
"These guys have played 3,500 minutes, some 4,000 minutes," said Tuchel when asked about his England players. "More important than the pure number of minutes is some of these guys have played more minutes than the whole of last season.
"All of these players have contributed in September, October and November. They have credit with me. To give them a break mentally and physically, we will benefit from it."
United States women's head coach Emma Hayes agreed.
"He knows what he's doing," the ex-Chelsea manager told ITV. "Most importantly it's about keeping the core group really fresh."
Archie McParland's second try sealed victory for Saints [Getty Images]
The Prem
Saracens (7) 17
Tries: Elliott, Dan Cons: Farrell 2 Pens: Burke
Northampton (14) 21
Tries: Litchfield, McParland 2 Cons: Smith 2, Hutchinson
Archie McParland scored a dramatic late try as Prem leaders Northampton Saints came from behind to edge out Saracens at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
McParland and Tom Litchfield both went over early in the game as Saints raced into a 14-0 advantage, with Fin Smith converting both tries.
But Smith went off injured, with Sarries storming back to level through Tobias Elliott and Theo Dan – and Fergus Burke's penalty put them in front for the first time.
However, Litchfield set up McParland to run in his second score with the clock ticking down, as Saints secured their sixth straight win and went six points clear at the summit.
Northampton started at a lively pace and seized the initiative immediately, with Henry Pollock – returning to the side after Six Nations duty – held up over the line following a weaving run by James Ramm.
But the visitors were soon ahead after a swift move that originated on halfway, with Ramm and Josh Kemeny involved before Rory Hutchinson released Litchfield, who bustled through to score under the posts.
Fly-half Smith, also back in the Saints line-up after England commitments, was influential in the early stages and charged through on the breakaway to set up McParland for a routine score before converting to make it 14-0.
Sarries struck back with their first significant attack of the game, working possession from left to right for Elliott to snap up a bouncing ball and hold off two defenders before diving across the line.
Northampton suffered another blow when Smith was forced off with a head injury on the half-hour mark, prompting a reshuffle, and they had to dig deep to survive a series of scrums close to their line.
With skipper Maro Itoje starting to exercise greater control after the turnaround, Saracens proved more adept at denying their opponents space and levelled when Dan broke from the back of a maul and bundled his way over.
Sarries looked the more likely winners for much of the second half, with Hugh Tizard close to giving them the advantage after a bout of ball-juggling on the Saints line.
Burke, taking over kicking duties after Owen Farrell's departure, slotted a penalty to break the deadlock, and the Saracens defence held out when Saints replacement JJ van der Mesch burrowed into the corner, but was unable to ground the ball.
However, the league leaders kept going and gained their reward with just two minutes left when George Furbank combined with Litchfield and McParland sped in for the decisive score under the posts.
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: QB Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on before the Alabama Crimson Tide versus Indiana Hoosiers College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game on January 1, 2026, at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Everything the Pittsburgh Steelers have done over the past several seasons has pointed toward one defining objective: identifying and securing their next franchise quarterback.
The timing seemed almost too perfect. With the NFL Draft being hosted in Pittsburgh for the first time, the organization appeared positioned to make a bold, symbolic move at the game’s most important position.
General manager Omar Khan has methodically built a level of flexibility heading into this year’s draft. The Steelers currently hold 12 selections, including four compensatory picks, ammunition that strongly suggests preparation for a potential move up the board. The expectation, at least at one point, was that this would be the year to strike.
However, the 2026 quarterback class has not unfolded as anticipated.
Several high-profile prospects opted to return to school, including Dante Moore, Arch Manning, and LaNorris Sellers. Others failed to build on prior momentum. Cade Klubnik and Drew Allar both regressed, showing inconsistency in decision-making and mechanics. Meanwhile, Garrett Nussmeier endured a turbulent season marked by injury and a subsequent benching.
Outside of Fernando Mendoza— the Heisman Trophy winner and national champion widely projected to go first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders—there is little consensus around first-round quarterback talent. One name, however, continues to surface: Ty Simpson.
If the Steelers view Simpson as a legitimate franchise option, it is difficult to envision them remaining passive at pick No. 21. Quarterback-needy teams such as the New York Jets at pick 16 loom as potential threats to select him earlier, making patience a risky strategy.
BREAKING: Ty Simpson has a private workout with the #Jets scheduled for this Friday, per @FieldYates 👀
Here's Ty Simpson with some very nice throws at Alabama's Pro Day today 🎯
The more plausible scenario is an aggressive move up the draft board.
A logical trade partner could be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at pick No. 15. Such a deal would allow Pittsburgh to leapfrog the Jets and secure their target. A package centered around picks 21 and 53 could be enough to facilitate the move, though alternative constructions—such as including mid-round selections like picks 85 and 121—would offer additional flexibility while preserving a second-round asset.
I want to make it very clear: this is not necessarily an endorsement of selecting Simpson, nor is it a definitive indication of the Steelers’ evaluation. To their credit, the organization has maintained discretion, revealing little about its intentions. But the broader principle remains clear.
Franchise quarterbacks are rarely acquired through hesitation.
If the Steelers believe Simpson is “the guy,” they will not sit back and hope he falls into their lap. The team has spent years positioning itself for this opportunity. Passing on a decisive move—especially on home soil—would run counter to that long-term strategy.
In that context, mock drafts projecting Simpson to Pittsburgh at No. 21 may be missing the bigger picture. If he is their target, the Steelers will go get him. If not, they may be more inclined to stay the course and revisit the position in a stronger quarterback class next year. Either way, standing still is the least likely outcome.
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!
Alexander Nübel in line for rare Germany start against Ghana
After Friday’s 4-3 win over Switzerland, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann is expected to rotate his squad to some extent for Monday’s friendly against Ghana.
Sky Germany reports that a change in goal is likely, with Alexander Nübel expected to be handed a rare start.
The clear plan, however, remains for Oliver Baumann to be Germany’s starting goalkeeper at the World Cup.
Nübel, who is in his third consecutive season on loan at Stuttgart from Bayern Munich, has previously made two appearances for Germany’s senior national team.
The Raiders have 26 days until it becomes official. For now, it seems increasingly likely that Las Vegas will be using the first overall pick in the 2026 draft on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Appearing on Friday's Pat McAfee Show, NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said that Mendoza is learning the Raiders' offense, under the supervision of former NFL quarterback and assistant coach Brian Griese.
"Fernando Mendoza is working with Brian Griese right now, and it’s not so much that they’re working on footwork,” Jeremiah said, via Matt Holder of SB Nation. "They’re installing the Raiders’ offense. He’s full speed ahead. This is the same thing that happened with [Joe] Burrow, where you can use this time to really try and learn the core verbiage and concepts along with an offense."
Griese and Raiders coach Klint Kubiak spent a year together with the 49ers, in 2023. Griese left coaching after the 2024 season.
Mendoza is the overwhelming favorite — at -10000 — to be the first overall pick in the draft.
ELMONT, NEW YORK - MARCH 28: The New York Islanders celebrate after a second period goal against the Florida Panthers at UBS Arena on March 28, 2026 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Steven Ryan/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
A sluggish first period where the Islanders gave up two goals in an afternoon game? I wouldn’t blame you if you turned your TV off after Matthew Tkachuk put the puck in the toy department with a between-the-legs shot.
But… you would have missed a five-goal comeback win, led by Brayden Schenn’s three points and Matthew Schaefer’s record-tying two assists. Schaefer now has 19 points in his last 18 games, and has a few more games to claim the Islanders record for himself and chase the NHL rookie defenseman goal record, too.
The Islanders put up 40 shots on Daniil Tarasov, and Ilya Sorokin turned away 19 of 21 shots in another solid win for him as he made some big saves to help the Islanders keep their second period momentum, especially.
The fourth line was super involved as well, with Marc Gatcomb’s and Casey Cizikas’ goals bookending the second period comeback. It was nice to see a big statement win as the playoff race continues be volatile; the Islanders are now (temporarily, at least) in second place in the Metro Division. The other afternoon game with Eastern Conference playoff implications went the Islanders’ way as well, with Tampa beating Ottawa in regulation.
Kyle MacLean had a great chance in front after a loose puck came to him right in front of the net, but Mike Benning blocked the shot.
Ilya Sorokin made a big save on Carter Verhaege, and Emil Heineman rang the bar on a shot from the crease.
Matthew Tkachuk left the zone early and got behind the defense, taking advantage of an Adam Boqvist turnover to make it 1-0 Panthers.
Then, Matthew Schaefer stopped him from getting a second after he beat Sorokin, but Ondrej Palat pushed it right into Tkachuk’s path, and he went between his legs to make it 2-0.
Casey Cizikas appeared to get one back for the Islanders, but the whistle blew before he could push the loose puck into the net.
With a few minutes left in the period, the Islanders then headed to the power play after MacLean was high sticked by Nolan Foote, but the Panthers had the best look, with Sorokin needing to stop Eetu Luostarinen’s shorthanded chance.
Second Period
Daniil Tarasov stopped a Brayden Schenn chance in front, and Ondrej Palat drew a penalty, though nothing good from the Islanders came out of it.
Shortly after the PP expired, Sorokin had to make a big stop on Noah Gregor right in front.
But then, Marc Gatcomb took a seemingly harmless shot that trickled past Tarasov to cut the Panthers’ lead in half.
Gustav Forsling went to the box for tripping Barzal, and Schaefer set up Simon Holmström to make it 3-2 on the power play. That was Schaefer’s second assist of the game, which gave him 56 points on the season, tying him with Stefan Persson for franchise rookie scoring lead for a defenseman.
Sorokin stopped a Mackie Samoskevich breakaway with some help from Adam Pelech, and then the Islanders had some dangerous chances, before Anders Lee set up Emil Heineman, who ripped it past Tarasov to make it 4-2. Schenn had the secondary assist on that goal, picking up his first 3-point game as an Islander.
Pelech was still in the room to start the third, apparently due to a skate issue that needed to be fixed, but he came back about midway through the third.
Foote hit the post after beating Sorokin early in the third, and Sorokin made another save on Forsling, but the Islanders were largely in control for the third.
Tarasov was pulled with a little over 5 minutes left, and Carson Soucy knocked Luostarinen down, giving the Panthers a power play. Samoskevich put it off the crossbar, and Ekblad’s shot was saved by Sorokin. Ekblad also hit the crossbar again as the power play expired.
The Isles were under some pressure with the Panthers net empty, but held on to the 5-2 lead, claiming a big two points in the playoff race.
Up Next
Next, the Islanders will host the Pittsburgh Penguins at UBS Arena. Games against the Penguins always have intensity, but given the playoff race stakes, this one could be one of the biggest games of the season as a potential first-round matchup preview.
Gareth O'Brien kicked a winning drop-goal as Leigh Leopards defeated Toulouse in Super League's first golden-point game of the season.
It was a big relief for the Leopards as they ended a four-match losing streak - and having given up a 20-0 lead to be taken into overtime.
Two tries from Josh Charnley and one each from Innes Senior and Liam Horne in little more than 30 minutes looked to have wrapped up the victory.
But a score from Romeo Tropis and two tries from winger Benjamin Laguerre narrowed the gap to just two points.
And when Leigh were penalised on the last play of the game, Jake Shorrocks kicked a 30-metre goal to bring the score level.
But thanks to O'Brien's boot, the home side climbed one place to 12th, while the French newcomers, remain 10th after a fourth loss on the spin, on the same number of points as Leigh but with a superior points difference.
The Leopards have been the great disruptors since their promotion to Super League in 2022, with three successive top-five finishes and an unforgettable Challenge Cup success in 2023.
But four straight losses – their worst run in that period - had them in the unusual position of penultimate in the table, but Charnley's walk-in try inside the opening two minutes eased any nerves.
Nice work from Lachlan Lam and Tesi Niu put opposite winger Senior in for his fourth try of the season, before another simple finish from veteran Charnley gave the Leopards a good cushion in the opening quarter.
And when Horne benefited from Lam's fast feet to add Leigh's fourth try, only one outcome looked likely.
Toulouse had given St Helens and Wigan Warriors big starts before starting to play in their previous two games, and they did the same here.
Tropis got them on the board before half-time and Laguerre's score after a huge dipping pass from Olly Ashall-Bott got them back into the game.
Leopards forward Ryan Brown was sin-binned for a late tackle and, with a man extra, the French side took advantage as Laguerre jinked and side-stepped his way past three defenders to reduce it to a two-point game.
Brendan Hands then thought he had put them ahead when he touched down, but he was adjudged to have been offside in the build-up.
However, Shorrocks' penalty with five seconds remaining took the game into extra minutes as Toulouse dug deep.
But O'Brien slotted over a drop goal in the first half of the two five-minute periods to settle this unlikely thriller.
When point guard Jaland Lowe transferred to Kentucky last offseason, it was viewed as one of the top additions in the country. He was coming off a standout season at Pitt in which he averaged 16.8 points, 5.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds, earning Third Team All-ACC honors.
But after playing in just nine games with the Wildcats during the 2025-26 campaign due to a nagging shoulder injury, Lowe has decided to once enter the portal, per On3's Joe Tipton.
He averaged just 8.0 points, 2.4 assists and 2.1 rebounds on 35.8% shooting from the field and 20.8% from three-point range. Lowe last played on January 10 against Mississippi State, appearing for just three minutes before exiting due to his shoulder, which caused him to miss the rest of the season.
Without their 6-foot-1, 170 pound point guard, Kentucky made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament before falling to Iowa State. Much of the offensive load fell on the shoulders of combo guard Otega Oweh, who averaged a team-leading 18.6 points per game.
Lowe was with the Panthers for the first two seasons of his career after committing as a four-star recruit. He lived up to expectations, eventually transferring to Kentucky and having a season plagued by injuries.
The former Pitt and Kentucky point guard will likely have two seasons of eligibility remaining, as a medical redshirt is squarely on the table for Lowe.
Contact/Follow@College_Wire on X and@College_Wires on Threads. Like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of college sports news, notes, and opinions.
Glassboro (N.J.) three-star linebacker Tasheem Butler has committed to North Carolina, giving the Tar Heels their fourth pledge in the 2027 class.
Butler chose UNC over offers from Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Appalachian State, Akron and a host of other Group of Five offers. He recently picked up an offer from the Panthers, detailing his excitement about the program.
But the push from Bill Belichick and Co., who offered in early February, ultimately won out.
Butler was a huge part of his high school team winning the New Jersey state championship last season as he collected 140 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, eight sacks and five forced fumbles in 11 games.
Butler is the fourth commitment of the class for the Tar Heels, who came into the day with No. 28 class nationally in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.
He joins four-star Rolesville (N.C.) safety Marquis Bryant, three-star IMG Academy (Fla.) safety Chuck Roberts, and three-star Junipero Serra (Calif.) wideout Skylar Robinson as members of the Tar Heels’ 2027 crop thus far.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 09: Cody Glass #12 of the New Jersey Devils celebrates with his teammates following a goal scored during the second period of the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center on October 09, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Matchup: New Jersey Devils (37-32-2) at the Nashville Predators (45-20-6)
The Rules: If you have been a reader here, you already know the rules. But for the rest, a reminder: please do not swear in the comment section, and keep comments relevant to the hockey game going on. Beyond that, do not attack any other commenters, and do not ask for or pass along illegal streams on this board.
Staley is wearing a Gucci garnet shaded jacket with white Maison Margiela sweatpants, a Raven Johnson shirt from the brand Playa Society and the same garnet/red shoes she's worn the last two March Madness games. Johnson's new custom shirts dropped earlier this week, and sold out almost immediately.
— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) March 28, 2026
Staley often mixes in designer brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton in with her Gamecocks apparel. Sometimes her clothes for games stray from the team colors of garnet, black and white but she usually stays within that color realm.
When it comes to athletic brands, Staley can only wear Under Armour as it is the school's official uniform supplier. Beginning in July however, the entire school will be wearing Nike, which means Staley can expand her clothing and shoe options to include Nike.
This is likely going to elevate her game day outfits even more, especially considering former star player A'ja Wilson's new custom Nike line of clothing and shoes. Staley has had a long-standing partnership with Nike since her WNBA and Olympic playing days.
Legends Game: Thiago scores against BVB before Zidan and Koller seal draw at Anfield
Mohamed Zidan and Jan Koller scored for Borussia Dortmund Legends team as they came from two goals behind to earn a draw against their Liverpool counterparts at Anfield. Jürgen Klopp, who has left his mark at both clubs, was the center of attention as he replicated his iconic celebration with the fans of the Premier League side.
Former Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcántara opened the scoring for Liverpool Legends before Jay Spearing netted the best goal of the exhibition match. Including his spectacular performance at the Westfalenstadion on his Bayern debut, Thiago faced Dortmund more than any other club in his decorated playing career.
Jörg Heinrich and Nobby Dickel coached BVB Legends in front of a sold-out Anfield. In the week Mohamed Salah’s news dominated headlines around the defending Premier League champions, fellow Egyptian attacker Zidan pulled one back for BVB with a brilliant finish.
Zidan, who had 47 goals in 155 Bundesliga appearances for four clubs, also scored BVB’s goal in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Benfica. The 2.02-meter-tall striker Koller scored the equalizer in the 81st minute with an iconic header. The former Czech international scored double-digit Bundesliga goals on four occasions for Dortmund in the early 2000s.
BVB Legends: Roman Weidenfeller, Young-Pyo Lee, Moritz Leitner, Antonio da Silva, Nelson Valdez, Jan Koller, Mohamed Zidan, Karl-Heinz Riedle, Paul Lambert, Jakub Błaszczykowski (Kuba), Dede, Jörg Heinrich, Kevin Großkreutz, Oliver Kirch, Mitch Langerak, Patrick Owomoyela, Lukasz Piszczek, Marcel Schmelzer, Erik Durm
CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 01: Safety Bud Clark #21 of the TCU Horned Frogs celebrates the pick six during the college football game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the TCU Horned Frogs on September 1, 2025 at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, NC. (Photo by Nicholas Faulkner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The starting safety duo of Isaiah Pola-Mao and Jeremy Chinn can stand for competition heading for a Las Vegas Raiders team with substantial coaching staff changes this offseason.
And as we round the corner towards April and the all-important 2026 NFL Draft at the tail end of that month, there’s intriguing prospects that can make the fight for starting snaps and spots a feisty one. That kind of competition will only make the Silver & Black better.
Earlier this week, our Matt Holder broke down how LSU safety A.J. Haulcy can be equal parts big hitter and takeaway artists for the Raiders. Here, we’ll take a look at how going back to the TCU well for a safety prospect would be a good idea for Raiders general manager John Spytek and defensive coordinator Rob Leonard.
Enter: Bud Clark.
By The Numbers Bud Clark, Safety, TCU
2025: 11 games, 56 total tackles (31 solo), 1 sack, 1.5 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions (1 returned for touchdown), 7 pass deflections
Career: (2020-25) 61 games, 214 total tackles (138 solo), 1 sack, 3.5 tackles for loss, 15 interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns), 21 pass deflections, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble
Bud Clark is a coverage Safety from TCU with high-level ball skills, witnessed by his 15 career INT's. Game film from 2025 against SMU, where Clark had a pair of near-picks and also gave up 2 TD's in the 2nd Half.#NFLDraft#NFLCombine#TCU#GoFrogspic.twitter.com/iDUM3wZjcI
Measuring in at 6-foot-1 and 188 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine, the Horned Frog’s safety showcased good arm length at 31 1/2 inches alongside straight-line speed with a 4.41 second 40-yard dash time. Those traits — especially the weight — aren’t eye-popping but the production Clark put on the field certainly is impressive.
Built like a cornerback, this TCU safety brings versatile coverage skills that make him a takeaway artists in center field or a man-press type slot defender. It’s that kind flexibility that should appeal to Las Vegas as there’s a need for a thief over the top and in the slot. And the Raiders surely need a safety who has 15 collegiate interceptions (two of which were returned to the house for touchdowns).
Some may scoff at the production based on Clark being a sixth-year senior and 24 years of age, but it was during the 2022-25 seasons where the Louisiana native notched takeaways. He had a career-high five interceptions in 2022 and he had four picks this past season for TCU and it’s those two years where his pick 6s occurred. Regardless of years played or age, that’s the kind of production and potential that can help Leonard in his initial stint as a defensive play caller at the NFL level.
Clark’s athletic profile is indicative of his play style. The speed shows up quite well on game tape as the safety has not only the burst and explosiveness but the second gear to stay step-for-step with deep targets. Clark is a defender who plays the ball in flight like a wide receiver. I know it’s maddening at times, but seeing defenders not turn and find the ball is a frequent occurrence in the Raiders secondary.
And Clark’s ballhawk is definitely needed, as are his quick diagnostic read and react skill set in coverage. Couple that with swiftness, Clark has the speed to keep up and make up any lost ground.
But like every prospect, there are downsides to Clark’s game. But none of them are areas that can’t be improved with continued coaching and NFL seasoning.
Bud Clark is a FS prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.32 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 84 out of 1213 FS from 1987 to 2026.
Clark’s supreme initiative means he wants to do everything on every single snap: Cover, take the ball away, tackle, you name it. This determination gives the safety the highlight-reel plays but also results in the occasional miscue. While the good outweighed the bad, making mistakes at the pro level can be exponentially more detrimental.
Clark’s ability to improve eye discipline will be integral as he’s been manipulated by play action and the eyes of the quarterback. Combine that with his aggressive nature — especially angles on both throws and tackling — and the eye violations can leave the talented safety out of position. Clark’s trust in his own ability to take away the ball can affect being in range of the play too as whiffing on it allows the receiving to haul it in and get yards after catch (YAC).
While Clark is a very willing tackler and isn’t one to shy away from contact, his 188-pound frame does bring forth durability concerns. This is in the sense of sustained contact at the pro level over the duration of a 17-game regular season (and potential playoff snaps). As of now, Clark isn’t a 200-pound plus safety and that lack of size can result in broken tackles and durability concerns because at 6-foot-1 and 188 pounds, he attacks downhill, squares up against runners, and finishes with wrap and drop technique. He’s a run and pass defender who can make an impact on all three downs (four if necessary) but sustaining that at the professional level is a different beast.
Clark did miss games due to injury during the 2021, 2022, and 2025 seasons.
That all noted, the Raiders do have a pair of big safeties in Pola Mao (6-foot-3 and 203 pounds) and Chinn (6-foot-3 and 220 pounds) and the strength and conditioning staff to get Clark NFL ready if he were to be drafted by the team.
Projected to be an early Day 3 selection (third- to fourth-round prospect), he’d be an ample prospect to add to Las Vegas secondary as an athletic, opportunistic, and smart free safety that can play high or drop in and man the slot. Clark would certainly give Pola-Mao a run for his money as the starting free safety.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has signed for San Francisco Unicorns in a landmark move for the Major League Cricket T20 competition.
The move will make Ashwin, 39, the first player capped by India to play in the MLC.
The off-spinner was due to play for Sydney Thunder in the 2025-26 Big Bash but had to pull out because of a knee injury.
Attracting high-profile India players has been an aim of many T20 leagues around the world, given the exposure they can bring.
Ashwin took 537 wickets in 106 Tests and also played 281 white-ball matches for India.
He retired from Test cricket in December 2024 and stepped away from the Indian Premier League last summer, making him available to play in leagues in the rest of the world.
Though Ashwin has not played since July, David White, chief executive of the San Francisco Unicorns, described the move of a "seismic moment" for American cricket.
"Beyond his tactical genius on the pitch, Ashwin brings a level of market impact that will elevate the Major League Cricket brand and drive sustained fan enthusiasm," he said.
Australia captain Pat Cummins joined Unicorns on a four-year deal in 2024.
Ashwin's signing also means he could line up alongside Pakistan and Unicorns bowler Haris Rauf amid the political tensions between the two countries.
The No. 2 seed Michigan Wolverines advanced with a 71-52 win over No. 3 seed Louisville Cardinals in a Sweet 16 matchup. Despite a slow start, Michigan got back on track.
"It took us a minute to settle, but then once we did, I think our confidence exploded," Michigan head coach Kim Barnes Arico said. "We just were really disruptive on the defensive end, which we pride ourselves on being, and that allowed the floodgates to open on offense."
The Cardinals started the game scoring the game's first eight points. They took a 15-9 lead over Michigan into the second quarter. Elif Istanbulluoglu and Iamri Berry both have five points for the Cardinals.
In the second quarter, Michigan got it going with Te'Yala Delfosse leading the way with eight points in the quarter. In the final 6:36 of the quarter, Michigan outscored Louisville 18-2 to take a 32-27 lead into halftime; its press defense played a big role in the run.
"I think our press has been our strength the whole year, so we didn't want to shy away from that," Michigan's Olivia Olson said. "I feel like we didn't really press in the first quarter that much. They were kind of sending people out, and we didn't really gamble on it at all. Te did a great job coming in and using her length to get steals and turnovers. I thought our second line did a really good job of moving and getting the next person."
Louisville started the second half outscoring Michigan 11-5, then Michigan closed the quarter on a 20-2 run to blow the game open and took a 57-40 lead in the final quarter.
"You could see that at the beginning of the third, we were just having so much fun," Olson said. "All the work that we've put in in practices, all the hard preseasons, Coach getting on us. She's thrown everything, every single possible situation, at us this year in practice. So, just that third quarter, we were really playing loose and having fun, and I think that's what ignited our run."
Olson and Syla Swords lead the way with eight points apiece. In the 4th quarter, Michigan outscored Louisville 14-12 to advance to the Elite Eight.
Michigan shot 46.9 percent from the field, and Louisville shot 35.4 percent from the field and 3-14 from the three-point line. Olson led the Wolverines in scoring with 19 points on 8-19 shooting. Swords added 16, and Delfosse added ten points.
For the Cardinlas, Istanbulluoglu led the way with 18 points. Reyna Scott added nine points.
🇪🇸 Thiago Pitarch makes it clear: My dream? To debut for Spain
Thiago Pitarch has spoken to the official media of the Spanish National Team and has made his intentions clear.
Following Thiago Pitarch’s emergence at Real Madrid, a debate has opened up over which senior national team the Madrid midfielder will ultimately play for.
Luis de la Fuente already confirmed in his press conference announcing Spain’s squad that Pitarch wants to play for Spain.
Even so, for now he is only with the Under-19s, but it seems Thiago is clear about which senior national team he wants to represent in the future: Spain.
He stated this in the national team’s official media: "My dream is to make my debut for Spain’s senior team and win titles."
Texas A&M baseball has the opportunity to claim its first Southeastern Conference series of 2026 after an 11-9 Game 1 win, as they face the Missouri Tigers in Game 2 on Saturday evening at Taylor Stadium in Columbia.
The Aggies seemed to put Friday's game out of reach with a commanding 10-1 lead in the top of the fifth inning, but the Tigers came roaring back to close the gap and make the score 10-9 entering the top of the ninth. While Texas A&M was able to add an insurance run from Chris Hacopian to close out a win over Missouri, the Aggie bullpen must improve moving forward.
After the performance against the Tigers, the Maroon and White pitching staff boasts a 4.50 ERA. If Michael Early and company want to get in the win column in league play, it will take stronger outings from the Aggies' pitchers.
Follow along with live coverage from Game 2 in Columbia, as Texas A&M eyes its first SEC series win against the Missouri Tigers:
Internet: 12thMan.com / 12th Man Mobile app for live play-by-play
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.
DETROIT (AP) — Catherine Dubois scored twice in a three-goal third period to rally the Montreal Victoire to a 3-1 victory over the New York Sirens on Saturday in a Takeover Tour stop at Little Caesars Arena.
Montreal (12-4-2-5) pulled within two points of the front-running Boston Fleet with three weeks left in the regular season.
New York (8-0-3-12) took a 1-0 lead when Casey O'Brien was in the right spot to knock in a rebound on a shot by Jaime Bourbonnais that goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens blocked but couldn't corral at 9:09.
Bourbonnais notched her ninth assist and Anne Cherkowski collected her sixth O'Brien's sixth goal of the season.
Dubois pulled Montreal even 1:54 into the third period and gave the Victoire a 2-1 lead less than five minutes later with her fourth goal of the campaign. Natálie Mlýnková earned her fifth assist on Dubois’ first netter. Shiann Darkangelo and Kaitlin Willoughby both notched their third assists on the go-ahead score.
Laura Stacey scored for the sixth time this season, adding an insurance goal at 7:29. Kati Tabin tallied her ninth assist and Hayley Scamurra collected her eighth.
Desbiens had 23 saves for Montreal.
Kayle Osborne stopped 26 shots in goal for New York.
Montreal outshot New York 29-24 after the Sirens had an 11-2 advantage in the first period.
New York had not shut out an opponent through the first two periods since Jan. 6 in a 2-0 victory over the Toronto Sceptres.
Up next
New York: Hosts the Minnesota Frost on Wednesday.
Montreal: Hosts the Vancouver Goldeneyes on Wednesday.
When the Boston Celtics play physical, they tend to win, and that was born out in the Celtics' 109-102 win over the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden this past Friday (March 27) evening. And in the absence of star forward Jaylen Brown (out with Achilles tendinitis), the physical play of Payton Pritchard and Jayson Tatum in particular stood out as drivers for Boston's undermanned victory vs. the Hawks.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla had praise for both after the win, saying the impact of Walsh "was huge" in one of his first extended runs in several games. "Games call for toughness and physicality, and that’s something that he brings, so credit to him," said Mazzulla.
"The professionalism to stay ready over the course of the season says a lot about him, and I thought he gave us some great minutes tonight, great energy, and great physicality."
Tatum's role in creating mismatches also figured in the win, with Mazzulla saying "I thought I saw his defensive rebounding – I thought that was the most important thing. I thought offensively, (he) got into the paint ... was able to get to the free throw line, shoot 10 free throws, continuing to chip away at giving the game what it needs."
"He was aggressive in his drive, missed some easy layups there, but as long as he stays aggressive, as long he makes the right read, as long as he continues to rebound, he's continuing to get better and better."
The No. 2 Purdue Boilermakers face off against No. 1 Arizona Wildcats in the Elite Eight tonight.
The Wildcats have looked unstoppable over the last month, and my Purdue vs. Arizona predictions expect them to cruise to another victory.
Here are my free March Madness picks for this West Region showdown on Saturday, March 28.
UPDATE: Added prediction for who will win.
Purdue vs Arizona prediction
Who will win Purdue vs Arizona?
Arizona: The Arizona Wildcats hammered No. 4 seed Arkansas by 21 points in the Sweet 16 while the Purdue Boilermakersneeded a last-second bucket to edge No. 11 seed Texas.
The Boilermakers can pull off the upset if they catch fire from deep but Arizona can beat them in so many different ways. With the Wildcats boasting a significant defensive edge, expect them to book their ticket to the Final Four.
Purdue vs Arizona best bet: Arizona -6 (-110)
The Boilermakers are a finesse offensive team that will melt against the superior athleticism and physicality of the Wildcats.
Purdue's backcourt of Braden Smith and Foster Loyer isn't quick enough to hang with Jaden Bradley and Brayden Burries. Meanwhile, Trey Kaufman-Renn won't get open looks on the interior against an Arizona squad that ranks second in the country in 2-point defense (44.2%).
On offense, the Wildcats love to attack the basket with a whopping 73.6% of their shots coming inside the arc. They'll torch a piss-poor Purdue defense that ranks 334th in opponent 2PT% (56.7%) since the start of January.
COVERS INTEL: Arizona ranks 25th in the country in rim frequency and 33rd in rim efficiency, while Purdue is just 299th in rim defense per ShotQualityBets.
Purdue vs Arizona same-game parlay
With both teams boasting elite offenses and consistently clearing their team totals, the Over makes sense.
Arizona plays at a blistering pace, and we saw Purdue get pulled into an up-tempo first half against Texas. In addition, if the Boilermakers fall behind, they'll be forced to quicken their possessions and start chucking threes.
Texas went 11-25 from deep against the Boilermakers, who are 288th in opponent 3PT% (36.4%) since the start of January. They won't be able to contain Brayden Burries (16.2 ppg, 39.5 3PT%), who has knocked down more than 1.5 threes in six of his last seven games.
Purdue vs Arizona SGP
Arizona -6
Over 153
Brayden Burries Over 1.5 threes
Our Big Dance SGP: Backcourt battle
In what should be a high-scoring game, let's back both talented backcourts to put on a show.
With Arizona clogging up the paint, Purdue will rely on Fletcher Loyer to score from the perimeter. He'll be fed the ball by Braden Smith who holds the NCAA career assists record and dropped 9+ dimes in his final six regular season games.
I mentioned that Burries will have success from the arc, and he should also be able to finish at the rim and score at midrange. Meanwhile, Bradley will pull the strings for an Arizona offense that will fill up the hoop.
The Wildcats have covered the first half spread in 12 of their last 18 games (+5.00 Units / 24% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Purdue vs. Arizona.
How to watch Purdue vs Arizona
Location
SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose, CA
Date
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Tip-off
8:49 p.m. ET
TV
TBS
Purdue vs Arizona key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The trip will be long awaited no matter which team wins. Michigan State, which has won three straight Big Ten regular-season titles, has not been to the Frozen Four since 2007. Wisconsin hasn’t reached the national semifinals since 2010.
The Badgers and Spartans split four games this season with the visiting team getting a sweep in the other’s arena. Michigan State got the last laugh in the matchup, defeating UW, 4-3, Jan. 15 and, 4-1, Jan. 16.
The puck drops at 3:30 p.m. CT Saturday, March 28.
How can I listen to Wisconsin vs Michigan State on the radio?
Radio: Badger Radio Network broadcasts across the state. Stations include WOKY (920 AM) in Milwaukee and WIBA (1310 AM) in Madison. Here's a full list of the network of statewide stations. The Varsity Network App also includes audio for the game.
A look back at the Badgers sweep in November
Wisconsin is 4-2 in games against team's No. 2 or better this season. That string of success against the nation's best began Nov. 21-22 when the Badgers went to Munn Arena and stunned the No. 1 Spartans with a series sweep.
Game 1: Four goal second period set tone for 5-4 win
A 2-0 deficit was far from insurmountable for the Badgers, who responded with one of their best period of the season. The four-goal onslaught allowed UW to play with the lead for the final 28 minutes and during the final 9 ½ minutes it preserved a one-goal lead.(One graph)
Game 2: Ben Dexheimer's gets game-winner in OT
Wisconsin was on its way to a 1-0 win until the Spartans scored a power play good with the help of an extra attacker with 39 seconds to go in regulation. The Badgers quicky regrouped thanks Ben Dexheimer, who netted his first game winner of the season,
The Chicago Cubs made the latest splash in the MLB by re-signing their Gold Glove second baseman Nico Hoerner to a six-year, $141 million deal. With that contract, they now have arguably the best defensive second baseman for years to come.
However, his worth may not stop there. Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter predicts Hoerner will be making his contract look like an amazing investment by the end of this season by winning the Batting Title.
“Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner has quietly racked up 19.6 WAR over the past four seasons, a total that ranks 15th among all position players during that span. His elite defense has been the driving force in that value. However, he is also a solid contributor offensively. After a strong second half led to a career-high 114 OPS+ last season, he looks poised for a career year offensively. The 28-year-old hit .317 after the All-Star break, including a .333/.375/.467 line in 112 plate appearances over the final month. His .297 average overall trailed only Trea Turner (.304) in the NL batting title race. With his speed, contact skills and good lineup protection, Hoerner is one of the few solid bets in the sport to push for a .300 batting average. Picking up where he left off last September would propel him to the top of the NL leaderboard. For the record, the Cubs' last batting title winner was Derrek Lee (.335) back in 2005,” Reuter wrote.
This past season, Hoerner hit .297 for the season in 156 games, and his career average sits at .282. With that in mind, winning the Batting Title isn’t out of the equation.
Additionally, the MLB’s average batting average has gone down significantly in the past decade, as teams have begun to favor OPS over AVG. The man who won the title in the National League last year, Trea Turner, only had a .304 AVG.
So, this prediction isn’t as bold as Reuter thinks it is. Hopefully Hoerner lives up to it, and makes his extension look all the better.
Riccardo Greppi is planning to enter the portal, according to an Instagram post he shared on his story.
Greppi, a 6-foot-10 sophomore from Lecco, Italy, was on the Badgers for two seasons and lacked significant on-court opportunities. He had 38 minutes in 22 games in his UW career and scored eight points.
Greppi will have two years of eligibility remaining.
He is the second UW player to announce his intention to enter the portal, following fellow backup forward Jack Robison. Robison similarly saw the court sparingly in his two seasons in Madison.
Forwards who could return for the Badgers include Nolan Winter, Austin Rapp, Aleksas Bieliauskas and Will Garlock. The portal will officially open on April 7 and remain open through April 21 although players do not need to commit to their new schools during that timeframe.
FIGC set for total overhaul if Italy miss out on World Cup: Top officials like Gravina under threat
Tuesday’s World Cup playoff final against Bosnia in Zenica carries enormous consequences beyond the pitch, with prominent journalist Giancarlo Padovan warning that a third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup could trigger a complete overhaul of the FIGC’s senior leadership.
Speaking on Radio Radio, via CalcioMercato, Padovan was unequivocal.
“I think that if Italy fail to qualify for the World Cup, the federation would be placed under external administration for a year with the current leadership wiped out,” he said.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – JUNE 4: President Gabriele Gravina of the FIGC looks on during the international Friendly match between Italy and Turkiye at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on June 4, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
FIGC boss Gravina in trouble if Italy miss out on World Cup
FIGC president Gabriele Gravina is the most prominent figure under threat.
Despite overseeing back-to-back World Cup absences, he was re-elected recently, running unopposed, and has so far survived significant pressure to step down.
A third consecutive failure to reach the tournament would make his position almost certainly untenable, according to Padovan, with other senior officials around him also at risk.
Italy face Bosnia knowing that only a victory will secure their place at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Gennaro Gattuso’s side won their semi-final against Northern Ireland and now stand one match away from ending a painful absence from the global stage.
Defeat, however, would set in motion what Padovan describes as a fundamental reset of Italian football’s governing structures.
Fabrizio Romano shares massive Mo Salah to Inter Miami update
Inter Miami will not try and sign Mohamed Salah in the summer
At the moment, the MLS or the Saudi Pro League seem to be the most likely destinations for Salah.
The Saudi's have been vying for the transfer of the Egyptian King for many years now with his potential transfer being seen as a major coup.
However, since the attacker is now available for nothing, several clubs from the MLS have been linked with a move for him with Fabrizio Romano sharing a fresh update on Inter Miami's stance.
"My understanding in this case guys is that Inter Miami are not in negotiations to sign Mohamed Salah," he said.
"Despite the reports, despite the stories, Inter Miami are not focusing their efforts on Mohamed Salah."
Liverpool will struggle to replace Mohamed Salah
Even though Salah may be past his best, it's still going to be incredibly hard for Liverpool to replace him.
The winger is one of the best finishers in the world and his ability to skip past players with ease will certainly be missed.
His performances throughout the 2025-26 campaign have been far from ideal with some fans even excluding him from their best Liverpool starting XI's this term.
The best example of this is Florian Wirtz. In the Bundesliga the German was one of the best players in the league which is why the Reds chose to spend around £116 million to sign him.
However, due to the physicality and quality of England's top flight, it's taken him a lot longer to adjust and, with Liverpool wanting to challenge for the Premier League again next term, they need all of their player at the top of their game.
The 2026-27 summer transfer window is certainly going to be an interesting one and, with the number of clubs vying for Salah's services, it's hard to see when this saga will come to an end.
Chamberlain reveals how Arteta was already showing his managerial skills as a player
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has reflected on his time at Arsenal alongside Mikel Arteta, expressing little surprise at the Spaniard’s rise as a highly regarded manager. The former Liverpool midfielder believes that Arteta always displayed strong leadership and tactical awareness, even during his playing days.
Many of Arteta’s former teammates have shared similar views, noting that he demonstrated clear managerial qualities long before stepping into coaching. Oxlade-Chamberlain is the latest to highlight how those traits were evident within the squad environment.
Early Signs of Leadership
The pair spent several seasons together at Arsenal before Arteta retired and Oxlade-Chamberlain moved to Liverpool, where he went on to win multiple trophies. During their time as teammates, Arteta was already influencing how the team prepared for matches.
As reported by The Sun, Oxlade-Chamberlain recalled how Arteta took the initiative in improving the team’s tactical preparation. He said:
“He [Arteta] started analysis meetings for us because Arsene comes from a different generation.
“It was all about us, and if we take care of what we’re meant to take care of, we should win.
“But when it got to the point where you’re playing you boys [Man City] or we have a big game, Mikel was our boss.
“We want to know what they’re doing from a corner. We didn’t really do that.
“So Mikel sort of forced that in as a player that we started watching the opposition more, whoever it was we wanted to know.
“Because before we just see it on the paper, on the board and the boss [Wenger] would just start drawing lines.”
Arteta’s Managerial Rise
These insights underline how Arteta’s approach set him apart even as a player, with a clear focus on preparation and tactical detail. His influence extended beyond the pitch, shaping how the team analysed opponents and approached key matches.
Now established as a leading manager, his progression appears a natural continuation of those early qualities. With Arsenal competing at a high level, there is a strong belief that he can deliver major honours in the near future, fulfilling the potential many recognised during his playing career.
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Latest Update On The Future Of Everton Manager David Moyes: Is He The Right Man For The Toffees?
Everton are currently preparing a fresh contract offer for David Moyes. He has done remarkable work hauling the club away from a grim relegation battle. The Scotsman arrived at Goodison Park in January 2025. He signed a two-and-a-half-year deal after Sean Dyche left. At that time, the Toffees sat just one point above the drop zone. The picture looks entirely different 14 months later. The team now hold eighth place in the Premier League. They trail the Champions League spots by only three points.
Everton reward the steady hand of David Moyes
A report from The Guardian claims the Friedkin Group originally saw the 62-year-old as a temporary fix. They wanted him to ensure the club stayed in the top flight. Chairman Dan Friedkin and his Texas-based investment team finished a £400 million takeover in late 2024. They now see him as the right leader for their long-term project. Club officials have paused formal talks until the season ends. However, they feel certain that Moyes wants to stay for a second stint on Merseyside. This planned extension rewards how he stabilised a broken squad and pushed them toward a European return.
Is David Moyes the right man for a modern Everton?
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 28: David Moyes, Manager of Everton, interacts with Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St James’ Park on February 28, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
The decision to keep David Moyes shows the club prefer safety over the gamble of a younger coach. His defensive setup has definitely fixed the leaks. Now, the Friedkin Group must decide if his pragmatic style fits their big ambitions for a new stadium. David Moyes is 62 and represents an older era of British management. He has never managed an international team. However, his deep experience in turning mid-table teams around is his biggest strength.
Staying with Moyes might accidentally limit this squad just as the club get more money to spend. Modern elite football usually rewards high-pressing and fluid tactics. Moyes often relies on a rigid, sit-back approach. If the owners really want to compete with the top teams, they might find his methods too safe. Rewarding his rescue job makes sense today. However, a three-year deal could leave Everton looking backwards while rivals move forward. The club should offer a shorter extension. This keeps the momentum going without locking their future to an old-school style of play.
Louisville stormed out of the gate going up 8-0. Michigan scored their first basket of the game with 3:45 left in the first quarter. Unfortunately in the second quarter the Cards seemed to run out of steam. They finished the quarter on a 18-2 run up 32-27. The Cards regrouped in the third quarter and reclaimed the lead but then the Wolverines finished on another massive run and Louisville never recovered.
Elif Istanbulluoglu finished the season strong with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Reyna Scott in her final game as a Cardinal had 9 points. Laura Ziegler had 5 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists.
After the game Coach Walz said, “Unfortunately, it wasn’t our best day by no means. I thought in the first quarter we came out. We executed. We defended extremely well. Then uncharacteristically we missed a lot of wide open shots….. At this time of the year you’ve got to be able to knock down open shots. Unfortunately, we struggled in doing that. That’s why we’re sitting here right now.”
He added, “Today we missed a lot of shots we normally don’t miss. Then we got passive. We got frustrated. We had opportunities against the press to attack, and we just pull it out and try to run an offense. You know, we’ve played teams that have pressed like this, and we’ve carved them apart. We’ve attacked and shot layups, kept looking to score, and for some reason today we didn’t have that mindset.”
Shooting wasn’t the only issue, “We went zone to start the third quarter. We make a nice little run. Then we give up offensive rebounds. That’s what killed us. The offensive rebounding when we started to make a run there in the third quarter, in March you have to rebound the basketball.”
Really impressed with Louisville’s center/forward Elif Istanbulluoglu – from Istanbul, Türkiye. Super savvy, skilled, feels the game and the space of the game. Fun to watch.
Coach Walz did praise Elif’s play, “She does so much for us on the defensive end of the floor. She’s gotten hit in the face more than any kid I’ve ever coached in my life, but she keeps competing. She plays through pain, which at this time of the year if you expect not to have something hurting, you’re crazy.” He said that he told Imari Berry, Tajianna Roberts, and Mackenly Randolph to be inspired by her. “I’m, like, guys, if I can have one of you, two of, or all of you, make the improvement that Elif made from her sophomore year to her junior year, we’re going to be in business because she was by far the best player on the floor for us. And it’s not just the fact that she goes 8 for 12. It’s 7 rebounds, the way she competes.”
Mackenly Randolph gave Cardinal fans something to be optimistic abou, “I think this is going to be fuel for us. I mean, we did it this year, so we know what it looks like and we know what it takes to get here and how hard we have to work. So starting in June getting in in the summer and just making sure we’re focused in on what we need to work on.”
Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) blocks a shot attempt by Kentucky guard Tonie Morgan (5) during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman)
Harmon was catching a pass from sophomore guard Jordan Lee when it looked like Kentucky player Jordan Obi collided with the senior trying to disrupt the pass. But Harmon fell to the ground and landed on her hand.
The All-American was on the court for a few seconds and was seen grimacing and shaking her hand in pain. She continued to play in the rest of the first quarter before being substituted for sophomore guard Bryanna Preston.
She did not start the second quarter and was on the bench icing her hand. But she returned with 7 minutes, 15 seconds in the period with Texas holding a 33-15 lead. Harmon was seen flexing the hand while on the court but she wasn't asked about it during a halftime interview with ESPN reporter Holly Rowe.
Amber Glenn of the United States reacts during the Women's Free Skate at the ISU Figure Skating World Championships 2026 at O2 Arena Prague on March 27, 2026, in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by Yuan Tian/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The U.S. women leave without hardware just weeks after Alysa Liu made history for the delegation, winning gold in Milan-Cortina. Liu’s win was the first U.S. Olympic gold medal in women’s singles since 2002. Liu also won the 2025 world title, becoming the first U.S. woman to do so since 2006.
However, the skater-turned-overnight celebrity opted to withdraw from this month’s world championships, choosing to focus on professional and promotional opportunities after her historic win.
Despite the withdrawal of their Olympic Champion, U.S. Figure Skating sent a formidable women’s team to Prague. USFS sent three women to compete at the 2026 ISU Figure Skating Championships in Prague.
Among them were 2026 Olympians Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito, and world championship rookie Sarah Everhardt.
The Americans had the talent to contend for medals – so, what happened?
Levito Goes for Broke, Finishes Fourth
Levito finished a disappointing 12th place in Milan-Cortina, but was the top finisher among the Americans this week, placing fourth, just one spot shy of Belgium’s Nina Pinzarrone.
The 19-year-old finished nine points off the podium, primarily after small errors in Friday’s free skate. Feeling that she “played it safe” in Milan-Cortina, Levito impressed with a new, highly difficult jumping combination.
USA's Isabeau Levito performs during the women's free skating program of the 2026 ISU Figure Skating World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic on March 27, 2026. (Photo by Michal Cizek / AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
She successfully completed this combination in the short program, incurring only an “edge call” for the execution of her opening jump, a triple Lutz. However, the skater’s attempt in the free skate was noticeably imperfect. She landed deep on her Lutz, resulting in a significant under-rotation on her second jump.
In result, the second triple jump was downgraded to a double by the technical panel, hurting her total score. Though the rest of Levito’s program was clean, the opening mistake kept her behind Pinzarrone, who achieved a personal-best score.
This week’s result marked Levito’s third occasion finishing fourth at the world championships. She finished as high as second in 2024, winning silver. Though she finished just off the podium in Prague, Levito’s gutsy skates were a sign of renewed motivation and competitive drive after Olympic disappointment.
“I’m fourth at Worlds, which is still a very good accomplishment,” Levito said. "I don’t really feel tired. I still feel somewhat happy.”
Three-time U.S. National champion Amber Glenn finished fifth at the Milan-Cortina Olympics after a disastrous short program, but entered Prague as the Americans’ best hope for a medal.
After she placed third in Wednesday’s short program, it seemed Glenn would finally clinch an elusive individual medal. However, the veteran skater collapsed in Friday’s free skate, dropping to seventh place.
Though the 26-year-old opened her program beautifully, with one of the highest-graded triple Axels in her career, her program unraveled after a botched triple loop attempt – the same jump that ended her Olympic medal bid in February.
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - MARCH 27: Amber Glenn of United States competes in the Women's Free Skating during the ISU World Figure Skating Championships at O2 Arena on March 27, 2026 in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by Joosep Martinson - International Skating Union/International Skating Union via Getty Images)
International Skating Union via Getty Images
While the mistake was costly, Glenn could have clinched bronze with a near-perfect skate following the error. However, she was unable to regain her composure and committed multiple errors on additional elements. At the close, Glenn looked devastated and exhausted.
“I just lost focus. I did the tough stuff and let the easy things kind of get away from me,” Glenn said after her performance.
The result marks an unfortunate pattern for the skater, who has struggled at key moments on the international stage. Despite her gold-medal potential and three U.S. titles, Glenn has finished 12th, 10th, 5th, and 6th at the world championships.
Sarah Everhardt’s World Championship Debut
Sarah Everhardt was sent to Prague after Liu’s withdrawal and performed impressively in her world championship debut. After two clean skates, Everhardt finished just outside the top ten in eleventh.
Though she wasn’t in contention for the medals due to her lower base values, the 19-year-old put forward a calm and collected effort beyond her years. Across her two days of skating, Everhardt committed only one moderate landing error, stepping out of her triple Salchow towards the end of her free skate.
Looking forward into the 2030 Olympic cycle, the skater will be one to watch.
New Jersey Devils forward Dawson Mercer will reach a career milestone today by playing his 400th straight NHL game.
Mercer began his career with the Devils after being drafted 18th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. The 24-year-old has appeared in 82 games each season for the Devils for the past four years.
Continuing his steady presence, this season he has appeared in 71 games, recording 15 goals and 19 assists. In 399 career games, he has 98 goals and 103 assists.
Reflecting on this upcoming milestone, he spoke about its significance to him with NJD.tv.
“Being able to put the gear on, have fun, go out there with a smile and play for the Devils…It’s a special moment,” he said.
Mercer's streak has already seen him break records for consecutive games played at the start of a career—he passed Scott Gomez with 141 games—and now he prepares to surpass Travis Zajac, who played 401 straight games with the team from 2006 through 2011.
As he marks five years with the Devils, Mercer reflected on his journey so far.
“It goes by pretty fast,” Mercer said. “It’s been five years now, and every night I’m happy to go out there and try to help my team win.”
Ahead of the team's 72nd game this season, Mercer shared his game plan.
“Just making sure that we play smart… keep the play in front of us,” Mercer said. “We all can kind of play different roles… just reading off each other.”
The puck drops at 5 pm as Mercer plays his 400th NHL game.
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The Kansas City Royals and Atlanta Braves continue their three-game series Saturday night at Truist Park.
Reynaldo López makes his first start in exactly a year for Atlanta, squaring off against Michael Wacha.
My Royals vs. Braves predictions and MLB picks explain why Bobby Witt, Jr. should have plenty of success on Saturday, March 28.
Royals vs Braves predictions
Royals vs Braves best bet: Bobby Witt Jr. Over 1.5 Total Bases (-125)
Bobby Witt Jr. was outstanding in the World Baseball Classic and was the only Kansas City Royals hitter to show up Friday night as he collected a pair of singles.
He could’ve done more, given he posted a 94.3 exit velocity and a .856 xBA on the three pitches he put into play. That includes a double-play grounder in the first with a .660 xBA and 103.9 exit velo.
Atlanta Braves starter Reynaldo Lopez saw a massive dip in fastball velocity in spring training, averaging just 89.2 mph in his last outing.
Witt will punish that lack of velocity with an extra-base hit.
COVERS INTEL:Witt posted an xSLG of .737 Friday night on the three fastballs he put into play.
Royals vs Braves same-game parlay (SGP)
I expect both starters to have command issues, setting us up for some early runs.
Lopez had just 13 Ks in just over 15 IP in the spring. Along with the velocity issues, he struggled with command as he issued seven free passes. He also surrendered seven earned runs in his last two starts, encompassing 8 1/3 IP.
Michael Wacha had a rough spring as well, posting a 6.89 ERA with seven walks in 13 2/3 IP. He also allowed a longball in each of the last three outings
Royals vs Braves SGP
Bobby Witt Jr. Over 1.5 total bases
Reynaldo Lopez Under 4.5 strikeouts
F5 Over 4.5
Royals vs Braves home run pick: Drake Baldwin (+420)
There was no sign of a sophomore slump from Drake Baldwin this spring, as he spent his time slapping piss missiles. He followed that up by crushing one against the Royals on Friday night.
Wacha has a decent arsenal, but he becomes very FB/CH reliant against opposite-side hitters. Those two pitches accounted for two-thirds of his output vs. LHB last season, with a cutter mixed in some of the time.
Baldwin posted a 23% barrel rate and 74% hard-hit rate in spring training. If he’s going to see a limited pitch array, this price is exceptional value.
2026 Transparency record
Best bets: 0-0, 0.0 units
SGPs: 0-0, 0-0 units
HR picks: 0-0, 0-0 units
Royals vs Braves odds
Moneyline: Kansas City +122 | Atlanta -135
Run line: Kansas City +1.5 (-170) | Atlanta -1.5 (+149)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Royals vs Braves trend
The Atlanta Braves have hit the 1st Five Innings (F5) Team Total Under in 34 of their last 49 games at home (+16.25 Units / 28% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Royals vs. Braves.
How to watch Royals vs Braves and game info
Location
Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
Date
Saturday, March 28, 2026
First pitch
7:15 p.m. ET
TV
FOX
Royals starting pitcher
Michael Wacha (2025: 10-13, 3.86 ERA)
Braves starting pitcher
Reynaldo Lopez (2025: 0-0, 5.40 ERA)
Royals vs Braves latest injuries
Royals vs Braves weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Glentoran manager Declan Devine said there are still a lot of potential "twists and turns" in the Irish Premiership title race after watching his side fall six points behind Larne at the top of the table following their 1-1 draw with Linfield at the Oval on Saturday.
Matt Yates put the Blues ahead in the first half with Aaron McEneff levelling from the penalty spot in the second half.
With four rounds of fixtures still remaining, the Glens' hopes of a first league title since 2009 appear to be fading fast, but Devine believes there is still hope of being crowned champions despite a second successive home draw.
"It's frustrating but there are still a lot of points to play for and a lot of twists and turns. We know we can be better and hopefully over the course of the rest of the season we can show that," said the Glentoran boss after the game.
"I don't think we played well enough, our standards weren't as high, especially in the first half.
"We were disappointed with the levels we showed. We know that today we weren't as cohesive as we have been. We just didn't do enough to win it.
"I was really disappointed with the goal that we gave away and I think we had a couple of opportunities where we should have done better."
Linfield boss David Healy told BBC Sport NI that he believed a draw was "probably a fair result".
Larne's 2-0 victory over Cliftonville meant that the Blues cannot retain their title but the south Belfast side are still chasing the second spot which would clinch European qualification without the need to win the end-of-season play-off final, for which they have already qualified courtesy of their triumph in the BetMcLean Cup final.
"We're fourth in the league and I've emphasised to the players we need to finish as high as possible and that will be the continued theme over the next four games.
"European football is important to the club financially so it's important we give ourselves the best chance so we'll continue to try and push."
Meanwhile Larne manager Gary Haveron was satisfied with the win which extended his team's advantage at the summit despite his side being "nowhere near their best".
"We were uncharacteristically sloppy and we made some individual mistakes, but we played some good football at times," he reflected.
"At 1-0 we were looking for that bit of extra security but we've been fantastic defensively all season and it's another clean sheet at home.
"I knew it would be hard for them to break us down and to get the two goals and three points, I'm delighted.
"We wanted to keep the momentum. We could have had this game called off [because of international call-ups] but I felt it was the right thing to keep playing. I felt we had enough within the group to get a result and in hindsight I'm glad to get the game out of the way and have the three points."
SARASOTA, FLORIDA - MARCH 11: Kyle Bradish #38 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during the first 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
The Orioles off day stayed busy with the team agreeing on a contract extension with Shane Baz, who’s yet to pitch for the team and isn’t pitching today either. Apparently the whole 26-man roster turned out for the press conference. That’s fun. That kind of stuff creates good vibes. The good vibes will be heavily quashed if the team is not able to follow up on all of that by picking up a win here tonight.
Orioles lineup
Taylor Ward – LF
Gunnar Henderson – SS
Pete Alonso – 1B
Adley Rutschman – C
Samuel Basallo – DH
Dylan Beavers – RF
Coby Mayo – 3B
Colton Cowser – CF
Jeremiah Jackson – 2B
Tyler O’Neill and Blaze Alexander are on the bench after their Opening Day starts, with Beavers and Jackson getting action in this game instead. Kyle Bradish is the starting pitcher for game #2.
Twins lineup
Kody Clemens – 1B
Byron Buxton – CF
Luke Keaschall – 2B
Matt Wallner – RF
Josh Bell – DH
Ryan Jeffers – C
Trevor Larnach – LF
Royce Lewis – 3B
Brooks Lee – SS
Taj Bradley is the Twins starting pitcher. He wasn’t very good last year, so it would really be nice to see the Orioles offense wake up for the season.
**
What are you expecting from the team tonight? Is there anything you’d like to see?
🏟️ Bottom clash at the Vélodrome: record in French women's football
The growing interest in women’s football is also evident in the fact that records are being broken regularly – whether in salaries, transfer fees, or attendance figures.
In France, for example, more people than ever before attended a Première Ligue match live in the stadium today.
On matchday 19, Olympique Marseille drew more than 35,000 people to the Stade Vélodrome for the game against Montpellier – a new record.
This means the match surpassed the previous record set by the clash between Lyon and PSG on November 16, 2019, which drew 30,661 spectators at the time.
And that despite the fact that, judging by the standings, the match could hardly be considered a top fixture.
The visitors from Montpellier are currently bottom of the table, while Olympique Marseille’s women’s team now sit 9th out of 12 after the match. Despite the loud support from the stands, Marseille ultimately lost 1–2.
It was the first time Olympique Marseille’s women’s team had played at the Stade Vélodrome. For the occasion, the club had offered free tickets.
However, the highest attendance for a women’s club match in France still stands at 43,254 – set during the Champions League clash between PSG and Lyon in 2022 at the Parc des Princes.
Who knows, maybe that number will soon be surpassed in the French league as well.
The 2026 Valero Texas Open is the second of back-to-back PGA Tour events in the Lone Star State, and it's the last tournament before the golf world turns its attention to the first major of the season, the Masters.
The field is loaded with big names looking to get their final tune-up before heading to Augusta National, including Tommy Fleetwood, Jordan Spieth, Ludvig Aberg, Hideki Matsuyama, Rickie Fowler and Collin Morikawa, who's set to make his first start since tweaking his back and withdrawing from the Players Championship three weeks ago.
Keep scrolling to see every player set to tee it up at TPC San Antonio next week.
2026 Valero Texas Open field
Below is the full list of golfers committed to the 2026 Valero Texas Houston Open as of 5 p.m. ET on Friday, March 27:
Denny Hamlin is on the pole for the Cook Out 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on March 29 at Martinsville Speedway.
Hamlins's lap of 19.275 seconds was 0.356 faster than William Byron, who joins Hamlin on the front row.
Hamlin's pole came after a strong qualifying performance from Hendersonville's Josh Berry, who was competing for his first pole. Berry finished third and will start in the second row with a qualifying time of 19.334 seconds.
Here's the full starting lineup for Sunday's NASCAR race at Martinsville.
Green Flag Time: Approx. 2:30 p.m. CT on Sunday, March 29
Track: Martinsville Speedway (0.526-mile oval) in Martinsville, Virginia
Length: 400 laps, 210.4 miles
Stages: 80 laps, 100 laps, 220 laps
TV coverage: FOX Sports 1
Radio: MRN
Streaming: Watch FREE on Fubo; FOX One app; HBO MAX app for in-car cameras (subscription required); NASCAR.com and SiriusXM on Channel 90 for audio (subscription required)
The Cook Out 400 will be broadcast nationally on FS1. Other streaming options for the race include HBO MAX for in-car cameras for each driver.
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Olivia Olson scored 19 points, fellow sophomore Syla Swords added 16 and No. 2 Michigan overcame a sluggish start for a 71-52 victory over Louisville in the Sweet 16 on Saturday.
The Wolverines had a 16-0 run in the second quarter to erase an 11-point deficit, their biggest, then broke a tie in the third quarter by scoring 17 consecutive points and cruising to their second Elite Eight, both in the past five seasons.
Michigan (28-6) tied a school record for victories and will play either top-seeded Texas or Kentucky on Monday night for a spot in the Final Four.
Elif Istanbulluoglu scored 18 points for the third-seeded Cardinals (29-8), who shot 35% and were outscored 49-16 over a two-quarter stretch from midway through the second to the middle of the fourth.
Olson, the top scorer among a bevy of sophomores leading both teams, missed four of her first five shots, and the Wolverines went more than six minutes without scoring to start the game.
Te'Yala Delfosse, who had 10 points, eight rebounds and two blocks, had a 3-pointer during the second-quarter run that she capped with a three-point play for Michigan's first lead at 28-25.
Swords and Olson connected on consecutive 3-pointers late in the 17-0 run that put Michigan in control for good. The sophomore standouts combined to go 9 of 16 from the field in the second half.
Louisville — in its 13th Sweet 16, all in 19 seasons under coach Jeff Walz — had won both of the previous meetings in the NCAA Tournament, including a victory four years ago that sent the Cardinals to the Final Four.
Sean Dyche Dismisses Tottenham Rumours Amid Managerial Uncertainty
Speculation often moves quicker than fact in football, and the latest wave of Rumours surrounding Sean Dyche and Tottenham Hotspur offers a vivid example. In a week where Spurs’ struggles have intensified scrutiny, Dyche found himself unexpectedly at the centre of conversation, only to respond with characteristic bluntness and humour.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Dyche addressed suggestions linking him to the Tottenham role with a mixture of disbelief and wit. The image of him enjoying a quiet pint in north London quickly became the unlikely spark for widespread speculation.
Dyche Responds with Clarity and Humour
Rumours often rely on small details, and in this case, a sighting in a pub was enough to ignite discussion. Dyche’s response, however, dismantled the narrative with ease.
“That’s brilliant. Honestly, I was in a pub just up the way, near my place I’ve got down there.
“And this guy goes: ‘Oh, you’re meant to be in talks with Spurs’.
“And I said: ‘Well, I’m sat next to you having a pint of Guinness , it’s unlikely.
“I said: ‘Unless you work for Spurs, and they’re at The Seven Stars Pub having a pint of Guinness, it’s highly unlikely!
‘[I said] No, I’m not. I’m with you, mate. And I’m on talkSPORT. That’s what I’m doing’.”
The exchange captures Dyche’s personality, grounded, direct, and unwilling to indulge speculation. It also highlights how quickly narratives can form, even in the absence of substance.
Photo IMAGO
Tottenham Situation Fuels Speculation
Tottenham’s current position has created fertile ground for Rumours. With the club hovering just above the relegation zone and pressure mounting on interim manager Igor Tudor, discussions around potential replacements have intensified.
Dyche’s reputation as a manager capable of organising teams and securing results makes him a natural name in such conversations. His track record at Burnley, Everton, and Nottingham Forest reflects resilience and adaptability, qualities often sought in times of uncertainty.
Yet, as Dyche himself illustrated, being linked with roles can become a cycle of interpretation. He explained the delicate balance managers face when addressing such speculation:
“You get clickbaited to death, don’t you?
“So no matter what you do, it’s a very tricky situation. You’re right to ask for an inside view.
“When you’re the manager, you know you’re going to get asked these [questions] at some point, whatever part of your career, if you’re doing all right.
“And you get asked, and then you try and be respectful, because obviously, let’s use Tottenham as an example , brilliant club, massive club and all the rest.
“One of my first ever memories, is Ricky Villa’s goal [in the 1981 FA Cup final] and all that. And then you go: ’Yeah, I’m flattered.’
“And then they go: ‘Oh, he hasn’t said no!’. Then you go: ‘No’. And they go: ‘Oh, he wants it, really?’
“And you say: ‘Yes’, and they go: ‘Oh, I knew he’d want it’.
“Whatever you say [people take the wrong way], because if you say: ‘No, I’m not interested’, it’s as if he’s got ideas above his station.”
Managerial Landscape Continues to Evolve
Dyche is far from the only name circulating. Reports suggest alternatives such as Adi Hutter, Chris Hughton, Robbie Keane, and Roberto De Zerbi are also under consideration.
This breadth of options reflects both uncertainty and ambition. Tottenham are weighing immediate needs against long-term direction, a decision that carries significant consequences given their precarious league position.
For Dyche, the situation remains unchanged. Available, experienced, and respected, yet not actively engaged in discussions, at least according to his own account.
Rumours Reflect Modern Football Reality
In many ways, this episode serves as a reminder of how football discourse operates. Rumours fill gaps, amplify possibilities, and often blur the line between fact and assumption.
Dyche’s response cuts through that noise. Clear, grounded, and delivered with humour, it reinforces his reputation as a manager comfortable in his own position.
For Tottenham, decisions loom. For Dyche, the pint remains just that, a moment of normality in a profession rarely afforded such simplicity.
After weathering a furious assault from the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter of the Boston Celtics 109-102 win at TD Garden this past Friday (March 27) evening, the Celtics prevailed in part via big games from Payton Pritchard (36 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists) and Jayson Tatum (26 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists).
The Celtics actually lost the shot margin battle 87-81 in an unusual outcome, but held the Hawks to 36 percent from beyond the arc and 39 percent from the floor overall while winning the battle of the boards 52-35. When one considers that Atlanta also blocked Boston 6-0 in a game with star forward Jaylen Brown on the bench with Achilles tendinitis, the outcome is actually an impressive one. With the win, the Celtics improve to 49-24 on the season while further cementing their status as the Eastern Conference's No. 2 spot.
Let's take a look at some of the best plays of the game captured in images.
The͏ Los A͏ngel͏es La͏kers rolled past the ͏Brooklyn Nets 116-99 on Friday͏, but the͏ real highlight was a specia͏l family moment͏. In͏ the͏ second͏ quarter, two Nets def͏enders͏ clo͏sed in͏ on͏ LeBron James, and he smoothly passed t͏he ball out to B͏ronny Jame͏s w͏aiting on the left wi͏ng. Bronny buri͏ed th͏e 3, and ͏just like that, it͏ was more than just points on the͏ bo͏ard.
That play put the Jame͏s name twice͏ i͏n the off͏icial play-by-pla͏y and created NBA͏ history with the͏ first-ever father-so͏n assist.͏ It was ͏o͏n͏e͏ ͏of those moments tha͏t ͏made fans pause, smile, and take it all in. Lebron posted his son’s pla͏y͏ ͏through ͏an Instagram story.
LeBron did not just make the pass. He also made it clear how much the moment meant to him.
After the game, he said per ESPN, “Just not take it for granted being in a moment of us being on the floor once again.” He added that he simply made the right play after getting doubled, and Bronny finished it. That pass was just that, LeBron did for so many years.
Bronny felt the moment too. He called it “a special moment with us two and a lot more to come down the road.” He had already helped the Lakers in a Wednesday win over the Indiana Pacers, where he played 13 meaningful minutes. Lakers coach JJ Redick praised him too, saying, “He’s always ready to play.”
There wa͏s also a lighter͏ sid͏e to the ͏n͏ight. ͏Bronny shared a story about play͏ing his͏ dad one-on-one at home, saying LeBron James once͏ broke a backboard ͏in Mi͏ami. Austin Reaves even jumped in and joked, “Was it because you won?”
Bronny is also building confidence as a shooter. He said he is getting more comfortable behind the NBA line, and the numbers back it up. He is shooting 40% from three in the NBA and 41.7% in the G League. After everything he has been through, that matters.
Claremore showed two different versions of itself in winning twice Friday.
The Zebras leaned on late-game execution to edge Skiatook, then turned around and overwhelmed Sequoyah with pitching depth and a decisive scoring burst, completing a doubleheader sweep at Legendary Legion Field at Murray-Pixley Park.
GAME 1: CLAREMORE 5, SKIATOOK 4
With the game hanging in the balance, Brayden Floyd’s sacrifice fly in the bottom of the sixth proved to be the difference, lifting Claremore to a 5-4 win after a back-and-forth battle.
Floyd finished with 2 RBIs, including the game-winner, while also closing the door on the mound with 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief.
Ryder Garrison kept the Zebras steady early, striking out 6 over 5 1/3 innings, and Tyler Osgood added a key 2-RBI single in the decisive third inning.
Claremore struck first in the third.
After two quick outs, Jax Van Valkenburg singled and came around when Floyd ripped a triple to center, scoring Lucas Dupont for a 1-0 lead.
Moments later, Evan Jameson’s aggressive baserunning and a wild pitch pushed the advantage to 2-0 before Osgood lined a single to center to plate another run for a 3-0 cushion.
The Bulldogs answered in the fourth with a flurry of small-ball execution.
A single, bunt hits and a bases-loaded walk scored their first run. A sacrifice fly by Bryson Earp cut it to 3-2, and an error tied the game at 3 before the Zebras escaped with a runner thrown out at home.
Claremore regained the lead in the fifth when Jameson singled, advanced on a walk and sacrifice, and scored on Braden Trail’s RBI groundout to make it 4-3.
Skiatook had one more push. In the sixth, a walk and single set the table before Earp delivered an RBI single to tie the game at 4.
However, the Zebras answered immediately.
Kellen Gaede doubled to lead off the bottom of the sixth, moved to third on a passed ball and scored on Floyd’s sacrifice fly to right, putting Claremore back on top 5-4.
Floyd then slammed the door in the seventh, working around a single and turning a game-ending double play in left field to preserve the win.
GAME 2: CLAREMORE 8, SEQUOYAH 0
Claremore turned a tight game into a rout with a 5-run sixth inning, highlighted by extra-base hits from Floyd and Xyler Reeder to secure an 8-0 win over Sequoyah.
Floyd and Reeder each drove in 2 runs, while John Tedesco set the tone on the mound, striking out 7 over 4 2/3 scoreless innings. Reeder followed with 1 1/3 shutout innings to finish it.
The Zebras scratched across the first run in unconventional fashion in the opening inning.
After Gaede reached and advanced, a double play turned into an opportunity when an error allowed him to score, giving Claremore a 1-0 lead.
The Zebras added to it in the fourth without a hit. Osgood singled, and after a sequence of walks, passed balls and an error, 2 runs crossed the plate to extend the lead to 3-0.
The Eagles threatened multiple times, drawing 7 walks, but Claremore’s pitching staff stranded runners and controlled the game defensively, including a key double play in the third to erase a scoring chance.
Then came the sixth.
Bo Wolf reached and moved into scoring position, and Gaede followed with a walk and stolen base.
After a sacrifice attempt resulted in an out at the plate, Floyd stepped in and delivered, ripping a double to left to score 2 runs and push the lead to 5-0.
Moments later, another passed ball allowed Floyd to score, and after Osgood reached, Reeder lined a 2-run double to center, capping the 5-run inning and extending the margin to 8-0.
Reeder finished off Sequoyah in the seventh, and the Zebras secured the shutout.
March Madness isn’t just about sides and totals — player props have become one of the most exploitable markets on the board. With rotation changes, matchup edges, and public overreactions, there’s value to attack throughout the NCAA Tournament.
This page will be updated throughout March Madness with the latest player props, odds, and expert analysis as our picks are published for each round.
March Madness player props for the Elite Eight
Player
Pick
Bennett Stirtz
Over 3.5 assists
-155
Brayden Burries
Over 1.5 3-pointers
-145
Cameron Boozer
Over 21.5 points
-112
Best March Madness player props for the Elite Eight
Iowa vs Illinois player props
Bennett Stirtz Over 3.5 assists (-155 at bet365)
No matter how few the possessions are, almost every Hawkeyes possession will put the ball in Bennett Stirtz’s hands. Illinois should force it out of his hands, but at some point, that will come at the expense of buckets.
As much as Alex Karaban is a bad matchup for Duke, Cameron Boozer is a big problem for the Huskies.
Boozer's ability to play away from the rim while also dominating inside and getting to the foul line forces UConn to either roll out a slower Tarris Reed or a smaller Karaban to cover.
The Most Outstanding Player market typically favors stars on teams making deep runs. High-usage players from No. 1 and No. 2 seeds dominate this market, but breakout performances during the Final Four can quickly shift the odds.
Player
Cameron Boozer
+425
Brayden Burries
+850
Jaden Bradley
+850
Yaxel Lendeborg
+1000
Keaton Wagler
+1200
Aday Mara
+1500
Morez Johnson Jr.
+1800
Koa Peat
+2000
Braden Smith
+2500
Elliot Cadeau
+2500
March Madness MVP
The March Madness MVP (also known as the tournament's most outstanding player) is a fun market that can provide value, provided you have a good take on which team will win the national title. After all, the MVP has come from the tournament winner every year since 1983.
Prop bets — also known as proposition bets — aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when talking about March Madness odds. Tournament prop menus have expanded dramatically, now including region winners, exact matchup outcomes, conference performance props, and player tournament leader markets. They're also a great attraction for those learning how to bet on March Madness.
March Madness props focus on individual team or player performances and particular events or happenings during a game, round, or tournament. Some prop bets can unfold in a matter of minutes, while others are graded on the Final Four and National Championship results.
Where to bet on March Madness props
March Madness is one of the most popular times of the year for sports bettors, making it one of the busiest times of the year for online sportsbooks. Every betting site will offer March Madness scores, matchups, and odds, but the top sites are safe and secure, offer a wide range of banking options, and offer a ton of markets for each game. Check out the best March Madness betting sites in your region.
Top strategy tips for NCAA Tournament props
March Madness prop bets can vary in focus and scope. Some props are longer-running markets, graded after a certain round or at the end of the NCAA Tournament. Other props are game-based and limited to a particular matchup.
Build your bracket
For betting on tournament or round props, you’ll want to build out your March Madness bracket and bracket predictions to lay your path to the Final Four. Weigh each matchup and then base those prop bets on how you see the Big Dance playing out.
Spotting Cinderella
Singling out a Cinderella team that could provide an upset or two is vital to getting value from the March Madness props. Finding a live lower seed or an unknown mid-major giant killer can score some big plus-money prop payouts.
Don’t contradict
Make sure your March Madness prop picks are in line with your single-game wagers. You don’t want to play the Over on the number of Big Ten schools making it out of the Round of 64 and then fade Michigan to cover as a favorite in the first round.
Set a narrative
When it comes to game props, such as team and player prop bets, set a narrative for how you see the matchup playing out. If you think a talented big man will have his way with a smaller opponent, then look to the Over on props for points and rebounds. If you like a small-conference Cinderella to shoot their way to an upset win, look to back up that opinion with an Over wager on the team’s total number of 3-point buckets made.
Money management
The excitement of March Madness can get the best of basketball bettors, so have a money management system in place. If you plan on playing some NCAA Tournament props, designate a certain amount of your bankroll to just those types of wagers. This will help you be more selective about your prop bets and narrow down which types of bets you are winning and losing throughout the Big Dance.
Instant Replay: March Madness prop bets
March Madness prop bets can focus on various aspects of the tournament, from the rounds to seeds to the overall tournament and individual matchups.
March Madness game props are gaining popularity, and sportsbooks will have more of these than ever in 2025.
The “First to 15” prop is one of the most exciting and entertaining bets you can make during the NCAA Tournament.
Set a narrative for your March Madness props, whether that’s building out your bracket or setting a game script for player and team props.
Virat Kohli hit an unbeaten 69 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru began the defence of their Indian Premier League title by cruising past Sunrisers Hyderabad.
India great Kohli, 37, batting for the first time since January, played the anchor role perfectly as RCB chased down 202 in just 15.4 overs in the tournament's season opener.
Devdutt Padikkal added 61 from 26 balls and RCB captain Rajat Patidar 31 from 12, although England opener Phil Salt sliced a catch to cover for eight.
Salt, who comes into the IPL after a quiet T20 World Cup, did take a sensational diving catch on the deep cover boundary in Sunrisers' 201-9.
Salt's one-handed effort dismissed India's Ishan Kishan on 80 from 38 balls in the 16th over, after which Sunrisers were unable to kick on further on a flat pitch perfect for batting.
New Zealand seamer Jacob Duffy, playing in the place of injured Australia bowler Josh Hazlewood, was impressive for his 3-22.
Gloucestershire and England left-armer David Payne also took 2-35 on his IPL debut - he was signed as a late injury replacement at Sunrisers - but his side were unable to stop RCB's rampant chase.
It was the quickest successful pursuit of a score in excess of 200 in the IPL while Kohli now has 21 scores of 50-plus in successful chases - another record in the competition.
Five-time champions Mumbai Indians host Kolkata Knight Riders in the second match of the competition on Sunday.
Which England players are playing in the IPL?
Twelve England players are set to feature in the latest edition of the IPL.
Former England white-ball captain Jos Buttler will hope to find form after a disappointing World Cup as he returns to Gujarat Titans, where he is joined by batter Tom Banton and left-arm seamer Luke Wood.
Salt is joined by Jacob Bethell at RCB, alongside a new addition in middle-order batter Jordan Cox, though neither Bethell nor Cox played against Sunrisers.
Seamer Jofra Archer is back at Rajasthan Royals, while all-rounder Jamie Overton returns to Chennai Super Kings.
All-rounder Will Jacks will look to build on a promising winter at Mumbai Indians, while Liam Livingstone and Brydon Carse are at Sunrisers with Payne. Neither played in the opening match.
Batter Ben Duckett had been signed by Delhi Capitals but has pulled out to play in the County Championship as he looks to ensure he keeps his place in the Test team after a lean Ashes, while all-rounder Sam Curran has been ruled out of playing for Rajasthan Royals with an injury.
Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander (37) outraces the defense during a 48-23 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on September 29, 2002, at Seahawks Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Tami Tomsic/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Usually, when we talk about our memories associated with the Minnesota Vikings, we make an effort to focus on the positive moments. However, inspired by a post from our friends at Mile High Report, I wanted to go in a slightly different direction to spark some discussion for this weekend.
What is the worst Minnesota Vikings game you’ve ever been in attendance for?
Now, as much as it saddens me to admit this, I haven’t really been to as many Vikings games as I would like over the course of my lifetime. A lot of that stems from not being in close proximity to the Twin Cities for much of my adult life, but I still haven’t gotten back as frequently as I would like to. However, one of the road games I managed to attend wound up being just awful.
The date was 29 September 2002. My wife and I had just gotten to Tacoma, Washington, as we were moving to our assignment at McChord Air Force Base, which is in the Tacoma area. The Vikings were making one of their (seemingly) annual trips to face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football. My wife was feeling a bit under the weather, but she gave me the go-ahead to make the 45-minute trip to Seattle while she rested up at our hotel. So, I jumped in the car, got me a ticket so high up in the stands at Seahawks Stadium that I could damn near see Canada, and got there just before kickoff.
Things got off to a pretty rough start for the Vikings, as the Seahawks took the opening kickoff and went down the field with relatively little resistance, and Shaun Alexander went into the end zone on a short touchdown run. The Vikings then went three-and-out on their first possession, and the Seahawks went down the field again, as Alexander broke off a pair of long runs. . .a 43-yard blast followed by a 20-yard score to quickly make it 14-0.
(There’s going to be a theme developing here. See if you can find it.)
The Vikings got on the board on the next drive, thanks to a touchdown run by Daunte Culpepper to make it 14-7. The two teams then exchanged field goals to make it 17-10 with about three minutes left before halftime.
And then, all hell broke loose for the Vikings.
On the first play after the Vikings got their field goal, Trent Dilfer hit Alexander on a screen pass that went for 80 yards and Alexander’s third touchdown of the night to make it 24-10.
After that, Nick Davis fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and the Seahawks recovered inside the Minnesota 30. Three plays later, Alexander was in the end zone for his fourth touchdown of the night to make it 31-10.
The Vikings then let D’Wayne Bates return the next kickoff. He fumbled, too, and the Seahawks recovered again. On the very next play, Alexander walked into the end zone for his fifth touchdown of the first half to make it 38-10.
Minnesota managed to not fumble the next kickoff, but it didn’t matter much. Two plays into their drive, Culpepper’s pass intended for Randy Moss was intercepted by Reggie Tongue and returned 46 yards for a pick-six to make the score 45-10. At halftime.
At halftime, people. I paid money for a ticket for this.
To their credit, I didn’t take a lot of flak from the Seahawks fans around me in the stands. I think they were in as much of a state of disbelief as I was over what was happening.
But yes, that was, by far, the worst Minnesota Vikings game that I had ever, personally, been in attendance for. Seeing one guy score five touchdowns in one half of football and having a team drop nearly half a hundred on your team in one half of football in prime time in a stadium filled with the other team’s fans is not a lot of fun.
So, how about you folks? What is the worst Vikings game that you’ve ever been in attendance for?
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Magnitude beat race favorite Forever Young to win the Dubai Gold Cup on Saturday in the first major outdoors sporting event since the outbreak of the Iran War.
The 4-year-old American horse, ridden by Jose Ortiz and trained by Steven Asmussen, successfully resisted a determined effort from Japan's Forever Young with Ryusei Sakai on board, to win the almost $7 million first prize.
Meydaan was third, followed by Imperial Emperor, both Irish horses.
There was a total of €12 million in prize money for the 9-horse race.
Jimmy Ball took over as permanent Torquay manager after Paul Wotton was sacked last month [Shutterstock]
Jimmy Ball got his first win as Torquay United manager as his side beat Horsham 2-0 at Plainmoor.
The victory kept the Gulls in fifth place in National League South with five games to play.
Torquay are two points off third-placed Hornchurch and two more behind second-placed Worthing, with leaders Dorking Wanderers 10 points above the Devon side.
Dylan Morgan gave the Gulls a great start when he finished coolly in the eighth minute.
Deon Moore had a goal disallowed as the first half wore on, but Jordan Dyer made the game safe midway through the second half as he got on the end of Sonny-Blu Lo-Everton's free kick.
"We wanted a quick start. We wanted to be on the front foot, stay on the front foot, get in the lead, go and score more," Ball told BBC Radio Devon.
"That was the hope that we would have a really dominating, aggressive, attacking performance.
"So to score early was good and we created some really good chances in the first half that on another day go in."
The win came in Ball's third game in charge, having lost his opener at Dagenham and Redbridge last week and drawing 2-2 with Dorking in midweek.
The Gulls will now prepare to seventh-placed Weston-super-Mare on Tuesday in a key game in the play-off race.
"It feels good," he added.
"Football management is a strange life. You work all week to get a win and then the second that whistle blows I'm now thinking about Weston, there's no real euphoria as a manager, you're straight away business on to the very next game.
"There's not a lot of joy, I'm already planning what we're going to do this week and my complete and utter focus is on Weston-super-Mare now."
The Kansas City Chiefs have been active this offseason, and they’re not taking their foot off the gas anytime soon. From pulling off moves for Kenneth Walker III and Justin Fields to locking in Travis Kelce for another three-year ride, Kansas City’s front office has been wheeling and dealing like a team chasing another Lombardi.
But now? It’s draft season, and things are heating up even more. With Top 30 visits stacking up and the war room in full grind mode, the Chiefs might’ve already tipped their hand on a potential 2026 pick. Or is this another classic smokescreen? Let’s break it down.
Chiefs Drop Major Hint For the 2026 NFL Draft
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For the first time since 2013, when it bagged Eric Fisher and Travis Kelce, Kansas City’s original first-round pick is inside the top 10. Yes, the QB carousel is already spun. With Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza trending toward the Las Vegas Raiders, the Chiefs can sit back and attack the board like it’s an all-you-can-eat “best player available” buffet.
They might’ve already started circling names. Kansas City took to X to hype up offensive tackle Blake Miller, telling fans to “keep an eye out” for the Clemson OT in this year’s draft. Translation? The front office is doing its homework—and maybe tipping its hand just a little.
Miller is trending as a top-20 pick and could be the first Clemson Tigers football player off the board, in what’s shaping up to be a trench-heavy Day 1. Sure, he logged 97% of his reps at right tackle, but a four-year starter with high football IQ and positional versatility? That’s plug-and-play value in any system.
And make no mistake, the Chiefs need it.
What goes up must come down, and Kansas City felt that crash hard in 2025. After a decade-long dynasty run—including a 10-year playoff streak and flirting with a fourth straight Super Bowl trip—the wheels didn’t just wobble… they flew off. The season unraveled even before Patrick Mahomes went down in Week 15.
The numbers tell the story: eight losses in their last nine games, matching their combined losses from 2023 and 2024. Eleven Ls on the board? That’s something Kansas City fans hadn’t seen since before the Andy Reid era even began.
While it is still a question whether Miller will land in Arrowhead. Kansas City has more than just two first-round picks to find talent within this year’s draft.
MIAMI (AP) — The Miami Marlins placed infielder Christopher Morel on the 10-day injured list Saturday because of a left oblique strain.
Morel was in the starting lineup for Miami’s season opener against Colorado on Friday before he became a late scratch.
The 26-year-old Morel was expected to provide a power bat when the Marlins signed him to a one-year deal in the offseason. Morel has 74 home runs, including a career-high 26 in 2023, over the first four seasons of his career with the Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays.
The Marlins recalled infielder Deyvison De Los Santos from Triple-A Jacksonville. The move is retroactive to Wednesday.
The women’s NCAA Tournament is hitting its most intense stretch, and UConn has commanded the spotlight from the start — unbeaten and every bit the powerhouse.
But as March Madness heats up, the race at the top is tightening fast.
Of course, it wouldn’t be the Big Dance without a little chaos. Duke delivered just that, stunning LSU with a buzzer-beater that ended Flau’jae Johnson’s run with the Lady Tigers.
Even so, the heavyweights are still standing strong, handling business and securing their spots in the Elite Eight as the pressure continues to build.
Here’s a look at where the latest 2025–26 title odds stand across the field.
The UConn Huskies are rolling into the women's NCAA Tournament after capturing both the regular-season and Big East Conference tournament titles with a perfect 34-0 record, once again proving they’re the team to beat in March.
With momentum firmly on their side and a roster clicking on both ends of the floor, the Huskies are well-positioned to defend their national title and chase back-to-back championships.
There’s little doubt UConn is carrying serious championship momentum into the tournament.
Next up: Notre Dame on Sunday, March 29 at 1 p.m. ET on ABC
UCLA Bruins (+475)
The UCLA Bruins have surged from +1200 preseason odds to +550, now sitting just behind the UConn Huskies women's basketball among the favorites.
Taking advantage of a Big Ten Conference landscape without JuJu Watkins, UCLA controlled both the rivalry and the league, finishing the regular season 28-1 and cruising to the conference title. Their only loss of the year came against the Texas Longhorns.
That dominant run has firmly established the Bruins as one of the top contenders for the national championship.
Next up: Duke on Sunday, March 29 at 3 p.m. ET on ABC
Texas Longhorns (+750)
The Texas Longhorns have made a loud statement this season with signature wins over South Carolina and UCLA Bruins, proving it can go toe-to-toe with the nation’s elite.
The Longhorns reinforced that point by defeating South Carolina again to capture the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament title.
Those marquee victories have boosted Texas’ national profile and pushed its championship odds sharply upward.
Next up: Kentucky on Saturday, March 28 at 3 p.m. ET on ABC
South Carolina (+800)
After gritty losses to Texas and Oklahoma, the Gamecocks have shown rare cracks and were leapfrogged by the surging UCLA Bruins.
Still, Dawn Staley’s group traditionally peaks in March.
Finishing the regular season at 29-2, the South Carolina Gamecocks are looking to carry their momentum into the Big Dance, where a showdown with UConn Huskies gives them a chance for sweet revenge.
Next up: Oklahoma on Saturday, March 28 at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN
Women's March Madness opening odds
South Carolina: +145
UConn: +400
Texas: +400
Notre Dame: +700
USC: +950
UCLA: +1200
NC State: +2000
LSU: +3000
Stanford: +3000
Duke: +5000
It should come as no surprise that oddsmakers were high on South Carolina after the Gamecocks became just the 10th team ever to cap off an undefeated season with a national championship.
But it's the UCLA Bruins who shook up the scene this season after going 30-2 and putting all of women's college basketball on notice after being the No. 1 ranked team in the country for most of this season. Led by Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice, the Bruins are out for blood and appear to be a shoe-in to win the Big Ten tournament ahead of March Madness.
What makes this UConn group especially dangerous in a tournament setting is lineup flexibility. The Huskies can play small to maximize spacing or lean into length and rebounding without sacrificing offensive flow. Geno Auriemma’s teams historically peak in March by tightening rotations and sharpening execution, and this roster already looks comfortable in high-pressure moments.
With experience, depth, and star power aligned, the Huskies enter the Final Four conversation as the most complete team in the country and the safest pick to cut down the nets again.
Vanderbilt's defensive structure forces opponents into uncomfortable possessions, and they’ve shown the ability to control pace against both fast and methodical teams. That adaptability is key in navigating the bracket. Vanderbilt also benefits from continuity, plus experienced contributors who understand roles and rarely beat themselves with turnovers or poor shot decisions.
If their defense dictates games early in the bracket, a Final Four appearance becomes a realistic outcome rather than a surprise.
Losing a dominant offensive centerpiece like JuJu Watkins changes the ceiling, but it doesn’t eliminate USC’s foundation. The Trojans still possess athleticism, length on the perimeter, and a defensive identity capable of keeping them competitive against top-tier opponents.
From a résumé standpoint, USC’s schedule strength and defensive efficiency should keep them firmly within the at-large conversation. They may win differently with fewer offensive explosions & more grind-it-out results, but consistency and competitiveness across conference play are enough to secure a spot in the Field of 68.
Understanding March Madness futures odds
Sportsbooks will post odds for the NCAA women's basketball championship as early as the summer before the season starts. These odds are constantly adjusted throughout the offseason as players get hurt, suspended or are traded. Once the season begins in November, title odds will change as often as daily as teams win and lose games and as players get hurt or suspended. Sportsbooks will also adjust the March Madness futures odds based on handle and liability to certain teams.
March Madness futures odds will usually look like this:
Indiana Hoosiers +800
This means that on a $100 bet, you'll stand to win $800 if the Hoosiers win the NCAA women's basketball title. If it's close to the end of the regular season or even during the tournament and college basketball has a very dominant team, you might see that a team is has a minus sign (-) ahead of its odds.
South Carolina Gamecocks -165
This means that you would need to bet $165 to win $100 on a South Carolina championship.
Above we have posted the American odds for March Madness futures. However, these are easy to convert to decimal odds or fractional odds with our odds converter tool.
How to bet college basketball futures
Learning how to successfully bet on March Madness is one of the hardest things to do in sports betting. The lose-and-go-home format and the fact that a school needs to win six straight games against quality opponents means that the favorites don't always take home the title.
Another factor that comes into play is that the tournament bracket isn't set until Selection Sunday. As the college basketball season winds down, you can be pretty sure that the big favorites will slide into the bracket as top seeds. But for teams in the middle of the pack, nothing is certain.
As always when betting futures odds, be sure to look into injuries and suspensions. You might find some current value in a team that is expecting to get a key player back before March Madness begins.
Where to bet on Women's March Madness
If you're in a state that allows mobile, or online betting, make sure you know which sites are the best March Madness betting sites. Great betting sites offer sharp odds, quick payouts and are safe and secure when it comes to depositing and withdrawing your money.
Past Women's March Madness champions
Year
Champion
Runner-Up
2025
UConn
South Carolina
2024
South Carolina
Iowa
2023
LSU
Iowa
2022
South Carolina
UConn
2021
Stanford
Arizona
2020
COVID-19
COVID-19
2019
Baylor
Duke
2018
Notre Dame
Mississippi State
2017
South Carolina
Mississippi State
2016
UConn
Syracuse
2015
UConn
Notre Dame
2014
UConn
Notre Dame
2013
UConn
Louisville
2012
Baylor
Notre Dame
Women's March Madness trends
• The last four winners of the tournament all entered the season as the No. 1 seed.
• Since 1982, a No. 1 seed has made the Final Four every year.
• UConn has the most women's NCAA titles of all-time (11), including four straight years of successfully defending the championship from 2013-2016.
The Cleveland Guardians in 2026 might not have a ton of hope for a deep postseason run thanks to lower spending and holes all across the roster.
But, if there was one thing to look forward to, other than Chase DeLauter continuing his incredibly hot start all year long, it would be what Jose Ramirez could do this season.
ESPN's Bradford Doolittle believes that Ramirez can reach three milestones this season, all of which are very doable, and in doing so, Ramirez could finally shed the "overlooked" label and enter the public conscience as a sure-fire future Hall of Famer.
How Jose Ramirez can finally shake 'overlooked' label in 2026
"There are a lot of milestones Jose Ramirez will hit this season if he is healthy, and a number of franchise leaderboards he's climbing," Doolittle writes. "Maybe if Ramirez reaches some of these numbers, more people will take notice of what a special player he has been for so many years. Somehow, he still seems overlooked."
The milestones and records that are noteworthy to follow for Ramirez in 2026 involve the Guardians franchise record for total bases, with significant milestones for home runs, RBIs, and stolen bases all within reach.
Ramirez has 3009 total bases in his career, and with 160 games to go in 2026, he only needs to record 192 to break the current record. Considering he has well surpassed that total every season since 2016 (other than 2020), that record is likely for Ramirez this year.
But that's not all he's chasing this season. Ramirez is currently at 399 doubles; he needs just one more to reach 400 for his career. That will happen, potentially before the calendar turns over to April this season.
Ramirez is also sitting at 285 home runs in his career. With just 15 home runs, a total he's reached every year since 2017, he should be able to reach 300 homers in his 14th season.
Likely on the way to such a milestone, he would also go past 1,000 RBIs for his career, which he's currently at 951, only 49 from such a remarkable milestone.
Last, and certainly not least, is his stolen base total. He's at 288 coming into 2026, and with 12, he'd reach 300 for his career.
It's well within reason to believe that a typically great Ramirez season would have the future Hall of Famer close out 2026 with the Guardians franchise record for most total bases in a career, while also reaching 400 doubles, 300 home runs, 1,000 RBIs, and 300 stolen bases.
If he could reach all of those totals, as Doolittle noted, hopefully, fans from around baseball who don't watch the Guardians closely could finally get an idea that Ramirez is one of the best players in the sport currently.
The New England Patriots had two future 1,000-yard wide receivers on the board when they went up to select with the No. 50 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
However, they did not select either of those two receivers. Instead, New England picked wide receiver Tyquan Thornton at No. 50 overall. The 25-year-old spent three seasons with the Patriots from 2022-24, prior to playing for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025.
Thornton’s most productive season with the Patriots came as a rookie, when he went for 247 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2022. He did not amass more than 91 yards in either of the following two seasons. Thornton did record a career-high 438 yards in 2025 with the Chiefs.
However, the Patriots electing to pass on the other options available in the second round of that year’s draft is worth lamentation.
New selection: WR George Pickens (Dallas Cowboys)
No. 52 overall pickin 2022 - Pittsburgh Steelers
George Pickens was available for the Patriots to take in the second round in 2022. The Alabama native recorded his first season with 1,000 yards in 2023, just his second year in the NFL. Pickens went for 1,140 yards that season. He led the NFL in yards per reception with 18.1. Pickens recorded 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 2025 with the Dallas Cowboys, earning Second-Team All-Pro honors.
If the Patriots were not fond of Pickens, they also had Alec Pierce to consider at No. 50 overall. Pierce was selected right behind Pickens in the 2022 NFL Draft. The 25-year-old has led the league in yards per reception in each of the last two seasons. He recorded 22.3 yards per reception in 2024, as well as 21.3 yards in 2025. Pierce went for 1,000 yards receiving in 2025 with 1,003 yards. The Patriots were linked to Pierce in free agency in 2026 prior to his decision to return to the Colts.
Honorable mention: RB James Cook (Buffalo Bills)
No. 63 overall pickin 2022 - Buffalo Bills
Rhamondre Stevenson did record 1,040 rushing yards for the Patriots in 2022 as their featured running back. However, New England had the option to select reigning Second-Team All-Pro running back James Cook instead of Thornton. Cook led the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024, as well as yards in 2025 with 1,621 rushing yards.
The No. 2-seed Michigan women’s basketball team went old school for its Sweet 16 appearance on Saturday against No. 3 Louisville and donned baseball uniform tops as they did four years ago. That was the last time the Wolverines had reached this NCAA Tournament round and advanced to the Elite Eight.
Michigan, ranked ninth, shrugged off a sluggish first quarter and walloped the Cardinals, 71-52 at Dickies Arena. The victory avenges the Wolverines' Elite Eight loss to Louisville in 2022. Now, for the second time in program history, the Wolverines (28-6), their win total equaling a program best set in 2016-17, will play in the Elite Eight with a shot at making the Final Four.
This was the third time Michigan has advanced to the Sweet 16 for the third time in program history and first since 2022. The Wolverines will face the winner of No. 1 seed Texas vs. No. 5 seed Kentucky on Monday night.
Olivia Olson led Michigan with 19 points, Syla Swords had 16 and Te’Yala Delfoss, whose eight points sparked the Wolverines in the second quarter, finished with 10 points and eight rebounds. Brooke Quarles Daniels had nine rebounds.
Michigan took is largest lead, 66-43, at 5:11, but the Cardinals found some life in the fourth quarter and took advantage of the Wolverines’ scoring drought. Michigan was 0 of 6 from the field after making its last field goal with 4:58 left. But at the point, the Wolverines’ lead was insurmountable.
Michigan and Louisville exchanged the lead four times early in the third quarter, but the Wolverines looked unstoppable after a timeout with 4:36 left. Michigan went on a 20-2 run to take a 57-40 lead into the final quarter.
The Wolverines outrebounded the Cardinals 11-2 and shot 58.8% as Olson and Swords each scored eight points.
With Louisville leading by 11 with 7:17 left in the first half, Michigan came alive and went on a 13-0 run in the second quarter while the Cardinals went 0 of 5 from the field. The Wolverines took their first lead of the game on Delfosse’s layup off her defensive rebound.
Olivia Olson from downtown!@umichwbball just put together its second 16-0 run of the game 😳
— Big Ten Women's Basketball (@B1Gwbball) March 28, 2026
Delfosse’s eight second-quarter points helped spark the Wolverines, who found their groove rebounding after a tough first quarter and outrebounded the Cardinals 10-7. Michigan won the quarter, 23-12, and took a 32-27 lead at halftime.
Michigan looked sluggish in the first quarter and was shut out until finally scoring with 3:46 left. The Wolverines shot 29% from the field and had issues with Louisville’s post size and were outrebounded 12-6. They trailed 12-6 at the end of the quarter.
It took No. 2 Michigan six minutes and 14 seconds to get on the board Saturday against No. 3 Louisville in the NCAA tournament Fort Worth Region 3 semifinal.
That was the longest the Wolverines have gone without points to start a game this season. But that head-scratching scoring drought was an afterthought later in the afternoon following the second of two emphatic, quarter-ending runs.
Michigan closed the second quarter on a 18-2 surge, turning an 11-point deficit into a five-point halftime advantage. Then, after Louisville tied things up and even spent some time back in the lead in the third quarter, Kim Barnes Arico’s Wolverines scored 20 of the frame’s final 22 points.
They entered the fourth quarter up 17 points and polished off a 71-52 win, advancing to the program’s second-ever Elite Eight and first since 2022.
As usual, Michigan (28-6) was spearheaded by its sophomores. The backcourt duo of Olivia Olson and Syla Swords, despite starting a combined 4-of-16 from the field, teamed up for 35 points. Another classmate, Te'Yala Delfosse, chipped in 10 points, eight of which came in the second quarter and helped fueled the Wolverines’ first stretch of dominance.
Harlequins ended a six-game Prem losing streak with a dogged 18-14 win to spoil Bristol's showpiece return to the Principality Stadium and hit their play-off hopes.
Bears captain Fitz Harding and Quins counterpart Alex Dombrandt traded a try apiece in a stunted first-half as a missed Quins conversion was the only difference between the sides.
But Bristol inaccuracy crept in as Harlequins took control in the second 40 minutes, with Jarrod Evans' penalty and Rodrigo Isgro's converted try putting them on course for victory.
Steven Luatua threw Bristol a lifeline with a try in the closing stages but a Jamie Benson penalty kicked Harlequins four points clear for a deserved win, while defeat leaves Bristol fifth in the table, now seven points behind Exeter in fourth.
The win is Harlequins first away from home since they beat Saracens 23-12 on 22 March 2025 and their first in the league this campaign since October.
Spearheaded by skipper Dombrandt, the morale-boosting victory also comes just days after head coach Jason Gilmore was confirmed in his role beyond this season.
In their second 'Big Day Out' game in Cardiff in front of a crowd of 45,119, Bristol needed a win after defeat by Leicester six days before but never got going as errors increasingly defined their game and Quins frustrated them at the breakdown.
Harding put them 7-0 up seven minutes in, twisting over the line after Harry Randall had switched the direction of play with Bristol pressurising Harlequins' line.
Quins were initially unable to make the most of their time in possession, until they turned Bristol over following a tap and go penalty, and kicked into the Bears' 22 - one of 12 turnovers across the 80 minutes.
And after seeing a try chalked off early on, Dombrandt had his name and his team on the board on 23 minutes, stretching over with the ball.
Bristol were unable to follow-up their win against Harlequins at Twickenham in December in Cardiff [PA Media]
Evans kicked a penalty early in the second half to nudge Harlequins 8-7 in front and while Bristol brought on big hitters in centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg and wing Gabriel Ibitoye it changed little for them.
They finally entered Harlequins' 22 for the first time in the second half on 53 minutes, but Gabriel Oghre was held up.
Harlequins then swung the momentum further as they swept down the other end in a quick-flowing attack that saw Isgro dive over.
Luatua gave Bears fans hope in the closing minutes, with his score at least ensuring his side took a losing bonus point from the game, but another Dombrandt turnover from the restart awarded Quins a penalty, which Benson kicked to seal the win.
'We needed a good performance' - reaction
Bristol defence coach Jordan Crane said:
"The general feeling's frustration, the event that's been put on and what we showed.
"It was more our inaccuracy, that was the real frustrating thing. The game was won and lost at the breakdown, and we didn't win it.
"We probably didn't react quick enough, get off our outside foot going clean out the ball to be able to create pressure, especially in that first half."
Harlequins head coach Jason Gilmore said:
"We spoke a lot about our mindset and what we wanted to do against Bristol - they're a very good team, very good with the ball.
"We wanted to dictate terms through the contact and our line speed. I thought the boys did that in spades.
"We've copped it a little bit the last little period, probably rightly so in certain aspects - we're aware of it and working hard.
"We're not out of the woods either, there's still a lot of work to do at this club to be where back where we need to be, but for us to compete against Sale next week, it'll be a physical battle, we needed a good performance today."
No. 2 seed Michigan beat No. 3 Louisville 71-52 on Saturday in a Sweet 16 game in the Women's NCAA Tournament at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. Olivia Olson led the Wolverines with 19 points and Syla Swords scored 16.
Mexico face Portugal at the Azteca Stadium on Saturday. But will the match determine once and for all which is the greatest nation on earth?
You might be wondering what in the world we're talking about.
This will be the sixth official international between Mexico and Portugal. El Tri are yet to taste victory, having lost at the 2006 World Cup, the 2017 Confederations Cup and in a friendly encounter in between. There have also been a couple of draws.
But for some, the most iconic encounter between the two nations happened in 1997 and didn't actually happen at all. It took place in the United States. Just don't ask anyone which state, because no one knows.
In 'The Cartridge Family', episode six of season nine of The Simpsons, Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie are in their familiar position in front of the living-room television at 742 Evergreen Terrance.
Not for the first time — see their ill-fated trip to Itchy and Scratchy Land — a bombastic advertisement on the TV set has caught the family's attention. International soccer is coming to Springfield.
"It's all here: fast kickin', low scorin'... and ties? You bet!" howls our narrator, before telling viewers that Mexico and Portugal will settle the argument, once and for all, over who is the greatest nation on earth.
Homer doesn't need too much persuasion to part with hard-earned wages from the nuclear power plant, and the five of them, along with most of the rest of town, head to Springfield Stadium for Mexico vs. Portugal, which has bagged the slot the night before "Monsters of Poetry".
Excitement is at fever pitch, until the action — in the loosest possible sense — begins. Mexico pass the ball around in midfield and "hooooold it" in front of their static opponents. The crowd become restless and a riot ensues because people are trying to rush out of the stadium all at the same time. Moments later, large chunks of Springfield are up in flames. I guess we should be grateful that Moe and Barney weren't watching Arsenal trying to bait the Manchester City press during last weekend's Carabao Cup final.
This is simply a tee-up for an episode that skewers American gun culture in acerbic fashion (unconvinced by the extortionate price of "Ex-Con Home Security", Homer sets out to buy a gun to protect his family from any future riots). But in 1997, MLS attendances were tumbling in the fading afterglow of the 1994 World Cup as soccer scrambled to get a foothold in the mainstream American sports scene. As such, the sport was ripe for the Simpsons writers' room to get stuck in.
But if you're in the fairly large middle of the Venn diagram for Simpsons aficionados and soccer fans, then the sight of Mexico and Portugal squaring off will only make you smile.
Why Pele is the 'King of the Soccer Field'?
Pele is arguably the greatest soccer player of all time. In 1997, pre-Messi and Ronaldo, he had an even stronger case. But that didn't put him above some playful Simpsons joshing.
In his post-career, Pele became a prolific ambassador for numerous commercial brands, from MasterCard to Viagra.
In 'The Cartridge Family', he is introduced onto the field before kickoff at Springfield Stadium and addresses the crowd.
"Pele is king of the soccer field," he begins, before getting to the matter at hand. "To be king of your kitchen, use Crestfield wax paper." Pele is then handed a sack of cash and he walks off to let the ill-fated game begin.
Although The Simpsons boasts a huge array of special guest stars over its 37 years on the air, perhaps unsurprisingly, Pele did not lend his voice to this moment. Regular cast member Hank Azaria did the honours.
FORT WORTH, TX — Louisville women’s basketball took the necessary steps to get back to being one of the best teams in the ACC. It was rewarded with a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament and an appearance in the Sweet 16 before falling to second-seeded Michigan on Saturday at Dickies Arena.
Despite starting off the season with a 13-point loss to UConn, the third-seeded Cardinals were one of the best teams in the country for much of the year, ranking as high as sixth in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll during the last month of the regular season. Their 14-game winning streak was highlighted by victories over Tennessee, N.C. State and Notre Dame on the road. While they struggled some at home, the Cards went undefeated in road games for the first time in program history.
It was a result of the Cardinals improving in every statistical category with the help of a strong sophomore class. Including redshirt freshmen Rebekah Graves and Isla Juffermans (who redshirted this season), seven of the 13 currently-rostered Cardinals are second-year players (three are true freshmen).
Taj Roberts took on a bigger role in learning the point guard position and combined efforts with ACC Sixth Player of the Year Imari Berry as two of the team’s top scorers entering this weekend. With the two sophomores averaging 11.6 and 11.0 points, respectively, Louisville increased its scoring from 71.8 points per game with a +4.3-point scoring margin last year to a program-record 79.4 points per outing to complement a +18.7-point margin. In addition to scoring more, the Cardinals were more efficient offensively, shooting 46% from the floor (42.6% last year) prior to Saturday.
“I would say everybody being coachable with coach (Jeff) Walz and just listening to what advice he has to say and doing what he says,” Berry said of the difference between this year and last. “I feel like last year we didn't really do that, but this year I feel like we really demanded that with the people that were coming in.”
Louisville also cut down on turnovers, going from 15.5 per game a year ago to 13.2 entering Saturday, and was significantly better at rebounding (36.4 in 2024-25 to 41.1 in 2025-26) thanks to a deep frontcourt. Elif Istanbulluoglu took a major step in her development as a junior, using her experience with the Turkish national team during the summer to help her become a more dominating presence in the post. The forward tripled her scoring average (9.8 points entering Saturday) and nearly tripled her rebounding average (5.1 rebounds), earning her almost 14 more minutes per game (26.4) as a first-time starter.
Istanbulluoglu joined forces in the post with Laura Ziegler, who was one of three transfer portal players for the Cardinals this season. Ziegler came from Saint Joseph’s and, a month into the regular season, moved into a point-forward role for the squad. After playing point guard at the beginning of her basketball career, she was open to the change and relied on that experience to help her. Using Ziegler to bring up the ball freed a guard and allowed the Cardinals to spread their offense more. She entered the Sweet 16 second on the team in assists in addition to being the team’s leading rebounder and second-leading scorer with 11.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.
Louisville rebounded from a regular season-ending home loss to Notre Dame by making the ACC Tournament championship game for the first time since 2023. The Cardinals fell to Duke in overtime but put together a strong enough resume to earn the No. 3 seed and home-court advantage in the NCAA Tournament. They capitalized on the opportunity but couldn't go further, falling to the Wolverines in the third round.
Although he declined to specify who, Walz said prior to the NCAA Tournament he had already re-signed five players, with one yet to sign at the time but verbally committing to return.
“A lot of kids are going to go out for a money grab, and that's fine, but I've watched some go and get paid well, and their team sucks,” Walz said. “... I've got players that, we're doing as well as we can. We're compensating and taking care of them, but they also know they're getting a great experience and having a chance to not only prepare to win here but win in the future for their opportunity to hopefully play professionally, if it's in the WNBA, if it's overseas, because they're playing against really good players every single day.”
UofL also has three players in its 2026 recruiting class — four-star guards Ariyana Cradle and Myah Epps, the respective Nos. 34 and 68 players in the SportsCenter Next 100 for the Class of 2026, as well as Turkish forward Ayse Melek Demirer. The Cardinals will have a chance to replace Ziegler and guard Reyna Scott, the team’s lone seniors, when the transfer portal opens on April 7.
Reach Louisville football, women's basketball and baseball beat writer Alexis Cubit at acubit@gannett.com and follow her on X at @Alexis_Cubit.
😳 Mauritania's players battle over Messi and De Paul's shirts!
The Argentina-Mauritania match has left no one indifferent. Because of the 'Dibu' comments, the criticism of the match, and the image of the Mauritania players.
'Dibu' Martínez was very critical of Argentina’s performance and publicly hinted that it was a good thing they did not play against Spain.
This sparked debate over the AFA’s decision to choose Mauritania as an opponent, something many people inside and outside the national team have not liked.
But in addition, the other image from the 'post-match' came when the Argentine players’ shirts were handed out to the Mauritania players, who even argued over Messi’s and De Paul’s.
Mar. 28—Fairmont got off to a hot start in its baseball season opener, taking down the Ohio High School Baseball Coaches Association preseason poll's top-ranked team Massillon Jackson in a 3-1 final on Friday.
Skyler Slifer, Brayden Feltner and Owen Wolgemuth each contributed for the Birds in the win.
Baseball
Beavercreek 2, Fort Payne (AL) 1: 'Creek split a doubleheader to open the season, picking up a win against the 12th ranked team in Alabama but falling to 7-6 to Siegel (TN).
Arcanum 4, Versailles 1: Regan Christ swatted a two-run double and also earned the win on the mound, striking out seven over five innings in the season opener for Arcanum.
St. Henry 5, Covington 0: Max Delzeith struck out seven in a one-hitter to open the season with a victory.
Softball
Talawanda 11, Ursuline Academy 0: Maddy Cox went 3-for-3 with a double and two RBI to lead Talawanda.
Arcanum 19, Brookville 15: Jordyn Garbig blasted a walk-off grand slam to lead Arcanum to its first win of the season.
Greeneview 19, East Clinton 4: G: Burkett 2-5 3 RBI, Christian 3-5 2 2B 3 RBI, B. Sutton 2-3 2 2B 2 RBI.
Hamilton 18, Colerain 0: H: Eversole 1-2 HR 3 RBI, Thieken 2-2 HR 4 RBI, Schappacher W 10 K.
Houston 6, Sidney 5
Kankakee (IN) 7, Mason 4
Lakota East 5, Springboro 1: LE: Crawford W 10 K, RBI.
Lebanon 3, Milford 0
Lima Bath 6, Coldwater 5
London 14, Bishop Watterson 1
Loveland 14, Fairfield 11
Middletown 20, Dayton Christian 5
McAuley 10, Princeton 9
Reading 18, Cin. Christian 8
Ross 5, Taylor 0: R: Alvis 2-3 3B RBI, Gorsuch 2-3 RBI, Baker W 10 K.
Southeastern 8, Benjamin Logan 1: BL: Harner 2-3 RBI.
Springfield Shawnee 6, Tri-Village 1: SS: Hannan W 4 K, Beach 4-4 2 2B RBI, Plummer 2-4 HR 3 RBI.
St. Marys 20, Fort Recovery 2
Stebbins 4, Miamisburg 3: S: Neria 1-3 2 RBI, Spencer 1-2 RBI, Rinehart W 12 K.
Stivers 35, Northridge 23
Versailles 19, Milton-Union 9
West Clermont 9, Sycamore 3
West Liberty-Salem 10, Jackson Center 3
Boys Tennis
Friday's Results
St. Marys 5, Lehman Catholic 0
Wapakoneta 3, Piqua 2
Boys Volleyball
Thursday's Results
Beavercreek 3, Northmont 0
Fenwick 3, Carroll 0
Lebanon 3, West Clermont 0
Milford 3, Middletown 2
Thurgood 3, Dunbar 1
Boys Lacrosse
Friday's Results
Fenwick 15, Chaminade Julienne 1
Thursday's Results
Beavercreek 13, Hilliard Darby 5
Girls Lacrosse
Thursday's Results
Mason 15, Lakota East 11
Milford 14, Lebanon 10
REPORTING RESULTS
Contact Dayton Daily News, Springfield News-Sun and Journal-News with scores and results as soon as possible after varsity high school athletic contests by email only at COPSports@coxincn.com. Please include any details from your contest that you would like published along with a contact name and phone number.
FORT WORTH, TX — Returning to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 was a strong indicator of Louisville women’s basketball being on par to continue getting better next season. Prior to the first round of the tournament, head coach Jeff Walz said the team had already secured five of its players, declining to say who, and had the verbal commitment of another as the team improved from 22 wins in 2024-25 to 29 in 2025-26.
A program-first 11-0 ACC start; a 14-game winning streak; an undefeated road record, the first in program history; and an ACC Tournament championship game appearance highlighted Louisville’s season. The third-seeded Cardinals used their regular-season success to earn a host seed in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2022.
Much like this year, the Cardinals stand to benefit from the continuity heading into next season, with almost half of the team being sophomores.
“I think it's been amazing to see how they're buying in to building the brand of Louisville, understanding all the people that come in front of them and before them,” senior forward Laura Ziegler said. “And then wanting to live up (to) their own legacy and build their own legacy, but they're a really good group. I'm really happy that I got to play with them for one year.”
Here’s a quick look at where Louisville’s roster currently stands for the 2026-27 season.
Prior to the NCAA Tournament, Walz announced that junior guard Skylar Jones was no longer with the program. In addition to Jones, the Cardinals are losing guard Reyna Scott and forward Laura Ziegler, an All-ACC first-team selection, to graduation. Scott, who made seven starts, entered the Sweet 16 contest averaging 8.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game, while Ziegler had contributed 11.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per outing.
UofL looks to return four of its five starters, as well as ACC Sixth Player of the Year Imari Berry. Taj Roberts, Elif Istanbulluoglu (the lone junior on the team) and Berry are the top three returning scorers while Mackenly Randolph, Istanbulluoglu and Berry are the team’s top three returning rebounders. Despite losing Ziegler in the frontcourt, freshman Grace Mbugua will be expected to take on a bigger role, and Isla Juffermans, a second-year player, will be expected to return after redshirting this year.
Louisville signed three players from the Class of 2026, two of which are among the SportsCenter Next 100. Four-star guards Ariyana "Peanut" Cradle and Myah Epps — who was recently injured in a car accident — are ranked 38th and 68th, respectively. Epps, who’s listed at 5-foot-10, averaged 14 points while shooting 52% from the field, 4.1 assists, 4 rebounds and 2.3 steals as a senior, ending her prep career with 1,560 points and 445 assists and earning a spot on Indiana’s All Star team. After averaging 18.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.0 steals and 2.6 assists as a junior for Westerville South High School in Ohio, the 5-10 Cradle attended SPIRE Academy for her senior season.
Louisville will also be adding another international player in 6-4 forward Ayse Melek Demirer, who’s from Turkey. She averaged 15.4 points, 17.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game for Turkey’s FIBA U16 Women’s EuroBasket Division B team in August.
The Cardinals can also add veteran players once the transfer portal opens on April 6.
Reach Louisville football, women's basketball and baseball beat writer Alexis Cubit at acubit@gannett.com and follow her on X at @Alexis_Cubit.
Atlanta Falcons fans have spent years begging for a new set of uniforms, and they will finally get their wish next week when the team officially unveils its upgraded design for the 2026 NFL season on April 2.
The Falcons have worn their current uniforms for the last six seasons, but the fans never seemed to embrace the look. In fact, Atlanta's red gradient variation was so unpopular that the team decided to ditch them before the 2023 season.
It has been eight years since the Falcons last made the playoffs. While the front office is working hard to end that postseason drought, Atlanta seems to be listening to its fan base for the first time in years.
Aside from getting new uniforms, the team hired Matt Ryan as the president of football, which fans have been highly supportive of.
Falcons' new uniforms come out April 2 (teaser trailer below)
While Atlanta's new uniforms officially come out on April 2, the fans have grown tired of waiting. There have been a few leaked uniform designs floating around on social media.
The NFL's unofficial uniforms insider, Zach Cohen, claims to have seen the actual uniform design. Cohen teamed up with artist "The Graphic God" to create some mockups. Watch Cohen's full breakdown of the team's new uniform scheme below.
Falcons' new uniforms leaked?
EXCLUSIVE: I’ve seen & verified the new red Atlanta Falcons jersey 🚨
So I collabed with the supremely talented @TheGraphicGod_ to mockup the details for you to see
Other details: - Confirmed no new logo - Sources tell me it’ll be a black primary helmet w/ black facemask
So to recap, the Falcons will officially reveal their new uniforms on Thursday, April 2. Make sure to check back to see the upgraded design for the 2026 NFL season.
FORT WORTH, TX — The Louisville women's basketball bench seemed to be a stark contrast from the players on the court.
The sideline yelled, cheered and gave instructions. It projected an energy level that, unfortunately for the Cards (29-8), didn't translate to the floor. Third-seeded Louisville's lethargic play led to a 71-52 Sweet 16 loss to second-seeded Michigan (28-6) on Saturday at Dickies Arena.
Despite going up by as many as 11 points in the first half, Louisville faded. The longer the game went, the bigger Michigan's lead grew, resulting in the Cards' lowest-scoring performance of the season as the offense committed 17 turnovers. They found a small spark in the final minutes of the game as head coach Jeff Walz called for tempo. But it wasn't enough to stop their season from ending.
Here are three takeaways from the Cardinals’ Elite Eight loss to Michigan:
Even on the road and in the postseason, Louisville couldn’t avoid its habit of having one bad quarter — the second period, in particular. The trend continued against Michigan, as the Cardinals saw their 11-point lead (25-14) midway through the frame become a five-point deficit just six minutes later.
UofL had three turnovers and only one made field goal in the final six minutes of the frame. Michigan capitalized with a 16-0 run. The Wolverines took their first lead of the day, 28-25, at the 1:59 mark on a 3-point play.
Michigan outscored Louisville, 23-12, in the second quarter to pocket the 32-27 halftime advantage.
Forward Elif Istanbulluoglu was UofL’s spark to start the Sweet 16 contest, totaling 18 points and seven rebounds. She scored the Cardinals’ first five points, then picked off a Michigan pass, which Imari Berry converted to give the team a 7-0 early lead.
Istanbulluoglu snapped the Cardinals’ second-quarter scoring drought, then opened the third quarter by forcing a turnover, notching a 3-point play and drawing a foul. Her efforts helped the Cardinals regain the lead, which eventually came via a 4-0 run from Mackenly Randolph to make it 38-37 before the Wolverines took control.
Michigan killed Louisville on effort plays. Any time the ball came off the rim, the Wolverines were all over it. They kept the Cardinals off the boards and outreboundeded them 41-33. Although both teams had eight offensive rebounds heading into the fourth quarter, the difference was that Michigan had 10 second-chance points to Louisville's five. That allowed the Wolverines to shoot 51% from the field after the first three quarters and build their largest lead of the day to that point at 57-40.
Reach Louisville football, women's basketball and baseball beat writer Alexis Cubit at acubit@gannett.com and follow her on X at @Alexis_Cubit.
Senegal's players performed a lap of honour with the Africa Cup of Nations trophy (JULIEN DE ROSA)
Senegal on Saturday paraded the Africa Cup of Nations trophy they have been ordered to return before beating Peru 2-0 in a friendly at the Stade de France in Paris.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on March 17 reversed Senegal's 1-0 final victory over Morocco in Rabat on January 18 and awarded a 3-0 victory to the hosts.
On Saturday, in front of a crowd dominated by their supporters, Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly and his teammates came onto the pitch with the AFCON trophy for a lap of honour after a pre-match concert by Senegalese superstar Youssou N'Dour.
Koulibaly and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy went up to the stadium's presidential box to place the trophy there in front of Abdoulaye Fall, the president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), among others.
Senegal played in shirts with two stars: one for their first African title in 2021 and the second one for their disputed January victory.
While the squad was almost identical to the one that played in Morocco, Senegal rested Koulibaly, Mendy, Sadio Mane and Iliman Ndiaye, who were not even on the bench.
They still outplayed a modest Peru team. Nicolas Jackson scored in the first half and Ismaila Sarr in the second.
In January, the AFCON final descended into chaos when Senegal players walked off in protest after the hosts were awarded a penalty late in second-half stoppage time.
The players were coaxed back onto the pitch by captain Mane. After Morocco's Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, Pape Gueye scored in extra time to gave Senegal a 1-0 victory.
CAF ruled that Senegal's players had broken the rules by leaving the field without the referee's permission.
The FSF lodged an appeal against the CAF decision with the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Wednesday and has not given up on keeping the title.
Before the game, nearly 200 Senegal supporters gathered in front of the nearby Basilica of Saint-Denis before making their way to the Stade de France to the sound of traditional drums and percussion.
Bally Bagayoko, the new-elected mayor of Saint-Denis, briefly joined the procession.
"Welcome to Saint-Denis," said the mayor. "I wanted to thank everyone who organised this wonderful initiative.
"You are the pride of the residents of working-class neighbourhoods. We have often been discriminated against, often looked down upon.
"You are showing that you are capable, at such an important moment, of coming together. Today, Africa is united. Everyone behind Senegal."
The friendly against Peru was the Lions of Teranga's first match since the Rabat final.
They are preparing for the World Cup where they are in a strong group with France, Norway and either Iraq or Peru's neighbours Bolivia.
Peru finished ninth in the ten-team South American group and did not qualify for the summer's finals in Mexico, Canada and the United States.
The much-anticipated Sweet 16 has officially arrived in the thrilling landscape of the 2026 women's NCAA Tournament, setting the stage for an exhilarating weekend filled with high-stakes basketball action. This year's tournament is unfolding in Fort Worth and Sacramento, for what promises to be a dramatic showcase of talent and determination.
By the time Monday night rolls around, only four teams will remain in the hunt for the championship title, making every moment on the court crucial. Among these contenders, all four No. 1 seeds—UConn, UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina—have successfully battled their way to this round, showcasing their skill and resilience throughout the earlier rounds of competition.
Each of these powerhouse programs enters its Sweet 16 matchups not just as favorites but as double-digit odds-on champions, reflecting their dominance in both regular-season play and previous tournament performances. As they face off against determined opponents, expect nail-biting moments filled with breathtaking plays and strategic maneuvers that highlight why this is called "March Madness." The stakes are incredibly high, and with each passing game, the dreams of glory inch closer for those who rise to the occasion. For Kenny Brooks and his ball club, they look to remain in the hunt, but first, they will have to take down No. 1 Texas.
— Kentucky Women’s Basketball (@KentuckyWBB) March 27, 2026
A Battle Against the Odds
Kentucky's journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. After edging out West Virginia with a nail-biting victory, Tonie Morgan reflected on the unpredictability of March: "You can never get too comfortable no matter how much you’re up. It’s March." This sentiment resonates deeply as they prepare to challenge No. 1 Texas.
As underdogs according to analytics, ESPN’s predictor gives Texas an impressive 86% chance of winning compared to Kentucky’s meager 14%. Las Vegas has also placed heavy odds against them, making Texas a -14.5 point favorite.
This marks Kentucky's second consecutive appearance in the NCAA Championship under head coach Kenny Brooks and their seventh time reaching the Sweet 16 overall. With victories over James Madison and West Virginia last weekend, they improved their all-time record in the championship to an impressive 25-18.
Kentucky has faced tough competition before; they previously reached this stage in years like 1982, 2010, and more recently from 2012 through 2016.Brooks himself boasts significant experience with his twelfth NCAA Championship appearance this year—his sixth straight—and he has successfully led three programs into March Madness.
The Rematch Factor
Kentucky and Texas have already met earlier this season on February 9th at Moody Center in Austin, where UK fell short with a score of 64-53 despite narrowing the gap late in the game. That performance showcased Kentucky's defensive capabilities as they held Texas well below its average scoring output while narrowly outrebounding it.
As these two teams prepare for their rematch today at Dickies Arena, history favors Texas—they lead the all-time series against Kentucky with an unblemished record of 4-0.
Key Players to Watch
One crucial aspect for Kentucky will be Clara Strack’s performance against a powerful Longhorns offense that excels near the basket but rarely relies on three-pointers. Standing tall at six-foot-five with an impressive shot-blocking ability—91 blocks this season—Strack will be pivotal for slowing down UT's inside game.
Texas coach Vic Schaefer on Clara Strackm: "Strack has just continued to develop and get better and better," Schaefer said. "Kenny has done a great job with her. From a matchup perspective, it's a real challenge. She's so long, like you better put a butt on her because she's a great rebounder. She has that nose for where the ball is coming off from."
Additionally, Morgan shines as one of the nation’s premier point guards; she leads collegiate basketball with total assists (279) and ranks second in assists per game (7.97). Her ability to orchestrate plays could prove vital for the UK's success today.
Moreover, both Amelia Hassett and Aisa Boone represent a historic achievement for SEC basketball by each surpassing over ninety three-pointers this season—a testament to their shooting prowess, known collectively as "the Splash Cats."
The Path Forward
For Kentucky to secure an upset over Texas today at tip-off scheduled for 2 PM ET, disciplined execution will be essential alongside effective defense that capitalizes on any opportunities presented by UT's offensive strategy.
Simply put, it will start with Strack and Kentucky making sure they rein in a Texas offense that thrives in the paint and isn’t particularly fond of long-range shooting. Throughout their 36-game journey this season, the Longhorns have only faced defeat in the paint battle six times. The key in slowing down the horns starts with limiting their strengths of inside play, along with any opportunity for rebounds and outside shots, along with scoring opportunities close to the basket
With momentum from recent tournament play combined with individual talents like Morgan and Strack leading the charge, Kentucky aims not just to compete but potentially to write another chapter into their storied program history by advancing past this round into Monday’s Elite Eight showdown.
Fans can catch all the action live on ABC, featuring Ryan Ruocco calling play-by-play alongside analyst Rebecca Lobo and reporter Holly Rowe providing insights throughout what promises to be an electrifying encounter between two fierce competitors!
Brad Rowland: Hawks injury report for tonight against Sacramento: Dyson Daniels (left great toe sprain) is questionable. Jock Landale (right shoulder impingement) is questionable. Jonathan Kuminga (left knee injury management) is out. Onyeka Okongwu (left index finger sprain) is out.
This afternoon, the Athletics will look to rebound from yesterday’s back-breaking loss and nab their first win of the 2026 season in game two of the team’s inaugural series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Shea Langeliers’ two home runs and starting pitcher Luis Severino’s five solid innings pitched was not enough to prevent the team from losing its opening game. After Langeliers’ second home run of the game, a game-tying blast in the top of the ninth inning off of Toronto’s closer Jeff Hoffman, the Blue Jays instantly responded. The hosts recorded three straight two-out hits in the bottom of the ninth off A’s reliever Justin Sterner for the walk-off victory, sending their fans home happy.
Left-hander Jeffrey Springs will take the mound today for the A’s. Springs turned in a decent season last year, his first with the A’s following four years with the Tampa Bay Rays. Over 32 games, 30 of those starts, Springs went 11-11 with a 4.11 ERA, striking out 138 hitters in 171 innings pitched. The veteran lefty struggled the first month of his A’s tenure before posting a 3.72 ERA from May till the end of the season, a number that the A’s would be more than happy to see replicated this year. One cause for alarm is that Springs struggled this spring, pitching to a 6.28 ERA in the Cactus League. As a result, his first start today will be worth watching to see if that was just an aberration due to preseason games meaning nothing. To contend this season, the A’s need Springs and Severino to pitch well and give the team a chance to win every time they are on the mound.
Springs will go up against 30-year-old right hander Dylan Cease, who will be making his much-anticipated Blue Jays debut. Having signed a seven-year, $210 million contract with the team in free agency, Toronto is counting on Cease pitching like the top-of-the rotation arm he can be as the team aims for a return to the World Series. Last year, with the San Diego Padres, Cease went 8-12 with a 4.55 ERA, striking out 215 batters in 168 innings pitched.
Cease will face this A’s lineup this afternoon at the Rogers Centre:
The A’s lineup is nearly the same as yesterday, with Nick Kurtz once again in the leadoff spot. The only change is Carlos Cortes getting the start in right field instead of Lawrence Butler, a switch likely to give Butler rest following his recent return from knee surgery. Langeliers was the only A’s batter to record a hit yesterday. Hopefully more of his teammates can join him in the hit column today!
Springs will go up against this Blue Jays lineup today:
A’s pitchers did a good job neutralizing Blue Jays superstars George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. last night. Kazuma Okamoto was one of the Blue Jays who stepped up instead, recording two hits and scoring the game-winning run in the Japanese third baseman’s MLB debut.
Who will be on the pole for the NASCAR race tomorrow? Denny Hamlin topped the NASCAR Cup Series qualifying results on Saturday at Martinsville with an outstanding showing. Behind him is a field of some surprises, including Shane van Gisbergen and Josh Berry near the front.
Let’s dive into the Cook Out 400 starting lineup for tomorrow. We’ll lead off immediately with the NASCAR Cup Series qualifying results at Martinsville followed by the Cook Out 400 starting grid.
However, even though the Reds' attack will be one of their main transfer focuses this summer, their defence is also going to be in need of some TLC, especially since Ibrahima Konate's future is still undecided.
As mentioned, many defenders have been linked with Anfield switches over the last couple of months but, since they've already signed Jeremy Jacquet, it seems like they're taking their time before making another move.
This may seem a tad scary to fans but, in reality, it may have just saved them from wasting £60 million.
Nico Schlotterbeck put on a 'shaky' performance for Germany on Friday
As per a report from Sport Bild, it was clear that he failed to impress with the German outfit giving him their lowest rating possible (5).
"Nico Schlotterbeck (26) looked shaky. BILD rating: 5. Nagelsmann (38) had publicly expressed his confidence in Schlotterbeck and Tah on Thursday," they wrote.
"As a result, Real Madrid star Antonio Rüdiger (33) is on the bench. Ironically, it was Schlotterbeck who conceded the early goal.
"Another build-up error by Schlotterbeck (41st minute). Then Widmer crosses from the right and Embolo powerfully beats Tah in the middle.
"Baum has no chance against the header. 1-2! The Swiss score again almost immediately. Rieder hits the crossbar (43rd minute)."
Liverpool must figure out what is happening with Ibrahima Konate
Although it's clear that Liverpool need some new defenders this season, the fact that Konate's future hasn't been decided yet is far from ideal.
The Frenchman has been dragging fans along since the end of last term with this saga echoing that of Trent Alexander-Arnold's.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are the two teams most interested in the centre-back and, with both of them more or less guaranteed Champions League football, the Reds have a lot of work to do.
They're five points adrift of the top four spots and, since Schlotterbeck is seemingly unreliable, it's clear that he's not a great option for Liverpool to explore.
If Konate stays, Liverpool will probably only need one centre-back, especially since Giovanni Leoni will be like a new signing.
However, if the Frenchman leaves, they'll need at least two.
Despite this, spending around £60 million on Schlotterbeck seems like a massive risk at the moment, especially since he put in a shaky performance against Switzerland.
🧐 Nearly 100 appearances, this star has never gone the distance
Dortmund’s Carney Chukwuemeka celebrated a dream debut for the Austrian national team yesterday. He came on in the second half and promptly scored his first goal.
At BVB, too, everyone surely agrees that the 22-year-old is an outstanding footballer.
What sets him apart from many other players, however, is this: he is probably more familiar than almost anyone else with the procedure surrounding substitutions and being taken off.
Although he made his professional debut for Premier League club Aston Villa five years ago and has since made 97 competitive appearances, he has never once played a full match.
He has come on as a substitute 79 times, and started 18 times — but was taken off every single time.
He came closest to completing a full match on two occasions: both times, the dream of 90 minutes ended in the 82nd minute, and he had to make way once again.
Chukwuemeka has been playing for Borussia Dortmund since 2024 and has made 49 appearances there — but still without a single full match over the entire distance.
At least there’s still a little time before he reaches the 100-game mark. Maybe by then, he’ll finally get a full 90 minutes.
🚨 BREAKING: USMNT and Belgium name XIs for World Cup warm up
The US Men's National Team is just months away from once again hosting the World Cup, and a stern test against Rudi Garcia's Belgium awaits them at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Mauricio Pochettino's Stars & Stripes, who boast more players at Champions League-level clubs than any other point in program history, are on a strong run of form dating back to September, logging four wins and a draw, which includes wins over Japan and Uruguay.
As for De Rode Duivels, an undefeated run of their own across the second half of 2025, which included doing the double over Wales in World Cup qualifying, should give Garcia plenty of confidence in The ATL.
Here's how the two sides will line up...
Can the United States throw down the gauntlet before even more difficult fixtures to come against Portugal, Senegal, and Germany, or will Belgium prove to be a bridge too far?
🎥 Alessia Russo hits stunning NLD first-half hat-trick for Arsenal 👏
Alessia Russo has hit form at exactly the right time of the season as Arsenal look to retain their Champions League title as well as lift the FA Cup.
However, today it's all about the Women's Super League and the battle for North London bragging rights. Safe to say she got the memo.
Following on from goals in the FA Cup win over West Ham and the big 3-1 Champions League win over Chelsea, the England striker has netted a stunning first-half hat-trick against Spurs at the Emirates Stadium.
In fact, it took her just 27 minutes, with her first two goals coming in the space of two minutes very early on.
Check those two out below!
It makes it 19 for the season for Russo, just one off her best tally for the Gunners, and there's still another 45 minutes to go today!
This could have been a matchup of two of the best young stars in the NBA. Instead, both the Detroit Pistons and the Minnesota Timberwolves are having their depth tested with Cade Cunningham and Anthony Edwards sidelined.
My Pistons vs. Timberwolves predictions and NBA picks see value in those injury absences on Saturday, March 28, with Naz Reid stepping up to fill the void.
Don't miss tip-off at 5:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Pistons vs Timberwolves prediction
Pistons vs Timberwolves best bet: Naz Reid Over 14.5 points (-120)
It would be understandable to accuse me of suggesting this bet as a reaction to Scott Foster’s egregious ejection of Naz Reid in overtime in Wednesday’s utterly chaotic Minnesota Timberwolves win against the Rockets. Foster’s idiocy and the subsequent $50,000 fine levied on Reid do not hurt the motivation here, but the logic is actually much more tangible.
Jaden McDaniels has been ruled out for this matchup against the Detroit Pistons. Without McDaniels and Edwards around, more of the Timberwolves’ offense will run through Reid.
Yes, that is also true of Ayo Dosunmu, but with a tender calf, he may not be as frenetic in transition, and that could suddenly worry his points prop of 16.5 (with the Over juiced to -120 at bet365).
Reid, however, should see some minutes at the three in McDaniels’s stead, and he should take those added minutes and turn them into transition buckets, offensive rebounds and open 3s.
As much as Dosunmu and Bones Hyland have gotten the headlines for Minnesota finding some gear in transition, Reid deserves even more credit. He has always been eager to push it. He was running the floor with the “Twin Turbos” guards as soon as they were on the Timberwolves’ roster.
With Daniss Jenkins now carrying an inordinate workload for the Pistons without Cunningham, a few more transition opportunities may be available. Jenkins has turned over the ball at least three times in three of his last four games, including six against Atlanta on Wednesday.
Pistons vs Timberwolves same-game parlay
These are all bets on quality players taking advantage of added minutes due to stars’ absences. With Cunningham sidelined due to a collapsed lung, second-year St. John’s product Daniss Jenkins has cleared this points prop in his last four games, averaging 22.5 points and 13.75 shot attempts per game.
Pistons vs Timberwolves SGP
Naz Reid Over 14.5 points
Naz Reid Over 6.5 rebounds
Daniss Jenkins Over 16.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: No Edwards, No Problem
On a night-to-night basis, the Timberwolves are not better without Anthony Edwards, but they are more consistent. It is not a total surprise that Minnesota has gone 4-1 against the spread with Edwards sidelined by knee inflammation, with four of those five games hitting their Unders.
Pistons vs Timberwolves SGP
Timberwolves -2
Under 223.5
Naz Reid Over 14.5 points
Pistons vs Timberwolves odds
Spread: Detroit -1.5 | Minnesota +1.5
Moneyline: Detroit -125 | Minnesota +105
Over/Under: Over 221 | Under 221
Pistons vs Timberwolves betting trend to know
The Timberwolves have not only gone 4-1 ATS without Edwards since March 17, they have also exceeded bookmakers’ expectations by an average of 10.3 points per game, even when including the sole ATS loss. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Timberwolves.
How to watch Pistons vs Timberwolves
Location
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Date
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Tip-off
5:30 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
Pistons vs Timberwolves latest injuries
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When the Magic head to Toronto on Sunday, Orlando understands there’s a lot at stake.
Not only will each and every of the final nine games of the regular season affect the race for the NBA playoffs, but Sunday’s matchup will also determine the winner of the three-game season series between the Eastern Conference foes.
That’s because the Raptors won the first meeting of the season at Scotiabank Arena on Dec. 29 by overcoming a 21-point deficit and the Magic punched back with a 10-point win roughly a month later at Kia Center.
If Orlando and Toronto end the regular season with the same record — the No. 9 Magic (39-34) entered Saturday’s slate of games only two games back of the No. 5 Raptors (41-32) — the winner of Sunday’s game will own the head-to-head tiebreaker in the standings.
It’s the type of advantage that could potentially serve as the difference maker between securing a guaranteed playoff spot as a top-six seed in the East or falling down into the Play-In Tournament. Seeds 7-10 in each conference compete in the Play-In for the Nos. 7 and 8 seeds in the playoffs.
Bottom line, Sunday matters. A lot.
“It’s a monumental game,” Magic guard Desmond Bane said. “Two teams fighting for playoff seeding on the road — I’m excited for the challenge.”
Added Magic coach Jamahl Mosley: “You’ve got to find a way. You’ve definitely got to find a way in that situation.”
That challenge includes Toronto’s top three scorers in Brandon Ingram (21.4 points), RJ Barrett (18.9) and Montverde Academy grad Scottie Barnes (18.5), who’ve helped the Raptors lead the league in fastbreak scoring this season (18.5 fastbreak points per night topped NBA.com entering Saturday).
Another area on offense where the Raptors have success comes in the paint, which could cause problems for Orlando’s defense.
Toronto scores 45.7% of its nightly points in the paint (a percentage that’s fifth-most in the league) and they average 52.1 paint points per contest, which ranks tied-sixth league-wide.
Allowing 50.9 points in the paint per game, Orlando’s defense ranks 17th in opponent paint scoring and 18th in opponent fastbreak scoring (15.4 fastbreak points allowed per night).
Still, much like Magic, the Raptors have gone on a bumpy ride since the NBA All-Star break.
Toronto is 9-9 in their 18 games since the league break, while Orlando is 11-9 after it snapped a six-game losing streak against the Kings on Thursday. The Raptors, who took down the Pelicans on Friday, are 2-3 in their past five games with losses against the Nuggets, Suns and Clippers in that stretch.
The Magic will still be without Franz Wagner (left high ankle sprain injury management), Anthony Black (left lateral abdominal strain) and Jonathan Isaac (left knee sprain) on the road again.
“We’re in a tight race, and we’ve put ourselves into a tough position losing six in a row,” Magic forward Paolo Banchero said. “So, we’ve got to dig ourselves out of it. We don’t want to be in the Play-In but that’s where we’re at right now.
“So, we’ve got to find a way to get out of there and get some momentum going into the playoffs,” he added. “We’ve got nine games left to do that, and we’ve just got to be on our Ps and Qs every night.”
Bangladesh has denied reports claiming that the ban on the broadcast of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been lifted, with the country's ministry of information and broadcasting stating that the earlier decision to suspend telecast remains in place.
In a statement issued on Saturday and reported by Bangladesh news outlet Daily Star, the Bangladesh broadcasting ministry said the previous government’s order is still effective. It added that it has sought the opinion of the ministry of youth and sports, with a letter sent on March 25, 2026, and any further decision will depend on that response.
Earlier in the day, reports had suggested that the Bangladesh government had lifted the restriction, citing comments by information and broadcast minister Zahir Uddin Swapan in an interview with Deutsche Welle.
“No one applied to us to telecast the IPL. We don't want to mix politics with sport. We will look at it from a commercial perspective, and if any channel applies to telecast the IPL, we will consider it positively,” Swapan had told Deutche Welle.
Following these reports, the ministry issued a clarification.
"The news titled 'Govt lift bar on IPL telecast in Bangladesh' published in The Daily Star and similar reports in other media outlets regarding the withdrawal of the ban on IPL broadcast in Bangladesh have come to our attention."
“The previous government’s decision to suspend IPL telecast remains in effect. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has sent a letter seeking opinions and recommendations from the Ministry of Youth and Sports on this matter. Based on the opinion of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Information Ministry will take further steps," the statement said, as cited by Daily Star.
The restriction was introduced earlier after the Kolkata Knight Riders did not allow Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman to participate. In response, the Bangladesh interim government decided to stop the live broadcast of the IPL in Bangladesh.
On January 5, the interim government issued a directive to halt all live IPL broadcasts and related content until further notice.
After the general election on February 12, a new government took office.
The ministry said it has not yet received a response from the sports ministry and will take a decision after that.
IPL 2026 begins on Saturday with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad. Kolkata Knight Riders will start their campaign against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on March 29.
Quinn (6-1, 230) led Louisville in tackles each of the last three seasons and was an All-ACC pick in both 2023 and 2025. He finished his collegiate career with 289 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, three interceptions and nine pass breakups over 54 total games.
According to Pro Football Focus, Quinn produced 117 stops, or tackles creating a failure for the offense, over 2,167 career snaps. He also created 38 pressures, committed only three penalties and allowed a passer rating of 88.1 into his coverage. He did miss 40 tackles, or 13 percent of his tackle attempts. Quinn set career bests in run defense grade and coverage grade during the 2025 season.
Quinn is not ranked on the consensus big board and is likely to be a late-round option or priority free agent after the draft.
Want to know more about Quinn? The former Cardinal linebacker did a full interview with NFL Draft Diamonds here.
Packers Wire is tracking all of the team's 30 visits here.
The Cowboys are signing defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard to a one-year deal, the team announced on Saturday.
Bullard, 32, is a 10-year veteran, having entered the NFL as a third-round pick of the Bears in 2016.
He has also played for the Cardinals, Seahawks, Falcons, Vikings and Saints.
In 2025, Bullard appeared in 15 games for New Orleans, starting six, and tallied 26 tackles, four tackles for loss and two pass breakups.
With the addition of Bullard, the Cowboys have now added seven players on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. Bullard is the third addition on the defensive line, joining nose tackle Otito Ogbonnia and outside linebacker Rashan Gary.
New defensive coordinator Christian Parker is switching the team to a 3-4 base defense.
Bullard will reunite with his former defensive line coach, Marcus Dixon, who coached him with the Vikings in 2024. Bullard started all 17 games for Minnesota that season and posted 41 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three pass breakups and a sack.
Next Friday's 2026 WNBA expansion draft will send new players to the incoming Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire. The draft order is set, and existing WNBA teams can now protect up to five players ahead of time.
How will the draft work? In essence, the Fire will draft first and the Tempo will draft second in a snake-style draft, picking from the available pool of unprotected players.
The new teams can choose from any unprotected players on any WNBA roster but can only draft one impending free agent each. That means the Tempo and Fire will largely choose from players who are rostered on rookie deals or are restricted free agents or exclusive rights free agents.
Who will the various teams in the WNBA protect? We've gone through and predicted the five protections for each team ahead of next week's big expansion draft.
Atlanta Dream
Expected Protections: G Jordin Canada (UFA), G Allisha Gray (UFA), G Rhyne Howard (RFA), G Te-Hina Paopao (rostered), F Naz Hillmon (RFA)
The Dream can't afford to leave free agents like Gray and Canada available in the expansion draft, so they both get protections along with non-UFA keeps like Howard, Hillmon and Paopao.
Chicago Sky
Expected protections: C Kamilla Cardoso (rostered), F Angel Reese (rostered), G Hailey Van Lith (rostered), F Maddy Westbeld (rostered), G Sevgi Uzun (ERFA)
Chicago's protections aren't a shock; they keep all five of their non-unrestricted players around for 2026 (for now).
Connecticut Sun
Expected protections: G Marina Mabrey (UFA), F Aaliyah Edwards (rostered), F Aneesah Morrow (rostered), G Saniya Rivers (rostered), G Leila Lacan (rostered)
The Sun are an interesting team to watch. Whether or not they protect Mabrey will be the key, as we're just not sure if the team would prioritize making her exempt in the hope of signing her to an extension. Perhaps Connecticut would rather keep forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa and allow Mabrey to be unprotected.
Dallas Wings
Expected protections: G Arike Ogunbowale (UFA), G Paige Bueckers (rostered), F Maddy Siegrist (rostered), G Aziaha James (rostered), G JJ Quinerly (rostered)
Dallas could opt to leave Ogunbowale unprotected, making her a very intriguing pickup for either Portland or Toronto. However, we'll guess the Wings will protect her along with four of the team's brightest young players in Bueckers (duh), Siegrist, James and Quinerly. We'll guess they hold on to Ogunbowale just in case they want to work out an extension. However, don't be shocked if she's the biggest player available if unprotected by Dallas.
Expected protections: F Kayla Thornton (UFA), F Janelle Salaun (ERFA), C Iliana Rupert (ERFA), G Veronica Burton (RFA), G Carla Leite (rostered)
Golden State has no great options, as the 2025 expansion team may lose two key players just because they can only protect so many of their recent additions. Why the Valkyries weren't exempt from this process is a real question.
Indiana Fever
Expected protections: G Caitlin Clark (rostered), G Kelsey Mitchell (UFA), F Aliyah Boston (rostered), F Makayla Timpson (rostered), G Lexie Hull (RFA)
The Fever will, of course, protect its best players like Clark, Boston and Mitchell. Keeping Hull and Timpson around also makes a lot of sense as Indiana tries to build a contender. We imagine Indiana won't lose any of its pending free agents that aren't protected, either. Forward Chloe Bibby will be the team's biggest draw for an expansion team.
Las Vegas Aces
Expected protections: C A'ja Wilson (UFA), G Jackie Young (UFA), G Chelsea Gray (UFA), F NaLyssa Smith (rostered), G Dana Evans (rostered)
Here's one of your big splashes. The Aces can't keep everyone, and Wilson, Young and Gray are just too good together to split that trio up. Smith is a given to be kept after the team traded a first-round pick for her last year, too. We will take a risky guess here and bet that Vegas wants to keep Evans, its playoffs hero, in the fold for the long haul over veteran guard Jewel Lloyd, who only played a year with the Aces after her trade from the Seattle Storm.
Los Angeles Sparks
Expected protections: F Cameron Brink (rostered), F Rickea Jackson (rostered), G Kelsey Plum (UFA), F Dearica Hamby (UFA), F Rae Burrell (UFA)
The Sparks keeping Brink, Jackson, Plum and Hamby protected is no big shock. Leaving forward Azurá Stevens available to keep Burrell safe might surprise some. Burrell has a higher ceiling at this point in her career, and she should come at a lesser contract than Stevens after the latter's breakout season.
Minnesota Lynx
Expected protections: F Napheesa Collier (UFA), G Kayla McBride (UFA), G Courtney Williams (UFA), F Alanna Smith (UFA), F Jessica Shepard (UFA)
The first four of five protected are givens, but you could change out some of Minnesota's other vets with guard DiJonai Carrington here.
New York Liberty
Expected protections: G Sabrina Ionescu (UFA), G Natasha Cloud (UFA), F Jonquel Jones (UFA), F Breanna Stewart (UFA), F Leonie Fiebich (rostered)
The Liberty protect their best four players and the young Fiebich, who still has lots of potential.
Phoenix Mercury
Expected protections: G Kahleah Copper (UFA), F Satou Sabally (UFA), F Alyssa Thomas (UFA), G Monique Akoa-Makani (ERFA), F Lexi Held (ERFA)
The Mercury protect its most important pending free agents and two young players who we're guessing the team won't want to lose in Akoa-Makini and Held.
Seattle Storm
Expected protections: G Brittney Sykes (UFA), G Skylar Diggins-Smith (UFA), C Dominique Malonga (rostered), F Gabby Williams (UFA), F Nneka Ogwumike (UFA)
Seattle keeps its four best veterans and its rising star protected; no big surprises here.
Washington Mystics
Expected protections: G Jacy Sheldon (rostered), F Kiki Iriafen (rostered), G Sonia Citron (rostered), G Georgia Amoore (rostered), C Shakira Austin (RFA)
Washington has a lot of young talent it will want to keep protected, which means some of the other young players on the roster will be left unprotected.
Gavin Cattle's side saw a five-game winning run come to an end [Getty Images]
Cornish Pirates joint-head coach Gavin Cattle says his side struggled to make an impact as they lost 29-7 at home to high-flying Worcester Warriors.
The loss ended a five-game winning run for the Pirates, although they remain in fifth place in the Champ.
Pirates had Luke Ratcliff sin-binned after four minutes and second-placed Worcester took advantage as Siva Naulago went over.
Tries from Lloyd Williams and Tim Anstee put Worcester 17-0 up at the break before Obinna Nkwocha's bonus-point try two minutes into the second half.
Matty Ward pulled a try back soon after for the hosts before Worcester replacement Juan Gonzalez completed the scoring with 20 minutes left.
"You've got to credit Worcester, I thought they were excellent in and around the collision," Cattle told BBC Radio Cornwall.
"We couldn't really penetrate in that first half and then off the back are two turnovers through defensive pressure in fairness, one handling error from us, it just gave them the leg up we didn't need to give them.
"But when you've got that type of lead then you're always chasing the game."
He added: "We didn't give the best account of ourselves.
"I think physically we were there but I've got to hand it to Worcester, around that contact area they really took it up a level to what we've been used to the last four or five weeks."
Larne beat Cliftonville 2-0 on Saturday to move six points clear at the top of the Irish Premiership as nearest challengers Glentoran were held to a 1-1 draw by Linfield.
Goals from Matty Lusty and Andy Ryan kept the Invermen on course for a third league title in four years while at the Oval Matt Yates put the Blues ahead, with Aaron McEneff levelling from the penalty spot.
Third-placed Coleraine sit two points behind the Glens as they chase the runner-up finish which would guarantee qualification European qualification after they defeated Dungannon Swifts 2-1 at Stangmore Park.
Kobie Moore gave the hosts the lead but Joel Cooper and Mark Coyle struck to ensure victory for the Bannsiders in their first match after the split.
In the bottom half, Paul Heatley scored twice as Carrick Rangers inflicted a thumping 6-1 win on Crusaders, whose bid to avoid relegation to the second tier suffered a blow.
Larne secure crucial home win
Larne broke on the counter-attack early on at Inver Park with Andy Ryan crossing from the right-hand channel into the path of Matty Lusty but he opted to take the effort first time and put it well wide.
Almost straight away, Cliftonville spurned a glorious opening as a long clearance put Brian Healy in behind the Larne defence but, under pressure from Matt Ridley, the striker blazed over.
Ryan and Lusty combined again for Larne but the latter's effort lacked power, allowing Reds keeper PJ Morrison to dive to his right to palm the ball away.
The home side eventually went in front on 27 minutes when Aaron Donnelly's pass in to Sean Graham in the left hand channel saw the Larne player get to the ball ahead of keeper Morrison before squaring for Lusty to drill a low shot into the unguarded net despite Jonny Addis' efforts to block the shot.
Cliftonville almost levelled three minutes into the second period when Larne failed to deal with a high ball into the penalty area and the ball dropped for Liam McStravick, whose fierce strike cannoned off the crossbar.
As Cliftonville pressed for an equaliser, Ryan Curran's snap-shot brought a smart reflex save from Rohan Ferguson while at the other end, Ryan's point-blank header was superbly diverted over by Morrison.
The home side wrapped up the points with four minutes left when Jordan McEneff's corner was flicked on to the back post by Ryan Nolan where Ryan squeezed home a header with referee Mark Dillon adjudging that the ball had crossed the line before Morrison could claw it away.
The No. 3 seed Louisville Cardinals and the No. 2 seed Michigan Wolverines and square off Saturday in a Sweet 16 matchup in Fort Worth, Texas.
Michigan (27-6) enters as a slight favorite behind one of the nation’s most efficient offenses, averaging 83.9 points per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. The Wolverines have thrived in both Big Ten and non-conference play throughout the season.
On the other end, Louisville (29-7) brings one of the ACC’s top defenses. The Cardinals allow just 60.7 points per game and hold opponents to 39.1% shooting, ranking among the conference’s best in both categories.
Here is a look at the box score from Saturday's Sweet 16 Regional 3 in Fort Worth.
Louisville vs. Michigan March Madness box score
Louisville stats
NO
Name
POS
MIN
FGM-A
3PM-A
FTM-A
OREB
REB
AST
ST
BLK
TO
PF
PTS
9
Anaya Hardy
F
4
1-2
0-0
0-1
3
6
0
0
0
2
2
2
11
Elif Istanbulluoglu
F
34
8-12
1-2
1-1
4
7
1
0
0
3
1
18
4
Mackenly Randolph
F
28
2-6
0-0
0-0
2
4
2
0
0
1
4
4
1
Reyna Scott
G
31
4-9
0-0
1-3
0
0
4
1
0
4
1
9
2
Imari Berry
G
27
3-13
0-4
1-4
0
3
4
1
0
0
4
7
Laura Ziegler
F
29
2-10
1-4
0-0
2
8
4
1
0
0
3
5
24
Grace Mbugua
F
1
0-1
0-0
0-0
2
3
0
0
0
0
1
0
22
Tajianna Roberts
G
35
3-11
1-4
0-0
1
1
3
4
0
4
4
7
Total
23-64
3-14
3-9
14
33
18
7
0
16
20
52
35.9%
21.4%
33.3%
Michigan stats
NO
Name
POS
MIN
FGM-A
3PM-A
FTM-A
OREB
REB
AST
ST
BLK
TO
PF
PTS
5
Brooke Q. Daniels
G
30
2-6
0-0
3-5
7
9
2
2
0
3
1
7
12
Syla Swords
G
37
6-14
2-6
2-2
0
4
2
1
0
3
2
16
33
Te'Yala Delfosse
G
21
4-5
1-2
1-1
0
8
2
0
2
2
2
10
1
Olivia Olson
G
32
8-19
1-4
2-2
1
5
3
1
1
1
2
19
3
Mila Holloway
G
29
2-4
0-0
1-2
0
4
7
1
0
1
4
5
15
Ashley Sofilkanich
F
16
2-5
0-0
2-3
2
4
0
1
2
5
3
6
20
Alyssa Crockett
F
2
0-0
0-0
0-0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
22
Kendall Dudley
F
23
3-5
0-0
0-0
0
2
0
1
0
0
1
6
Total
27-58
4-12
11-15
12
40
16
7
5
16
15
69
46.6%
33.3%
73.3%
The matchup should hinge on tempo, especially early. The Cardinals have a 79.4 scoring average against a Wolverines defense allowing 62.5 points.
Both teams enter 7-3 over their last 10 games, setting up a tightly contested regional semifinal in March Madness.
What channel is Louisville vs. Michigan on today?
Louisville vs. Michigan How to Watch Date: Saturday, March 28 Time: 12:30 p.m. ET Dickeys Arena- Fort Worth, Texas TV: ABC (Available on FuboTV)
The MLB season is underway, and teams are already pushing to exceed their 2026 expectations. However, some clubs still can’t seem to put everything together.
On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Pirates scored seven runs but delivered an embarrassing defensive performance. The outing unraveled so badly that the team pulled its starting pitcher before he could even finish the first inning.
Now, the Pirates have made a tough and surprising decision ahead of Saturday’s Game 2 against the New York Mets. Reports indicate they have benched slugger Oneil Cruz.
It remains unclear whether this move will last, but Cruz has been one of the Pirates’ most dangerous offensive weapons. The decision is puzzling, especially since the team has remained committed to playing him in center field—a position he is still learning.
Cruz previously thrived as a shortstop. Last season, the Pirates moved him to center field midyear to address a glaring roster need.
The experiment has not gone well, and instead of making the logical adjustment, the Pirates continue to mishandle the situation. They should move Cruz back to his natural position.
Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz (15) tries to throw the ball into the infield before the Mets could score in the first inning, Thursday, March 26, 2026.
This benching may prove temporary, and Cruz could still bounce back. However, with little development at his new position, the Pirates risk wasting both his time and his talent.
This situation is not entirely surprising. The Pirates have struggled as an organization, and they now risk mismanaging their generational pitching talent in Paul Skenes.
Winning can fix many issues, but the current signs point in the wrong direction. The Pirates need to return to basics—starting with moving Cruz back to shortstop.
Inter Milan Dream Of Arsenal Defender If Italy Star Leaves To Join Barcelona
Inter Milan have made contact with the agent of Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori as they plan for the possibility of Alessandro Bastoni leaving for Barcelona this summer, though the move would be far from straightforward.
The contact with Alessandro Lucci, Calafiori’s representative, also covered the situation of Luca Di Maggio, currently on loan at Padova, who could attract Serie A and Serie B interest in the summer. But the Calafiori conversation was significant in its own right.
He is Italy-capped, technically excellent and already proven at the highest level.
Arsenal Reluctance And High Cost Make Calafiori A Difficult Target For Inter As Bastoni Departure A Possibility
The obstacles are significant, however.
Arsenal have no intention of selling Calafiori at this stage, and even if their position changed, the combined cost of a transfer fee and salary would represent a major financial commitment for Inter.
The move remains a dream rather than an imminent reality.
Regardless of Bastoni’s future, Inter are already working on other defensive additions.
Solet of Udinese leads the shortlist for one position, versatile, athletic and capable of covering all three roles in a back three.
Muharemovic of Sassuolo is also a candidate, though his limited experience in a back three makes him a riskier proposition.
Inter plan to bring in just one of the two, with Solet currently ahead.
What is certain is that next season’s Inter defence will feature several new faces.
Liverpool on brink of welcoming back incredible star
Liverpool are reportedly on the brink of welcoming back a truly incredible player.
Liverpool are about to enter a high-pressure period after the international break. The Reds will need to balance UEFA Champions League qualification with this season's campaign.
That means trying to find a way past Paris Saint-Germain over two legs while also battling for a top-five finish in the Premier League. And they won't have the advantage the Parisians boast in getting a week off ahead of each leg.
In other words, Liverpool needs all the help they can get and it appears they will get that. The Athletic reports that Alexander Isak is on the brink of a return and should face PSG.
Now, whether that means one leg or two, we're not sure (the Champions League tie, Isak should have both). But Liverpool would take just having him as an impact sub towards the end of the meeting at Anfield.
This is a boost, then. Isak's leg break was never keeping out of the entire campaign but it feels like this is the perfect timing for a return.
Alexander Isak: Situation Summary
Injury and Recovery Timeline
Isak has been out of action since 20 December 2025, after suffering a fractured fibula during Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Tottenham. Arne Slot recently provided a cautious update, confirming that while Isak is back in light training, he will not be fit for the FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City on 4 April. The club is targeting the Champions League quarter-final against PSG later in April for his competitive return.
Season Statistics
Before the injury, Isak's debut campaign at Anfield was largely disrupted. In 16 appearances across all competitions, he recorded 3 goals and 1 assist. His most recent goal came in the same match he was injured, scoring just 15 minutes after being substituted onto the pitch against Spurs.
Future Outlook
Despite his long layoff, rumours have surfaced regarding his long-term future. Reports suggest his representatives have been exploring potential interest from Barcelona, though Liverpool remains committed to the £125 million striker as a cornerstone of their post-Salah attack. Slot has emphasized that fans likely won't see Isak at 100% until after a full 2026 pre-season.
James Garner: Thomas Tuchel makes bold claim about United target
England manager Thomas Tuchel has spoken highly of Manchester United academy graduate James Garner following his performance against Uruguay. The English midfielder spent his formative years at Carrington and was once tipped to become a mainstay in the starting XI.
However, the Red Devils took the surprising decision to allow Garner to leave permanently in the summer of 2022. With Erik ten Hag taking charge of the first team, the player was deemed surplus to requirements and he joined Everton in a reported £15 million deal.
The decision has since come back to haunt United, with Garner going on to establish himself as a first-team regular for the Toffees. United, meanwhile, are missing a player of his calibre in the squad and are gearing up to invest heavily in midfield this summer.
United’s midfield conundrum
United are set to part ways with Casemiro at the end of this season once his contract expires. Manuel Ugarte, meanwhile, has been relegated to the bench by the Brazilian this season and could also be on his way out this year.
The Red Devils are looking for a suitable replacement for Casemiro and are reportedly eyeing several Premier League-proven candidates for the job. Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, and Sandro Tonali are among a host of names linked with United right now.
Recent reports have suggested that the Red Devils are also considering a reunion with Garner, who has excelled for Everton this season. The Englishman has registered three goals and six assists in 34 appearances for the Merseyside club, all of which were starts.
Garner was in the starting XI for the Three Lions’ friendly game against La Celeste on Friday, before being replaced by Kobbie Mainoo in the 70th minute. England took the lead in the 82nd minute through Ben White, only for Federico Valverde to equalise from the spot in the fourth minute of second-half injury time.
Tuchel hails Garner
Speaking after the game, Tuchel hailed Garner as ‘mini-Valverde’, but insisted that the Everton man has room for improvement. Tuchel said: “I am very happy, he’s our mini [Federico] Valverde. He’s getting there and he played very, very good.”
“I was quite sure that he would play well because he has this natural confidence and he’s very physical; he won a lot of balls. There are some situations where he can be a bit more open and drive through midfield with the ball with a little bit more confidence.”
“In the last 10 minutes of the first half, he was involved in some ball losses, which cost us some confidence in the final 10 minutes. But I am very impressed with the way he trained, and the way he behaved and the way he played tonight.”
Garner signed a new contract with Everton in January this year and is now tied to the Hill Dickinson Stadium until 2030.
Final Thoughts
Allowing Garner to leave was one of United’s most controversial decisions in recent times and it is fast proving to be a costly error. However, the Red Devils are now putting greater emphasis on youth, and it is unlikely that such a lapse will be repeated.
Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek works from the sideline during the second half of an NFL game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
March Madness is calming down, and we’ll be turning the calendar to April next week. In other words, the 2026 NFL draft is steadily approaching, as the Las Vegas Raiders are holding and scheduling Top 30 visits to help put the final touches on the roster. So, we have a lot to go over for this week’s mailbag. Let’s get to it!
Q: Do you expect the Raiders to draft ten players or trade for more or fewer picks?
A: I’d be surprised if John Spytek didn’t make at least one trade during the draft, especially with three fourth-round picks. I could see Spytek using those picks as ammunition to get back into round one or two if there’s a player still on the board whom the front office likes. I also wouldn’t put it past him to do the same thing he did in the second round last year and trade back to get more picks, since there are a handful of holes left on the roster.
Ultimately, it may not be until day three, but I’d expect the Raiders to make at least one trade during the draft rather than stick and pick all 10 times. Whether that’s moving up or down, I could see an argument in both directions.
Q: If Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, A.J. Haulcy, Kayden McDonald, Denzel Boston and Max Iheanachor are on the board at No. 36, who are you taking?
A: Someone else asked the same question, but threw Dillon Thieneman in there, and my answer is Thieneman if he’s on the table. However, it seems like Thieneman is a lock to go in the first round at this point. So, to tie into the previous question, the Oregon product will probably be someone whom Spytek has to trade up for. If Thieneman does somehow fall to 36, I’ll go ahead and sprint the card in for Spytek.
As for the original question, you have a lot of really good options there. I like McNeil-Warren’s game, but I think he’s more of a strong safety who can cover the deep half in two-high looks than the true free safety that Las Vegas needs. To me, Haulcy is a better or more valuable option at 67 than 36, so that’ll eliminate the two safeties from the equation.
I know the Raiders have shown a lot of interest in this year’s receiver class recently, but if I’m calling the shots, that’s a position I’d wait to address until next year. I’m still interested to see what Tre Tucker and Jack Bech can do in Klint Kubiak’s offense. In other words, Boston could be the pick, but wouldn’t be my choice.
That leaves McDonald and Iheanachor, and that’s a really tough decision for me. Ultimately, I’d lean toward McDonald because the Raiders at least have another option at right tackle in Charles Grant, whereas the cupboard is pretty bare at nose tackle. Also, Iheanachor’s technique is still a work in progress, while McDonald would give the team an immediate starter who still has plenty of upside to become an even better player down the line.
Pillagingsince78
Are there any surefire first rounders you really hope slip to us in the second?
A: Thieneman is the biggest one. If Jermod McCoy falls out of the first, since he basically hasn’t done anything since the 2024 season, then he’d be an intriguing option at 36. To be honest, this is a hard question to answer because if I think a guy is a “surefire first-rounder”, I have a hard time seeing them slip into day two. Also, this is a draft class that lacks a lot of top-end talent but has a lot of good, not great prospects in it. So, there aren’t a ton of guys who I’d pound the table for.
SnB Stop the Run
Are there starter ready Nose Tackles available after pick #36 ?
If the Raiders aren’t able to secure a starter ready NT in the draft, what do you see them doing? Pegues? Or a veteran still looking for a job?
A: Yes, Domonique Orange would be a great option in the third round, Darrell Jackson Jr. is a good target at that spot or with pick 102, and I’m a fan of Tim Keenan III as a Day 3 option as well. Guys like Dontay Corleone and DeMonte Capehart are worth keeping tabs on, too. This is an unusually deep class at nose tackle, in my opinion, to give the Raiders plenty of options.
Now, if they don’t walk away from the draft with a nose, I’d much rather see JJ Pegues or Brodric Martin get a chance to prove themselves than sign a veteran as a holdover. I can’t stress enough that this offseason is and should be more about building for 2027 and beyond than next season for the Raiders. Adding past their prime veterans to serve as one-year starters is what they did last year, and look how that turned out.
The proper way to rebuild is to give the young guys opportunities to prove themselves, evaluate them over the season, and take it from there.
So, they have similar major issues, but Clark’s isn’t as significant, and there’s a better chance he can be the ballhawk the backend of the defense needs.
Raiderallus
Calob downs i think is the safeties name that i like in the second. Does his injury allow a slide to us and does it preclude his selection in your eyes?
A: I’d be pretty shocked if Caleb Downs isn’t taken in the first round, and I think he’s probably going top 10. The Commanders (No. 7), the Saints (No. 8), the Chiefs (No. 9) and Bengals (No. 10) could all use a safety, so I think that’s the sweet spot for Downs, especially with his talent.
But if the knee issue does cause him to slide to 36, the Raiders should proceed with caution. While they’re under similar circumstances, Downs’ situation is different than McCoy’s, who I said I would take if he falls out of the first.
Teams got to watch Downs play this past year (and play pretty well), so if he slides in the draft, that tells me there is major concern about how his body is going to hold up. Whereas McCoy’s hypothetical slide could also be injury related, but there aren’t reports about him having a potential long-term issue like there are with Downs. I could justify to myself that the reason for the rest of the league passing on McCoy is that they only have seen one really good season from him. That’s not the case with the Ohio State product, and the only reason he’d fall is if that knee is in bad shape.
Q: This is the first head coach I’ve been excited about since Jack Del Rio (loved Jon Gruden as a coach, hated his draft picks). How big an improvement would you expect? Any weaknesses you see in the coaching staff? Seems like they nailed every coordinator and position coach.
A: It can’t get much worse than last year! LOL.
I’m with you that getting Klint Kubiak is exciting and the Raiders are headed in the right direction, but I do think it will be more of a slow build-up than a quick turnaround. The roster needed significant improvement this offseason, and the front office was smart to target players seeking their second contracts in the league during free agency. But the downside is that they’ll have a young roster that will have to work through some growing pains. The 2027 and 2028 campaigns are where I think we’ll start to see a bigger improvement in the win-loss columns.
I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m not thrilled with Rob Leonard as defensive coordinator. That doesn’t mean I think he will be bad; I was just hoping they’d get a better outside hire. To Leonard’s credit, I did like what he did as defensive run game coordinator last season, though. So, it’s not like I’m completely out or down on him, but if we’re talking about weaknesses on the coaching staff, that’s a spot that leaves something to be desired for me.
FlagstaffRaiderFan
What route types/combinations are featured the most in Kubiak’s offense, and with that in mind, how do the strengths of the TE’s and WR’s on the current roster fit into them?
A: A lot of the concepts are going to be short to intermediate routes with a heavy dose of motion and play-action, so creating yards after the catch is a big factor in the passing game. That bodes well for Brock Bowers and Jack Bech, and Bech’s run blocking should put him in Kubiak’s good graces. It may seem like something that isn’t a big deal for wide receivers, but if you watch the Seahawks’ offense closely last year, even Jaxon Smith-Njigba was mixing it up in the running game.
Also, the heavy use of 12 personnel should help carve out a role for Michael Mayer. With Mayer’s contested catch ability, I could see Kubiak scheming up some good redzone targets to get him favorable matchups for 50/50 balls.
Dont’e Thornton Jr. feels like he’s the guy who is a square peg in a round hole here. Kubiak likes having versatile receivers who can run full route trees or at least make an impact on two levels of the passing game. Thornton doesn’t fit that description, and Kubiak isn’t a height-weight-speed guy. He’ll sacrifice size for route running and YAC ability.
Tre Tucker is the pass-catcher who is tough for me to pin down with Kubiak. He’s grown as a route runner over the years, where I think he could be used similarly to Rashid Shaheed, but Tucker and Jalen Nailor are pretty similar players. Considering Tucker is about to enter a contract year, and that the Raiders have been connected to a few receiver prospects, it wouldn’t surprise me if he gets traded during the draft. Throw Thornton into that category, too.
Raiderallus
Chances someone meets the Crosby price before the draft? Thanks for fielding questions from a bunch of numpties
A: Pretty low. Spytek lost a ton of leverage with the Ravens trade falling through, and Baltimore was the only club to offer two first-round picks. At this point, if another team is going to offer two first-round picks for Maxx Crosby, it will be because the draft didn’t fall their way and they’re getting desperate. Right now, there’s too much ambiguity/optimism that a contender can fill a need for a pass-rusher/edge defender with a high draft pick.
If you’re hoping Crosby gets flipped for draft picks, keep tabs on what the Lions do in the first round of the draft. They could target someone to complement Aidan Hutchinson at No. 17, but the Lions also need an offensive tackle after letting Taylor Decker go during free agency.
If Detroit prioritizes the o-line in round one, the organization could get desperate and make a big offer for Crosby after the draft. It feels like the Lions’ Super Bowl window is starting to close, so I could see them going all-in on a title run next season.
That’ll do it for this week’s mailbag. Thank you all for submitting questions and, as your weekly reminder, if you’d like to have your questions answered in a future column, tweet them at me, @MHolder95, email them to SBPQuestions1@gmail.com or look for our weekly call for questions on the site. The latter will continue to publish on Thursdays.
Super League leaders Wigan Warriors suffered a shock home loss to bottom side Huddersfield Giants, ending their 100% start to the season.
It also ended Huddersfield's losing start, which stood at five games and had resulted in head coach Luke Robinson leaving.
Few would have expected the Giants to pull off this victory, but they ran in six tries, having only managed a total of eight in their previous five matches.
Tries from Jacob Gagai, Tanguy Zenon and Niall Evalds gave them a 16-0 lead, while debut scores from Jacob Douglas and Connor Wrench and returning captain Adam Clune clinched a deserved win, moving them level on points with Leigh Leopards.
Wigan, who stay two points clear of Warrington Wolves and Wakefield Trinity at the top, had only tries from Zach Eckersley, Jack Farrimond and Liam Farrell to show for a miserable afternoon for them at the Brick Stadium.
Thirty of Sam Murray's 61 career goals for Guernsey FC have come this season [Fran Torode]
Guernsey FC kept up their pressure on the top three in the Southern Combination Premier Division with a 6-0 win over Peacehaven and Telscombe at Victoria Park.
This season's top scorer Sam Murray took his tally to 30 goals for the campaign when he converted Ross Allen's sixth-minute free-kick to put the Green Lions ahead.
Fin du Port kept the islanders in front nine minutes later when he headed a goalbound effort off the line before Will Fazakerley doubled the lead in the 26th minute - the striker reacted quickest after Charlton Gauvain's free-kick deflected off the wall to stab home from inside the box.
Du Port erased any hope of the visitors making a comeback when he made it 3-0 from the edge of the box 10 minutes before half-time, while Fazakerley gave the Green Lions a four-goal advantage at the break as he put away Jacques Cauvin's cutback.
Cauvin and Brandon Wallace went close in the early stages of the second half while home goalkeeper Josh Addison made an excellent save to keep it at 4-0 from Trevor McCreadie's low shot.
Guernsey made it 5-0 midway through the second half when Gauvain fired in substitute Callum Le Lachuer's cross on the half-volley, before Le Lacheur's excellent finish with eight minutes left made it 6-0.
"It was obviously a very important three points, particularly after last week where we didn't do ourselves justice," Guernsey FC manager Tony Vance told BBC Radio Guernsey.
"It was so important to win the game, but to go and win it in the style we did was brilliant.
"That first half performance was outstanding, the players were proper on it and they really put them to the sword so huge credit to them."
Naseem Shah has come under the scanner of the Pakistan Cricket Board after a now-deleted social media post from his official X account appeared to take a dig at Punjab (province of Pakistan) Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during the opening game of the Pakistan Super League.
What was the incident?
The post, which quote-tweeted a PCB update from the opener between Quetta Gladiators and Hyderabad Kingsmen in Lahore, read: “Why is she treated like the Queen at Lord’s?” It was widely seen as a remark aimed at Maryam Nawaz’s high-profile arrival at Gaddafi Stadium, where she was escorted by a large security convoy and later interacted with players.
The tweet was quickly deleted, with a follow-up message claiming the account had been hacked. However, as per The Daily Star, the explanation did not convince PCB officials. Within a day, the board served Naseem with a show-cause notice, citing a breach of his central contract and violation of media guidelines.
The alleged offence is understood to fall under a clause barring players from publicly criticising board officials, sponsors, or associated entities. Despite the disciplinary action, Naseem remains available for selection and is likely to feature in his team’s next match.
The controversy comes during a subdued PSL season, which began on March 26 under tight restrictions. After consultations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and franchise stakeholders, the PCB limited the tournament to Lahore and Karachi, with matches being held behind closed doors. Venues in Peshawar, Multan, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad were removed from the schedule to conserve fuel amid ongoing regional tensions linked to the Gulf conflict.
Earlier, the Pakistan-based militant group Jamaat-ul-Ahrar had issued a warning to overseas players, urging them to withdraw from the league.
“The current internal security and political landscape of the country is volatile and precarious. In a climate where military operations and civil unrest dominate significant portions of the territory, the safety of international athletes cannot be guaranteed.”
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The group added, “Given these dire circumstances, we strongly advise you to prioritise your personal security and withdraw from the tournament immediately. The environment is currently unfit for any peaceful sporting activity.”
Despite the warnings and the security concerns, the PSL has gone ahead as planned, with several overseas players, including David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne, continuing to take part.
As Florida State looks to add more talent to its 2027 recruiting class, they have taken its search to the state of Tennessee and labeled athlete prospect Dayon Cooper as a target.
Despite being an unranked recruit, Cooper has seen his offer list balloon up to around 20 schools. FSU is one of the programs pushing the hardest for him, but two schools in the SEC are right there with them.
“Florida State, Tennessee and Vanderbilt are up there,” Cooper told Rivals. “Those three schools are really pushing and recruiting me hard. I have had good visits to each school too.”
Cooper was recently in Tallahassee for the first time at Florida State's Junior Day on March 7, which came a month after his offer from the program. Tennessee made him an offer a week later, and they hosted him for a game last season. Vanderbilt made an offer four days after Tennessee did.
The Seminoles were able to leave a good first impression on Cooper, and he acknowledged a certain member of the staff when talking about his time on campus.
“I love everything about Florida State," said Cooper. "The coaching and culture are great, and I love Coach Blue Adams. I also love the history of the school.
FSU is recruiting Cooper as a cornerback. Tennessee and Vanderbilt are looking to bring him in as a wide receiver.
Cooper hasn't set a date for his commitment, but he wants to make a decision before his senior year. Official visits will play a key role in what he decides, and Florida State will host him on June 5.
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
The Oklahoma City Thunder have two goals remaining for their 2025-26 regular season — grab the first seed and get Jalen Williams back into a groove. We'll find out about the former in a couple of weeks. The latter, though, we won't know until deep in the NBA playoffs.
For the price of OKC immortality and a championship ring, Williams has been plagued by injuries. He's been limited to 29 games this season. Two wrist surgeries and two hamstring strains have sidelined him for most of the year. He hopes those days are behind him.
It was the first time Williams had dealt with lengthy absences in his career. Before this season, he was OKC's Iron Man. Alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Alas, such is life in the NBA. It was the 24-year-old's turn to get snakebitten by the injury bug.
The Thunder would've loved to have Williams for most of this season. That was kinda the expectation. OKC GM Sam Presti thought he'd be ready by Opening Night. But setbacks happen. And like in most aspects of life, the reigning NBA champions just had to move on and figure it out sans him.
To OKC's credit, they did. They barely missed a beat despite Williams being out for two-thirds of the year. It was a group effort to make up for the All-NBA talent. Ajay Mitchell has had a breakout season. Jaylin Williams has played lights out. Chet Holmgren became a first-time All-Star.
With just eight games to go, Williams hopes to seamlessly fit with the Thunder. He understands it's a lot to ask for a group that rolled without him. In an ideal world, he has the second-highest usage on the squad. That's a lot to take off the plate from others. But I think everybody on the team knows that for OKC to go back-to-back, it needs the All-NBA forward to return to being the Scottie Pippen to Gilgeous-Alexander's MJ.
"I don't want to step on any toes where this guy's been playing really well and now he kinda has to take a different role. So kinda trying to find that balance of figuring out my flow while keeping them engaged in it. That's one of the roles I have being one of the leaders of the team," Williams said. "Tonight felt a lot more cohesive. That just comes with more reps. We've been the most injured team in the NBA aside from Memphis. All that will string together. We're not complete strangers."
While there's definitely some nuance involved with Williams and how he fits with this group, there's no denying he increases OKC's ceiling tenfold. We saw it last year in the NBA playoffs on their way to a Larry O'Brien trophy. Not just as a go-to scorer on offense, but as a do-it-all defender on defense.
It'll be interesting to see how the Thunder balance Williams knocking off any rust and prioritizing the first seed. Those two goals could clash. At times, things have looked funky as he's tried to rediscover his jumper and feel around the rim. OKC's 131-113 win over the Chicago Bulls was a step in the right direction. He had 18 points, eight assists and six rebounds.
Even if there are growing pains involved, the Thunder have to let Williams feel things out in the regular season. If that results in them struggling to put away bottom-feeders like the Bulls, so be it. Besides, the 24-year-old is confident that the rest of the team can pick up any slack he might have. That's how talented he thinks this group is.
"When you're watching the team, you realize how talented we are from top to bottom. When you're in it, you probably don't notice as much until you're on the court with a certain group. But we are extremely talented," Williams said. "That was really cool to watch. Obviously, I wouldn't like to watch it on the sidelines anymore. But from a team perspective, watching guys go to different roles and them blossom is really cool. I think just me personally, it's just not taking it for granted — not to say that I was — but you don't know when you get to play again. Just have to maybe look at basketball a lot differently."
Tiger Woods is arguably the most well-known golfer in the world and certainly one of the most successful in terms of wins and money earned. But Woods made news for something other than golf on Friday, March 27.
Woods was involved in a two-car crash in Jupiter Island, Florida Friday. While neither driver was injured in the collision, Woods was identified as the impaired driver of a Land Rover, according to Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek, who said Woods crawled out of the car window on the passenger side following the crash.
Woods, 50, was arrested on suspicion of DUI, property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test after refusing to take a urinalysis after the accident, according to Budensiek, who said the charges are misdemeanors. Budensiek indicated that Woods was not impaired by alcohol but likely by drugs or medication. The sheriff added that a substance was not initially found at the scene.
Tiger Woods is worth $1.5 billion, according to Forbes. Woods has earned roughly $1.8 billion, before taxes, during his pro golf career. He set a PGA Tour record, winning $121 million in prize money.
Lerryan Douglas and Julian Erosa meet on the UFC Fight Night 271 main card Saturday at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. Check out this quick preview of the matchup.
Lerryan Douglas vs. Julian Erosa UFC Fight Night 271 preview
Douglas (13-5 MMA, 0-0 UFC) makes his debut following a first-round finish on Dana White's Contender Series in September. The former LFA champion rarely goes the distance and is currently riding a five-fight, all-finish winning streak.
Erosa (31-12 MMA, 9-8 UFC) is guaranteed action every time he enters the octagon. He'll look to bounce back from a Fight of the Night decision loss against Melquizael Costa last May, a result that snapped a three-fight, first-round finish streak.
Lerryan Douglas vs. Julian Erosa UFC Fight Night 271 MMA Junkie staff picks
MMA Junkie staff pick results: Douglas 7, Erosa 3
Lerryan Douglas vs. Julian Erosa UFC Fight Night 271 odds
Douglas is a comfortable favorite in this matchup, coming in at -320. Erosa is a +260 underdog, according to Fanduel.
Lerryan Douglas vs. Julian Erosa UFC Fight Night 271 start time, how to watch
Douglas and Erosa are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 9:10 p.m. ET. The fight streams live on Paramount+.
Canada host Iceland at BMO Field on Saturday for their first friendly of the March international break.
Jesse Marsch's CanMNT will face the Europeans before a game with Haiti next week as they ramp up preparations for this summer's home World Cup.
Time is running out for fringe players to stake a claim for the final tournament roster, and with a handful of stars including Alphonso Davies missing this month's camp due to injury, today could offer a chance to some of those back-ups to impress.
The Sporting News is following the Canada vs. Iceland match live, providing score updates and commentary
Canada vs. Iceland score
Starting lineups:
Canada (4-2-3-1, right to left): St. Clair (GK) — Laryea, Miller, Waterman, Sigur — Choiniere, Saliba — Buchanan, J. David, Ahmed — Larin
Iceland (3-5-2, right to left): Olafsson (GK) — Palsson, S. Ingason, Magnusson — Ellertsson, Johannesson, Hlynsson, Haraldsson, Thorsteinsson — Willumsswon, Okarsson
Iceland subs: Einarsson, Valdimarsson, Tomasson, Hermansson, Gunnarsson, Thorhallson, Thordarson, Baldursson, Anderson, A. Sigurdsson, G. Sigurdsson, K. Ingason
Canada vs. Iceland live updates, highlights, and commentary
58 mins: Big save from Olafsson! Ahmed drifts infield and plays a wonderful reverse pass into the run of David, but his left-footed shot from six yards out is blocked by the goalkeeper. That was brilliant from Ahmed, and it deserved a better finish.
50 mins: Larin finds the net... but the wrong side. The striker nods Mathieu Choiniere's corner into the outside of the right-hand side-netting. It was a difficult angle.
Kickoff: Second half
Back up and running.
Halftime: Canada 0-2 Iceland
Work to do for Marsch and his players. Canada have played okay, but the end product hasn't quite been there. Oskarsson is the difference between the teams.
41 mins: Larin, back to goal, hooks a volley wide of the post. The pace has settled down a little as we head towards halftime. Iceland look quite comfortable.
32 mins: SO CLOSE! Cyle Larin looks certain to nod the ball into the net after it's flicked on towards the far post, but Ellertsson gets a crucial touch to divert it onto Larin's arm instead. He can't turn the ball goalwards, and Iceland clear.
29 mins: David spins well and shoots, but he doesn't strike the ball cleanly and Olafsson makes a simple save. Canada have played well here — they've just been caught out by Oskarsson's ruthlessness in attack. It's worth highlighting that the 21-year-old has only scored four La Liga goals all season and missed the best part of three months through injury.
— Real Sociedad Fútbol (@RealSociedad) March 4, 2026
27 mins: This is the first time Canada have trailed 2-0 in a full year. Ali Ahmed is doing his utmost to change things, but this time, David is crowded out after receiving the winger's cut-back.
21 mins: GOAL! OSKARSSON AGAIN! Mikael Ellertsson wins the ball too easily in the middle of midfield and slides a perfectly weighted pass to the captain. He takes the chance early, blasting a shot past St. Clair from the edge of the box. Could the keeper have done better there? He seemed caught out by the early attempt.
20 mins: Lovely approach play ends in Nathan Saliba shooting straight at Elias Olafsson from just inside the box. The Anderlecht midfielder should really have done better there.
14 mins: Canada have responded well to that setback. Buchanan in particular has looked lively, and he almost gets on the end of a clever chested touch by Jonathan David.
9 mins: GOAL! ICELAND LEAD! It's a horrid mistake from Kamal Miller, who badly underhits his backpass to Dayne St. Clair and gives Orri Oskarsson a clear run at goal. The Real Sociedad striker makes no mistake with a low finish.
6 mins: A touch of snow starts falling as Iceland have their first attacking free-kick, which is comfortably cleared. Canada then break and Tajon Buchanan gets the fans on their feet with a good bit of skill.
Kickoff: First half
We're off and running in Toronto.
Pregame: An interesting quirk about Canada's jersey numbers for these fixtures...
#CanMNT squad number changes in this camp.Jonathan David takes #7 and Junior Hoilett takes #10. Lots of deference and respect in this squad.David wanted to pay respect to the veteran Hoilett,Eustáquio graciously let David wear #7. Won't affect World Cup squad numbers @TSN_Sports
Pregame: Team news is IN! Dayne St. Clair gets the nod in goal in what is a strong Canada lineup. Jonathan David and Cyle Larin both start in attack.
Pregame: Today's match is the first at BMO Field since it underwent some upgrades for the World Cup. Along with some new executive suites and big screens, an expanded (temporary) south stand is also in place, with those extra 17,000 seats taking the capacity to 45,000.
The BMO Field upgrades have officially been completed ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
🔸 Temporary South Stand 🔸 Premium Lounges 🔸 Upgraded Wi-Fi 🔸 Massive LED Screens pic.twitter.com/brxctKK7zU
Pregame: Canada are missing a handful of star names for today's friendly, so this could be an opportunity for others to push for a place in Marsch's final World Cup roster. Here's hoping they impress and make this an entertaining game.
THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO -- Episode 2893 -- Pictured: (l-r) Host Jay Leno on March 10, 2005 -- (Photo by: Margaret Norton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)
1pm CT on SEC Network.
Yesterday’s game was a much needed victory over the hated School to the East—an extra inning 3-2 victory fueled by 7 and 1/3 IP of one run, 9 K ball by Connor “The Spice” Fennel” and a 10th inning walk-off single by Johnstone the Elder.
Today, we go for win #2 with Ice Town on the mound. We’ll need it, too, as our Sunday starter is likely to be the shrug emoji for the rest of the season.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 06: Maycee Barber reacts to her win over Karine Silva of Brazil in a flyweight fight during the UFC 323 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 06, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Maycee Barber is going to do eveything in her power to make sure Mark Smith is not the referee in the biggest fight of her career this Saturday.
Barber looks to avenge the last loss of her career when she faces Alexa Grasso in a rematch at UFC Seattle this Saturday. The flyweight bout serves as the co-main event. Since the UFC 258 decision loss to Grasso in February 2021, Barber has won all seven of her octagon bouts.
It was the most recent fight that left Barber scratching her head. After missing nearly two years due to a health scare, Barber returned at UFC 323 this past December and picked up a win over Karine Silva. During the fight, Barber got blasted with an illegal upkick on the ground. Referee Mark Smith called it a “glancing blow” and ordered Barber to make a decision if she wanted to keep fighting, which led her to tell MMA Fighting in a past interview that she “doesn’t feel safe in there” with Smith as the referee.
Three months later, Barber is set to return and was asked if Smith would be the referee for her fight with Grasso.
“I sure as hell hope not,” Barber told MMA Fighting. “I am going to personally request that he is not the ref for my fight. I will personally throw an upkick, and if he DQ’s me, then I will personally file a complaint.
“No, I’m just kidding, but I will request that he’s not my ref. I don’t know [who the ref is] but thank you for reminding me to ask for him to not be my ref.”
Since the loss to Grasso, Barber has gone 7-0 inside the octagon, while Grasso, the former flyweight champ, enters a pivotal crossroad on a two-fight skid following dominant decision losses to Valentina Shevchenko and Natalia Silva.
Even though the first fight happened five years ago, Barber was able to take away some very key points that she can use to her advantage in the octagon this Saturday night.
“The only things that I’ve taken away from that fight is that, No. 1, is that she was the better fighter that night, and, No. 2, is that she does not want to fight that girl that I was in the third round again because the fighter that she fought in the third round was the true fighter that I am,” Barber explained. “The girl she fought in the first two rounds, I don’t even recognize that person. I watched that fight back and I was like, ‘Who in the world was that?’ I didn’t even know who that was, and I was like, ‘What was I doing shadowboxing in those first two rounds?’ I laughed at myself. I’m like, what was that?
“To be honest, I was working with a team that literally had me for the entire camp, had me shadowboxing. It was the whole plan. They were like, ‘Do me a favor and just shadowbox.I want you to shadowbox in the rounds. I want you to punch the air, we want you to punch the air.’ And I was like, ‘Why am I doing this?’ That was part of the plan, was to punch the air, and I tried so hard for that fight to follow the plan, and I realized, I’m like, ‘That’s not me, like that is not me.’
“And when I realized that, I didn’t have success in that fight, I’m like, ‘I need to just say ‘F it and be me.’ And so in the third round when I said F it and be myself, that’s when I had success, and so that’s also when Grasso realized like, ‘I don’t want to fight that girl,’ and so had that been a five-round fight, I would have had way more success than than I did in a three-round fight.
“Also, I think that she got a taste of it, and I don’t think she liked it, and I’m excited to bring that back.”
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 22: Chris Johnson #1 of the San Diego State Aztecs looks on during the first half against the San Jose State Spartans at Snapdragon Stadium on November 22, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Here’s a list of the top small-school prospects in this year’s draft for Cowboys fans to take note of, mixing current draft buzz with the traits that translate on Sundays.
1. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
He is the small-school prospect Cowboys fans should bet on earliest because he looks like a real NFL starter, not just a fun draft day story. McNeil-Warren gives a defense length, range, and coverage value on the back end, and that matters because teams are asking safeties to cover more grass and handle more matchup stress than ever. PFF graded him at 92.1 overall and 91.8 in coverage in 2025, both second among safeties in the class, and there’s a very real possibility he goes in the first round. Fans should take note because he has the frame, instincts, and role versatility to become the kind of safety who lets a coordinator disguise everything.
2. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Johnson is a top Group of Five corner in the class because the tape, production, and athletic profile all line up. On the consensus board he ranks 43rd overall, PFF credited him with a 91.6 overall grade and a 92.4 coverage grade in 2025, and he ran 4.40s forty yard time at the combine. He brings outside-corner movement skills, ball production, and enough poise in zone to stay on schedule instead of panicking at the top of routes. Fans should care because he looks like the kind of small-school corner who can win a starting job much faster than people expect.
3. Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State
Lance has the best blend of upside and translatable receiver traits in the FCS group. He’s 87th on the consensus board, and his combine was ridiculous with a 4.34s forty time, 41.5-inch vertical, 11-foot-1 broad, and the top estimated athleticism score among wide receivers. Add in 1,079 receiving yards in 2025 and FCS Football Central’s number one FCS ranking, and you are looking at a vertical X receiver with real starter traits.
4. Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin
Demmings is the best pure FCS defensive back in the class because his movement profile screams NFL player. At the combine he was one of the biggest winners, and earned the top athleticism score among cornerbacks. He also finished his career as Stephen F. Austin’s all-time leader in passes defended with a total of 35 breakups. His ball skills and traits give him a real shot to become a boundary corner and not just a camp darling.
5. Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo
Murdock is one of the more NFL-ready small-school defenders because he already plays with the kind of urgency and violence that earns snaps early. Most evaluators have Murdock as a Day 3 projection, but his 2025 grades were excellent earning a 91.2 overall, 91.3 against the run, and 86.5 in coverage. He really is a big defensive sleeper here because of his pass-rush output and physical play style. He projects as the type of linebacker coaches trust on special teams immediately and then grow into a real rotational defender.
6. Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana
Proctor is the kind of small-school defensive tackle NFL teams keep talking themselves into for good reason. He was ranked fourth among FCS prospects by FCS Football Central, produced 43 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and nine sacks in 2025, and then went to Indianapolis and tested like a much bigger name, including a 4.79s forty time and the fourth-best athleticism score among defensive linemen. Interior defenders who can move like that are hard to find, and Proctor has both the production and the explosive testing to stick as a rotational penetrator with upside for more.
7. Daniel Sobkowicz, WR, Illinois State
Sobkowicz is not the most explosive receiver on this list, but he may be one of the safest bets to help an NFL passing game. He was ranked the second among FCS prospects, set Illinois State career records with 262 catches and 41 receiving touchdowns, and his tape shows advanced route running, strong hands, and real possession-receiver value. He brings the kind of craft and body control that lets offenses keep the chains moving.
8. Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
Payton is one of the most interesting developmental quarterbacks in the class because he offers real athletic upside with actual production, not just gadget appeal. In 2025 he threw for 2,719 yards with 16 touchdowns and four interceptions while adding 777 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, and his combine numbers were outstanding that ranked near the top all-time for quarterbacks. He gives an offense designed-run ability, movement-passing value, and enough arm talent to be worth a real developmental investment.
9. A.J. Pena, LB, Rhode Island
Pena is the kind of small-school front-seven player NFL teams love on Day 3 because he plays angry and produces. He posted 72 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks in 2025, won CAA Defensive Player of the Year, and he’s a prospect that is a hot-motor edge rusher with a violent play style. He is not built like a classic NFL edge, but he wins with urgency, leverage, and disruption.
10. Erick Hunter, LB, Morgan State
Hunter is one of the more intriguing HBCU prospects because his game gives you real range and versatility. He finished his career with 226 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and seven forced fumbles. He projects as a developmental linebacker with big-nickel and special teams value.
11. Jalen Jones, CB, William & Mary
Jones is a good reminder that ball production still matters, especially at corner. He was a Buck Buchanan Award finalist, a first-team All-CAA selection, and finished his career second in school history with 51 passes defended. He brings speed, length, and the kind of instincts and on-ball competitiveness that can translate to depth corner and special teams work right away.
12. Jalen Walthall, WR, Incarnate Word
Walthall had 70 catches for 847 yards and eight touchdowns in just 10 games in 2025 and was ranked seventh on the FCS Football Central’s postseason list. He looks like the kind of receiver an NFL team can use as a field-stretcher, motion piece, and developmental depth option.
13. Malachi Cooper, EDGE, San Diego
Cooper is more sleeper than consensus pick, but the production demands attention. He has 16 career sacks, 26.5 tackles for loss, and three straight All-Pioneer Football League selections. He brings a sturdy frame and real edge production, which at least gives him a puncher’s chance to stick in camp.
14. Joe Cooper, OT, Slippery Rock
Cooper is the lower-division name to keep in the back of the mind because offensive tackles with his size and résumé get chances. He’s 6-foot-7, 320 pounds of man mountain, an East-West Shrine Bowl standout, and started 38 straight games while helping a Slippery Rock line that allowed only 10 sacks in 2025. He is still more projection than polish, but tackle is a premium position and he has the kind of frame teams stash.
“It cannot be the majority.” Tuchel reacts to Ben White being booed
Thomas Tuchel has addressed reports that Ben White was booed by England fans during their recent match against Uruguay. The defender was recalled to the national squad for the first time since leaving the team’s camp during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. White had previously vowed not to play under Gareth Southgate, only reconsidering his international future after the former manager departed.
White is now aiming to secure a spot for the World Cup this summer and is working diligently to impress the coaching staff. His return to the squad represents both an opportunity and a challenge, given the scrutiny surrounding his previous departure from the national team.
Tuchel Defends White
Tuchel, who holds White in high regard, admitted he was surprised to hear about the boos but expressed understanding of the situation. As reported by Standard Sport, he said:
“I heard that he was booed. I didn’t hear it actually because I was involved in the changes and instructions.
“It cannot be the majority. There were some boos and some mixed reception for him which I’m disappointed about because of course we protect our players.
“He was excellent in camp and he deserved to come on. He deserved also to start. Got us almost a winner.
“But I also understood that it happened to other players before here. So he needs to take it on the chin. We will always protect him.”
Tuchel emphasised that while some fans may express their frustration, the club and coaching staff remain committed to supporting their players. His remarks highlight the importance of shielding players from undue pressure while maintaining focus on performance.
Moving Forward
White is expected to take the criticism in stride, recognising that the reaction stems from past events surrounding his departure from the team. His priority now is to contribute effectively on the field and help England achieve positive results.
With Tuchel’s support and his own experience, White can navigate this challenging period while focusing on making a meaningful impact for the national side. Consistent performances are likely to restore confidence among fans and strengthen his position within the squad.
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Anthony Ogogo wrestling on AEW Collision - AEW/Lee South
Former Olympic boxer-turned-pro wrestler Anthony Ogogo made his debut in AEW relatively early in the promotion's life, facing off against Cody Rhodes in a controversial Double Or Nothing 2021 bout. For various reasons, Ogogo has appeared infrequently on AEW TV after that, though he's seen more regularly in Ring of Honor. According to QT Marshall, Ogogo has continued working to improve through that entire stretch.
"Anthony, like a lot of people in wrestling – if they're not on TV every week, they wonder what they could do better," Marshall said on the "What Happened When" podcast. "It's not for a lack of trying, let's put it that way. ... Real nice guy. I think it's very hard for someone like him because he's used to boxing, and ... if you win, you win."
Marshall was involved in Ogogo's feud with Rhodes, with Marshall requesting to work with Ogogo as tag team partners in order to see how he looked in the ring. Looking back on that time period, Marshall recalled giving Tony Khan a warning regarding the storyline.
"I just remember telling him ... it's a huge spot for someone pretty new," he said. Marshall clarified that he wasn't trying to worm his way into Ogogo's spot on the card, but was instead concerned about his growth as a wrestler. "I just think he got a little bit too much, too early maybe. It's hard to go backwards once you're there. But he hasn't given up. He's trying the best he can."
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit "What Happened When?" and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
Wisconsin offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes is shown during spring football practice Wednesday, April 23, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Wisconsin Badgers have been dealt quite the hand with injuries since head coach Luke Fickell arrived on campus, most notably at the quarterback position.
In 2023, the Badgers, who were 4-1 at the time, lost Tanner Mordecai to a broken hand, derailing their chances at getting the Big Ten West title. In 2024, Tyler Van Dyke went down with a torn ACL in Week 3. Then, in 2025, starter Billy Edwards played in just two games.
That hasn’t been the only area they’ve been hurt. Offensive line injuries were an issue last year, causing constant re-shuffling up front.
That made things difficult for offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes in his first year with the program, as the Badgers ranked 134th in scoring and 135th in yards per game last season out of 136 D-I teams.
Speaking to reporters after Wisconsin’s spring ball practice on Tuesday, Grimes acknowledged the difficulties as a playcaller dealing with injuries on offense.
“Well, I think your game plan and the evolution of your offense and the play calling, all of that is based on what you have,” Grimes said. “And certainly, there were a number of times last year where that style of offense and the play calling changed to some extent because of the quarterback we were playing with or the running backs that we had available for that game. And so, sure, it’s always impacted.
“Sometimes it changes a lot when you go from a quarterback who’s maybe more of a pocket guy to a guy that’s a little bit more elusive, more of a dual threat guy. And that’s really obvious. But at times, it might change if you don’t have maybe your best tight end available. Maybe he’s a big physical guy who can handle the defensive end on his own. And if I don’t have that, then we’ve got to adjust how we’re going to block certain things. And so, I mean, yes, that happens, and it should happen. That’s my job.”
“[It was] certainly, certainly frustrating. Disappointing. I mean, I want the people of Wisconsin to feel proud of their football team. I want them to resonate with who we are and how we play offense and how we win games. Since I’ve been here, I’ve been to sports, athletic events of other sports as well. And I see the love and the passion that the people have for this place and makes me want to win for them. And yeah, I felt really badly about that.
“And, the great thing about the thing that you get to do as a coach is you get to make the decision every year to move forward. And while there’s still a certain part of me and all of us who were here last year that weren’t pleased with that, you know, that we don’t even think about that anymore. Everything now is excitement about what we’re going to do this year.”
Wisconsin brought in a new quarterback from the transfer portal this offseason, landing Old Dominion transfer Colton Joseph, who seems to be a better fit for Jeff Grimes’s offense with his dual-threat ability. They also added a couple of running backs, a large group of wide receivers, a pair of tight ends, and a couple of offensive linemen from the portal with increased financial resources to jumpstart the turnaround after three disappointing seasons.
We’ll see how Grimes is able to adapt to his new personnel, with hope that the Badgers don’t deal with the same number of injuries in 2026.
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 28: Kimberly Dunlap Kane, mother of Bryce Dunlap - a Browns fan and the person who former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar received a liver transplant from, smashes a custom-painter Pittsburgh Steelers guitar prior to the National Football League game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on December 28, 2025, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
While fans of the Cleveland Browns often feel like the national media is against them or doesn’t want anything good for the team, the franchise has failed the fanbase so much that it is often hard for anyone to take the team seriously. That is why when the Myles Garrett contract news popped up, many were frustrated. In many ways, it does seem like the national media and the NFL in general would like to see the generational talent playing for a much better team.
All that is left is winning (playoff contender), on the way to winning big (AFC Championship contender).
Given Cleveland’s current roster, salary cap, and draft capital, when is the earliest that Browns fans and Garrett can expect them to turn that corner? Would another quality draft class, even if a first-round quarterback isn’t added, be enough to make the team a playoff contender? Could Shedeur Sanders or a first-round quarterback in 2027 put Cleveland in contention for an AFC Title by 2028 or 2029?
Bringing back to Garrett, the Browns best player, his contract runs out in 2030 when he will be 35 years old and have played 13 years in the NFL. Competing for an AFC Championship by 2028 or 2029 would be near the end of his career.
For Cleveland fans, competing for an AFC Championship at any point in our lifetime would be great to see, but sustained success at that level is the ultimate goal.
So, what say you? When do you think the Browns could realistically push for a playoff spot? How many years away, and what major decisions, are they from being true contenders to at least make the AFC Championship game?
Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below
Salkilld made his UFC debut in 2024 and has fast-tracked his way
towards the top. Salkilld has finished three of his four UFC
outings, knocking out the likes of Nasrat
Haqparast and Jamie
Mullarkey in his last two outings. However, the consistent
upgrade in Salkilld’s circumstances has also come by luck. Salkilld
got the opportunity to fight Mullarkey after the latter’s original
opponent, Jimmy
Crute, pulled out. And luck has struck once again for Salkilld
in his upcoming bout. The Australian is scheduled to face his
steepest step up in competition in Beneil
Dariush at UFC Perth
on May 2. Salkilld once again got a short-notice opportunity after
Dariush’s original opponent, Manuel
Torres, pulled out.
WWE management seems to be way too high on country music star Jelly Roll, and their overuse of the singer backfired on them during the final minutes of Friday’s episode of SmackDown.
It is no secret that WWE likes to involve celebrities in its content. It helped bring rise to the brand in the 1980s, and during peak periods, celebs more freely offer up their services to the company. We have seen that in recent years with Bad Bunny, Travis Scott, and Jelly Roll. However, the latter seems to be a favorite of management.
Jelly Roll has made several appearances for the company in the past and even had a tag match at last year’s SummerSlam. However, he has become a frequent participant on SmackDown in recent weeks, and actually had a singles match on Friday’s episode. Scoring an upset win over Kip Wilson.
But Jelly Roll has been popping up in a surprising number of backstage segments as well, including three on Friday. The company has thrust him into an awkward role as a source for advice and support for wrestlers. One of the oddest was appearing during a segment with Damian Priest, R-Truth, and Rhea Ripley. It has taken him beyond just being a visiting celebrity who is a friend of stars like Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes.
— The Movement – Pro Wrestling (@TheMovementXx) March 28, 2026
That recent overuse cost the WWE creative in a key moment on this week’s SmackDown. While fans in Pittsburgh were very supportive of the singer during his match with Wilson, they were less so when he arrived in the final minutes of the show during a brawl between WrestleMania 42 opponents and his friends, Orton and Rhodes.
When Jelly Roll showed up in the ring at the end of the show, it was the fifth time he appeared on the broadcast. That’s more than the brand’s top stars. His arrival was supposed to set up a moment they company has been clearly building to for weeks. And that was Orton turning on him. Which he did when he hit an RKO on the singer.
However, instead of fans being in shock, and the moment cementing Orton as the hated bad guy in what will be the Night 1 WrestleMania main event, fans actually chanted “one more time.” The creative team has been trying to push fans in a direction where they get behind Rhodes and hate Orton ahead of their April match. Jelly Roll being betrayed was supposed to further that plan.
Yet, the country star being on the show so much and being used awkwardly may have made fans in the arena grow tired of him and more accepting of being a victim of “The Viper.” Maybe they chant “one more time” even if he was on the show just once before. However, the obvious plan failed on Friday because they went to the well way too often with the three-time Grammy winner.
Huw Anderson scored a try on his first Dragons start at Newcastle in December 2024 [Huw Evans Picture Agency]
United Rugby Championship
Lions (18) 42
Tries: Mahashe, Kriel, Smith, Steyn 2, Cronje Cons: Smith 3 Pens: Smith 2
Dragons (14) 26
Tries: Owen 2, Dyer 2 Cons: O'Brien 3
Lions boosted their United Rugby Championship play-off hopes by grinding down Dragons in Johannesburg.
The South African side ran in six tries to boost their push for the top eight but did not have things all their own way at Ellis Park, with the visitors claiming a deserved try bonus of their own.
Dragons showed resilience to stay in the fight in the first half to go in 18-14 down thanks to a pair of well-worked tries for centre Aneurin Owen.
They hit the front when Wales wing Rio Dyer scored a cracker soon after the restart before Lions put their foot down at altitude.
However, the Rodney Parade club went level on points with 14th-placed Scarlets in the URC table when Dyer went over for his second to earn a consolation.
Dragons had not been beaten by double digits in the URC since Leinster stretched away in the closing stages of a tight contest at the end of November.
Despite the scoreline, they once again performed with spirit until South African power eventually told in tough conditions.
But worryingly for head coach Filo Tiatia before the trip to Stade Francais in the last 16 of the Challenge Cup, they ended with fly-half Jac Lloyd at scrum-half.
Che Hope is already out for the season and both Niall Armstrong and replacement Rhodri Williams were forced off in South Africa.
Aaron Wainwright started all five of Wales' games in the 2026 Six Nations [Huw Evans Picture Agency]
Lions led 8-7 after the first quarter with flanker Siba Mahashe's brutal finish and a penalty by fly-half Chris Smith sandwiching an Owen try from a strike play, the centre put over by midfield partner Fine Inisi.
The South Africans led 35-0 against Edinburgh at half-time seven days earlier but found Dragons a tougher nut to crack.
Lions stretched their lead when replacement back Richard Kriel went over from turnover ball only for Owen to respond again, combining with flanker Thomas Young for a second try from a line-out move.
Dragons almost scored a sensational try soon after the restart following a huge burst from their own 22 to the Lions' by Wales number eight Aaron Wainwright only for the hosts to scramble.
However, they got over that disappointment in style when Dyer acrobatically went over from Angus O'Brien's driven kick-pass, with the fly-half then adding a touchline conversion.
The Lions, who go fourth before Ulster's trip to bottom club Zebre, responded impressively with Smith and half-back partner Nico Steyn going over to make it 30-21, with Dyer shown yellow after penalties totted up.
Steyn got his second and wing Erich Cronje finished strongly before slick handling ensured the visitors would not return home empty-handed thanks to Dyer's second.
How they lined up
Lions: Q Horn, A Davids, van Wyk, Mills, Cronje; Smith, Steyn; Kotze, Botha, Schoeman, Oosthuizen, Nothnagel, Mahashe, Venter, F Horn (capt).
Replacements: Brandon, E Davids, Lombard, Delport, Hlekani, du Plessis, Pead, Kriel.
It has been 46 years since the Iowa Hawkeyes reached the Final Four in men's basketball. The last time came in 1980, when a balanced, experienced group put together one of the best tournament runs in program history.
The 1980 Iowa Hawkeyes at a glance
The 1979-80 Iowa team finished 23-10 overall and 10-8 in Big Ten play, placing fourth in the conference. They averaged 73.0 points per game while allowing 65.6, shooting nearly 49 percent from the field. This is a team that made their run late to get to the biggest stage.
Head coach Lute Olson led a team built on balance, with five players averaging double figures and strong ball movement across the lineup.
Key players and production
Ronnie Lester (G): 14.8 points, 4.2 assists
Kenny Arnold (G): 13.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists
Steve Krafcisin (C): 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds
Kevin Boyle (F): 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists
Vince Brookins (F): 11.0 points, 4.6 rebounds
Steve Waite (C): 8.0 points, 5.9 rebounds
Bob Hansen (G): 5.6 points
Mark Gannon (F): 5.6 points, 3.8 rebounds
The NCAA Tournament run
Iowa entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 5 seed in the East Region.
They opened with an 86-72 win over VCU, then defeated NC State 77-64.
In the Sweet 16, Iowa upset No. 1 seed Syracuse 88-77. They followed that with an 81-80 win over Georgetown in the regional final to reach the Final Four.
Iowa lost to Louisville 80-72 in the national semifinal. Louisville went on to win the national championship.
Iowa then fell to Purdue 75-58 in the third-place game, finishing fourth in the nation.
Historical significance
The 1980 team remains the most recent Iowa squad to reach the Final Four and one of the most successful teams in program history.
The 2025-26 Iowa Hawkeyes: A modern run back to the doorstep
Forty-six years later, the Iowa Hawkeyes are back in a place that does not feel familiar for the program.
The 2025-26 team, led by first-year head coach Ben McCollum, finished 24-12 overall and 10-10 in Big Ten play. It was a quick turnaround after a coaching change and a roster overhaul, with multiple transfers forming the core of the team.
Iowa opened the season with seven straight wins and captured the Acrisure Classic, showing early signs of cohesion. The Hawkeyes spent three weeks in the AP Top 25 before settling into the middle of a deep Big Ten.
Their postseason run is what changed everything.
As a No. 9 seed in the NCAA Tournament, Iowa beat Clemson 67-61 in the first round. Two days later, they delivered one of the biggest wins in program history, knocking off No. 1 seed and defending national champion Florida 73-72 on a late three-pointer from Alvaro Folgueiras. It marked Iowa’s first NCAA Tournament win over a No. 1 seed since that 1980 run.
They followed that with a 77-71 comeback win over Nebraska in the Sweet 16, taking their first lead in the final minutes and closing it out. That victory sent Iowa to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1987.
Now, the Hawkeyes are one win away from ending a drought that stretches back to 1980.
The Xavier Musketeers take on the UConn Huskies in a Big East college baseball game at Elliot Ballpark in Storrs, CT on Friday, March 27, 2026. | Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
Thanks to a bounceback effort from Friday starter Charlie West, UConn baseball (13-14, 1-0) picked up a win in its first Big East conference game of the year, taking down Xavier (8-19, 0-1) 3-1 in the first game of the series.
“He was very good. I mean, he puts up zeros,” Head Coach Jim Penders said. “He makes it interesting, you know. He got behind a bunch of hitters, but made pitches when he had to.”
After allowing five earned runs in his first start of the team’s recent West Coast trip and seven in just two innings his last time out against San Jose State, the lefty opened this one with 3.2 hitless innings.
That included an early 14-pitch battle with Musketeers right fielder Clay Burdette, who fouled off nine consecutive pitches before West secured his first strikeout of the day on his ninth attempt at the payoff pitch.
“I thought he had his change-up early in the game,” Penders said. “ He got some bad swings on that. He had a three-pitch mix today, and we haven’t really had the three-pitch mix all that often.” Penders also said that West did a good job establishing the inner third of the plate to pitch in.
Spliced into West’s dominant outing was a big fourth inning for the Huskies’ offense, coupled with some poor defense from the Musketeers.
After looping a double towards the gap in left center, Jackson Marshall found his way to third on a Chris Polemeni single and would score on a wild pitch over the left-handed batter’s box to the backstop.
“Nothing seems to bother [Marshall] in the batter’s box,” Penders said. “He is able to separate pitches really well. He could take a bad swing…and he’s very capable of looking back on one pitch and then just being able to dismiss it and get ready for the next one. And he hits the ball so darn hard.”
Marshall also found ways to contribute defensively and in an eye-catching manner. After making a running over-the-shoulder catch just feet from the brick wall down the right field line in the sixth, the first baseman dove to his left and used every inch of his 6-foot-8 frame to snare a hard grounder shot off the bat of Carter Christenson for the unassisted out at third base in the ninth.
“He was a really good basketball player,” Penders said. “I think he was in Mr. Basketball in New Hampshire his senior year. He’s more athletic than people give him credit for. His legs look a little funny, but he can move a little bit out there.”
Following his single, Polemeni swiped third after advancing to second on the wild pitch. That steal extended his team-leading total to 12.
Polemeni wasn’t done wreaking havoc on the bases. Creeping down the third base line, the right fielder was such a distraction to catcher Jonathan Fitz that the backstop made the ill-fated choice to fire to third and try for the back pick. Instead, the low throw bounced short and into foul territory past third, allowing Polemeni to ease his way into home.
The error also advanced second baseman Evan Menzel into scoring position, who later moved over to third on a Nater Wachter single. A batter later, Maddix Dalena tacked one on for good measure with a single of his own, making it 3-0 Huskies.
West responded to the run support from his teammates in the top of the fifth by inducing a double play and a fly out to keep the Musketeer bats at bay.
By the time West threw his 109th and final pitch of the day, the lefty had cruised through 6.2 innings of shut out baseball
Though the Huskies’ bats went cold for the latter four innings, collectively finding just one more hit (a Polemeni single) after the fourth and none over the next three innings, it wouldn’t matter much as Paxton Meyers and Greg Shaw III combined to close out the contest.
Meyers ran into trouble in both the eighth and ninth. A pair of singles left Meyers in a precarious situation in the former, but the right-hander generated a double play ball that elicited a loud cheer from the Huskies dugout.
The graduate student wasn’t as fortunate in the ninth. A leadoff single and a walk brought Jorge Valdes to the plate for the Musketeers. The left fielder worked a 3-1 count before Meyers got back in the at-bat to make it a full count.
Valdes lined the pitch back up the middle with enough speed to keep shortstop Rob Rispoli from reaching the resulting bouncer. The base hit drove in the Musketeers’ only run of the day.
With Meyers running into trouble and exiting the game with traffic on the base paths, relief ace Greg Shaw III came in to shut the door for his first save of the season.
Not dazed by the fact that the winning run was now standing at the plate, the senior made quick work of the Musketeers, striking out the first batter he faced and producing a soft tapper back to the mound that he flipped to first with plenty of time for the final out.
“His mindset is the thing that’s most impressive to me,” Penders said. “He’s a tough kid, he works really hard, he doesn’t say boo. He’s harder on himself than a coach can ever be, and those are the kinds of guys you love to go to war with.”
The Huskies will turn around less than 24 hours after game one’s first pitch to get back on the field for game two of the homestand with a series win on the line. UConn hasn’t won a weekend series since the three-game set at Old Dominion early in the month.
“It’s going to be a hard-fought series for sure, and I just hope that we show up with the same kind of energy tomorrow and hopefully win a series on a Saturday,” Penders said.
With the weather dropping to the low 30s, first pitch will be at an earlier 1:05 p.m. The game will stream live on ESPN+.
“It was obviously not an offensive day at Elliot Ballpark today with the wind blown in,” Penders said. “Our hitters, I thought, did a solid job of getting on top of some baseballs. It’s going to be even worse tomorrow, so we gotta continue that. We’re going to have to play for runs early and not count on crooked-number innings,”
Scotland centre Emma Orr scored two second-half tries as Bristol Bears came from behind to seal a 17-14 win and all but end Harlequins' hopes of reaching the Premiership Women's Rugby top four.
Staged at Cardiff's Principality Stadium for the first time as part of Bristol's 'Big Day Out' the match was watched by 14,020 fans - a record for a 'home' game for Bristol -with a Prem meeting between the men's sides at 15:30 GMT.
Defeat was Harlequins' sixth in a row, and while they took a losing bonus point to move up to fifth in the table - level on points with Sale in fourth - they have played more than those around them and have just one game remaining.
The Bears remain eighth with this their first win in two matches, with games against Exeter and Gloucester-Hartpury to come.
Meanwhile, second-placed Saracens thrashed Sale 54-0 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the day's second game to cut Gloucester-Hartpury's lead at the top to four points, although they have played a game more.
In Cardiff, Christiana Balogun barged over from close range to put the Bears ahead, but Beth Wilcock skipped past two tackles to score and edge Quins into the lead, before Aoife Wafer extended their advantage to 14-5.
Bristol wasted opportunities before the break as Ella Lovibond's pass was too long for wing Millie David, who would have had a walk-in to the line, and Delaney Burns was then held up under the posts.
Yet Orr turned the game on its head for Bristol midway through the second half, collecting and touching down a chip kick from centre Meryl Smith to cut the gap to two points.
Ten minutes later Orr doubled her tally with a standout solo try, shoving off one tackler and side-stepping two more to run over and make it 17-14.
At the other end replacement Quins prop Jessie Spurrier was held up as the London side were unable to put any points on the board during the second half.
Fourth-placed Sale Sharks may have play-off ambitions, but were handed a harsh lesson by a clinical Saracens side that hope to push Gloucester-Hartpury all the way for the Premiership title.
With player of the match Amelia MacDougall pulling the strings at fly-half, Sarries ran in eight tries.
Three were scored in the opening 10 minutes - Canadian internationals Olivia Apps and Gabby Senft going over, either side of one from Poppy Cleall.
Further tries followed from the experienced Marlie Packer and Liz Crake to make the score 33-0 by half-time.
Kelsey Clifford, Lotte Sharp and a late effort from Jess Breach completed the scoring in the second half, with Zoe Harrison kicking seven of eight conversion attempts.
The Chargers are looking to make a deep playoff run in 2026 with Jim Harbaugh in his third season as head coach and Mike McDaniel as the new offensive coordinator.
If the Bolts want to succeed in the postseason, there's still some work to be done following the first wave of free agency. The front office will still have to find a starting guard, edge rusher, and defensive tackle in order to look like a true contender.
Chargers Wire has rounded up the latest 2026 NFL mock drafts, where experts believe the Chargers will draft a guard or a defensive need with the No. 22 overall pick.
USA Today: T.J. Parker, DE/OLB, Clemson
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: "Even with Khalil Mack back for another season, it's time to plan for a future that won't include the 35-year-old. Parker would keep the Bolts' pass rush well stocked after Odafe Oweh's departure and give Jim Harbaugh a refined eventual replacement for Mack."
The Athletic: Vega Ioane, G, Penn State
Vic Tafur: "His teammates and coaches will be in for a treat, as not only can Ioane push defensive tackles around, but he is also an accomplished baker."
ESPN: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Field Yates: "In this year's deep safety class, McNeil-Warren has a strong shot to be the third one off the board in the first round. He is extremely fluid and long, with great play vision and natural disruption skills. He forced three fumbles in 2025, while recording 12 pass breakups and five interceptions over the past three seasons.
"The Chargers have needs at edge and guard to address in the draft, but safety is a sneaky area where they need to get younger. Derwin James Jr. will be a 30-year-old free agent next offseason."
NFL.com: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
Charles Davis: "The Chargers have been remaking their interior offensive line. Ioane would be a nice, nasty additional piece."
CBS Sports: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
Josh Edwards: "Vega Ioane this late into the first round would be considered one of the best values. Ioane lacks positional versatility, but the Chargers only need him to play guard. He has a physical play style which should be endearing to head coach Jim Harbaugh."
FOX Sports: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Ben Arthur: "The Chargers would love to get offensive line help here, but a blue-chip defensive tackle could be viewed as more valuable than the fifth- or sixth-best O-lineman in the back half of the first round. A unanimous first-team All-American, McDonald had 65 tackles (nine for loss), three sacks and two forced fumbles en route to being named the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year."
Athlon Sports: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
Luke Easterling: "Getting both of their starting tackles back from season-ending injuries will be a huge help, but the Chargers still need to upgrade the interior of their offensive line to ensure Justin Herbert remains well-protected in 2026 and beyond. Proctor is one of the most intriguing prospects in this class, thanks to his rare combination of size, power and athleticism, but his development will take patience. After playing tackle for the Tide, Proctor might be best suited to slide inside at the next level, where his strength and movement skills could make him an All-Pro down the road."
Pro Football Sports Network: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Jacob Infante: Arguably, the top guard in the 2026 NFL Draft went right before the Los Angeles Chargers in this mock, robbing them of a chance to make a needed upgrade along the interior offensive line. However, with Khalil Mack in the tail end of his career, it would make a lot of sense to invest along the defensive line to find his successor.
With a starting opportunity now in his reach at Texas A&M, Cashius Howell lived up to the hype in 2025. He finished the regular season with an SEC-leading 11.5 sacks, and he’s displayed tremendous acceleration and flexibility off the edge. Howell’s arms aren’t incredibly long, but there’s a lot there to be excited about with him on tape.
Touchdown Wire: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Gavino Borquez: "The Chargers re-signed Khalil Mack to a one-year deal. However, this position group still needs more juice, and they have to be thinking about the long haul with a running mate to play opposite Tuli Tuipulotu, given that this could be Mack’s final year. Parker is a physical edge rusher who can get after the quarterback and do the dirty work against the run. He finished with 21.5 sacks at Clemson."
Draft Wire: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Curt Popejoy: "The Chargers secondary is solid but not spectacular at any cornerback spot and there is always room to upgrade. Terrell was the star of the Clemson secondary last season and fits perfectly in a modern NFL defense."
SURPRISE, ARIZONA - MARCH 6: Jacob Latz #67 of the Texas Rangers participates in a fielding drill prior to a Spring Training game against the Seattle Mariners at Surprise Stadium on March 6, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Texas Rangers lineup for March 28, 2026 against the Philadelphia Phillies: starting pitchers are Jacob Latz for the Rangers and Aaron Nola for the Phillies.
The Rangers look to win their first game of the year and get to a .500 record on a chilly day in Philadelphia this afternoon. Jacob Latz is filling in for Jacob deGrom, who is dealing with neck stiffness.
The lineup:
Nimmo — RF
Langford — LF
Seager — SS
Burger — 1B
Pederson — DH
Smith — 2B
Jung — 3B
Carter — CF
Jansen — C
3:05 p.m. Central start time. Rangers are +125 underdogs.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 03: Kalif Raymond #11 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 03, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This season, the Detroit Lions saw many veteran players who had been with the team for several years walk out the door in free agency. It was clear players like Alex Anzalone and Graham Glasgow weren’t like to come back, but for a player like punt returner/wideout Kalif Raymond, it wasn’t as sure.
It turns out the Lions did make an effort to bring back Raymond, but he opted to select the Chicago Bears’ one-year, $3.5 million offer instead.
In a great profile of Raymond by The Athletic Dan Pompei, he revealed that Raymond had several suitors in free agency, including the Seahawks and 49ers. Ultimately, Raymond was deciding between the Lions and Bears, who had “commensurate” offers on the table. It was far from an easy decision for Raymond, who holds a lot of love for the Lions organization and his teammates. He even consulted with Amon-Ra St. Brown before making a decision.
“Trust your gut,” St. Brown told him, via Pompei. “Either way, I love you, man.”
However, it appears the deciding factor with Raymond was opportunity. After drafting St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa in a matter of five years, Raymond was a distant fourth on Detroit’s depth chart. Whereas the Bears have a young, burgeoning receiver group that needed a savvy veteran. And with Raymond reuniting with his former offensive coordinator in Bears coach Ben Johnson, he knows he’ll be in a place where he’ll be properly utilized.
“The lure to Chicago was opportunity,” Pompei wrote. “The post-Johnson Lions veered to bigger wide receivers and had reduced Raymond’s offensive role. Johnson, however, remembers the wide receiver who was targeted 71 times in 2021 and 64 times in 2022.”
The Lions were able to pivot quite well, however. Detroit ended up signing former Cardinals receiver Greg Dortch to a one-year, $1.4 million deal. Dortch brings both returner ability and a familiarity with new Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
Thirteen teams from around the world, including some Olympic squads, are at the Ice Sheet in Ogden taking part in the World Men's Curling Championship. The photo from Friday shows the Norwegian and Japanese teams competing in the foreground.
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Tim Vandenack, KSL.com
OGDEN — As a kid growing up, Collin Crook’s dad, a Canadian, instilled in him a love of curling.
“Pretty much every Olympics, we’d sit there and watch it with my dad all day,” he said. “It’s so strategic and so interesting to see how it flows game to game.”
The love for the sport has remained, and the Pocatello man found himself in paradise on Friday, watching some of the world’s best curlers at the Ice Sheet on the Weber State University campus in Ogden.
“It’s awesome. I love it,” he said, seated in the stands of the converted hockey rink.
Ogden is hosting the LGT World Men’s Curling Championship, where Crook was getting his fix of the sport, and the action, which started Friday, continues through April 4, when the new world champ is to be crowned. It’s perhaps the biggest curling event after the Olympics, and Utah officials are eager to showcase the ability of the state to host world-class sporting events ahead of the 2034 Winter Games, to be held in the state.
“While the (curling) world championships are not specifically linked to 2034, the event is emblematic of the culture of sport that has developed here in Utah since 2002,” when the state last hosted the Winter Olympics, said Tom Kelly, spokesman for the 2034 Games. “As Utah 2034, we would anticipate that more events like this will come to Utah, not just for 2034, but because of the venues we have and the great culture of sport here.”
Similarly, Sara Toliver, president of Visit Ogden, Weber County’s tourism promotion body, sees the event as an opportunity to put Ogden on the world stage and showcase what the city and Weber County have to offer. “It’s a pretty fantastic opportunity to get to take advantage of,” she said.
Thirteen teams from around the world, including some Olympic squads, have converged on Ogden at the Ice Sheet for the World Men's Curling Championship. The photo shows some of the action on Friday.
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Tim Vandenack, KSL.com
Perhaps at a more basic level, though, the tournament gives Ogden and Utah a peek into a sport that doesn’t typically garner a lot of attention. The Ice Sheet hosted curling events during the 2002 Olympic Games, and the facility is home to club curling activities, but otherwise, it’s more commonly used by the Ogden Mustangs hockey team and figure skaters.
Now, it’s serving as host facility for 13 top curling teams from around the world, including some squads that took part in the Milano Cortina Games in Italy last February. Matches are to be held daily through the coming week, and tickets are still available.
“They are top-level curlers,” said Eeva Roethlisberger, head of competition for World Curling, the international governing body for the sport, and on hand for the Ogden tournament. The teams come from the United States, Canada, China, Czechia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Norway, Poland, Scotland, Sweden and Switzerland.
She’s a curler, though she didn’t reach the level of the participants on the teams now in Ogden, and likens the sport to “chess on ice” because of the strategizing involved. Among the participants now in Ogden are John Shuster, part of the U.S. team that won gold in the 2018 Winter Olympics.
“I think it’s a fascinating sport,” Roethlisberger said. “It’s strategic. It’s very athletic, which a lot of people don’t think it is, but it is.”
Matches take place in a long corridor of ice, with teams taking turns sliding a large stone from one end of the lane to the other, trying to get the heavy rock into the house, the bullseye target. Team members will sweep the ice in front of the moving stone to aid in its travel, part of the strategy being to knock the stones from the opposing team out of the house. Points are scored based on which team gets their stones closest to the middle of the bullseye, or button.
“It is more difficult than you think,” said Crook, who was watching Norway and Japan face off with his wife, Sophie Crook, who’s become a curling fan. It may not be hard to heave the stone down the ice, he said, but “it’s hard to do it well.”
A lot of shouting is involved, as team members advise their sweepers on how best to direct the stone as it slides down the lane.
Weekend ticket sales have been good, and Toliver says the curling action could be a good option for kids who will be on spring break next week. Kids 12 and under can attend free for the 9 a.m. curling sessions during the week, she said, creating an opportunity “to see these world-class athletes and do something fun and different.”
There’s an “anything is possible” vibe to MLB’s Opening Weekend, and Saturday’s slate features several teams looking to derail the Los Angeles Dodgers’ bid for a three-peat.
That group includes the Toronto Blue Jays, and my MLB player props target a strong outing from Dylan Cease, as well as a wager on Fernando Tatis Jr. to kickstart his season.
Dylan Cease takes the ball for the Toronto Blue Jays this afternoon, and he’s facing an Athletics' offense that managed just three hits last night against Kevin Gausman and the Blue Jays bullpen.
I expect Cease to settle in quickly after pitching five scoreless innings to wrap up his Spring Training prep, and he has strong numbers against the A's top hitters. Shea Langeliers, Brent Rooker, and Tyler Soderstrom are a combined 3-for-20 against the right-hander.
Cease will get some leeway to pitch through jams, and John Schneider would surely like to get six innings out of his newest weapon.
Tatis Jr. has an eye-catching 7-for-13 career record against Flaherty, including four doubles and two homers, and the Tigers starter could be vulnerable after posting a 4.64 ERA in 2025.
The Padres need a spark from their talisman, and Tatis's speed on the basepaths is a recipe for extra-base hits. I’ll take the even odds for him to deliver.
Time: 8:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Detroit SportsNet, Padres TV
Matt Olson Over 1.5 Hits + Runs + RBI [-125]
The Atlanta Braves are off to a winning start after a thumping 6-0 victory last night, and Matt Olson wasted no time padding his stat line. The lefty slugger had two hits and a run in the opener, and he’s poised for a similar impact today.
Olson has a .600 batting average in five at-bats against Kansas City Royals righty Michael Wacha, and he’s in a favorable spot in the Atlanta lineup, with Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ozzie Albies hitting ahead of him and Austin Riley looming behind.
I like this price for Olson to help the Braves keep the scoreboard ticking tonight.
Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FOX
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Fabio di Giannantonio edged out Marco Bezzecchi in the final minutes of qualifying to score his second consecutive pole position of the 2026 MotoGP season at the United States Grand Prix .
Di Giannantonio set a best time of 2m00.136s aboard the VR46 Ducati with just over a minute remaining in Q2, beating seven tenths under the previous lap record at Austin.
Bagnaia was the first rider to break Maverick Vinales’ record at the Circuit of the Americas, lapping the track in 2m00.815s in the first five minutes to move to the top of the leaderboard.
Joan Mir then took the entire field by surprise, going nearly a quarter of a second quicker than Bagnaia aboard the factory Honda - despite the RC213V’s persistent grip in qualifying.
Di Giannantonio held third place after the first runs, while Bezzecchi was fourth fastest.
Reigning world champion Marquez languished in 10th place after the first half of the session, having been forced to abort his flying lap after catching Bezzecchi at the end of the back straight. The incident remains under investigation.
Lap times tumbled rapidly as riders returned on track on a fresh set of soft tyres, with Bezzecchi posting a 2m00.329s to become the first rider to go faster than Mir.
However, the Aprilia rider’s position at the top of the timesheets proved to be short-lived, with di Giannantonio snatching pole position just seconds after. This marked only the third time the VR46 rider topped a qualifying session, after his previous poles at Mugello in 2022 and Goiania last weekend.
Championship leader Bezzecchi held on to second place aboard the lead Aprilia, while Acosta shot up to third for KTM at the death of the session.
Bagnaia also managed to find a late improvement to qualify fourth, just beating an impressive Mir, while Marquez could only manage sixth at one of his favourite venues.
Aprilia’s Jorge Martin ended up seventh ahead of Gresini’s Alex Marquez, while Luca Marini (Honda) and Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini) rounded out the top 10. Both Mir and Aldeguer had made their way inside the top 10 after going through Q1.
Ai Ogura could only muster 11th aboard the Trackhouse Aprilia after crashing twice in FP2 ahead of qualifying, while Enea Bastianini wound up 12th for Tech3 KTM.
Bastianini was visibly agitated after feeling he was held up by Marc Marquez at the end of qualifying. The incident will be investigated after qualifying.
Trackhouse rider Raul Fernandez was eliminated in Q1 for a second weekend in succession, although this time he missed the Q2 cut by just 0.018s to end up 13th.
Diogo Moreira beat his more experienced LCR team-mate Johann Zarco to 14th in qualifying, while Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo wound up 16th after suffering a low-speed crash at Turn 15 on his first run.
Franco Morbidelli endured another difficult qualifying session on the VR46 Ducati to finish 20th, while Alex Rins, a two-time MotoGP winner at Austin, propped up the timesheets on the factory Yamaha.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Texas Rangers scratched two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom from his scheduled start Saturday against the Phillies because of neck stiffness.
The Rangers gave left-hander Jacob Latz the start.
Latz failed to win a spot in the rotation out of spring training. He's pitched mostly out of the bullpen in parts of four seasons with the Rangers.
There was no immediate word when deGrom would make his next start.
DeGrom’s final two years with the New York Mets were plagued by injury before he left in free agency after the 2022 season. He then had Tommy John surgery after only six starts in his Rangers debut in 2023, the season of their only World Series title. They won each of his starts that all came before the end of April that year.
The $185 million, five-year deal deGrom signed with Texas included a conditional sixth-year club option worth at least $20 million and up to $37 million for 2028 that has been triggered because of the time missed injured.
The Chargers are set to host Texas Tech wide receiver Caleb Douglas on a private workout-meeting. Douglas will also do the same with the Raiders, Rams and Saints.
Douglas led Texas Tech in receiving yards (1,723) over the past two seasons and established himself as a key deep threat in the Big 12. He earned All-Big 12 second-team honors.
How Would Caleb Douglas Fit With the Chargers?
The Chargers are looking for an X-receiver to add to the positional room. Douglas is known as a deep-ball threat with a 79-inch wingspan and 4.39-second 40-yard dash speed.
Keenan Allen is still unsigned, and there's no guarantee he will return to LA. Moreover, McConkey is coming off a down year in which he failed to replicate his 1,000-yard rookie season, largely due to Allen's presence.
As for Johnston, there is speculation that the Chargers may trade the former first-round pick. All in all, the Chargers need another receiver, and perhaps the team will address the need via the NFL draft in April.
General manager Joe Hortiz was aggressive in his pursuit of top free agent receiver Alec Pierce, but he opted to remain with the Colts. Therefore, the Chargers could very well bolster the unit through the draft instead.
"He'll get another chance" – Nagelsmann to back Sané but undecided on striker battle for Ghana
Despite delivering a disappointing performance against Switzerland yesterday, Leroy Sané has been backed by Julian Nagelsmann to make amends against Ghana on Monday.
“I don't always expect two goals and three assists, it's about the overall picture. He showed glimpses of what he's capable of," the Germany coach said in his press conference.
“Of course he can play with more intensity and do better, but you have to take his lack of rhythm into account. He will get another chance to do better on Monday,” he added.
With just nine goals for Newcastle this season, Nagelsmann also faced questions as to why Nick Woltemade featured ahead of an in-form Deniz Undav with 23 goals for VfB Stuttgart.
“Nick has a great record with us and isn’t having an easy time at Newcastle right now. Now I’ve got a choice to make.
"Do I continue to boost the confidence of a top striker [Undav] in really good form, or do I drop another top striker [Woltemade] who isn’t quite in such good form at the moment?
“I’d say it’s advisable for Nick Woltemade to get back on track with us, because things aren’t going well at Newcastle at the minute.
"Deniz is on a good run anyway. Whether he would have played today or not, it won’t change his confidence for this week,” he added, before saying he is still undecided.
Report: Liverpool and Spurs are in the race to sign Serie A defender
Ndicka Transfer Battle Signals Defensive Shift Across Europe
Credit to Caught Offside for the original reporting, this emerging transfer story around Evan Ndicka feels less like routine speculation and more like a reflection of where elite clubs believe modern defending is heading.
At €45 million, Ndicka represents a particular type of centre back, mobile, composed, and increasingly comfortable stepping into midfield spaces. It is no surprise that clubs across the continent are circling.
Premier League Interest Intensifies
The report states, “Manchester United have entered the race as well. The English club are keeping a close eye on Ndicka’s situation and could make their move in the summer.” That phrasing, deliberate and measured, hints at a market still forming rather than one nearing conclusion.
Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are also positioned as serious contenders. Both clubs are, in their own ways, searching for defensive clarity. Liverpool’s evolution under Arne Slot has exposed structural gaps, while Spurs continue to look for consistency at the back.
“Tottenham and Liverpool are also expected to increase their interest as part of their defensive reinforcement plans.” That line speaks to intent rather than urgency, yet in modern recruitment cycles, intent can quickly become action.
Photo IMAGO
Roma’s Financial Reality Shapes Decision
There is a subtle tension running through the situation at AS Roma. The club would prefer to retain Ndicka, yet financial obligations may dictate otherwise.
“Roma are prepared to consider offers exceeding €45 million (£39m).” This is not a fire sale, but it is a negotiation framed by necessity. UEFA-related financial pressures add a layer of inevitability, particularly with a June 30 deadline looming.
The rejection of a previous bid from Al Nassr suggests Roma are selective, not desperate. Still, the landscape has shifted.
European Giants Join Race
Interest from FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich elevates this beyond a Premier League tussle. It becomes a question of profile and projection.
“Top European clubs are closely monitoring him, and the competition for his signature is heating up.” That observation captures the essence of the modern transfer window, where players are not merely acquired for need, but for trajectory.
Ndicka, at this price point, sits in that sweet spot, proven enough to trust, young enough to mould.
Market Value Meets Strategic Fit
Financially, “Ndicka’s current market value is around €35 million. However, Roma are ready to evaluate offers in the €40–45 million range.” That gap between valuation and expectation often defines negotiations.
What matters more is fit. For Liverpool, it could mean balance alongside Virgil van Dijk. For Spurs, it could represent a stabilising presence in a system that often stretches its defenders.
In that sense, this is not simply a transfer story. It is a study in how top clubs attempt to future-proof their back lines.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Spurs perspective, this report feels both encouraging and slightly familiar. Encouraging because “Tottenham and Liverpool are also expected to increase their interest” suggests the club are once again targeting a defender with the right physical and technical profile. Familiar because Spurs fans have seen these pursuits drift before.
Ndicka looks like the sort of signing that could genuinely elevate the back line. Strong in duels, comfortable on the ball, and experienced in European competition, he ticks many of the boxes supporters have been calling for.
Yet there is a lingering doubt. With Manchester United, Liverpool, FC Barcelona, and Bayern Munich all involved, Spurs risk being outmuscled both financially and in terms of prestige.
There is also the question of timing. Spurs “also wanted to sign Ndicka last season.” That detail may frustrate fans who feel opportunities have slipped through the net before.
Ultimately, this is a test of intent. If Tottenham are serious about competing at the highest level, this is the calibre of player they must secure. Missing out would not be a disaster, but it would reinforce a narrative that Spurs are often present in the conversation, but rarely decisive at its conclusion.
It's no secret that the Minnesota Vikings don't have a great situation at running back entering the 2026 campaign.
The Vikings managed to keep Aaron Jones on a reworked contract, but he's also 31 years old and is coming off an injury-plagued season. Behind him is Jordan Mason, who doesn't offer much outside of his between-the-tackles running.
With the free-agent market having dried up, all eyes are on the Vikings picking a running back earlier than later in the 2026 NFL draft.
One of their targets is Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson, who draft analyst Ryan Fowler reports is going to visit the Vikings ahead of the draft.
"Source: Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson has a visit scheduled with the Minnesota Vikings," Fowler reported.
Fowler goes on to note that Johnson could be the second-best running back in this year's class behind Notre Dame superstar Jeremiyah Love.
"Potential RB2 in the class was named Big Ten RB of the year in ‘25 after rushing for 1,451 yds and 12 TDs. One of the premier ball-carriers in the class," Fowler added on Johnson.
Emmett Johnson scouting report
At 5-foot-10 and 202 pounds, Johnson has the ideal frame to be an NFL running back, especially with his impressive blend of speed and power.
He isn't an elite pass-catcher by any stretch, but he's got the goods to make an impact in that area.
Johnson is a hard-charging, gap-scheme runner. He brings a steady dose of urgency, decisiveness and fairly predictable run tracks. Johnson’s production and game-by-game consistency stand out despite average size and top-end speed. He steps on the accelerator once he touches the ball, but the run becomes segmented when he attempts to cut laterally. He struggles to create for himself when the point of entry is cloudy. Johnson can beat linebackers to the run fit but won’t usually run through them with power. He’s able to help as a pass-catcher and projects as a solid backup best suited for downhill concepts.
Barring a massive trade up and/or slide, the Vikings are going to be out of range to take Love, but they could still land themselves a solid back in Johnson, who could come off the board on Day 2.
Carlos Alcaraz suffered a surprising early exit at the Miami Open, interrupting what had been a strong start to his season.
The world number one was beaten by Sebastian Korda in three sets in the third round of the ATP Masters 1000 event. It was just his second defeat of the season.
Speaking in an episode of ‘Off Court with Greg’, Rusedski said: “I think with Alcaraz, he’s played a little bit too much tennis. You look at the end of the season, he didn’t really have an offseason.
“He played a lot of exhibitions in America, he went to the one in Korea before the Australian Open, then he played in Doha as well.
“So he’s played all the way from the end of the year, finishing number one, to continuing on the merry-go-round.
“And when you play too much tennis, I hate to say it, but you get a little stale, you get a little bit bored, it’s difficult being week in, week out on the road.
“That’s where Federer was a maestro. That’s why he had such a long career and had so much dominance. He’d only played 12 events, and then he’d win seven of them, and he’d be fresh every event he played.
Alcaraz remains focused on this year’s calendar Grand Slam bid after winning his first title at Melbourne Park. The next major is scheduled for May 20th – June 9th at Roland Garros.
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Alcaraz is facing a busy clay stretch as Sinner closes the gap
Sinner’s run to the Miami Open final has tightened things up in the rankings, with Alcaraz now on 13,590 points following his early exit and Sinner able to reach 12,400 if he lifts the title.
Alcaraz is not only protecting his place at the top of the rankings but also a huge number of points. He’s defending 4,330 from last season’s clay swing, where he won Monte Carlo, Rome and Roland Garros, and finished runner-up in Barcelona.
By contrast, Sinner didn’t play Monte-Carlo or Barcelona last year, giving him a good opportunity to gain ground. Alcaraz will have very little room for error during this stretch if he wants to hold onto number one.
Mar 19, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; during San Jose Sharks vs Buffalo Sabres at SAP Center. Photo: Sport Shots / Dean Tait
COLUMBUS — Nick Leddy appreciates being back in the NHL.
Waived in January by the San Jose Sharks, and unclaimed, in part because of his $4 million AAV, it was no sure thing that the veteran defenseman would ever play again in the best league in the world.
But here he was on Thursday night, helping the Sharks get a point against his last team, the St. Louis Blues. San Jose lost 2-1 in OT, Leddy playing 19:44 and providing a security blanket for a more aggressive Sam Dickinson, who had one of his better games of the season.
“It’s always fun to play against friends, guys that will be lifelong friends,” Leddy said post-game, about St. Louis, where he skated from 2021 to 2025. “When you go to battle with someone in the playoffs over and over again, and you have those experiences and long seasons, you create amazing friendships.”
Leddy struggled early in the season, hence getting waived, but the 16-year vet appears to have found some of his game since his return to the line-up on Mar. 17, suiting up for four contests. Small sample size and these stats aren’t be-all, end-all, but Leddy actually has the best 5-on-5 Expected Goals For % on the Sharks defense, per Natural Stat Trick, 68.13 percent, since then.
“He’s played some really good hockey when he’s came in, and really helps calm our defense down back there. There’s more predictability,” San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky said. “He’s a pro in every sense of the word, even when he was not playing. Didn’t complain, just worked, put his head down, did what the coaches asked for him to do. Kept preparing himself to get in…He’s a true pro, and we’re happy to have him.”
San Jose Sharks (32-31-7)
Ohio native Alex Nedeljkovic is likely to start.
Warsofsky will share more line-up details at about 11:30 AM PT.
Columbus Blue Jackets (38-23-11)
Here’s how the Jackets lined up in their last game, a 2-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens.
Columbus is 19-4-4 under interim head coach Rick Bowness.
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) March 26, 2026
New: With the Sharks at Nationwide today, two familiar faces are back in town. Kiefer Sherwood and Alex Wennberg. Both are on their fifth NHL team. Despite different journeys, both were molded by their Columbus roots.
Puck drop between the San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets is at 2 PM PT at Nationwide Arena. Watch it live on NBC Sports California. Listen to it on the Sharks Audio Network.
The Diamondbacks were defeated by the Dodgers for the second time in a row last night during Game 2 of their MLB season-opening series. Tonight, they'll play once more for Game 3.
Game 3 for the Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers starts at 9:10 p.m. ET on local RSNs (SportsNet LA, DBacks.TV), MLB Network and MLB.TV. Here's what else you need to know about how to watch the D-backs vs. Dodgers game.
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers start time
Tonight's Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers game will kick off at 9:10 p.m. ET.
Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers channel
Game 3 of the Diamondbacks at Dodgers three-game series will air on MLB Network stream on MLB.TV.
How to watch Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers:
Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers series schedule
All times Eastern
Thursday, March 26
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers: 8:30 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
Friday, March 27
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers: 10:10 p.m. (MLB Network, MLB.TV)
Saturday, March 28
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers: 9:10 p.m. (MLB Network, MLB.TV)
When is MLB Opening Day 2026?
MLB Opening Day has expanded, so "opening week" is a better term for the schedule. The action began with the Yankees vs. Giants game on Wednesday, March 25. There are 11 games to catch on Thursday, March 26 and eight on Friday. Plus, we’ll see the handful of three-game series kicked off during Opening Week conclude by Sunday. All in all, it’s a jam-packed week.
MLB Opening Day channels
Specific opening week MLB games will air across NBC, Apple TV and Netflix; the rest of the games will air on MLB.TV.
We’ve reached the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament, with March Madness going fairly predictably as three of the No. 1-seeded teams have advanced to this round. We now get true matchups between the best college basketball teams in 2026, creating high stakes and a lot of excitement this weekend.
Let’s dive into our Elite Eight predictions for the weekend matchups in the men’s NCAA Tournament.
(3) Illinois Fighting Illini vs (9) Iowa Hawkeyes
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The Iowa Hawkeyes are the lowest-seeded team left standing in the NCAA Tournament and are coming off a run that includes a last-second victory over the reigning national champion Florida Gators. The three-ball has been instrumental to the Hawkeyes’ success during this ride to the Elite Eight, with the team making 20 combined in the last two games. The Illinois Fighting Illini are favored to punch their ticket to the Final Four, but it’s worth noting this program allowed 8.4 three-pointers made per game (275th in NCAA) during the season. With that said, Illinois has played strong defensively throughout the tournament and its scoring prowess is nearly unrivaled. We are calling for the upset, with Iowa dictating the pace of the game and getting threes to fall in a nail-biting victory.
The Arizona Wildcats are on a tear entering the Elite Eight, with their last defeat coming all the way back on Feb. 14 against Texas Tech. During this win streak, the program has top-10 victories over Houston and Iowa State twice, and then it just handed Coach John Calipari his most lopsided defeat ever in the NCAA Tournament. The Purdue Boilermakers‘ resume might not be quite as impressive, especially coming off a narrow victory in the Sweet Sixteen over No.-11 ranked Texas. However, Purdue does have its own wave of momentum coming into this matchup with Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn looking unstoppable. Against another opponent, we might be inclined to pick Purdue. This draws, however, favors Arizona winning comfortably.
(6) Tennessee Volunteers vs (1) Michigan Wolverines
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
If you’re a fan of watching defense, this Elite Eight matchup between the Tennessee Volunteers and Michigan Wolverines is right for you. Rick Barnes has taken Tennessee to the Elite Eight for the third consecutive season, with this run being the most remarkable given the amount of roster turnover during the offseason. Tennessee is coming off two impressive wins over Virginia (79-72) and Iowa State (76-62), but this feels like a matchup where the story ends. Michigan’s suffocating defense and its ability to score efficiently should propel the Wolverines to victory and a spot in the Final Four.
The Duke Blue Devils haven’t exactly looked like one of the best college basketball teams during the NCAA Tournament. They took Siena lightly in the first round, only escaping with a six-point win, then nearly lost to St. John’s in the Sweet Sixteen. Still, All-American freshman forward Cameron Boozer is capable of taking over a game, and we just witnessed Caleb Foster put up 11 second-half points less than a month removed from suffering a broken foot. Duke has proven itself comfortable in tight games. On the other side, Dan Hurley’s UConn Huskies have handled their business against the likes of UCLA and Michigan State, but they have struggled versus top competition. We think talent wins out in this one, with Duke headed back to the Final Four.
Prediction: Duke Blue Devils – 77, UConn Huskies — 71
Volkanovski (28-4) has long been calling Movsar
Evloev (20-0) the most deserving featherweight title contender.
Evloev further cemented his position by handing Lerone
Murphy his first career loss at
UFC London earlier this month. Evloev followed it up by calling
out Volkanovski, who verbally accepted without
hesitation.
However, Silva (17-3), who was in attendance at UFC London, is
jostling for the next title shot against Volkanovski. Known for his
knockout power, Silva deemed Evloev’s majority decision win over
Murphy boring. While “Lord” is trying his best to provoke
Volkanovski to fight him, the champion doesn’t think he deserves
the next title shot over Evloev. Volkanovski’s coach, Lopez,
recently reiterated his fighter’s thoughts. Lopez took a dig at
Silva’s signature celebration of barking like a dog. Lopez says
that barking, or making noise in general, won’t earn Silva a title
shot.
“Jean
Silva or whatever his name is, barking like the little dog that
he is in the background, trying to make a lot of noise to make
himself think he’s the next one,” Lopez told
Following the Dodgers’ narrow 5-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, manager Dave Roberts pointed to a combination of new faces and situational execution as the foundation of the victory.
The spotlight naturally shifted to closer Edwin Díaz, whose entrance brought a jolt of energy to the stadium. Accompanied by a live trumpet performance, a moment that resonated with both fans and players alike.
“It was great… I heard there might be a live trumpet player, so having that as part of the mariachi was really special, and he performed,” Roberts said.
Beyond the spectacle, Roberts emphasized what Díaz represents for this year’s bullpen structure. After navigating recent seasons without a fixed closer, the Dodgers now have a dependable presence in the ninth inning.
“To have somebody at the back end that you trust… that dependability is huge,” Roberts said. “You can manage the game differently when you know you’ve got a shutdown guy in the ninth.”
Offensively, the Dodgers relied on situational hitting from Kyle Tucker in the eighth and productive outs from Diaz, which ultimately helped them win this matchup.
“The two acquisitions this offseason came up big tonight,” Roberts said.
Execution also showed up on the defensive side, where a clean relay play helped limit damage and preserve momentum. Roberts praised the sequence for its precision.
“It was executed perfectly… get it clean, hit the relay, and finish it—that’s exactly how you draw it up,” he said.
On the mound, the Dodgers saw flashes of effectiveness early before some inconsistency crept in from Emmet Sheehan. Roberts noted that while Sheehan's stuff looked sharp initially, it diminished as the outing progressed.
“Early on the stuff was good… then it just started to fall off a little bit—we’re still trying to figure out why,” Roberts said, suggesting the issue may be mechanical.
There were also encouraging signs from Mookie Betts, who continues to look strong at the plate early in the season.
“I think with Mookie, the first thing you notice is he’s more physical… the swing is in a really good spot,” Roberts said.
In a tightly contested game, Roberts ultimately framed the win as a product of timely execution and improved roster balance—particularly with the addition of a proven closer anchoring the bullpen.
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The Texas Longhorns celebrate their 9-8 win over Texas A&M in game one of the Lone Star Showdown series at McCombs Field in Austin, Friday, March 27, 2026. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman)
The latest installment of the Lone Star Showdown proved a wild affair Friday as Texas softball edged rival Texas A&M 9-8 in the first game of a three-game series at McCombs Field in Austin.
Shortstop Viviana Martinez led the way for No. 1 Texas (30-1, 7-0 SEC) with four hits, four RBIs and two home runs. She also scored the winning run after freshman designated player Hannah Wells laced a walk-off RBI single into the outfield in the bottom of the seventh inning. The nearly three-hour game featured four ties, five lead changes and a combined 14 strikeouts and 23 hits before the Longhorns extended their school-record winning streak to 28 games. The loss snapped a four-game winning streak for the No. 16 Aggies (23-10, 5-2).
Follow below for live scores and updates Saturday as the Texas Longhorns host the Texas A&M Aggies in game two of the series.
The Texas Longhorns celelbrate a home run by pitcher Hannah Wells (13) during the game against Baylor at Red & Charline McCombs Field on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Austin. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman)
For the most part, the Dallas Cowboys' offense last season was elite.
The unit led by Brian Schottenheimer in his first year as an NFL head coach/play-caller averaged 27 points per game.
When the Cowboys had the ball, the expectation was that they would score. Why?
Well, two names. CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Both No. 1 receivers for Dak Prescott to tear defenses apart with.
But now, as we look ahead to 2026 and what the receiver room could look like, there is a case to be made that it might be a little better than it was last year.
Lamb (1,077 yards, 3 TDs) and Pickens (1,429 yards, 9 TDs) to get better? Possibly.
But this is more about those behind them and the expected development that fans might expect.
Our own Mike Fisher broke down Dallas' receiver room as things stand right now, and Cowboys Nation has every reason to be bullish on what the offense could do in 2026.
“Lamb and Pickens, two WR1's, stars who
together set this roster apart from many in the NFL,” Fish said. “Not many that
have that.
“[Ryan] Flournoy, [KaVontae] Turpin, [Jonathan] Mingo. Now listen, if
your biggest problem is I don't really love our fifth and sixth receivers, then
you don't have very many problems. Flournoy is a real number three. Turpin is a
little more than a gimmick guy.
"This is a special group. Now, just get the wide
receiver one [Pickens], happy. He's got a contract. He hasn't
signed it, but he's got a contract."
With Lamb and Pickens doing what they do, behind them, Flournoy showed last season he can be a dependable No. 3 receiver, often connecting with Dak on third downs in the second half of the year.
Turpin did show flashes, but not as many as Dallas would have hoped. His home-run speed is still a threat, as evidenced by his 85-yard TD catch on Christmas Day against the Washington Commanders.
So that takes care of the top four at the position, and then you have Mingo and even Treshon Holden, who showed flashes in preseason.
The group, on paper, appears deep, and that will excite Dallas fans. Can they replicate their 2025 efforts?
I get the sense that if Dallas wants playoff football, they'll have to.
SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners earned their first win of the season on Friday via a 5-1 win against the Cleveland Guardians.
Mariners second baseman Cole Young ended up providing the go-ahead hit — a three-run shot in the bottom of the fourth inning - but it was an outfielder that provided the final insurance runs for Seattle.
M's right fielder Luke Raley iced the game in the bottom of the sixth inning with a two-run homer to right field.
Raley's two-run shot Friday was his second homer in as many games, which have totaled three RBIs.
In addition to the power he's shown at the plate, Raley has also started in right field for the Mariners in the first two games of the season and has been tested defensively.
It's still very early in the year, but early returns suggest the 31-year-old slugger is in prime position to bounce back after a lost 2025.
Raley was limited to just 73 games last season due to a pair of injured list stints. He was out from April 30-June 20 with a right oblique strain. Raley was back for just a week before he was placed on the IL again on June 30 (retroactive to June 27) due to back spasms.
By the time Raley, who mainly plays the outfield and first base, returned to the team Aug. 15, Dominic Canzone was in the middle of a career-best season and Josh Naylor, who was acquired by the team in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks, was firmly entrenched at first.
Raley was unable to get a high number of at-bats due to Canzone's emergence and Naylor's arrival and was unable to get back into rhythm as a result. He finished '25 with a slash line of .202/.319/.311 with a .630 OPS and hit eight doubles and four home runs with 19 RBIs in 73 games.
Now that he's back healthy following a full offseason of work, it seems he's beginning to return to form.
Seattle Mariners right fielder Luke Raley (20) rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park. Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
"Obviously he battled through some tough stuff last year," Seattle manager Dan Wilson said in a postgame interview Friday. "Just the way he's out there now, the way he's seeing the ball, the way he's driving the ball — his timing is there, he's got a good swing going right now. Made some nice plays defensively, as well. I think he's in a really good spot. Getting that confidence early in the season like this is big."
With Rob Refsnyder and Victor Robles on the roster, it's likely that Raley will get a break when the team goes against left-handed pitchers this season.
However, if this early start is a sign of a return to the norm for the former Lake Erie College product, Raley will continue to be a valuable and reliable contributor to the team in 2026.
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North Carolina's search for a new men's basketball head coach continues on. While there hasn't been much movement in terms of landing one of their top guys, that likely will come after the NCAA Tournament.
As the search continues on, more and more opinions are coming out on who should be the coach. The latest comes from NBA forward Draymond Green who has his pick for the next coach and it's someone he's familiar with.
On the latest episode of "The Draymond Green Show" the forward discussed the UNC job and made his case for Jerry Stackhouse.
“The University of North Carolina job is open and there are a lot of big names being thrown around… I think North Carolina is going to have an interesting choice to make… But this is the NIL era and how do you get a name that your biggest donors would be willing to support? I think it is interesting in this era,” Green said.
“And the name that jumps off the page at me is Jerry Stackhouse. In the day and age of NIL, where your boosters will rally around one of their own, one that they believe in. Stackhouse has the demeanor for this. He’s a guy that will be respected… He should definitely be in the running for this job… He had a great career at North Carolina…”
Stackhouse coached at Vanderbilt for five seasons, going 70-92 in that stint and failed to make the NCAA Tournament. Since then, he's been an assistant with the Golden State Warriors, picking up more coaching experience at the NBA level.
While Stackhouse is a 'family' candidate, it doesn't really make a lot of sense at this point. This is a crucial hire for the Tar Heels and finding someone established with success should be the goal.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
NEW DELHI: The IPL 2026 is just moments away, with the opening match set to be played between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. RCB will be led by Rajat Patidar, while Ishan Kishan will captain SRH.
RCB will also wear black armbands during their match against SRH to pay tribute to fans who tragically lost their lives in the stampede outside the venue following the team’s historic title win last year.
A statement from RCB said, "Royal Challengers Bengaluru will pay tribute to the eleven members of the RCB family who tragically lost their lives in the unfortunate incident on June 4."
"As a mark of respect, players will wear practice jerseys bearing the number 11 during the warm-up, followed by black armbands during the match."
"In a lasting gesture of remembrance, eleven seats at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will remain unoccupied, serving as a permanent tribute to the fans whose unwavering support will always be a part of the RCB family," the statement concluded.
Eleven people died and several were injured in the stampede outside the stadium during the victory celebrations last year.
'Kohli incredibly hungry'
Virat Kohli is hungry and at the "peak of his powers", with his IPL team RCB set to begin their title defence, coach Andy Flower said.
Former captain Kohli, who has retired from Tests and T20 internationals, now represents India only in the 50-over format.
"Virat is in a really good space mentally," Flower told reporters.
"He's very comfortable with himself but still incredibly hungry, and watching him strike the ball in training, he looks at the peak of his powers."
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"It was very satisfying professionally for everyone, of course, but a really emotional time for all sorts of reasons at the end of last season," Flower told reporters.
"It's another time, so it's time to move on from that."
SACRAMENTO — No. 10 Virginia is the first double-digit seed to make the Women's NCAA Tournament's second weekend since 2022. As the Cavaliers look to bust more brackets in Sacramento against No. 3 TCU on March 28, we put the Wahoos’ ball knowledge to the test to find out if they could name the last double-digit seed to make the Sweet 16.
Pol Espargaro is backing Marc Marquez to turn his season around at the 2026 MotoGP United States Grand Prix, with the Ducati rider heading to a track where he has always run well.
No one in any category has had more than four wins in Austin, while Marquez’s seven victories have all come in MotoGP.
It could’ve been eight, too, if not for a crash while leading the 2025 race. Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia went on to win that day after Marquez crashed trying to build a bigger gap at the front.
Even with an early fall in FP1 at this year’s event, there are positive signs. He topped the timesheets with a lap of 2:00.927, just 0.063 seconds off the lap record.
Pol Espargaro backs Marquez to use COTA as a season boost
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Maverick Vinales still holds the official MotoGP lap record at COTA, set back in 2024 with a time of 2:00.864, though many will be expecting Marquez to have a good shot at breaking it during qualifying. Trackhouse rider Ai Ogura also posted an impressive 2:00.980 in practice on his Aprilia RS-GP.
Espargaro also expects Marquez to be competitive in Sunday’s race, especially after he spent Friday practice focusing on the medium Michelin tyres. After a tough start to the season with issues in Thailand and Brazil, a strong showing this weekend could help him build some momentum.
“He’s been one of the few riders who have worked a lot with the medium front and medium rear tyres,” Espargaro told DAZN, quoted by Motosan. “Thinking not about tomorrow’s Sprint, but about Sunday when the temperature will be higher, and that will be the tyre of choice due to the degradation the rear tyre will experience.
“So Marc is working hard. We’ll probably see a very competitive Marc, who will use this Grand Prix – we’ve said it many times – that riders going through difficult times use these lucky circuits to get back to where they were before those difficulties.”
Marquez’s early season form has been held back by penalties and misfortune.
He had victory taken away from him in Buriram after receiving an in-race penalty for forcing Pedro Acosta wide on the penultimate lap of Saturday’s sprint.
Just one day later he suffered another blow as he picked up debris which caused a puncture.
Marquez managed to take his first win of 2026 by finishing P1 ahead of Jorge Martin in Goiania but was unable to carry over that success into Sunday’s Grand Prix.
It was an exciting night of Sweet 16 basketball on Friday. Both teams from the state of Michigan gave it their all; unfortunately for the Michigan State Spartans, it was not good enough to take down the UConn Huskies. For the Michigan Wolverines, their best ball put them on a totally different level than their opponent, the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Here are the scores and the rest of my analysis from the Big Ten games in the NCAA Tournament from the Sweet 16 games on Friday:
No. 1 Michigan 90-77 vs No. 4 Alabama
Alabama's hot-shooting offense falls flat versus Michigan. Michigan's defense showed up and showed out. The Wolverines held Alabama's offense to only 28 points in the second half to cruise to victory. Coming into this game, Alabama's offense was one of the best and most efficient in the country. This game, they were held in check. It was the defense and the great play from the Wolverines bench that made the difference in this one. Getting 33 points off the bench was huge, and Trey Mckenney really made a name for himself, showing that he very soon can be one of the best scorers in the country, whether it is at Michigan or somewhere else. Labaron Philon Jr. went off with 35 points, shooting 6-14 from 3, but he couldn't do it by himself. Michigan had production from everywhere, and of course, Yaxel Lendeborg led the way without another star performance. Last night, Michigan looked at a different level.
No. 2 UConn 67-63 vs Michigan State
UConn was the better team in this matchup, and they had to fight off some late-game heroics from the Spartans to seal this victory. The Spartans got off to a terrible start, down 20 points early in the game, and Dan Hurley was coaching circles around Tom Izzo. Tom Izzo was a big reason for this Spartans team making it to this point, but this game did not bode well for him. The Spartans did not help either, as they could not knock down easy shots. Tarris Reed Jr. handled Michigan State's size very well, and he iced this game. While the Huskies' other best player, Alex Karaban, went to work and drilled big-time shots late, he had 17 points. The Spartans did what they had to do to give UConn a scare, but the Huskies are the real deal.
Top performers from Friday
Michigan is at its best and most dominant when Yaxel Lendeborg is an aggressor. Lendeborg dropped 23 points, had 12 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals. His impact was huge for the Wolverines, both on offense and defense. It seems recently Lendeborg is really coming into his own and playing his best basketball in the biggest stretch of the Wolverines' season.
Tarris Reed Jr. came up big for the Huskies, and the Spartans' defense did not hold down UConn's star. Reed Jr. managed to have 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks in this game. When UConn needed an answer, Reed Jr. wanted the ball in his hands, and he was able to get an easy bucket in the paint. Reed also closed the game out with clutch free throws to put an end to the Spartans' late comeback.
Overview
Both Michigan teams ended the day with two totally different outcomes. The Wolverines dominated the Alabama Crimson Tide in the second half, and the Michigan State Spartans gave UConn everything they had in the second half to give UConn a scare. Michigan State went down with a fight, but now that there are only 8 teams remaining, it is hard not to think Michigan is in that top 2 of teams left.
What's Next
It is the end of the road for the Michigan State Spartans, and an end to another great season for Tom Izzo and his squad. The Michigan Wolverines now have a match against the Tennessee Volunteers, who handled a really good Iowa State basketball team. Tennessee has great size, and its big guys can not only rebound but score as well. Tennessee should be able to match up very well with Michigan.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Steelers were interested in trading for Cousins, but the Atlanta Falcons ultimately shot them down.
"Kirk Cousins is the one, and I know that they called on him last year, and the Falcons at the time didn't want to trade him. Didn't want to engage in trade talks, but now Kirk Cousins is free," Pelissero said via The Rich Eisen Show. "Cousins potentially could be an option if they pivot away from Aaron Rodgers, which hasn't happened yet."
Cousins signed with the Falcons in 2024 and was ultimately blindsided by the team's decision to draft Michael Penix that same offseason. He was benched later that season and was reportedly looking for a fresh start in 2025, which the Steelers apparently heavily considered.
Now a free agent, Cousins could be the perfect replacement for Rodgers if the Steelers choose to give up on this never-ending waiting game.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Despite the offseason acquisitions of Juice Scruggs and Larry Borom, the Lions may still want to add to the OG position in the draft. If they pick a 2nd-round OG, that player is likely a starter as a rookie. DJ Campbell is a player projected to go in the Round 2 range and is also medically clean.
(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.)
Campbell has been perfectly available the last 3 seasons and has suffered only very minor injuries. He appears to be a very clean prospect and is at the right age. If the Lions want a low-risk, instant-starter in the 2nd round, Campbell might be it.
ESPN football analyst Dan Orlovsky has been burning the boats when he describes Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, a Cleveland Brownstarget in the 2026 NFL Draft.
He stepped a little too far on Tuesday this week when he was on the Pat McAfee Show and challenged Pat and the Boys to prove why Fernando Mendoza was better than Ty Simpson when he asked "what games" when asking about which games Mendoza was better.
Well, the games that he was better in were against the best defense in the country, Ohio State, Simpson's Crimson Tide, the Oregon Ducks, and then in the National Championship against the Miami Hurricanes. Mendoza's approach and release are definitely different and more robotic than Simpson's natural release, but that's about the only thing that's different.
On Thursday, NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah went on the You Better You Bet podcast and put water all over that flame. When asked if he had talked to anyone who had Simpson over Mendoza, he said:
"You can talk to different people, but I have not talked to anyone who has that. That's not saying that he's saying anything untrue, he is just talking to different people."
"You can talk to different people, but I haven't talked to anyone that has that."
The conspiracy theories are flowing about the connection between Orlovsky and Simpson through the same agency, along with many other things, but the point is that whatever is going on is very forced.
What does this mean for the Browns and the NFL Draft?
Now, what does this all mean for the Cleveland Browns? The best-case scenario for Cleveland would be if Simpson's interest skyrocketed thanks to all of this dialogue about him, and someone in the first round jumped up to pull the trigger on him.
The connection between Cleveland and Simpson is certainly a growing theory. I don't think that is a theory that is growing in legitimate draft circles, but it is a conversation that is getting louder on the outside. If the price is right for the Browns (maybe the fourth round), then they could pull the trigger.
However, if they are thinking that they need to grab him with pick No. 24 or pick No. 39, then they are sorely mistaken.
No matter wherever Orlovsky is getting his information, we can all only hope that Andrew Berry and the Browns aren't drinking the Simpson koolaid because they could make an incredible mistake if they are.
(Video) Thiago Alcantara looks like he’s never been away as he illuminates LFC Legends match
Thiago Alcantara was the star of the show in the opening exchanges of the Liverpool Legends match at Anfield this afternoon.
The Spanish midfielder is back in the famous red shirt just under two years after his departure from the club, and as one of the youngest players on the pitch for Sir Kenny Dalglish’s side today, perhaps it’s no surprise that he didn’t take long to exert his influence on proceedings.
Thiago opens the scoring for Liverpool Legends
With just five minutes on the clock, the 34-year-old picked out Ryan Babel with a no-look pass, and the Dutchman returned the favour by picking him out with a clever through ball, with the ex-Barcelona maestro finishing to the net from a tight angle.
Just a couple of minutes later, Thiago lofted a magnificent pass towards Steven Gerrard, who exploited a gap in the Borussia Dortmund defence, but the former Liverpool captain wasn’t quite able to provide the finish.
The roles were reversed in the 18th minute as the Huyton native picked out the Spaniard, who attempted to backheel the ball into the net from close range but couldn’t finish the chance.
Thiago has still got it!
Injury problems plagued the ex-Spain international during his time at Anfield, especially in his final season with the club in 2023/24, but he still showed no shortage of class in a red shirt, and on today’s evidence it’s clear that his talents haven’t abated since his retirement from playing.
Best remembered for his exceptional goal against FC Porto in November 2021 with a drilled shot which saw the ball hover just over the surface without actually touching it, Thiago was the star attraction in the first 20 minutes of the Legends match this afternoon.
As noted by Connor O’Neill in his commentary for the Liverpool Echo, one suppoter near the press box at Anfield shouted ‘Give it to Thiago’ any time the ball was in close proximity to the 34-year-old.
Our former no.6 is showing today that he’s very much still got it!
You can see Thiago’s goal (from 5:12 in the match coverage) and pass to Gerrard (from 7:17) below, via Liverpool FC on YouTube:
Casemiro reiterates stance on Manchester United future
Casemiro insists he will be leaving Manchester United at end of the season despite calls for him to stay for one more year.
The Brazilian midfielder announced in January that he will be departing Old Trafford when his contract expires this summer.
The 34-year-old has had mixed fortunes since joining the club from Real Madrid in 2022, but has put in a string of strong performances since making public his intention to leave.
Casemiro reiterates stance on Manchester United future
United fans have been urging Casemiro to remain for at least one more year. There is a clause in his contract that can extend it for a further 12 months, but the club do not intend on triggering and he says his mind has been made up.
“I am still enjoying it a lot (in Manchester),” Casemiro said, as quoted by The Athletic. “I believe the announcement is now done. It is huge, the affection that the fans have shown towards me.
“But I do really believe the decision is made and done. I am enjoying myself right now. I believe it will be some difficult (emotional) moments, these (final) games at Manchester United.”
Casemiro believes that Michael Carrick’s appointment as interim head coach has helped improve his game over the past few months and been a factor in United’s rise to third in the Premier League table.
“Above all, Michael is a specialist in my position on the field, he was a truly great player,” Casemiro added. “That makes everything much easier and he is always talking to us.
“I feel like we are in a good dynamic right now in Manchester and my objective now is to get the club back into the Champions League.”
Rashmi wins the 2025 Megahertz Stakes at Santa Anita Park.
It’s the calm before the storm this weekend at Santa Anita Park. Next Saturday, all the fanfare of the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby will be on display: the winner of that race gets a spot in the Kentucky Derby.
This weekend, less. But the Wilshire Stakes offers a graded stakes chance to a quintet of runners, including the Jonathan Thomas trained, graded stakes winning Rashmi.
Let’s meet this field, and try to take down the early sequence. If you’re wagering on Santa Anita Park, check out AmWager! They have a 100% deposit match up to $150.
1. Rashmi. 3/5. Jockey: Kazushi Kimura. Trainer: Jonathan Thomas.
Rashmi won the Grade 3 Megahertz last year, and followed it up with a near-miss in the Grade 2 Buena Vista. Jockey Kazushi Kimura picks up the mount today, and I think his riding style will fit in this spot.
Comment: most likely winner.
2. Antifona. 5/1. Jockey: Tiago Pereira. Trainer: Vladimir Cerin.
Antifona was last seen in the Wishing Well, a stakes for Cal-breds over 6 furlongs. She was charging hard at the end, so I imagine trainer Vladimir Cerin sees the move back to a mile as a logical next step. She’s a candidate to fill out the exacta, for sure.
Comment: exacta candidate.
3. Miss Artois. 3/1. Jockey: Juan Hernandez. Trainer: Richard Baltas.
There are a fair number of questions around Miss Artois, but there’s no denying she’s been highly competitive in her last 3 races. Her last race showed she can close into a pace, but with Rashmi likely inheriting the lead, it won’t be easy to run her down. Dropping lasix here is the final question, and a big enough one to leave her off the win line.
Comment: exacta candidate.
4. Hannah Buckle. 9/2. Jockey: Armando Ayuso. Trainer: Leonard Powell.
I thought Hannah Buckle’s effort last out in the Grade 3 Frankel was an admirable one, and one the connections I have to believe were excited about. She returns to graded company here, and I have her second in my handicapping. Nice mare, just a step slower than Rashmi.
Comment: exacta candidate.
5. Walk’n the Beach. 20/1. Jockey: Ricardo Gonzalez. Trainer: Jonathan Thomas.
Walk’n the Beach will likely go off at odds longer than 20/1, and I will agree with the general public.
Comment: toss.
The Sporting Tribune Wager:
$2 Early Pick 5, Starts Race 1 ($64): 1 / 1,5 / 1 / 3,4,5,6 / 1,3,5,8. Good Luck!
Fans are in for a treat on Sunday when Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff meet in the Miami Open final.
Sabalenka, who currently holds the title, is aiming to become just the fifth woman to win both Indian Wells and Miami in the same season. Having already secured Indian Wells earlier this month, she’s halfway there.
The American is looking for her first WTA 1000 trophy of the season and fourth overall. Their most recent meeting came at last year’s WTA Finals, where Sabalenka got the better of Gauff.
This will be their fourth final meeting, and former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski believes Gauff might have an edge this time around.
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images
Greg Rusedski shares his take on the 2026 Miami Open final
Speaking on ‘Off Court with Greg,’ he noted: “The crowd’s going to play a part because there’s an American in the final.
“They want to see an American win in Miami, and conditions are slower in Miami than they are in Indian Wells, which favours Coco to defend more.
“When Coco has won her majors, who has she beaten? Sabalenka on both occasions, the US Open and at Roland Garros.
“So this is going to be a cracking final, and one thing I’d love to see is Coco having a good serving performance.
“If she does that, maybe this is the catalyst where everything falls into place, and the serve starts functioning, because that is the big question mark.
“And we know Sabalenka in finals, she struggles, she gets nervous, she gets tight, she feels expectations. So Sabalenka is the favourite, but she doesn’t always like being the favourite in the final.”
Recapping Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka’s 2025 rivalry
Gauff and Sabalenka have squared off a dozen times on the WTA Tour, including two finals last year.
Their first final in 2025 was at the Madrid Open, where Sabalenka won in straight sets.
Later in the clay season, they met again in the Roland Garros final, where Gauff came out on top to claim her second Grand Slam title.
Their head-to-head record currently stands at 6-6, and Saturday’s winner will take the lead for the first time.
USA's Ilia Malinin performs during the men's free skating program of the 2026 ISU Figure Skating World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic on March 28, 2026. (Photo by Michal Cizek / AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
U.S. figure skater Ilia Malinin cruised to his third consecutive world title in Prague on Saturday, returning to the top of the podium after a heartbreaking eighth-place finish at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.
After his collapse in Milan, Malinin sought a redemption competition at the 2026 ISU World Figure Skating Championships. On Saturday, he achieved his goal. “My expectation was to leave the long program in one piece, and I think that happened,” Malinin said following his skate.
His skate included his signature quadruple Axel, the most difficult skill in figure skating. The American is the first athlete to complete the skill. With his win, the 21-year-old became the first men’s skater to win three titles since Nathan Chen.
Malinin edged out the reigning Olympic silver and bronze medalists, Yuma Kagiyama and Shun Sato of Japan, who repeated their results from Milan-Cortina. For Kagiyama, Saturday’s silver medal marks his fifth individual world medal and fourth silver.
Saturday’s competition was a marked improvement from the men’s free skate in Milan-Cortina, which saw many of the top competitors collapse on Olympic ice. Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov won Olympic gold with a total score of 291.58 in February, a score that would have won bronze today in Prague.
Americans Andrew Torgashev and Jacob Sanchez finished in tenth and 12th overall, respectively. For Torgashev, the result marked a sizable improvement from his 22nd-place finish at the 2025 world championships.
Men’s Singles Final Results (Top 10):
Ilia Malinin (United States): 329.40
Yuma Kagiyama (Japan): 306.67
Shun Sato (Japan): 288.54
Stephen Gogolev (Canada): 281.04
Adam Siao Him Fa (France): 271.56
Aleksandr Selevko (Estonia): 270.92
Kevin Aymoz (France): 269.13
Daniel Grassl (Italy): 254.94
Lukas Britschgi (Switzerland): 251.90
Andrew Torgashev (United States): 249.41
The Prague Play-by-Play
Heading into the final group, Kevin Aymoz of France led the competition after a spectacular performance in the free skate. Olympic silver medalist Yuma Kagiyama skated first on Saturday, looking to redeem his fluke mistake in the short program.
Kagiyama started beautifully, nailing his quadruple Salchow. Landing his final jump – a triple Axel – the veteran broke into celebration on the ice as the crowd roared. Before Kagiyama finished his final spin, the crowd was already on its feet.
“One of the best performances that this sport has seen,” commentator Mark Hanretty remarked. The judges agreed, awarding Kagiyama with a record component score to rocket above Aymoz into first place.
Japan's Yuma Kagiyama performs during the men's free skating program of the 2026 ISU Figure Skating World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic on March 28, 2026. (Photo by Michal Cizek / AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
Next up was the fifth-highest qualifier, Stephen Gogolev of Canada. Gogolev added to the list of incredible performances on Saturday, fighting through his jumps for a stellar free skate in his first world championship. Gogolov earned a strong 186.66 in the free skate, finishing behind Yagiyama with four skaters to go.
2026 Olympic bronze medalist Shun Sato skated next, hoping to mirror the successes of his veteran Japanese teammate. Sato delivered, skating cleanly to close his second world championship on a high note. With a 192.70 in the free skate, Sato secured a guaranteed improvement on his sixth-place finish from 2025.
Estonia’s Aleksandr Selevko was a surprise star in Thursday’s short program, finishing third over the Japanese duo thanks to a personal-best score. However, the same would not happen on Saturday, with the Estonian falling on his opening quadruple jump. While Selevko rebounded successfully, he received a personal-best 173.93 to rank behind Gogolev of Canada.
Kagiyama’s sizable lead held with just two men to skate. Adam Siao Him Fa, former European Champion and world bronze medalist, skated next. Like women’s skater Amber Glenn, Siao Him Fa has long had the talent to achieve top marks but often falters at the most crucial moments.
Fans show their support during the Men's Short Program at the ISU Figure Skating World Championships 2026 at O2 Arena Prague on March 26, 2026, in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by Yuan Tian/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
NurPhoto via Getty Images
Unfortunately, the same was true today in Prague. Though Siao Him Fa fought for many of his landings in an improvement from Milan-Cortina, he crashed into the ice on a key quadruple jump and committed multiple costly errors. After sitting in silver-medal position, the Frenchman fell to fourth with Malinin to go.
Ilia Malinin would skate last, skating the same program from the Milan-Cortina Olympics. Could the 21-year-old put his Olympic mistakes behind him?
Malinin opened with two massive quadruple jumps, nailing his famed quadruple Axel as his second jump. Though Malinin downgraded a couple of his planned jumps, the skate marked resounding redemption.
The crowd rose to its feet as Malinin saluted the audience, breaking into celebration and a beaming smile – a stark departure from his heartbreak in Milan-Cortina. Malinin would win his third-world title, joining a list of iconic names in men’s figure skating.
Mar 27, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Ashlon Jackson (3) celebrates with guard Riley Nelson (4) and guard Taina Mair (22) after making a game winning shot against the Louisiana State Tigers during a Sweet Sixteen game of the Sacramento Regional 2 of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images | Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
A potential comeback for the ages and a fourth straight Elite 8 appearance was 2.6 seconds away for LSU (29-6) but instead a buzzer beater from Ashlon Jackson rolled around the rim and in to knock the Tigers out.
Duke (27-8) got its revenge against LSU last night in Sacramento, eliminating the Tigers 87-85. The Blue Devils advance to take on UCLA, the region’s No. 1 seed Sunday afternoon (2:00 P.M., ABC).
LSU entered the fourth quarter trailing 67-65, but a disastrous start to the frame almost doomed the Tigers. Duke went on an 11-0 run to open the fourth, and led by as many as nine with 3:35 left to play. LSU, however, rallied, went on a late 10-0 run and Mikaylah Williams knocked down a pair of free throws that gave LSU an 85-84 lead with nine seconds left to play.
Duke’s first attempt at a game-winning shot missed, but LSU couldn’t corral the rebound. LSU gave up a season-worst 20 offensive rebounds last night, and the 20th one ended up costing the Tigers their season.
DUKE BUZZER-BEATER VS. LSU TO ADVANCE TO THE ELITE EIGHT 🚨
MiLaysia Fulwiley scored a career-best 28 points off the bench and was largely responsible for keeping LSU in the game in the first half. Fulwiley scored 18 of LSU’s 40 first half points. Mikaylah Williams was second to Fulwiley with 22 points, and a perfect 9-9 at the free throw line.
Playing in her last game as a Tiger, Flau’Jae Johnson scored 13 points and five rebounds. She was limited to just 29 minutes due to picking up four fouls and, unfortunately, bit on the pump fake by Jackson before the buzzer-beating shot went in.
And so closes the chapter on a good, but maybe not great, season of LSU women’s basketball. LSU is clearly one of the handful of elite programs in the country, but there are questions that will need to be answered before the ‘26-’27 season tips off in the fall.
Change is inevitable in college sports, especially this current era, but Flau’Jae has been the one constant of the Kim Mulkey era, and now LSU will have to find a replacement for her. Even the coaching staff will look different now that Gary Reedus, one of Mulkey’s top assistants, has accepted the head coaching job at Rutgers.
But there’s still a lot to like about where this LSU program is. Mikaylah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwiley will be seniors, and Jada Richard will be in her third year with the program; it also looks like LSU hit on this star-studded freshman class and, assuming you hold on to them all, players like Bella Hines, Grace Knox, ZaKiyah Johnson, and Divine Bourrage out to be the nucleus of the next iteration of LSU women’s basketball. And of course LSU still has Mulkey at the helm, and she’s done since getting to LSU is win and win a lot.
If a buzzer-beater loss in the Sweet 16 is considered a down year, I’ll take that every time.
The NHL's 15-game schedule on Saturday, March 28, could see a lot of movement in the playoff standings throughout the day.
The Tampa Bay Lightning host the Ottawa Senators at 1 p.m. ET and the New York Islanders are also in action at that time. If the Lightning win, they'd move in front of the Buffalo Sabres for the Atlantic Division lead based on points percentage because they have played fewer games.
If the Senators win and the Islanders lose, Ottawa would move into the second wild-card position. If the Islanders win, they'd temporarily move from the second wild-card spot into second place in the Metropolitan Division, passing the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets.
But all that could change later in the day. The Sabres could reclaim the Atlantic Division lead if they end their three-game losing streak. Buffalo would also move into the top seed in the Eastern Conference if it gains one more point than the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday. The Penguins and Blue Jackets have games later in the day.
Another team to watch is the Detroit Red Wings, who host the Philadelphia Flyers at 8 p.m. on ABC. If the Senators and Islanders lose early, the Red Wings would take over the second wild-card spot with a victory. The Flyers open the day five points out of a playoff spot and are desperate for a win.
In the West, the Pacific Division-leading Anaheim Ducks visit the second-place Edmonton Oilers at 3:30 p.m. The Ducks would bump their division lead to seven points with a regulation win or the Oilers could cut their deficit to three points.
Also, the Nashville Predators host the Montreal Canadiens at 7 and the Los Angeles Kings visit the Utah Mammoth at 9. The Kings would move into the second wild-card spot with a victory and a Predators regulation loss.
Here's what to know about the NHL standings, tiebreaker procedures and playoff bracket for the 2025-26 season:
Who's in the 2026 NHL playoffs?
Eastern Conference: None
Western Conference: Colorado, Dallas
NHL games today (Saturday, March 28)
All times p.m. and Eastern
Ottawa at Tampa Bay, 1
Florida at N.Y. Islanders, 1
Anaheim at Edmonton, 3:30
Minnesota at Boston, 5, NHL Network
Dallas at Pittsburgh, 5
New Jersey at Carolina, 5
San Jose at Columbus, 5
Seattle at Buffalo, 5:30
Toronto at St. Louis, 7
Montreal at Nashville, 7
Winnipeg at Colorado, 7
Philadelphia at Detroit, 8, ABC
Utah at Los Angeles, 9
Vancouver at Calgary, 10
Washington at Vegas, 10:30
NHL Eastern Conference standings 2025-26
As of March 27. x-clinched playoff spot. z-eliminated
Metropolitan Division
Carolina Hurricanes (96)
Pittsburgh Penguins (88)
Columbus Blue Jackets (87)
Atlantic Division
Buffalo Sabres (96)
Tampa Bay Lightning (94)
Montreal Canadiens (90)
Wild card
Boston Bruins (88)
New York Islanders (87)
Sitting out of playoff position: Ottawa Senators (86), Detroit Red Wings (86), Philadelphia Flyers (82), Washington Capitals (81), New Jersey Devils (76), Toronto Maple Leafs (75), Florida Panthers (73), z-New York Rangers (67)
NHL Western Conference standings 2025-26
As of March 27. x-clinched playoff spot. z-eliminated
Central Division
x-Colorado Avalanche (106)
x-Dallas Stars (97)
Minnesota Wild (94)
Pacific Division
Anaheim Ducks (86)
Edmonton Oilers (81)
Vegas Golden Knights (78)
Wild card
Utah Mammoth (80)
Nashville Predators (77)
Sitting out of playoff position: Los Angeles Kings (76), Seattle Kraken (74), Winnipeg Jets (72), San Jose Sharks (71), St. Louis Blues (71), Calgary Flames (68), Chicago Blackhawks (67), z-Vancouver Canucks (50)
NHL Eastern Conference playoff bracket
Here is how the Eastern Conference playoff bracket would look if the season ended on March 27.
Carolina (M1) vs. N.Y. Islanders (WC2)
Pittsburgh (M2) vs. Columbus (M3)
Buffalo (A1) vs. Boston (WC1)
Tampa Bay (A2) vs. Montreal (A3)
The winner of the first series would play the winner of the second in the second round. The winner of the third series would play the winner of the fourth. Key: M - Metropolitan Division. A - Atlantic Division. WC - wild card
NHL Western Conference playoff bracket
Here is how the Western Conference playoff bracket would look if the season ended on March 27.
Colorado (C1) vs. Nashville (WC2)
Dallas (C2) vs. Minnesota (C3)
Anaheim (P1) vs. Utah (WC1)
Edmonton (P2) vs. Vegas (P3)
The winner of the first series would play the winner of the second in the second round. The winner of the third series would play the winner of the fourth. Key: C - Central Division P - Pacific Division. WC - wild cardld play the winner of the fourth. Key: C - Central Division P - Pacific Division. WC - wild card
NHL tiebreakers: What is the first tiebreaker in NHL standings?
If two teams are tied in points at the end of the regular season, here are the tiebreakers:
Regulation wins
Regulation and overtime wins (ROW)
Total wins
Most points earned in head-to-head competition: If teams had an uneven number of meetings, the first game played in the city that has the extra game is excluded.
Goal differential
Total goals
When does the NHL regular season end?
The NHL regular season is scheduled to end on Thursday, April 16, with six games.
When do the NHL playoffs start?
The NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs are expected to begin on Saturday, April 18.
SNY's Joe DeMayo and Jim Duquette mentioned during the recent spring breakout game broadcast that the organization was going to be aggressive with the 18-year-old prospect in his stateside debut.
He now appears set to jump the Complex League and kick things off with St. Lucie on April 7.
Peña showcased some of his potential during the spring breakout loss to the Rays prospects, playing a few innings at shortstop and reaching twice with a walk and a 102 mph single to right.
The youngster was also spectacular as he opened his career in the DSL last year, overcoming a dreadful 0-for-26 start to finish with 24 extra base-hits and a .949 OPS over 55 games.
He also swiped 21 bases in 25 attempts and had as many walks as strikeouts (36).
Peña, the No. 7 prospect on DeMayo's updated Top 30 list, signed for franchise-record $5 million last year.
As DeMayo recently noted in his Prospect Mailbag, it wouldn't shock anyone to see Peña on top 100 prospect lists and competing to be the No. 1 ranked prospect in the system by the end of the season.
The Boston Celtics picked up another important victory on Friday night, as they handed the Atlanta Hawks a 109-102 defeat. With Jaylen Brown missing this game, it was Payton Pritchard who stepped up and led the Celtics to victory.
Pritchard has emerged as a lethal scoring threat for Boston this season, and that continued against Atlanta, as he led all scorers with 36 points. Along the way, Pritchard hit another one of his patented buzzer-beater shots, and after the game, he took a second to explain why these plays are so important to him.
"It's a momentum play, and the crowd feels it. Our team feels it," Pritchard said. "I feel like it's crucial because ending a quarter or a half and then going into the next possession, you get that energy and that momentum swing."
It's telling that, on a team featuring the likes of Brown, Jayson Tatum and Derrick White, Pritchard is the guy getting the ball in these last-second situations. That's because, more often than not, he manages to find the bottom of the bucket and put points on the board for his team.
Even with Tatum's return, Pritchard has remained a crucial part of the offense, and considering how he's averaging a career-high 16.9 points per game, that likely isn't going to change anytime soon. Boston will face another tough challenge when it returns to action on Sunday, as it will square off against a streaking Charlotte Hornets squad.
The Crown Point Bulldogs are headed to the IHSAA Class 4A championship game after beating Northridge 66-40 Saturday night at Elkhart's North Side Gymnasium.
One of the most complete teams in the Hoosier State, the Bulldogs look to make history against another program also in an unfamiliar position.
Here's what to know about the program.
Where is Crown Point High School located?
The school is located in Crown Point, Indiana, about 52 miles from downtown Chicago and the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls
What is Crown Point's record?
Entering the Class 4A championship game the Bulldogs are 25-1. Their only loss came by 14 to 21st Century Charter School (PA) on January 31.
Where is Crown Point ranked in USA TODAY Sports Super 25?
Who are some standouts on the Crown Point basketball roster?
Mason Darrell is a Bellarmine pledge and leads the Bulldogs in scoring. Forward Dikembe Shaw, a UIC commitment, is their highest-rated player ranking No. 9 in the state and the No. 40 power forward in the country.
Who is Crown Point's head coach?
Clint Swan is in his 20th season as Crown Point's head coach and 25th year as a head coach in Indiana. He's compiled a record of 306-162 with the Bulldogs.
Has Crown Point won a state championship before?
This is Crown Point's first time making it to the on the boys side after getting knocked out by Fishers in semistate the last to years. Its girls team have won three state championships in 1984, 1985 and 2021.
Who is Crown Point playing for the IHSAA Class 4A state title?
Crown Point is set to play against Mt. Vernon in a rematch of a game that Bulldogs won 60-56 on December 23. Mt. Vernon is also making its first state championship appearance.
📸 Liverpool icon marks return to Anfield with goal in Legends game 🙌
Thiago Alcantara only played 98 games for Liverpool before being forced to retire in 2024 due to a series of injuries suffered throughout his career.
Today, he returned and scored within six minutes to give the Reds the lead in their Legends game with Borussia Dortmund.
The 34-year-old played the ball to Ryan Babel, darted into the box and received a return pass from the Dutchman. He then brilliantly finished from a very tight angle past Roman Weidenfeller.
Added to the three he scored in his four years in red, all four of his goals have now come at Anfield.
Many watching fans might wonder whether the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich man could still do a job in midfield, especially as they watch him combine with Steven Gerrard in a fantasy pairing.
Ilia Malinin from the United States competes during the men’s free skate on Saturday in Prague.Photograph: Petr David Josek/AP
Ilia Malinin claimed a third straight world figure skating championship on Saturday afternoon, completing a swift redemption a month after his shock Olympic collapse with a commanding free skate.
The 21-year-old American entered the final at Prague’s O2 Arena with a commanding lead after Thursday’s short program, where his personal-best 111.29 had put him more than nine points clear of the field. This time, there would be no unraveling.
Skating last, Malinin produced a free program of 218.11 to finish on 329.40 points, comfortably ahead of Japanese rivals Yumi Kagiyama (306.67) and Shun Sato (288.54).
For Malinin, it was a performance as much about composure as content. Known as the Quad God for his unprecedented jumping arsenal, he once again packed his program with difficulty, landing five quadruple jumps, including a quad toe-triple toe combination late in the program, but it was the absence of the errors that defined his Olympic free skate that mattered most as he came in nearly 23 points ahead of the next best score.
A month ago in Milan, Malinin had arrived as the overwhelming favorite for gold, only to fall twice and tumble to eighth in one of the biggest upsets in Olympic figure skating history. In the aftermath, he admitted the pressure had consumed him, replaying mistakes “24/7” in the days that followed.
On Saturday, the tone was entirely different.
That mindset had been evident from the start of the week. In the short program, Malinin attacked his opening quad flip and quad lutz–triple toe combination with conviction, drawing a roaring response from the crowd and signaling that the Olympic disappointment had not lingered.
Behind him, Kagiyama delivered another high-quality skate to secure silver, while Sato’s crowd-pleasing free skate lifted him to bronze. Canada’s Stephen Gogolev placed fourt (281.04) ahead of France’s Adam Siao Him Fa, who landed two quads but fell on a third and dropped to fifth (271.56).
Estonia’s Aleksandr Selevko (270.42), in bronze position after the short, dropped to sixth. The Americans Andrew Torgashev and Jacob Sanchez placed 10th and 12th, respectively.
The absence of Olympic champion Mikhail Shaidorov, who like Alysa Liu skipped worlds, left the spotlight squarely on Malinin – and this time the flaxen-haired American met it without hesitation.
CHICAGO – Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg looked for the green light. He couldn’t catch Dusty May’s eye. So the Big Ten Player of the Year sent it anyway.
Not a shot.
A line.
“Honestly, I kind of felt a little disrespected having a freshman guarding me,” Lendeborg said at the podium with his head coach a mere feet away, as the 23-year-old, do-it-all graduate forward explained why he posed like he did after breaking the ankles of Alabama forward Amari Allen and knocking down a momentum-shifting 3-pointer in Friday’s NCAA tournament Midwest regional semifinal.
That triple swished 51 seconds into the second half of a 90-77 Sweet 16 victory. It gave the top-seeded Wolverines a lead they had lost to the No. 4 seeded Crimson Tide while missing their final five field-goal attempts before halftime.
“I feel like a lot of us weren't playing as good as we wanted to, so naturally your confidence goes down a little bit, but after seeing somebody come out, make somebody fall and hit a 3 in their face, that definitely gives you some confidence,” junior point guard Elliot Cadeau said in the locker room postgame.
Michigan was in the driver’s seat the rest of the way. After trailing for more than 15 minutes in the first half, May’s Wolverines were in front the final 19 minutes and nine seconds of a win that reserved their spot in the Elite Eight, where they’ll face No. 6 seeded Tennessee on Sunday.
Lendeborg was the tone-setter — on both ends and in both halves.
He followed up that highlight-reel, second-half 3 with a pair of steals that he converted into assists, playing a seismic part in Michigan’s mid-game defensive revival.
Long before that, Lendeborg helped dig the Wolverines out of an early nine-point hole. He made his first four attempts from the field, including a confident one from long range in the wake of the game’s first media timeout.
“Today, his aggressiveness was probably the best I've seen all year, and that's saying something because he's had some amazing games,” said graduate guard Nimari Burnett, who notably spent two seasons earlier in his career at Alabama.
“Just reading the game at such an elite level — his pace and his style of play was incredible. I look forward to him continuing that throughout the rest of this year.”
Yaxel Lendeborg has Michigan on the verge of its first Final Four appearance since 2018. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Michael Reaves via Getty Images
Lendeborg, a 6-foot-9, 240-pound stat-sheet stuffer whom his teammates call “Dominican LeBron” because of his roots, his jersey number and his play style, fittingly sniffed a triple-double Friday, clocking out with 23 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting. He netted a team-high four 3s, missing just once from deep.
And to think, about six years ago, Lendeborg was playing his first consequential minutes of organized basketball. Now the former JUCO standout and UAB star, is a headlining act of March Madness.
“This is pretty much the dream come true,” Lendeborg said. “I didn't think I'd be this far, just in life in general … I feel really blessed. Sometimes I'm at a loss of words when I think about where I am right now.”
“I owe it all to my mom. She really drove me out of the hole that I was in,” Lendeborg said Friday of his beloved Yissel Raposo, who has been battling appendix cancer.
Lendeborg found purpose as a high school senior in Pennsauken, New Jersey, where he teased his potential on the hardwood in 11 varsity games that year. That started a journey that first took him from Arizona Western, a community college near the Mexico border, to Birmingham, Alabama, where he twice earned AAC Defensive Player of the Year honors at UAB.
For @umichbball’s @Yaxel_Lendeborg, it all goes back to his mom: “One thing I can control, though, is I can do everything in my power to make sure my mom knows how much she means to me. I can make sure she understands that I’m so grateful for everything she’s done. And that all… pic.twitter.com/1f4XWxwECl
He was among the hottest commodities in the transfer portal last offseason. Michigan won the sweepstakes for his lucrative services. Since, he’s turned into a consensus All-American, and the 34-win Wolverines have returned to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2021.
Following arguably the best game of his life, in which Lendeborg asserted himself as the best player on the court, he credited his mom. She, like his father, hooped for the Dominican Republic national team, and her presence takes his game to another level.
“The majority of the times when she's here and she's in the stands, I feel like I get a lot more aggressive,” Lendeborg said Friday. “She has this certain calling that she does whenever I get the ball. And it's like, I can hear nobody else in the stadium but her, and it puts me in attack mode, honestly.
“There was many times today where I was looking to pass the ball, and I hear the noise and it's like, ‘I must have an opening that I don’t see, so I just go.’ And if something happens, something happens. Majority of the time, something did happen today.”
Lendeborg will turn 24 in September, which makes him a relatively old NBA prospect, but he’s still young basketball-wise.
“Him starting basketball later on, it gives him that excitement, that kid feeling when he's playing here in the NCAA tournament and just big stages that he's ready for,” Burnett said of the often-smiling, unashamedly goofy Michigan icon.
“And so just to see him play at an elite level but also just playing a game that he loves, I think that's what allows him to play at the level he's playing at right now.”
‘I think we have an NBA player playing for us in college’
Burnett remembers when it hit him that Lendeborg was different. It was in a pickup game.
“I saw him do a couple crazy dunks that I'm like, 'Yo, that's kind of crazy,’ the graduate guard recalled in the locker room. Burnett said Lendeborg threw down a 360 slam off one foot and a windmill that he later showcased during a Dec. 9 drubbing of Villanova.
He caught bodies as well, even dunking on 6-foot-7 reserve forward Oscar Goodman.
On Friday, when asked about his head-turning ankle breaker, he said he thinks that was the first time he’s made somebody fall with his handles since he was playing at the park in middle school.
“He's just built for the moment,” Cadeau said. “So when you put him on a stage like this, he starts doing things that maybe he's never done before, but that's just him, and he just knows how to step up in moments like this.”
Back in the same arena, and even the same locker room, the Wolverines started to exorcise those demons in the Windy City. The Boilermakers punched Michigan in the mouth after halftime in that March 15 matchup. Less than two weeks later, Lendeborg made sure the Wolverines were the ones landing blows out of the break.
He jumpstarted an inspired effort that snuffed out Alabama’s torrid 3-point shooting — the Tide went a ghastly 5-of-23 from that distance in the second half — and allowed a Michigan-friendly crowd to take in a needle-moving win the May era.
“He hasn't been playing basketball for that long, so for that to be true and for him to be this good is crazy,” Cadeau said of Lendeborg. “And when he reaches his prime, you don't know what you’ll see. You might see one of the best players in the NBA.”
Junior center Aday Mara added: “I think the same way. I think we have an NBA player playing for us in college.”
Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes strongly defended former North Carolina coach Hubert Davis after an anonymous ACC coach took a shot at Davis following his firing.
According to college basketball insider Jeff Goodman, an anonymous ACC coach said of Davis in a statement Goodman posted on X:
"I had really hoped he was the coach forever. No one in the ACC was scared of him. I'm worried that they hire someone really good now because if you get a big-time guy at UNC, they could be right there with Duke again."
Forbes pushed back when he appeared on the radio show Westwood One Sports Night, calling the anonymous remark “weak,” especially with Davis having been fired just a day earlier.
“Yeah, I—I think with Hubert, I—I just really like him, you know, and I—somebody tweeted something yesterday that was completely unprofessional about him and the league, and actually I sent it to the league office because I was just—just disgusted. I just—I happened to see it, and I just thought it was weak. I mean, if you're going to say that, put your—put your name on it. That's weak. Um, because he don't deserve that, right? Not that anybody does, but he don't.”
“If you’re going to say that, put your name on it.”
Rutgers women’s basketball has added former Missouri assistant coach Preston Beverly to its coaching staff, according to The Knight Report. Beverly worked with the Tigers for the last two seasons under former head coach Robin Pingeton and is the fourth staffing hire the Scarlet Knights have made in the past two days.
Beverly played his college ball at the Virginia Military Institute from 2001 to 2006, averaging 4.1 points and 3.6 rebounds. After his playing days, the Monroe, New Jersey, native began his college coaching career in the northeast, bouncing around SUNY-New Paltz, Bowdoin College (both Division III), and Nyack College (Division II) as an assistant from 2006-2012.
Beverly then moved on to a head coaching role at JUCO Lincoln College of New England, which is now closed. In three seasons as the team’s head coach, the team won 70 percent of its games and made the NJCAA for the first time in 2014. He then moved on to another JUCO team, the Richard Bland College of William & Mary in Virginia, as an assistant coach in 2016-2017, before becoming head coach in 2018-2019. During his time as an assistant, the team went 30-6 and made the NJCAA Final Four.
He then moved up to the Division 1 level, becoming an assistant for Hofstra’s women’s basketball program. After one season on Long Island, he moved to the AAU side, serving as head coach of the 16U and 14U teams for Exodus NYC, while also serving as an assistant coach on the 17U team and coaching four ESPN top 50 prospects in the process. After his time in the AAU circuit, Beverly got another head coaching opportunity with NAIA Evangel University in 2021, where he led them to consecutive appearances in the Heart Tournament quarterfinals. He then moved on to his assistant coaching role at Missouri.
The Beverly signing provides Rutgers with three major bonuses: more head coaching experience on staff, coaching experience at the Power Four ranks, and connections to local prominent AAU teams. His connection to the local area could prove to be a useful tool as new women’s basketball head coach Gary Redus II attempts to build connections to the local area.
Regardless of how talented a player is, a big part of success in the NFL relies on how well his team can develop him. Makai Lemon is super talented, but there is one clear potential destination that will be best for his development.
In a recent mock draft, CBS Sports analyst Pete Prisco highlights the Los Angeles Rams as the perfect destination for Makai Lemon. Here is what he had to say about the Rams as a destination for Makai Lemon:
"They add to their receiver room, giving them a little more juice. We know that Davante Adams isn't a kid anymore, so why not get a young receiver to develop for the future?"
The infrastructure in Los Angeles with the Rams is the best in the NFL. Hall of Fame quarterback Matthew Stafford turns every receiver he plays with into one of the best receivers in the NFL. There are not many coaches you would take over Sean McVay. You add Makai Lemon in that environment, and he very well could be a top 15 fringe top 10 receiver his first two seasons in the league.
The Masters is the one men's major that returns to the same site every year and that means experience can be an advantage. In the latest question for this year's Golfweek/USA Today Masters Survey, we asked pros what was an important lesson learned (maybe the hard way) during the first few Masters they played in?
Gary Player
When I first played Augusta, I couldn’t reach the par 5s in two shots. So I began a serious weightlifting program. The following year, I played the par 5s better than Jack Nicklaus, who was the longest hitter of our era. I’d like to see him then with today’s equipment. Thank goodness for weight training. It proved that golfers, like athletes in every other sport, benefit from strength and fitness.
Adam Scott
The big change for me was around 2010 I figured out that the course will give you a lot if you let it. You don’t have to beat it up. For a lot of years before 2010, I played defensively. I had all the places you shouldn’t go in my head.
Craig Stadler
Those first few, I was too young to know any different. I was just trying to get myself around the golf course. It’s a tough walk. More than anything, it requires patience on the greens. The hardest thing to do is conquer the greens.
Ludvig Aberg
Patience and discipline go a long way.
Scottie Scheffler
I think there is a bit of a learning curve on that golf course. I think there are certain places where you have to play to and there are certain pins you can get at and there are certain pins you can't quite get at. A lot of is being be patient and continuing to get better. Each time you fail you try and learn something. Sometimes it could be something physical. Oftentimes it's something mental that you can learn. I feel like in this game we're always learning and taking in new information and it's all about how to apply that going forward.
Padraig Harrington
You have to be a really good driver of the ball, not just length but accuracy. The risk-reward factor is significant. If you hit the fairway on 7, for instance, you have a great chance of birdie but if you don’t you’re working hard for par.
Sahith Theegala
Everyone says it’s a huge advantage to hit a draw, but you can get around without forcing yourself to hit a draw. At Nos. 2, 7, 14, even 9 you don’t have to hit a draw. You can start it off the left tree line and peel a soft one off the left. Realizing I can still do my normal game plan of ballstriking is a lesson I’ve learned. I’m getting better at playing my best stuff rather than what is deemed best for the golf course.
Keegan Bradley
You must be so patient on the second shot. You can’t miss it in the wrong areas.
Harris English
I played with Fred Couples, who has been an idol of mine for a long time, and it was awesome to watch the way he navigated his way around that place – where he missed it, where he left it. He looked like he’d played there a thousand times and he probably has.
Trevor Immelman
Early on in my career I got paired with Ben Crenshaw in the tournament. He knows the greens so well he barely even bent over to read any putts, and he was making everything. On the 16th green, I was standing next to his famous caddie, Carl Jackson, and I told him how blown away I was by Ben’s amazing putting display, and how much I was enjoying watching the legend at work. Carl looked at me with a deadpan look on his face and said, “This is nothing; you should have seen him when he was younger.”
I walked with my tail between my legs to the 17th green realizing I had a lot of work to do if I wanted to win the Masters one day.
Wyndham Clark
In my Masters debut in 2024, I learned how quickly things can go badly there if you make the smallest mistakes. In the first round, I was playing nicely, 3 under thru 9, and made an easy bogey on 11 and then spun it in the water at 15, made double, (bogeyed 18 too) and next thing I knew I had turned a great round into a poor round of 1-over 73.
Back in early February, 2027 four-star cornerback Chase Johnson named Florida State in his top five schools along with Georgia, Auburn, Florida, and Miami. After visiting FSU on Thursday, they're in even better standing with Johnson as they have taken the top spot.
"Right now I would say they are number one," Johnson told Noles247. "They are just the one recruiting me the hardest right now."
During his time in Tallahassee, Johnson was able to get acquainted with new cornerbacks coach Blue Adams. The 5-foot-11, 160-pounder spoke highly of Adams when his name was mentioned.
"He showed a lot of love today," Johnson said of Adams. "I can tell that he really wanted me here. He sat down and showed me good techniques and stuff like that."
Johnson doesn't have a date selected for when he will make his decision. Auburn has the only official visit locked on right now on June 19. However, he did say that he is setting one up with Florida State as well.
247Sports composite rankings have Johnson as the nation's No. 330 player and the No. 38 cornerback. He's also the No. 38 prospect out 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
After a restful week off, Formula 1 is back in action. The drivers are headed to Suzuka for the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix Sunday.
Following two unexpected Mercedes wins in Melbourne and Shanghai, F1 fanatics are not sure what to expect at the historic Suzuka International Racing Course this weekend. A lot of factors should make this race a thrilling one, like temperature, flow of track and new racing regulations that many teams are not yet adjusted to.
There are many different routes this race could take. Riding the momentum of his first-ever F1 win, could Kimi Antonelli stay up front? Or will George Russell help Mercedes pull off a three-peat? Suzuka could also be the perfect place for Max Verstappen to climb out of his slump, as the Red Bull driver is a four-time reigning champion on this course.
Who will excel in Japan?
Here's how to watch the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix for free, including TV channel and streaming options for the Formula 1 race.
How to watch Japanese Grand Prix 2026 without cable
In the United States, Apple has the exclusive rights to F1 for the 2026 season.
New subscribers to Apple TV can sign up for a 7-day FREE trial. If you've bought an eligible Apple device recently, you can also get up to three months of the streaming service totally free. After that, the subscription will cost $12.99/month.
For the 2026 season, Apple TV will host all Free Practice, Qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix with select races and all Free Practice sessions throughout the season available to watch for free in the Apple TV app.
F1 TV Premium, F1’s own premier content offering, will continue to be available in the US via an Apple TV subscription only and will be free for those who subscribe.
Apple
Japanese Grand Prix 2026 start time
The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix will take place at the Suzuka International Racing Course in Suzuka, Japan on Sunday, March 29 and will begin at 2:00 p.m. local time.
Here's how that start time translates across North America:
Oba Femi is currently preparing to face Brock Lesnar in a highly-anticipated bout at WWE WrestleMania 42, so the wrestler has been doing plenty of press to promote the match. During a recent interview with SHAK Wrestling, Femi took aim at an old NXT rival when asked who he'd like to face in a dumpster match.
"Trick Williams," Femi answered. "I think I owe Trick one, after everything we've been through in NXT. We never really got that one-on-one, 'Let's settle this beef,' kind of match. So I think Trick Williams is the one I'm most willing to throw inside a trash can dumpster."
Femi also pointed to Dominik Mysterio as someone who likely deserves the dumpster, though the two of them have yet to have any substantial onscreen interaction. It seems that Mysterio just has that effect on people, even from afar.
As for the rivalry between Femi and Williams, it dates back to early last year, when Femi won the NXT Championship in a Triple Threat involving Eddy Thorpe and Williams, who had been champion heading into the bout. Their last singles match took place in September, with Femi's NXT title and Williams' TNA World Championship on the line. However, it ended with a No Contest ruling after members of the TNA roster got involved in the match, leaving the issues between Femi and Williams unresolved.
Both are now on WWE's main roster, making another clash between the two not only possible but likely. Right now, Williams is firmly on the "WWE SmackDown" roster, while Femi has made appearances on both "SmackDown" and "WWE Raw" in the lead-up to his match against Lesnar next month.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit SHAK Wrestling and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 14: Comerica Park across from Ford Field as fans gather to enter the stadium and participate in pregame fan experience activities prior to the Detroit Lions versus the Chicago Bears game on Sunday September 14, 2025 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. (Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
With April in the D inching closer and closer, it feels like a good time to discuss what the best month of the sports calendar is. Soon, we will have a lot going on in the world of sports. March Madness will be in full swing, the Detroit Tigers will be kicking off a season with more anticipation than any year in recent memory, and the Detroit Red Wings will be working to secure their first playoff berth since the 2016 season. And while I am not a golf person (yet), the Masters start on April 9.
If you live in Michigan or anywhere in the Midwest, what more could you ask for in the month of April? The sun is finally coming out after a long, cold winter, and you have a bevy of choices at your disposal. With that said, maybe you prefer one of the summer months. Baseball is in full swing by June, and the NBA playoffs typically culminate around the middle of the month.
On the other end of the spectrum, some would say that the fall months are unmatched. At that point, the NBA season is beginning, the NFL’s regular season is underway, as well as the NHL.
What is your favorite sports month?
My answer: If we are boiling it down to one month, I am going with October. Fall is the best season (it’s true), and no matter what you like—there is something for you. The MLB has the World Series, the NFL and college football are in full swing—as are basketball and hockey—October has it all. What’s better than firing up the smoker on an early Saturday morning, knowing that you have a full weekend of football ahead of you? Not much.
What about you? What do you think the best month of the sports calendar is? Let us know in the comments below.
Ilia Malinin rebounded from the Olympics by returning to dominating figure skating, winning his third consecutive world title by a comfortable margin.
Malinin, the "quad god" from Virginia, topped Thursday's short program and Saturday's free skate, totaling 329.40 points to prevail by 22.73. He screamed skyward and emphatically fist pumped at the end of his program Saturday in Czechia, Prague.
Japan's Yuma Kagiyama (personal best free skate) and Shun Sato earned silver and bronze with three quadruple jumps each Saturday, repeating their Olympic finishes.
Malinin landed five quads in the free skate — most in the 24-skater field — while taking out some jump difficulty. He eschewed his trademark quad Axel that he singled at the Olympics, where his 15th-place free skate dropped him from first to eighth.
"My expectation was to leave the long program in one piece, and I definitely think that happened," Malinin said in an arena interview minutes after the victory.
His worlds score would have won gold at the Olympics by 37.82 points.
Malinin won 14 competitions in a row before the Milan Cortina Games from December 2023 through January 2026 — the longest streak in men's skating in decades.
Malinin said he thought about the Olympics “24/7" after coming home to Virginia — mainly “the good points” — but said after Thursday's short that what happened is in the past.
“I was definitely coming back to prove myself that (the Olympics) was (a) one-time thing, but now I realize this is much more than just skating,” Malinin said, according to the International Skating Union. “It’s being able to go and enjoy and have fun. Coming here I had no big expectations.”
Malinin, 21, is the youngest man to win a third world title since Russian Alexei Yagudin in 2000 and the second-youngest American to achieve the feat after Dick Button, who won the third of his five in a row at age 20 in 1950.
Every American men's singles skater who won three or more world titles also won individual Olympic gold in his career: Button (1948, '52), Hayes Alan Jenkins (1956), David Jenkins (1960), Scott Hamilton (1984) and Nathan Chen (2022).
Olympic gold medalist Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan skipped worlds, which is common for the post-Olympic worlds for stars who have many off-ice opportunities.
Americans Andrew Torgashev and Jacob Sanchez placed 10th and 12th, respectively. The U.S. kept the maximum three men's spots for the 2027 Worlds because the top two Americans' results added up to no more than 13.
Torgashev improved on his 12th-place finish in his Olympic debut and previous worlds finishes of 21st (2023) and 22nd (2025).
"I had put so much pressure on myself last year in Boston (at worlds)," he said. "I wanted to get those three spots, so we had three spots for the Olympics. It felt like such a big moment that just crushed me. ... I want to be fighting for these medals. I don't want to be just fighting for a top 10."
Sanchez, 18, made his senior worlds debut at age 18 on five days’ notice. He was snowboarding when he found out last Saturday that he was replacing two-time Olympian Jason Brown, his childhood skating inspiration who withdrew.
His worlds free skate was his first full run-through of the program since the junior worlds free skate March 6.
He plans to work on quad jumps -- toe loop, flip, Salchow and Lutz -- in the offseason.
"If I can get those, I think I could be really, really competitive in the next quad, and really be able to push my limit to try to make the 2030 Olympic team," he said.
Worlds conclude later Saturday with the free dance, live on Peacock and USA Network.
😭 Wow! He loses with his team and... breaks down in tears!!
Cádiz lost to Ceuta because of an error by Iza Carcelén, and the full-back broke down in tears after the final whistle.
Cádiz are in a very difficult atmosphere right now, where the fans’ frustration with the board has ended up creating a situation that is hard to sustain.
Meanwhile, the side from Cádiz are getting closer and closer to the relegation places, and they will be even nearer by the end of this weekend after losing to Ceuta (2-1).
In that match, Iza Carcelén made a mistake that led to an opposition goal and, hurt by it, broke down in tears at the end of the game.
It is, without a doubt, one of the images of the weekend.
Darren Eadie, who is now at Leiston, still has close ties to Norwich City [BBC]
A former Norwich City footballer who now works "south of the border" has praised the "immersive experience" of watching non-league games, saying "you can't get better" as a spectator.
Winger Darren Eadie, who played for the Canaries in the 1990s, is part of the backroom team at Leiston FC in Suffolk.
Asked why people should support their local teams, he told BBC Radio Norfolk a stadium seat some way back from the action could not compare to a pitch-side view.
"You can hear everything – you can hear the tackles, you can hear the swearing, you can hear the players shouting at each other. It's a really immersive thing to do, because you're standing right by the pitch," he said.
Steven Gerrard slides in on Darren Eadie, at Anfield in 2000, during the latter's time with Leicester City [Ross Kinnaird/Allsport/Getty]
Eadie was brought up through City's youth system and made his first team debut as a teenager during the Uefa Cup run of 1993.
It was a time when the giant-killing Canaries were at their club-best, playing to their biggest crowds – and beating Bayern Munich, in Munich – having finished third in the previous Premier League season.
Eadie went on to make 168 appearances for the clubs, scoring 35 goals in the Premier League and Division One. He went on to play for Leicester City but was forced out of the game at the age of 28 due to a knee injury.
On Saturday, Leiston – known as the Blues – are hosting Banbury United in the Southern League Premier Central division.
When the teams last met at the Flannery Stadium in April last year, the 3-0 home win was watched by 183 people – and Eadie, 50, said you cannot beat the experience.
"[Non-league football] can be a quite frightening place to be at times, because you realise the physicality of it; you can see it, you can hear it and you can smell it.
"If you want an immersive experience you can't get better – to immerse yourself in football – than right at a non-league fence.
"We can all watch it in the stands and wave and shout and say 'You should've passed it over there', but I always say 'Watch it at pitch-side level'.
"When you're down at that level, [you can see] it's very difficult."
The Boston Bruins (40-24-8) are back on home ice for the first half of their back-to-back. They will take on one of the Central Division juggernauts, the Minnesota Wild (41-20-12).
The Bruins are 26-10-1 at the TD Garden, and they have won 15 of their last 17 home games. They have the most home wins in the entire league.
With 10 games to go, the Bruins sit in the first wildcard spot with 88 points. The Islanders, who play the Panthers tonight, are one point behind.
David Pastrnak is on an 11-game point streak (7-11–18) and recorded his 90th point of the season against Buffalo on Wednesday.
The Wild are 21-10-4 on the road this season, and have gone 4-4-2 in their last 10 games. They rank third in the Central Division and the Western Conference, and will likely travel for their first playoff game.
The Wild carry the league’s third-best power play, and this season, they added gold-medal-winning defenseman Quinn Hughes.
It is also the second time former Bruin Nick Foligno will return to the TD Garden this season.
Bruins Morning Skate Notes
The Bruins will not hold a morning skate on Saturday.
Marco Sturm will meet with the media 90 minutes before puck drop to announce a starting goaltender and any line changes.
Expected Bruins Lines
Forwards
Marat Khusnutdinov – Fraser Minten – David Pastrnak
Casey Mittelstadt – Pavel Zacha – Viktor Arvidsson
SARASOTA, FL - MARCH 20: Jake Bennett of the Boston Red Sox pitches during the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Vincent Mizzoni/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Boston Red Sox did not play baseball last night, or even yesterday afternoon. But, never fear! About 60 miles west, in New England’s second biggest city and home of the gravesite of the guy who invented the smiley face, several players with MLB service time and some with some more service time certain to come in 2026, played baseball. My fourth full year covering Minor Lines has arrived, and every year it’s cooler and cooler to see where the players in these box scores end up in their careers.
Last season was very results-oriented, as an exhaustive list of storylines propelled more attention on the farm in the last 12 to 24 months: the dawning of the careers of Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, and current Pirates outfielder Jhostnyxon Garcia; the unceremonious demotion of Kristian Campbell as well as the Triple-A club trying him all over the diamond; the trade of former Minor Lines subjects Kyle Teel and Chase Meidroth; and Connelly Early absolutely dealing. This year is certain to bring some more.
There are still plenty of questions: where exactly Campbell belongs as well as his attitude around it (a disposition our own Tim Crowley had the chance to ask the 23-year-old about); when exactly Payton Tolle will be called back up to Boston and in what capacity; the focus on organizational catchers to supplement Carlos Narvaez’s place on the team; what’s going to happen to former first-round pick Mikey Romero, and so much more. But in the mean time, the WooSox faced off against the Syracuse Mets to open their season, so, for the first time in six months… let’s get into it!
There’s a lot to like about the Red Sox’s number seven prospect, Jake Bennett, who got the nod on Opening Day for Worcester. The team dealt Luis Perales straight-up for him. While he may not be Roger “The Rocket” Clemens, who was on hand for the game and threw the first pitch to his catcher (and current Red Sox hitting adviser) Rich Gedman, Jake Bennett’s command, size, and fastball has the front office penciling him in for years to come. The 6’6”, 234 pound lefty has velocity in spades, nearly touching 100 with his fastball. He had that on full display against Syracuse, as, although he was capped at 60 pitches, 44 were strikes and he had five strikeouts. He did allow a run, but it was unearned as a result of his fielding error to start the fourth, after which he exited the game and Seth Martinez allowed a home run in what would become the fatal inning for the game.
Following that, the WooSox got caught trying to cut the deficit when Braiden Ward was caught trying to steal his second base of the inning, Hayden Senger cutting him off on third with a throw to old friend Christian Arroyo, which abruptly ended the fifth. Syracuse went up by one more run off of Noah Song, who allowed four hits in his five outs, and all the WooSox could muster was a sacrifice grounder by World Baseball Classic participant Tsung-Che Cheng to score Mickey Gasper. Too little too late. The WooSox would not get another runner in scoring position and would lose the game, 3-1.
But this is an interesting team this year, as a whole. Mickey Gasper is back and in the organization in the infield, the depth pieces like Brendan Rodgers will be useful in becoming a backbone for the likes of Romero, and establishing and analyzing some more pitching depth from a team that claims to have a lot of it. We get the chance to see another guy the organization holds in high regard this afternoon as Tyler Uberstine gets the ball for Game 2. Have a happy Saturday!
Sunday night, the Orlando Storm will take the field for their inaugural game in the United Football League, and if you listen closely, you can already hear the whispers.
Correction: There will be more than just whispers when the Storm kick off against the Columbus Aviators at Inter&Co Stadium (8 p.m., ESPN). There will be undisguised, unadulterated skepticism.
And rightfully so.
The cynics are saying, HERE WE GO AGAIN.
Another spring football league. Another Orlando team. Another rich guy throwing money at a start-up everybody assumes will eventually fold.
Except this time, that rich guy is Mike Repole.
If you follow Repole’s career, you know this is basically his business model: Find something people say can’t be done, fund it anyway and dare the world to laugh. They laughed when he went up against Gatorade and Powerade with Vitaminwater. They laughed again when he did it with BodyArmor. They laughed again when he became the NIL sugar daddy for a Rick Pitino-coached St. John’s basketball program that had been left for dead but just made the Sweet 16 for the first time in decades.
And now they’re laughing again.
And that’s exactly the way Repole likes it.
“I love to prove people wrong,” he says.
Repole isn’t just a co-owner of the United Football League. He’s one of the main believers — and, more importantly, one of the main investors. In the startup world, belief is nice, but money is what keeps the lights on. Spring football leagues don’t die because of bad football; they die because they run out of money.
Repole knows that. It’s why people around the league say this version of spring football feels different. The UFL isn’t a fly-by-night operation running on promises and crossed fingers. It has television deals with ESPN and Fox. It has major investors. It has a partnership model that spreads out the risk. And in Central Florida, it has a billionaire who didn’t just buy into the Orlando Storm; he moved his family and his parents to Orlando five years ago.
Repole relocated from Queens to Orlando and has made it clear he’s not just investing in a team; he’s investing in a city. He has already committed NIL money to UCF and has tried to talk school administrators into changing the name of the school to “University of Orlando.” He talks about Orlando not only as a serial entrepreneur, but as citizen who loves living in the City Beautiful.
“I’ll always be Mike from Queens, but I chose this city to raise my daughter, and this is where my parents live,” Repole says. “When I moved to Orlando, my friends just thought this is where Mickey and Minnie Mouse lived, but this city is so much bigger and better than just Disney. I want to help build this city’s sports landscape and help it thrive.
“We have the Magic here. We have UCF here. We have Orlando City. We have a women’s soccer team, the Pride, who have won a championship. Now we have the Orlando Storm. And, who knows, maybe it’s the Storm today, and an NHL or Major League Baseball team in the future.”
I love the fact that Repole isn’t just positioning this endeavor as another spring football story; he’s turning it into an Orlando sports story.
Because if you’ve lived here long enough, you’ve seen this movie before. The Continental Football League. The USFL. The XFL. The AAF. Teams have come and gone, leagues have launched and collapsed, and every time one of them fails, the narrative is always the same:
Orlando isn’t a big-league sports town.
But history says otherwise. For the most part, Orlando fans supported those spring leagues. They supported the Renegades, the Rage and the Apollos. In just about every case, the teams drew crowds, but the leagues ran out of money or patience or both.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Orlando didn’t fail spring football. Spring football failed Orlando.
That’s an important distinction, and it’s why Repole is doing everything possible to make sure this league actually succeeds. For instance, the Storm aren’t playing in the cavernous Camping World Stadium, where 20,000 fans look like 2,000. They’re playing at Orlando City’s Inter&Co Stadium, a 25,000-seat venue that potentially will sound loud and look full.
Hopefully, it will look —and this is important — major league.
Because that’s what Orlando wants to be.
This is a city that talks openly about landing a Major League Baseball team someday. It already has the NBA, MLS and a growing college sports presence. But if Orlando truly wants to prove itself as a major league sports town, it will support a team that’s not major league.
If Orlando fans show up at Storm games this spring, it sends a message. It says this isn’t a small-time market. It says this is a city that will support pro football — especially with the NFL’s Jaguars expected to announce this week that they will play the 2027 season in Orlando while Jacksonville renovates its stadium.
Mostly, it says this is a city that billionaire entrepreneurs like Mike Repole are smart to bet on.
And make no mistake, this is a bet.
Repole made a fortune challenging giants. Vitaminwater and BodyArmor went head-to-head with Gatorade. Most people would call that crazy. Repole called it another day at the office.
Spring football might be his biggest challenge yet. Not because people don’t like football, but because every other league has eventually collapsed under the weight of reality: travel costs, payroll, television ratings, attention spans and the simple fact that the NFL owns the sport’s calendar.
But Repole has never been interested in doing things the easy way.
If history tells us anything, it’s that betting against Mike Repole just because something sounds impossible is usually a bad idea.
People said you couldn’t challenge Gatorade.
People said St. John’s basketball was finished.
And people say spring football will never work.
Mike Repole hears all of that and sees opportunity in his adopted hometown.
We’re about to find out if he’s right again.
Email me at mbianchi@orlandosentinel.com. Hit me up on social media @BianchiWrites and listen to my new radio show “Game On” every weekday from 3 to 6 p.m. on FM 96.9, AM 740 and 969TheGame.com/listen
It should come as no surprise that when Nate Diaz competes, Chris Avila will be right there with him.
On Saturday, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced Avila (8-9) will take on fellow UFC alum Brandon Jenkins (16-11) on the undercard of the MVP MMA event headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano. The card takes place May 16 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. and streams on Netflix.
Avila, 33, has been under the wing of Diaz for much of his career. In the height of Diaz's legendary rivalry with Conor McGregor, Avila signed with the UFC. He went 0-2 with losses to Artem Lobov and Enrique Barzola. Avila bounced around across the MMA world a bit more before he eventually pivoted to boxing. He competed at several Misfits events and even beat Anthony Pettis on the Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal boxing match undercard.
Jenkins, 34, competed twice in the UFC from September 2021 to April 2022. Post-release, he's made stops in PFL, Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA, and Karate Combat. While he's had ups and downs, Jenkins has a knack for highlight reel knockouts when he wins.
🚨 FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨
🇺🇸 Chris Avila vs 🇺🇸 Brandon Jenkins
Starting the night with violence. 💥
Chris Avila brings that Stockton pressure. Brandon Jenkins comes ready to throw down.
Marcus Peters has officially transitioned from playing football to coaching it. Like former Los Angeles Rams cornerback Troy Hill, Peters is making the jump to coaching.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Peters has been hired as the head football coach at McClymonds High School in Oakland. McClymonds is his alma mater, and he succeeds his dad, Michael Peters, in the role.
Peters was a star at McClymonds, earning All-Metro honors and graduating from the school in 2011. He was a volunteer assistant on the coaching staff the last two years, and now takes the reins from his father.
After attending McClymonds, Peters went on to play at the University of Washington and was later a first-round pick by the Chiefs in 2015. The Rams acquired him in a trade in 2018, and he helped them go all the way to the Super Bowl in his first season.
The Rams traded him to the Ravens in the middle of the 2019 season, making room for Jalen Ramsey, who they acquired in a deal with the Jaguars.
In his NFL career, Peters had 33 interceptions in 116 games, including seven that were returned for touchdowns.
Players and staff from the Senegal national team have paraded the Africa Cup of Nations trophy around the Stade de France just 10 days after being stripped of the title.
The players returned to the field after a 17-minute delay and Brahim Diaz eventually missed the spot-kick in the 24th minute of added time, before a stunning long-range effort from Pape Gueye ended up sealing the victory for the Lions of Teranga in extra-time.
However, the Confederation of African Football’s (Caf) Appeal Board stripped them of the title on 18 March, ruling that Senegal had in fact forfeited the game when they walked off the pitch. A 3-0 win was subsequently awarded to Morocco.
But ahead of a sold-out friendly against Peru at the Stade de France on Saturday, Senegal players presented the Afcon trophy at the Stade de France in front of their fans.
The squad paraded the trophy around the stadium before taking a group photo with it. Cheers were heard as captain Kalidou Koulibaly brought out the trophy and as goalkeeper Edouard Mendy held it aloft.
Senegal's head Coach Pape Thiaw holds the African Cup of Nations trophy aloft at the Stade de France (AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images)
As displayed by the trophy parade, it is understood Senegal still considers themselves to be the champions of Africa, with the decision made to add a second star onto the team’s kits to mark Afcon wins in 2021 and 2025/26.
Meanwhile, president of the Senegal FA Abdoulaye Fall called the Caf decision “the most grossly unfair administrative robbery” in the history of the sport, and Senegal’s Football Federation has lodged a formal complaint against the Afcon decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), though a decision on the matter could take months.
If qualifying is supposed to be the ultimate test of driver skill and all-out car performance, then F1's Saturday afternoons are far removed from that axiom.
The 2026 power unit compromises which have yielded some action-packed racing so far have also destroyed the essence of qualifying - at least for now, as F1 has a couple of weeks to figure itself out before May's Miami Grand Prix amid talks between the FIA, F1 and the teams.
It has been well established by now that today's cars are too energy starved to go flat out over an entire lap on circuits where battery harvesting is difficult to do, simply because there aren't enough heavy braking zones to do so.
That means this charging has to be done elsewhere, and the most lap-time efficient way has been to start coasting through medium to high speed corners, so there is more juice to squeeze out of the battery on the following straights.
This is where qualifying is such an oxymoron. As drivers gradually push the limit more and more from FP1 down to Q3 and lap times come down, they effectively spend a bigger percentage of the lap mashing the throttle pedal.
But that energy has to come from somewhere, so the more drivers use the throttle, the more they are effectively punished by losing time on the straights as the power unit responds by charging earlier.
"I was a bit disappointed in qualifying, as the more you pushed, the slower you went," said Williams' Carlos Sainz, always good value for explaining technical concepts concisely. "That's what happened to me in Q2. I think I had a bit less slipstream on my lap and I was in clean air, I went quicker in every corner, slower in every straight, and I went one tenth slower.
Carlos Sainz said the current power unit regulations are
Carlos Sainz said the current power unit regulations are
"And that's simply because I spent more time at full throttle, because I went faster in the corners, and pushed harder. Super clipping came into the deployment a bit, and a bit of lift and coast also in that qualifying lap. Overall, not good enough I think for F1."
Coming into the Suzuka weekend, the FIA made an energy adjustment by lowering the maximum energy limit in qualifying from 9MJ to 8MJ. It was a move which went some way towards helping the situation and prevented an even starker top speed loss than was on display on Saturday afternoon, which Lando Norris said "hurt your soul".
But it's clearly nowhere near enough to bring driver skill back into the equation, reckoned Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso.
"High-speed corners now became the charging station for the car. So you go slower, you charge the battery in the high-speed, and then you have the full power on the straight. So driver skill is not really needed anymore," he said.
That sentiment is strengthened by the fact that the power unit's software is machine learning on the go, tweaking its deployment algorithms based on the data it was fed from previous laps beyond the driver's direct control.
That naturally disadvantages drivers who miss mileage because of crashes or technical issues, like McLaren's Norris in Japan, as it gives the software less time to be fed the right parameters. It also means that things like minor driving errors can throw the system out of kilter, like Charles Leclerc's snap in China. The Ferrari driver had another moment on his final Q3 run through Spoon, which cost him top speed, with a similar thing happening to team-mate Lewis Hamilton.
"I was up on Charles and then lost 2.5 tenths just down the back straight, not just through deployment, I had a snap of oversteer and then it just changed the whole algorithm," he explained.
"There'll be a lot of chefs in the kitchen. It doesn't usually end up with a good result." - Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Photo by: Clive Rose / Formula 1 via Getty Images
Ahead of further talks between the series's stakeholders and the teams, the drivers also voiced their opinion in a Friday meeting with the FIA's Nikolas Tombazis and Tim Malyon.
"Listening to Tim and Nikolas yesterday, they seem to be pushing and have a plan in mind," Sainz said. "I'm a bit worried that the teams will push back. Some teams will be against changing it too much, because they have other interests, but I think we've made it very clear from the drivers that it needs to get better, and hopefully the FIA listens more to the drivers than the teams."
It would stand to reason that teams who may object to sweeping changes include Mercedes, which has made a brilliant start to 2026 with cars and power units that are the class of the field, but even Toto Wolff and his drivers have made public comments agreeing qualifying has to be addressed. And making qualifying-only improvements would not necessarily take away the team's much more crucial advantage on Sunday.
It comes back to the desire for these regulations to be as close to a marketable 50-50 split as possible, in terms of electric energy versus combustion power. But the reality is that the real split is already closer to 55-45 to begin with, so some feel there's no harm in going further.
"Honestly, I don't mind being one or two seconds slower overall and top speeds going five to 10 km down if the deployment and the energy is more consistent and allows it to push more," Sainz added. "I think, honestly, 350kW on top of the ICE is almost too much in some areas and for some circuits it will be too much.
"And also from a safety standpoint, in the wet, I'm not sure this 350 is actually needed. If you're going to have this deployment and then lose the speed, I think it's better to almost have a flatter, more conservative deployment, but something that allows the driver to drive a bit more normally."
Kimi Antonelli wrestled his way to a second consecutive pole in 2026.
Kimi Antonelli wrestled his way to a second consecutive pole in 2026.
The million-dollar question is if the teams will come together to agree on meaningful fixes for Miami and beyond. Hamilton is not too confident. "I'm not expecting much from it, but I hope they make some big changes," he said.
When pressed by Motorsport.com to explain why he felt so pessimistic, the seven-time world champion replied: "It's just [that] there'll be a lot of chefs in the kitchen. It doesn't usually end up with a good result."
Photos from Japanese GP - Saturday
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Mark Thompson / Getty Images
Fan
Fan
Clive Rose / Formula 1 via Getty Images
A fan dresses as Ayrton Senna
A fan dresses as Ayrton Senna
Clive Rose / Formula 1 via Getty Images
Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls
Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls
Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images
Alexander Albon, Williams
Alexander Albon, Williams
Kym Illman / Getty Images
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images
Pierre Gasly, Alpine, Francisca Cerqueria Gomes
Pierre Gasly, Alpine, Francisca Cerqueria Gomes
Peter Fox / Getty Images
Fans of Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lando Norris, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Fans of Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lando Norris, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Mark Thompson / Getty Images
Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing
Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing
Jayce Illman / Getty Images
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images
Fans
Fans
Clive Rose / Formula 1 via Getty Images
Alexander Albon, Williams
Alexander Albon, Williams
Mark Sutton / Formula 1 via Getty Images
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images
Dan Towriss, CEO, Cadillac, with Cassidy Towriss, brand ambassador.
Dan Towriss, CEO, Cadillac, with Cassidy Towriss, brand ambassador.
Jayce Illman / Getty Images
Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls
Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls
Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images
Choi Min-Ho poses for a photo in the Oracle Red Bull Racing garage.
Choi Min-Ho poses for a photo in the Oracle Red Bull Racing garage.
Mark Thompson / Getty Images
Lando Norris, McLaren
Lando Norris, McLaren
Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Clive Rose / Formula 1 via Getty Images
Mercedes W17 front wing
Mercedes W17 front wing
Toshifumi Kitamura / AFP via Getty Images
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Clive Rose / Formula 1 via Getty Images
George Russell, Mercedes
George Russell, Mercedes
Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
Lars Baron / Getty Images
Nico Hülkenberg, Audi F1 Team
Nico Hülkenberg, Audi F1 Team
Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images
Carlos Sainz, Williams
Carlos Sainz, Williams
Peter Fox / Getty Images
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Mark Thompson / Getty Images
Nico Hülkenberg, Audi F1 Team
Nico Hülkenberg, Audi F1 Team
Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Clive Mason / Getty Images
Lando Norris, McLaren
Lando Norris, McLaren
Mark Thompson / Getty Images
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images
Pierre Gasly, Alpine
Pierre Gasly, Alpine
Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Lars Baron / LAT Images via Getty Images
Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing
Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing
Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images
Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing
Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing
Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images
Lando Norris, McLaren
Lando Norris, McLaren
Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing
Philip Fong / AFP via Getty Images
Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team
Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team
Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images
Lando Norris, McLaren
Lando Norris, McLaren
Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images
George Russell, Mercedes
George Russell, Mercedes
Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images
George Russell, Mercedes; Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
George Russell, Mercedes; Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images
George Russell, Mercedes
George Russell, Mercedes
Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images
Oscar Piastri, McLaren, George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Oscar Piastri, McLaren, George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Tottenham goalkeeper Vicario joins Inter and Juventus stars for Italy dinner
Italy players enjoyed an evening off on Friday, and Inter target Guglielmo Vicario, who has joined the national team despite a recent surgery, was spotted at dinner with four Nerazzurri stars.
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso gave his players a Friday evening off after a day of training at Coverciano, the day after a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semi-final.
As reported by Gazzetta, a group of Azzurri players, including Inter’s Federico Dimarco, Nicolò Barella, Alessandro Bastoni, and Francesco Pio Esposito, went out for dinner at a restaurant not too far from the Azzurri training centre.
Juventus’ Manuel Locatelli and Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario were also at the table and posed for photos with the restaurant owner, who later shared them on social media.
Several sources have been reporting for weeks that Vicario is Inter’s top goalkeeping target for next season, so his private dinner with some of the most influential Nerazzurri players has fuelled transfer speculation in Italy.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 15: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on March 15, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Tuttosport reported earlier this month that even Juventus had begun preliminary talks with the goalkeeper’s entourage.
Vicario recently underwent hernia surgery, so he’s not available for the World Cup play-off, but he still joined his teammates in Coverciano last week.
International matches: Three Borussia players score – first goal for Chukwuemeka
Jobe Bellingham played the full 90 minutes for England in their U21 European Championship qualifier. In their away match in Andorra, the Young Three Lions secured a late 1-1 draw with a penalty in the 89th minute.
Ramy Bensebaini celebrated a resounding victory with Algeria: at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa, his team won the friendly against Guatemala 7-0. The Dortmund player featured in central defence and was substituted after 69 minutes.
Julian Ryerson played the full 90 minutes in his Norway side’s friendly in Amsterdam, but he and his team were beaten 2-1 by the Netherlands. Norway will be taking part in a World Cup finals for the first time in 28 years this summer.
There was a Borussia derby in Basel as goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and Nico Schlotterbeck both played the full 90 minutes in the German national team’s 4-3 victory over Switzerland. Waldemar Anton did not feature.
Marcel Sabitzer and Carney Chukwuemeka provided the highlights of the matchday in Austria’s 5-1 victory over Ghana in Vienna. Sabitzer put his team ahead as early as the 12th minute, set up the second goal and later also provided the assist for the goal scored by his Dortmund teammate Chukwuemeka. The BVB player made his debut for Austria, coming on as a substitute in the 61st minute and scoring his first international goal in the 79th minute. Sabitzer left the pitch shortly afterwards in the 80th minute.
Serhou Guirassy was also on target as the BVB striker scored for Guinea in the 89th minute of their friendly against Togo to make it 2-2, playing the full 90 minutes.
Earlier on Thursday, Salih Özcan and Daniel Svensson were in action in the World Cup play-offs. Özcan did not feature in Turkey’s 1-0 win over Romania in Istanbul. Svensson came on as a substitute in the 77th minute of Sweden’s 3-1 victory over Ukraine in Valencia.
Both teams are now set to contest their play-off finals for a place at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Sweden face the Czech Republic at home on Tuesday evening, while Turkey battle for a place in the finals in Kosovo (kick-off at 20:45 CET in both matches).
Report: Liverpool considering move to sign 19-year-old defender
Liverpool Eye Luka Vuskovic as Defensive Evolution Continues
Liverpool’s long-term planning under Arne Slot continues to gather pace, with fresh reports fromBildsuggesting the club have “discussed” a move for highly rated Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic. It is a development that speaks to a broader strategy unfolding quietly behind the scenes, one that seeks to reshape the club’s defensive identity for the next decade.
With Virgil van Dijk approaching 35, and uncertainty lingering around Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez, Liverpool’s centre-back department is approaching a pivotal moment. The need for renewal feels less like an option and more like an inevitability.
Photo: IMAGO
Long Term Planning at Centre Back
Liverpool have already begun laying foundations for the future. The arrivals of Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet, alongside younger prospects such as Mor Talla Ndiaye, Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Noah Adekoya, underline a clear recruitment trend. Youth, athleticism, and technical ability are being prioritised.
The reported interest in Vuskovic fits seamlessly into that vision. According to Bild, the 19-year-old has been “discussed” internally at Anfield, with elite competition from Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Such company reinforces the scale of his reputation. Described as a “mega talent”, Vuskovic carries both expectation and intrigue.
Bundesliga Development Highlights Potential
Currently on loan at Hamburg from Tottenham Hotspur, Vuskovic has used his time in Germany to sharpen his game. Regular football, 26 appearances, and five goals point towards a player comfortable at senior level despite his age.
Standing at 1.93m, his physical presence is complemented by composure on the ball. Reports highlight his ability to regain possession high up the pitch and carry it forward with intent. In modern defensive systems, that blend of aggression and control is highly prized.
His aerial threat also adds another dimension. In a league where set pieces continue to influence outcomes, his height and timing make him a genuine weapon. Liverpool, like many Premier League sides, have increasingly leaned into dead-ball situations, making this attribute particularly relevant.
Transfer Landscape and Strategic Fit
Vuskovic’s situation at Tottenham introduces an interesting subplot. Contracted until 2030, he represents a long-term asset for Spurs. Yet, reports suggest that concerns around relegation and a desire for European football could influence his trajectory.
Liverpool’s interest, at this stage described only as discussions, reflects a measured approach. The club are known for thorough scouting and strategic patience. Should those internal conversations evolve into a formal move, it would signal strong intent to secure one of Europe’s most promising defenders.
As one might frame it, Liverpool are not merely reacting to change, they are attempting to stay ahead of it. Identifying talent early, integrating it effectively, and sustaining competitiveness has been central to their recent success.
Photo: IMAGO
Future Shape of Liverpool Defence
There is a sense that Liverpool’s defensive line is entering a period of transition. Van Dijk’s leadership remains invaluable, yet succession planning is essential. The blend of experience and youth will define how smoothly that evolution unfolds.
Whether Vuskovic becomes part of that journey remains to be seen. What is clear is that Liverpool’s recruitment team are casting their net wide, targeting players capable of shaping the next era.
If this reported interest develops further, it may well prove to be one of the more intriguing transfer stories of the summer.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
For Liverpool supporters, this report aligns with what has been visible on the pitch. Arne Slot’s title-winning side still relies heavily on Virgil van Dijk, and while his level remains high, planning for the future is essential.
The interest in Luka Vuskovic feels like a smart move rather than a reactive one. Liverpool have been at their best when they identify elite talent early and develop them within a clear system. Vuskovic appears to fit that profile, a defender comfortable stepping into midfield areas, strong in duels, and dangerous from set pieces.
There is also an underlying concern among fans about depth. Konate’s fitness record and Gomez’s fluctuating role leave room for reinforcement. Adding a young centre-back with high potential would ease that pressure and create healthy competition.
Supporters will appreciate that this is part of a wider strategy. The arrivals of Leoni and Jacquet show that Liverpool are building layers rather than relying on quick fixes. If Vuskovic joins, he would not be expected to replace Van Dijk immediately, but rather learn, adapt, and eventually lead.
This is how elite squads evolve. Quiet planning, decisive action, and trust in emerging talent.
Inter Milan Can Win Race For Highly-Coveted Serie A Starlet By Selling Bournemouth & Besiktas Target
Inter Milan could fund their pursuit of Marco Palestra by selling Luis Henrique this summer, with the Brazilian wing-back identified as the key to unlocking a deal for Atalanta’s most exciting young talent.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInter1908, Palestra is Inter’s primary target for the right flank next season.
The youngster, currently on loan at Cagliari, carries a market value of around €40 million and has attracted significant attention after making his Italy debut, the natural culmination of a breakthrough season.
His numbers are striking.
He ranks second in Serie A for successful dribbles behind Yildiz, ahead of both Nico Paz and Conceicao, and has contributed four assists for the Sardinian club.
Luis Henrique Sale Could Unlock Inter Milan Palestra Pursuit Without Touching Dumfries
The financial path is clear.
Luis Henrique, signed for €25 million last summer, has underperformed and could raise around €30 million on the open market.
Selling him would free both the squad space and the funds needed to pursue Palestra, crucially without touching Denzel Dumfries, who Inter want to keep.
The path will not be straightforward.
Inter already failed with a major move for Lookman last summer when Atalanta blocked the deal.
Palestra is a different situation, but Atalanta’s asking price will be firm and competition for his signature will be fierce.
Former Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly knows Mike Evans. The Hall of Famer played against Evans a lot in the NFC South matchups between his Panthers and Evans' Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
And now that Evans has moved coasts to play for the San Francisco 49ers, Kuechly told NBC Sports Bay Area that he's excited to see his former opponent thrive on a new team.
"He’s just a veteran guy that's a really good football player still and that wants to win and he’s a great dude," Kuechly said. "Think about it, he was in Florida, no state income tax, takes less to come out here, big state income tax. He truly came here because of the guys in the locker room and what Kyle does on the offensive side of the ball.”
Evans signed a three-year deal worth a reported $60.4 million, but only $16.3 million is guaranteed. So at his peak, the 49ers have a true No. 1 pass-catcher for Brock Purdy. But even at his worst, the risk is minimized by the inexpensive deal for a player of Evans' caliber.
When it came to his impressions of playing against Evans for years, Kuechly praised the veteran wideout.
“We always had a tremendous amount of respect for each other and that’s what I always liked about Mike,” Kuechly said. “He is ultra-competitive and he wants to win but he has a ton of respect for not only the game but for the other guys that play and he does it the right way.
“I just like Mike too, he’s a great guy and you guys got a good one. I think he’s going to come in and fit in right away and I think he just wants to win. At the end of the day, he wants to win.”
Apart from the injury issues from a year ago, Evans has been one of the most consistent receivers over the past decade. He had 11 consecutive seasons of at least 1,000 receiving yards between his rookie season in 2024 and his last full healthy season in 2024.
Now, he'll step into the No. 1 receiver in the 49ers offense, with Ricky Pearsall and Christian Kirk behind him. The offense still runs through running back Christian McCaffrey, but Evans gives the 49ers a stable floor at the position they haven't had since Brandon Aiyuk was healthy and Deebo Samuel was still on the team,.
The Chicago Bears had a big question mark surrounding running back heading into last season, but D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai put those concerns to rest leading the league's third-best rushing attack in 2025.
Last season, the duo of Swift and Monangai proved to be a potent one for the Bears, even though it took a few weeks to get the ground game going. Swift had a career year with 1,087 rushing yards on 223 carries (4.8 yards per carry) and nine touchdowns while the seventh-round rookie Monangai totaled 783 rushing yards on 169 carries (4.6 yards per carry) and five scores.
CBS Sports' Carter Bahns ranked the top running back duos in the NFL, and Swift and Monangai landed at seventh on the list, which isn't a surprise from a Ben Johnson 1-2 punch in the backfield.
D'Andre Swift just turned in the best season of his career, and he did so even while ceding 169 carries to his rookie teammate. What Kyle Monangai accomplished with those opportunities (racking up 783 yards and five touchdowns) set the stage for what should be a stellar career of his own. They combined to form the No. 3 rushing offense in the NFL, and if we know anything about coach Ben Johnson, it is that he can build the best one-two punch at this position. It's too early to say Swift and Monangai are the next Gibbs and Montgomery, but any improvement in Year 2 together would move them closer to that tier.
While there have been calls for the Bears to land a splash at running back, they have bigger needs to focus on this offseason, most notably on defense. After Swift and Monangai led a productive rushing attack, behind a top offensive line that will look a little different next season, there's hope that they can continue their success in Year 2 with Johnson.
The 2025 World Series rings were handed out to the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to the second game of their opening three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. There were a ton of returning players who got their second back-to-back championship, except for two players who had the most impact on the game itself.
It was a 5-4 victory for the Dodgers, but it had to go the distance as the late stages of this game were where all the action was. Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz were key components to the victory, as their eighth and ninth-inning heroics sealed the win.
Diaz was a spectacle to behold, with his blaring trumpet entrance whilst trotting from the bullpen to the mound, but it was Tucker who really stole the show. You can see why this juggernaut of a squad paid top dollar to bring him in from the Chicago Cubs this offseason.
After getting some AL MVP votes in 2022 and 2023 with the Houston Astros, his contribution at the plate has not reached those heights since. But they improved in 2025 as part of the Cubs. Tucker batted 22 home runs and knocked in 73 runs batted in.
The Dodgers had to pay a ton for him, at four years, $240 million, with an Average Annual Value of $60 million. But it worked out as he was able to use his clutch ability to win the game against the Diamondbacks on Friday. In the eighth inning, it was tied 4-4 before Tucker was able to hit a game-winning single to score shortstop Alex Freeland.
That was the difference-maker, leading to a fantastic save by Diaz to get the Dodgers to an early 2-0 on the long season. You can say that Tucker is fitting in nicely in his new home.
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA - APRIL 27: Daniel Kaelin #12 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers attempts a pass at the Nebraska Spring Football Game at Memorial Stadium on April 27, 2024 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Game Time: 11 a.m. TV Broadcast: Big Ten Network
The Huskers Radio Network will provide radio coverage of the Red-White game statewide and around the world through Huskers.com, and the official Huskers App. Husker Sports Network coverage begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Kyle Crooks and Damon Benning will call the action of the Red-White game on the Huskers Radio Network.
I’m still licking my wounds from the end of the basketball season but luckily there will be some football played today in Memorial Stadium.
It isn’t a real game but right now any football will be a welcome sight to these sore eyes.
USC football and men's basketball have clearly fallen short in recent years. Lincoln Riley and Eric Musselman have not done the jobs they were paid to do. We can sit here and note how unlucky Musselman was with injuries this past season, and that's entirely true, but it remains that USC still did blow leads in games it should have won. The Trojans cratered down the stretch and threw away their shot at the NCAA Tournament. Lincoln Riley was crushed by the Eric Gentry injury in 2024 and the Prophet Brown injury in 2025, but still: Five seasons without a playoff berth is not what he came to USC to do. One article by College Sports Wire deals with one small but interesting part of Riley and Musselman.
Very simply, they do not inspire the fear or hatred they once did.
The article states that "Neither coach is widely loved, and both can be prickly at times, but to be honest, with both USC football and basketball failing, the hate generated by these coaches has decreased over time. This is not an LSU lightning rod -- not now, at least."
The comment is made in reference to LSU having two very polarizing and controversial coaches, Will Wade in men's basketball and Lane Kiffin in football. Part of the equation connected to hatred is the perception -- and reality -- of how successful coaches are, or are expected to be. Right now, expectations at LSU (and toward LSU from national observers) are higher than they are at USC.
It might be cosmetic and superficial, but it is nevertheless an interesting way of expressing the idea that USC's revenue sports just aren't performing at the level they are expected to.
Adesanya was once known for his brilliant use of feints, but in a recent interview with his podcast, he explained why he feels that weapon has faded from his game.
“Yeah, there’s certain parts I feel like my coaches have taken away from me and made me focus on other s**t, and again, this is not to disrespect them or anything,” Adesanya said. “I let them control the narrative because I trust them, they’re smart people.”
“It’s my own fault at the end of the day as well. So now it’s just about listening but also knowing what works for me and speaking up as well.”
Israel Adesanya blames coaches for killing the threat of his question mark kick
Photo by Mike Kirschbaum/Zuffa LLC
After weighing in on Friday, Israel Adesanya is set to step back into the cage this Saturday against Joe Pyfer.
Even with his recent losses, it’s hard to overlook Adesanya’s striking credentials. He remains one of the most skilled stand-up fighters ever to compete in MMA.
Lately, though, he’s felt the need to adapt, saying that one of his trademark moves – the question mark kick – isn’t catching opponents off guard like it once did.
“I do my thing but I also have to switch it up because my question mark kick isn’t landing the way it used to because all these c—- know when it’s coming. Their coaches warn them outside the cage,” Adesanya told UFC.com during fight week while doing a frustrated impression of his reaction to the coaches’ instructions. “I’ve switched up my game. I’ve tweaked things up and revised old moves.”
The key to making that move work is convincing opponents you’re going low before snapping it up high. We’ve seen him use it effectively in past fights.
This time around, Pyfer brings two clear dangers: heavy hands and solid grappling skills.
It was back in 2018 when Adesanya first landed a clean question mark kick before finishing Derek Brunson, who posed a similar threat profile at the time.
LeBron James owns a lot of NBA records. On Friday night, he added a very personal one to his Hall of Fame résumé.
During the second quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 116-99 win over the Brooklyn Nets, LeBron and his son, Bronny, hooked up for the first father-son assist in NBA history. After taking a pass from Bronny, LeBron drew a double-team at the top of the key. That left Bronny wide open to get the ball back from dad and drain a 3-pointer.
Dad would finish with 14 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds in 37:29 of game time. Son would play a little over four minutes and that bucket would be his only one of the game.
When asked about the unique record afterward, LeBron was proud to be a part of the moment.
"Not taking it for granted, just being in the moment of us being on the floor once again," LeBron said. "That’s two games back-to-back playing meaningful minutes and him, also, making another play. ... I got doubled, and he was able to fake the pass to the corner and then knock down the 3. Definitely a cool moment for us and also for our family."
LeBron, 41, is seeing a better Bronny, 21, on the court this season. Nearly three years since his cardiac arrest episode while at USC, Bronny is playing more minute in the NBA and G League, and the experience is helping him.
“It’s just getting back to where it was before the incident,” LeBron said. “He’s always been able to shoot the ball. He’s shot the ball at a high level pretty much throughout his years of playing ball, so I think it’s just the confidence and the rhythm and getting his strength back, and his wind and everything. Everything is just coming back [from] before the incident. So I’m not surprised to see him shoot the ball at a high clip.”
They are the first father-son duo to not only play in the NBA at the same time, but also for the same time. It’s a dynamic that was questioned when the Lakers drafted Bronny 55th overall in 2024.
We don’t know how much longer LeBron will play as that decision is left for down the road. For now, Bronny is beginning to build his own path.
“Especially knowing the path, you know, the road …,” LeBron told The Athletic this week.“So, just proud of him. I’m super proud of him. And he belongs. He belongs.”
The Miami Marlins began their season on Friday, March 27th, against the Colorado Rockies in Miami. While the Rockies are one of the worst teams in the league, the Marlins winning 2-1 is still a good way to begin the season.
Sandy Alcantara looked good, Javier Sanoja had three hits, and Pete Fairbanks got a save in his Marlins debut. All things considered, it was a good 2026 season debut for Miami. But things might be getting a bit more exciting already.
According to Kevin Barral of Fish on First, the Marlins are reportedly calling up top infield prospect Deyvison De Los Santos just one game into the regular season.
Marlins reportedly call up top infield prospect
"The Miami Marlins are calling up Deyvison De Los Santos, per source, #Marlins @FirstOnFirst," Barral reports.
This is a very interesting move if it does come to fruition, as the Marlins would be calling up a top prospect who's just 22 years old for his debut in the Majors one game into the season.
De Los Santos played one game in Triple-A this season, and he had a 1.850 OPS thanks to going 2-for-4 with one home run, three RBIs, two runs scored, one walk, and no strikeouts.
Back in 2024, between stints with the Arizona Diamondbacks farm system and the Marlins Triple-A affiliate after the A.J. Puk trade, De Los Santos hit 40 home runs with a .294 batting average and a .914 OPS in 137 minor league games.
But, in 2025, across 110 games, he struggled a bit, hitting .240 with a .672 OPS. Those struggles made for realistic concerns, but there's plenty of optimism for the infielder.
This spring for Miami, he hit .286 with a .619 OPS in 14 at-bats. It's nothing to write home about, but the Marlins must-have seen enough to warrant bringing him up if this report from Barrel comes true.
De Los Santos might be in the Majors after just one game this season. While this report isn't confirmed yet, this rumor is worth keeping in mind as the Marlins could be getting aggressive with their 22-year-old prospect this season.
Aston Villa and Tottenham interested in Parma’s Mandela Keita
Mandela Keita has impressed in Serie A this season for Parma, with the midfielder attracting interest from Aston Villa and Tottenham.
La Gazzetta dello Sport – via TuttoBolognaWeb, report about the 23-year-old and believe that the player is attracting a lot of interest from Italy and abroad.
Bologna are keeping an eye on him in the Italian top-flight. They tried to sign him two seasons ago but Parma pipped them to his signature. Now, they have observed his growth and remain keen. He is seen as a replacement for Remo Freuler, who has been linked with a move to Roma.
The Rossoblu are likely to face competition from Tottenham and Aston Villa, who have also kept a close eye on the 23-year-old Belgian. Brighton are also in the race and there is very chance the list of suitors grows in the next few months.
Keita has played 32 times in all competitions this season, assisting once in Serie A.
Gael Monfils has been handed a wildcard entry into the Monte-Carlo Masters, the first ATP Masters 1000 event on clay this season.
The Frenchman, who plans to retire after the 2026 season, has already appeared at four tour-level tournaments during his final year on tour.
So far, he’s played in Auckland, the Australian Open, Acapulco and Indian Wells but skipped the ongoing Miami Open.
Monfils currently holds a 2-4 record for 2026, with wins coming in Acapulco and Indian Wells.
His return to Monte-Carlo brings back memories of one of his best runs. In 2016, Monfils reached the final before falling to Rafael Nadal in straight sets. He also reached the semi-finals there in both 2007 and 2019.
Gael Monfils’ 2016 Monte-Carlo Masters final appearance
Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images
Monfils put together the best stretch of his career in 2016, climbing to a career-high No. 6 in the ATP rankings that year.
His run at the Monte-Carlo Masters was a big part of that rise. Monfils reached the final without dropping a set, beating players like Marcel Granollers and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga along the way.
He ran into Rafael Nadal in the title match. Even though Monfils took a set, he couldn’t keep up with Nadal’s level on clay, falling short of his first Masters title.
Outside of that Monte Carlo run, Monfils has reached two other Masters finals, both in Paris. His first came back in 2009 when he lost to Novak Djokovic.
The following year, he made it back to the final but was defeated by Robin Soderling.
Monfils will have seven more opportunities this season to finally add an ATP Masters 1000 title to his record before retiring at the end of 2026.
After falling just a few wins short of a national title, the future is bright for Longhorns men's basketball. Their roster is stacked with talent, with more stars on the way. That includes four-star signee Joe Sterling, who is just months from making his collegiate debut. On Friday, Sterling made headlines by adding to his trophy case.
The talented guard was named the LA Daily News’ offensive player of the year. While leading the Harvard-Westlake High offense, Sterling averaged 22 points per game, four assists per game, and five rebounds per game. The future Longhorn was also efficient from three-point range, shooting 43 percent.
Texas signee/2026 4⭐️ Shooting Guard Joe Sterling (@j0esterling) named LA Daily News’ offensive player of the year
While Sterling was a human highlight reel, his success comes as no surprise. Currently, he is ranked as ninth best player from California in his class by 247Sports. They also rank Sterling as the 11th-best combo guard and the 96th-best player in the nation. That is partly why Longhorns head coach Sean Miller is excited to get Sterling on the Forty Acres.
While the expectations are high, Sterling will get some help from his fellow recruits. The Longhorns 2026 class also features Austin Goosby, who is ranked within the top 100. Having both Goosby and Sterling in the mix should give the Longhorns an offense that is hard to stop.
Texas signee/2026 4⭐️ SG Joe Sterling (@j0esterling) recorded 25 points and drained 5 threes in the win over La mirada
Although the Longhorns' March Madness run came to a heartbreaking end against Purdue, they are well-positioned to return to the NCAA tournament. Last year, Miller showed he could add talent through the portal, and a few key veterans, such as Nic Codie, are returning. Adding a talented recruiting class to the mix, headlined by Sterling, should lead to plenty of wins in Austin.
Penn State's hockey team was going into the Frozen Four on a mission. As a No. 3 seed in the Albany Region, expectations were high on a deep run into the tournament. Especially with superstar freshman and presumptive No. 1 overall pick in this year's NHL draft, Gavin McKenna, leading the way at the helm. However, every dream they had of winning it all came crashing down in the regional semifinal.
Going up against Albany region No. 2 seed and traditional hockey powerhouse Minnesota-Duluth, McKenna never truly got going in a 3-1 loss that saw goalie Josh Fleming having to stand on his head to keep the Nittany Lions in the game. The team got off to a great start, with Shane Van Olm scoring their lone goal 11:23 into the first period, but from there, they lacked the cutting edge required to hurt an experienced team.
McKenna only ended up having two shots on goal all game and ended up playing a pivotal part in the winning goal, as his turnover in the UMD zone set up Anderson Hunter to knock in the eventual game-winner.
After a thrilling season for Penn State hockey, it ended up being a heartbreaking loss for a team that believed it could win it all. However, an off day from your best player is never a good thing, and Penn State could simply not recover from that brutal mistake by their star freshman.
The next stop for McKenna could be the Hobey Baker Award ceremony, where he could be named one of the three finalists for the award. Other than that, Penn State fans will turn their attentions to June 26-27 in Buffalo, where McKenna will most likely be the number 1 overall pick.
Fernando Alonso has revealed he had “nearly no vibrations” from his Aston Martin’s Honda Formula 1 engine on Friday at the Japanese Grand Prix, only for those to reoccur today.
Aston Martin and Honda have endeavoured to lessen crippling vibrations from their new engine, which damage batteries and spark driver health concerns.
“I began to lose all feeling in my hands and feet” 20 laps into the Chinese GP, Alonso said two weeks ago. But there was marked improvement in Friday’s free practice sessions at Suzuka, after which Honda cautiously reported it obtained “useful data to know where we should go to reduce vibrations – not only for the battery system but also for the driver”.
Alas, the upturn in driver comfort did not last, as extreme vibrations returned to the AMR26 on Saturday.
“I think it's still the biggest limiting factor,” Alonso commented following the qualifying session in Japan.
“Yesterday, to be honest, the car felt completely normal. Nearly no vibrations, so I was very positive. This morning I jumped in the car and I had the same vibrations as ever. And we didn't change anything, so that was a little bit difficult to understand.
“We are going through all the changes we did overnight to make sure, you know, there is something yesterday on the car that is helping the vibrations. It seems a little bit of a random thing, so let's see tomorrow if we have a lucky day.”
Asked if that was the first time he didn’t experience the vibrations, the Spanish veteran replied: “Yeah. From the testing and the first two races, yesterday was definitely 80% better.”
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
Regardless of the unreliability and physical discomfort, the AMR26 was slowest of all in qualifying at Suzuka. Alonso and team-mate Lance Stroll will make up the back row of the grid in 21st and 22nd, 1.715s and 1.989s down on the Q2 cut-off time respectively.
“It's a combination of power unit and car,” Stroll analysed. “We're definitely losing huge amounts of time on the straights, but we're not the grippiest beast in the corners.”
Two weeks ago, Stroll’s Chinese GP ended after nine laps due to a reported battery issue, which Honda clarified “was not related to vibration”.
“So I didn’t suffer the way Fernando suffered,” the Canadian pointed out. “So I will discover more of that for myself tomorrow, hopefully, if we don't have any issues. And then we'll see the rest, reliability, batteries, engine, if everything hangs on.”
The goal remains to complete a race distance consecutively for the first time this season, even though the vibrations make it a tall order.
“I'll try and sleep well tonight and just brace myself,” Stroll concluded.
Report: Tottenham Hotspur are in the race to sign £20m defender
Spurs Plot Defensive Reset Amid Relegation Scrap
Tottenham Hotspur’s season has veered into uncertainty, yet planning for the future has already begun. As reported by TeamTalk, the north London club are assessing defensive reinforcements despite sitting just one point above the drop, following a damaging 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Survival Battle Shapes Transfer Thinking
With seven games remaining, the pressure is mounting on interim boss Igor Tudor. Spurs’ fragile league position has exposed structural weaknesses, particularly at the back. Anticipated interest in Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven could force a defensive rebuild, especially without European football to offer.
Geertruida Emerges as Key Target
Attention has turned to Lutsharel Geertruida, currently impressing on loan at Sunderland. Valued at around £20m by RB Leipzig, he has been described as ‘extraordinary’ and even compared to Sergio Ramos. That comparison alone signals both quality and leadership potential.
Photo: IMAGO
Tactical Fit and Versatility
Geertruida’s appeal lies in his adaptability. Comfortable at right-back, centre-back, and in midfield, he offers tactical flexibility. As noted, “Lutsharel Geertruida offers versatility: RB, CB, or inverted full-back in build-up,” while also being “strong defensively in duels and positioning.” For a Spurs side lacking balance, that profile is compelling.
Summer Rebuild Incoming
Tottenham are expected to undergo significant change, potentially including a new manager. Recruitment will need to prioritise resilience and adaptability. Geertruida fits that mould, but first-team guarantees may dictate his decision, with Sunderland still holding an option.
Spurs’ survival may ultimately determine whether this rebuild begins from strength or necessity.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
There is something deeply unsettling about how Tottenham have drifted into this position. A club of their stature should not be planning transfer windows around survival scenarios, yet here we are. The idea of losing Romero or Van de Ven feels less like speculation and more like inevitability if results do not improve.
Geertruida looks a smart target, no doubt. Versatility, composure, and tactical intelligence are exactly what Spurs have lacked. But this cannot be another short term fix. Supporters have seen too many reactive windows, too many squads patched together without a clear identity.
If he truly has been described as ‘extraordinary’, then Spurs must act decisively. Not cautiously, not conditionally. This squad needs leaders, not just options. The comparison to Sergio Ramos raises expectations, but also highlights how far Spurs are from that level defensively.
There is also a wider concern. A potential managerial change, uncertainty around key players, and a fragile league position all point to instability. Recruitment alone will not fix that. Structure, direction, and belief must follow.
Fans will hope this is the start of something coherent. Right now, it feels like survival first, ambition later.
Florida football is set to host a key group of recruiting targets this weekend. The program continues to generate momentum on the trail under first-year head coach Jon Sumrall but still knock on the door for the crop's most coveted talent.
The list of attendees features a blend of high school prospects and potential transfers. The group represents an effort to address Florida's positional needs moving forward — immediate impact players are a priority, while offensive and defensive line remain a top focus.
Sumrall and his staff are targeting high-upside recruits, the type of blue-chip talent that has often proved difficult for Florida to tie down.
This weekend will offer the Florida coaching staff another opportunity to strengthen relationships with these prospects. The Orange and Blue continue to position themselves for serious contention in the race for the nation's premier blue-chip talent.
Headliners of the cast include five-star IOL Maxwell Hiller, a 6-foot-4-inch, 290-pound prospect out of Pennsylvania. Ranked No. 5 nationally by 247Sports composite, Hiller is considered one of the state's top overall targets regardless of position.
Also highly touted among the group is Davin Davidson, a 6-foot-7-inch, 230-pound quarterback out of Sarasota, Florida, who is ranked 12th at his position by On3 industry rankings.
In addition, Florida will host Notre Dame commit Ace Alston, a key flip target for the Gators. The 5-foot-11-inch, 175-pound Cincinnati, Ohio native and cornerback is the 10th-ranked cornerback in the nation according to 247Sports.
As the recruiting cycle matures, this weekend's in-person evaluations paired with campus exposure could be a consequential step in filling out the 2026 class.
5-star prospects
Maxwell Hiller, IOL
Eric McFarland, WR
4-star prospects
Kennedy Brown, OT
Davin Davidson, QB
Trenton Yancey, WR
Ace Alston, DB
Jason Johnson, DL
Rising 4-star prospects
Oluwasmilore Olubobola, OL
Peyton Miller, OL
Reis Russell, OL
Lucas Rhoa, OL
Rion Jackson, EDGE
Griff Calloway, EDGE
3-star prospects
Kyren Caldwell, WR
Cole Crawford, LB
AJ Randle, LB
Tommy Douglas, TE
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
My column may be a few days late, but as the saying goes, better late than never. There is no more time to delay the hockey schedule does not wait so let us jump in.
The first two to fall
In my season predictions I picked four teams that missed the playoffs last year to make it this year. So far, two of the four teams I picked are already eliminated.
Vancouver was the first team to be eliminated. The Canucks came into this season with all the drama of last season behind them. Thatcher Demko was healthy, they made some questionable moves but, overall the team seemed to be in a good spot. Not one single thing went right.
The team has no player with 50 points, no 20-goal scorer, they have scored the least amount of goals in the league and have the most goals against by a wide margin.
The Canucks have tried Band-Aid after Band-Aid and none of it worked. Lukas Reichel (14 GP, 0 G, 1A), David Kampf (38 GP, 2 G, 4 A), Mackenzie MacEachern (8 GP, 1 G, 3 A) and 2016-17 Canucks “legend” Joseph LaBate for a game.
It has been ridiculous. From the line deployment, to coaching decisions, to not trading Evander Kane, all of it is the problem.
This season is a culmination of not doing a proper rebuild after the Sedin twins retired. Vancouver was promising, with Elias Pettersson (the forward), Brock Boeser, Demko and of course, Quinn Hughes.
Hughes has been the story of the team this year. Hughes was the first causality of the so-called rebuild and everything spiraled after that.
Hopefully the Canucks stick to their words and actually start a rebuild. Either way, it is a dark time in Vancouver.
On the other side of the continent, is a very similar story.
Like the Canucks, I picked the New York Rangers to get back to the playoffs. Like Vancouver, it all fell down.
Ironically, the Rangers acquired two Canucks last year in JT Miller and Carson Soucy.
Miller has been a disaster and has been bad on the ice only scoring 42 points, compared to his 103-point season just two years ago.
The rest of the offense has been a letdown too, mostly on account of the team not developing Alexis Lafreniere properly.
The team has gone through so much turnover the last few seasons and that has led to a product on the ice that just does not mesh.
The Rangers sent a letter to fans earlier this season announcing a retool. What that means with the makeup of the team and not selling at the deadline? Who knows?
Ovi continues to make history
Alex Ovechkin has hit another goal. He becomes the second player in NHL history to score 1,000 playoff and regular season goals.
His 1,000th goal came in non-other-than typical Ovi fashion. In the third period of a game between the Washington Capitals and the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday, the Capitals got a power play. Ovechkin placed himself in his office (the top of the left face-off dot) and fired a slap shot home for the goal.
With this milestone checked off, there is only one more for Ovechkin to look toward, 1,000 regular season goals. As of March 27, he is 74 away so conceivably, he would have to play another two season to get it.
Knowing Ovechkin, there might be a chance he continues to play to chase the record. Ovi is 40 and he is slowing down, so the cards are not in his favor.
The question also is, does hitting 1,000 regular season goals do anything for his legacy? He is already the greatest goal scorer in NHL history, he has a Stanley Cup, a Conn Smyth, the Calder and a litany of other trophies.
Personally, there is nothing Ovechkin can do to increase his standing all-time other than another Cup. He is already a top 10-15 player all-time so, another goal-scoring record does not move the needle too far.
Nonetheless, you have to wonder if his career does not get sidetracked by shortened seasons and lockouts, if he would have hit the 1,000 mark by now.
Pacific Division is the worst division
Historically, the Pacific Division has been one of the most competitive. In the 2010s, the division was home to some of the top NHL teams. Now the division is by far the worst in the league, with only one team having more wins than total losses.
The division is in this mess because of several factors. For one, half of the division is in some point of a rebuild. Anaheim, the only team that has more wins than losses, has just finished its rebuild, Calgary began its rebuild this year, San Jose is on the precipice of breaking out of its rebuild and the Canucks, well you read about them earlier.
Two teams, Seattle and Los Angeles, are stuck in the middle. Not bad enough to be a bottom feeder, but not good enough to be a playoff team.
Finally there is Vegas and Edmonton. Both are paying their dues after years of playoff runs. They both are playoff contenders, but not Cup contenders anymore.
With all of that, the division pulled of a historic feat last week. The division became the first division to have six-plus teams play on the same day and have all of them lose by multiple goals, twice.
Most divisions have had a day where all of its teams lose in on one day, but never twice in one season (or week for that matter) and never by multi-goal deficits.
It really is a testament to how bad this division has become. It is a “boys club” situation. Everyone is fine being mediocre, or bad because at the end of the day, they get to enjoy it all with their buddies that manage the other teams.
It is what has led the the Canucks’ and Flames’ demise, the Kraken being a middling team since their inception and why the Oilers are slowly fading.
It will be interesting to see how this mess of a division performs in the playoffs. With my luck, one of these teams will go on to win the Stanley Cup after saying how bad they are.
'Night to remember' - that’s what former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin predicted ahead of the IPL 2026 opening match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The two sides will clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, 'Ash ki Baat', Ashwin picked Sunrisers Hyderabad’s swashbuckling batter Heinrich Klaasen to go big on Saturday night. He also backed England’s Jacob Bethell for RCB, who had a brilliant T20 World Cup, top-scoring for England with 280 runs in eight innings, including a masterclass 48-ball 105 in the semifinal against India at the Wankhede Stadium while chasing 250-odd runs.
"I have a strange feeling for this match. In the last 18 months, this guy has not done much wonders. A strange feeling that Heinrich Klaasen is going to have a night to remember, I don't know why. From RCB's side, I think Jacob Bethell will be the power player of the day," he said.
The SRH batting order is power-packed, consisting of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma as openers, followed by Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Liam Livingstone, and Aniket Verma. The Men in Orange have one of the finest batting line-ups in terms of strike rate, and a 300-run total in the IPL could be on the cards if they fire on all cylinders.
However, Klaasen has not been able to fire consistently since his retirement from international cricket. Once a fiery T20 league globetrotter, Klaasen has struggled for runs for the most part. In 65 matches after the 2024 T20 World Cup final, where his side failed to cross the line despite his valiant fifty, Klaasen has scored 1,440 runs in 59 innings at an average of 28.80 and a strike rate of 148.76, with a century and seven fifties.
He also had a disappointing SA20 season four recently, scoring just 138 runs in seven innings at an average of 19.71 and a strike rate of 128.97, with a best score of 29.
Speaking again on 'Ash ki Baat', Ashwin reiterated that while Klaasen could be the power player of the day for SRH, it could be England’s rising sensation Jacob Bethell for RCB, who had a brilliant T20 World Cup, top-scoring for England with 280 runs in eight innings, including a masterclass 48-ball 105 in the semifinal against India at the Wankhede Stadium while chasing 250-odd runs.
"I have a strange feeling for this match. In the last 18 months, this guy has not done much wonders. A strange feeling that Heinrich Klaasen is going to have a night to remember, I don't know why. From RCB's side, I think Jacob Bethell will be the power player of the day," he said.
Ashwin noted that in the past two matches, SRH have got the better of RCB by posting gigantic totals — 231 in the 2025 edition at Lucknow, with a fine 94 from Ishan Kishan being the highlight, and a massive 287 at Bengaluru in the 2024 edition. SRH won both matches by 42 runs and 25 runs respectively. The all-rounder sees this trend continuing, pointing out that RCB are without Hazlewood.
"SRH have got the better of RCB in the recent past, and they will follow in this game also, I feel that this game will also follow that trend, for strange reasons that RCB are without Hazlewood. In that game in Lucknow last year, as well, Hazlewood was not there, if I am not wrong," he said.
He also said that apart from Indian veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar, RCB does not have much strength to control the run flow in the death overs.
"In RCB, we always have to remember that death overs bleed. If wickets are in hand, then it is not only difficult to stop runs in the death overs, it is impossible," he signed off.
COCHRANTON — The Cochranton softball team won 7-1 over Grove City in a non-region game Friday.
Mara Schwartz led the way with two runs, an RBI and a stolen base. Jaidin Frayer had a run and a double and Karmyn Reese added a run and an RBI.
Jaidin had 15 strikeouts and did not give up an earned run in the complete-game effort.
Cochranton improved to 3-0 and will travel to Conneaut on Monday at 4 p.m. for a non-region game.
Cochranton falls in baseball
WEST MIDDLESEX — The Cochranton baseball team lost 11-1 in six innings to West Middlesex on Friday in a non-region game.
Parker Schmitt scored the lone run for the Cardinals (0-3).
Noah Carroll opened the game on the mound and had two strikeout in two innings of work. Colten Mattocks followed and recorded three strikeouts in three innings.
Cochranton hosts Saegertown at 4 p.m. on Monday.
Franklin breezes to win
FRANKLIN — The Franklin baseball team took down Grove City 11-1 in six innings in a non-region game Friday.
Jack Wimer had three runs, three RBIs and a home run for Franklin. Luke Marsteller added four RBIs and a home run and Nate Fezell had two runs scored and a RBI.
Fezell went the distance on the mound and struck out seven.
Dillon Hamilton had Rocky Grove’s only run.
Haydon Bevier and Isaac Grigsby each had two strikeouts for the Orioles.
Franklin improved to 4-0 and hosts Slippery Rock on Monday at 4 p.m. for a Region 2 game.
Rocky Grove dropped to 0-1 and travels to Cambridge Springs on Monday at 4 p.m. for a Region 3 game.
Nov 17, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker (68) makes his way to down the tunnel before the start of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images | David Reginek-Imagn Images
In his social media post announcing that he was requesting his release from the Detroit Lions, Taylor Decker made vague references to “surprising” conversations with the team that led him to this decision.
“In my weeks since notifying the team of my return there have been numerous discussion. Many of which were a surprise to me, and we could not find common ground. Therefore I decided to request my release,” Decker wrote on March 6.
Decker and the Lions both knew that retirement was clearly an option for the veteran left tackle who had publicly discussed how injuries and time away from family had started to wear on his 10-year football career. But according to Decker, in his pair of exit interviews with the team in January, two things were made clear for both sides:
The Lions wanted him back
Decker was not interested in taking a pay cut
However, when the two sides reconvened after Decker announced he’d be returning for an 11th season, he was blindsided when the team told his agent that the only way he’d be returning was if he was on a pay cut.
There wasn’t much discussion after that. Decker turned the offer down before the two sides even discussed numbers.
Earlier in the week, Lions general manager Brad Holmes offered his side of the situation, insisting the only thing that could have been considered surprising was the timing of Decker’s public announcement of his return. Although Decker said he talked to coach Dan Campbell the day before about his decision and tried to reach out to Holmes, but he did not get a responding call or text.
“I think a lot of those situations that happen, it all starts with communication and what you communicate with the player, what you communicate with the player’s agent, and so it starts there,” Holmes said. “There was really no surprises. Again, you don’t know when a player is going to put something out. So if you want to say there was a surprise, maybe it was that a surprise, but in terms of the decisions that he made, I wouldn’t say that that’d be a surprise.”
Decker insists there was a communication breakdown and surprises on his end. Whether it was Holmes not calling him back before Decker publicly announced his return, Detroit’s lack of clear communication on requesting a pay cut, or—more personally—the lack of outreach from anyone in team leadership to thank him for his time with the franchise after a decade of service, Decker is clearly not happy with how things ended.
Via Rogers:
But here’s what’s driving Decker crazy. This does feel a little personal. Since talking to Campbell on Feb. 23, he hasn’t heard from team leadership. There wasn’t a follow-up from his coach, Holmes never reached out, and Decker had to make first contact with position coach Hank Fraley, a man he publicly went to bat for when Campbell was hired.
After giving everything he had to the franchise for a decade, Decker expected more. He wanted to hear from his coach, from the general manager. He just wanted a simple “thank you” on his way out the door. And, just as badly, he wanted to say “thank you” for everything the organization has meant to and given to him.
While Holmes said “never say never” when it comes to a reunion with Decker, the veteran left tackle does not share that feeling. He views his divorce from the Lions as final, though he hopes to eventually sign a symbolic one-day contract in Detroit so he can retire a Lion and stay close to the organization.
Tom Pidcock has won cross-country mountain bike gold at the past two Olympics [Getty Images]
Briton Tom Pidcock has pulled out of the Volta a Catalunya after a "horror" fall down a ravine.
The Pinarello-Q36.5 rider went off the road after misjudging a corner late in stage five on Friday.
He finished more than 29 minutes behind winner Jonas Vingegaard on the 153.1km stage from La Seu d'Urgell to La Molina/Coll de Pal.
"I was drinking on the descent and misjudged a corner," Pidcock said.
"I am lucky I could talk on the radio. I was far from the road and nobody knew I was there. 60km/h off a mountain road and I'm relatively OK."
After medical checks Pidcock was ruled out of the remainder of the race, which ends on Sunday.
Team doctor Lorenz Emmert said: "Due to his crash he suffered injuries, most likely bone and ligament damage in particular to his right knee and also right wrist.
"Unfortunately we had to make the decision to take him out of the race. Further clinical evaluation and imaging will follow in the next days."
Pidcock won Milano-Torino and finished second in Milan-San Remo by world champion Tadej Pogacar this month.
"We did everything to try to make it to the start [of stage six] but it's not possible," said two-time Olympic cross-country mountain bike champion Pidcock.
"I fought to finish the stage yesterday to make sure I had the option to continue. Now the focus is on recovery, and I'll be back."
Team Visma-Lease a Bike's Vingegaard won the stage by 51 seconds to extend his lead in the general classification to 57.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Rick Pitino’s third season at St. John’s ended in heartbreak.
This was the 73-year-old Hall of Fame coach’s best team in his three-year tenure and they were looking to make the program’s first Elite Eight in 27 years.
The Johnnies held a 10-point second-half lead on Cam Boozer and overall No. 1 seed Duke before the Blue Devils used a zone to outscore the Red Storm 35-20 down the stretch, making 14 of their final 18 field goals en route to an 80-75 victory.
St. John’s AD Ed Kull and billionaire booster Mike Repole were among the disappointed fans sitting courtside.
“We felt we had to win the 3-point line in a big way to have any shot at this game, and we did,” said Pitino, whose team shot 13-of-32 from deep to Duke’s 5-of-14. “We were up ten, we could not stop bully drives, bully drives, bully drives, bully drives, four, and we could not stop it, which is a credit to them.
“Our guys played with great heart. They made some defensive mistakes down the stretch, but that’s a credit to them.”
Big man Ruben Prey, who was a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc, was on the bench down the stretch, so he did not take the team’s final shot attempt. Instead it was Dylan Darling, who won the Kansas game with a straight line drive to the basket, missing a potential game-tying 3-pointer in the final seconds.
Senior big man Zuby Ejiofor, who finished with 17 points and 8 rebounds in his final college game, had to leave the podium before the press conference was over because he was overcome with emotion.
“Obviously pretty disappointed,” the Big East Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year said before breaking down in tears. “I felt, like Coach said, we had a couple moments, we had opportunities down the stretch to be able to come out with the win, but little mistakes here and there with our coverages, and they were able to exploit us with some mismatches and stuff like that. So obviously disappointed.
“Fell just short of the Elite Eight and our chance to go to the Final Four. One heck of a year, but yeah, pretty disappointed.”
Said Pitino: “This team was one of the most unique teams I’ve had in 52 years. Never one argument amongst the players, impossible summer and regular season. Not one potential fight or somebody getting upset at somebody. I’ve never seen that in my 52 years.
“They were just the greatest kids in the world. They wanted to win so badly. They were willing to do anything to try and win. I’ll never have a team like this again with that type of attitude. I may have some good teams, but never, ever again with this type of attitude and just incredible people. My heart breaks for them right now.”
As for his future, Pitino’s agent, Evan Daniels, has a restructured contract offer from St. John’s that would pay Pitino roughly $7 million per year for the next three seasons, making him the second highest-paid Big East coach behind Dan Hurley, whose team advanced to the Elite Eight against Duke on Sunday. Pitino has yet to sign it.
A source told NJ Advance Media it might take “a few days” for Pitino to sign it after this heartbreaking loss. Pitino said he and the team needed “some time off.”
“We’ll all take some time off and just look back, I think each and every day, as we have in the past, with great pride in what they did, the fight that they had, the people they were,” he said. “Then we all take some time off because it’s much needed.”
Pitino exclusively told NJ Advance Media this week that he was not a candidate for the North Carolina opening, and “It’s St. John’s or retirement for me.”
The Johnnies will lose guard Oziyah Sellers and three frontcourt starters in Ejiofor, Bryce Hopkins and Dillon Mitchell.
Prey is eligible to return, as are guards Darling, Joson Sanon and Ian Jackson and reserves Lefteris Liotopoulos Kelvin Odih, Imran Suljanovic and Casper Pohto.
They will have to hit the portal hard, and even then they will have a lot of work to do to get back to this stage.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 25: Pernille Harder of FC Bayern Munchen during the UEFA Women's Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-finals First Leg match between Manchester United FC and FC Bayern Munchen at Old Trafford on March 25, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Bayern Munich Frauen are taking on Nürnberg in a match between the first place squad and the 11th place team. The Frauen have been hot, can they stay that way?
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Under-20s face Paraguay this Saturday (28), Paulo Victor in charge
Brazil’s Under-20 National Team faces Paraguay this Saturday (28) in the first of two friendlies that begin preparations for the category’s major competitions in 2027. This will be the first match under Paulo Victor, who has also taken charge of the Under-23 National Team. The game will be played at Martins Pereira Stadium in São José dos Campos at 7 p.m., with expectations of a full house. SporTV will broadcast it live.
Paulo Victor’s first Under-20 squad combines players born in 2007 and 2008. The coach opted for a core group that already has experience wearing the Brazil shirt in competitions.
The Under-20 National Team had five intense days of preparation for the first friendly of this new cycleCredits: Staff Images / CBF
There are holdovers from last year’s Under-20 World Cup, such as center back João Souza and forward Erick Belé; and from the Under-17 World Cup, such as goalkeeper João Pedro, center backs Vitor Fernandes and Vitão, midfielders Zé Lucas and Tiago, and forward Gabriel Mec. Up front, players like Isaque and Luca Meirelles also bring the experience of having already faced, and beaten, Paraguay, the opponent in these first matches.
There were five days of preparation for the first challenge. Since Monday (23), at CT Joaquim Grava, the group has trained under the watchful eye of the new coach. Paulo Victor set aside the first two days to observe the players’ behavior on the field and introduce the concepts he wants to see in the match. From then on, he moved on to refining attacking and defensive patterns.
Paulo Victor and assistant coach Lucas Andrade: friendlies against Paraguay already mark the start of preparations for the major competitions in 2027Credits: Staff Images / CBF
“We allowed ourselves, in two sessions, to observe them closely. Then we used Wednesday, Thursday and Friday’s sessions to work on the initial attacking and defensive patterns. I believe we were able to give the team an identity, so that we can play good matches from a tactical standpoint and begin this journey in pursuit of our goal, which is the most important thing: how we will arrive in January next year for the South American Championship. That is why we started the work early,” he said.
Paulo Victor’s arrival to Brazil’s Under-20 and Under-23 national teams is aimed at putting the Canarinho back on the path to major achievements in these categories. Before the continental competition, the coach will have four more training periods to further shape the team, implementing the identity he is seeking: the essence of Brazilian football.
The group worked on concepts throughout the week in search of the Brazilian National Team’s “identity”Credits: Staff Images / CBF
“I tried to show them what the purpose of being here is, the importance of having a strong identity within the Brazilian National Team. To recover standards that define what our National Team is. That was very much the direction I tried to take in building the first week, building a very strong mentality, a sense of serving and representing the Brazilian National Team, feeling this shirt and this moment in a different way. I think that comes at the top of the pyramid so that everything else can happen with the naturalness we want,” he stated.
There are other factors that make Paulo Victor’s Under-20 debut special: the promise of a full house in São José dos Campos and the fact that Martins Pereira Stadium was the stage for his first title as a coach.
“It is very important for the boys to experience this and feel the importance of the Brazilian National Team. Playing in front of a crowd is different. I would also like to thank our president Samir Xaud and the entire CBF board for the effort and the conditions they are providing for the Brazil Under-20 National Team. By restoring this connection between the fans and the youth national team, Brazilian football is the one that benefits,” he concluded.
match info:
Lineup:
BRAZIL: João Pedro; Igor Felisberto, João Souza, João Ananias, Kauã Prates; Zé Lucas, Djhordney, Erick Belé; Bruninho, Isaque and Luca Meirelles.
Coach: Paulo Victor.
Brazil vs. Paraguay – Brazil Under-20 National Team
Date: Saturday (28)
Time: 7 p.m.
Venue: Martins Pereira Stadium, São José dos Campos (SP)
Broadcast: SporTV
Tickets:
Stands – R$ 40 (full price) and R$ 20 (half-price, social ticket and as provided by law)
The Detroit Tigers have kicked off the 2026 campaign strong, having already clinched the season-opening series against the San Diego Padres with a 5-2 win on Friday night. On Saturday, they go for the sweep, which would complete the reversal of last season’s start.
So far, the visitors have outscored the home team, 13-4, behind solid performances by Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez, respectively. Rookie Kevin McGonigle added two more hits to his team-leading total of five and shares the team lead of four RBIs with Dillon Dingler.
Next up in the rotation is right-hander Jack Flaherty, who takes the mound opposite of fellow righty Randy Vásquez on Saturday. Here is a brief look at how they match up.
The New York Jets underwent some changes at linebacker this offseason. The team parted ways with starter Quincy Williams, who signed a contract with the Cleveland Browns in free agency. General manager Darren Mougey responded to that departure by signing Demario Davis, a veteran linebacker who reunites with the Jets after previously playing for head coach Aaron Glenn. Davis projects as a strong culture fit and locker room leader.
The Jets could stand to improve at linebacker. Right now, they're reliant on back-end players like Kiko Mauigoa and Mykal Walker to make an impact. The 2026 NFL draft represents an opportunity to target another linebacker capable of being a future starter.
Mougey and his scouting staff are doing their homework on an intriguing prospect. In a recent interview, Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday said the Jets planned to meet with him face-to-face at his recent pro day (3/24) showcase.
"The New York Jets and Giants will be in town to meet me at pro day," Golday told NFL Draft On SI. "That’s just a snapshot. I’ve met with a bunch of teams."
Golday has been a fast-rising prospect. He initially played EDGE rusher at Central Arkansas before beginning a transition to linebacker. He went to Cincinnati and continued making a position change. This past season, Golday broke out at linebacker by recording a career-high 104 tackles.
The first wave of free agency is over in the 2026 NFL offseason and the Buffalo Bills were movers and shakers.
Along with the signings made, wide receiver DJ Moore was traded to Buffalo. The 2026 Bills roster is starting to come into focus even with the 2026 NFL draft still to come.
As the offseason rolls on, Pro Football Focus released their latest power rankings. The Bills remain a top team in the NFL as Buffalo slots in at No. 3 overall and are the highest-ranked AFC team in PFF's rankings. Only the Los Angeles Rams (1) and Seattle Seahawks (2) are ahead of the Bills.
Here is PFF's full breakdown on the Bills in the outlet's power rankings:
Led by Josh Allen and James Cook, the Bills’ rushing attack dominated this past season, ranking third in rushing success rate (33.8%). A strong offensive line helped set the table for that production, leading the Bills to league-leading marks in yards before contact on designed runs. That made Buffalo’s free-agent decisions up front that much harder. Although they weren’t able to retain guard David Edwards, the Bills re-signed top-10 center Connor McGovern to remain somewhat consistent on the interior.
Maintaining that strength on the ground was only half the battle. To bolster the NFL’s third-ranked offense (83.3 PFF team offensive grade) through the air, the Bills traded for D.J. Moore, addressing the lack of playmaking talent at receiver. Along with Khalil Shakir, Buffalo now possesses two of the top 10 receivers in generating yards after the catch over the past two seasons.
Inter Milan Ready To Pounce On Talented France Midfielder As Roma Face Conformity To Financial Regulations
Inter Milan are ready to revive their pursuit of Manu Kone this summer as Roma face increasing pressure to raise funds before June 30th to comply with financial fair play regulations, a scenario that could finally open the door for the Nerazzurri to land their long-term midfield target.
The Nerazzurri attempted to sign Kone last summer but the deal collapsed, partly due to the intervention of then-coach Claudio Ranieri, who refused to let the midfielder leave.
That situation could soon look very different.
Inter Could Secure Roma Star Kone For Around €40-50 Million
Roma paid €18 million plus €2 million in bonuses for Kone two summers ago.
By next summer, his book value will sit at around €11 million.
An Inter offer above €40 million, potentially reaching €50 million, would generate a capital gain of over €30 million for Roma.
That profit figure is not coincidental.
It matches almost exactly what Sassuolo are asking for Ismael Koné, a player Roma have already identified as a potential replacement.
The Canadian midfielder arrived at Sassuolo last summer from Marseille for €2.5 million on loan with a conditional obligation to buy of €10.5 million, already exercised in February.
The interconnected nature of the two deals makes the overall scenario entirely plausible, and Inter are very much aware of it.
After having his 2025 season cut short due to injury, the Buffalo Bills recently announced that they're re-signing safety Damar Hamlin.
In October of 2025, after playing in five games, Hamlin suffered a pectoral injury in practice that would eventually require surgery and cut his season short. Hamlin will now return to the Bills on a one-year deal and join recently signed safeties C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Geno Stone.
A 2021 sixth-round pick, Hamlin began his career as a Bills backup and special teams player. He had opportunities to start in 2022 due to injuries, including the Jan. 2, 2023, Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, during which Hamlin experienced cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the field.
He would recover and return to football in 2023, and in 2024, he would again earn the starting safety spot.
The incident Hamlin experienced has helped raise awareness about sports-related health and cardiac events. Hamlin has also raised awareness of heart health by using the knowledge gained about AEDs and CPR.
His Chasing M's Foundation received millions in the aftermath of his cardiac event.
The Los Angeles Dodgers (2-0) are looking to take their third straight game against the Arizona Diamondbacks (0-2). The Dodgers are favored with a -220 moneyline and a -1.5 spread. Tyler Glasnow will start for the Dodgers against the Diamondbacks’ Eduardo Rodriguez.
How to Watch Arizona Diamondbacks vs Los Angeles Dodgers
Mark Campbell has TCU in the women's Sweet 16 for a second consecutive season, and it's Olivia Miles leading the charge this time around.
Miles, a Notre Dame transfer, is having her best season yet. And that's saying something considering she was considered a potential top-five pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. She's averaging a career-high 19.4 points along with 7.2 rebounds and 6.6 assists.
It's been an especially productive NCAA Tournament for Miles. The New Jersey native posted an absurd triple-double of 12 points, 16 rebounds and 14 assists against UC San Diego, and she was two assists away from another against Washington.
That's Miles on the court. Off the court, she was notably in a relationship with former Notre Dame teammate Maddy Westbeld. So, are the two still together?
There's no concrete evidence one way or the other. Let's get into the context.
Miles and Westbeld, who now plays for the Chicago Sky, hard launched their relationship in June 2025 with a series of social media posts. They even started an account for a cat they adopted, Bean Miles-Westbeld. However, neither has posted about one another in months. The last post on Bean's account came 33 weeks ago.
🚨 Champions League in village of 1,500, club makes history!
The fairytale journey of Mjällby AIF is becoming even more magical! As the club confirmed today via “X,” it will make Champions League history this summer.
Never before has an official match in Europe’s premier club competition taken place in a tiny village of 1,500 inhabitants. This is possible because the Swedes sensationally won the Allsvenskan for the first time last season, earning the right to enter the second qualifying round of the Champions League.
Until now, however, it was unclear whether Strandvallen, with a capacity of 6,500 spectators in the little village of Hällevik, would receive match approval from UEFA. Fortunately, the governing body gave its go-ahead today — and we’re left wondering what exactly the Scandinavians are cooking up right now.
After Bodø/Glimt from Norway recently caused a stir in the Champions League, the next no-name team from the far north is now looking to trouble the big boys. If you live in a small village and are wondering what might be possible for your football club in the future, there is only one answer: EVERYTHING.
Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston says the most difficult part of adapting to life in Glasgow was coming to terms with being an A-list celebrity.
The 27-year-old Canada international joined the club in January 2023 from CF Montreal and has become a key member of the squad.
Having spent the entirety of his playing career in the US and Canada before his switch to Glasgow, Johnston says football wasn't the most difficult change.
"The people are great," he told TSN Sports.
"They love you. They are unbelievably abrasive as well. They see you in the street, they'll run across and give you a piece of their mind whether it's good, bad or indifferent.
"For me the football wasn't the biggest change. Playing in front of 60,000 people at Celtic park opens your eyes to how much football means but it was the off the pitch stuff.
"All of a sudden you can't just go for a walk. I was playing in Montreal the year before I went there [Celtic], playing for the national team, going to a World Cup but I could walk through the streets of Montreal with no issue. There'd be a billboard of me and the team and I could walk right by it and no one would bat an eye.
"In Glasgow you could have a hat on, sunglasses and people are still running up and grabbing you. It's a fishbowl. You are the A-list celebrity."
A high-profile transfer may be necessary due to Financial Fair Play regulations in June.
Among Roma’s possible departures is Evan Ndicka, who is enjoying one of his best scoring seasons with the Giallorossi. The Ivorian has scored four goals, the last three in a row.
His performances have attracted interest from the Premier League. Several big clubs are eyeing the defender: after Liverpool and Tottenham, according to a report by the English portal CaughtOffside, Manchester United and Chelsea are also reportedly ready to make a move.
Ndicka’s sale in June could allow Roma to retain another big name (Manu Koné and Mile Svilar among others).
However, the Giallorossi will not cut corners for the former Eintracht Frankfurt player.
To release the number 5, Trigoria is asking for no less than €40 million.
A considerable sum, especially considering he arrived in the capital on a free transfer in the summer of 2023. Besiktas is also interested in him.
Bundesliga striker’s agent confirms Barcelona contacts
Barcelona are looking to sign a new striker in the summer, and in recent months, numerous targets have been identified. Julian Alvarez remains their priority, but if a big-money transfer is considered impossible due to their financial troubles, they may be forced to settle for a low-cost option.
Karl Etta Eyong was previously mentioned as a player that Barcelona were considering signing for a lower piece, but they have ended their interest after a poor run of form with Levante. Now, they are much more likely to go for Fisnik Asllani, who has been impressive for Hoffenheim this season.
Last year, it was reported that Barcelona had scouted Asllani, who has nine goals and six assists this season. Now, the 23-year-old’s agent Ayman Dahmani has confirmed (via MD) that talks have taken place between himself and representatives of the La Liga leaders.
“Barcelona’s interest in the player is valid at the moment, and there has been contact from the Catalan club.”
Asllani available for less than €30m
Despite this, Dahmani confirmed that Asllani would not be allowed to leave Hoffenheim unless his release clause is activated. It is unclear what the exact valuation is, although MD note that it is between €25m and €29m, which could make him a much more affordable option compared to someone like Alvarez.
There is no doubt that Asllani looks an excellent player, and he has been impressive in the Bundesliga this season. However, it would be a risk for him to be brought in to play an immediate starting role, given the significant step up he would be making with a move to Barcelona.
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether Barcelona take their interest in Asllani further. That decision will be made in the coming weeks, as preparations continue to be made ahead of the summer transfer window opening in July.
Dimarco reveals best quality Italy will need in World Cup play-off Final
During his press conference at Coverciano today, Italy star Federico Dimarco said the Azzurri would mostly need ‘mental strength’ in the World Cup play-off Final against Bosnia and Herzegovina next week.
Dimarco met reporters at Coverciano on Saturday, three days before the World Cup play-off Final against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Dimarco’s Italy press conference ahead of World Cup play-off Final
“We expect a fiery atmosphere and a team that has the same desire to qualify for the World Cup,” said the Inter defender via TMW.
“We need a bit of everything. We’ve been missing at the World Cup for too long, and we absolutely want to earn qualification because we deserve it.
“This is a group that has fun together. We must take it. We must be mentally strong. We know the environment, but if we stay in the game for the full 95 minutes, I believe we’ll take it home.”
When asked about the “best quality” the Azzurri will need to show in Zenica on Tuesday, Dimarco replied: “Mental strength. After a somewhat tense first half and Retegui’s missed opportunity, we didn’t get discouraged.
“One might have started seeing the ghosts, but instead, we stayed there; we scored the first goal and then killed it off with Moise. We remained focused for the whole 90 minutes.
“In the end, it’s the head that controls the legs; we know we’ll face a strong team,” he continued.
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Federico Dimarco of Italy looks on during the warm up 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)
“They have a few players from our league, and we’ll have to be good in every aspect. They’ll attack strongly, and we’ll have to hit back.”
Dimarco also confirmed that he texted his former Inter teammate and Bosnia captain, Edin Dzeko, after the video went viral.
“He’s such a great person; you had to provide assists to him to make him happy,” Dimarco said.
“I also met him on holiday last summer, and I know him really well.”
Dimarco has contributed to 22 Inter goals in 38 appearances this season, and one of his Nerazzurri teammates, Francesco Pio Esposito, is tipped to start against Bosnia next week.
“I’m having a good season, but as I’ve always said, personal achievements count little. The results are what matter; otherwise, numbers are meaningless,” Dimarco concluded.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 22: Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Artemio Franchi on March 22, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“Pio is in this group because he deserves it; but the coach decides whether he plays or not.
“He’s truly a special lad because, despite his age, he’s ahead mentally. It’s really hard to get angry with him because he always gives 100% in games and training sessions. This explains his growth in the last six or seven months. There is little advice to give him, because it’s useless to put more pressure on him.”
Dimarco, 28, has scored three goals in 37 appearances with the Italy national team, making his senior debut in June 2022.
Something's wrong with Tiger Woods. We don't know the struggle’s precise shape, but it's there. It has been there. The evidence is not subtle, and it is not new. That is the sad and disconcerting thing, and until it is reckoned with honestly, everything else is secondary.
What happened with Friday’s two-vehicle crash in Jupiter Island, Fla., and Woods’ subsequent arrest, involved drugs or medication; the Martin County Sheriff said so plainly, because the breathalyzer said 0.00 and the man crawling out of the overturned SUV appeared lethargic, impaired, somewhere other than fully present. That part we know. What we also know, and have known for a while, is the context that surrounds it: all the surgeries, a body that has been broken and rebuilt so many times that the pharmaceutical architecture required just to get through a day is complex, possibly dangerous, and for someone with Woods' injury history genuinely hard to escape. Chronic pain and how people manage it are not moral failures. They are medical realities that have unmade careful, disciplined, strong-willed people for as long as the drugs have existed. Tiger Woods is, whatever else you want to say about him, among the most disciplined human beings to ever stand over a golf ball. That discipline did not protect him. It may have obscured how much protection he needed.
We are looking at a pattern. The 2017 arrest was not an isolated incident. It was a signal. The diversion program, the rehab, the public statement about an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications, these were events that fit a sequence the press was not particularly interested in identifying as one. There was a comeback to cover. There was Augusta to wonder about. And then 2019 came, and the green jacket, and it became nearly impossible to hold both things at once, the miracle of that Sunday and the unanswered question from two years earlier. So we didn't.
Consider 2021. Woods drove off a California road at high speed and shattered his leg, nearly lost it. The Los Angeles County Sheriff called it an accident. No blood was drawn. No substance test was administered. The official account was no evidence of impairment, and that was mostly accepted, because Woods had nearly died and it felt indecent to push. But the absence of a test is not the same as a clean result. It is the absence of a test. What we were left with, in place of information, was a story about survival and the road back. That was covered extensively, and which made it functionally impossible to also say: we don't know what was in his system that morning. That matters. It still matters.
The golf world, this publication included, has organized its Tiger coverage around one persistent question for years: Can he play? It is a reasonable question if you are covering sports. It becomes an incomplete one when the honest answer to a prior question—Is this man OK?—is visibly, and has for some time been, no.
Tiger Woods is driven from the Martin County Jail after being arrested for driving under the influence after a car crash on Friday.
Joe Raedle
We hope we are wrong. Maybe there is an explanation for the refused urine test that has nothing to do with what it appears to suggest. Everyone is entitled to their privacy, and no one should be mocked for their trials. But privacy is a harder argument to make when the struggle keeps arriving in public. On roadsides, in mugshots, in sheriff's press conferences. At some point, looking away is not discretion. It's something closer to abandonment.
The other questions will come. The legal exposure, the Masters, the PGA Tour committee he chairs, what any of this means for a legacy that was secured long ago and cannot be taken back. Those are real, and they will get their due. The sport will process this the way it processes everything: with coverage and debate and hot takes and updates and eventually, probably, a return to the question of whether he might somehow play. That is what we do. That is what we have always done with Tiger Woods, turning him back into a story about golf.
But there is a 50-year-old man who has been in some form of pain, physical or otherwise, for longer than most of his fans have been watching him. Who has been trying, by every public account, to hold together a competitive life and an institutional role and a comeback narrative and a body that has been asked to do more than bodies are meant to do.
The golf can wait. It has waited before. The difference now is that what's at stake isn't a green jacket or a record or a comeback story. It's him.
Barret Robbins, a former All-Pro center largely known for leaving the Oakland Raiders' team hotel on the eve of their Super Bowl appearance in 2003, has died at age 52.
Ex-teammate Tim Brown, a Hall of Fame wide receiver, announced Robbins’ death Thursday night.
Brown said Marissa Robbins told him her husband died in his sleep overnight. No cause of death was provided by the team.
“The thoughts and condolences of the entire Raider Nation are with Barret's family and friends during this difficult time,” the team said in a statement.
Robbins, a second-round pick out of TCU in the 1995 NFL draft, played all nine seasons for the Raiders.
Marissa Robbins said her husband died in his sleep overnight (AP)
He was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2002, his second to last season.
“Please pray for (t)heir girls, his family and tons of teammates who will be affected by this!” Brown wrote.
“It’s unfortunate that his life was never the same after he was not allowed to play in the Super Bowl! Rest Peacefully BR, you deserve it!”
Robbins reportedly didn't take his medication for depression shortly before the Raiders were to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl in San Diego. He was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
He reportedly crossed the Mexican border to Tijuana before returning to the team hotel.
Coach Bill Callahan suspended Robbins for the game, which the Raiders lost 48-21.
“Sad to hear of the passing of my center and former teammate Barret Robbins,” former Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon posted on social media. “RIP my brother!”
Revealed: The Reason Juventus Hold Advantage Over Inter Milan In Race For Sassuolo Defender
Juventus hold a significant structural advantage over Inter Milan in the race to sign Sassuolo defender Anel Muharemovic, with the Turin club’s 50% sell-on clause from his original sale giving them a financial incentive to facilitate a return deal.
Inter have shown strong interest in the Bosnia international and his profile fits precisely what Chivu wants in his defensive rebuild this summer. However, Juventus enter the picture with a clear edge.
Muharemovic & Yildiz Friendship Could Also Give Juventus Pursuit Advantage Over Inter
The sell-on clause means any fee Sassuolo receive would trigger a payment back to Juventus, making a return deal financially more attractive for the Bianconeri than a straightforward sale to Inter.
Juventus are optimistic about their chances and hope Kenan Yildiz can also play a role.
The Turkey international is a close friend of Muharemovic from their time together in the Next Gen squad, a personal connection that could prove persuasive.
For Inter, the clause complicates what was already a competitive pursuit.
They must now weigh up whether to match Sassuolo’s asking price knowing a portion of that fee flows back to a direct rival.
The coming weeks will determine whether Inter can overcome that disadvantage, or whether Juventus use every lever available to bring Muharemovic back to Turin.
Liverpool ready to upset fans with massive transfer call
Liverpool risk upsetting an awful lot of fans with a massive transfer call. Get ready to debate this one.
Liverpool spent massively last summer in an overhaul of their first-team squad. Players left, players came in, and over £600m split between the two directions.
All in all, the Reds did buy players for over £400m and even if that was subsidised through sales, that's a massive amount to spend on a first-team squad. More than Jürgen Klopp's UEFA Champions League-winning XI combined, in fact.
So the fact we can state with absolutely certainty that more must be spent shows how well that went. Liverpool are a worse team than they were a year ago - no one can dispute that.
One thing they sorely lack is pace on the wing, with Luis Diaz having moved on to Bayern Munich without an adequate replacement. It's a situation that will be addressed in the summer, especially with the news that Mo Salah will depart.
But it sounds as though Liverpool will try to 'fix' that problem without spending massive amounts. The Athletic, for instance, suggest that the club view €100m for Yan Diomande as excessive.
Now, Diomande is about as perfect of a fit as Liverpool can hope to find. He's young, developing rapidly, boasts incredible pace, can operate on both wings and has enjoyed a wonderful season with RB Leipzig, showing he can immediately adapt to a new club and country.
You're not going to pick out a winger who justifies the €100m price tag more than that, outside of maybe Michael Olise. So Liverpool viewing Diomande as overpriced certainly suggests that they don't see value in the position right now.
Finding that winger and replacing Salah should take near-record-breaking amounts. The club don't see it that way, however, and we get the impression that they'll opt for a 'value for money' signing, rather than a big swing at an elite talent.
That's a decision which will split the fans.
Yan Diomande: Situation Summary
Injury Update
Diomande is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury sustained during Leipzig's 5-0 win over Hoffenheim on 20 March. The club confirmed it is a capsular injury, which has forced him to withdraw from the Ivory Coast national team for the current international break. He is expected to focus on recovery in Germany, with a potential return to action in mid-April.
Breakthrough Stats
Since joining Leipzig from Leganés for £17 million last summer, the 19-year-old winger has been a revelation in the Bundesliga. Across 29 competitive appearances this season, he has recorded 11 goals and 8 assists. His explosive pace and dribbling have made him a primary candidate for "Rookie of the Season" honors.
Transfer Battle
With Mohamed Salah’s departure from Liverpool now confirmed, Diomande has emerged as a top target to succeed him at Anfield. The player has previously hinted at his admiration for Liverpool, noting his father’s dream is to see him play at Anfield. However, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are also heavily involved. RB Leipzig is reportedly demanding a fee in the region of €100 million (£86m), leveraging the fact that he is under contract until 2030.
In a classic matchup of experience vs. youth and athleticism, Purdue and Arizona meet Saturday night with a trip to the Final Four at stake. The Boilermakers rely on a senior-laden core of Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, and TreyKaufman-Renn, a trio that reached the 2024 National Championship game while Arizona starts three freshmen, Koa Peat, Brayden Burries, and Ivan Kharchenkov.
Arizona was out and out dominant in their 109-88 victory over Arkansas Thursday night in the Sweet 16. In the game they set an NCAA Tournament record with six players scoring 14+ points. Purdue was in a dogfight in their last game, narrowly escaping No. 11 Texas with a 79-77 win. Kaufman-Renn tipped in the game-winner with less than a second remaining to secure the win.
Arizona is at their best when they are attacking the rim. The Wildcats’ have no issue piling up the points and they do so despite ranking near the bottom of the country in three-point attempts. Purdue, conversely, relies on the three-ball, possessing a Top 15 shooting percentage from beyond the arc.
Fun Fact: Purdue is 3-0 against Arizona when the Wildcats are ranked in the Top Two in the nation.
Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Game Details and How to Watch Live: Arizona vs. Purdue
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time: 8:49PM EST
Site: SAP Center
City: San Jose, CA
Network/Streaming: TBS, truTV
Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Game Odds: Arizona Wildcats vs. Purdue Boilermakers
The latest odds as of Saturday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Arizona (-270), Purdue (+220)
Spread: Arizona -5.5
Total: 153.5
This game opened Arizona -5.5 with the Total set at 150.5.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NCAA Basketball schedule!
Important stats, trends and insights: Arizona vs. Purdue
Arizona is 22-15 ATS this season
Purdue is 17-21 ATS this season
The OVER has cashed in just 19 of Arizona’s 37 games this season (19-18)
The OVER has cashed in 20 of Purdue’s 38 games this season (20-18)
Freshman Brayden Burries is averaging 16.2 points per game this season
Trey Kaufman-Renn is averaging 17.2 PPG and 7.6 RPG over his last 10 games
Rotoworld Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NCAA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Saturday’s game between Arizona and Purdue:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on Arizona -6.5
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total OVER 153.5
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Photo by Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Demetrious Johnson has pushed back against claims that Netflix’s MMA card is “more stacked” than the UFC White House event.
The streaming platform is set to make a big splash by stepping into the world of MMA with a card filled with high-profile names.
On the women’s side, Ronda Rousey returns for a clash of pioneers against Gina Carano, and the event’s co-headlines feature bouts for Francis Ngannou and Nate Diaz.
Many have said that Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions card is better than anything the UFC has put out in 2026, even compared to the upcoming White House event.
Johnson backs Chandler vs Ruffy over Rousey’s return fight
Photo by Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images
The reaction to the full UFC White House card announcement was mixed, to say the least. Dana White had built up expectations with promises of an all-time great lineup, while President Donald Trump hinted at “seven or eight” title fights, but many felt the final reveal fell short of that hype.
Demetrious Johnson, though, has stood by the event, arguing it still offers more in terms of quality and skill than what Netflix has planned for May 16.
“Some good fights on there. I’m gonna watch it. It’s free,” Johnson said about the Netflix card on his YouTube channel. “I’m excited to see Nate Diaz and Mike Perry fight.”
“Henry Cejudo said the White House card is not as stacked as the Netflix card… I said, ‘Henry, you’re f—ing high.’ (Mauricio) Ruffy vs Michael Chandler is a way bigger fight, technically, skill-wise, than Gina Carano vs Ronda Rousey. It truly is.
“I would pay money to watch that card (UFC White House),” he continued. “It’s a good card. It’s not what we expected… but those are some solid fights. Then right after that, we have International Fight Week.
“Netflix is trying to put together these fights, but it’s like, what are you gonna do after that?”
Chandler vs Ruffy headlines one of four undercard bouts leading up to two title fights scheduled for June at the White House.
Before Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje meet to unify the lightweight titles in the main event – another pivotal matchup in Topuria’s career following his debut win over Max Holloway last year – Alex Pereira will look to add another chapter to his legacy by challenging Ciryl Gane for interim heavyweight gold in pursuit of triple champion status.
The Buffalo Bills add to their defensive front in NFL.com's latest mock ahead of the 2026 NFL draft.
At the No. 26 selection, the Bills are mocked Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk.
While the Bills did sign Bradley Chubb to a three-year deal in free agency, Buffalo did not re-sign AJ Epenesa and Joey Bosa. A player such as Faulk could easily be on the Bills' radar.
In 12 games played last seaso, Faulk had two sacks and five tackles for loss.
After acquiring WR DJ Moore from the Bears, the Bills count on Faulk to provide consistent pass-rush pressure. I won’t be surprised if Buffalo decides to continue bolstering the receiver room here, though.
With very few holes in an already strong roster, the Denver Broncos may be looking for depth, rather than immediate starters, in the NFL draft, which is a little less than a month away.
Since the NFL combine, the Broncos have been heavily linked to Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers. Stowers (6-4, 239 pounds) is a former quarterback who converted to tight-end, one of those do-it-all weapons Denver head coach Sean Payton loves (see New Orleans Saints Swiss Army knife Taysom Hill).
Early on in the NFL combine process, Stowers visited with the Broncos brass, and he said during an interview on the Rich Eisen Show that he has a pre-draft visit scheduled at Dove Valley. Stowers could be an interesting addition to a roster full of versatile players such as Marvin Mims and Jaylen Waddle.
Stowers was the 2025 winner of the John Mackey award (given to the nation's most outstanding tight end) after posting a 62-catch, 762-yard, four-touchdown campaign in his final season with the Commodores.
Stowers is currently listed as the fourth-best tight end in the 2026 draft pool, according to Draft Wire's Curt Popejoy. You can check out Stower's full interview with Rich Eisen below.
Stowers has a decent chance of being off the board by the time Denver makes their first selection at 62nd overall, but then again, stranger things have happened.
The NFL draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
The Los Angeles Lakers entered Friday night's game looking to earn their second consecutive victory after their recent nine-game win streak was snapped by the Detroit Pistons Monday.
The Lakers did just that, cruising to a 17-point win against the Nets.
Luka Doncic dominated once again, scoring 41 points to go along with eight rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block.
Austin Reaves added 26 points, eight rebounds and five assists as well.
LeBron James and Jaxson Hayes were the only other Lakers in double-figures, combining to score 24 points.
With the win, Los Angeles moved to 48-26 on the season, holding their advantage over the Denver Nuggets for third place in the Western Conference. Denver trails by a game and a half with eight games remaining.
After the game, Doncic was asked about his chances at the MVP award, considering this year's MVP race has plenty of different candidates.
“The better I play the more I go down in rankings, so I don’t know what more I can do.”
Although Doncic may not be the favorite to win the award, his recent performances have certainly entered him into the MVP conversation.
Given other candidates like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic and Jaylen Brown, who knows which way MVP voters could be leaning.
In the meantime, Doncic and the Lakers will hope to finish the season strong in order to earn a top-three seed.
They'll return to action Monday against the Wizards.
WWE's Natalya feels that Trick Williams has a bright future ahead of him in pro wrestling and drew parallels between his career and that of The Rock.
Natalya revealed on "Busted Open" that Williams and fellow WWE star Lash Legend were at her and TJ Wilson's training school, The Dungeon, and she was amazed by the humility of both stars. She singled out Williams with praise, stating how he has a presence about him that reminds her of The Rock.
"There's just something about him, and TJ and I were saying this last night, there's just something about him that you want to continue to watch him. And I feel like he's very solid in the ring, like he did a lot of really great work last night, and he worked really hard. But there's just a presence about him, and our audience understands and feels — energy doesn't lie," she said. "And he has that energy that's like, you watch him and you go, 'Yeah, he's not just the guy, that's a star.' But I think Trick has the potential to be like a big, big, big player in WWE. I feel like we're watching, imagine when you were watching somebody like The Rock, and you saw him kind of like, 'Oh man,' when you started to see this connection being made with the audience, and you're like, 'Ooh, this guy's gonna be something,' and then of course he morphs into The Rock."
Natalya feels that fans are witnessing Williams transforming into a big star right now, highlighting his connection with the fans. She believes that Williams has a special ability to captivate not just the fans, but also his peers, which she witnessed first-hand when he was wrestling at the Dungeon. She believes that the former NXT star is not just a great addition to the main roster, but to pro wrestling as a whole.
Klopp says all-time great Salah will go ‘unmatched’ at Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp says that Mo Salah will leave Liverpool as one of the club’s greatest ever players whose records will go unmatched.
The Egyptian winger announced this week that his nine-year stay at Anfield will conclude at the end of this season.
Salah has won every available trophy since joining Liverpool from Roma in 2017 and is the club’s third-highest goal scorer behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt.
Klopp: All-time great Salah will go ‘unmatched’ at Liverpool
Klopp believes the 33-year-old is “right up there” with the very best footballers to have ever played for the Merseyside outfit.
“I cannot compare with others really, only with the people and players I worked together with,” he said. “But in my time, and since I’m really following or working for Liverpool, he’s definitely up there with the greatest.
“But I don’t have to say that because you read the numbers, you know already there’s something special.”
Salah has registered a phenomenal 255 goals and 119 assists in 435 appearances at Liverpool.
Klopp continued: “The numbers he produced, the standards he set, I think some of them, if not all, will stay unmatched. In this modern Premier League era, definitely, because it’s just ridiculous to do that
“He helped the team to be very, very successful. He was successful himself, which is rare in this sport, but as a striker you have to take criticism.
“To deal with all that and to stay by yourself, to stay yourself, is really tricky, and he did that in exceptional ways. He’s one of the best professionals I’ve ever met, one of the best people I’ve ever met.
“We texted the other day and we had our arguments, but it was always for the right reasons, and it’s always fine, and especially now looking back, it’s more than fine.
“We are both really happy about being part of that incredible journey. An all-time great, definitely, without a shadow of a doubt.”
Salah’s agent says the 33-year-old does know where he will end up playing next, although he has been linked with moves to the Saudi Pro League and MLS. Klopp believes he could keep playing until he’s 40.
“I would not be surprised if he plays another six or seven years, to be honest,” he added.
“He is an incredible professional, he set completely new standards for a professional football player, how hard you can work, how much you can invest in recovery and everything, if something came up, he got all the information about it, and then he had it the next day, and if it was not good, he threw it away again.”
Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
It’s been a long journey back to form for Jason Day, which has featured numerous equipment changes.
The former world number one, who won eight events in two years between 2015 and 2016, is now ranked 41st in the Official World Golf Rankings, and is winless since 2023.
After years of battling chronic back pain that threatened his career, Day underwent a total swing overhaul. This shift toward a more body-friendly, upright motion led him to discover Avoda Golf, famously also linked with Bryson DeChambeau.
Day was drawn to Avoda’s iron set, which utilises a unique same-length philosophy attributed to DeChambeau. By keeping the shaft lengths and lie angles identical for these clubs, Day achieved a more consistent posture and strike, reducing physical strain.
But even since switching to Avoda, Day explained that he has had serious struggles finding the right clubs for him.
Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images
Jason Day’s struggles with Bryson DeChambeau’s same length irons
Day is playing his best golf of the year at the Houston Open, and heads into the weekend in T4. He said that he’s finally found the right fit with his irons after some serious struggles.
Speaking after his second round, the 2015 PGA Championship winner said, “I said earlier that I went back to first-generation iron from Avoda. Tom had it right the first time. The guy that built them for me.
“It just, I went through a second generation and a third generation… Essentially what happened was I was standing there, and these irons were going too straight. The first generation irons were going too straight for me. At the time, I was wanting to hit a draw.
“I got them to make some where they’re drawing and the second generation was drawing too much. Third generation, we made a few tweaks. It was drawing fine, but just the way that it looked to me, with a little bit of offset, looked like it was hooded and pointing left, so I was kind of fighting that.
“Then the first generation is onset, so there’s no offset at all. So it looks a lot squarer to me and it seems to come out with a little fade, which is kind of where I’m at. I’ve come full circle, gone from a draw to a fade.
“I don’t even know what I want. Golf is we want what we don’t have. It is frustrating sometimes, but just stick to what makes you good and go from there. Hopefully, fingers crossed, I will not be making any changes soon.”
Honestly, having your irons fly too straight seems like a great problem to have. Maybe that’s the lesson here.
Iron play is the only thing missing from Jason Day’s game
Diving into the numbers, and it’s clear that Day has been playing extremely well in nearly every aspect of his game. What’s cost him is his iron play this season, but there are some positive signs emerging.
The only area in which Day has lost strokes to the PGA Tour field this season is on approach. He’s losing an average of 0.22 strokes per event in 2026. And he showed no signs of improving recently.
He lost strokes on approach in his last three events, his worst showing of the season coming at the Genesis Invitational, where the 13-time PGA Tour winner lost 1.7 strokes to the field.
But so far at the Houston Open, things appear to be trending in a positive direction. Day has gained 1.43 strokes with his approach play through two rounds, putting him in the top 20 of all players.
If he can consistently combine that with his elite short game, which he has learned on through his most successful periods, then expect Day to become a frequent contender at the top of PGA Tour leaderboards.
AUSTIN, TEXAS -MARCH 22: Madison Booker #35 of the Texas Longhorns goes to the basket for two points against Oregon Ducks in the first half of the second-round NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament game at Moody Center on March 22, 2026 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Thomas and Tristan join up to discuss Women’s Basketball’s NCAA Tournament run, recent ranked wins by the Beach Volleyball and Tennis teams, and the growing talent of Oregon Ducks Ice Hockey.
Barcelona consider player swap to secure top defensive target, two names in consideration
Barcelona are working on reinforcing their defence, and their interest in Alessandro Bastoni is now turning into something more concrete.
The Italian centre-back, currently a key figure at Inter Milan, has emerged as one of Barcelona’s top targets.
However, the operation is far from straightforward, as Inter have reportedly set a clear valuation for Bastoni, placing his price between €70 million and €80 million.
That figure alone makes it one of the most difficult deals Barcelona could attempt this summer, especially given their ongoing financial balancing.
As a result, Barcelona are now exploring alternative ways to structure the transfer.
A player plus cash deal
Recent developments suggest that Bastoni’s representatives have already initiated contact with Barcelona to discuss potential contractual terms.
While that signals intent from the player’s side, the financial gap remains the biggest obstacle.
To bridge that gap, Calciomercato reports that Barcelona are considering including players in the deal, effectively turning it into a part-exchange plus cash agreement.
In that regard, two names have emerged as potential candidates.
Barcelona are quite serious about Bastoni. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The first is Dani Olmo. The attacking midfielder is admired by Inter and is seen as a player who could offer tactical flexibility.
The second option is Ferran Torres.
A versatile forward capable of playing across multiple attacking positions, Torres represents a different kind of asset, one that adds depth and variation in the final third.
From Barcelona’s perspective, both players are not entirely untouchable.
This is because Olmo, despite his quality, has found himself slipping down the pecking order, with Fermin Lopez emerging as a preferred option in Flick’s plans.
Meanwhile, Ferran, after a promising start, has struggled to maintain consistency and has lost ground to Robert Lewandowski in key moments.
This situation makes both players viable pieces in negotiations.
For Inter, while Bastoni remains central to their project, any deal would need to justify both the financial and sporting impact.
For Barcelona, though, it is more about managing the finances.
Welcome to Today Your Love, Tomorrow the World Series, the new/old favorite from Chris McShane and Brian Salvatore.
This week, Chris and Brian discuss the happy recap of the Mets’ Opening Day 11-7 victory over the Pirates. They discuss the new-look offense, Freddy Peralta’s first Mets’ start, and marvel in the fact that the Mets knocked around Paul Skenes.
Chris’s Music Pick:
Pleasure Dome – Pleasure Dome
Brian’s Music Pick:
Petra Haden and Bill Frisell – Petra Haden and Bill Frisell
You can listen or subscribe to all of our wonderful Home Run Applesauce podcasts through Apple Podcasts, where we encourage you to leave a review if you enjoy the show. It really helps! And you can find us on the Stitcher app, Spotify, or listen wherever you get podcasts.
If you’ve got questions that you’d like us to discuss on the air, email the show at brian@homerunapplesauce.com.
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Scotland vs Japan – Predicted lineup and team news
Scotland and Japan face off at Hampden Park on Saturday in a friendly that will serve as an important warm-up for the World Cup for both teams.
The Scots comes into this camp on the back of a strong qualifying campaign, highlighted by a thrilling 4-2 victory over Denmark that booked their World Cup spot. Late goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean in stoppage time turned the game around and allowed them to leapfrog the Danes in the table and qualify automatically for the tournament.
Japan, though, are also enjoying a rich vein of form, having won seven of their last matches, with only one defeat during this run.
Scotland team news
Steve Clarke has called up a 26-man squad for the March fixtures, with major positives including the returns of Billy Gilmour, Lennon Miller, John McGinn and Scott McTominay.
There is also room for uncapped winger Findlay Curtis, while forward Tommy Conway has been selected too.
Although Nathan Patterson and Ross McCrorie are back to bolster the group, Scotland remain without important figures Aaron Hickey and Craig Gordon, along with striker Lawrence Shankland.
As a result, this window gives Clarke a valuable chance to look closely at players on the fringes of the squad before he finalises his World Cup plans, something he has underlined by saying there are still individuals he wants to see and that “a lot can shift” before the final list is confirmed.
“Performing a miracle” Pundit says Juventus was lost before Spalletti came
Eros Ramazzotti has expressed admiration for Luciano Spalletti, praising the Juventus manager for his ability to revitalise the team since taking charge. He believes that Spalletti is a highly capable coach who can continue to improve the Old Lady and help them reach their full potential.
Before Spalletti was appointed, Ramazzotti felt that Juventus were a team in need of revival, struggling to find its identity under previous leadership. Since his arrival, the club has demonstrated that it remains one of the top sides in the league, despite occasional inconsistencies in performance.
Ramazzotti on Spalletti’s Impact
Ramazzotti spoke to Tuttomercatoweb about his long-standing acquaintance with the manager and the progress Juventus have made under his guidance. He commented:
“I’ve known Luciano since he was coaching Zenit St. Petersburg and.“He came to my concerts in Russia. We talk every now and then. He’s performing a miracle; don’t forget how lost Juventus was in October when he arrived. The team has its own personality now, but there’s still a long way to go.”
His remarks underline the significant changes Spalletti has implemented, both tactically and in terms of team morale. Ramazzotti highlighted that the squad now exhibits a clearer identity and sense of cohesion, reflecting the manager’s influence.
Future Prospects for Juventus
Spalletti has already demonstrated that he is a manager who can be trusted to guide Juventus effectively, and Ramazzotti is confident in his continued success. His leadership is expected to be central to the club’s ambitions for the remainder of the campaign.
Juventus themselves appear reassured by their managerial appointment, with the club fully backing Spalletti as he seeks to maintain and build upon the progress achieved so far. With the right support and continued development, both Ramazzotti and the club believe that Spalletti can steer Juventus to further accomplishments in the current season and beyond.
San Diego, California - March 27: Jeremiah Estrada #56 of the San Diego Padres walks back to the dugout after being pulled from the game during the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Petco Park on Friday, March 27, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
San Diego Padres pitchers have allowed a combined 12 walks over the first two games of the season against the Detroit Tigers. In each game there was one inning in which a Padres pitcher allowed three walks and four runs scored in the inning. Nick Pivetta allowed three walks in the top of the first inning, which resulted in four runs for the Tigers who beat the Padres 8-2 in the season opener. Jeremiah Estrada allowed three walks in the top of the eighth inning, which resulted in four runs for Detroit which beat San Diego, 5-2. The back-to-back losses have led to an 0-2 start for new manager Craig Stammen and as charitable as the pitching staff has been, the offense has not provided much excitement either, although facing Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez to start the season seems like an exercise in futility. The Padres have managed just four runs in two games and have 13 hits during that span. San Diego will try to salvage the series with a win today at Petco Park at 5:40 p.m.
Padres News:
Joe Musgrove has started throwing again and while there is no official timeline for his return, the fact that he is throwing for the first time since March 8 generates some buzz.
The San Diego farm system took a lot of arrows throughout the offseason with some ranking systems listing the Padres as the worst in baseball. The minor league players will have an opportunity to change some minds and their rankings with the minor leagues opening play this week.
Annie Heilbrunn of the San Diego Union-Tribunesat down with pitcher Michael King as he prepared for his season opening start against the Detroit Tigers.
Baseball News:
Chase DeLauter of the Cleveland Guardians celebrated his first MLB game with two home runs. He followed that up with another home run in the second game of the season.
Kevin Gausman took the mound as the Opening Day starter for the Toronto Blue Jays and proceeded to strikeout 11 batters in the game.
WORCESTER, Mass. – Roger Clemens arrived as the Guest of Honor for WooSox Opening Day with core memories of the 40th anniversary of a special season.
The 1986 campaign started a run of over two decades in the majors as one of the best starting pitchers in the sport. From learning from Hall of Famer Tom Seaver to earning a World Series trip, “The Rocket” hit the ground running in Boston.
“Great memories,” Clemens said Friday at Polar Park. “For me, Boston being my home, getting drafted out of the University of Texas, winning the Eastern League. And before I actually went back to Texas after that season, the Sox had me come. That’s the first time I got to see Fenway Park. So I thought it was amazing. And actually, the game, still remember it, was Dennis Eckersley against Jim Palmer. And so I got to see those two guys work. And so that was a treat for me.”
It was April of 1986 when Clemens introduced himself as a star in the league with a 20-strikeout effort against the Seattle Mariners, the first such game in MLB history, on a night to remember at Fenway Park. Clemens matched the feat 10 years later in Detroit, though the first instance means just as much four decades later.
“Both 20 strikeout games were really cool,” Clemens recalled. “The first one that stands out, basically it was early in the year and I was proving to my teammates and to the ball club that I was healthy.”
The Red Sox right-hander gave plenty of credit to the late Bill Fischer, Boston’s pitching coach in 1986, for guiding him and persistently prioritizing the ability to fill up the strike zone..
“So I was able to get a lot of knowledge from him and he always stressed not to walk guys,” Clemens explained. “Both 20 strikeout games when you’re throwing that high rate of speed and you’re striking guys out, I didn’t walk a guy. So I think I’m most proud about that. That’s probably why I never threw a no-hitter.”
Clemens took control on the mound from the jump, where he believes he called up to 95% of the pitches he threw to catcher Rich Gedman, who caught his old starter’s ceremonial first pitch Friday afternoon. In the modern era of PitchCom and MLB’s adoption of the ABS system, Clemens brought his own context to pitching in 2026.
“Yeah, I love it,” Clemens shared. “You know, I love that they also are featuring the high strike. They pinch you a little bit east and west now. And of course, with the ABS system, makes you say, I don’t think the pitcher should be allowed. … I think it should be the hitter and the catcher. They have the best look. Even if you’re a mitt looker, you’re a pitcher that stares at the mitt the entire time, you still lose sight of the baseball, flight of the ball at some point. But yeah, I love it.”
Clemens reached the World Series with Boston before a heartbreaking loss to the New York Mets. The 2026 Red Sox look to find their way to the Fall Classic for the first time in eight years. Clemens gets his first look at the squad when Boston visits his home state to take on the Houston Astros next week.
His keys to the season? Renewed chemistry in the clubhouse after dramatic stretches of 2025 in addition to the ability to lean on established pitching depth to counter the summer months.
“I think there’s a lot of team chemistry,” Clemens said. “That’s very important, which if you guys were around me last year when I came up here on radio and TV, the first baseman (Triston Casas) got hurt and I thought that would be a perfect scenario for the third baseman (Rafael Devers) at that time to move over to first. He’s a very good player, he’s in San Francisco now. So that didn’t work out. Your team chemistry has to be there.”
The 63-year-old entered the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2014. He’s yet to hear his name called in Cooperstown due to steroid scandals, though he knows his performance landed him among the best to ever throw a major league pitch.
“For me, which I’m hoping to do something really cool that you guys will see, my son’s gonna go with me,” Clemens shared, alluding to new projects surrounding his baseball career. “I’m not even gonna tell you what it is, but I gotta go to Ohio for something. This Thurman Munson Award, which I had the privilege to win that. But I’m gonna do something else that deals with Cy Young. And when you’re mentioned with guys like Cy Young or Babe Ruth or ahead of Willie Mays and guys like that, you’re in pretty good company. So that’s good enough for me.”
Craig McLeish will oversee St Mirren's remaining league and cup fixtures this term [SNS]
Craig McLeish will continue as St Mirren interim manager until the end of the season, the Scottish Premiership club have confirmed.
McLeish, 36, has taken charge of the Buddies' past two fixtures - a loss at home to Rangers and win at Falkirk - following Stephen Robinson's departure for Aberdeen.
And Stuart Taylor is joining St Mirren as interim assistant, with Marc Kelly, Jamie Langfield and Allan McManus continuing as part of McLeish's backroom team.
Taylor made 90 Buddies appearances as a player and has coached at Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Stoke City and Ipswich Town.
League Cup winners and Scottish Cup semi-finalists St Mirren host Robinson's Aberdeen next Saturday.
The Paisley side are 10th in the Scottish Premiership, above Kilmarnock on goal difference and three points below the Dons.
After the league trip to Celtic on 11 April, McLeish's side will face the same opponents in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden on 19 April.
"I'm delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the group for the rest of the season," McLeish told club media.
"We've got a lot of big games to look forward to, including the cup semi-final, and I can't wait to take part in that opportunity as well.
"We spoke to a number of different people and Stuart ticked all the boxes with his level of experience. He's been down in the English Premier League, has managed himself, is very good on the grass and on the coaching pitch, and is ultimately a really good person and good about the place. Everyone I spoke to spoke really highly of him."
St Mirren chairman John Needham said the board and chief operating officer Keith Lasley had "looked at how the players have reacted in the past two games and how Craig has impressed as interim manager".
"I'd ask our fans to get right behind the interim management team and the players for the remaining games of the season," added Needham.
"Their support will be crucial in helping us move up the league and as we attempt to get to another cup final."
And Lasley commented: "It was the unanimous decision of myself and the board to appoint Craig to lead the team through to the end of the season.
"Craig has shown real leadership in recent weeks."
St Mirren fans, send us your thoughts
Have your say on St Mirren's decision to put Craig McLeish in interim charge for the rest of the season.
Mary Rand was one of four British gold medallists at the Tokyo 1964 Olympics [Getty Images]
History-maker, an inspiration and a remarkable athlete.
Mary Rand's biggest achievement in track and field may have been 62 years ago, but her influence is still being felt today.
Rand, whose death aged 86 was announced on Friday, became the first British woman to win an Olympic gold medal in athletics, thanks to her long jump victory in Tokyo in 1964.
She went on to win silver in the inaugural women's pentathlon and bronze in the 4x100m relay at the same Games. She was the only British female to win three medals at the same Olympics until track cyclist Emma Finucane matched it at Paris 2024.
Ann Packer, who won gold and silver in Tokyo and was Rand's room-mate along with Mary Peters and Pat Pryce, told 5 Live Breakfast: "Bearing in mind there were fewer events for women than today and she got three medals, she was extraordinary and a complete inspiration.
"She was always the mother hen and wanted to make sure we kept the room tidy. I will miss her dearly."
Rand, who was born in Wells, Somerset, on 10 February 1940, was a prodigious talent, attending Millfield School on a sports scholarship before being expelled after going to Paris with her then boyfriend and becoming engaged.
She burst on to the international scene at 18 with long jump silver at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, and set a British record on her Olympic debut in Rome in 1960.
Four years later and now a wife and mother to the first of her three daughters, Rand set an Olympic record with her first-round jump. Her final jump of 6.76m broke the world record.
In an era of amateurism, all her success came when she was working part-time in the postal office at a Guinness factory in London.
She was described as "Marilyn Monroe on spikes" by a former national athletics coach and also caught the eye of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger.
"I was at the BBC one day and the Beatles were there. I met two of them - Ringo [Starr] and George [Harrison] I think," Rand told Sky Sports in 2023.
"And then Mick Jagger - I never actually met him, but they asked him if he could go on a date with anybody and he said it would be me."
Rand also shone in the high jump and hurdles [Getty Images]
Rand was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1964 and made an MBE in 1965.
After winning long jump gold at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Jamaica, injury ended her Olympic title defence and she did not make the squad in 1968, retiring in September that year aged 28.
In 1969 she married for a second time - to American Bill Toomey, the 1968 Olympic decathlon champion - and moved to the US, where she remained until her death.
British Athletics described Rand as a "genuine superstar" and a "trailblazer".
Packer said: "Mary had it all. She had the talent, she had the looks and she had the determination, and she was just as nice inside and out.
"Just last week we had three brilliant British women winning gold at the World Indoor Championships, and they owe a big debt of gratitude to Mary because she was instrumental in giving women the belief they could succeed in sport like their brothers had done."
Rand returned to Britain to attend the 2012 London Olympics [Getty Images]
Clemsonfootball’s 2026 Spring Game is set for today at 1 p.m., giving fans their first real look at the Tigers ahead of the upcoming season. Under head coach Dabo Swinney, this year’s spring showcase carries added intrigue as the program continues shaping its identity on both sides of the ball.
It also marks the return of offensive coordinator Chad Morris, bringing a familiar face back to Clemson for his first season in this new stint. His influence on the offense will be one of the biggest storylines, especially as the unit works to find rhythm and consistency in a live setting. On the other side, defensive coordinator Tom Allen enters his second year with the program, looking to build on the foundation set during his first season and push for more consistent execution.
After weeks of practice, roster movement, and development, today’s scrimmage offers a snapshot of where Clemson stands coming out of spring camp. While the result won’t matter, the performances will. Coaches will be evaluating every rep as they continue to sort out depth and define roles heading into the summer.
Is Clemson football's spring game on TV today? What to know
With kickoff set for early afternoon, it serves as an important checkpoint in Clemson’s offseason, and an early glimpse at what this team could become in 2026.
Here’s some of what we’re thinking heading into this spring game.
Will Christopher Vizzina show improvement?
In his Clemson career, the spring game has not shown ups and downs for Christopher Vizzina. The Tigers new starter under center has struggled mightily at times in this game, but turned it around last year in a big way going 7-8 for 81 yards and a touchdown last season.
A lot is riding on Vizzina taking the next step this season and it would be awesome to see some strong improvement today.
What is new offensive coordinator Chad Morris going to show?
A lot of eyes are going to be on Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris today. Clemson’s offense had a lot of talent last season and the results on the field were unacceptable. New year, new OC, new mindset. Morris should bring a lot of energy and discipline to this Clemson offense.
Will we get a better version of defensive coordinator Tom Allen?
There was a lot of excitement for Clemson when they added Tom Allen as their defensive coordinator and his first year with the Tigers, brought mixed reviews. Expectations were high for Allen, who heads into the spring game with a year under his belt with the program and more of a stamp on what he wants the team and the defense still look like.
This Clemson defense should turn things around in 2026, and it starts here.
Who’s going to show they’re the player who’s going to step up?
From a pure star power perspective, this Clemson team is not the strongest on paper. Clemson has been a different program after the last few seasons and they’re looking to bounce back and reclaim their spot at top of the ACC. It has to start with someone taking the next step into stardom.
There’s clearly talent on the roster such as star linebacker Sammy Brown wide receivers, Bryant Wesco, who is recovering from injury and TJ Moore. It’s about the next man up here. Does Clemson have the talent to make it back to the top? We’re going to have to see.
What are we going to see from the new talent?
Clemson added some serious talent on both sides of the ball. I’m excited to see what freshman QB Tait Reynolds brings to the table. He and that trio of wide receivers, Naeem Burroughs, Gordon Sellers and Connor Salmin.
Fort Wayne (Ind.) Northrop Rivals300 2028 receiver Maddox Weil visited Notre Dame on Friday.
The explosive in-state playmaker left South Bend with a scholarship in tow. He could see himself playing for the Irish down the road.
“What stands out to me is the culture there,” Weil said. “Everyone is very close together and you hear everyone talk about how it is just being at Notre Dame and all the opportunities you will have not just for football, but for life.
“What could make them a good fit is they are close to home and it’s a place where guys from Fort Wayne have gone there and have succeeded before.
“I would say it is higher up on my list.”
Other early offers for Weil include Michigan, Miami, Indiana and Purdue. Notre Dame checks a lot of boxes.
“Really just that they are just a historically good winning program that knows how to send guys to the league,” Weil said.
As a sophomore Weil turned 58 receptions into 968 yards and eight touchdowns. Earlier this year he had a strong showing at the Rivals camp in Miami.
“Maddox Weil came all the way from Fort Wayne, Indiana and showed he belonged with the top group of wide receivers at Rivals Camp Miami,” Director of Scouting Charles Power said. “He showed impressive movement skills within his routes, quickly exploding out of his breaks to create separation. Weil was strong during drills and showed steady, clean ball skills. The rising junior carried that momentum over to 1-on-1’s where he notched several wins.”
Notre Dame will be in position to win this recruitment all the way to the end.
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) reacts after a pay against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
A little change up on the weekend maulings moving forward. I’m going to keep QOTDs as a weekday thing. We just don’t get a lot of QOTD discussion on the weekends, and to conserve my question ideas, which are few and far between, I’ll save them for the work week when we’re bored and shooting the shit.
If we get a lot of comments on today’s post, I’ll create a new OGT for tomorrow’s Elite 8 games. Otherwise, this is your place to discuss all things college basketball. If there’s any movement in the Bill Self situation, that will definitely get its own post. Happy weekend, everyone!
New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen and head coach John Harbaugh attended Arizona State’s Pro Day on Friday, where they were joined by running back Cam Skattebo, an ASU alumnus and fan favorite who has quickly become a key part of the Giants’ backfield.
Skattebo, known for his energetic personality, shared a characteristically enthusiastic greeting with Harbaugh upon their meeting at the event.
ASU legend Cam Skattebo with a very Skatt-like greeting for his new head coach, John Harbaugh at ASU’s Pro Day 😂😂
Harbaugh, Hines Ward and Mike Vrabel, who crossed paths plenty of times in the AFC with the Ravens/Steelers/Patroits are chatting it up.@SunDevilSourcepic.twitter.com/JQwZ881Y52
While pairing the two again would create an appealing offensive connection, the Giants’ draft strategy at the top of the board remains fluid, given the depth of talent expected to be available.
Amid the controversy over Senegal being stripped of the Africa Cup of Nations title and Morocco being declared winners, the international debut of Issa Diop proved something of an irony as well as a public relations coup.
The Fulham defender was born in France and played for the country at the Under-21 level, but on Thursday had his application to switch nationality to Morocco approved by the world football governing body, FIFA, and was immediately drafted into the starting lineup for Friday night’s 1-1 draw against Ecuador in Madrid.
Diop, whose father is Senegalese and mother from Morocco, had previously rejected overtures from both countries to play for them while holding out hope he might represent France.
The 29-year-old said several times he wanted to play for Les Bleus, but with no call-up from France coach, Didier Deschamps, he has now taken up the opportunity to possibly play at the World Cup for Morocco.
“I was very happy to play in a team with a lot of good players, and I think I’ve made a good choice,” Diop said after Friday’s match.
Diop had talks with Morocco’s new coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, and Moroccan Federation President Fouzi Lekjaa.
“They explained their vision to me, and I was taken in with open arms by a cheerful group of players with a great atmosphere in the camp,” he said.
The North Africans have a track record of assiduously courting players with links to the country who they believe can improve their national team, but this is the first tug-of-war over player loyalty with another African country they have won.
Senegal also draw heavily on their diaspora in France, and the 28-man squad which won the Cup of Nations in Morocco in January featured 12 French-born players. Senegal this week formally contested the decision of the Confederation of African Football’s Appeal Board to take the title away from them. They were ruled to have forfeited the final in Rabat on January 18 because they walked off the pitch in protest at a potentially decisive penalty awarded to Morocco, but have now referred the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The posturing between the two countries continued on Friday when Senegal held a news conference, before Saturday’s friendly against Peru, in front of a banner that read “Champions of Africa”.
They are expected to display the Cup of Nations trophy to supporters before the match at the Stade de France.
With veteran guard Marcus Smart sidelined due to an ankle ailment, Bronny James has gotten onto the court for non-garbage time minutes in the Los Angeles Lakers' last two games. On Wednesday, he played 13 minutes and had four points, one rebound, one assist, two steals and one block in a 137-130 win over the Indiana Pacers.
In Friday's 116-99 victory against the Brooklyn Nets, James got four minutes of playing time and didn't make as much of a contribution, but he did hit a 3-pointer off a pass from his father, LeBron James. The elder James was asked about the moment afterward.
"Not taking it for granted, just being in the moment of us being on the floor once again," the elder James said. "That’s two games back-to-back playing meaningful minutes and him, also, making another play. ... I got doubled, and he was able to fake the pass to the corner and then knock down the 3. Definitely a cool moment for us and also for our family."
The 41-year-old said that his 21-year-old son is getting his shooting ability back to where it was prior to his cardiac arrest incident during the summer of 2023, when the latter was entering his lone season at the University of Southern California.
"It's just getting to where it was before the incident. He's always been able to shoot the ball. He's shot the ball at a high level pretty much throughout his years of playing ball. I just think it's the confidence and the rhythm and getting his strength back and his wind and everything — everything is just coming back, like I said, before the incident. Not surprising to see him shoot the ball at a high clip."
Per Melissa Rohlin of the California Post, the younger James expressed gratitude for getting to this point in his basketball career.
"I’ve been wanting to play basketball my whole life, so I knew that was going to be my job at some point. It’s a dream come true. I’m so privileged to be able to play basketball for a job and I love every single second of it. My teammates embrace it. I’m best friends with all my teammates and my coaches. I’m just happy to be here."
If Smart ends up missing more time, expect to see the younger James get at least spot duty as the Lakers' regular season schedule winds down.
ESPN's college football analytics guru, Bill Connelly, released his first SP+ rankings for the upcoming 2026 college football season on Friday.
The metric is one of the go-to predictive measures heading into the college football season. Like any metric, it will change when real data (games) takes place. Still, SP+ is the industry standard for judging team quality and projecting future performance. Here is how Connelly explains his process:
As a reminder, SP+ is a tempo- and opponent-adjusted measure of college football efficiency. It is a predictive measure of the most sustainable and predictable aspects of football, not a résumé ranking. Along those same lines, these projections aren't intended to be a guess at what the AP Top 25 will look like at the end of the season. These are simply early offseason power rankings based on the information we have been able to gather.
The Big 12 landscape gained further clarity with the release of the SP+ and Connelly's updated returning production earlier this week. In 2025, Texas Tech was the lone conference representative in the College Football Playoff while BYU and Utah were the clear next-best teams. Arizona and Houston surprised with a nine and ten-win season, respectively. We can now head back to the drawing board to project which teams are this year's breakout candidates and who might take a step back.
Friday's SP+ release means we are one step closer to the start of the next college football season, with spring games right around the corner. Here is how the metric projects the Big 12, along with each team's returning production percentage:
16. West Virginia Mountaineers
SP+ Rating: 0.8 (No. 66 overall)
Offensive Rating: 26.3 (No. 62)
Defensive Rating: 25.6 (No. 66)
Returning Production: 52% (No. 66 overall)
The Mountaineers enter 2026 still searching for direction as they try to establish a new identity under second-year head coach Rich Rodriguez. WVU needs a lot of younger pieces to take that next step for a quicker rebuild.
Colorado once again enters a season under Deion Sanders as one of the conference's biggest wild cards. 3-9 and 8-4 are both on the table. With a new roster builder strategy in place, perhaps the Buffs are ready to put together a truly complete team.
14. Iowa State Cyclones
SP+ Rating: 1.0 (No. 64 overall)
Offensive Rating: 22.9 (No. 94)
Defensive Rating: 22.4 (No. 42)
Returning Production: 45% (No. 102 overall)
There is a whole lot of new in Ames, and a rebuild is certainly in the works for new head coach Jimmy Rogers. No one really knows what to expect from the Cyclones in 2026, but a season near the top of the Big 12 is far-fetched.
13. UCF Knights
SP+ Rating: 2.3 (No. 60 overall)
Offensive Rating: 24.5 (No. 79)
Defensive Rating: 22.1 (No. 41)
Returning Production: 61% (No. 29 overall)
The Knights have the pieces in place to make a move, particularly if their offense finds consistency. With a solid foundation returning, UCF could develop into a dangerous mid-tier team that no contender wants to face.
12. Kansas Jayhawks
SP+ Rating: 3.7 (No. 57 overall)
Offensive Rating: 29.0 (No. 51)
Defensive Rating: 25.9 (No. 70)
Returning Production: 58% (No. 39 overall)
Kansas seems allergic to taking that next step into consistent Big 12 contention, instead opting to rest happily at either 6-6 or 7-5. With a top-60 offense and nearly 60% returning production, Kansas has some continuity to build on. However, a defense ranked 70th nationally could hold them back from making a significant jump.
11. Baylor Bears
SP+ Rating: 4.5 (No. 51 overall)
Offensive Rating: 32.2 (No. 23)
Defensive Rating: 28.3 (No. 87)
Returning Production: 53% (No. 61 overall)
Baylor's offense should be one to watch with DJ Lagway under center, but its defense looks shaky at best. The Bears' season hinges on whether Dave Aranda can get his defense to make the meaningful strides it could not make last year.
10. Cincinnati Bearcats
SP+ Rating: 4.5 (No. 50 overall)
Offensive Rating: 29.6 (No. 46)
Defensive Rating: 25.4 (No. 65)
Returning Production: 57% (No. 50 overall)
Cincinnati should be similar to last season, but without a star quarterback after Brendan Sorsby left for Texas Tech. Still, they should be a tough opponent that pushes for bowl eligibility.
9. Arizona State Sun Devils
SP+ Rating: 6.4 (No. 42 overall)
Offensive Rating: 28.2 (No. 57)
Defensive Rating: 21.2 (No. 37)
Returning Production: 51% (No. 70 overall)
The high-flying ASU offense led by Cam Skattebo, Sam Leavitt, and Jordyn Tyson is a thing of the past. Now the Sun Devils are led by a strong defensive unit, but how far the team will go will be determined by internal growth.
8. Oklahoma State Cowboys
SP+ Rating: 7.1 (No. 38 overall)
Offensive Rating: 30.0 (No. 42)
Defensive Rating: 23.4 (No. 52)
Returning Production: 58% (No. 42 overall)
Expect Oklahoma State to have the Big 12's most significant turnaround after Eric Morris brought nearly his entire North Texas roster with him to Stillwater. Quarterback Drew Mestamaker has Heisman potential and could push the Pokes into CFP discussions.
7. Houston Cougars
SP+ Rating: 8.2 (No. 36 overall)
Offensive Rating: 31.2 (No. 30)
Defensive Rating: 22.8 (No. 45)
Returning Production: 65% (No. 17 overall)
Houston looks like one of the conference's more intriguing teams after a strong 2025 and bringing back 65% of its production. As a top-30 offense, the Cougars have the tools to remain competitive, plus a solid defense adds to their profile, making them a legitimate contender to stay in the Big 12's upper tier.
6. TCU Horned Frogs
SP+ Rating: 9.1 (No. 34 overall)
Offensive Rating: 31.3 (No. 31)
Defensive Rating: 21.9 (No. 40)
Returning Production: 51% (No. 69 overall)
Harvard transfer Jaden Craig is the key to TCU's season. Can he make the jump from Ivy League football to the Big 12? He'll need to mesh with plenty of new faces if the Horned Frogs want to succeed.
Arizona should be one of the Big 12's top teams in 2026, with quarterback Noah Fifita back for his fifth and final season. Both the Wildcats' offense and defense rank in the top 35 nationally, giving Arizona one of the more balanced profiles in the conference, if not nationally. They appear well-positioned to build on last season's success.
K-State once again looks like a serious contender. Their physical style and offensive firepower give them a high ceiling. A slightly better defense, and no one should be surprised to see them in the title game come December.
The departure of Kyle Whittingham to Michigan will sting Utah, even if Margan Scalley was waiting in the wings. You typically don't lose a legendary coach and get better. Still, even a couple of fewer wins should not take Utah out of conference contention.
With so many returning starters, including at quarterback and running back, BYU has the look of a team ready to contend for both a conference title and a playoff spot. The challenge will be sustaining that level across a full schedule.
Texas Tech hopes to be in the national title conversation this year and is far and away the top Big 12 program. It comes as no surprise to see the Red Raiders lead SP+ after a College Football Playoff berth and conference title in 2025.
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UFC Fight Night 271 takes place Saturday, and you can join MMA Junkie for live round-by-round coverage and official results beginning at 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT).
UFC Fight Night 271 goes down Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle (Paramount+)
In the headliner, former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya (24-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) will try to snap a three-fight skid against Joe Pyfer (15-3 MMA, 6-1 UFC). In the co-feature, ex-women’s flyweight champ Alexa Grasso (16-5-1 MMA, 8-5-1 UFC) takes on contender Maycee Barber (15-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC).
Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately 5 p.m. ET for the prelims and 8 p.m. ET for the main card, all on the UFC’s new Paramount+ streaming platform.
WWE SmackDown on March 27 took place at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh and featured a singles match between Randy Orton and Matt Cardona.
The build to WrestleMania 42 continued with the announcement of new matches and a title change. We saw The Bella Twins get a win over Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss thanks to outside interference. Rhea Ripley got a DQ win over B-Fab, but it was all about a beatdown from Jade Cargill with the help of Michin, too. Giulia also got a win over Tiffany Stratton.
Here’s the top takeaways from this week’s show:
Jelly Roll wins first singles match
For the first time since SummerSlam, Jelly Roll was in an official match, but this time it was a singles match against Kit Wilson. Danhausen gets the assist here for cursing Wilson backstage just prior to the match.
After some poetry about Jelly Roll’s mother, the action began. Jelly Roll and Wilson worked a very basic match that allowed the musician to look alright in the ring. Wilson eventually got his offense in after a hot start from Jelly Roll, but things came to an end after a chokeslam.
Jelly Roll is now a winning singles wrestler on WWE programming.
Who knows where this is all going? Jelly Roll has been getting a lot of TV time in recent weeks – and I do mean A LOT. Maybe it’s just an opportunity for him to share his weight-loss story (which is a great thing) and get a little action in – but let's be real: this feels forced.
Sami Zayn wins men’s United States title
Sami Zayn has been going through it in recent weeks, but finally has a path to WrestleMania, which was in question backstage when speaking with Nick Aldis. The SmackDown GM had just told Trick Williams he would be competing in Las Vegas, but there wasn’t anything for Zayn at the moment. Zayn said he would find a way.
Fast forward to the US title Open Challenge, and Zayn would answer the call against Carmelo Hayes. Before the match could begin, Williams entered and took a seat ringside to watch.
The match was unsurprisingly the best of the night. Hayes and Zayn went back and forth, keeping the fans energized. After a First 48, only got a two count, Zayn hit a Blue Thunder Bomb, also only getting two. That’s when Williams got involved.
Williams grabbed the title, threw it into the ring to create a distraction. He signaled for Hayes to push Zayn his direction, but the punch connected with Hayes. One Helluva Kick later, and we now have a new US champion.
Congratulations to the NEW United States Champion!! 🏆
After wallowing in his own self-pity for weeks, Zayn found his way to get back on track and punch his WrestleMania ticket. Aldis said we’re getting Zayn and Williams in a match, but the question is whether or not that will become a three-way match with Hayes, since he will be wanting revenge for the interference. We’ll see.
Jacob Fatu, Drew McIntyre get Mania match
Jacob Fatu took the mic to address Drew McIntyre following their brawl last week, which resulted in both of them falling off the side of a building. Both were shown in bad shape throughout the show before this moment.
Fatu vowed to dog walk McIntyre every week until he was satisfied. McIntyre entered and stood at the entrance to offer his rebuttal that Fatu stole everything from him before Nick Aldis came in to make an announcement.
Aldis said since these two are uncontrollable around each other, they will have a match at WrestleMania – but not just any match. This one will be unsanctioned.
It’s great to get matches with stipulations for WrestleMania. We could use even more, but this one works very well with this blood feud. Great move here.
Randy Orton beats Matt Cardona, RKOs Jelly Roll
The main event of this week’s show was a singles match between Randy Orton and a compromised Matt Cardona.
With his injured arm as the focus, Cardona did what he could against Orton, but "The Viper" was too much to handle. Orton relentlessly attacked the injured limb until he hit an RKO to get a three-count.
While getting his arm raised, Cody Rhodes was shown on the tron pulling up to the arena in his bus. After a long walk to the ring, the two brawled it out. The world’s worst security team repeatedly failed to keep the two men separated. Eventually, Jelly Roll came out to play peacemaker in a moment security had control. Orton broke through a moment later and hit Jelly Roll with an RKO before exiting.
The unhinged version of Orton remains one of the most diabolical characters ever. I’m still not quite sure why Jelly Roll is on our screens as much as he is, but he got a taste of an RKO for effect here. The Orton-Rhodes brawl was OK, even though it felt like it just dragged on as security just kept letting them bust through. WWE loves using the failed security trope. This was certainly an ending to the show.
A 23-year-old outfielder out of Oklahoma State, Ehrhard is in his first year at the Triple-A level.
In an organization filled with talent, Ehrhard is standing out.
“We got to spring training — everyone’s just loving the kid,” Hennessey said. “How hard he plays, how good of a teammate he is. He’s lived up to that.”
Ehrhard made his Comets debut Friday and showed why there’s much optimism surrounding him.
The 5-foot-9, 190-pounder went 1 for 3 with one RBI and one walk while recording the only stolen base of the game as the Comets lost to the Albuquerque Isotopes 3-1 in their season opener Friday night at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.
OKC lost, but it was a solid night overall, and Hennessey was happy with how it went.
“I really thought the team looked good,” he said. “I get the outcome wasn’t what we wanted, but we took a lot of really good competitive at-bats. We hit the ball hard. It just didn’t quite play in our favor today, and that’s just baseball. That’s how it goes. But I really like where we’re at. We have a really good group of guys, and I’m really excited for the rest of the season.”
Ehrhard was drafted by the Red Sox in the 13th round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Paul R. Wharton High School in Tampa, Florida, but declined that opportunity and headed to play for Oklahoma State instead.
He had a stellar three years with the Cowboys.
In his final season in Stillwater, Ehrhard had a .330 batting average, .458 on-base percentage, 14 homers and 57 RBIs.
He was then selected by the Red Sox in the fourth round of the 2024 draft before getting traded to the Dodgers last summer on July 31.
Ehrhard played for Double-A Tulsa and had a .282 batting average, .391 on-base percentage, five homers and 20 RBIs in 34 games.
“I think it’s been good,” Ehrhard said. “I think it’s just continuing to be who I am and not try to do too much. I think things have gone well, obviously. From last year, I had a pretty good year, and then this year, I just want to continue to drill on who I am. Just kind of being a ballplayer, continue to compete, have good at-bats and just be a competitive guy that hopefully they see playing at the next level.”
For Hennessey, Ehrhard is definitely on that path.
“Developementally, we have to put him in all three outfield spots so when he does get to the big leagues he’s ready to go,” Hennessey said. “Where we hit him in the lineup, he’s gonna hit at the top of the lineup. He stole a base tonight. But the thing, it’s just the intangibles with him, and he’s a winning-type player. That’s what the Dodgers love about him. He’s going to be a good player for a long time.”
It’s all been a dream come true for Ehrhard.
He’s enjoying every minute of it and doesn’t take it for granted.
“All I can say is I have so much gratitude,” Ehrhard said. “It’s been a blessing truly from God. God has blessed this whole path for me.”
Being in OKC has made things even more interesting for Ehrhard.
He's a familiar face and is glad to be back in the state.
“It’s really cool,” Ehrhard. “There’s a lot of local support. A lot of people remember me from school.”
Ehrhard hit second in the lineup Friday and played center field.
He drove in OKC’s lone run in the first inning and provides a spark for the Comets.
“First off, this guy is so prepared,” Hennessey said. “He works hard every day in all facets of his game. Leader. Can play all three outfield spots. Puts together good at-bats. And he’s a winner. He’s a winning-type player and glad to have him on our ballclub.”
Three big innings were more than enough for the Washington Huskies to secure their 18th straight victory, a 16-7 win on the road against the Iowa Hawkeyes.
After trailing 3-0 early, coach Heather Tarr's team battled back and took the lead in the top of the third inning behind a pair of home runs. First, second baseman Jade Bubke blasted a solo home run as part of a 2-for-4 day with a pair of runs scored, before later in the inning, catcher Jadyn Glab launched a three-run homer to give the Huskies the lead.
Then, in the fourth inning, left fielder Ava Carroll was able to wreak some havoc without the ball ever leaving the infield. With the bases loaded, the former Mt. Hood Junior College transfer helped spark a seven-run inning with a ground ball to second baseman Kiara Sepe, who threw it away and pushed three runs across the plate to give the Huskies a healthy cushion before she blasted a three-run home run in the seventh inning to give her 6 runs batted in on the day.
A Hawkeye miscue ushers in three more runs for the Dawgs!
Third baseman Giselle Alvarez put extra icing on the cake in the seventh inning with a two-run blast, her 12th homer of the season, which moved her into a tie with star first baseman Alexis DeBoer for the team lead in the category.
Reigning D1Softball National Pitcher of the Week Morgan Reimer earned her NCAA-leading 18th win of the season, but was unable to finish off her seventh complete game of the year, as Ryan Maddox finished off the day. Her night ended after she let up 7 runs (5 earned) on 7 hits and 4 walks with 3 strikeouts and 3 hit batters over 6 1/3 innings.
Avery Sapp took the loss for the Hawkeyes after she was unable to record an out in the fourth inning and surrendered 4 runs on 2 walks, a hit, and a hit batter across the four hitters she faced.
With the win, the Huskies improved to 28-6 on the year and remained perfect in Big Ten play at 10-0. The two teams will return to action on Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. PT
Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL draft for the Jacksonville Jaguars, here are the wide receivers from this year's class who have stood out above the rest in the athletic testing portion of the pre-draft process.
To compare the athletic testing and measurements of each wideout, we will be using Kent Lee Platte's Relative Athletic Score (RAS).
In short, RAS is a way to compare a player's athleticism and size to the rest of his position group through an easily digestible number based on height, weight, and athletic testing numbers. The RAS scale ranges from 0-10, and the closer to 10 a player scores, the better the athlete.
While a player's athletic testing certainly isn't the be-all, end-all when it comes to the evaluation process, it very much is something that NFL teams pay attention to.
Here are this year's standout performers from the wide receiver position.
Jeff Caldwell, Cincinnati
RAS: 9.99
In his lone season with Cincinnati, Caldwell caught 32 passes for 478 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged 14.9 yards per catch, according to PFF.
Jeff Caldwell is a WR prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored an unofficial 10.00 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 2 out of 3830 WR from 1987 to 2026.
Sturdivant caught 27 of 54 passes last season for 411 yards, averaging 15.2 yards per catch. He scored three touchdowns.
J. Michael Sturdivant is a WR prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.96 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 17 out of 3844 WR from 1987 to 2026.
Lance was a big-play threat and very efficient, catching 74% of his 69 targets, while averaging a whopping 21.2 yards per catch in 2025. He surpassed the 1,000-yard mark and caught eight touchdowns.
Bryce Lance is a WR prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 9.94 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 23 out of 3926 WR from 1987 to 2026.
During the last two seasons, Hurst has nearly hit the 1,000-yard mark each year. In 2024, he totaled 961 yards, while this past year, Hurst recorded 999 yards. He's scored 15 total touchdowns during that span.
Bell had a big 2025 season, totaling nearly 1,300 receiving yards while recording over 100 receptions. He averaged 12.6 yards per catch with 13 touchdowns.
Skyler Bell is a WR prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 9.65 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 137 out of 3926 WR from 1987 to 2026.
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 26: A general view of UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium during the national anthem flyover prior to the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, March 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
LOS ANGELES — Charley Steiner returned to the Dodgers broadcast booth on Thursday, calling the first three innings of the opening day game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on radio.
Steiner has battled health issues in recent years, including multiple myeloma and a back injury that made it difficult to walk. His workload for this season is unknown, and will depend on how he’s feeling. At the very least, expect Steiner to be a part of some radio pregame segments with Rick Monday.
This is the 22nd season calling games for the Dodgers for Steiner, who turned the microphone over on Thursday to Stephen Nelson to call the final six innings alongside Monday on opening day.
Every locker in the Dodgers clubhouse on opening day had a Seiko bag from Shohei Ohtani with a note saying “Three Peat!!” Inside was a luxury watch. It’s the third such season Ohtani has given a gift to his teammates before the first game.
“He’s just very generous, very thoughtful,” manager Dave Roberts said Thursday. “I think we’re all very grateful.”
While fans and pundits are busy speculating about the Red Bull star’s immediate future, one veteran of the sport has urged the driver to take a break, citing the danger of the championship.
Heinz-Harald Frentzen Issues a Warning to The Four-Time Champion
Former Formula 1 driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen, who secured three grand prix wins and stood on the podium 18 times during his career in the late ’90s and early 2000s, took to social media to weigh in on what’s going on.
He addressed the Dutchman’s apparent disconnection from the sport on X (formerly Twitter).
“If you lose your motivation in F1, it’s better to quit, or at least take a break,” Frentzen posted. “That’s what I did. The sport is too dangerous if you lose your focus.”
You don’t simply go through the motions as an F1 driver. Piloting a 2026-spec car, machinery that Verstappen himself has heavily criticized for their heavy reliance on complex electrical deployment, requires 100% intent.
Driving an F1 car without 100% commitment could well be asking for trouble. But of course, we know Verstappen never drives without an intent to win.
If you lose your motivation in F1, it's better to quit, or at least take a break. That's what I did. The sport is too dangerous if you lose your focus.
“Not even frustrated anymore, you know?” Verstappen told the media after a disappointing Saturday. “I’m beyond that. I don’t know the right word in English for it. I don’t know what to make of it, to be honest.
“There’s no word. I don’t know. I don’t get upset about it. I don’t get disappointed or frustrated by it anymore, with what’s going on.”
The writing has been on the wall for months. Verstappen has repeatedly criticized the 2026 regulation changes and has never been shy about his willingness to leave F1 behind to pursue endurance racing or other life goals. He is currently bound to Red Bull Racing through 2028, but in F1, contracts aren’t worth the paper they’re written on.
If the 28-year-old truly has lost his underlying drive to compete, taking Frentzen’s advice might be the smartest move he could make.
Image Credit: SUZUKA, JAPAN – MARCH 27: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing prepares to drive in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on March 27, 2026 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202603270083 // Usage for editorial use only //
Class 2A state championship: Westview vs. Parke Heritage
Why Westview star Austin Schlabach also didn't attend high school
Austin Schlabach did not have dreams of playing for his high school team. He did not know if he would even attend high school. Schlabach was raised in an Amish family near Shipshewana, a community of 850 residents in Northern Indiana that is home to the third-largest Amish population in the country.
In the Amish tradition, children go to school through eighth grade and then go to work.
Where are the Indiana high school boys basketball state finals played?
Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 125 S. Pennsylvania Street in Indianapolis.
How much are tickets to the Indiana high school boys basketball state finals?
$20 per person ($24.75 with TicketMaster fees). All tickets are reserved seating for one session only (two games, morning session or evening session). All tickets are digital only through your mobile phone and may be purchased via Ticketmaster.com (service fees apply) or in person at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse Box Office.
How can I watch the Indiana high school boys basketball state finals?
All four state championship games will stream IHSAAtv.org via pay-per-view for $20 per game or $25 for all games.
Where can I listen to the Indiana high school boys basketball state finals?
Each game will be broadcast on affiliates of the IHSAA Champions Network.
Shannon Harris became the DC Defenders' head coach just six days before the 2025 UFL season. Fast forward one year and he is now one of the league's longest-tenured coaches.
The UFL underwent significant changes to its operating structure ahead of its 2026 campaign. The league relocated three of its eight franchises, hired six new coaches and shifted one of its two holdovers – Anthony Becht – from the St. Louis Battlehawks to the Orlando Storm.
That leaves Harris as the only coach returning to the team he led the previous season. The Defenders will also return most of their support staff along with a "core group of guys" from last season's championship-winning roster.
Harris believes that could provide the Defenders with an advantage as they look to defend their 2025 UFL title.
"Any time you can have that continuity across the board, that's part of our roster organization, you want to feel some confidence," Harris told USA TODAY Sports in a phone interview.
Harris seemed particularly excited about returning the team's entire quarterback room from their championship season. That includes Jordan Ta'amu, who led the UFL with 17 touchdown passes last season and was named MVP of the 2025 UFL championship game.
"Jordan has definitely taken this offense to another level for us," Harris said.
But Harris explained that the team's backup quarterbacks – Mike DiLello and Spencer Sanders – have also been key in creating a collaborative environment in which the three-man unit operates.
"Those guys do a great job of bouncing ideas off each other," Harris explained. "They help each other in meetings, on the court, on the field as well. It's kind of like – you have that caddy in golf, where you're so comfortable with your coach, knowing that he's gonna tell you the right things. That's kind of how Mike has been with Jordan; and the same thing with Spencer."
Harris is hopeful the trio of quarterbacks will continue to sharpen one another's skills in DC's offense. That's something the 45-year-old coach did himself during the UFL offseason.
Harris spent the 2025 college season serving as the offensive coordinator at Tennessee State, in addition to his responsibilities with the Defenders. He worked under Reggie Barlow – who previously coached DC – and got a chance to return to his roots calling plays, which he relished.
"That helped me be more locked into not just being a head coach, but making sure my skills are still intact [as] a play-caller," Harris said. "I thought it was great for me to go do that, and excited I did. It can be taxing on the body a little bit at times, but I'm glad I got a chance to do it."
Harris appreciated his time at Tennessee State, but his focus has now fully shifted to the Defenders. And, unsurprisingly, he is setting lofty, championship goals for the team in 2026.
To get there, the 2025 UFL Coach of the Year knows his team can't rely solely on continuity to carry it.
"We still gotta make sure we maintain our integrity and think [about] what we've done to get ourselves to this point," Harris said. "We gotta continue to do those things to be successful."
The Defenders will open their season against the St. Louis Battlehawks in Week 1. It will mark the team's third consecutive game at The Dome at America's Center, which Harris and the team dubbed "Audi West" – a reference to their home stadium, Audi Field – en route to the team's 2025 UFL title.
Harris fully expects he Defenders to have a target on their backs in that game and throughout the 2026 UFL season.
"I'm sure we are circled on everyone's schedule," Harris said. "But for us, we wouldn't want it any other way."
Marseille signed Mason Greenwood (right) in July 2024, less than a month after Roberto de Zerbi (left) was appointed manager [Getty Images]
Tottenham should not appoint former Marseille manager Roberto de Zerbi because of his support for Mason Greenwood, says a women's fans group.
De Zerbi, who has been suggested as a potential replacement for under-pressure interim manager Igor Tudor, signed former England forward Greenwood during his time at the Ligue 1 club.
Greenwood, 24, left Manchester United in 2023, after charges against him, including attempted rape and assault, were dropped.
In November De Zerbi described Greenwood as a "good guy" who had paid a "heavy price".
Women of the Lane said De Zerbi's comments raised "serious questions about judgement and leadership".
The group, whose aim is to eradicate sexism and misogyny in football, said: "This is not an appointment Tottenham Hotspur should make."
Tottenham have won only one point in five Premier League matches under Tudor and are one point and one place above the relegation zone.
Italian De Zerbi, who left Marseille in February, has been reported as a replacement this season or during the summer.
He spent two successful seasons at Brighton, leading them into Europe, before leaving for Marseille in 2024.
In November De Zerbi said of Greenwood: "It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described."
Proud Lilywhites, Spurs' official LGBTQ+ fans' group, said: "When someone in that position publicly defends a player like Mason Greenwood, and frames it in a way that downplays the seriousness of what happened, it matters, not just in isolation but in what it signals."
Spurs Reach, Tottenham's official race, ethnicity and cultural heritage fans' group, said: "Regardless of intent, framing of this nature risks normalising harmful attitudes."
The unexpected trade for quarterback Justin Fields has painted a new look for the Kansas City Chiefs in relief of Patrick Mahomes.
CBS Sports writers Shanna McCarriston and Zachary Pereles shared their take on the Chiefs' decision to go in a different direction for their backup quarterback choice.
"We'll also give the Chiefs an approving nod for trying something different at backup quarterback." They wrote, "Kansas City has generally favored the well-traveled backup veteran -- Matt Moore, Blaine Gabbert, Chad Henne, Gardner Minshew, etc. -- as the player behind Mahomes. In Fields, they have some sort of athletic upside and stylistic difference. It may not count for much, and in a perfect world for the Chiefs, Fields doesn't play unless it's to tidy up a blowout win. But at least it's a different direction."
The dynamic of Fields being a younger, more athletic quarterback than Mahomes changes how he could be utilized in Kansas City's offense. The common thread of veteran backups has likely come to an end, with Mahomes already established as a veteran who no longer needs additional mentorship.
Fields' running ability is another intriguing skill that could call for more creativity beyond being a backup.
Ohio State’s men’s and women’s lacrosse teams have both been strong on the field this season. Not only are both teams currently ranked, but they have also combined to post a 15-5 record ahead of today’s men’s game against Penn State. The only loss in their first nine games of the season for the Buckeye men came against top-ranked Notre Dame by just a goal earlier this month.
The last time the Ohio State men’s lacrosse team was on the field was on Saturday when they traveled to New Jersey to take on Rutgers in their first Big Ten game of the season. After Garrett Haas tied the game 1-1 in the first quarter with his 19th goal of the season, the Scarlet Knights rattled off three goals in the second quarter to take a 4-1 lead into halftime.
The Buckeyes responded with goals from Russell Melendez and Liam White in the third quarter to pull within a goal before Rutgers pushed their lead to 5-3 heading into the fourth quarter. Freshman Khalif Hocker scored at 13:39 of the fourth and then tied the game 10 minutes later to force overtime. Alex Mariner was the hero in overtime for Ohio State, as his goal not only secured the win, but it also resulted in the only lead of the game for the Buckeyes.
After Caleb Fyock made his ninth start of the season, backup Jack Allen came up big in goal for Ohio State. Allen made 10 saves in 39:05 on the field to record his first career win. Despite allowing three goals and making just two saves against the Scarlet Knights, Fyock has still been one of the best goalies in the country this season, posting a 7-1 record with a 6.61 goals against average and a .582 save percentage. The Buckeyes have now outscored opponents 104-57 through nine games.
Allen was named the Big Ten’s Specialist of the Week for his performance against Rutgers, while Cullen Brown was named the Big Ten’s Defenseman of the Week. Along with what Allen was able to do in goal for Ohio State, Brown caused a season-high four turnovers and scooped up four ground balls in the win. With the turnovers he forced on Saturday, Brown now has caused the most turnovers during a career in program history.
Entering Saturday’s game, Garrett Haas and Alex Mariner were tied for the team lead with 18 goals. After the victory against Rutgers, Haas and Mariner are still tied after both had a goal on Sunday. When it comes to overall points, Haas leads the team with 34 points, 11 more than Mariner has through nine games. Liam White is third on the team with 16 points, one ahead of Khalif Hocker, who has 14 goals and an assist in his freshman season. Russell Melendez is the fifth Buckeye with at least 10 points on the season, as his goal against Rutgers allowed him to reach double digits.
Following the loss to Notre Dame earlier this month, Ohio State has beaten Denver and Rutgers, with both teams being ranked in the top-25. The schedule doesn’t get any easier for Nick Myers’ team. The next three games for the Buckeyes are against Penn State, Maryland, and Johns Hopkins, who are all currently ranked. Then, Ohio State closes out its regular season at home against Michigan before the Big Ten Tournament.
Women’s lacrosse
Heading into Thursday night’s contest against Oregon, Ohio State’s women’s lacrosse team had been slumping, losing its previous two games to Rutgers and Johns Hopkins. The Buckeyes broke their skid in a big way, smashing Oregon 20-2 in Columbus.
The game changed when the Buckeyes reeled off 18 straight goals after the game was tied 1-1 in the first quarter. Ohio State’s defense was dominant in the win, not allowing Oregon to score for 43 minutes after its first goal of the game. Camryn Callaghan and Zoe Coleman led the offensive attack for the Buckeyes, with each player scoring four goals. Annie Hargraves and Kate Tyack each had three goals. This marked the ninth time this season that Ohio State has scored at least 10 goals in a game.
By tying her career-high with seven points, Kate Tyack pushed her team-leading point total to 47 points on the season, five more than Camryn Callaghan. While Tyack has the team’s point lead, Callaghan can claim the goal lead, as her 32 goals are two more than Tyack has netted.
Maddy Paz added two goals and two assists in the win over Oregon, her ninth multi-point game this year. Paz now has 32 points on the season. Overall, Ohio State has seven players with at least 13 goals this year. As a team, the Buckeyes are averaging 14.55 goals per game, while only giving up 9.82 goals per game. Jocelyn Torres has started all 11 games in goal, posting a 5-4 record with a 10.12 goals against average and .430 save percentage.
Ohio State is currently ranked 25th in the country, and will face a big test in their next game when they host fifth-ranked Michigan on Thursday. After the battle with the Wolverines, the Buckeyes host Penn State next Sunday before heading out west to take on USC. The last time Ohio State made the women’s lacrosse NCAA Tournament was back in 2015.
Prior to the Denver Broncos' trade for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, the Denver front office had doubled down on their 2026 roster construction by re-signing their own players while the rest of the NFL was spending like mad at the outset of free agency.
However, after the trade, Denver's roster earned high marks, with Bleacher Report's Moe Moton naming the Broncos as having the second-best roster in the NFL.
"In free agency, the Broncos only lost defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, backup safety P.J. Locke and linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who played eight games in the previous campaign," Moton wrote for B/R.
According to Moton, the reasons for the hope are many. "In 2025, quarterback Bo Nix showcased his clutch gene, leading the league with seven game-winning drives," Moton wrote. "Assuming he fully recovers from a broken ankle, look for him to make more strides throwing to wide receiver Jaylen Waddle while he's behind arguably the NFL's best offensive line that features All-Pros Garet Bolles and Quinn Meinerz.
"Meanwhile, Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper and Zach Allen will spearhead a defensive unit that registered a league-leading 68 sacks last season. All-Pros Patrick Surtain II and Talanoa Hufanga have meshed well as field generals in the secondary. The Broncos have a high-end receiver duo with Courtland Sutton and Waddle and the best collection of talent on both sides of the line of scrimmage."
The only team to beat out Denver was the Los Angeles Rams, who were also in their conference championship game in 2025. The Broncos are poised to build on a successful year, with championship aspirations in 2026.
McKibben had also received offers from programs such as Michigan, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Stanford, Washington, and others, with a total of 20 scholarship offers. Rated the No. 1 overall prospect in New Mexico and a top-20 linebacker nationally, McKibben ranks around No. 220–298 overall nationally across composite rankings. He posted 111 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries during his 2025 junior season, following a 95-tackle sophomore campaign with 11.5 TFL and 2+ sacks.
Across two seasons, he has accumulated 206 tackles and 19.5 tackles for loss. His junior year campaign saw Carlsbad reach the New Mexico 6A state quarterfinals. McKibben also boasts of a multi-sports portfolio.
He has recorded 11.30 seconds in the 100 meters, alongside a 51-foot, 5-inch shot put throw, and participates in powerlifting. McKibben is UCLA’s third commit from the 2027 class after wide receiver Michael Farinas and linebacker Mike Davis Jr. The former praised head coach Bob Chesney after committing to the move, per Yahoo Sports.
“Honestly I love the culture that coach Chesney is bringing to the program. Coach Chesney is a proven winner and I know he’s going to bring that to UCLA. Everyone in the program wants to win and that’s something I want to be a part of. They’re building something special so I’m very excited to be a Bruin.”
UCLA’s 2026 recruiting class ranked No. 67 nationally, placing near the bottom of the Big Ten standings. Regardless, McKibben had previously taken visits to TCU and SMU and attended games at Arizona State and Oklahoma.
Mercedes' Italian driver Kimi Antonelli poses with his pole position award after the qualifying session ahead of the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka circuit in Suzuka, Mie prefecture on March 28, 2026. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes secured a second career pole position after going fastest in Saturday’s qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Having made history last time out in China as the youngest pole sitter in F1, the Italian followed that up with another one in Suzuka, beating teammate George Russell to pole by nearly three-tenths.
The 19-year-old will be aiming to convert the advantage into back-to-back victories after becoming the second-youngest grand prix winner in Shanghai, just shy of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris will line up in third and fifth respectively, with Charles Leclerc of Ferrari sandwiched between them.
Further down, Lewis Hamilton secured sixth in the other Ferrari ahead of Pierre Gasly’s Alpine and Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar, who has now outqualified teammate Verstappen two times in three races.
Verstappen will start the race in a lowly 11th in his problematic RB22 car after missing out on the last segment of qualifying (Q3) by nearly two-tenths to Arvid Lindblad of sister team Racing Bulls.
Lindblad lines up in 10th place behind Nico Hulkenberg’s Audi.
Elsewhere, the Cadillac duo of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas were both eliminated in the first segment of qualifying and clocked the 19th and 20th fastest times, followed by Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.
Mercedes' Italian driver Kimi Antonelli poses with his pole position award after the qualifying session ahead of the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka circuit in Suzuka, Mie prefecture on March 28, 2026. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP via Getty Images)
After a week of action at Hutch, the 2026 NJCAA men's basketball tournament is down to the final two teams. Howard and the College of Southern Idaho will play for the junior college national title Saturday.
The Hawks (32-4) and Golden Eagles (34-2) entered the 24-team tournament as the top two seeds but have had to work their way through the bracket to get to this point with some tight games — none more so than Howard's wild 134-128 double-overtime win over Butler in the quarterfinals.
Both teams feature balanced attacks, with five players averaging in double figures. Freshman Terry Copeland paces Howard with 19.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, while sophomore Jalen Lyn leads the way for CSI at 16.4 points per game.
Each school also has trophies in the case back home; CSI won national titles in 2011, 1987 and 1976, and Howard took the crown in 2010 in its lone previous appearance in the final.
Who will add some more hardware Saturday? Here's everything you need to know to watch.
Howard vs. Southern Idaho will by broadcast nationally by ESPNU. Fans can stream the game on the ESPN app or via Fubo.
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What time is the JUCO basketball championship game?
Date: Saturday, March 28
Time: 4 p.m. ET | 3 p.m. CT | 2 p.m. MT
The NJCAA Division I championship game is set to tip off Saturday at 4 p.m. ET. The game will be played at the Hutchinson Sports Arena in Hutchinson, Kansas, which has hosted the tournament since 1949.
NJCAA basketball national champions
Here are the last 10 JUCO national champions and runners-up:
Toprak Razgatlioglu said he was “very angry” after Friday Practice at the United States Grand Prix, believing braking issues denied him a potential spot inside the top 10.
The three-time World Superbike champion bolted on a fresh set of tyres for his final run at Austin, aiming to improve on his earlier time of 2m02.373s.
Razgatlioglu appeared on course for a competitive time, as he lost only three tenths while following Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi through the opening two sectors.
But the lap fell away from him as he approached the end of the back straight, as he struggled to stop his Pramac Yamaha under braking for Turn 12.
On his next attempt, he set a personal best time in sector 1, but had to abort his lap again due to similar braking issues.
Ultimately, the Turk’s fourth and final run yielded no further gains, leaving him a distant 18th on the timesheets and more than 1.4s behind pacesetter Marc Marquez.
Speaking to the media after the session, Razgatlioglu expressed his frustration with Yamaha’s braking, insisting a strong finish would have been on the cards had he completed a clean lap on his final run.
“I am always making a mistake in corners 11 and 12 because the bike is not stopping there,” he lamented. “I don't know why. We are trying to understand why the bike is not stopping.
“At corner 12, after the back straight, the front tyre was always locking on the brake. This is very strange.
“If I stopped at these two corners, the lap time would have been much better. But today, I am really angry because I am not finishing the lap. If I finish the lap, maybe I will finish in the top 10, or maybe 11th position.
“But I am very angry on the bike. I am coming really perfect [going into the corner]. I am also the at limit because I am just trying to stay behind Marc Marquez and Joan Mir.
“I am pushing on the limit, but I need to stop the bike. Normally, I am always strong at stopping the bike, but the package is not ready because the bike is not helping.
Toprak Razgatlioglu, Pramac Racing
Toprak Razgatlioglu, Pramac Racing
“I know I am strong in the first sector, but we don't know [what happens] after [that]. This is very bad.
“Also on straights, I follow the Aprilia. They are making 0.2s, maybe 0.3s gap on the straight. In the first three gears, it's perfect. First, second, third. But when I put the fourth gear, Apilla is really strong.”
Yamaha radically overhauled its MotoGP contender over the winter break to fit a new V4 engine - a move that has left the Japanese marque on the back foot at the start of the season. This has made life even tougher for Razgatlioglu, who is already facing a steep learning curve after leaving the production-based WSBK to race in MotoGP.
Although there has been some progress, the 29-year-old admitted that he “is fighting the bike at every corner”, highlighting engine braking as a weak point of Yamaha’s new M1 package.
“Now we are a little bit better. In some corners, we need to focus more on the engine braking. I use the rear brake, but sometimes it is not enough.
“If I feel less engine braking, the rear is pushing the front. I use the rear brake, but it is not working because there is too much grip here, and the rear is just pushing. Why am I [coming close to] crashing? Because I braked a little bit late to try to close the gap, but in the last part, the bike was not stopping. I am pushing to stop for the turn, but it is easy to make a mistake.
“They [other riders] are riding very smooth and easy. I am fighting on the bike every corner and on the brake to keep the line. But OK, I am learning like this. This is good for the future. But I am really angry, because I didn't do any laps in the last run. This is the problem.”
The Mud Hens took an early lead in their International League opener in Lehigh Valley, but the offense ran out of gas and the Hens bullpen floundered late to lose it.
Sean Guenther got the spot start and had to pitch through a minor jam in the first. He did so, and then put the Pigs down in the second inning. Meanwhile, Trei Cruz got the Hens started in the top of the second with a single, and then took second on a wild pitch. Outfielder Corey Julks singled him in for a 1-0 lead.
Max Clark walked and stole second in the top of the third, but no rally followed him. Ricky Vanasco handled the third, issuing a walk but punching out a pair of hitters.Vanasco gave up a leadoff walk in the bottom of the fourth, but punched out two more swinging and then Tomas Nido challenged a ball call to get his pitcher a third strikeout in the inning. Impressive outing from Ricky Vanasco, but still some control issues. The stuff is strong.
Max Clark drew 94 walks and stole 19 bases in 2025. He picks up one of each in the 3rd inning tonight. pic.twitter.com/pSgZDuwRT3
Clark walked again in the fifth, but was also stranded again. Lefty Konnor Pilkington pitched around a two-out double in the bottom half. The Hens got two-out singles from Julks and Nido, and then a walk from Gage Workman, but Clark grounded out to end the top of the sixth.
In the bottom half, Pilkington got into trouble, loading the bases with a pair of walks after a leadoff double from the Pigs’ Felix Reyes. Brenan Hanifee got two outs without a run, as Workman took a grounder at third and cut down the runner at home plate. And then Hanifee walked in a run anyway to tie the game 1-1 before getting out of the inning.
A leadoff double from Wenceel Pérez was squandered in the top of the seventh. Tanner Rainey took over in the bottom half and was a mess, leaving Matt Seelinger to take over with a run in and runners on first and second. Seelinger walked Carter Kieboom to load the bases, and then followed up with a wild pitch and a pair of hits that made it 5-1 Pigs.
The rest of the game the Hens just couldn’t string anything together. Pérez stayed hot with a solo hot in the ninth to make it 5-2, extending his late spring hot streak, but overall the Hens bullpen was pretty sloppy in this one.
Wenceel Perez gets a low changeup and launches a 359-foot homer just over the wall in right. pic.twitter.com/cGcZPwnVwo
Prior to the game, the finalized Mud Hens roster was released. There weren’t too many surprises. Right now it’s a four-man rotation with Keider Montero, Ty Madden, Bryan Sammons, and Lael Lockhart Jr. Prospect Jake Miller and Sawyer Gipson-Long should be taking spots within a few weeks, but on Opening Day they went with a Sean Guenther-led bullpen game.
Toledo will host ten members of the Tigers’ 40-Man Roster: RHP Brenan Hanifee, RHP Ty Madden, LHP Jake Miller, RHP Keider Montero, LHP Drew Sommers, C/1B Eduardo Valencia, INF Jace Jung, INF Hao-Yu Lee, UT Trei Cruz and OF Wenceel Perez.
Let’s be honest right up front: The Rockies are not chasing history in 2026. (They might be running from it.)
They’re not chasing Todd Helton and Larry Walker’s 49 home runs. They’re not chasing Andrés Galarraga’s 150 RBIs. They’re not sniffing Walker’s .379. This isn’t that kind of team. But that doesn’t mean this season won’t be worth watching.
Because while this roster won’t threaten the franchise record books over 162 games, it absolutely has the kind of young, toolsy, unpredictable talent that can do something ridiculous on any given night.
And at Coors Field, ridiculous still happens.
The Big Records? Not Happening
Before we get to the fun stuff, let’s acknowledge reality.
The Rockies’ all-time season records belong to the legends of Blake Street. Dominant hitters. Video game numbers.
No one here has the power, consistency, and opportunity to touch 49 home runs. No one is getting on base enough to steal 68 bags — stolen bases have never really been a Rockies identity, and that hasn’t changed (the high since 2016 is just 30, from Brenton Doyle in 2024). And no one is driving in 150 runs without a lineup built to feed them.
With Doyle’s speed, Tovar’s all-around game, and Beck’s upside, this feels doable.
Top candidates: Brenton Doyle, Jordan Beck, Ezequiel Tovar
Four-Home Run Game (Okay… Probably Not)
Only 21 players in MLB history have done it, but three did it in 2025. Baseball gets weird.
More realistically, a three-homer game is in play (last done by Michael Toglia in 2024).
Top candidates: Hunter Goodman, Jordan Beck, Mickey Moniak
No-Hitter (definitely not)
The Rockies have one no-hitter ever — Ubaldo Jiménez in 2010. Given this rotation, it’s hard to see that changing. But a dominant, start-to-finish outing? That’s possible.
A complete game is a more realistic benchmark — the last one came in 2022 from Chad Kuhl.
Chase Dollander has the raw stuff to flash something special. The catch? He’s starting in the bullpen.
Still — stuff plays.
Single-Game Records to Watch
If anything is happening this year, maybe it’s here:
These don’t require a perfect season — just one perfect night. And this roster has enough tools to stumble into one.
Takeaways
This version of the Rockies probably won’t give you a summer-long chase for history. The legends of Blake Street set the bar. Those records are safe — for now.
But it might give you a random Tuesday in June where someone hits for the cycle. Or three homers out of nowhere. Or a young arm that puts it all together for a full game. Baseball has always had room for something unexpected.
And this team? It feels like it’s built for exactly that.
In a season where Rockies fans will be looking for smaller wins — and things to celebrate — as roster churn and player development take center stage, the moments will matter more than the standings.
There will be standout performances this year. The only question is how big they’ll be — and where they’ll ultimately land in Rockies history.
So what do you think? Do we see a cycle? A no-hitter? Does anyone on this roster make a real run at a single-game or even a season record?
Tanner Gordon set the tone on Triple-A Opening Day, tossing five strong innings and allowing just one run on three hits while striking out five, helping the Isotopes overcome three errors to secure the win. Cole Carrigg (No. 4 PuRP) and Vimal Machin led the offense with two hits apiece, while Charlie Condon (No. 1 PuRP) added a single in four at-bats. Not the cleanest game defensively, but plenty of pitching and just enough offense to get Albuquerque off to a winning start.
In this piece by Maria Aldrich of Sports Illustrated, she frames the Rockies’ offseason as a mix of smart, under-the-radar moves and a few that already look questionable. She points to some low-risk additions and controllable pieces as steps in the right direction, while also highlighting decisions the club might come to regret, like letting Germán Márquez walk in free agency.
In this Denver Sports (104.3 The Fan) piece, the staff fires off bold predictions for 2026 that range from cautiously hopeful to full Coors Field chaos. There’s a clear belief the Rockies will be better than a 119-loss disaster, with breakout buzz around Goodman, Tovar, and Beck. Beyond that, it’s the usual mix of power surges, surprise standouts, and just enough wild takes to remind you how unpredictable this team can be.
Michael George asks: Ed, we have been inundated post-Combine with articles about this or that athlete’s RAS (Relative Athletic Score). Obviously the scores relate to a player’s eventual NFL career, but it could range from perfect fit to wildly wrong. In your experience can you recall any players (Giants, even better) who scored poorly on the RAS but ended up having very productive NFL careers?
Ed says: Michael, a great RAS does not guarantee that a prospect will become a great player. All things being equal, it raises the ceiling and improves his chances if he does the requisite work, stays healthy, and lands in the right place. A poor RAS does not mean a player cannot succeed. It simply might mean he has certain limitations, and might need to be used in certain situations and schemes.
Deonte Banks had a perfect RAS. You cannot do better than 10.0. Banks is top-tier in every athletic category. What we have learned that Banks doesn’t have are instincts, ball skills, and perhaps the study/work habits to really get better at his craft.
Hakeem Nicks was on the opposite end of the spectrum. A look at Nicks’ RAS makes you wonder why Jerry Reese made him a first-round pick:
Yet, Nicks had two 1,000-yard receiving season in five years with the Giants and helped them win a Super Bowl. Why? He had vise grip hands that allowed him to make difficult catches, and a willingness/ability to go into traffic and win 50/50 balls. He was a perfect receiver for Eli Manning, who was unafraid to throw into traffic and give receivers a chance to make a play. Those things — a player’s toughness, work habits, desire to be the best he can be — cannot be measured by athletic testing.
It isn’t really part of the question you asked, but this topic gives me a chance to talk about Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. There are some who are upset that Downs did not test at the NFL Scouting Combine or the Ohio State Pro Day. Honestly, I wish he had. Listen to Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, who knows a little bit about the NFL, and you understand that Downs’ appeal goes well beyond what kind of athletic testing numbers he might be capable of posting.
Robert Fields asks: One NFL rule I never understood ever. Using Brian Burns reworked contract only as a tool for clarity: He’s receiving a large bonus as per a portion of his contract. But you explained in 2027 he’ll receive 44 million or so as salary. Here’s where I get lost:
Question is simply how is the 2027 salary calculated? Is that a penalty? Is it money “owed?” Based on the bonus? In future years how does this hurt a team’s salary cap? Is the team penalized for freeing up money as a bonus?
Bottom line: How the heck does all the $ work?
Ed says: Robert, Burns does not receive $44 million as salary in 2027. He counts $44 million against the salary cap. His base salary is $21.5 million. The various bonuses that are tied to his contract bring the cap charge to $44 million.
After restructuring his original five-year, $141 million contract Burns will end up receiving $76 million in signing bonus money. That money is “pro-rated” across the life of the contract to lower the annual cap hit. The restructure lowers the cap hit at the beginning, but raises it toward the end of the deal. If you want to call that a penalty, you can. Technically, it doesn’t cost the team more.
I hope that helps, at least a little bit.
The right guard discussion
Robert Markowitz asks: There’s been a lot of talk about the Giants failure to bring in a right guard. But many of the free agencies selections at the bottom of the barrel had only fair PFF grades. Do you think that Harbaugh might be willing to roll the dice on a competition between Neal, Ezeudu, and a drafted rookie?
Ed says: Robert, we shall see. Don’t forget that veteran guard Aaron Stinnie is on the roster and I suspect if they played today he would be the starting right guard. I also still believe there is a chance Greg Van Roten returns.
I don’t know this for a fact, but I think there might be a game of chicken going on between the Giants and Van Roten. He is 36, and he and his wife are Staten Island natives. The couple lives there with their two small children. The Giants might be low-balling Van Roten, banking on the idea that he won’t want to spend the majority of the year away from his family in order to continue his NFL career.
If they really want him, that’s a dangerous game to play.
There is always the possibility the Giants draft Francis Mauigoa of Miami and play him at guard while they still have Jermaine Eluemunor. Or move down and select Vega Ioane of Penn State in Round 1. There are also a number of guards who could be available and worthy of being selected at No. 37 in Round 2.
So, yes, I guess the possibility exists that there could be a competition between a rookie and whoever else the Giants deem worthy in training camp.
—
Doug Mollin asks: My assumption at this point in the offseason was that the Giants would use a draft pick on a new RG. If they eventually resign GVR, the new RG would have a viable backup to help their transition to starter.
But Chris raised an interesting point this week — perhaps the coaching staff is looking at having Neal and Eze compete for the RG spot. And signing GVR as the backup/emergency starter if both fail.
This frees up pick #37 from taking a player like Bisontis to maybe taking a CB (Chris Johnson?) or DT (Lee Hunter?) or LBer (Rodriguez), etc. Maybe throw one or two of the sixth rounderers at the OL?
Do you think the Giants might have that plan in mind? Rolling with Neal and Ezeudu with GVR in reserve? Would you be willing to roll the dice on that?
Ed says: Doug, everyone who is freaking out about the idea of a competition for the right guard job between Evan Neal and Josh Ezeudu — Chris included — is forgetting that the starter if the Giants had to play a game today would be veteran Aaron Stinnie.
I cannot imagine that the Giants are done addressing right guard. Dan Duggan of The Athletic raised an interesting point recently. Free agents signed after 4 p.m. ET the Monday following the conclusion of the NFL Draft do not count against the compensatory formula. That is, honestly, something I had forgotten.
As I said above, there could be a financial game of chicken going on between the Giants and Van Roten. At 36, with two small children at home in Staten Island, does Van Roten really want to spend half the year somewhere else to continue playing, or would he take less money to stay home and play for the Giants?
The compensatory formula note from Duggan means that the Giants could wait until after the draft to sign someone like Kevin Zeitler, who played for Harbaugh with the Baltimore Ravens, or Joel Bitonio. In that circumstance, those players would not count against the compensatory formula.
From my recent conversation with Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post, I know that Harbaugh and the Ravens liked Neal in the 2022 draft. Harbaugh simply wants to see Neal on the field with his own eyes before moving on. As for Ezeudu, perhaps the same is true. Reality is, Ezeudu could potentially be a four-position backup. There are not a lot of those guys floating around the NFL. Again, he was a highly-drafted player and I have to believe Harbaugh and his offensive staff want to see for themselves whether or not there is something salvageable there before turning him loose. I happen to think that’s smart.
The Giants don’t play a regular season game for 5½ months. I know people want to figure out the answers NOW, but everybody just needs to relax and let the situation play out.
—
Mike Winterode asks: Have you heard anything about why Van Roten hasn’t been signed yet? Is his camp asking for too much money or are the Giants waiting out the market? I hope Harbaugh sees the value in having him back. He’s not spectacular, but he’s dependable and can play both guard and center. And he performs the most important duty as a football player – he shows up every Sunday.
Ed says: Mike, I covered most of this in the last two questions. I don’t have inside info, but reading the situation I would not be surprised if the delay is about money.
We can look at PFF scores and the Pro Football and Sports Network ‘Impact Score’ and say, hey, Van Roten is pretty good. But, we do not know what John Harbaugh, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, and offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren think of Van Roten. That is the missing piece to the puzzle.
Maybe they are playing the longer game here, trying to get Zeitler once he won’t count against the compensatory pick formula.
Pat Lam asks: Abdul Carter was possibly the best prospect in the 2025 draft. Towards the end of his first season (after Brian Daboll was relieved of his duties) news started to surface about missing meetings, being late, essentially not doing his job. Even notable teammates (even HOF Lawrence Taylor) lamented this. Daboll was not willing to hold him accountable; Kafka was, and it seemed to be a wake-up call. What did that say about the Team Captains and their ability to hold their teammates accountable? I guess that is why Harbaugh brought in players who will help set the tone for the team in 2026. Based on what I’ve read, Harbaugh is someone who will hold all players accountable. So, two questions: Who do you think will be team captains and do you think Abdul grows up and silents the naysayers in 2026 with a monster season?
Ed says: Pat, I am not going to hazard a guess regarding who the captains will be. That will play itself out. My belief is that Abdul Carter is going to be fine. He may never be one of those guys who spends hours and hours watching extra film, but I think he learned last year that there is a certain level of professionalism and preparation required to do the job the way you are capable of doing it. I don’t think John Harbaugh will tolerate any less.
One thing I had heard about Carter was that there were some maturity concerns coming out of Penn State that teams were aware of, and that it was known that there would need to be a plan in place to help Carter navigate learning to be a pro. It appears the Giants did not really have such a plan.
Andre Banks asks: I’m hearing a lot of scuttlebutt about Jeremiyah Love at 5. I don’t like it, but I don’t hate it either. Fanbase “Barkley buyer’s remorse” aside, where do you fall on this?
Ed says: Andre, we have been talking about it all week.
I think people need to get over what has happened in the past, and realize John Harbaugh will make decisions without caring about any of that. Picking Love wouldn’t be my favorite choice, but my opinion doesn’t count. If that’s what Harbaugh wants to do, that’s what the Giants will do.
Cyril M. asks: Curious about cap costs for first-round picks.
Say the Giants are offered by the Chiefs/Dolphins/Browns to swap their two first round picks for the Giants first and second round picks, what would the cap ramifications be?
Ed says: Cyril, the contract amounts and cap hits for each pick in the draft are slotted by the Collective Bargaining Agreement. You can find the monetary value of each draft slot on Over the Cap’s draft resources page.
Matt Peters asks: If you had to pick from players left from the Schoen/Daboll era such as Tae Banks, Evan Neal, Marcus McKethan, or Tyler Nubin which one has the best chance of sticking around and becoming a contributor with the new coaching staff.
Ed says: Matt, first of all, Marcus McKethan has been out of the league for a couple of years now. I don’t know why he is part of your question.
Kayvon Thibodeaux and Micah McFadden from the 2022 draft class will contribute, if not start. From the 2023 class, John Michael Schmitz is the starting center. Tae Banks looks like he will get a chance to be on the roster. The entire 2024 class — Malik Nabers, Tyler Nubin, Dru Phillips, Theo Johnson, Tyrone Tracy, Darius Muasau — should all have spots. From 2025, again the entire class — Abdul Carter, Jaxson Dart, Darius Alexander, Cam Skattebo, Marcus Mbow, Thomas Fidone, Korie Black — could make the roster.
It’s not a question of “which one.”
Rich Bostwick asks: On more than a few occasions, I’ve heard different players being mocked to the Giants at pick number 5 as not having enough value to be worthy. Barring any trade downs, several mocks produced these players as the most likely to be the first four drafted: Fernando Mendoza, Arvell Reese, David Bailey and Jeremiyah Love. Assuming this was true, who at 5 would hold the most ‘value’ for the Giants?
Ed says: Rich, you could put a number of players on that list. It depends on what the Giants want. That list would, in my view, include:
LB Sonny Styles
S Caleb Downs
WR Carnell Tate
OL Francis Mauigoa
CB Mansoor Delane
G Vega Ioane
Everyone you ask would probably give you a different idea of the best value. I think you can make an argument for each of these players, even if Delane and Ioane might be more appealing in trade-down scenarios. Which guy has the best chance of making a long-term impact? I’ll take Styles.
Dmitry R. Choklin asks: With all the talk about trading Thibodeaux for picks, why not just trade him foe a veteran at a position of need like RG or WR? Do you see any good matches around the league for a team needing a pass rusher?
Ed says: Dmitry, you make it sound like the Giants can just snap their fingers and find a team with a good guard or wide receiver they can spare in a trade for Kayvon Thibodeaux. I don’t know that to be the case.
As GM Joe Schoen has said, the Giants will listen. If a team offers them something they can’t turn down, a trade will happen. If they don’t, it won’t.
beanwantsdeath asks: Do you think this being potentially Harbaugh’s only chance to take a top-tier player influences the decision to drop down? Or, do you think they want additional picks badly enough to forego the “gold jacket” bracket of players entirely to move back to the “probably pretty good” bracket?
Ed says: ‘Bean’, you are asking because Harbaugh has never beeen part of picking this early in the draft, and, hopefully, won’t ever do it again.
I don’t think there is a definitive answer to that question. I think the Giants would stick and pick if Styles is still available at No. 5. If he is not, and the Giants are picking from the Caleb Downs/Jeremiyah Love/Carnell Tate/Francis Mauigoa/Mansoor Delane/Vega Ioane group, I think they listen to offers.
My belief? They would love to have their cake and eat it, too. If they can move down two or three spots, get some extra assets, and still have some of the players at the top of their board to pick from that would be ideal. In this draft, though, will there really be teams interested in moving up? That’s the question.
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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 25: A view of the stadium and a view of Kayakers arriving in McCovey Cove on Netflix branded kayaks are seen during the MLB Opening Night Game: Yankees vs. Giants, at Momo's on March 25, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thos Robinson/Getty Images for Netflix) | Getty Images for Netflix
Good morning, baseball fans!
Now that we’re back into the groove of the regular season for the San Francisco Giants, it’s time to start checking in weekly to see who everyone’s Player of the Week is!
This week is a bit tough, especially for me because I have to pre-write these. Which means the team has only played exactly one game as of the time I am writing this and that was their semi-disastrous loss to the New York Yankees on Wednesday.
So if I had to make a pick from just that game, I’m giving it to Aaron Judge! This might be a first in Player of the Week history (given that we only started doing these last season), since we usually try to give that out to a Giants player. But YOU try picking someone from the Giants in Wednesday’s game that made fans happier than Judge did when he struck out four times.
We may not remember the details of that game as time moves forward, but we’re going to remember Judge getting the league’s first golden sombrero of the year!
Who is your pick for Player of the Week?
What time do the Giants play today?
The Giants conclude their series against the Yankees this afternoon at 4:15 p.m. PT.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 15: Jake Golday #11 of the Cincinnati Bearcats jogs across the field during the third quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Nippert Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
One prospect who may interest the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft is Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday. He is a 6-4, 239-pound linebacker who is viewed as one of the top linebackers in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Athletic’s lead draft analyst, Dane Brugler, has Golday ranked as the fourth-best linebacker and the 42nd overall player in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Golday played two seasons at Cincinnati and was a highly productive player for them. During his two seasons, he played in 24 games and totaled 163 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, 5 sacks, 5 pass deflections, and 3 forced fumbles. This past season, he totaled 105 tackles, 6 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, 3 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble. Due to his performance this past season, Golday was a First-Team All-Big 12 player for 2025 and a Semifinalist for the Butkus Award.
NFL prospect to watch: Cincinnati LB Jake Golday
Leads the FBS w/ 26 tackles through 2 games. 6040v and 237v pounds w/ big-time athleticism (Freaks List guy).
The Broncos re-signed veteran linebackers Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad this offseason, but still have questions at linebacker. Both linebackers will be 30+ years old this season and are not long-term options for the team. Adding a player like Golday would give them a player who can compete for playing time right away and add depth behind both veteran players.
Player Profile
Jake Golday | Linebacker | Cincinnati
Height: 6-4
Weight: 239 pounds
Arm Length: 31 7/8
Hands: 9.5 inches
40-time: 4.62 seconds
10-Yard Split: 1.6 seconds
Vertical Jump: 39 inches
Broad Jump: 10-5
3-Cone Drill: 7.02 seconds
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.34 seconds
Film Room
Scouting Report
Strengths
Has the size, speed, and athleticism you look for in a modern-day linebacker
Explosive player with a motor that doesn’t quit
Rangy linebacker who can cover sideline to sideline
Strong at the point of attack vs. blockers and is able to shed them to get to the ball carrier
Reliable wrap-up tackler who quickly brings down the ball carrier when he gets his mitts on them
Was used effectively as a pressure player in college and has pass-rush upside
Strong vs. the run
A bit raw as a prospect, but has a high upside
Weakness
While he flashes in coverage at times, he is more of a downhill linebacker right now
He has only had one full season as a traditional linebacker
Can be a little slow to read and react
Raw player who is still learning the position and will need time to develop
What other analysts are saying about Cincinnati LB Jake Golday
Golday was asked to operate in a ton of space in college (almost like a nickel defender), which helped showcase his gazelle-like speed to chase down the ball anywhere on the field. His mental processing took a clear jump in 2025, which was the hope in his second season as a full-time overhang linebacker.
Golday is a big, explosive linebacker with a game best suited for work near the line of scrimmage. He attacks climbing blockers with heavy, aggressive hands. He also shows the strength to stack, compress gaps and finish with authority. While his performance at the point of attack stands out, he can be a little late diagnosing play design and needs to work with a more preemptive downhill trigger at times. He’s more powerful than elusive as a blitzer and is average in coverage. Golday’s traits, explosiveness and field demeanor should make him an early special teams standout with the potential to eventually start at Sam or inside linebacker.
LB Jake Golday’s RAS
Jake Golday is a LB prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.84 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 53 out of 3215 LB from 1987 to 2026.
Does Cincinnati LB Jake Golday make sense for the Broncos in the 2nd round of the 2026 NFL Draft?
He fits the profile of the type of linebacker they seem to like.
The Broncos haven’t drafted a ton of linebackers during the Sean Payton and George Paton era, but based on the players they have added, they seem to like linebackers like Jake Golday. I know this comparison is not one many Broncos fans will want to hear, but he reminds me a lot of Drew Sanders when he was a draft prospect.
A big and athletic player transitioning from edge rusher to off-ball linebacker with loads of potential. It’s hard not to make the comparison, and if they liked Sanders, they will probably like Golday. Injuries have derailed Drew Sanders’ career a bit, but he had the potential to develop into a starter if he hadn’t missed so much time due to injuries.
There’s a lot to like about Golday. He is a big, rangy, athletic linebacker with good wrap-up skills and can rush the passer when needed. His coverage ability is average at best, but he will need to develop that area of his game and work on his read and reacting skills. Those all will come with snaps in practice and on the field during games. Another thing I like is his motor. Golday plays with his hair on fire and never quits on a play.
All the tools and potential are there; you just need to develop him. If drafted by the Broncos, he could learn behind Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad, play special teams, and have time to develop. However, with the Broncos picking at 62nd overall, there’s a good chance that Golday is off the board well before they pick. If he is there, I could see the Broncos having interest in him.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 22: Brayden Burries #5 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the first half against the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 men’s NCAA tournament is down to eight teams. A thrilling Sweet 16 round has chopped the field in half, leaving a fascinating collection of top-ranked heavyweights and frisky underdogs.
The Illinois Fighting Illini were identified as a Final Four sleeper back in early January. Now the Illini will be favored to reach the Final Four in nearby Indianapolis as they take on conference rival Iowa in the regional final. The No. 9 seed Hawkeyes earned a heart-stopping win over Nebraska in the Sweet 16 to become this tournament’s closest thing to a Cinderella. Iowa remains an underdog, but at this point it would be foolish to truly count out head coach Ben McCollum and star point guard Bennett Stirtz. Out West in San Jose, mighty Arizona will take on the preseason No. 1 team in the polls, Purdue, for the right to go to the Final Four.
These Elite Eight games are going to be so good. Let’s rank every team still standing in the men’s March Madness field by their 2026 national championship chances.
8. Tennessee Volunteers
Opponent: Michigan
Rick Barnes is changing the narrative at age-71. This is far from Barnes’ most talented team, but here he is in the Elite Eight for the third straight year. No. 6 seed Tennessee smashed a one-loss Miami (OH) team in the first round, out-muscled a talented Virginia squad next, and then flexed on Iowa State (without injured star Joshua Jefferson) in the Sweet 16 in Chicago. The Vols are the No. 1 offensive rebounding team in the country, and that stat sums them up well: there’s nothing special about the shooting touch on this roster, but they attack the glass on every possession like their tournament run depends on it, because it does. Freshman Nate Ament has been a bit underwhelming given his preseason hype, but it feels like he’s growing every week and is finding ways to use his physical tools to impact the game. Point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie is phenomenal, and worth every penny he was paid in the transfer portal. The Vols won’t give Michigan anything easy in the Elite Eight. The Wolverines better rebound, otherwise they could be in for a long afternoon.
7. Iowa Hawkeyes
Opponent: Illinois
McCollum won four DII national championships at Northwest Missouri State before recruiting Bennett Stirtz. When McCollum made the leap to DI Drake and brought his point guard with him ahead of last season, the pair immediately earned a conference championship and then won a game in the NCAA tournament. McCollum jumped to Iowa this year, brought Stirtz with him, and now the duo has the Hawkeyes in the Elite Eight. Stirtz is an on-court extension of his coach, and the Hawkeyes go as he goes. The senior has played an astounding 94 percent of the team’s available minutes this year despite carrying a huge on-ball burden. Stirtz has great touch as a shooter, he’s a skilled pick-and-roll playmaker, and he runs the show for Iowa’s super-slow offense to a tee. Iowa has found another star on this run in Alvaro Folgueiras. The 6’10 Spanish forward hit the game-winning three in Iowa’s round of 32 upset over No. 1 seed Florida, and then made a heads-up play to take advantage of Nebraska’s unforgivable coaching mistake late in the Sweet 16 win. The Hawkeyes’ slow-tempo, low turnover style is really hard to prepare for, because not many teams play this way anymore. No one expected Iowa to be here, but they have a chance to keep winning because of their coach, point guard, and emergent forward.
6. UConn Huskies
Opponent: Duke
Remember when UConn lost to a lowly Marquette team at the end of the regular season? Or when they got drilled by 20 to St. John’s in the Big East tournament title game? The Huskies aren’t nearly as talented as they were on their back-to-back national championship runs a couple years back, but this team still has the best coaching staff in the country, and they proved it again in guiding them to the Elite Eight. Tarris Reed is a monster in the middle who can control the glass at both ends and finish well both at the rim and from short mid-range. The shooters are still sprinting off screens like they were a few years ago, and when Solo Ball and Braylon Mullins start hitting shots like they did early in the Sweet 16 win against MSU, you can actually see the outline of a potential national champion. It just feels like UConn has struggled all year with consistency, and I’m not sure they have that many ways to beat a good team if the shots aren’t falling. Alex Karaban wants a third ring, and it really feels like he’s playing his best ball right now. I just don’t think that’s enough to beat Duke.
5. Purdue Boilermakers
Opponent: Arizona
No. 11 seed Texas had the Boilermakers on the ropes late into their Sweet 16 game, but some clutch scoring from Braden Smith and Oscar Cluff carried Purdue onto the next game. It wasn’t the most convincing win against the worst team left in the field, and things are about to get a lot harder against a powerhouse Arizona squad. The Boilermakers have the No. 1 offense in the country with a whopping 132 offensive rating on the season, but they will need their best performance of the year to advance to the Final Four. The one area where Purdue has an advantage on Arizona is at the three-point line: the Wildcats are one of the lowest-volume deep shooting teams in the country, and Matt Painter’s team ranks No. 12 in DI by hitting 38.4 percent of their threes. Purdue’s three-point volume isn’t super high — it ranks No. 163 in percentage of field goal attempts from three — and it would be wise to crank up the dial on triples come Saturday night. Arizona has a big advantage when it comes to size and strength in this matchup. Purdue needs virtuoso performances from Smith, Cluff, and Trey Kaufman-Renn, and I’d like to see more of Daniel Jacobsen in the rotation too to combat the Wildcats’ rim runs. Purdue could do it, but they’re facing an uphill battle.
4. Illinois Fighting Illini
Opponent: Iowa
Illinois’ combination of size and skill were on full display in its dominant win over Houston in the Sweet 16. The Illini pounded the Cougars on the glass, put a lid on the rim, and drained their threes at a 39 percent clip. This roster is absolutely loaded, and it appears it’s peaking at the right time. Freshman star Keaton Wagler gives Illinois a likely top-10 NBA draft pick running the show, and he did well to pick apart Houston’s traps and make shots off the dribble. Fellow freshman David Mirkovic is a true bruiser at 6’9, 250 pounds, and his high motor on the glass and the threat of his jumper is a scary combination to deal with. The Ivisic twins give Illinois a pair of 7-footers who can space the floor from deep. I worry a bit about Illinois’ rim protection against Iowa with Stirtz attacking the paint, and McCollum sending cutters into open space at every opportunity. Fortunately for Illinois, Kylan Boswell is a fantastic defensive guard who can limit Stirtz better than most. I don’t think Iowa has enough creation to win if Stirtz doesn’t have his best performance. Illinois has looked like a sleeping giant all year, and they got a great draw in the bracket by being paired with the weakest No. 1 seed in Florida (who Iowa already beat). It’s all shaping up for the first Illini Final Four run since 2005, and if it happens, they will have a huge fanbase behind them in Indianapolis.
3. Duke Blue Devils
Opponent: UConn
Duke is riding the nation’s longest winning streak at 14 games after it knocked off St. John’s in the Sweet 16. Cameron Boozer apparently hasn’t lost the last game of a season since sixth grade, and remains the biggest winner and best player in this tournament. So why do the Blue Devils feel so unconvincing right now? Start with injuries to starters Patrick Ngongba and Caleb Foster, who both played in the win over the Johnnies but are clearly playing hurt. Sophomore sniper Isaiah Evans saved the day for Duke with 25 points and four big three-pointers. Duke’s rebounding is still excellent — it grabbed 13 more boards than the Red Storm on Friday night — and it’s hard to imagine where this team would be without backup big Maliq Brown. Duke was my natty pick, but I don’t see how their best game beats Arizona or Michigan’s best game at the moment. Ngongba roaring back to form could change everything, but that feels like wishful thinking. Until then, the Blue Devils just have to survive and advance.
2. Arizona Wildcats
Opponent: Purdue
To quote the great Jake Parkman, “don’t stand on the tracks when the train is coming through.” That’s what it must feel like to play Arizona. The Wildcats have a ridiculous blend of physicality and explosiveness that they use to run over any opponent in front of them. Arkansas and its shaky defense never had a chance to stop Arizona’s punishing rim attempts in the Sweet 16, and I don’t think Purdue has much hope either. Tommy Lloyd’s team is huge with 7’2 Lithuanian center Motiejus Krivas protecting the paint and going for every offensive rebound. Tobe Awaka serves up facials as a dunker and constantly attacks the glass. Freshman Koa Peat and Brayden Burries both bring two-way play on the wings, and point guard Jaden Bradley is the type of veteran caretaker teams need to go all the way. Arizona has been so impressive in this tournament, and if you think they’re the favorites to win it all right now, it’s hard for me to argue against it.
1. Michigan Wolverines
Opponent: Tennessee
Michigan looked vulnerable in the first half of its Sweet 16 matchup as Alabama diced them up off the dribble and consistently manufactured open threes. Well, the Wolverines wiped away their two-point halftime deficit instantly coming out of the locker room by turning up the defensive intensity to terrifying levels. Bama star Labaron Philon could barely get a shot off in the second half, and Michigan was recovering to the arc for blocks regularly. This is the team that looked like an all-time college great earlier in this year, and it’s a reminder that they still have the highest ceiling of any team in the country. Yaxel Lendeborg did it all: timely steals, ankle-breaking crossovers, powerful downhill drives to the rim, and more. Here’s what teammate Will Tschetter told me in the postgame locker room: “Yaxel turned up the aggression in the second half, but for him that doesn’t mean taking more shots.” Star center Aday Mara put it even more succinctly after the game: “We have an NBA player on our college team.” As Lendeborg was walking back to the locker room, Mara was screaming “Dominican ‘Bron!” at his teammate. Michigan is playing fast and loose and taking on the vibrant personality of its superstar. Michigan is damn good even when it isn’t playing its best game. But when it really turns it on, it feels like only Arizona can compete with them.
Arsenal linked with a move for in-form Brazilian star
Luiz Henrique is regarded as one of the finest players in Russia, and the time may have come for him to make a move to a bigger European league, potentially in the summer. The winger has consistently delivered impressive performances for Zenit Saint Petersburg, attracting attention from several top clubs across the continent.
Arsenal has long been a club Henrique admires, and his recent displays have been enough to catch the Gunners’ attention. His technical ability, pace, and creativity on the wing have made him one of the standout performers in the Russian Premier League.
Arsenal’s Interest in Henrique
A report on Sport Witness claims that Henrique’s dream of joining Arsenal could soon become a reality, as the club is reportedly showing strong interest in securing his signature. The Gunners are understood to view him as one of the most promising attacking talents in Europe.
Henrique’s form at Zenit suggests that he has the potential to succeed in one of the top leagues, and Arsenal have now added him to their list of transfer targets. The club will continue to monitor his progress closely, evaluating whether he can adapt to the demands of English football.
Potential Transfer and Development
The Gunners believe Henrique can thrive in England, provided he maintains his current level of performance. If his form does not dip between now and the end of the season, Arsenal are expected to make a concerted push to bring him to the Emirates.
For the time being, Henrique’s priority remains performing consistently for Zenit. Maintaining his high standards over the coming weeks will be crucial, both for his club and for his chances of securing a move to one of Europe’s top leagues. Success in the remainder of the season could determine whether he achieves his ambition of joining Arsenal in the near future.
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Mar 24, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brett Kulak (27), left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) and center Martin Necas (88) talk on the ice against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The Avalanche are back at home with a far healthier lineup than the one that left town a week and a half ago. The Red Wings are keeping pace with the wildcard race in the East. Also, are the Hurricanes getting a big piece back in the lineup?
All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — March 28.
Colorado Hockey Now
Imagine thinking a year ago that it would be possible to buy a ticket to an Avalanche game in Denver and watching Gabe Landeskog and Nazem Kadri suit up for Colorado. Back when Landeskog’s return still felt unlikely, and when the Avs had just acquired three centermen (two with term) to play behind Nathan MacKinnon.
Fast forward to today, and 18,000+ will get to experience this for the first time since June 2022. It’s going to be quite the treat.
The Avs went on the road a little over a week ago after getting blown out by Pittsburgh and losing a nail-biter in a shootout to Dallas. They were missing Artturi Lehkonen, Logan O’Connor, Ross Colton, and Landeskog. All four of them returned and produced during the road trip. Colorado won each of the four games, and they are all expected to be in the lineup when the Avs take on the Winnipeg Jets with less than three weeks to go before the start of the postseason.
Around The NHL
Montreal Hockey Now: With 11 games remaining in the regular season, the Habs are in a comfortable spot in terms of odds to make the playoffs.
Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings badly needed two points on Friday, and they got them against a strong Sabres team. Their playoff hopes remain alive as they continue to keep pace with the rest of the wildcard race. Not much time to rest, as the next crucial game, against the Flyers, is later tonight.
Boston Hockey Now: A familiar face joined two Bruins on the ice before practice on Friday.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Hurricanes could get a massive boost to their lineup ahead of a matchup against the New Jersey Devils.
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 30: Chandler Rivers #0 of the Duke Blue Devils is seen during the game against the Elon Phoenix at Wallace Wade Stadium on August 30, 2024 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Chandler Rivers, CB School: Duke | Conference: ACC College Experience: Senior | Age: 22 Height / Weight: 5’9.5” / 188 lbs Projected Draft Status: 3rd – 4th Round Player Comparison: Mike Sainristil
In high school, Chandler Rivers’ athleticism allowed him to excel in several sports. The Beaumont, Texas, native won a Texas state basketball title in 2021. On the track he was second in the state in the long jump. On the football field, Rivers’ played receiver and cornerback. His over 300 tackles and 25 interceptions made him a three-star prospect with offers from dozens of schools like Tennessee, Ole Miss, Utah, and Colorado. Ultimately, Rivers chose to play for Duke and their head coach, Mike Elko.
It took no time for Rivers to see the field and make an impact. He won Duke’s rookie of the year award after playing in every game and starting six games to end the season. Cemented as a starter as a sophomore, Rivers capped his season by being named MVP of the Birmingham Bowl after two tackles for loss and three PBUs. Coach Mike Elko moved on to Texas A&M prior to Rivers’ junior season, but that didn’t seem to negatively impact him. His play during his junior year earned him team MVP, First Team All-ACC, and All-American recognition from numerous publications. Off the field, he was named Academic All-ACC. In his senior year, the Blue Devils won the ACC Championship. Rivers led the team in interceptions and was named Second-Team All-ACC and the Blue Devils’ skill player of the year. Rivers 3,408 career snaps helped Duke to a 35-18 record over his four seasons in Durham, North Carolina.
Strengths
Instincts and preparation show up in play recognition
Zone coverage understanding and awareness is high-level
Excellent short-area quickness, especially when closing on receivers
Leaping ability helps to make up for size deficiencies
Seven career INTs and 29 passes defended are evidence of his ball skills
Aggressive fighting to get off blocks; can be an asset around the line of scrimmage
Weaknesses
Less than ideal height and arm length for an NFL DB
Measurables might prevent him from playing much press man
Can have trouble finding the ball if he has to turn his back to QB
Chandler Rivers is a CB prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 8.99 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 287 out of 2822 CB from 1987 to 2026.
The Commanders are not done remaking their secondary, most recently adding Ahkello Witherspoon to a group that includes Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, and fellow free agent signee Amik Robertson. Sainristil and Robertson are both smaller cornerbacks that have some position versatility. Both project to be starters right now, so the Commanders could use the draft to find a corner that offers similar versatility to these players to provide depth.
Am I trolling by suggesting the Commanders could select another cornerback under 5’10”? Maybe. The thing is Chandler Rivers is a talented cornerback that should perform well on a defense that relies heavily on zone coverage. While he played on the outside in college, I think he will play primarily in the slot in the NFL. Being undersized means he will have some limitations, but his coverage ability and competitiveness should make him a valuable player in a NFL secondary. However, the Commanders may see him as so similar to players currently on the roster that they go in another direction at the position. That may be the case considering the Commanders have visits scheduled with Mansoor Delane and Daylen Everette, cornerback prospects closer to prototypical size. But if the Commanders find themselves on Day 3 of the draft with cornerback unaddressed and Chandler Rivers is available, he should get some consideration as a rotational player.
Jan 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy speaks at a press conference introducing him as the next head coach of the Steelers at PNC Champions Club at Acrisure Stadium.. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers made arguably the most notable coaching change of the offseason. After the longest tenured coach in American sports stepped down, the Steelers replaced Mike Tomlin with former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, which was met with as much excitement as a waiter spilling hot coffee all over your new trousers.
Considering the Steelers’ history, as well as the crop of young candidates in the head coaching pool, many thought Pittsburgh would go the route of hiring one of those coaches and lean into a rebuild. Instead, they hired McCarthy in hopes of remaining competitive, but also finding playoff success for the first time in nearly a decade. And while there have been many detractors, there are multiple reasons to believe that the Steelers will find immediate success under McCarthy, who has the opportunity to turn those melancholy notes into beautiful music.
Intermediate passing game
One of the biggest missing components of the Steelers’ offense has been a complete lack of an intermediate passing game. Per Sumer Sports, the Steelers completed just 38.24 percent of passes 15-20 yards downfield, which ranked 31st in the NFL. From 2022-24, McCarthy’s Cowboys completed roughly 52 percent of such throws, including in 2023 and 2024 when they completed just under 56 percent of their intermediate passes in both years..
The addition of Michael Pittman will also be a massive asset in improving that portion of the passing game. Not just because the Steelers finally have a terrific WR2, but because he is one of the best receivers in the intermediate game. Per Sumer Sports, he ranked sixth in the NFL in 2025 in receptions between 10-15 yards downfield and ninth in receptions between 10-20 yards downfield. His particular skillset is perfect for what the Steelers have been missing and what McCarthy likes to do.
Middle of the field passing
The middle of the field not being utilized by the Steelers has been a problem for quite sometime. Even though Aaron Rodgers gave the Steelers their best quarterback performance since Ben Roethlisberger retired, the passing chart, more often than not, featured a very barren middle portion of the field.
Per Sumer Sports, the Steelers ranked 28th in success rate in passes over the middle of the field of 15+ yards, completing just 20 of 51 attempts. To compare, McCarthy’s Cowboys were one of the better teams in the league at attacking that portion of the field. In 2022, the Cowboys finished eighth in success rate and then 10th in 2023. They did drop down to 28th in 2024, but let’s also remember that Dak Prescott only played in eight games that season due to injury. When McCarthy had Prescott, the Cowboys consistently had one of the best passing games that consistently found success in the intermediate middle portion of the field.
It’s completely fair to have wanted, and even expected the Steelers to go with a younger head coach. And even though they didn’t, it’s hard to see the offense not improving, especially under an offensive-minded head coach. For as many games as Mike Tomlin won, it felt like the game passed him by in a lot of ways, specifically on the offensive side of the ball.
So while many – myself included – were originally let down or left shrugging their shoulders with the hire of McCarthy, there is a very good chance that the Steelers find plenty of success during his tenure. Considering he’s been a winner everywhere he’s gone, there is no reason to think he can’t win in Pittsburgh.
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 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.
The Opening Ceremony of the 1994 World Cup was a spectacle, of course. The United States was hosting the tournament for the first time, which meant a star-studded party to kick off the month-long celebration of the sport.
Emceed by talk show host Oprah Winfrey, the event featured a speech by President Bill Clinton and musical performances by Darryl Hall of Hall & Oates and Jon Secada. The big draw was Diana Ross performing “I’m Coming Out” as dancers, confetti and balloons all enveloped the field.
As Ross sang, she made her way across the field to take a penalty kick on a more-than-ready goalkeeper. After a few stutter-steps, Ross sent her shot very left, even with the goalie guessing correctly. The ball rolled wide, but the net broke apart as it was supposed to for the stunt.
— The Antique Football (@AntiqueFootball) June 17, 2015
"I'm not sure that was supposed to happened," uttered British broadcaster John Helm.
The missed penalty kick was a sign of things to come. The tournament opened with Ross’ miss and ended with Italy’s Roberto Baggio sailing one over the crossbar to crown Brazil as champions.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 17: Jordan Martinook #48 of the Carolina Hurricanes and Brenden Dillon #5 of the New Jersey Devils battle for the puck during the first period of a NHL game at Prudential Center on January 17, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Mordzynski/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Matchup: New Jersey Devils (37-32-2) @ Carolina Hurricanes (45-20-6)
New Jersey visited Nashville to battle the Predators on Thursday night. Nico Hischier scored twice and Jesper Bratt registered three points in a 4-2 win.
Last Hurricanes Game
Carolina hasn’t played until Tuesday, when they lost 5-2 in Montreal to the Canadiens. Nik Ehlers and Jordan Staal were the goalscorers, while Freddy Andersen got shelled, allowing four goals on 18 shots.
Last Devils-Hurricanes Game
It happened on January 17, and it was a 4-1 loss to the Canes at The Rock. You’re not going to believe this, but the Devils just did not play well in any way against the Hurricanes in another dispiriting loss to their division rivals.
End Of The Road
Tonight marks the end of New Jersey’s five-game road trip. They have thus far gone 3-1-0, with their only loss coming in Washington, a tough 2-1 defeat. Aside from that, the Devils have performed well with a stunningly great offense, having scored 16 total goals across their three wins on this trip.
It’s been a bit of a weird stretch for New Jersey, with a very long seven-game homestand coming right before this lengthy journey away from the Rock. Nevertheless, with the Devils seemingly finding their game after dropping their first two right out of the Olympic break, tonight would be a nice feather in their cap if they can find a way to win. A 4-1-0 road trip looks a heck of a lot better than 3-2-0, or even 3-1-1. Especially considering two of those four wins will have come against elite teams (Dallas, Carolina), and another will have come against a solid team (Nashville).
Will New Jersey actually pull it off tonight? We all know their struggles against the Hurricanes, so I wouldn’t blame you if you were skeptical. But for now, it’s nice to dream about a road trip in which the Devils collect eight of a possible 10 points.
Keep An Eye On The Third Line
In the game recap on Thursday, I wrote a little bit about the new-look third line that only became new-look due to Arseny Gritsyuk’s injury. Replacing him on the wing with Cody Glass and Lenni Hameenaho was Evgenii Dadonov. The conclusion was that Natural Stat Trick LOVED their performance (8:13 together at 5-on-5 with an Expected Goals For% of 96.91), Hockey Stat Cards was unimpressed, and my own personal eye test deemed them to be just okay.
Based on practice yesterday, it appears we’ll be seeing this trio reunited. I would be much more okay with this if not for the fact that if Dadonov plays one more game this season, the Devils get charged with a $250,000 hit on their cap next season due to performance bonuses. Since Dadonov clearly has no future with this team, and the season is over anyway, this seems like a colossal mistake to me. But I suppose that’s another conversation. As far as their performance goes, it was meh to good depending on who you’re asking. And logic would dictate that with more time to get used to one another, they’ll get even better.
So keep an eye out for this new-look third line tonight to see if they develop anymore chemistry.
Hughes Heating Up
No, not Jack Hughes, although yes he has been scorching hot since returning from the Olympics as a conquering hero. I’m talking about his younger brother, Luke.
I would argue that the emergence (or acquisition) of a true number one stud defenseman is the single most important thing this team needs in order to turn things around next season. Dougie Hamilton used to be that, but no longer (even if he’s still effective). Simon Nemec and Hughes are the only other blueliners on the roster who have that potential. I’m very skeptical about Nemec, and while I’m not sold on Hughes either, I still have belief. Well that belief is starting to pay off.
Since returning from his injury on February 28, Hughes has looked much better than he did earlier in the season. In 12 games, he has seven points (one goal, six assists), which is not amazing production, but it’s solid for a young, developing defenseman. Per Game Score, Hughes has been trending up since then, to the point where he’s actually considered an above-average defenseman again after spending much of the season deep in the red. Your mileage may vary on how much you trust any given analytics model, but I would also say that based on my own eye test (which admittedly isn’t worth much) he looks much better as well. He’s becoming more active on offense, which also seems to be a team-wide mandate. His transition game is back in top form. He’s actually hitting the net with his shots (34 SOG over his last 12 contests!) instead of firing everything directly into opposing shinpads. And perhaps most importantly, he’s doing a lot of this without Brett Pesce. The thought for a while was that Hughes needed Pesce as a security blanket or else he couldn’t function. Now, he’s actually managing to carry Johnny Kovacevic to decent results, a complete reversal of how things were.
Hughes still has a long way to go to prove he can be a true number one in this league. But if he can carry this form through the rest of the season, and if he can actually participate in training camp next fall for the first time since 2023, that would go a long way toward reassuring me that Hughes might develop into a top flight defenseman after all.
Same Old Story
What else can be said about this matchup that hasn’t been said a million times already? It needs to be said once again, but I’ll keep it brief for the sake of our collective sanity.
The Devils just do not know how to win hockey games against the Carolina Hurricanes. They are 0-3-0 against them this season, having been outscored 13-5. They did go 2-2-0 against them last regular season, but of course they also lost in five in the first round of the playoffs. Going back to the second round loss to the Canes in 2023, the Devils are 7-15-1 against the Hurricanes over their last 23 matchups. True horror.
If this team ever wants to fulfill the promise of this current era of Devils hockey, they will need to solve their Carolina problem. They will do nothing of note until that happens.
Carolina Machine Never Breaks
As for the Hurricanes themselves, they are an elite team once again. They have been an elite team for over half a decade now. And odds are they will continue to be an elite team for at least a few more years to come.
They enter this contest sixth-best in the league in both goals scored (247) and goals allowed (208). According to Natural Stat Trick, the Corsi Canes are at it again, leading the NHL in 5-on-5 CF% (59.67), while sitting second in the league behind only Colorado in Expected Goals For% (55.75). Whether it’s the traditional scoreboard or the advanced scoreboard, Carolina is once again near the very top.
They are led by a balanced attack that features a whopping 12 players with at least 10 goals scored. It starts with their best player, Sebastian Aho, who leads the team in points with 72 (25 goals, 47 assists). Their goals leader is blossoming star Seth Jarvis, who comes in with 29 tallies. New addition Nik Ehlers, who the Hurricanes signed this offseason in the hopes that he could be the star power they needed to finally get over the playoff hump, has been chugging along with 22 goals and 59 points. That’s not exactly the true star power the Hurricanes had in mind, but that’s still high-quality production.
On the backend, there has been a little bit of a changing of the guard this season. Jaccob Slavin has been Carolina’s do-everything stud blueliner for a long time now, but he’s battled numerous injuries this season and has only suited up for 31 games. He’s back now, but while he’s his usual defensively stout self, he only has four points (all assists) in his 31 games. Clearly something remains up with him.
Meanwhile Shayne Gostisbehere, another staple in Carolina for a few seasons now, has been out since early March. His timetable remains unclear. So it’s been left to K’Andre Miller and Sean Walker to step up on the blueline. Those two lead Carolina in ice time per game (Miller at 22:35, Walker at 21:55). Be prepared to see both of them a lot this evening.
In net, Freddy Andersen might finally be nearing the end. He enters with a record of 13-12-5 and a save percentage of .871, pretty awful numbers for a team that has been so successful. Taking his mantle has been Brandon Bussi, who is rocking a 26-6-1 record, but only an .894 save percentage. As has been the case for a while now, Carolina just hasn’t been getting good netminding consistently. They keep winning anyway because their roster and system are strong enough to do so, but if teams actually do manage to get shots on their net, look out.
Projected Lineup
Here’s how the Hurricanes lined up in their last contest:
Aside from maybe the goaltending, expect much the same tonight.
Your Take
What do you think of tonight’s matchup? Will the Devils finally win a game against Carolina? Should Dadonov play given the cap implications? Will Luke Hughes continue to ascend? As always, thanks for reading!
DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 15: Head coach Hansi Flick of Barcelona reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona at BVB Stadion Dortmund on April 15, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Mika Volkmann/Getty Images) | Getty Images
According to Diario Sport, there is “total incomprehension” at the situation. The club are furious that Raphinha had to take a “marathon” trip to play a “meaningless” game at a decisive point in the season.
Raphinha has had his injury problems this season and Barca are therefore finding it difficult to understand why he started friendly across the Atlantic for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Flick has already been riled by the way some international teams have treated his players this season, and Raphinha’s setback is said to now be “the straw that breaks the camel’s back.”
Barcelona may well receive compensation from FIFA for Raphinha’s injury but that will matter little to the Catalans ahead of some crucial games in La Liga and the Champions League.
“The Mendoza mafia rolls deep.” That’s how the quarterback describes his family—and for Fernando Mendoza, that support system has been everything.
The Indiana Hoosiers QB is officially taking his talents to the next level in April after declaring for the NFL Draft following a dream season in 2025. Once a lightly recruited prospect out of high school who began his college career at Cal, Mendoza flipped the script in a big way—winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Indiana to a national championship win over Miami in January.
At the heart of it all is his mother, Elsa. Living with multiple sclerosis, she’s been his constant source of strength and motivation.
Who are Fernando Mendoza’s Parents?
Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Fernando Mendoza’s parents are Elsa and Fernando Mendoza Sr.
Why is Fernando Mendoza’s mom in a wheelchair?
Elsa Mendoza has been one of the toughest fighters in Fernando’s corner. And her story hits deeper than football. A former college tennis player at the University of Miami, Elsa was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007 and is now wheelchair-bound. Like the rest of the family, she comes from Cuban roots, with her parents settling in Miami. That resilience? It’s clearly part of the Mendoza DNA.
In December 2025, Elsa shared a heartfelt letter in The Players’ Tribunethat gave fans a closer look at their journey. She admitted she once pictured Fernando following her path in tennis. “My dream was for you to play tennis as I did,” she wrote, recalling how she trained him with her own college drills when he was younger.
What Does Fernando Mendoza’s Dad Do?
Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
His father, Fernando Mendoza Sr., is a medical director at Nicklaus Children’s Health System in Miami, according to his bio and LinkedIn. With Cuban roots, his parents emigrated from Cuba and settled in Miami. Mendoza Sr. brings a strong cultural and professional foundation to the table.
But before the white coat, he had real athletic chops. A gold medalist in rowing at the 1987 Junior World Championships, he later competed at Brown while studying biology. From there, he leveled up academically—earning his medical degree from the University of Florida, completing his residency at Jackson Memorial in Miami, and adding a fellowship at Boston Medical Center.
Does Fernando Mendoza Have Siblings?
Fernando Mendoza has two brothers- Alberto and Max. Alberto plays football with Fernando for the Indiana Hoosiers, and Max is in Miami.
NEED TO KNOW
Is Fernando Mendoza Cuban? Fernando Mendoza was born in Boston and raised in Miami. Both sets of his grandparents were from Cuba and emigrated to the Miami area.
What is Fernando Mendoza’s Religion? Fernando Mendoza is a devout Catholic who is an active member of the Saint Paul Catholic Community Center at Indiana University. He regularly attends mass and credits his faith as a driving force in his life
Fernando Mendoza’s college stats Mendoza has amassed 8,267 passing yards and 71 TDs across California and Indiana. At Cal, during his 2 seasons, he has racked up 4,712 yards and 30 TDs. And at Indiana (2025): 3,535 yards, 41 TDs.
“They had three players on me.” Yildiz discusses his performance v Romania
Kenan Yildiz played a decisive role for Turkiye as they secured a 1 0 victory over Romania to reach the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers playoff. The result marked an important step in their bid to qualify for the tournament, with Yildiz once again demonstrating his growing influence on the international stage.
The attacker has become an increasingly important figure for both club and country in recent seasons. His rapid development and maturity have seen him evolve into a dependable performer, capable of delivering in high-pressure situations.
Influence for Club and Country
At Juventus, Yildiz is regarded as one of the club’s standout players. Despite his relative youth, he is already part of the leadership group, a role that occasionally grants him access to the captain’s armband during matches.
His importance is mirrored at international level, where he is trusted by his manager to play a central role for Turkiye throughout the qualifying campaign. This level of responsibility highlights the confidence placed in his abilities and his continued progression.
Turkiye are determined to secure a place at the World Cup, and Yildiz will be eager to showcase his talent on football’s biggest stage. His performances so far suggest he could be a key figure in helping his nation achieve that objective.
Match Reaction and Performance
The encounter against Romania proved challenging, with the opposition focusing heavily on limiting his impact. As reported by Il Bianconero, Yildiz reflected on the match and the difficulties faced during the opening period.
“We were very defensive in the first half. They had three players on me. We just couldn’t score in the first half. We scored in the second half and things improved.”
His comments underscored Romania’s tactical approach, which sought to neutralise his threat by assigning multiple players to mark him. Despite this attention, Yildiz remained influential and contributed to his team’s eventual success.
No game Friday. Today Cade Horton matches up against our old friend Miles Mikolas, trying to put a bow tie on the series. Mikolas isn’t quite what he used to be, but he still has moxie and tenacity.
We have plenty of videos to watch and some good articles to get you revved up for baseball, if that’s a need. Jason Heyward retired. He might do more for the community than the game, in the end.
“Having Pete on our side and having him around is important to our success, and a guy like that, it’s wins. He’s got another challenge ahead of him now, but he’s ready for it.” — Craig Counsell.
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Please be reminded that Cub Tracks and Bleed Cubbie Blue do not necessarily endorse the content of articles, podcasts, or videos that are linked to in this series.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - FEBRUARY 01: Israel Adesanya of Nigeria prepares to face Nassourdine Imavov of Russia in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at anb Arena on February 01, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Israel Adesanya is out to prove that UFC Seattle isn’t the last ride for “The Last Stylebender.”
It’s difficult to look past the potential worst-case scenarios looming over Adesanya, a two-time UFC middleweight champion and one of the best fighters of his generation. Four months shy of his 37th birthday, Adesanya finds himself in an unprecedented slump, having lost three straight fights dating back to April 2023. A loss to the relatively unheralded Joe Pyfer in Saturday’s main event would truly send Adesanya into a tailspin.
Since a standout performance on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022, Pyfer has scraped and clawed his way up the rankings, winning six of his past seven fights. He can emphatically announce himself as a top 10 contender if he upsets Adesanya.
On top of all that, a disappointing performance from Adesanya could mean Michael Chiesa isn’t the only guy that retires this weekend.
In the flyweight co-main event, Alexa Grasso and Maycee Barber meet in a rematch with Barber looking to avenge a 2021 loss. That’s the last time Barber tasted defeat as she has since rattled off seven consecutive victories and despite a few bumps in the road, she could challenge for UFC gold next if she evens the score with Grasso.
As has been the case with several notable matchups in 2026, we’re going to find out if it’s time for the old guard to give up their spots.
What: UFC Seattle
Where: Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle
When: Saturday, March 28. The seven-fight early preliminary card begins at 5 p.m. ET, followed by a six-fight main card at 8 p.m. ET. The entire event streams live on Paramount+.
Allow me to pick Israel Adesanya to win a fight just one more time. Please.
It’s close, I know. You can feel it. We’re one more “oh no, Izzy was doing great until he got caught” away from flirting with Tyron Woodley/B.J. Penn/Tony Ferguson territory. All it takes is one good shot from Joe Pyfer to put him down. He hasn’t won a fight in three years. He’s closer to the end than the beginning, sixteen years in the combat sports game.
I know.
But this is Adesanya, arguably the second-best middleweight ever. His recent losses are to Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis, and Nassourdine Imavov, three of the five best middleweights right now. Context. Looking at it the other way, he’s huge step up from anyone Pyfer has faced. Who is Pyfer’s best win? Kelvin Gastelum? It was only two years ago that Pyfer was getting tuned up by Jack Hermansson.
A lot can change, and Pyfer is surely better than he was then. Good enough to win a striking battle or wrestle his way to a win against Adesanya? Doubtful. Highly doubtful.
One more time. Adesanya by decision.
Pick: Adesanya
Also, since I asked and y’all were so kind to oblige, here are your thoughts on Saturday’s main event.
Alexa Grasso (6, P4P-11) vs. Maycee Barber (T7)
Similar vibes here in the co-main event as it feels like Alexa Grasso’s championship days are far in the rear-view mirror in the eyes of many fans. Just 32, Grasso has been in this game a long time. Pro debut in 2012, Invicta debut in 2014, and then her UFC journey began in 2016. She’s put in a lot of rounds against high-level competition, including Maycee Barber, funnily enough.
Since that first encounter, Barber’s striking has gotten sharper, though she hasn’t lost that aggressive style that’s helped her to get the edge in a number of decision wins. One thing I’ve always liked about Barber is that she goes in there to do damage. She lacks true finishing power, but you’re rarely going to see her lose due to inactivity.
Speaking of inactivity, Alexa Grasso, everyone! Let’s address that particular elephant because, yeah, the numbers from Grasso’s past two losses don’t look good. She’s landed a little over 60 strikes in her past two fights, one of those a five-rounder, but there’s a reasonable explanation for all this. Valentina Shevchenko grounded her for 25 minutes, a strategy Barber can’t replicate, and Silva is just a better striker than Grasso. Doesn’t sound so bad when you put it that way, right?
If anything, it’s Grasso who I expect to mix the martial arts if Barber leaves openings for this fight to be taken to the mat. Outside of that, Grasso has a sharp counter game, so she’ll box Barber up if “The Future” carelessly wanders into range. Grasso wins this on points unless she wilts again and allows Barber to impose her will on the action.
Pick: Grasso
Michael Chiesa vs. Niko Price
Niko Price, come on down and collect your paycheck, sir. You know what you’re here to do.
It was Price who had the thankless job of helping Robbie Lawler have a feel-good ending to his career and now he plays the part once more for Washington’s own Michael Chiesa. Originally, Chiesa was supposed to fight Carlson Harris, a fine choice for a retirement bout. But Niko Price on a week’s notice? Chef’s kiss.
It should be noted Price has actually been pretty good about not getting submitted in his career, usually because he’s too busy walking into his opponent’s punches. So there’s an outside shot he survives Chiesa’s dangerous grappling and lands something big on the feet and spoils the party. Unlikely.
Chiesa will allow himself to trade some shots on the feet, because why not, but he’ll eventually take this fight where he needs it to go and batter Price on the ground. And you know what? In support of my dude Jed Meshew’s favorite bet this week, I’m picking Chiesa to score his first (non-Ultimate Fighter) knockout. Let’s go!
Pick: Chiesa
Julian Erosa vs. Lerryan Douglas
Julian Erosa can pull off the upset here… just don’t make Lerryan Douglas angry.
If you’ve watched any of Douglas’ recent LFA fights, you know the Brazilian is just getting started when his opponent gains an advantage. He’s a classic “nobody makes me bleed my own blood” guy who locks in when he’s wounded, coming forward and throwing with power in both hands. He won’t shy away from a grappling contest either and there could be some fun scrambles if the lanky Erosa wants to go hold for hold.
It just so happens that Erosa’s biggest weakness, a shaky chin, happens to be something Douglas can capitalize on, so the wide odds favoring the UFC newcomer are justified. Douglas catches him in the second round and puts him down for the count.
Pick: Douglas
Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Yousri Belgaroui
We’ve got a nice trio of intriguing middleweight prospects with Mansur Abdul-Malik, Ateba Gautier, and Damian Pinas in the mix right now, and for the most part the matchmaking for the trio has been solid. Abdul-Malik arguably gets the toughest test this group has seen yet with experienced kickboxer Yousri Belgaroui.
At 6-foot-6, Belgaroui is a headache for anyone at 185 pounds, though Abdul-Malik’s impressive 80-inch reach will mitigate some of the size differential. You have to imagine Abdul-Malik’s best approach is to tackle Belgaroui and Hulk Smash him into oblivion, but Belgaroui has functional grappling defense so if Abdul-Malik doesn’t see early returns, the wrestling could deplete his gas tank as the fight goes on.
Even though I don’t see Belgaroui as having the upside as the above-mentioned prospects, I like him as the slight underdog here based on his overall combat sports experience. We’re going to find out fast if Abdul-Malik can deal with a high-level striker, because if he can, he jumps to the front of the prospect line.
I’m going Belgaroui by knockout.
Pick: Belgaroui
Terrance McKinney vs. Kyle Nelson
Terrance McKinney wins a methodical decision after a tactical three-round ba—hahahahahaha, I kid, I kid.
Take the under. Between Terrance McKinney being an insane finisher and also possibly the most defensively suspect fighter on the active roster, I cannot possibly pick a winner with confidence. Especially given Kyle Nelson’s nasty habit of playing the spoiler.
For the vibes, I’m picking McKinney to get the finish (in Round 1, of course) and pick up, at the very least, one of those mandatory $25,000 bonuses after somehow being passed over for post-fight awards despite all seven of his UFC finishes happening in the first round.
Few teams in world football have the international fanbase that Liverpool FC can boast. In Premier League terms, only Manchester United has more across the globe. It can be difficult to accurately estimate how many LFC fans there are globally; most estimates put the figure at around 200 million.
We’re going to look at how important this is from a commercial perspective and how it impacts every element of the club, from local supporters to how the club operates at a board level when deciding which manager to bring in and which players to sign.
Attracting International Superstars
This year, we’re going to see the return of the greatest football spectacle on Earth – the FIFA World Cup, in which Liverpool will have several first-team regulars playing. Commercially speaking, having a strong club presence at the tournament helps bring in more international fans.
The 2026 World Cup marks the first time that 48 teams will participate in the competition. While this gives more players the chance to compete in front of a global audience that no other sporting event will reach, it is important from a commercial perspective that some of the key LFC players – such as Florian Wirtz, Mo Salah and Alexis Mac Allister – are firing on all cylinders.
With more teams and a record number of matches on the schedule, the 2026 World Cup is also expected to drive unprecedented engagement in the sports betting markets, as fans worldwide look to back their favourite superstars in every fixture. This surge in global interest not only boosts the club’s visibility but also heightens the stakes for every goal scored and every clean sheet kept by a Liverpool player on the world stage.
It is this high-stakes environment which makes the performance of the club’s established leaders so vital. For instance, many Reds will be watching the Netherlands defence closely, hoping that their captain Virgil Van Dijk can put in a good showing at what will likely be his last World Cup.
Nations like Egypt, which have a talisman in Salah, have cultivated an enormous LFC fanbase solely because of his success with millions of new fans, many of whom travel to Liverpool on a matchday. Although this relationship was briefly fractured following the issues Salah had earlier in the season, there’s no denying that bringing in international superstars – especially those who can fire the Reds to Champions League and Premier League glory – has a profound impact both on the pitch and off it.
Moving With The Times
When Sky transformed English football in 1992, it set off a chain reaction which made the Premier League the most expensive, most-watched and highest-rated in the world. At the spearhead of this transformation were the big clubs in English football, most notably Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.
However, as the 21st century came and went, other teams soughts to crash this party, some with greater success than others. Three previous Premier League clubs have found themselves in the second tier since the mid-90s, while others like Arsenal have gone more than 20 years without a top-flight title, although that could change in the next few weeks.
(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Partly because of the exposure stemming from Sky and the shift in sports media toward an international audience, Anfield is now a global tourist attraction. It is the number one-rated attraction in Liverpool on TripAdvisor, surpassing the likes of The Beatles Story, and you only have to take a walk around the area on a matchday to get a true flavour of the cultural melting pot of the LFC fanbase.
You can hear Danish, Hindi, scores of Irish, Japanese, and people from all over England. It is this global appeal which brings tens of millions of pounds into the city every season, and until you travel the world and see how many people support the club, it is actually quite difficult to get a true grasp on how many international Reds fans there are.
Bringing Back The Glory Days
When a sports product becomes as globally successful as the Premier League, it goes without saying that the teams who win it stand to bring in millions of new global fans. Maybe these don’t have quite the same connection to the city that locals do, but the game is bigger than that now.
Back in the mid-20th century, football clubs were an extension of their community and deeply entwined with their roots, but with the majority of Premier League clubs now owned by billionaires, it’s a case of moving with the times or risk becoming irrelevant, as many giants of the English game have.
Without international recognition and a large global fanbase, the commercial return is much smaller. It lowers ticket prices; teams receive less TV and broadcast revenue, and merchandise sales (e.g. replica shirts) decline significantly.
Jürgen Klopp brought back the glory days for Liverpool, securing their first league title in 30 years and a coveted Champions League trophy, and that success grew the club’s international fanbase.
Final Thoughts
Combining all of this, some clubs face losing tens of millions per year if they find themselves outside the top 6 for a few years or languishing in the relegation zone.
Although Liverpool are not in any imminent danger of the drop, it is crucial that their success matches the club’s global appeal. A healthy global fanbase reflects a winning team on the pitch and shows that LFC is operating as it should at multiple levels.
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu (97) disrupts a pass by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. | Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Free agency has slowed down, and while the Colts have made a number of moves, this roster is still far from complete.
Some key decisions are already locked in. Daniel Jones is back. Alec Pierce has been signed long-term. The defensive line added depth. But when you take a step back and look at the full roster, there are still several clear needs that need to be addressed if this team is going to take a real step forward.
Let’s break down the remaining needs, in order of most important to least important.
1. Edge Rusher
This is still the biggest need on the roster. Coupled with the fact that this is arguably the 2nd most important position on a football team, the Colts are lacking a true complimentary pass rusher to Laiatu Latu.
The Colts did a nice job adding depth with players like Arden Key and Michael Clemons, and even Colby Wooden brings some flexibility to move around the front. But depth isn’t the issue anymore. High-end production is.
Laiatu Latu looks like a quality starting edge rusher, but he can’t be the only player offenses have to worry about. Right now, there isn’t a true second threat on the edge who can consistently win one-on-one and take pressure off him.
If the Colts want their defense to work the way it’s supposed to, they need another legitimate pass rusher. A strong interior group with Buckner and Stewart helps, but without consistent edge pressure, quarterbacks will still have too much time.
Adding a true complement to Latu — and ideally an upgrade over Kwity Paye — would change the entire dynamic of the defense.
2. Off-Ball Linebacker
This is quietly one of the bigger problems on the team.
The Colts moved on from Zaire Franklin (much to the joy of many Colts fans) and didn’t bring back Germaine Pratt. They added Akeem Davis-Gaither, which is fine as a depth or complementary piece, but it doesn’t solve the issue.
This defense has lacked a true versatile linebacker for years — someone who can run, cover, and hold up in space. Long are the days of quality well rounded linebacker play from the likes of Gary Brackett or Jerrell Freeman.
Davis-Gaither isn’t a high-end player you build around. He’s someone who needs help next to him. Right now, the Colts don’t have that player. They need an athletic linebacker who can stay on the field in passing situations and not become a liability, like Franklin was.
Until they find that, the middle of the defense will continue to be an area offenses attack.
3. Wide Receiver
Keeping Alec Pierce was important, but it didn’t solve everything.
If Michael Pittman Jr. is no longer part of the picture, there’s a clear hole in the offense. Josh Downs is best suited in the slot. Pierce fits as the vertical outside threat. Tyler Warren adds another dimension.
But there’s still a missing piece.
The Colts need another receiver who can line up outside, win in different ways, and give the offense a more complete group. Right now, they don’t have a true replacement for Pittman on the roster.
Ashton Dulin is a solid depth player and special teamer, but he’s not the answer as a primary option. The Colts need someone who can step in and be a reliable, well-rounded receiver alongside Pierce and Downs.
4. Safety
This is a spot that might have an answer to replace Nick Cross, but it’s not promising.
Nick Cross is gone, and the Colts haven’t replaced him with a true starter. Cam Bynum is a very good player, but he can’t carry the position on his own.
Right now, the group behind him — Hunter Wohler, Jonathan Owens, Juanyeh Thomas — looks more like depth and rotational pieces than a true starting solution.
That’s the issue.
You need stability on the back end, especially if your pass rush isn’t elite. Without it, coverage breaks down, and big plays follow. The Colts need someone who can step in next to Bynum and give them a reliable starting duo.
The reason this is in 4th is because with a stronger front 7, the Colts can afford to role with Bynum and either Wohler/Owens/Thomas as the other starter and not see a big drop off in play.
5. Offensive Line Depth
The starting five is solid enough.
The problem is what happens after that.
The Colts lost players like Braden Smith and Danny Pinter, and right now there isn’t much behind the starters. There’s no clear swing tackle and no versatile interior lineman who can step in if needed.
Over the course of a full season, that becomes a real issue.
Offensive line injuries are inevitable. And when they happen, the drop-off right now would be significant. If the Colts are serious having a top tier offense for the entire season, they need better depth here.
6. Running Back Depth
This is the least urgent need, but it still matters.
Jonathan Taylor is a star and the engine of the offense, but relying on him for everything isn’t ideal. The Colts could use another back who can step in and keep the offense functional without a major drop-off.
Someone who can handle third downs, catch out of the backfield, and pass protect would add real value.
It’s not about replacing Taylor. It’s about supporting him so he’s not burnt out in December and January.
When you strip it all down, the Colts have three pressing needs: edge rusher, off-ball linebacker, and wide receiver.
The problem is they only have a second and third-round pick to realistically address two of those spots. That leaves at least one major hole that needs to be filled elsewhere.
That’s where free agency comes in.
The Colts should be using the remaining part of free agency to fill at least one of those three major needs, while also adding depth along the offensive line. You can’t go into a season this important with clear weaknesses and hope everything breaks right.
This is a team in win-now mode.
And if that’s the case, they need to check every box and build a roster that doesn’t have obvious holes. Because when your margin for error is this thin, even one weakness can be the thing that holds everything back.
Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images
Tiger Woods was arrested for driving under the influence after a car crash in Florida yesterday, according to officials.
Woods and the other driver involved in this two-car collision were uninjured. Woods was subsequently released from the Martin County Jail on Friday night. His breathalyser test registered a 0.00 according to the police. However, deputies determined Woods was impaired and said he did not submit to a urine test.
This is the latest in a series of driving-related incidents relating to Woods. In 2021, Woods was in danger of losing his leg after a rollover crash in Los Angeles, which required him to undergo a number of surgeries.
He was aiming to return to The Masters this year, and made his first competitive appearance since a back surgery in 2025 this week at the TGL final.
Photo by Adam Glanzman/TGL/TGL Golf via Getty Images
President Donald Trump’s reaction to Tiger Woods’ car crash
President Donald Trump shares a close relationship with Woods. Woods is married to Trump’s former daughter-in-law, Vanessa Trump, and he awarded Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019.
He was asked to comment on the news of Woods’ recent crash, and he said, “I feel so badly. He’s got some difficulties. There was an accident, and that’s all I know. A very close friend of mine, he’s an amazing person, an amazing man, but some difficulties.”
Trump recently made news by commenting on the potential of Woods’ Masters return. He appeared to have some inside information on the matter.
He said yesterday, “I love Tiger, but he won’t be there. He’ll be there. He’ll be there, but he won’t be playing in it.”
And clearly, after this incident, the likelihood of Woods teeing off at Augusta in a few weeks’ time has been severely reduced.
The NCAA men's basketball tournament is one step away from setting the 2026 Final Four Field as the Elite Eight begins Saturday night.
In a Big Ten matchup Saturday, Illinois will play Iowa at 6:09 p.m. ET in the South Region final. Big Ten tournament champion Purdue will face Arizona at 8:49 p.m. ET in the West Region final.
On Sunday, Michigan will play Tennessee at 2:15 p.m. ET in the Midwest Region final. Duke will face UConn at 5:05 p.m. ET on the East.
See below for the Elite Eight matchups, along with additional information on how to watch the 2026 Men's March Madness tournament.
PurplePTSD works in partnership with Vikings Territory, similarly doing their utmost to offer top-notch coverage of the Minnesota Vikings. As a result, we’re promoting five of their top articles of the past month in “The P/PTSD Perspective.” Take a peek at some of their best stuff.
The Minnesota Vikings’ state-of-the-art TCO Performance Center is shown in Eagan, Minnesota, on Jul 28, 2018. This world-class facility serves as the team’s headquarters, featuring cutting-edge training, rehabilitation, and meeting spaces. Since its opening, it has become the central hub for all things Vikings, from offseason prep to daily operations. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
2) Vikings Called Landing Spot for Big Rival Defender: Minnesota’s defensive line has plenty of young talent. What’s not as plentiful is established, high-floor veteran talent. Maybe the add ends up being Christian Wilkins. Or, perhaps, the rival defender with hulking size.
3) Ex-Vikings is Headed to Arizona: Lately, the focus has been on talent moving in the opposite direction. That’s what will happen when a QB as promising as Kyler Murray gets cut and then signed. Turns out the NFL’s talent exchange is a two-way street.
Sep 20, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) against the Washington Football Team at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
4) Vikings Evidently Have a Trade Asset: Several, in fact. Rumors have been out there for a little while, but nothing has happened so far. Rob Brzezinski has been very patient. The upcoming draft is very likely to involve at least some shuffling.
5) Vikings Signal Interest in Young DT, TE, and LB: ‘Tis the season for meeting with draft prospects. In less than a month, the 2026 NFL Draft will have come and gone. Pretty wild, right? Minnesota needs to crush the event, pulling off a talent heist that mirrors the 2015 effort.
Feb 3, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Minnesota Vikings mascot Viktor during NFC practice for the Pro Bowl at Las Vegas Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Sky issue morning update: Club now accepting it’ll be ‘extremely difficult’ to keep £87m star amid MUFC interest
RB Leipzig will do everything in their power to keep Yan Diomande for at least another season amid growing interest in the starlet.
According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Philipp Hinze, Leipzig are conceding it’ll be ‘extremely difficult’ to retain their coveted attacker beyond the summer window.
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Yan Diomande: The state of play
Behind the scenes, the German outfit are trying to persuade Diomande to rebuff outside interest and stay put for 2026/2027, having only joined the club last July.
They will also look to try and deter suitors by setting his price tag at €100 million (£87.1m), albeit this wouldn’t be too much of an issue for some Premier League sides.
The Red Devils’ financial situation is poised to look pretty healthy come the end of the season if they secure Champions League qualification, while they will be facilitating the exits of Marcus Rashford to Barcelona for £26m, and Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli for £38m.
It’s also expected that the likes of Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte will be sold, paving the way for more than one marquee signing at Old Trafford.
How Diomande is getting on during first Leipzig season
In regard to how Diomande is faring in his maiden Bundesliga term, he has returned a hugely impressive 10 goals and seven assists in 26 appearances and just 1,878 minutes of action.
One Red Bull representative previously told Flashscore that the 19-year-old is ‘the most gifted player within our system since Erling Haaland.’
The teenager is also now an established Ivory Coast international, where he’s notched three goals in his first nine caps.
Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, based on the way the roster is currently constructed, the New Orleans Saints have quite a few gaps left to fill if they wish to compete for a division title in 2026. Kellen Moore and Tyler Shough are leading the renaissance after multiple years of less-than-optimal play from the previous regime. Now, getting weapons for Shough and building a competent defense are the primary focuses.
A name that has popped up in recent discussions pre-draft is Utah tight end Dallen Bentley, who was recently reported to be the subject of interest from the Saints, including multiple visits.
Bentley is an extremely impressive and well-rounded prospect who broke out onto the scene in a big way this past season. After only posting 20 receiving yards total in his first two seasons, 2025 was a completely different story, as he put together 48 receptions for 620 yards and 6 touchdowns, good for 12.9 yards per reception.
Source: The #Saints and #Lions have expressed “significant” interest in Utah TE Dallen Bentley.
Bentley met with all 32 teams and also had multiple interviews with the following:
He has solid size at 6-foot-4, 253 pounds, and tested extremely well athletically at the combine. He participated in the vast majority of tests, posting a 4.62-second 40-yard dash, 1.62-second 10-yard split, 35-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-10 broad jump, 4.42-second shuttle, and 24 bench press reps, all of which combine to show a highly athletic and explosive prospect.
With the Saints already having Juwan Johnson, Noah Fant, and Moliki Matavao, it is intriguing to see them continue to show interest in the position. That said, adding more talent to the room is never a bad thing, especially if they intend to run more 12-personnel in 2026.
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham regrets surgery decision
Jude Bellingham has had his injury problems since joining Real Madrid, with the latest having recently come to an end. His appearance in last weekend’s Madrid derby ended a seven-week absence caused by a hamstring tear, and while he admitted that he struggled mentally during this period, it was not the hardest of his time at the Bernabeu.
Back in November, just months into his Real Madrid career, Bellingham dislocated his shoulder during a match against Rayo Vallecano. He only missed a couple of weeks of action at the time, but it eventually led to him undergoing surgery almost two years later.
Speaking on his JB5 app (via Cadena SER), Bellingham opened up on that initial injury against Rayo, which he labelled as the worst pain he’s ever felt.
“It all started on the day of the match against Rayo. It was the most painful sensation I had gone through so far. I felt like it took forever until they put it back in place… and it was only 90 seconds from when they entered the field.”
Bellingham: I should’ve had surgery sooner
It was not the first time Bellingham had injured his shoulder, and previously, he opted not to undergo surgery – a decision that he would come to regret in the years after.
“Previously I was able to put it on once when it came out. In my last season at Dortmund, at the beginning, they already told me that I had to have shoulder surgery, after a bad fall. I knew something wasn’t right, but it was August-September and the World Cup was in December, that’s why I didn’t have surgery.
“When I arrived in Madrid I was in no pain. Everyone told me that I had to have surgery anyway, but it was my first year at Real Madrid and I didn’t want to leave the team stranded and be out for three months. The shoulder injury had a lot of effect on the rest of my body. I didn’t have much pain, but playing knowing that if I fall it can come out again makes me not be able to be at the best level.”
Bellingham also revealed that he could’ve undergone surgery in the summer of 2024, but after losing the Euro 2024 final to Spain, he did not want that to be his final action for a number of months.
“I didn’t want it to be my last taste in my mouth for three months, but that would have been the best time to have surgery. I decided to continue for another year and I shouldn’t have done it. Last year made me understand that I couldn’t take it for granted to win again. Now I’m better physically and I can get back to my level.”
Mar 27, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies (1) celebrates after a home run against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Braves began the 2026 season on a high note after Friday’s 6-0 win over the Kansas City Royals. Ozzie Albies, Drake Baldwin, and Michael Harris II joined in on the fun and each homered. Together, the Braves recorded 11 hits and capitalized on the Royals’ weak spots.
On the other side of the ball, leather was flashed and the pitching staff showed up big. Chris Sale earned the start, and though a bit shaky in the beginning, he finished the night allowing just three hits through six innings. He walked three and struck out six. The bullpen came to play, too, and allowed just two more hits after Sale’s exit.
The Braves go for the series win tonight at 7:15 ET.
More Braves News:
Additional television deals continue to be announced, as Fubo and DIRECTV are now carrying BravesVision.
The Gwinnett Stripers have announced their Opening Day roster, and it does not include Jhancarlos Lara.
MLB News:
Jason Heyward has announced his retirement after a 16 year career.
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND - FEBRUARY 12: Head coach Brenda Frese of the Maryland Terrapins talks with Oluchi Okananwa #7 during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Xfinity Center on February 12, 2026 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s been impossible to be on any sports social media algorithm this week without seeing Brenda Frese’s impassioned speech to guard Oluchi Okananwa during the third quarter of Maryland women’s basketball’s NCAA Tournament loss to North Carolina.
Very intense conversation between Brenda Frese and Oluchi Okananwa, who’s struggling.
Frese took an out-of-sorts Okananwa out of the game to implore her to “lock in” and affirm her belief in the guard as the leader of Maryland’s team. When Okananwa checked back into the game a minute later, she instantly drove hard to the rim and scored. Then, she forced a Tar Heels timeout with an aggressive trap, which she celebrated emphatically with her coach.
The intensity of Frese’s speech in combination with Okananwa’s response made it go viral, with every major sports account from Bleacher Report to Barstool Sports sharing it, mostly with praise of Frese’s coaching.
Many heaped praise onto Frese and Okananwa for embracing an old-school style of coaching, invoking old legends like Bobby Knight known for throwing chairs onto the court out of frustration. Others preemptively called out anyone who would have a problem with it and predicted it would cause controversy which never seemed to come.
In reality, though, the moment had nothing to do with Frese being a “soft” or “hard” coach or an “old-school” or “new-school” coach. It’s about what has made her one of the best head coaches in women’s basketball since she took over Maryland’s program in 2002.
Frese is a player’s coach in the truest sense of the term — she consistently develops personal relationships with her players and understands the right way to deliver messages of motivation to them.
“It’s always been a pulse I’ve been able to have with individuals and players,” Frese said after the game. “You can’t have [those conversations] without a relationship.”
Okananwa has been Maryland’s alpha all season. She prides herself on being an “Energizer bunny,” relentlessly chasing the other team’s best guard around the perimeter and then attacking them on the other end. So when Maryland needed a comeback effort, Frese knew Okananwa needed to be jolted awake with an intense challenge.
Okananwa’s response was no surprise. As Frese yelled at her she replied, “I do want the moment, coach.” She expanded on the love she has for Frese and her coaching style after the game.
“I’ll keep on telling her this until forever, I love to be coached hard, and that’s what she does with me every single day,” Okananwa said.
This isn’t Frese’s default motivation style for every player on the team, though.
Okananwa wasn’t the only one struggling — two of Maryland’s senior captains, Saylor Poffenbarger and Yarden Garzon, also had a difficult game. Neither could find any shooting rhythm, and they ended the game a combined 0/16 from three.
Frese didn’t take either of them out of the game for an intense speech because as two quiet but fierce competitors, neither has shown that they respond to that style of coaching. They were doing everything they could to help their team, but shots just weren’t falling — no speech could change that. After the game, Frese had nothing but positive things to say about them.
“They should be able to live with the [fact that] they tried to do everything they can,” Frese said. “It was just awesome to be able to bring [Poffenbarger] back home… and [Garzon], the winner and competitor she is, our staff really enjoyed having her all season.”
Frese consistently strikes a balance of accountability and intensity without throwing her players under the bus for mistakes. This is what makes her exceedingly popular among players who have come through her program.
“I’m so blessed that I’ve been welcomed to the program the way that I have,” Okananwa said. “All I want is to keep on playing for [Frese], for this program, for this name that we wear on our chest as hard as I can.”
As of right now, the Terps have no open roster spots for next season, but with the transfer portal, that’s likely to change at some point. If it does, the virality of the moment will be sure to serve as a recruiting pitch for any player in the portal that wants to join the culture of accountability that Frese has cultivated for over 20 years.
Report: Liverpool considering €80m bid for Nottingham Forest star
Liverpool Eyeing Murillo Move as Defensive Planning Intensifies
Liverpool’s long term defensive planning has come into sharper focus, with fresh reporting from TEAMtalkoutlining serious interest in Murillo. The Liverpool hierarchy appear to be laying the groundwork for a significant summer move, with an €80 million bid under consideration.
Strategic Planning Behind Murillo Interest
There is a clear logic underpinning this pursuit. As TEAMtalk reports, “Liverpool are considering making a huge bid” for the Nottingham Forest centre back, who has impressed across a challenging campaign.
The need is obvious. With Virgil van Dijk now 34 and Ibrahima Konate approaching the end of his contract, Liverpool are entering a transitional phase at the heart of defence. TEAMtalk states that Murillo is viewed as “a possible long term option” to succeed Van Dijk, a line that reinforces how seriously this move is being considered internally.
Murillo’s profile fits the modern Liverpool blueprint, aggressive in duels, composed in possession, and tactically adaptable. At 23, he represents both immediate quality and future security.
Photo IMAGO
Transfer Competition Set to Intensify
Liverpool are far from alone in their admiration. TEAMtalk highlights that “Manchester United have already held ‘preliminary discussions’” regarding Murillo, while interest from Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea further complicates the landscape.
European heavyweights are also circling. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona are monitoring developments, a detail that adds weight to the player’s rising reputation.
One line from TEAMtalk stands out, Murillo is “very unlikely to stay at Forest next season”. That sentiment reflects both his trajectory and Forest’s uncertain position, particularly if relegation becomes a factor.
Financial Commitment Signals Intent
The proposed €80 million valuation is significant, but not excessive in the current market for elite defenders. Liverpool’s willingness to invest at that level suggests confidence in Murillo’s ceiling.
Alongside this, TEAMtalk also reports that Fenway Sports Group are prepared to offer “a big salary” to Aurelien Tchouameni, indicating a broader recruitment strategy that spans both defence and midfield.
This dual approach hints at a club preparing for its next competitive cycle, balancing experience with emerging talent.
Summer Window Could Define Liverpool’s Next Phase
There is a growing sense that Liverpool’s upcoming transfer window will shape the direction of the next few seasons. The Murillo pursuit aligns with a proactive, rather than reactive, strategy.
As one could interpret from the reporting, this is not simply opportunistic scouting. It is targeted succession planning. “Keen interest” is rarely used lightly in recruitment circles, and the mention of a specific €80 million figure suggests advanced internal discussions.
Should Liverpool act decisively, they would be securing one of the most sought after young defenders in Europe, while simultaneously addressing a looming structural need.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this report is both encouraging and slightly concerning. Encouraging, because it shows clear planning. Concern, because it highlights how much work still needs to be done.
Murillo looks like exactly the type of signing Liverpool should be making. Young, aggressive, technically sound, and already proven in the Premier League. If Van Dijk’s influence is to be replaced over time, it cannot be done with a short term fix. It requires someone ready to grow into that responsibility.
However, the competition listed in the report raises questions. When clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona are involved, Liverpool cannot afford hesitation. Decisiveness will be key.
There is also the wider context. Despite Arne Slot delivering a Premier League title in his first season, the current campaign has been inconsistent, with the team sitting 5th after heavy investment. That makes this next window even more critical.
Spending €80 million on Murillo would signal intent, but it must be part of a wider, coherent rebuild. The mention of Tchouameni reinforces that idea, but execution will define success.
Ultimately, this feels like a pivotal moment. Get it right, and Liverpool could re establish themselves at the top. Get it wrong, and the transition period could stretch longer than expected.
Journalist: Liverpool eyeing move to sign midfielder ‘similar to Rodri’
Lewis Steele Confirms Liverpool’s Interest in Premier League Midfielder
On the latest Media Matters episode from Anfield Index, Dave Davis and Lewis Steele turned their attention to midfield targets, with Adam Wharton emerging as a standout option for Liverpool.
Steele spoke highly of the player, stating, “I think he’s class, I really do.” That endorsement reflects genuine admiration and suggests Wharton is firmly on Liverpool’s radar ahead of the summer window.
He went further in describing Wharton’s qualities, offering a stylistic comparison, “he’s like a Spanish midfielder in an Englishman’s body, a bit similar to a Sergio Busquets or a Rodri,” highlighting his technical ability and composure in possession.
Midfield role suits Liverpool needs
The discussion made clear why Wharton appeals from a tactical perspective. Steele explained that he “can sit in those deeper line pockets and dictate play,” pointing to a role Liverpool may look to strengthen.
This profile aligns with the need for control and balance in midfield, particularly as Liverpool assess squad depth and long term options. Steele suggested that Wharton could be a natural fit within the system Liverpool are building.
Potential squad changes open door
Wharton’s relevance is also linked to uncertainty within the current squad. Steele referenced concerns around existing players, noting that Curtis Jones has “an uncertain future” due to limited game time.
That context strengthens the case for a midfield addition. Steele explicitly connected the two situations, stating, “then I think Adam Wharton’s the perfect replacement.”
This framing positions Wharton not just as a target, but as a logical solution to a developing squad issue.
Transfer complications remain
Despite the clear interest, Steele acknowledged that a deal would not be straightforward. “Don’t know how much he would cost,” he admitted, highlighting financial uncertainty around the move.
He also pointed to the negotiating stance of Crystal Palace, referencing how difficult deals can be, noting that leadership there is “quite stubborn when it comes to selling players.”
This suggests that even if Liverpool pursue Wharton, they may face significant resistance and a high asking price.
Photo: IMAGO
Liverpool weighing summer priorities
The conversation ultimately placed Wharton within a broader transfer strategy. Liverpool are expected to address multiple areas of the squad, meaning decisions will need to be carefully prioritised.
While attacking reinforcements remain a major focus, the midfield cannot be overlooked, particularly if departures or reduced roles create gaps.
Key decision ahead for Liverpool
The Media Matters discussion presents Adam Wharton as a highly regarded option who fits Liverpool’s style and future needs. Steele’s praise and tactical insight underline why the club would be interested.
However, as with many of Liverpool’s potential targets, the challenge lies in execution. Cost, competition and squad priorities will all influence whether this interest turns into a concrete move.
As the summer window approaches, Wharton’s name is one to watch closely within Liverpool’s evolving transfer plans.
Photo by Stephen Blackberry/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Jorge Martin’s only path to stay with Aprilia in 2027 appears to be a move down to Trackhouse.
Before the 2026 MotoGP season began, reports suggested Jorge Martin would leave Aprilia for Yamaha in 2027, aligning with the introduction of new regulations.
This came on the same day that Fabio Quartararo had apparently decided to leave Yamaha and join Honda for 2027, so it felt like a knee-jerk reaction from Yamaha.
But with Yamaha struggling early in the season and Aprilia winning the opening two Grands Prix, Martin might be second-guessing his decision. There are whispers that he could stay within the Aprilia setup, but taking a step back to a satellite team doesn’t seem likely.
Jorge Martin unlikely to rejoin a satellite MotoGP team
Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images
On The Race’s MotoGP Podcast, Simon Patterson spoke about the idea of Jorge Martin staying with Aprilia through a spot at Trackhouse Racing.
He was quick to shut down the possibility, saying it is ‘not going to happen’ since Martin would not be keen on returning to a satellite team after his title win with Pramac in 2024.
Patterson explained, “There is no such thing as a hopeless Japanese MotoGP project when coming into a new regulation cycle, they will find a way out of it. Because of budgets, even Ducati and Aprilia when you speak to them they are really jealous of the budgets that the Japanese manufacturers can throw at their MotoGP projects, that just is the way it is.
“That is also reflected in Martin’s new salary, I imagine, which is probably going to be three or four times what he is getting at Aprilia. The only way Martin stays at Aprilia is with Trackhouse, and can any of us see him riding a satellite bike again. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt, quite literally. So yeah, that is not going to happen.”
Joan Mir Unlikely to replace Ai Ogura at Trackhouse Racing
Patterson also touched on the rumours linking Joan Mir to a switch from Honda to Trackhouse Racing, suggesting that if it happened, Raul Fernandez would be the one to make way.
Ai Ogura seems set for another season with Trackhouse in 2027. He first joined the team in 2025 and has been making steady progress throughout his time there.
Patterson said, “There is this weird Joan Mir rumour that keeps coming up, the reason I say it is weird is because if they sign Joan Mir it would come at the expense of Raul Fernandez… I think this is a case of wires getting crossed from where people have speculated to the point that it has become fact.
“I’m not saying that means it is not going to happen, but right now it does not look like something that is close to being set in stone. And, I think they are going to do everything they can to keep Ogura on the other side of the box.”
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Ahead of their Sweet 16 matchup against LSU, Duke players were loath to put too much stock into their December loss to the Tigers in the ACC-SEC Challenge. The common refrain from players and coaches alike was, “We’re a better team now. They’re a better team now.”
Duke has showcased its improvement from a 3-6 start to the season throughout the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils lost to Baylor on opening day, blowing a fourth-quarter lead, then blew them out in the tournament’s second round. After losing by double digits to LSU in the ACC-SEC Challenge, Duke won in dramatic fashion in the Sweet 16, overcoming another blown fourth-quarter lead with an Ashlon Jackson buzzer-beating 3-pointer that whirled around the rim for two full revolutions before falling in.
Now, the Blue Devils have a third consecutive opportunity for a get-back against the opponent who handed them their worst loss of the season: UCLA. The Bruins beat Duke by 30 points in the consolation game of the Players’ Era championship in November, the third of four straight defeats for the Blue Devils. Even without Lauren Betts, UCLA obliterated Duke to start its 28-game winning streak leading into Sunday’s Elite Eight showdown.
The Bruins coaches who were tasked with scouting the Blue Devils on Friday night quickly dispelled the notion that the Players’ Era game tape would mean much of anything, not after Duke gave everything it had to take down a veteran-laden Tigers squad in a matchup that included seven ties and nine lead changes, two in the final 10 seconds.
Just as it was in the Sweet 16, both No. 1 seed UCLA and No. 3 seed Duke are better teams than they were the last time they met. But once again, the impetus is on the Blue Devils to prove their worth and flip the script from that 89-59 November loss — even if they won’t frame it that way.
“We’re just going to focus on just playing UCLA, not looking at it as a revenge game or anything, just playing it as a regular game,” senior Taina Mair said.
Behind Mair’s steady hand at the point guard position, Duke has become a much more potent offensive team. Mair had four points on 2-of-11 shooting in the first game against UCLA but has come a long way since. The senior guard was the ACC tournament MVP after averaging nearly 15 points, nine rebounds and five assists over three games. She was one point shy of her season-high with 22 against the Tigers and had four assists to one turnover to help the Blue Devils win the possession battle in the Sweet 16.
Duke’s offensive rating was 8.2 points per 100 possessions better in ACC play than in the nonconference schedule. Although league play looked like a respite from the murderer’s row to start the season, the ACC looks much stronger with the benefit of hindsight. Four teams are still alive in the tournament, including Notre Dame joining the Blue Devils in the Elite Eight.
Mair’s ability to take care of the ball will be critical against the Bruins, specifically in keeping Kiki Rice out of the open floor. Eight of Rice’s 21 points in UCLA’s Sweet 16 win came in transition.
Duke has also had more success of late because of its improvement on the glass. The Blue Devils were outrebounded against the Bruins in November in a game when neither Lauren nor Sienna Betts was available. In Friday’s regional semifinal, Duke had five more offensive rebounds than LSU, which was this season’s best team in the country on the offensive glass. But it was the Blue Devils who had seven more second-chance points, the last three coming on a second-chance possession that resulted in Jackson’s game-winner.
Throughout the season, UCLA coach Cori Close has harped on a few details that her team hasn’t always executed well; among them are giving up too many 3-pointers and not securing out-of-area rebounds. That Duke has gotten better in those specific facets bodes well for this matchup.
The Blue Devils also have a different rotation than the last time they saw the Bruins. In November, Jadyn Donovan was still in the starting lineup. Although Donovan’s defense was critical for the 2024-25 Duke roster, her lack of spacing made this season’s Blue Devils too easy to guard because Donovan’s defender helped off of her and made the rest of the team play 4-on-5.
Riley Nelson’s addition to the starting lineup gives Duke shooting threats at every position. The redshirt sophomore hadn’t quite figured out her role against UCLA, only taking two shots off the bench; in the ACC tournament final, she hit the dagger 3-pointer to save the Blue Devils against Louisville. Against LSU, she had to defend Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams, and both shot below their normal shooting percentages.
“(Nelson’s) versatility opens up a lot for us,” Jackson said. “She’s a big, big key for us in, not just on the offensive end but on the defensive end.”
With Toby Fournier in form — she had 22 points and made 10 of 12 free throws despite entering the game shooting 56.6 percent from the line, Delaney Thomas anchoring the defense and Arianna Roberson providing shot-blocking, the Blue Devils have all the ingredients to continue their tournament run.
Earlier this week, coach Kara Lawson challenged the narrative that Duke’s loss to LSU, which spurred a 17-game winning streak, was a turning point.
“There were six of them. There were a lot of losses that changed the season,” Lawson said.
The Blue Devils need that to be true. They need to be a changed team from the one that didn’t belong on the same court as the shorthanded Bruins. They have proven it against lesser opponents. Now comes the biggest test of them all.
Duke was one shot away from having its season end. It earned the right to be here, but it could have easily been LSU in its place.
Nothing will come easy against UCLA. Nothing is meant to be easy at this time of the year. That’s the beauty and the heartbreak of the sport. The Blue Devils have lived through the pain. They have put in the work to get past that, to hope that something better awaits.
😱 Controversy! National side adds second star after 'cancelled' title
A major controversy is shaking African international football. And now there is a new chapter.
The Senegal national team decided to put a SECOND star on its jersey... even after its Africa Cup of Nations title was revoked.
Senegal had actually beaten Morocco 1-0 in the final. There was a trophy presentation, celebrations in the streets across the country, and everything a title represents. But...
On the 17th, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) stripped Senegal of the title and began recognizing Morocco as the champion.
This happened because Senegal walked off the field in that match after a penalty was awarded to Morocco right at the end.
Senegal returned to the field more than 20 minutes later. The match resumed, and Brahim Diaz missed the penalty. Senegal then won in extra time.
Morocco then filed an appeal, and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruled that the title should go to the Moroccan national team.
In addition to adding the second star, Senegal refused to return the trophy. And it will display it before the friendly against Peru this Saturday (28).
In the last ten matches with the national team, he has scored eleven goals and provided six assists.
What Mikel Oyarzabal is doing with the Spanish national team is something worth studying. While it is true that his natural position is not that of a striker, the Real Sociedad player handles himself in that role like no one else.
Oyarzabal has established himself as a complete player who contributes both goals and assists; the numbers do not lie.
Across Spain’s last ten matches — including the Nations League, World Cup qualifying, and the friendly against Serbia — Mikel has scored eleven goals and provided six assists.
When he puts on the Spain shirt, he becomes a different player, changes gears, and the goalscorer comes out. Will he find the net against Egypt?
General manager Adam Peters has made strides with the Washington Commanders' roster this offseason. Armed with around $90 million in cap space when free agency began, Peters targeted "younger and faster" players across the roster, specifically on defense. Peters even signed an athletic tight end to give Jayden Daniels some help.
Peters hasn't been able to fill all of the gaps on the Commanders' roster, though. There is a glaring need that must be addressed in the draft: Wide receiver. A recent CBS Sports article suggests two possible fixes for the Commanders, one free agent and one draft prospect.
Free agent fit: Brandon AiyukDraft fit: Carnell Tate, Ohio State
The Commanders were in on both Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs but ended up with neither. They mostly focused on the defensive side in free agency. The offensive free agents they added -- Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson -- arrived on cheap, one-year deals. Once the 49ers release him, Aiyuk is expected to be the next addition, but Washington could (and should) still do more.
This isn't the first time these names have come up regarding the Commanders, and one thing people have to remember is that Brandon Aiyuk isn't a free agent — yet. He's still under contract with the San Francisco 49ers. There are complicated issues at play there, but the team hasn't released him. It's extremely unlikely that San Francisco finds a trade partner, as Aiyuk essentially holds all the cards. He can refuse to cooperate with his contract if the 49ers find a trade partner.
Carnell Tate is also an excellent candidate to fill this role. Not only does he have big game experience at a big-name school, but he could also come in cheap on a rookie contract. There's also not the same level of concern that there is with Aiyuk, who is also coming off a major injury. Washington needs a receiver who is capable of starting and playing the role, but they also need a player who can draw attention away from Terry McLaurin.
There's a world where Washington lands both, especially considering McLaurin's high 2027 cap number could allow the Commanders to move on from him. Aiyuk could sign a one-year, prove-it deal, reuniting him with Daniels, while Tate plays on a rookie contract.
The Commanders' delegation at Ohio State's pro day stuck around and talked to Tate after the events were over. While they talked with others, too, it's clear that Washington likes Tate.
This video grab taken from images released by the Iranian state broadcaster (IRIB) on March 27, 2026 and released via AFPTV, shows the country's football national team paying tribute to the victims of the February 28 strike on an elementary school in Minab, ahead of their friendly football match with Nigeria in Turkey's Antalya (-)
The Iran men's national team wore black armbands and posed with school rucksacks as the national anthem played before a match with Nigeria to remember the victims of a strike on a primary school in Iran on the first day of the Middle East war.
The airstrike on the school in the southern Iranian city of Minab on February 28 killed at least 170 people including students and teachers.
The attack happened on the day the United States and Israel launched the war with attacks across Iran.
Before kick-off in their friendly fixture against Nigeria in the Turkish town of Belek on Friday, the Iran players, including former FC Porto and Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi, held pink and purple school bags with ribbons on them.
Iran lost the match 2-1.
Iran's foreign minister on Friday accused the US of a "calculated, phased assault" on the school.
The New York Times has reported that the preliminary findings of a US military investigation indicate that a US Tomahawk cruise missile hit the school due to a targeting mistake.
The newspaper said the US military had been bombing an adjacent Iranian base, of which the school building was formerly a part. The target coordinates were set using outdated data, the paper reported.
US President Donald Trump intially suggested that Iran itself may have been responsible -- despite Iran not having Tomahawk missiles.
Iran has qualified for the World Cup finals this summer but has asked for its matches to be moved from the US to Mexico after Trump warned that the players' "life and safety" would be at risk if they took part.
Clara Strack and the Kentucky Wildcats will play the Texas Longhorns in the Sweet 16 round of March Madness on Saturday. Here's how to watch. (Greg Fiume/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
Greg Fiume via Getty Images
No. 5 Kentucky defeated the West Virginia Mountaineers by a single point in the second round of the 2026 March Madness tournament, and now they find themselves up against No. 1 seed Texas in the Sweet 16. This round of play will be held at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX, and the winner will face the winner of the Louisville vs. Michigan game, also scheduled for Saturday. Both of those games will air nationally on ABC. Kentucky vs. Texas tips off at 3 p.m. ET.
For a complete breakdown of key dates and how to watch every Sweet 16 game of the women's NCAA tournament, we've got you covered.
The Kentucky vs. Texas game is on Saturday, March 28. Tipoff is at 3 p.m. ET.
Where to watch the Kentucky vs. Texas game:
The Kentucky vs. Texas March Madness game will air on ABC.
Where to stream March Madness games without cable:
Every game of the 2026 women's March Madness Tournament will stream on ESPN Unlimited, including those on ABC. You'll also be able to access every game on live TV services like DirecTV.
2026 NCAA women's basketball tournament game schedule
The following is the Sweet 16 schedule for all teams participating in this year's March Madness tournament.
All times Eastern.
Saturday, March 28
12:30 p.m.: No. 2 Michigan vs. No. 3 Louisville (ABC)
3 p.m.: No. 1 Texas vs. No. 5 Kentucky (ABC)
5 p.m.: No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 4 Oklahoma (ESPN)
7:30 p.m.: No. 3 TCU vs. No. 10 Virginia (ESPN)
2026 NCAA women's basketball tournament schedule:
The schedule and locations for the women's tournament:
Selection Sunday: 8 p.m. ET Sunday, March 15 on ESPN
First Four: March 18-19
First round: March 20-21
Second round: March 22-23
Sweet 16: March 27-28 in Fort Worth, TX and Sacramento, CA
Elite Eight: March 29-30 in Fort Worth, TX and Sacramento, CA
Final Four: Friday, April 3, Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, AZ
NCAA championship game: Sunday, April 5, Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, AZ
Report: Liverpool have ‘discussed’ potential summer swoop for ‘mega talent’ valued at £52m
Liverpool have reportedly ‘discussed’ a potential summer swoop for a teenage defender who’s coveted by several leading Premier League clubs.
With Virgil van Dijk turning 35 in July and uncertainty abounding over the futures of Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez, the Reds’ centre-back ranks seem destined to undergo a major changing of the guard over the next couple of years.
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The future-proofing has already begun with the deals for Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet as first-team additions, while January also saw the Merseyside giants snap up other young talents such as Mor Talla Ndiaye, Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Noah Adekoya.
According to reports from Germany, Liverpool have their sights set on another teenage centre-back as part of their long-term defensive overhaul.
Liverpool have ‘discussed’ potential Luka Vuskovic swoop
Bild have claimed that Luka Vuskovic has been ‘discussed’ at Anfield as a potential recruit, with Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona also eyeing the 19-year-old, who’s on loan at Hamburg from Tottenham Hotspur for this season.
The Croatian defender – who’s considered to be a ‘mega talent’ – has a market value of €60m (£52.3m) and is contracted to Spurs until 2030, but the ever-intensifying risk of relegation for the north London club could make it harder for them to hold onto the prodigious starlet, who’s keen to play European football next term.
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Vuskovic appears to be a tremendous young talent
The towering centre-back (1.93m tall) has prospered during his loan spell away from the mire in which his parent club now find themselves, enjoying regular game-time in northern Germany (26 appearances) and chipping in with five goals.
As seen in the table below (citing data from Fotmob), Vuskovic is among the standout players in his position in the Bundesliga this term for his attributes on the ball, along with making some important defensive contributions.
A scouting report from Total Football Analysis details his proficiency in regaining possession high up the pitch and then carrying the ball into dangerous positions, whilst also outlining how he’s used his height to good effect by posing a threat from set pieces.
That latter point has become increasingly pertinent in the Premier League over the past few months, with many teams placing a massive emphasis on exploiting dead-ball situations to their advantage.
Will Liverpool’s reported in-house discussions lead to a concrete approach for Vuskovic in the coming months? We’ll have to wait and see, but he certainly stands out as a hugely exciting young talent.
NEW DELHI: Young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has made headlines time and again - and for good reason. With his swashbuckling batting style, brute power, effortless six-hitting, and ability to dismantle bowling attacks, he has become a fan favourite in no time.
The past year, in particular, has been remarkable for the youngster. And heading into IPL 2026, there is a significant change - he is no longer 14.
Sooryavanshi turned 15 on Friday (March 27), celebrating his birthday just a day before the start of IPL 2026.
Is he eligible to play for Team India (senior team)?
Questions like - Is Sooryavanshi eligible to play for India’s senior team? Will he break into the side? When will he make his debut? - have been asked repeatedly.
Now, with the youngster officially turning 15, he is eligible to feature in senior international cricket as per ICC’s player eligibility regulations (Article 4).
According to INTERNATIONAL CRICKET COUNCIL PLAYER ELIGIBILITY REGULATIONS ARTICLE 4, ELIGIBILITY ON THE BASIS OF AGE 4.1 states, "ARTICLE 4 ELIGIBILITY ON THE BASIS OF AGE, "A Player will only be eligible to represent a National Cricket Federation in an International Match (including ICC Events and U19 Events) if he/she is aged 15 or over on the relevant squad submission date (in the case of ICC Events including U19 Events) or on the date of the first match of the series/tournament to the played (in the case of all other International Matches). "
Following the introduction of these regulations in November 2020, the ICC made 15 the minimum age requirement for participation in international cricket (U19 level and above), keeping in mind the welfare and physical safety of minors, including during travel.
Will an India call-up come soon for Sooryavanshi? That remains to be seen.
The youngster grabbed global attention with his stellar performances in his debut IPL season in 2025.
In just his second IPL match, he smashed a sensational 100 off 35 balls.
His heroics in the U19 World Cup 2026, along with impressive outings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 and the Ranji Trophy 2025, were outstanding.
Following his IPL success, Sooryavanshi was drafted into the India U19 setup, where he continued to shine.
U19 World Cup 2026 (Player of the Tournament): Sooryavanshi led India to their sixth title, highlighted by a stunning 175 off 80 balls (including 15 sixes) in the final against England.
Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: He became the youngest player to score a List A century at 14 years and 272 days. During a blistering 190 off 84 balls against Arunachal Pradesh, he broke AB de Villiers’ record for the fastest 150 in List A cricket, reaching the milestone in just 59 balls.
Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Named Bihar’s vice-captain at 14, he scored his maiden first-class fifty with a 67-ball 93 against Meghalaya, narrowly missing out on becoming the youngest Ranji centurion.
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26: He continued his white-ball dominance with an unbeaten 108 and a composed fifty (50 off 34 balls) against Maharashtra, showing improved maturity in pacing his innings.
Rising Stars Asia Cup (Doha): Representing India A, he smashed a "whirlwind" 144 off 42 balls against the UAE.
Kentucky Wildcats forward Jordan Obi (0) celebrates with Kentucky Wildcats center Clara Strack (13) Thursday, March 5, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament second round game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. | Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Good morning BBN!
It has been a news-heavy week for the Kentucky Wildcats, as the offseason has officially begun for the men’s basketball team. With two coaches now leaving in Jason Hart and Alvin Brooks, not only will Mark Pope have to worry about roster construction, he will have to replace two assistant coaches.
That is why some good news on the recruiting trail was needed, as the Cats picked up their first commitment of the 2026 class in Mason Williams.
A 4-star point guard recruit, he fits the mold of a player who could be special in college basketball after several years of development. Alongside that is the family pedigree, as Mason is the son of former NBA standout Mo Williams. This could be a great late find in the 2026 class.
On the women’s basketball side, they will be appearing in their first Sweet 16 since 2016 this afternoon as they face off with the Texas Longhorns in Fort Worth.
Texas has been awesome all season, but in their lone matchup in the regular season, the Cats played them as well as anyone has all year. Will that continue today in Fort Worth? It will be a tough one, but this UK team has proven when healthy they are much better than their seed line.
Ex-Referee recalls Baggio’s classy gesture during tense Serie A clash
Former Serie A referee Nicola Rizzoli recalls a classy gesture from Roberto Baggio during a tense Serie A match between Lazio and Brescia: ‘We won’t make things difficult for you.’
Baggio is rightly regarded as one of the greatest Italian players ever, as his class and style inspired millions of fans in Italy and abroad.
His quality, however, was not only about his ability with the ball, as former referee Rizzoli told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I refereed my second Serie A match at the Olimpico in Rome, Lazio against Brescia,” Rizzoli said.
Baggio told referee: ‘Let me know’ if my players put you under pressure
“I was about 29-30 years old. It had the potential to be a difficult game, but I felt good. You could have expected a 2-0 or 3-0 win for Lazio, but after four minutes, Luigi Di Biagio scored, and Brescia went ahead. The match changed in terms of tension and dynamics; it didn’t become easy.
“Between the first and second half, as we were going back onto the pitch, Baggio came up to me and said: ‘Look, you’re refereeing really well.’ He didn’t know who I was. Then he added: ‘We won’t make things difficult for you. If any of my players tries to put you under pressure, tell me. I’ll take care of it.’
Roberto Baggio performs his stretching exercises, 23 May, during the first day of the Italian team’s preparations for the upcoming World Championships in France. EPA PHOTO/ANSA/MONTEFORTE
“That gives you an idea of the willingness to let you do your job properly, even though I was just a young referee that nobody knew,” Rizzoli concluded.
“These kinds of moments help you understand the athletes’ level.”
Rizzoli went on to become one of the most respected Italian referees, officiating many big games, domestically and abroad, such as the 2014 World Cup Final between Germany and Argentina and the 2012-13 Final between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.
Potential Liverpool head coach candidate jets in as pressure mounts on Arne Slot
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is under growing pressure.
The 47-year-old was installed as Jurgen Klopp’s successor back in 2024 - and got off to the best possible start. Slot orchestrated a Premier League title win at the first try - and much was expected heading into his second season in charge.
Despite £450m of transfer spending however the Reds have got worse - now scrapping it out just to re-qualify for the Champions League.
Albert Riera, 43, is currently the head coach at Eintracht Frankfurt - overseeing their last seven Bundesliga games following the departure of Dino Toppmuller.
He has presided over three wins, two draws and two defeats in his first games in charge - drawing fierce criticism for their last game against Mainz before the international window.
But these are early days in Riera’s reign and Frankfurt will look a lot better next season once he’s had a full preseason with the German side.
He will be grateful for the international break coming when it did - and has given his players a week off before preparations for their next game against Koln.
And Riera has jetted into Liverpool during the international window - where he is taking part in the Liverpool FC Legends match against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday in aid of the LFC Foundation.
Playing under Jurgen Klopp Riera will have the opportunity to savour the atmosphere at Anfield one more time before returning to his day job at Frankfurt.
Riera spent two seasons on Merseyside under Rafa Benitez - playing over 50 times for the Reds. So let’s keep an eye on how his coaching career develops with Frankfurt - because a Xabi Alonso-like rise through the ranks could bring him onto Liverpool’s radar.
Golfer Tiger Woods was released late on March 27 from the Martin County Jail in Stuart, Florida.
Woods was arrested on suspicion of a DUI after crawling out of his rolled-over vehicle following a two-vehicle crash on Jupiter Island after 2 p.m. ET on March 27, according to Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek.
Woods was reportedly released at 11:15 p.m. ET. The 50-year-old man was seen leaving the side entrance of the jail, riding in the passenger seat of an SUV.
Woods was expected to be detained for at least eight hours following his arrest and had to post bail as part of protocol in the state, according to Budensiek. It is not known how much the bail was.
Budensiek stated during a March 27 press conference that Woods was cooperative following the crash. The sheriff said that Woods appeared to be impaired when officers first made contact with him at the scene, but drugs or medication were not found at the scene. Alcohol was ruled out by authorities as not having been a factor.
The golfer was driving a Land Rover northbound at high speeds before overtaking a truck pulling a trailer with a pressure cleaner and clipping it. The speed limit posted was 30 mph.
The Land Rover did not fully roll over and was seen on its side.
“This could have been a lot worse,” Budensiek said.
The incident occurred about three miles from Woods' home, according to public property records.
Woods has a history of car crashes.
His use of Ambien, a sleep drug, came into question in one of his three previous incidents involving a vehicle. His SUV rolled in Los Angeles County in February 2021. Woods suffered broken bones in his leg but never received a traffic citation for that incident.
Woods’ other two incidents also took place in the state of Florida.
He was charged with a DUI in 2017 after police found his Mercedes stopped on the road in the right lane with its brake lights on and the right blinker still on.
“Woods had extremely slow and slurred speech,” according to the police report. Ambien was one of five drugs found in a toxicology report. He was also said to have Vicodin, Dilaudid, Xanax and THC in his system.
Woods was behind the wheel when his Cadillac Escalade collided with a row of hedges and hit a fire hydrant and a tree before finally coming to a stop outside of his home in late 2009. The incident exposed his infidelity and was followed by a divorce, loss of sponsorships and a golf hiatus to enter rehab.
After his surgery, Ben Stokes travelled to the UAE to work as part of the coaching team with England Lions [Getty Images]
England captain Ben Stokes is still recovering after surgery on a broken cheekbone and will not play for Durham next week as planned.
Stokes, 34, was hit by a ball when working in the nets with Durham's academy players in early February and had surgery a week later.
Coach Ryan Campbell said Stokes was scheduled to play the season opener against Kent starting on Friday, but the club are still awaiting clearance from specialists.
Campbell said he does not expect the all-rounder to feature until matches against Worcestershire from 8 May and the reverse fixture against Kent at Beckenham from 15 May.
If Stokes does not return sooner, those fixtures would be his only red-ball county matches before England's first Test of the summer against New Zealand from 4 June.
"[The incident] could have been horrific. So, so much worse than what you think," Campbell said.
"A couple of centimetres a different way it hits him in the eye and it could have been different.
"The ball was hit so hard. We are just lucky he got away with it."
Stokes has not played since the end of England's dismal Ashes defeat. He sustained an adductor injury on the penultimate day of the series in Sydney and was severely hampered.
Stokes was expected to feature along with many England players in the early rounds of the County Championship amid competition for places in the Test XI.
He has been retained as captain despite the 4-1 Ashes loss, while coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key have also been kept on in their roles.
After those decisions were confirmed this week, Stokes said the past three months have been "the hardest period" of his England captaincy, and backed the current regime to take the team forward.
"He has been training so hard to be ready," Campbell said.
"He has a lot to prove. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know the Ashes didn't go so well and he is a proud man who wants England to be the best team in the world.
"He, as a professional, is working at getting right and ready to go."
Campbell also revealed Stokes plans to play for his county in the One-Day Cup this summer.
The 50-over competition is played alongside The Hundred, with counties often fielding second-string sides.
Stokes has not played in the 50-over format since the 2023 World Cup in India and has not featured in the competition for Durham since 2014.
But with Stokes having opted out of The Hundred and not currently in England's white-ball sides, the One-Day Cup would provide him with some cricket between England's Test series.
The series against New Zealand ends in late June and a three-Test content against Pakistan begins on 19 August.
Yuki Tsunoda will be watching from the sidelines as Formula 1 returns to his home country for the Japanese Grand Prix, but there are some early signs that suggest he could be back on the grid in 2027.
For the first time since 2020, there won’t be a Japanese driver at Suzuka. That year was just before Tsunoda’s debut, and now, four years later, he’s off the grid. Ironically, it was at this same race last year when he made his high-profile move to Red Bull.
In hindsight, staying with Racing Bulls might have been better for his career. Like others before him, he found it tough going up against Max Verstappen. He ended up losing his seat to Isack Hadjar and moved into a reserve role.
Yuki Tsunoda eyeing Esteban Ocon’s seat at Haas
Tsunoda’s camp has reportedly identified Haas as a possible route back into F1. The American team have had a strong start to the season, sitting fourth in the constructors’ standings with 17 points, all scored by Oliver Bearman.
Bearman has been linked to a move to Ferrari, but Lewis Hamilton’s recent form could put that on hold. That doesn’t necessarily close doors for Tsunoda, though, as there may still be an opening at Haas.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu hasn’t been shy about his disappointment with Esteban Ocon’s performances since he joined the team. This year hasn’t started much better, with Ocon consistently outperformed by the less experienced Bearman.
Ocon finished 14th in China after receiving a 10-second penalty for causing a collision with Franco Colapinto. Meanwhile, Bearman took an impressive P5 finish in the other car. While there’s still time for Ocon to recover, he remains under pressure early in the season.
“He still has so much time,” Komatsu said after qualifying in Jeddah. “I mean he needs to learn about this team and about this car so I don’t want him to do anything different from what he’s doing now.”
Yuki Tsunoda weighing up Alpine as a potential backup to Haas return
Tsunoda’s representatives are also said to be considering Alpine as a possible destination, especially following their recent switch to Mercedes power units. The team currently sits on 10 points after a double-score in China.
There have been some doubts around Franco Colapinto’s performance, but his top-10 finish in Shanghai was seen as an important step forward.
If the Argentine driver can keep that momentum going, it could make it harder for Tsunoda or any other candidates to break in.
If not, then Alpine’s past interest in Tsunoda could be revived, though newly-signed reserve driver Alex Dunne might be ahead of him in the queue.
Patrick Mouratoglou said that Carlos Alcaraz seemed bored after his recent loss to Sebastian Korda in the third round of the Miami Open.
Mouratoglou told the Men’s Tennis Podcast: “My feeling is that [Carlos] Alcaraz is bored. The guy already has seven Grand Slams, and I feel like playing Masters 1000s; he’s won so many already, he’s not that interested. That’s really a feeling that I have.”
The comment got a lot of attention, with some fans agreeing and others disagreeing. Andy Roddick, who used to be ranked number one in the world, has now shared what he thinks about what Mouratoglou said.
Andy Roddick thinks Alcaraz being called bored is clickbait
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Roddick, speaking on his YouTube channel, wasn’t aware the comments came from Mouratoglou when he responded.
“I don’t want to know who said it because I want to react to the content…” Roddick began.
He continued: “By the way, also I’m sure there was no respect to Seb Korda with that analysis, or any other player that ever beats Carlos Alcaraz.
“No disrespect to [Daniil] Medvedev, because you’re bored when you’re playing a former number one and Grand Slam champion, no disrespect to the field at all…
“I’d say that’s a really hard opinion to commit to unless you actually know something.
“I think it’s borderline disrespectful to tennis earth, and players, and someone who is nine in the world and beats Alcaraz.
“If I’m [Daniil] Medvedev and I see that, I might get CTE from my eyeroll!
“To me, that’s ridiculous. Without knowing it feels thirsty for clicks.”
Mouratoglou’s take has clearly divided opinions. But what does Alcaraz’s season so far really tell us?
Carlos Alcaraz can return to winning ways in Monte-Carlo
No matter how you look at it, saying Alcaraz is bored doesn’t hold much weight given how he’s started 2026.
This year he already has two titles from four tournaments played. He has more points than anyone else in men’s tennis this season.
If this is him being bored as some have claimed this week then we are in for an incredible season once his focus returns!
The No. 9 Iowa Hawkeyes are proving to be the March Madness Cinderella story, eliminating No. 1 Florida and No. 4 Nebraska in the men's NCAA basketball tournament. They've made their way to the Elite Eight where they'll face No. 3 Illinois this Saturday at Rice University's Toyota Center in Houston, TX. The game will tip off at 6:09 p.m. ET and it will air on TBS and truTV. Will Iowa keep their hot streak alive? Here's what the predictions say.
The Iowa vs. Illinois game is this Saturday, March 28. Tipoff is at 6:09 p.m. ET.
Where to watch the Iowa vs. Illinois game:
Saturday's Iowa vs. Illinois game airs on TBS and truTV.
Where to stream March Madness games without cable:
Every game of the 2026 men's March Madness Tournament that's on TBS, TNT or truTV will stream on HBO Max. You'll also be able to access the game on live TV services like Sling and DirecTV.
Which teams are competing in the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament?
The following is a breakdown of Saturday's Elite Eight game schedule including who's playing and how to watch.
All times Eastern
Saturday, March 28
6:09 p.m.: No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 9 Iowa (TBS/truTV)
8:49 p.m: No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 2 Purdue (TBS/truTV)
Sunday, March 29
TBD
TBD
2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament schedule:
The schedule and locations for the men's tournament:
Selection Sunday: 6 p.m. ET Sunday, March 15 on CBS
First Four: Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18
First round: Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20
Second round: Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22
Sweet 16: Thursday, March 26 and Friday, March 27
Elite Eight: Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29
Final Four: Saturday, April 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis
NCAA championship game: Monday, April 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis
Coco Gauff’s run to the Miami Open finals is her best-ever performance at the tournament, which takes place in her home state.
Before 2026, the Boca Raton native had never made it past the fourth round at the Miami Open. She now has a chance to win her fourth WTA 1000 title against Aryna Sabalenka.
She faces Aryna Sabalenka in what should be an exciting match for both players. Coco is trying to pick up her fourth WTA 1000 title and says she’s been playing so well because she feels comfortable on home soil.
Gauff credits home support for her strong play at Miami Open
Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images
Gauff’s semi-final performance was perhaps her most impressive of the tournament, sweeping aside Karolina Muchova with a comfortable 6-1 6-1 win.
When asked what had helped raise her level in Miami, Gauff pointed to the advantage of playing at home as a major factor.
“I think it could be because I am at home and also I know I haven’t played well in the past, so there are no high expectations. I’m not here thinking it’s a tournament where I’ve played very well,” she said. “Well if I don’t do well it’s another year where I have to learn. But I think being at home is the support.”
“When I lost here last year, honestly, I lost and went home and was okay with my family.”
The American also noted that this season already feels different from last year, saying she sees clear progress in her game.
“I think that’s one of the things I was thinking about this year. One of the goals was to be more consistent and I definitely had some tough tournaments this year,” Gauff explained.
This will be Gauff’s 15th final on the WTA Tour, having already won 11 titles before turning 22 years old.
Gauff has the chance to add to an already incredible record
It’s a tough challenge for Gauff, facing world number one Sabalenka. But history suggests she might have the upper hand.
Gauff has played in nine hardcourt finals and hasn’t lost a single one, which should give her plenty of confidence going into this match.
She’s won on big stages too, including the 2023 US Open, the 2024 WTA Finals, and Masters titles at both Cincinnati and Wuhan.
Her win over Sabalenka at the US Open is notable, and she’s also beaten Jessica Pegula, Elina Svitolina, and Karolina Muchova in other hardcourt finals.
Nine straight wins in WTA hardcourt finals is no small feat. Even so, this match against Sabalenka could be her toughest test yet.
Christian Fuchs believes the "winning mentality" his players have developed can drive his Newport County side to survival this season.
The Exiles were rock bottom of League Two and four points adrift of safety when Austrian Fuchs was named as Dave Hughes' successor in November.
But they head into their final seven matches of the season one point and one place above the relegation zone.
Despite suffering a last-gasp 2-1 loss to Walsall last time out, Fuchs feels the response of his players to the defeat has given him hope of preserving the club's EFL status.
"Obviously the last goal conceded at Walsall really hurt," he said. "We needed to be better in our decision making.
"However, what I heard back from the boys made me very positive. When we reviewed the game, they told me they were trying to win it. That is such a positive sign.
"Should we have taken a point at Walsall? 100%. Maybe we manage the game differently in the final moments. But the fact they felt the game was there to win shows how much the players have developed a winning mentality."
The Exiles face back-to-back home matches against sides just above them in the table.
They host Shrewsbury Town on Saturday (15:00 GMT) before welcoming Crawley Town - currently above Newport on goal difference - to Rodney Parade on Friday, 3 April (15:00 GMT).
And Fuchs believes the Newport faithful have full belief that their side can avoid dropping into the National League.
"It's great to see over the weeks and months how the tide has shifted. We were here several times after a game where, rightfully so, the fans showed us their frustration, and I completely understand that," Fuchs said.
"I think what has happened now is that everybody around the club, every fan, sees what the boys are trying to do, how much energy they put in, how much effort they put in every single game, and they appreciate it.
"It's the grind, it's the fighting for every ball, it's the hard running, winning the duels, being scrappy at times."
He added: "From the very first minute, let's make Rodney Parade our fortress and let's get those three points.
"With the support of our fans, I hope it's going to be really loud.
"That would be amazing, and I hope as many people as possible come, because that will be a very important factor as well to keep us up."
Newport are continuing to monitor Lee Jenkins who has been carrying a shoulder issue while Harrison Biggins is ineligible against his parent club.
Tanatswa Nyakuhwa is unavailable due to his involvement with Wales Under-21s.
Zoltan Buday of Pro Football Focus recently answered that question for each NFL team. Considering it was such a quiet free agency period for the Jaguars, there's not a lot to choose from, and the answer to the above question is quite obvious -- re-signing Montaric Brown.
"Towards the end of the 2025 campaign, he was practically Jacksonville’s best cornerback in coverage," wrote Buday. "He allowed a 69.3 passer rating, and his 74.0 PFF coverage grade ranked 21st among 109 qualifying cornerbacks."
Brown took a big step forward last season, showcasing his abilities to start on a weekly basis and perform at a high level while doing so. He allowed a completion rate of just 54% on 68 targets and held opponents to just 10.4 yards per catch.
Brown also flashed impressive ball production, coming away with two interceptions and forcing nine pass breakups.
His return also solidifies the top of the Jaguars' starting cornerback depth chart. No longer is drafting this position right away a must.
"When the [opportunity] presented itself again and he was available, he didn't flinch," James Gladstone said of Brown. "And that carried through the course of the season and he made plays — plays on the ball, plays on ball carriers that really made an important dent on the outcome of a number of our games. And the marriage between the scheme, his skill set, it's a match that all of us are constantly looking for at every position."
Buday also highlighted his least favorite move for each NFL team, but did not make a selection in that category when it came to the Jaguars, given their overall lack of free agency moves.
This free agency plan was in large part taken by the Jaguars in an effort to preserve the 2027 compensatory draft picks they are projected to earn. ESPN's Ben Solak was a big fan of this approach.
After Texas A&M finished the 2025 season with a 11-2 record, culminating in the Aggies' first appearance in the College Football Playoff, 13 starters from the 2025 roster were invited to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, including two-year starting cornerback Will Lee III, who served as one of coach Mike Elko's first transfer additions after he was hired in late 2024.
One of the taller and longer cornerbacks in the SEC, officially measured at 6'1 1/2", 189 pounds, with 32 3/4" arms at the combine, Lee's 2025 season was statistically his best, finishing with a career high 50 tackles and his first sack, paired with eight pass deflections after producing ten deflections last season. Per Pro Football Focus, Lee finished with a solid 68.5 coverage grade, allowing 32 receptions for 520 yards and four touchdowns.
Overall, inconsistency is a problem for nearly every cornerback in the country, no matter their testing numbers at the combine, and while Lee is considered fifth or sixth round selection, it was revealed that one NFL scout believes the former Kansas State transfer could become one of the steals in the 2026 draft during the latter round on Day 3, simliar to former Texas A&M CB Jaylon Jones, who has since starred for the Indianapolis Colts.
“Lee was a consistent performer throughout college and jumps off the tape in press coverage… That talent was on display at the Senior Bowl, too.”
In the NFL, specific schemes require elite length along the boundary, especially in Cover 3 looks, making Will Lee a likely late-round target for a long list of NFL teams who need immediate depth in the secondary, while looking to develop a potential star in the making.
The 2026 NFL Draft will begin on Thursday, Apr 23, 2026, and continue through Saturday, Apr 25.
.@nfldraftscout says Texas A&M CB Will Lee III is his favorite Day 3 sleeper:
“Lee was a consistent performer throughout college and jumps off the tape in press coverage… That talent was on display at the Senior Bowl, too.” pic.twitter.com/B0qdbhxiJW
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The Georgia Bulldogs have a very enticing future nonconference schedule. Georgia will some of the nation's elite college football programs over the years if things go as planned.
The Bulldogs are scheduled to play elite Power Four schools like Ohio State, Clemson and Florida State over the next decade. Of course, Georgia is also set to continue its annual rivalry with Georgia Tech through the 2037 season.
Georgia's future schedule is subject to change (including the dates and locations). The biggest factor that recently changed Georgia's future nonconference schedule was the SEC expanding to nine conference games beginning in 2026. Georgia can now only play three opponents in nonconference action as opposed to four.
Conference realignment can also always impact future schedules. Since this article focuses on Georgia's future schedule, we don't have UGA's 2026 schedule included. If you wish to look at Georgia's 2026 schedule, then we've included it here.
What nonconference opponents does Georgia football have scheduled for the future?
Georgia and the Louisville Cardinals no longer plan to play in 2026 and 2027 with the SEC expanding to a nine-game conference schedule. Georgia's schedule remains as it currently is in 2027, then the Dawgs would face two ACC opponents and 11 Power Four opponents during the regular season. We'd expect for the Bulldogs to add a cupcake opponent (non-Power Four) to complete their 2027 schedule.
Another thing to watch in 2027 is will Georgia Tech continue playing Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta when the Yellow Jackets have a home game?
2028 schedule
Sept. 9: Florida A&M Rattlers (home)
Sept. 16: Florida State Seminoles (home)
Nov. 25: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (home)
Georgia is set line to have a lot of home games in 2028. However, don't be surprised if the Florida State series is moved to a neutral site.
Clemson and Georgia are scheduled to face each other in the regular season in 2029 for the first time since the 2024 season opener. The Georgia-Clemson game could be moved to a neutral site like Charlotte or Atlanta.
Man this would be a fun schedule. Ohio State has never played in Sanford Stadium. However, the Bulldogs will have to drop one of these opponents with the SEC expanding to nine conference games.
2031 schedule
Aug. 30: Ohio State Buckeyes (away)
Sept. 6: Western Carolina Catamounts (home)
Nov. 29: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (away)
Georgia has also never played at Ohio State. This would be a really awesome road game for Dawgs fans and this is a better time of year (in terms of weather) to go to Ohio.
2032 schedule
Sept. 4: Clemson Tigers (home)
Nov. 27: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (home)
Georgia plays its two top ACC rivals in 2032. UGA is set to play Clemson four times between 2029 and 2033. It will be interesting to see if the two programs follow through with those plans.
2033 schedule
Sept. 3: Clemson Tigers (away)
Nov. 26: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (away)
Georgia canceled a future series with NC State in 2033 and 2034. The Bulldogs are still scheduled to play two ACC opponents in 2033. The Dawgs would probably add a non-Power Four opponent to this schedule.
2034 and beyond schedules
Georgia Tech is the only team on Georgia's future schedule beyond 2034. Georgia is scheduled to play Tech through 2037. The only question is where will the two programs play each other in the future (home versus neutral site)? All of Georgia's future scheduled games are according to FBSchedules.com.
Southend fans suffered National League play-off final heartbreak at Wembley in 2025 [Adam Davy/PA]
Hundreds of fans will be at Roots Hall stadium to watch a live screening of the club's bid to reach Wembley in the FA Trophy.
Southend United are at Southport in the semi-finals with kick-off at 15:00 BST. The Shrimpers are bidding for another trip to the national stadium after suffering defeat to Oldham in the National League play-off final last season.
For those not travelling to the National League North side's ground on Merseyside, Southend are opening their stadium from 13:00, while BBC Essex will also have live commentary.
Southend's head coach Kevin Maher said: "We're going up against a tough opponent who have beaten teams in our league, but it's one we're looking forward to."
The club said more than 700 tickets have been sold for the screening, with tickets £5 for adults and £1 for under-16s.
Kevin Maher said the team was looking forward to the game [BBC]
Southport, managed by former Guyana international Neil Danns, are the lowest-ranked club left in the FA Trophy, and remain unbeaten at home this season.
To reach the semi-final, Southend recorded wins against Truro City, Bath City, Chatham Town and Horsham, while Southport have knocked out two National League clubs on their route to the final four.
Southend beat Southport 1-0 in the fourth found of last season's competition.
Maher added: "It's the way with cup competitions; once you get through the first few rounds, the more exciting and interesting they get. So, we're looking forward to it."
Southend have been allocated 808 tickets for Southport's Haig Avenue ground.
Formula 1 is back for another weekend of racing, this time in Suzuka for the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix.
Suzuka International Racing Course is an iconic venue, and usually a drivers' favorite. The F1 season-opening double header in Australia and China brought some surprise outcomes, with Mercedes taking the 1-2 in both. George Russell claimed Melbourne, while Kimi Antonelli scored his maiden F1 win in Shanghai.
Russell leads the Drivers' standings heading into the weekend with Antonelli just four points behind. F1 legend Max Verstappen has won this race four years in a row, but Verstappen and Red Bull have been struggling this season under a plethora of new regulations. Could he break through on one of his favorite tracks, or will another driver take the win?
Who will take care of business in Suzuka?
Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix, including TV channel and start time for the Formula 1 race.
What time does the F1 race start today?
The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix will take place at the Suzuka International Racing Course in Suzuka, Japan on Sunday, March 29 and will begin at 2:00 p.m. local time.
Here's how that start time translates across North America:
In the United States, Apple has the exclusive rights to F1 for the 2026 season.
New subscribers to Apple TV can sign up for a 7-day FREE trial. If you've bought an eligible Apple device recently, you can also get up to three months of the streaming service totally free. After that, the subscription will cost $12.99/month.
For the 2026 season, Apple TV will host all Free Practice, Qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix with select races and all Free Practice sessions throughout the season available to watch for free in the Apple TV app.
F1 TV Premium, F1’s own premier content offering, will continue to be available in the US via an Apple TV subscription only and will be free for those who subscribe.
Juventus is now open to cashing in on their teenage star
Juventus had intended to send Vasilije Adzic out on loan in January, but no suitable suitor emerged to take him into their squad. As a result, the young midfielder remained in Turin despite initial plans for him to gain experience elsewhere.
The club regards him as a highly talented prospect with significant potential for the future. His abilities have also attracted praise externally, further reinforcing the belief that he could develop into an important player with the right opportunities.
Development and Current Role
However, Adzic is not yet considered ready to compete consistently for minutes ahead of the more experienced players currently in the squad. Juventus have therefore opted to keep him within their ranks for the time being, allowing him to continue his development in a familiar environment.
Luciano Spalletti has spoken positively about the youngster in recent weeks, underlining the promise he possesses. Despite this encouragement, Juventus recognise that regular first team football is essential for his progression, something that remains difficult to guarantee at this stage.
The club had hoped that maintaining his presence in the squad would aid his growth, but they are now reassessing that position. With competition for places expected to intensify, opportunities may become even more limited.
Summer Plans and Loan Possibility
According to Il Bianconero, Juventus are now open to allowing Adzic to leave at the end of the season, acknowledging his need for consistent game time. This shift reflects a broader strategy aimed at ensuring he continues to develop at an appropriate pace.
Juventus are also expected to add more experienced players to its squad in the summer, which would further reduce his chances of featuring regularly in the next campaign. This reality has strengthened the case for a temporary departure.
A move to another club, where he would have a greater guarantee of playing time, could significantly accelerate his development. It remains unclear whether Juventus will pursue a loan arrangement or consider other options.
ATHENS, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Kadyn Proctor #74 of the Alabama Crimson Tide lines up against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter at Sanford Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry has the opportunity to reshape the franchise in the 2026 NFL Draft.
With two selections in the first round and four picks in the first 70 selections overall, Berry can find a top wide receiver (finally), grab a day one starter at left tackle (it’s only been eight years and counting), and with a little luck, fix the quarterback situation (the Browns, sadly, are never lucky).
Sticking with the left tackle position, numerous mock drafts are pointing to the Browns selecting Georgia’s Monroe Feeling, who, while behind Miami’s Francis Mauigoa and Utah’s Spencer Fano on many mock draft boards, is not without his charms.
Berry could, however, throw a spanner in the works, at least in the eyes of some, by selecting mammoth Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, who might have caught the attention of head coach Todd Monken and offensive line coach George Warhop thanks to his size and athleticism.
If draft night rolls around and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces that Proctor is Cleveland’s selection, expect plenty of backlash from fans claiming that Proctor is simply Jedrick Wills 2.0. (Never mind that many of those same fans will be screaming that “you can’t scout a helmet” a year from now while advocating for the Browns to draft the latest Ohio State quarterback despite decades of evidence that it is a bad idea.)
Should Berry grab another “Dixieland Delight” to protect the blind side of the next great hope at quarterback? Time will tell.
Until then, let’s roll into the weekend with today’s edition of the Saturday Dawg Chow.
What the Browns’ three new offensive linemen actually bring to Cleveland (cleveland.com) – They’re not the linemen Browns fans are used to. They won’t pancake defenders. They won’t generate the kind of highlight-reel run-blocking that turned Wyatt Teller into a cult hero in Cleveland. But after the chaos that dismantled the offensive line over the past two seasons, the Browns made a targeted series of moves, and on the latest episode of the Orange and Brown Talk podcast, Cleveland.com film analyst Lance Reisland went player by player through the tape to explain exactly what they got.
Tonali urged to reject Arsenal and stay at Newcastle United
Marco Materazzi has expressed his admiration for Sandro Tonali, while also urging the midfielder to remain at Newcastle United despite reported interest from Arsenal. The former defender believes that loyalty and long-term development should play a key role in the player’s decision-making process.
Arsenal have been monitoring Tonali for some time, particularly as he continues to impress in the Premier League. His performances have strengthened the view that he is among the most complete midfielders currently operating in England.
Materazzi’s View on Tonali’s Future
Interest in Tonali has grown significantly, with several of the world’s leading clubs closely tracking his displays for both club and country in recent weeks. Arsenal are understood to be keen on securing his signature and are exploring the possibility of bringing him to the Emirates.
However, as reported by Goal, Materazzi has encouraged the midfielder to remain at Newcastle and build a lasting legacy rather than pursuing an immediate move elsewhere. He highlighted the support Tonali has received and the importance of recognising that commitment.
“Sandro Tonali can play in any team in Italy and England but he has to decide if he wants to stay at Newcastle United because they believed in him.
“The city and the fans and the club believed in him and stuck by him.
He has to think about that too, not just whether he could play for Arsenal, Liverpool or Manchester United.
“I would like him to stay at Newcastle and build his legacy.”
Transfer Interest and Challenges
While Newcastle may not possess the same stature as Arsenal, the midfielder is likely to be motivated by the prospect of competing in the Champions League and challenging for major honours. This factor could provide Arsenal with a significant advantage in any potential negotiations.
At the same time, Newcastle are expected to protect one of its most valuable assets and may demand a substantial transfer fee before considering any sale. Such a valuation could complicate matters for Arsenal, particularly if it exceeds their planned budget.
Ultimately, Tonali’s future may depend on balancing ambition with loyalty, as he weighs the opportunity to achieve immediate success against the chance to establish himself as a defining figure at Newcastle.
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Barcelona weighing up move for La Liga winger but Real Madrid involvement causing doubts
As has been reported, FC Barcelona have been assessing the performances of Victor Munoz, the Osasuna winger who made his debut for the Spanish national team yesterday and scored in the 3–0 victory against Serbia.
The 22-year-old attacker, who spent a few years at La Masia, joined Osasuna last summer from Real Madrid, who still retain a degree of control over the player’s future.
Barcelona considering move, but Real Madrid’s presence creates doubts
Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, despite Barcelona weighing up a move for Munoz in the summer, there are factors causing them to hesitate over pursuing his signing.
Real Madrid can re-sign him over the next three consecutive summers, each in June, for €8 million (2026), €9 million (2027), or €10 million (2028).
In addition, with his release clause set at €40 million, Los Blancos are entitled to 50% of any profit Osasuna makes from his sale. The La Liga club does not wish to sell him and would only consider his departure upon payment of the full clause.
Victor Munoz scored for Spain on his debut. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
In this scenario, if the €40 million clause were met, the amount would be split equally between Osasuna and Real Madrid. This is precisely one of the aspects Barcelona is considering when deciding whether to pursue the attacker.
The fact that €20 million from Barça would end up in Real Madrid’s accounts makes the operation delicate. This does not change the fact that the forward, born in Barcelona and formerly part of La Masia, is well regarded at the club.
Munoz, who can play across all three attacking positions, is seen primarily as a left winger at Barcelona, the usual position of Raphinha.
Although players such as Marcus Rashford, Fermin Lopez, or Ferran Torres have featured on the wing in the Brazilian’s absence, Hansi Flick does not currently have a player in the squad with the same profile.
Munoz, due to his speed, intensity, and his added value in 1v1 situations, is seen as a suitable replacement for the Brazilian. But Real Madrid’s presence in the equation is creating doubts for Barcelona.
“Total incomprehension” – Barcelona fume after latest Raphinha injury blow
On Friday, Barcelona received the unfortunate news that Raphinha suffered a new hamstring injury while playing for Brazil against France. The 28-year-old is confirmed to be out of action for five weeks, which is a major blow for the Catalans ahead of a huge run of fixtures over the next month.
It’s the third time this season that Raphinha has injured his right hamstring, after he suffered back-to-back blows in September and October respectively. On this occasion, it has happened away from Barcelona, which makes it much more difficult for head coach Hansi Flick and the club’s hierarchy to take.
Sport has revealed Barcelona’s reaction to the Raphinha injury news, and the primary feelings are anger and disbelief. They cannot believe that one of their star player was risked in a friendly thousands of miles away from home, especially with a crucial run of fixtures coming up over the next few weeks.
Flick, apoplectic with rage
Flick has taken the news particularly badly. He often relies on Raphinha as an attacking and pressing outlet, and when fit, he is one of the first names on the teamsheet. He is furious to have lost the winger for a significant period of time, especially considering it happened completely outwith his control.
A minor crumb of comfort for Barcelona is that they will receive a compensation package from FIFA for Raphinha’s injury, given that his absence is expected to exceed 28 days. But that won’t mean much right now, as Flick must come to terms with not having his starting left winger available for a crucial run of matches.
However, it does present an opportunity to Marcus Rashford, who was excellent during the last spell in which Raphinha was sidelined. The Manchester United loanee will need to step up, starting with next weekend’s trip to Atletico Madrid.
Despite giving up five unanswered goals in the final quarter of Thursday’s contest, No. 3 Maryland women’s lacrosse took down No. 7 Johns Hopkins in its first top-10 matchup of 2026.
In what’s becoming second nature, Lauren LaPointe led the offense with a career-high seven goals and logging the seventh-highest points total in program history with 10. Her efforts, along with superb defense and goalkeeping in the first half, allowed the Terps to remain undefeated and escape Baltimore with a 15-12 win.
Now returning to College Park, Maryland will take on another ranked opponent in No. 21 Penn State. The Nittany Lions are coming off back-to-back losses after nine straight victories.
The game will begin on Sunday at 12 p.m. in SECU Stadium and stream on Big Ten Plus.
No. 21 Penn State Nittany Lions (9-2, 1-1 Big Ten)
2025 Record: 7-9, 5-3 Big Ten
After missing the NCAA Tournament last year for the first time since 2022, Penn State needed to make a change. Enter head coach Kayla Treanor, who came to Happy Valleyafter stints at perennial powerhouses Boston College and Syracuse. The fresh face at the helm has completely flipped the faltering program on its head, almost turning the Nittany Lions into a serious contender overnight.
Penn State came into the year firing on all cylinders, taking down talented programs like No. 23 Pitt and Cornell. But after two multi-goal losses to ranked opponents, questions have risen as to whether or not the Nittany Lions’ offensive unit can compete with high-level defensive schemes.
Players to watch
Kelly MacKinney, junior attacker, No. 32 — Coming of her first year as a consistent starter, MacKinney has emerged as Penn State’s most balanced offensive weapon. The attacker’s versatility is best shown through her 22 goals and 25 assists. While she doesn’t lead her team in either category, she is always a passing or shooting threat inside the arc.
Delaney Radin, junior attacker, No. 6 — Although she leads the Nittany Lions with 50 points, the majority of them have come in unconventional ways. The junior leads the Big Ten with 35 assists, establishing herself as one of the game’s best passers despite only starting once this whole season.
Sydney Manning, junior goalkeeper, No. 33 — Rounding out a talented junior class, Manning’s performance has taken a huge uptick after noticeable inconsistencies in her first two years. The netminder has been the only goalkeeper to rival JJ Suriano in the conference this year, boasting a 50.3% save percentage and an 8.89 goals against average — both stand in the top-four of all Big Ten keepers.
Strength
Overall shooting. Penn State has been one of the most accurate teams in the conference all season long. The Nittany Lions collectively tout a 49.8% shooting percentage and a 73.7% shots on goal percentage, both placing second in the Big Ten. This has led to massive goal disparities in Penn State’s favor, resulting in a +64 goal differential on the year.
Weakness
The draw circle. There’s not much to write home about, but the Nittany Lions’ 13.5 draw controls per game rank in the bottom third of all Big Ten teams. This issue has been prevalent in their last two losses, getting outplayed 18-9 and 12-7 against Princeton and Michigan, respectfully. For Maryland faceoff specialist Kayla Gilmore, the draw circle will likely look like Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday.
Three things to watch
1. Pick your poison. At the end of last season, only 14 different Terps scored a single goal. Through 11 games in 2026, Maryland already has tied that number. The Terps have constantly emphasized the danger that comes with facing their seven-pronged attacking unit.
“We have so many threats. The defense can’t guard one person the whole game they have to cover all seven of us. So I definitely think having threats has helped my success,” LaPointe said.
2. No days off. After a 12-save performance and facing 41 total shots against Johns Hopkins, Suriano will be thrown right back into the lion’s den on Sunday. With an extremely precise attacking unit staring her down, the junior will likely have her work cut out for her between the posts.
3. Can the defense bounce back? Following three quarters of consistent containment, Maryland’s defense seemed to completely fall apart in the final 15 minutes on Thursday. Head coach Cathy Reese attributed the lapse to two consecutive yellow cards, forcing the Terps to play man-down for four minutes. However, the Nittany Lions are hungry for a win and will force Maryland to play defense for a full 60 minutes.
Las Vegas might feel like Detroit’s personal timeshare two weeks from now. That’s because all three Michigan college hockey teams in the NCAA tournament are playing for a spot in the Frozen Four there.
Michigan State, Western Michigan and Michigan all won their first-round games in the NCAA hockey tournament this week, avoiding any upsets as three of the top four overall seeds in the tournament. Now, there’s business to take care of in the regional finals.
After downing UConn 2-1 with a 41-save performance from goaltender Trey Augustine, Michigan State will face Big Ten peer Wisconsin in the Worcester regional final at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. The game will be played at DCU Center in Massachusetts and broadcast on ESPN2.
Western Michigan takes on NCHC foe Denver at 3 p.m. Sunday in the Loveland regional final after it took care of Minnesota State, 3-1. The game will be played at Blue Arena in Colorado and broadcast on ESPN2.
Top-seeded Michigan draws Minnesota-Duluth in the Albany regional Sunday at 5:30 p.m. following its 5-1 win over bottom-seeded Bentley. MVP Arena hosts Sunday’s game, to be aired on ESPN.
Only once before has the state of Michigan sent three of its college hockey teams to the Frozen Four. That happened in 1992, when Lake Superior State, Michigan State and Michigan all made the four-team field. Under head coach Jeff Jackson, the Lakers went through Michigan State and Wisconsin to capture the second of three national championships (1988, 1992, 1994).
Western Michigan has won the state’s most recent national championship — last season, when the Broncos beat Denver and Boston University to win their first NCAA title. That was the first Frozen Four appearance in five decades of program history, and the Broncos made it count. A second trip is on the line Sunday.
Michigan State is looking to crack its Frozen Four drought dating back to 2007, when it last won the title. That is still the most recent NCAA championship among the seven teams now in the Big Ten, though it came in the days of the old CCHA.
Michigan could get to its fourth Frozen Four in five years, the third in four years under head coach Brandon Naurato. However, Michigan hasn’t won an NCAA title since 1998, with nine trips to the Frozen Four since coming up short including 2011’s title game loss to Minnesota-Duluth — the same foe that it faces Sunday.
No. 1 seed Michigan vs. No. 2 seed Minnesota-Duluth
Analysis: Michigan handled Bentley without much trouble, even though star sophomore Michael Hage, a first-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens, missed the game with an apparent injury. Even at 5-on-5, there were stretches that looked like a power play against Atlantic Hockey’s auto bid inclusion to the field.
Matching up against Minnesota-Duluth will be decidedly tougher. Playing for his family’s alma mater, Detroit Red Wings draft pick Max Plante (49 points) is the star of the show alongside his brother, Zam, and best friend Ty Hanson. That triumvirate, aided by setupman Jason Shaugabay (31 assists), has helped Scott Sandelin’s squad get back to the tournament after a three-year drought followed seven straight appearances and back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019.
This is a dangerous Duluth team, especially when goaltender Adam Gajan is settled in. The Chicago Blackhawks draft pick missed time with Slovakia at the Olympics, and that was after playing for the U.S. Collegiate Selects in the Spengler Cup alongside UM captain T.J. Hughes. That team won silver against European pros.
Speaking of Hughes, the senior had a hand on three of the Wolverines’ five goals as a clear pace setter. The Hobey Baker candidate has scored a goal in six of his past seven games. Another good sign for Michigan: freshman goaltender Jack Ivankovic stopped 24 of 25 shots in the win over Bentley. He’ll need to be dialed in as the quality of the opponent rises.
Prediction: Michigan wins, 3-2
No. 1 seed Western Michigan vs. No. 2 seed Denver
When: Sunday, 3 p.m.
Where: Blue Arena, Loveland, Colo.
TV: ESPN2
Records: Western Michigan 27-10-1, Denver 26-11-3
Analysis: Minnesota State felt like it could’ve been a trap, but Western Michigan never trailed even as it played the bulk of the third period with a one-goal lead. Three different lines scored, counting Owen Michaels’ empty-netter, and defenseman Sam Sjolund played a strong two-way game that can make a difference this time of year. It helps that Hampton Slukynsky stopped 23 out of 24 shots, including 10 of them — some of the 10-bell variety — in the third period.
It’s a twisting, turning history with Denver that makes this game hard to predict. It was just two weeks ago that the Pioneers forced overtime on a late power play tally and won 2-1 in the Frozen Faceoff semifinals. That kept alive a streak of 14 games unbeaten, the only blemish a tie at rival Colorado College won in the shootout. All of those date back to freshman goaltender Johnny Hicks taking the net from injured classmate Quentin Miller and never giving it up without a loss to his name.
And that streak came after losing five out of six to bridge the New Year, including the back end of traded road sweeps between the Pioneers and Broncos.
Oh, and how about the Frozen Four last season, when Michaels scored 26 seconds into double OT en route to the title? Believe me, that’ll be a motivator this weekend.
Denver has depth all over, not just in talent but in trust. Four of its five goals in the win over Cornell came off deflections, and a mobile blue line led by Eric Pohlkamp, Boston Buckberger and Kent Anderson influences the game at both ends.
This one feels like it’s destined for OT again. I’ll give the toss-up to Denver as the incumbent winner.
Prediction: Denver wins 3-2 (OT)
No. 1 seed Michigan State vs. No. 3 seed Wisconsin
When: Saturday, 4:30 p.m.
Where: DCU Center, Worcester, Mass.
TV: ESPN2
Records: Michigan State 26-8-2, Wisconsin 22-12-2
Analysis: “Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated,” once wrote Mark Twain. Or maybe these Badgers.
Wisconsin bounced back from six straight losses in the second half of the year to squeeze into the tournament field as an at-large bid. It breezed past a good Dartmouth team in game one for its first NCAA tournament win since 2010. Now it’s a Big Ten showdown in the regional final, following these teams’ split sweeps in the regular season.
This is it for Michigan State. The moment of truth. The pieces are all there to make it to the Frozen Four for the first time since 2007 — one of its players, Swedish center Eric Nilson, wasn’t even born yet.
The scoring from MSU’s top line of freshman phenom Porter Martone plus seniors Charlie Stramel and Danny Russell. The experienced blue line with Matt Basgall and Maxim Strbak leading the top two pairs. The goaltending that can steal a game, like the Spartans might have to open the tournament against UConn with 41 saves from Trey Augustine.
Wisconsin will be a tough out, with its strong crop of forwards — upperclassmen Quinn Finley, Christian Fitzgerlad and Simon Tassy alongside sophomore Gavin Morrissey.
This is the game that the entire season boils down to for Michigan State. And after coming up short in two NCAA tournament runs, and with a short Big Ten Tournament run giving some rest, the Spartans are due.
Before he was a first-team All-Pro in the NFL, Marcus Peters played at McClymonds High School in Oakland, where he was coached by his father. Now Peters will succeed his father as the head coach at McClymonds.
Peters is the new head coach at McClymonds, where his father Michael Peters retired after last season. Michael Peters spent 33 years on the staff at McClymonds, including 13 as head coach.
Marcus Peters has big shoes to fill. His father won five state titles and went 142-24 as head coach at McClymonds. After retiring from the NFL following the 2023 season, Marcus Peters spent the last two seasons as a volunteer assistant coach to his father.
The 33-year-old Peters was the MVP of the Oakland Athletic League during his senior year at McClymonds. He then played college football at Washington and was a first-round pick of the Chiefs and the NFL's defensive rookie of the year in 2015. He also played for the Rams, Ravens and Raiders.
“We are excited to see him now step into the role of head coach,” an announcement from the school said. “His experience at the highest level of the game, combined with his deep connection to our school, makes this truly an exciting moment for our football family.”
Bernardo Silva comments fuel transfer speculation amid Juventus interest
Juventus target Bernardo Silva hints at a possible summer exit, saying that Manchester is ‘not 100 per cent what I would ideally want in my life,’ but also admits: ‘If Manchester City were in Lisbon, I would stay until I’m 40.’
Bernardo Silva’s contract with Manchester City expires at the end of the season, and according to Italian sources, Juventus are determined to make a move to sign the Portuguese star as a free agent this summer.
During an interview with the official Manchester City Podcast, the 31-year-old spoke about his life on and off the pitch in Manchester, leaving the door open for a possible summer exit.
“I have two sides of my life; I have the football side of my life, the professional side of my life, and then my life at home, where my wife and my daughter right now are really, really important to me,” Silva said as quoted by City Xtra.
“So, I definitely need a balance and to understand throughout my life, I always make decisions together with my wife, what was best for our family. Culturally, Portuguese and English are quite different; the weather is very different, the food is very different, the way of living is not very different but a bit different.
“I always joke and say that if Manchester City was located a bit more (in the) south of Europe, I would stay here until people kicked my ass out of the club,” he continued.
“Because I truly love the football club, I love my teammates, I love the staff, I love the fans, I love the (Etihad) stadium, I love the atmosphere, I love everything about my professional life.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 04: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest at Etihad Stadium on March 04, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
“Then, the other side of my life, it’s different because I’m not saying that I don’t like, but culturally it’s not 100 per cent what I would ideally want in my life.”
Juventus and Benfica both interested in Bernardo Silva
Silva’s latest comments have been widely reported on Italian media, suggesting that the midfielder’s exit at the end of the season seems very likely.
On the one hand, it’s good news for Juventus, but on the other hand, Benfica are also said to be interested in the Portuguese star, and a return to his native country surely appeals to the Manchester City captain.
“Before I met my wife, I was alone in Manchester for a while, and I didn’t feel that well about myself,” Bernardo Silva continued.
“And I definitely thought a lot about leaving, not because I didn’t like the football club – which I really love – but because of the other side of my life. And at the end, it didn’t happen.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 08: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on February 08, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
“I’m really happy that it didn’t! I’m really happy because I would’ve probably lost the opportunity to live the memories of the treble, the four-in-a-row, even now, these memories, this opportunity of being a captain, being in the leadership group and passing all this experience on to the young guys, and trying to put the club back it deserves to be.
“But if Manchester City were in Lisbon, I would stay until I’m 40.”
Pure joy from Hannah Hidalgo and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. | Getty Images
We have a new frontrunner for the performance of the NCAA Tournament. Hello, Hannah Hidalgo!
Hidalgo had an unreal triple-double in No. 6-seed Notre Dame’s 67-64 upset win over No. 2-seed Vanderbilt.
She had a stat line of 31 points, 10 steals and 11 rebounds. Registering that many steals is rare, and such defensive pressure was essential to a Fighting Irish scheme that stymied the Commodores.
On the offensive side, her 31 points featured another rarity in today’s game: zero 3-point makes. In fact, of Hidalgo’s 25 shot attempts, only two were from beyond the arc.
That’s because she terrorized Vandy from inside the paint. She cut through their defense like a knife does to butter.
She got in the paint whenever she wanted and those paint touches turned into made baskets or trips to the free throw line. With Hidalgo leading the charge, Notre Dame was in position to win, but far from a guaranteed result late in the game.
With 1:28 left to play and the game even at 62, Vanderbilt had possession. Hidalgo then flipped the script on the Commodores, generating a steal and following it up with a layup to retake the lead.
Aubrey Galvan knocked down a pair of free throws for Vandy to tie the game again, but then Notre Dame scored thanks to one of Hidalgo’s seven assists, which led to a Cassandre Prosper basket. Prosper scored again at the free throw line to give the Fighting Irish a three-point advantage.
Vanderbilt had one more chance to score, but Mikayla Blake’s 3 missed the mark. It was poetic that Hidalgo grabbed the rebound off Blake’s miss as the clock struck zero, giving Notre Dame the win.
As the crowd burst into a frenzy, she ran to the opposite side of the floor and leaped into the arms of head coach Niele Ivey, relishing the moment as Notre Dame would finally return to the Elite Eight after losing in the Sweet Sixteen round the last four years.
The path won’t get easier for Notre Dame as they take on UConn, who also won on Friday, beating North Carolina 63-42, but the Huskies’ head coach, Geno Auriemma, took notice of Hidalgo’s performance.
He called it “one for the ages,” and for a person who has won 12 national championships, steered teams to six perfect seasons (and is currently attempting a seventh), that’s certainly saying something.
“That performance by Hannah was just one for the ages.”
Geno Auriemma shows love to Hannah Hidalgo after her triple-double in the Sweet 16 👏 pic.twitter.com/RkFYl2NSQN
Ashlon Jackson comes through against LSU to keep Duke dancing
No. 2-seed LSU vs. No. 3-seed Duke was an instant classic that ended with the Blue Devils winning 87-85 off a thrilling 3-pointer by Ashlon Jackson.
Duke controlled the game in the first half, but in the second, LSU took charge and pulled ahead. The Blue Devils responded by going on an 8-0 run in the fourth and looked to cruise to victory.
However, the Tigers are a tough out. They slowly chipped away at the lead, and after a Mikaylah Williams layup with 63 seconds left, they had cut down the deficit to just one point.
Williams then scored a pair on a pair of free throws to complete the comeback and give LSU a one-point edge with eight seconds to play.
Taina Mair missed a 3, but Duke got the rebound and called a timeout with two seconds left to play. They needed a miracle to advance, and Jackson delivered. Jordan Wood inbounded the ball to Jackson, who raced to the 3-point line, took a dribble, pump faked to create separation, and rattled home the game-winner.
Jackson had 19 points in the win and only made two 3s, but the final one was the most important jumper of Duke’s season so far. Mair scored 22 points, and so did Toby Fournier.
For LSU, Williams had 22 points, and MiLaysia Fulwiley scored a game-high 28 off the bench. It was a disappointing end for the Tigers, but the Blue Devils were just a bit better down the stretch.
UConn, UCLA flex No. 1-seed superiority in Sweet 16 wins
No. 1-seed UConn continues to be a juggernaut, beating No. 4-seed North Carolina 63-42. Sarah Strong scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the win, and Blanca Quiñonez stepped up, scoring 16 off the bench.
For the Tarheels, Indya Nivar was the team’s offensive engine, scoring 20 points.
Early on, UNC played well against UConn and even led 12-11 after one quarter. However, the Huskies turned up the heat in the second quarter, holding the Tarheels to just eight points, and that pretty much wrapped up the game.
UCLA was the other No. 1 seed playing on Friday, and they took care of business, beating No. 4-seed Minnesota 80-56. The tides of this game turned in the second half, when the Bruins outscored the Golden Gophers 19-12 and held Minnesota to just 15 points in the fourth quarter.
Kiki Rice scored 21 points for UCLA, and Lauren Betts had 16 in the win. For Minnesota, offense was a problem as Grace Grocholski and Sophie Hart were the only two players in double figures. Grocholski scored 11, and Hart had 10.
The presence of Lionel Messi was utterly essential to Argentina's triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and while it's likely he will be on hand to help the Albiceleste to defend their title, he is not yet a confirmed presence at the tournament.
After playing what will likely be the final competitive home match of his international career, Messi cut an emotional figure on the field in Buenos Aires following Argentina's 3-0 victory over Venezuela in October 2025.
With the World Cup to be played across North America, where Messi currently calls home, eyes will be on his every move in the run-up to the tournament and during the competition.
The Sporting News details the latest as Messi nears the end of his unforgettable playing career.
It's largely expected that Messi will play in the World Cup before retiring from international competition. However, Messi cast some doubt over his participation in the tournament when speaking in September 2025.
"Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won't make it," Messi said after scoring twice in a World Cup qualifier against Venezuela. "But we're almost there, so I'm excited and motivated to play it.
"Like I always say, I go day by day, match by match, going by how I feel. Day by day, trying to feel good and above all, being honest with myself.
"When I feel good, I enjoy it. But when I don't, honestly, I don't have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don't feel good. So, we'll see. I haven't made a decision about the World Cup. Match by match, I'll finish the [MLS] season, then I'll have preseason, and there will be six months left. So, we'll see how I feel.
"Hopefully, I'll have a good preseason in 2026, and finish this MLS season well, and then I'll decide."
Prior to the 2-1 friendly victory over Mauritania at La Bombonera on March 27, where Messi came off the bench at halftime to a rousing reception, head coach Lionel Scaloni said his captain had yet to 100% commit to playing at the World Cup.
"That's a question more for him," Scaloni told ESPN. "As far as I'm concerned, you already know where I stand. I'll do everything I can to make sure he's there. I believe that, for the sake of football, he has to be there. It's not me who decides. It's up to him, his state of mind, his physical condition. It's difficult because it is not just the Argentinians who want to see him; everyone wants to see him."
Scaloni added: "I want him to be there. It's up to him to decide. He's earned the right to make that decision with peace of mind. We're in no rush about it. We know whatever he decides will be best for the team and for him. We hope he will be there."
Argentina
When will Lionel Messi retire from international football?
It's believed that Messi will retire from Argentina duty after the 2026 World Cup.
Messi confirmed that the 3-0 victory over Venezuela on September 4 was his final competitive international fixture on home soil. The 38-year-old was emotional after the match, with his entire family in attendance.
"There are so many emotions, I've experienced so many things on this field," Messi said after the game at Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires. "It's always a joy to play in Argentina with our people. We've been enjoying match after match for many years. I'm very happy; being able to finish in this way here is what I always dreamed of."
The game served not only as his final competitive fixture on home soil, but also his last World Cup qualifier. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Messi would be rested for the subsequent road game at Ecuador, with the team having already confirmed its place atop the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings.
However, it is highly likely that Messi will play in at least one international friendly after the World Cup concludes, allowing him to receive a proper send-off for his greatness on the international level.
Feel free to use this thread to chat about (almost) anything you want: video games, food, movies, non-football sports, you name it. As long as it’s allowed by the site’s ToS, it’s fair game here.
NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings have suffered a major setback as their star wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni has been ruled out for two weeks due to a calf strain. CSK released a statement confirming the development.
"MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of TATA IPL 2026. Get well soon, Thala!," CSK said.
CSK will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati.
Speculation that IPL 2026 could be Dhoni’s last season has gathered pace following news of his injury. In addition to the calf strain, Dhoni has also been dealing with persistent knee issues.
— ChennaiIPL (@ChennaiIPL)
Dhoni had acknowledged his declining fitness during the ‘ROAR 26’ fan event at Chepauk recently, saying that "it is on the way down".
With Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the franchise for some time, CSK have also strengthened their wicketkeeping options by bringing in Sanju Samson and investing Rs 14.20 crore in uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma.
In 278 matches, Dhoni has scored 5,439 runs in 242 innings at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45, including 24 fifties, with a highest score of 84*.
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He is the sixth-highest run-getter in the tournament’s history.
Portugal faces Mexico in an international friendly on Saturday as both nations step up preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
This will be the final round of games before Portugal head towards the World Cup in June and Roberto Martinez will certainly want to have some positive momentum going into the competition.
Mexico vs Portugal – Match preview and team news
Date: Sunday, 29th March.
Kick-off: 2:00 GMT.
Venue: Estadio Banorte, Ciudad de Mexico.
Last Meeting: Portugal 2-1 Mexico, 2nd July 2017, FIFA Confederations Cup
Mexico team news
Mexico are heading into the World Cup with a depleted squad, missing 12 regular call-ups, including captain Edson Álvarez, and several starters from the Nations League and Gold Cup-winning sides of last year.
Among those sidelined are AC Milan striker Santiago Giménez, midfielders Luis Chávez and César Huerta, and full-back Rodrigo Huescas, all of whom currently play their club football in Europe.
In addition, goalkeeper Luis Angel Malagon and midfielder Marcel Ruiz have suffered serious injuries that will rule them out of the tournament, where Mexico open their World Cup campaign on 11 June against South Africa.
Despite the injury crisis, Javier Aguirre is expected to retain his preferred 4-3-3 shape against Portugal, even though he has experimented with a 3-4-2-1 system in recent friendlies.
With so many midfielders unavailable, Erik Lira is set to step in as the holding midfielder in place of Alvarez, Carlos Rodriguez is poised to seize his opportunity with Ruiz out, and Alvaro Fidalgo is in line for a highly anticipated debut in midfield with Gilberto Mora still sidelined.
Mexico’s trusted central defensive partnership is expected to start in front of Raul Rangel, who is now viewed as the frontrunner to be the first-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup following Malagon’s season-ending Achilles injury, despite the veteran return of Guillermo Ochoa to the squad.
Portugal team news
Portugal arrive without star striker Cristiano Ronaldo, sidelined by a hamstring injury from Al-Nassr, alongside Diogo Costa (GK), Rafael Leao, Rodrigo Mora, and omissions like Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Joao Palhinha, and Néeson Semedo.
Roberto Martínez has called up Toluca’s 33-year-old Paulinho (returning after five years), debutant Mateus Fernandes (West Ham), and Gonçalo Guedes for depth.
Joo Neves and Pedro Goncalves trained separately from the rest of the squad before travelling. Ruben Neves is poised to anchor the midfield pivot.
With first-choice keeper Diogo Costa sidelined, Rui Silva may take the gloves against Mexico, while Tomas Araujo pairs with Goncalo Inacio at centre-back, backed by the dynamic fullbacks Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes.
Despite the injury setbacks, Roberto Martinez boasts ample attacking depth, positioning Bruno Fernandes as the No. 10, supported on the wings by Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceicao.
Form
Mexico
Mexico come into this match after three consecutive victories, with their latest result a 4-0 win over Iceland. They qualified for the World Cup as a host and didn’t play any qualification matches, with their last competitive fixture being the Concacaf Gold Cup final against the USA, which they won.
Portugal
Portugal qualified directly for the World Cup after finishing the qualifying group as a topper with 13 points from six matches. Their most recent encounter was against Armenia. They finished that game with a huge win (9-1).
Photo by Adam Glanzman/TGL/TGL Golf via Getty Images
Tiger Woods was arrested yesterday for driving under the influence after a car crash in Florida, officials said.
Woods and the other driver involved in the two-car crash were not injured, and he was released from the Martin County Jail late Friday night. Woods was not under the influence of alcohol, as his breathalyser test registered a 0.00 according to the police, but deputies determined Woods was impaired. He did not submit to a urine test.
Conversations surrounding Woods were on whether he would return to The Masters in just a few weeks’ time, but now they have taken a much more sombre turn.
The latter stages of Woods’ career have been plagued by back surgeries and a series of driving-related incidents. A car crash in Los Angeles in 2021 saw him nearly lose his leg, and his recovery from that incident was little short of miraculous.
After undergoing his seventh back surgery in October, the 15-time major winner underwent an intense rehab in an attempt to play at Augusta National. However, the Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee suggested that perhaps it’s time for Woods to hang up his clubs for good.
Photo by Cliff Hawkins/TGL/TGL Golf via Getty Images
Brandel Chamblee questions why Tiger Woods needs to play golf anymore
Woods, even at the age of 50, is fuelled by a relentless drive to return to competitive action. And that drive has dominated the headlines over the last few months as he attempted to make his Masters return.
But after his recent car crash, Chamblee has questioned why the greatest golfer of all time still needs to play.
Speaking on the Golf Channel, he said, “Well, why would he need to play golf anymore? You know, I think he should probably ask himself that. Consider not playing golf anymore
“It’s clear that Tiger Woods has a history of pushing himself to his physical limits beyond his physical limits. The stories are of him not needing a lot of sleep. When you sleep, your body repairs itself.
“He’s up two, three, four in the morning at the gym, grinding it out all day long. You know this puts a considerable stress on what is already a fractured and fragile body. And to the degree that he keeps hurting himself, injuring himself and requiring surgeries.”
Chamblee continued, speculating: “As Dr. Gupta laid out, those surgeries and injuries come along with prescribed pain medication. And again, unless you’ve had your head in the sand over the last 20, 30 years, you can connect the dots to the pain medication and the addiction to the pain medication.
“Again, that’s that’s those are just generally speaking. I’m not speculating here about what was in Tiger Woods’ system. We will let the facts play out there. But to the degree that he continues to push his body to the limit and injure himself, and this becomes repetitive.
“He’s done his work in the game of golf. Nothing he’s going to do on the Champions Tour, with all due respect, to senior golf, we all love it, but it will add nothing really to his legacy. And you know, it’s it’s clear since 2021 when he’s come back that he can’t play at a competitive level on the PGA Tour.
“His body just won’t let him do what his talents have previously let him do. That seems like the only circumstance that would alleviate this problem, beyond that you just hope that he gets the care and the help that he needs.”
This might be the final wake-up call Woods needed to put a halt to this relentless quest to return to the top of the sport.
Tiger Woods hasn’t been competitive since car crash in 2021
In truth, Woods hasn’t been able to compete in professional golf since his crash in LA five years ago. His swing looked all the way back after winning The Masters in 2019, but this marked the end of Woods as a top-tier golfer.
His journey shifted from chasing titles to getting himself to the first tee. While his return to the 2022 Masters was hailed as a miracle, the reality of his competitive standing in professional golf has been starkly different from his prime.
The extensive surgeries to his right leg and ankle have severely hindered his power and, more importantly, his endurance. Over four days of competition, walking the golf course has become a greater opponent than the course itself.
Since 2021, his schedule has been limited primarily to the four major championships, but even within those, his record is marked by missed cuts and forced withdrawals. For example, in 2024, he missed the cut at the U.S. Open and The Open Championship and struggled to a 60th-place finish at Augusta.
In the rare instances when he makes the weekend, his scores often balloon as fatigue sets in. Woods once said that he would no longer play The Masters if he didn’t think he could win. If that is still the case, then Woods should simply focus on getting himself healthy again.
Tottenham Hotspur XI vs Arsenal – Predicted lineup and team news
Tottenham Hotspur Women travel to the Emirates today, aiming to secure their first-ever away WSL victory against their fiercest rivals.
Spurs sit sixth under manager Martin Ho. However, their recent league form has stuttered with two straight defeats. Despite this underdog status, Tottenham held the Gunners to a 0–0 draw in November. Today, they look to break a historic scoring drought. They have failed to net in four consecutive league meetings with Arsenal.
Tottenham Hotspur team news
Martin Ho navigates a defensive unit thinned by several high-profile injuries. Notably, Clare Hunt recently underwent knee surgery. Consequently, she misses the remainder of the season. Therefore, Tōko Koga expects to go straight into the starting lineup. She returns following the recent Asian Cup success.
Furthermore, Maika Hamano is also available. She provides a major attacking threat today. Recently, she scored Japan’s winner in the international final. Meanwhile, Jessica Naz and Luana Bühler remain long-term absentees.
Katelin Talbert (or Kop) starts in goal. Ahead of her, Molly Bartrip and Amanda Nildén anchor the back four. In midfield, Eveliina Summanen looks to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm. She partners Thea Kyvåg in the centre of the pitch.
Finally, Bethany England leads the attacking line. Spurs desperately search for their first away win since mid-winter. The visitors boast nine more points than they collected last season. Ultimately, they rely on that progress to pull off a historic Emirates upset today.
Tottenham Hotspur predicted lineup
Tottenham Women Predicted XI (4-4-2): Kop; Wijk, Koga, Bartrip, Nilden; Hamano, Summanen, Gaupset, Vinberg; Holdt, England
When will the match kick off?
Saturday, 28 March 2026, at 17:30 GMT.
How to watch Arsenal vs Tottenham?
UK viewers can watch for free on the Sky Sports app as well as Sky Sports Main Event.
Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur – Predicted lineup and team news
Arsenal Women host Tottenham Hotspur Women at the Emirates today, aiming to extend their 10-match winning streak and cement their top-three status.
The Gunners enjoy imperious form under Renée Slegers. Notably, she remains unbeaten at home in her WSL managerial career. Arsenal boast an 11-match unbeaten league streak. Furthermore, they have not conceded a WSL goal in 2026. Historically, they have never lost a home WSL match against Spurs.
Arsenal team news
Manager Renée Slegers navigates a squad nearing full strength. However, she faces one significant long-term absence. Kyra Cooney-Cross remains overseas. Consequently, she misses the remainder of the campaign. Therefore, Kim Little and Frida Maanum likely continue their midfield partnership.
Meanwhile, Chloe Kelly enters the derby in world-class form. Impressively, she boasts a goal involvement every 73 minutes. This ranks as the second-best rate in the entire league. Additionally, Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord return from international duty.
Daphne van Domselaar (or Borbe) will start in goal. Ahead of her, Lotte Wubben-Moy anchors the central defence. Out wide, Emily Fox and Katie McCabe provide crucial width. In attack, Alessia Russo expects to lead the line. The highly clinical Kelly prepares to heavily support her.
Recently, Smilla Holmberg set a historic club record. She became the youngest player to assist twice in one game. Furthermore, Arsenal remain unbeaten in 66 home games when scoring first. Consequently, the hosts desperately seek an early breakthrough today.
Arsenal predicted lineup
Arsenal Women Predicted XI (4-3-3): Borbe; Fox, Wubben-Moy, Catley, McCabe; Maanum, Little, Caldentey; Kelly, Foord, Russo
When will the match kick off?
Saturday, 28 March 2026, at 17:30 GMT.
How to watch Arsenal vs Tottenham?
In the UK, the match is live on Sky Sports Main Event.
Portugal XI vs Mexico – Predicted lineup and team news
Portugal take on Mexico in a World Cup warm-up friendly on Saturday as both teams continue their build-up to the 2026 tournament.
Portugal booked their place at the World Cup by topping their qualifying group, collecting 13 points from six matches, and capped the campaign with a stunning 9-1 win over Armenia in their final game. That emphatic victory underlined their attacking firepower and confidence going into this international window.
Portugal team news
Roberto Martinez will be without a host of big names for this camp. Cristiano Ronaldo misses out due to a hamstring problem picked up with Al-Nassr, and he is joined on the sidelines by goalkeeper Diogo Costa, Rafael Leao and Rodrigo Mora, while Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Joao Palhinha and Nelson Semedo have also been left out.
To compensate, Martinez has refreshed the squad with a mix of experience and new faces. Toluca veteran Paulinho, now 33, returns to the national team after a five-year absence, while West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes earns his first senior call-up. Goncalo Guedes is also back in the fold to add depth in the final third.
There are still a few fitness questions in midfield, with Joao Neves and Pedro Goncalves having trained away from the main group before the trip, but Ruben Neves is expected to sit at the base of midfield as the main pivot.
With first-choice keeper Costa unavailable, Rui Silva is in line to start in goal, and Tomas Araujo is tipped to partner Goncalo Inacio at centre-back, flanked by the energetic full-backs Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes.
Despite the absences, Martinez can still field a strong attacking unit. Bruno Fernandes is likely to operate as the central playmaker in the No. 10 role, with Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceiaoo providing width from the flanks.
Portugal predicted lineup
Possible Portugal starting XI: Silva; Cancelo, A. Silva, Inacio, Mendes; Vitinha, R. Neves, B. Fernandes; Neto, Paulinho, Conceicao
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 1am BST on Sunday, 29th March.
How to watch Mexico vs Portugal?
Fans in the UK will be able to watch Mexico vs Portugal live on ESPN’s UK coverage.
The 3-seed Spartans saw their season come to an end Friday, March 27, in the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, losing to 2-seed UConn, 67-63 in Washington.
MSU has five players out of eligibility, including frontcourt starters Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler. But second-team All-American point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. and a plethora of wings and guards should return for 2026-27.
The Spartans have a four-man 2026 recruiting class that is ranked among the nation's best.
Here's an early look at MSU's projected roster entering the 2026-27 season, the 32nd under head coach Tom Izzo.
Michigan State basketball roster for 2026-27 season
Out of eligibility
F Jaxon Kohler
C Carson Cooper
G Trey Fort
G Denham Wojcik
G Nick Sanders
Michigan State basketball players eligible to return
Listed eligibility as of 2026-27 academic school year
F Coen Carr, senior
PG Jeremy Fears Jr., redshirt junior
SG Divine Ugochukwu, junior
G Kur Teng, junior
F Kaleb Glenn, redshirt junior
G Gehrig Normand, redshirt junior
F Cam Ward, sophomore
F Jordan Scott, sophomore
F Jesse McCulloch, redshirt sophomore
F Colin Walton, redshirt sophomore
F Brennan Walton, redshirt sophomore
Michigan State basketball recruiting class 2026
MSU has four incoming players signed for the class of 2026, ranked No. 2 in the nation on the 247 Sports' composite rankings, including former Wayne Memorial standout Carlos Medlock Jr.
Courtesy of footage shared by well-respected reporter Mark Kaboly, Steelers right tackle Troy Fautanu and defensive tackle Yahya Black were shown on SmackDown chugging drinks like their lives depended on it.
Fautanu and Black, two of Steelers general manager Omar Khan's recent success stories, emerged as pivotal contributors on their respective sides of the ball in 2025.
After dislocating his kneecap early in his 2024 rookie season, Fautanu bounced back in a major way in Year 2, allowing just two sacks this past season.
Black, selected by the Steelers with the 164th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, recorded 28 combined tackles, two forced fumbles, and one quarterback hit in his rookie year.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
As the dreaded popup rises in a youth baseball game, coaches on the bench and parents in the bleachers tense as the world turns into a slow-motion movie reel.
Who’s gonna get it?
Even big leaguers sometimes hate popups. Just before Carl Yastrzemski hit the one that would end Boston’s American League East pursuit in a famous winner-take-all playoff game in 1978, Graig Nettles, the Yankees’ third baseman, said to himself: “Don’t hit a popup to me.”
But Nettles, one of the best fielding third baseman of all time, camped under it and caught it. Overcoming popups are essential to success in baseball and in reality away from the field.
I would argue most parents don’t often think about these lessons when we watch our kids play. We want them to succeed from the earliest ages.
“Considering the pyramid of ascension in baseball, kids are not gonna be playing major league ball, and many of the kids are not gonna be playing college ball,” says Rotbart, a pediatrician and parenting author who coached his two now-grown sons at baseball, tells USA TODAY Sports. “And if they do it, it will be club ball. So I think that parents have fantasies about their child, if he doesn't make that catch, if he doesn't get the hit with the bases loaded, nobody is gonna sign him.
“He's not going to be drafted anyway.”
While chasing the long odds, have you ever thought about how baseball and softball imitate finding success in life? Rotbart and Davidoff, a veteran sportswriter, have teamed to explore that question.
We spoke with them and picked out 10 tips for parents about how they can apply lessons from baseball for sports and life success.
1. Step into the box: Being comfortable and confident is being successful
The book is about 15 years in the making, after Rotbart coached his two sons (now 34 and 38) through high school, taking meticulous notes that became a manuscript. He connected with Davidoff, who covered Major League Baseball for 30 years for a few New York City-area papers to bring it more legitimacy, to connect it more to the big leagues.
Rotbart was exercising the lesson in Chapter 9 ("The Batter’s Box") and finding his comfort zone. In this instance, Davidoff tied the familiar moment to Hall of Famer Derek Jeter, who liked to chat with fans in the on-deck circle, which made him feel at home as he calmly walked to the plate.
When he stepped into the box, it was his time to be confident in his preparation, focus in and take charge.
“You are the right person, at the right time,” the authors right in the book. “Believe you can face any challenge, any time, and want to face that challenge. You are in the in the batter’s box, right where you belong.
When you step into the box and aren’t successful, though, a matter of inches – up or back, inside or out – can help you get on track.
“You can change your faith oftentimes without making dramatic changes in your life, but even making incremental changes,” Rotbart says.
2. Remember to tag up: Pause and control your anger
Now you’ve made it to one of the bases. If the batter hits a fly ball that is caught, you can’t advance to another without “tagging up.” When the ball leaves the bat, though, your impulse is to run.
But that little pause – that tag up – prevents us from harm and embarrassment. Outside the field, it’s a form of anger management.
How many times have you received an email or text from someone that enrages you? If you respond right away, your reply might be nasty. But if you pause and take a break, your action is more measured and thoughtful.
“There's so much impulsivity in young athletes,” Rotbart says. “They see it in role models. They watch it on TV, the impulsive reaction to umpires, to coaches, to fans. And we have to teach kids to tag up.”
3. Life is a fielder's choice: Decide what is most important
We are told as baseball players to think about what we’re going to do with the ball if it’s hit to us in the field. If runners are on base, we must make a choice.
If our team has a big lead in the game, we get the easiest force play. But if it’s a close game, we might throw across the diamond to third base to get the lead runner.
“It's urgent for you to protect that slim lead and then you translate that over to school,” Davidoff says. “Let's say you're acing chemistry, you're up four runs in chemistry. So, OK, you have homework in five subjects tonight, don't worry about (chemistry) too much. But now you’ve got a “C” in chemistry, you’re only up one run. You need to get that lead runner. You need to turn the double play. You need to really step on the gas with your chemistry and make sure you nail it.”
4. Include everyone: Pinch-hitters and pinch-runners are crucial to the team
We can learn to throw ourselves into whatever role we are given.
“There are players who are not starters, and there are players who may not even be position players by their talent level,” Rotbart says. “But they have other skills that they can bring. They may be a fast runner. They may be able to hit, but not be able to field. And pinch-hitters and pinch-runners teach kids that we should be inclusive and not clickish, that we should want everyone on a team, everyone in our friendship circle, everyone in our class, to be included in activities, becauseeveryone has something different to contribute.”
Even if you're assigned a less prominent or less prestigious assignment on the team, or on the student council, or at the school newspaper, or in a Woody Allen movie with one line, make the best of it:
Go out there and make the catch that nobody expects you to make.
“When the expectations are low, that's when you have the best opportunity to shine,” Rotbart says.
5. If you get yourself into a pickle, you can give yourself up for the greater good
I had a player on one of my Little League teams who was fast and could keep himself caught in a “pickle” between first and second bases long enough for a runner from third base to break for home and score.
The longer a pickle in baseball lasts, the more humorous it gets, and we wonder if the runner who made the “mistake” will still reach a base safely.
“Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't work out, but the analogy in the book is that when you are untruthful, when you say things that are not true, you get yourself in a pickle, and that's when you're lying, and you lose trust,” Rotbart says. “Sometimes you get away with it. Sometimes you advance to the next base. But oftentimes, you get thrown out, and being untruthful, lying is the most common cause for (a) real-life pickle.”
The lesson I like about the pickle is sacrificing yourself. As we know, even with two outs, that run from third base counts if it scores before the player is tagged out.
6. Mound meetings work: Take time to accept advice, or to just catch your breath
Davidoff remembers covering the Yankees’ first interleague visit to play the Colorado Rockies in 2002, and Roger Clemens was having a rough first inning.
He watched third baseman Robin Ventura walk over and chat with Clemens for a few seconds. Davidoff asked Ventura the next day what he had said to the starting pitcher.
“Nothing,” the third baseman told him, “just an excuse to let him exhale and take a deep breath.”
We all need it. Clemens got out of the first inning allowing only one run.
The same concept can apply as a youth coach when you call a timeout as a youth coach or gather your young player on the mound. They often respond by playing better. Sometimes, it’s as simple as you telling them, “I believe in you.”
7. Clean up your messes, and take pride in your spaces
Yoshinobu Yamamoto came to the Los Angeles Dodgers for $325 million in 2023. We know he helped lead Los Angeles to the World Series the last two seasons.
But did you know last October, after he pitched a complete game to even the World Series 1-1 in Toronto, he remained in the dugout and cleaned up trash teammates had left behind?
“Do not leave today's mess for tomorrow,” Rotbart said. “You clean up the dugout, you sweep the field, just like Yoshi Yamamoto did. That's protecting your tomorrow by taking care of your mess today.”
Someone may be playing on the field after you, or an opponent may have hosted you at their home park. You are showing them respect – win or lose – but also showing everyone a piece of who you are.
“Your personal spaces are part of you, signs on the outside of who you are on the inside, like the clothes you wear and how you brush your hair,” the authors write.
8. Stretch for the ball, but know when to pull off the base
Sometimes we want to make a spectacular play by diving for a ball in the outfield, or stretching far in front of us to catch a ball if we’re playing first base.
But what happens if we can’t get to the ball? We miss it, and it rolls to the outfield wall, allowing three runners to score. We don’t reach it and it skips past us at first base and the baserunner to get to second base in a tie game.
Sometimes, we need to slow up and let the ball drop to prevent further damage, or take our foot off the bag to stop the ball from going to the fence. Rotbart has used such analogies when speaking to patients as a pediatrician.
“A clinical example that I have (is) where a parent and an adolescent came into the clinic, and the mom was complaining that her son was doing too much of what his friends, what his cohort was asking him to do,” he says, “and that he would do anything to maintain friendship but he was going too far, doing things he shouldn’t be doing.”
9. Believe in yourself, and don't listen to the chatter
I hear it every time my sons play a high school game. Teams are yelling at each other from the dugout, or fans are yelling from the stands, to try and throw players off their games.
It’s not easy to block out the noise.
“There will always be those who feel better when they’re embarrassing others,” Davidoff and Rotbart write. “In baseball, the best teams and the best players don’t taunt.”
The authors analogize chatter in the book to be like gossip: Saying things that are potentially hurtful, disruptive and distracting or even dangerous (in the case of fly balls).
Chatter might seem helpful in the moment but if a potential coach sees you doing it – in person or on social media – he or she might stop recruiting you.
10. Learn to catch the popup: Take charge and follow through
When the ball is up in the air, we’re waiting for someone on the field to take charge. Maybe it’s the kid who’s under it, but often it’s the one who’s most confident in catching it. Go ahead, call for it.
“Someone has to take responsibility,” Rotbart says. “Someone has to be accountable, and suddenly, the pop fly became a lesson in taking responsibility, following through.”
He thought about it, after watching some of the 700 to 800 kids who came through his baseball program crash into each other on the pitcher’s mound going after a popup. Rotbart reached for his notebook, and the seed of a book was born.
“Double-check everything you do with others to make sure you know who is doing what,” he and Davidoff would craft into lesson No. 48. “If you’re the one ‘calling’ for the ball, make sure others hear you; if someone else is calling for it, make sure you hear them. Messages you send can get lost and so can messages people send to you.
“When it’s important your message – or assignment or project – gets where it’s going and gets seen or heard, follow through and make sure it got there. Otherwise, you’ve dropped the ball.”
Borelli, aka Coach Steve, has been an editor and writer with USA TODAY since 1999. He spent 10 years coaching his two sons’ baseball and basketball teams. He and his wife, Colleen, are now sports parents for two high schoolers. His Coach Steve column is posted weekly.For his past columns, click here.
Got a question for Coach Steve you want answered in a column? Email him at sborelli@usatoday.com
Nebraska football running back Emmett Johnson is being held in high regard as NFL draft prep begins. Maurice Jones-Drew has Johnson ranked as the second overall running back in the entire draft behind Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Love.
Johnson's stock is high, with much of the buzz due to his incredible 2025 season. The running back had 251 carries for 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025.
The running back helped his NFL draft prospects last season. He was able to put together a complete season and showcase every facet of his skill set. That has paid off, as Jones-Drew is extremely high on the former Husker.
"I love Johnson's game. Despite clocking an underwhelming 4.56-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine and logging only one big season at Nebraska -- 251 carries, 1,451 yards and 12 TDs in 2025 -- Johnson offers versatility out of the backfield that should excite NFL teams. As a runner, he has great vision and short-area quickness, plus the kind of contact balance that makes it hard for defenders to bring him down in the open field. As a receiver, Johnson is shifty and has the natural hands to take on a sizeable role in the pass game."
This is certainly a positive development for Johnson. Nebraska football fans know how much of a game-changer he truly is. He possesses a unique blend of speed and physicality and has shown an ability to take over games. It will be interesting to see where Johnson ends up in the draft, and whoever lands him will eventually get a huge steal.
Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes and opinions.
‘Cannot co-exist’: Journalist claims Arne Slot at centre of Mo Salah exit
Mo Salah is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season. This is where it all finishes - nine wonderful years from one of the greatest to ever wear the Red.
But the why has left people a bit confused. Salah still has a year remaining on his contract and it's taken mutual termination for him to depart early.
Again, why? Liverpool could almost certainly command a fee from a Saudi Arabian team, for instance, should they wish to sell this summer. That might point to Salah not actually wanting to head over there, perhaps telling the club that either they accept termination this summer or he'll stick around.
It seems there was little chance of him remaining at the club, though. The Athletic makes it clear that 'all parties' felt this was for the best, despite Salah's belief that he's not finished at the elite level.
Journalist Ismael Mahmoud offers one explanation for the breakup: Arne Slot. Mahmoud claims that Salah simply wasn't going to endure another season under the Dutchman.
"The relationship with Arne Slot," he writes. "It became an absolute certainty: Salah and Arne Slot simply could not exist in the same team next season."
Slot and Salah had a public falling out back in December after the head coach dropped his star player for three matches. The player felt he was thrown under the bus for Liverpool's poor performances - something he made very clear, very publicly.
And perhaps that relationship simply isn't getting repaired. Instead, Salah will leave Liverpool in the summer while we all wait and see what happens with Slot.
Mo Salah: Situation Summary
As of 27 March 2026, Mohamed Salah has officially confirmed he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season. Despite a contract running until 2027, he and the club reached a mutual agreement to terminate it a year early. This ends a legendary nine-year tenure that saw him score 255 goals, the third-most in club history. He announced the news via an emotional video on 24 March to provide transparency to fans.
Injury and Form
Salah is currently sidelined with a muscle injury sustained during the 4-0 Champions League win against Galatasaray on 18 March. He missed the recent defeat to Brighton and withdrew from Egypt's international fixtures. He is targeting a return for the FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City on 4 April. In 34 appearances this season, he has recorded 10 goals and 9 assists.
Future Destination
The Saudi Pro League is the frontrunner for his next move. Al-Ittihad is reportedly preparing a massive package to make him the face of the league. While MLS clubs like San Diego FC have expressed interest, a move to Saudi Arabia is widely considered the most likely outcome for the 33-year-old.
Five top centre-backs set for big summer transfers
Centre-backs are set to be near the top of transfer wish-lists this summer, with several of Europe's elite chasing defensive additions.
Some big names could be on the move, and we've profiled five central defenders who could dominate the headlines.
Alessandro Bastoni
Inter Milan are considering significant sales this summer to fund a rebuild under Cristian Chivu. Alessandro Bastoni is one of the figures attracting interest, with Barcelona having placed the defender at the top of their priorities.
Bastoni has forged a reputation as one ofSerie A's premier centre-backs at Inter, where he's won two Scudetti and been named the division's Best Defender across the last two seasons.
The 27-year-old brings balance as a natural left-sided defender and ranks among the top performers across Europe for progressive passes, passes completed and progressive carries.
A second straight season battling at the bottom end of thePremier League has persuaded Romero that his future lies elsewhere.
The club captain has not been afraid to take aim at the Spurs board in recent months, branding the lack of investment in January as 'disgraceful' as the side battled through injuries.
La Liga is the Argentine's preferred destination and each of Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Barcelona have been mentioned as suitors.
Ibrahima Konate
It's becoming increasingly likely thatIbrahima Konate leaves Liverpool in the summer as the defender's deal approaches its conclusion. There's been no news on an extension, with Konate's contract due to expire in July.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are both monitoring the situation closely, with the former plotting a second raid on the Reds for a free agent in successive summers.
After Trent Alexander-Arnold's exit for the Bernabeu last summer, the Liverpool fans will be frustrated to lose another player so easily while still in their prime.
Castello Lukeba
RB Leipzig have churned out a steady production of talent to Europe's top teams in recent seasons and Castello Lukeba is the latest to pique interest.
The French defender is on the radar ofPremier League teams including Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, who are all monitoring the progressive left-footed centre-back.
Lukeba has a release clause of €80m in his contract at Leipzig but the Germans are willing to negotiate. The 23-year-old will feel he's ready for a step up as he looks to break into a France set-up stacked with defensive depth.
Nottingham Forest face a fight to hold onto Murillo in the summer, even if the club secure their Premier League status for another season.
The Brazilian's on the radar of Chelsea and Liverpool, having impressed at the City Ground with his magnet-like penalty box defending and booming left-foot distribution. Murillo led all Premier League players for clearances in 2024-25.
“You guys want me to feel the pressure, that’s for sure,” Christian Pulisic quipped to the media on Friday.Photograph: Omar Vega/Getty Images
US men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino probably understands the pressure of playing for your national team in a way few of his players can.
Pochettino was a late cut from Argentina’s World Cup plans in 1994 and 1998. He finally made the squad as a veteran in 2002, part of a stacked team favored by many to win the entire tournament. The country itself was in the midst of an unprecedented economic crisis and an entire nation turned to La Albiceleste for a bit of hope.
“Argentine people feel the pressure,” Pochettino told reporters during a press conference Friday afternoon, ahead of the USMNT’s pair of friendlies against Belgium and Portugal in Atlanta. “Football is a battle to survive. It was really an energy that was so heavy, and we didn’t deal with that.”
Argentina’s performance at the World Cup that year was catastrophic. Under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa and featuring legends such as Juan Sebastián Verón and Gabriel Batistuta, they crashed out in the group stage for the first time in a half century. After a draw in their final match against Sweden, most of the team sank to their knees and wept, refusing to leave the pitch, fully in denial that they’d so badly failed to meet expectations.
Nearly 25 years later, Pochettino finds himself at the helm of a US team who have never faced those exact types of expectations. Yet pressure has existed. It was there in 1994, when the US first hosted the tournament, and by all accounts there are massive stakes for the US this year, when they’ll host it again along with Mexico and Canada. Football may not be life or death in the US the way it is in Argentina. But for most of the players in Pochettino’s squad, this is the closest they’ll get to feeling the crushing weight of expectations on the international stage.
Pochettino, though, does not want to hear about pressure these days. For better or worse, the Argentinian has a tendency to veer into motivational speak at times, having famously led players into retreats where they walk on hot coals or perform trust falls. That energy was present Friday when he began to speak about the mountain of pressure his players will feel this summer.
“There’s pressure for us, the coaching staff,” Pochettino said. “But [we have a desire that our players] perform, sending good energy – but not to create something where you say ‘it’s a tragedy if you lose.’ Because [we believe that] when you’re free, you perform. When you feel happy, you perform. You don’t need to feel the pressure. Because the pressure is a thing that if you don’t deal perfectly with it, it can be heavy.”
This current group of US players, called by many the most talented ever, seems uniquely well-equipped to deal with whatever external stressors may emerge a few months out from a World Cup on home soil. Friday’s training session took place at the training ground of MLS side Atlanta United, and players were generally in good spirits, laughing and trading jabs during rondos and small-sided games. Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Pochettino all seemed at ease speaking with media, with the latter’s remarks stretching out over half an hour.
More than any other American player, Pulisic – arguably the most talented player in the history of the program – likely feels the burden of pressure. A quick drive around Atlanta will expose you to Pulisic on everything from billboards to bus shelters, and his name seems a constant point of conversation among fans, in person and on social media alike. Captain America, as he’s been nicknamed, is likely the highest-profile player the program has ever seen. Pochettino may prefer to talk about expectations instead of pressure, but Pulisic, undoubtedly, feels both.
“You guys want me to feel the pressure, that’s for sure,” Pulisic quipped to the media on Friday with a laugh. “There’s pressure, it’s a World Cup, it’s not because of my position in the team or anything. I’m used to this, I wouldn’t want to be in any other position, I’m lucky to be in this position. There’s pressure, I can feel it, yes, it’s there, but it’s nothing I can’t handle. I’m going to attack it head on. I don’t need to do it myself, that’s the beauty of it. I have the whole team behind me, the staff, a country of fans and I’m just going to do the best I can do.”
The pressure on Pochettino is multifold. He is far and away the highest-paid coach in the history of American soccer and whether he feels it or not, much is expected of his squad this summer. He has been tasked with motivating a group of players some fans and pundits have long pegged as lacking in grit, motivation and any other assortment of intangibles. By most accounts, he has created a strong relationship with most of his squad. Asked Friday how he’s managed to connect with players – and to focus their thoughts on the task at hand – Pochettino answered in Spanish, veering, as always, towards motivational speak.
“I think the motivation begins from the first day you meet someone,” he said. “It’s vital energy that you have within yourself, where you prepare your body, your mind, your being, so that you can enjoy what you’re doing … Words, a lot of the time, are empty. I can give you a motivational speech right here that’s incredible. But if I don’t create an emotional bond with you, it’s impossible that you’ll be motivated by my words … If it doesn’t affect you in your heart, it’s very hard.”
In some ways, Pochettino has bought his own spiel. His positivity may be grating to the subset of US fans who have been jaded by the program’s historical struggle to improve on results, but it’s equally infectious, drenched in the type of patriotic, innocent optimism that so effectively keeps hope alive. It was present earlier this week, when the US manager gave his squad an impassioned speech, punctuating it with a simple question: “Why not us?”
“Dreams inspire reality,” Pochettino said Friday. Asked why he thinks the US can compete to win the World Cup, he continued: “because we are American.”
“What I am saying is that I am here because I believe that we can win. I can tell people that I really believe that. Whether that happens or doesn’t happen, there are too many factors in the middle. But the most important piece is that we believe that we can perform and to compete and that we can earn what we want.”
For years, Royal Challengers Bengaluru were defined by near-misses and unfulfilled promise, spending 17 seasons chasing a title that never arrived. That long wait finally ended on June 3, 2025, in Ahmedabad, when a side driven by teamwork rather than individual stardom rewrote its story and secured its first IPL crown.
Now, as they return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for their IPL 2026 opener, the context has completely shifted. RCB walk in not as hopeful contenders but as defending champions, with expectations higher and scrutiny sharper. Their first test comes against Sunrisers Hyderabad, as they look to emulate the rare feat achieved only by Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians by successfully defending the title.
Rajat Patidar leads RCB. For SRH, Ishan Kishan is the interim captain as Pat Cummins is ruled out of the early games due to a lumbar bone stress injury.
The campaign is long, but the importance of a strong start is undeniable. Chinnaswamy has not always been a stronghold for RCB, and with SRH bringing a powerful batting unit, the challenge presents itself straightaway.
On paper, the two teams mirror each other in several ways. Both sides possess deep and aggressive batting line-ups, both are missing their frontline Australian fast bowlers, and both depend on a mix of experienced Indian players and emerging talent. The conditions further heighten the contest. The last completed IPL game at this venue, RCB’s clash against CSK last season, produced 424 runs, with the hosts narrowly defending 215. If the pitch behaves similarly, it could once again turn into a high-scoring affair with little assistance for bowlers.
RCB have retained the core group that delivered their historic triumph, while making targeted additions in the mini-auction. The arrivals of Venkatesh Iyer and Jordan Cox offer added flexibility, while youngsters like Mangesh Yadav and Vihaan Malhotra strengthen the squad for the future.
Batting continues to be their biggest strength. With Virat Kohli and Phil Salt likely to open, and Jacob Bethell in good touch, the top order looks solid. The middle order, featuring Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David and Venkatesh Iyer, offers both experience and firepower. Selecting the final XI, in fact, could be one of the team management’s toughest tasks.
However, their bowling attack faces immediate concerns. Josh Hazlewood, their most effective bowler last season, has only recently rejoined the squad and will not feature in the opening match as he continues his recovery. His absence shifts responsibility onto Bhuvneshwar Kumar to lead the attack in conditions that rarely forgive errors.
RCB will also be without Nuwan Thushara, who is yet to clear fitness tests. In Hazlewood’s absence, New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy could be handed a debut, while young Indian bowlers like Mangesh Yadav and Rasikh Dar are also in contention. The spin duo of Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma will be crucial in managing the middle overs.
SRH, meanwhile, arrive with an equally dangerous batting line-up. Under the leadership of Ishan Kishan, they boast match-winners like Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy. However, their bowling unit looks slightly unsettled without regular captain Pat Cummins, even though experienced names like Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse and Jaydev Unadkat are available.
Beyond the cricket, the occasion will carry an emotional undertone for RCB. The team will wear black armbands in remembrance of the 11 lives lost in the stampede during last year’s title celebrations, a tragedy that continues to linger over the franchise and its home ground.
Sebastian Fundora towers over challenger Keith Thurman. | Getty Images
Sebastian Fundora will defend his WBC 154 lb title against Keith Thurman in a Premier Boxing Champions pay-per-view main event tonight from Las Vegas.
Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KO) comes in as the favorite, with the veteran Thurman (31-1, 23 KO) having fought just twice this decade, in 2022 and 2025. The 37-year-old Thurman is looking to recapture his glory and become a two-division world champion, while the towering, 6’5” Fundora wants to solidify his status as one of boxing’s new standout champions.
We’ll be here with live results, updates, and round by round scoring from Wil Esco down in the comments section. Join us tonight!
Elijah Garcia vs Kevin Newman II, light heavyweights, 10 rounds
Gurgen “Big Gug” Hovhannisyan vs Cesar Navarro, heavyweights, 10 rounds
Yoenli Hernandez vs Terrell Gausha, middleweights, 10 rounds
Yoenis Tellez vs Brian Mendoza, super welterweights, 10 rounds
Sebastian Fundora vs Keith Thurman, super welteweights, 12 rounds, for Fundora’s WBC title
Dealing with a busted bracket?
The Sweet 16 is almost here – who’s still alive? We’re reviewing the week that was in the first week of the NCAA tournament and turning our focus to remaining teams. How bad (or good!) is your bracket? Join us in the SB Nation March Madness Feed and let’s talk about who’s most likely to make a run to glory.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 16: Trent Williams #71 of the San Francisco 49ers defends against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL wild-card playoff football game at AT&T Stadium on January 16, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The majority of the 49ers top-30 visits have been at one position “Cooper Jr., Boston, and Concepcion are all projected to go in the first round. For my money, Boston is in a separate tier from the others. I’d rank them Boston, Concepcion, and Cooper Jr., each in their own tier.
I’d trust Boston to win at every level and do so in ways where he wouldn’t need to be schemed open. He’s not as fast as the other two, but speed is not one of the traits that come to mind early when thinking about where a wide receiver needs to win.
Concepcion is fast enough to rethink that last sentence. He’s a blur. He’s also a better route runner than you’d initially think. Still, problems at the collegiate level with drops can’t help me think physicality will make it difficult for Concepion to reach his ceiling.
If I hear Cooper Jr. is like Deebo Samuel one more time… Deebo’s vertical was two inches better at 15 pounds heavier. Deebo also ran a short shuttle and excelled (70th percentile). Cooper Jr. elected not to run. When a prospect skips an event, it’s a tell that he isn’t timing well. You can see when Cooper Jr. has the ball, like on a reverse, for example, his change of direction isn’t in the same stratosphere as Deebo’s. I’d like Cooper Jr. more if he were being talked about at the end of the second round, not the first.”
49ers met with Wisconsin DL Darryl Peterson at pro day “Throughout my early years at Wisconsin, I played as a stand-up defender,” he said. “I can play as a stand-up defender and drop in coverage. I can also put my hand in the dirt like I did this past year.
“I think having that versatility has been a huge help throughout this pre-draft process. I’ve heard a lot about playing both of those roles. Some teams want me to stand up. Others want me with my hand in the dirt.”
49ers land ‘high-upside tackle’ in NFL.com 2026 mock draft “According to Pro Football Focus, Lomu allowed just eight pressures and zero sacks across 383 pass-blocking snaps in 2025. His 82.1 pass-blocking grade marked a career high, though his run-blocking grade dipped to 62.0 from 70.1 the previous season.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Lomu measured 6-foot-6 and 313 pounds. He ran a 4.99-second 40-yard dash, posted a 32.5-inch vertical jump, and recorded a 9-foot-5 broad jump.”
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Brahim Diaz, with Real Madrid reportedly prepared to sell the attacker at the end of the season. The Gunners have tracked his progress for some time and continue to view him as one of the most technically gifted attacking players available.
Their long-standing interest reflects a desire to strengthen their squad with proven quality. Diaz’s experience at Real Madrid is seen as a valuable asset, particularly given his exposure to high-level competition and a winning environment.
Arsenal’s Interest in Diaz
Arsenal believe Diaz could significantly enhance their team’s overall profile. His creativity, versatility, and composure in attacking areas make him an appealing option as they look to add further depth and quality to their squad.
He has delivered strong performances over the years, even while operating in a highly competitive environment. According to Team Talk, Arsenal are now actively planning to add him to their squad, signalling a more concrete level of interest ahead of the next transfer window.
Despite his ability, Diaz has often found himself on the fringes of the Madrid squad due to the exceptional quality and depth available to the Spanish club. This situation has opened the possibility of a transfer, provided that a suitable offer is made.
Potential Transfer and Role
Arsenal are expected to step up their pursuit once the current season concludes, with the intention of securing his signature. The club reportedly believes that he represents a worthwhile investment and is prepared to meet Real Madrid’s valuation.
Such a move could offer Diaz the opportunity for more regular playing time, something that has been difficult to guarantee in Madrid. A switch to the Emirates would present a fresh challenge and the chance to establish himself more prominently.
However, competition for places at Arsenal remains strong, meaning that securing a consistent role would still require significant effort. Nevertheless, the potential transfer appears logical for both parties if the conditions align and the player is ready to compete for his place.
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Johnny Eblen and Bryan Battle square off in the PFL PIttsburgh main event Saturday night. | PFL
MMA Fighting has PFL Pittsburgh results for the Eblen vs. Battle fight card and more from UPMC Events Center in Pittsburgh on Saturday night.
In the main event, former Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen tries to earn another title shot with a win over Bryan Battle, who makes his PFL debut. Eblen (16-1) suffered his first career loss against Costello van Steenis in a PFL title bout in his most recent outing.
Dalton Rosta and Impa Kasanganay clash in a middleweight contest in the co-main event.
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 14: Tutu Atwell #5 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 14, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Despite being restricted with their salary cap, the Miami Dolphins have been pretty active in signing free agents over the past couple of weeks. The only big deal they have handed out though was for QB Malik Willis while the rest are signing for around the vet minimum. With the roster tear down, it’s likely some of these new guys find a way to carve out a bigger role on this team. With Jaylen Waddle traded away, Jalen Tolbert and Tutu Atwell have the chances to prove they are starter worthy at wide receiver but we should still expect the Dolphins to draft a wide receiver, or two, in next month’s NFL Draft.
You can check out that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below.
Juventus could make a move for Ismael Konè in the coming weeks, as their interest in the Canadian midfielder continues to intensify. Currently playing for Sassuolo, he has demonstrated that he is among the standout performers in Italian football.
His rise has attracted significant attention from top clubs across Serie A, with his consistent displays elevating his reputation within the league. Juventus are understood to be among the sides tracking his development most closely.
Growing Interest from Juventus
The Bianconeri have been monitoring his progress and view him as a valuable addition to their squad. Sassuolo, known for its willingness to sell players at the right price, maintains a strong working relationship with Juventus.
This partnership has previously facilitated transfers, most notably that of Manuel Locatelli, suggesting that any potential move for Konè may proceed smoothly. The established connection between the two clubs could play a key role in negotiations.
Konè has impressed with consistent and high-quality performances in midfield, showcasing technical ability, composure, and tactical awareness. His displays have not gone unnoticed, with several leading Italian teams reportedly expressing interest in securing his services.
Transfer Possibility and Valuation
According to Tuttojuve, Juventus have now emerged as one of his most serious admirers, identifying him as a key target for the next transfer window. The club reportedly sees him as an important figure who could strengthen their midfield options moving forward.
This growing interest reflects their long-term planning and desire to reinforce key areas of the squad. Juventus appear keen to position themselves strongly in the race for his signature.
It is further suggested that Konè would welcome the opportunity to join a club of Juventus’ stature, which has increased their determination to bring him to Turin. Sassuolo, meanwhile, are expected to remain open to negotiations, provided that any offer reflects the player’s value.
NEW DELHI: Team India all-rounder and Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya once again showed that his impact goes beyond cricket, winning hearts with a thoughtful gesture off the field.
During his preparation for the T20 World Cup, Pandya spent long nights training at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, often practising till almost midnight.
During that phase, he had made a promise to the groundstaff who supported him tirelessly that he would reward them when he returned.
Pandya has now kept that promise. The Indian all-rounder on Thursday rewarded the MCA groundstaff at Wankhede, acknowledging their role in helping him train under demanding conditions.
His gesture stood out as a reminder of the often-unseen contributions of groundstaff in a cricketer’s journey. By fulfilling his word, Pandya not only showed gratitude but also reinforced his image as someone who values people behind the scenes.
This moment comes after a successful period in Pandya’s career, having played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup triumphs. Now a two-time champion, he continues to aim higher.
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Speaking about his personal life and motivation after the recent T20 World Cup win, the Mumbai Indians captain said, “Jab se Mahieka aayi hai, life mein bas jeet hi jeet hai. (Since Mahieka came into my life, it’s been nothing but wins)"
Pandya also made it clear that he is far from done in international cricket.
“I have 10 more years left in me, and I want to win 10 more ICC titles. That's my goal,” he said, highlighting his ambition for the future.
From dominating on the field to keeping promises off it, Pandya’s journey reflects both determination and humility.
His recent gesture at Wankhede shows that even small acts of appreciation can leave a lasting impact.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 22: Raphinha of FC Barcelona reacts after missing a chance to score during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou on March 22, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Brazilian is a crucial player for Hans Flick’s side but has suffered from hamstring issues throughout the campaign and has missed chunks of the season because of the problem.
Raphinha’s latest setback comes at a critical time of the season and may just make Barcelona think about their transfer plans for the summer.
Hansi Flick does have alternatives to Raphinha but there’s absolutely no doubt that when the Brazilian is not in the starting XI, the Catalans look a different animal.
It’s been widely report that Barcelona want a center-back and a center-forward in the next window but might the Catalans now be thinking about another left winger instead?
We still don’t know what will happen with Marcus Rashford this summer, although recent noises have suggested that Barcelona aren’t keen on paying his buy option and Manchester United won’t sanction another loan.
Could Raphinha’s injury issues tempt Barca into signing Rashford permanently after all?
Yan Diomande is another left winger who has attracted plenty of attention this season and is expected to move on at the end of the season. If Barca are going to spend big, might Diomande be a good idea?
So what do you think? Do you think Barca should reconsider their transfer plans? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
TAMPA, FL - MARCH 11: Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees pitches during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 11, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
SNY | Phillip Martínez The Yankees are now 2-0 in the 2026 campaign after taking the second game of their three-game set vs. the San Francisco Giants. The 3-0 final score meant that they have now pitched two consecutive shutouts in the Bay Area, led by Max Fried on Wednesday and Cam Schlittler on Friday.
Schlittler, limited to 68 pitches after the minor back/lat scare he suffered in spring training, blanked San Francisco for 5.1 innings, surrendering just a hit and no walks while striking out eight.
MLB Trade Rumors | Steve Adams The Yankees took a minor-league flier on right-hander Luis García, who won the 2022 World Series with the Houston Astros, on a two-year deal. He is currently rehabbing from a second Tommy John surgery performed in the fall of 2025. He returned from the first procedure and was only able to make two starts, in which he had a 3.52 ERA.
The Yankees are probably aiming for García, who has a 3.60 career ERA and is 29, to return at some point in the 2027 campaign.
NJ Advance Media | Randy Miller Facing left-hander Robbie Ray, Yankees manager Aaron Boone sent the three right-handed hitters and lefty-killers from his bench to the field on Friday: Paul Goldschmidt, Amed Rosario, and Randal Grichuk. Ben Rice, Ryan McMahon, and Trent Grisham were benched.
Boone, however, didn’t commit to this arrangement against all southpaws and clarified that Rice and Grisham, in particular, will be in the lineup sometimes against pitchers of their same hand.
“Not necessarily,” Boone said. “Ben’s gonna play against some lefties. Grish, too. A lot of it has to do with the first three series, first nine games, this is probably the only lefty we’re gonna see, and we certainly want to get those guys in.
“And obviously they bring a lot to the table against left-handed pitching. So I’m excited to see them get their feet wet and get going.”
Saturday's agenda (28): friendly on OneFootball, Portugal, Brazil U20 +
Saturday (28) features SEVERAL friendlies around the world, as well as Brazil U-20, regional cups, women’s football, and more. Check the schedule and where to watch so you can plan ahead!
Friendlies 📍
8am - Namibia vs Comoros: DAZN and Fifa+
11am - San Marino vs Faroe Islands: Disney+
1pm - Senegal vs Peru: GOAT via OneFootball, YouTube (Goat) and XSports
2pm - Hungary vs Slovenia: SporTV
2pm - Scotland vs Japan: ESPN and Disney+
5pm - United States vs Belgium: XSports
5pm - American Samoa vs Guam: Fifa+
9pm - U.S. Virgin Islands vs Puerto Rico: Fifa+
10pm - Mexico vs Portugal: SporTV
Some friendlies, such as South Korea vs Ivory Coast (11am), Canada vs Iceland (2pm), and Burkina Faso vs Guinea-Bissau (3pm), will not be broadcast.
U-20 Friendly 🇧🇷
7pm - Brazil U-20 vs Paraguay U-20: SporTV
Northeast Cup 🏆
5pm - CRB vs Vitória: SBT (AL and BA) and SportyNet+
5pm - Retrô vs Ceará: SBT (CE) and YouTube (Futebolês)
5pm - Maranhão vs Ferroviário: YouTube (Canal do Benja)
7pm - Fortaleza vs Imperatriz: SportyNet and YouTube (SportyNet)
South-Southeast Cup 🏆
4:30pm - Operário-PR vs Tombense: SportyNet and YouTube (SportyNet)
7pm - Volta Redonda vs Chapecoense: SportyNet
9:30pm - Juventude vs Novorizontino: XSports
Central-West Cup 🏆
7:30pm - Gama vs Cuiabá: YouTube (Canal do Benja)
8:30pm - Vila Nova vs Operário-MS: SportyNet and YouTube (SportyNet)
Miller, a 6-foot-4, 321-pound prospect from Ellenwood, Georgia, has developed into one of the top interior linemen in this draft class. After limited action early in his college career, he emerged as a starter for the Bulldogs, earning first-team All-SEC honors in 2025.
Scouts praise Miller's sturdy build, hip explosion, heavy hands, and ability to stack and shed blockers effectively against single teams. He shows good balance, hustle across gaps, and power that can disrupt run lanes, though he will need to prove consistent anchor strength against NFL double teams.
Miller's profile fits as a two-gapping nose tackle or even-front defensive tackle with starter potential.
The Giants have a clear need for a high-quality defensive tackle to complement star nose tackle Dexter Lawrence. Pairing a disruptive force like Miller alongside Lawrence could elevate the run defense and create more one-on-one opportunities in the pass rush.
Miller is widely projected as a Day 2 pick, but No. 37 overall may be too rich for the Giants' blood.
The Detroit Pistons are rooting for the Minnesota Timberwolves to lose, but not too much, as they have the right to swap 2026-NBA Draft first round picks under certain conditions.
The Pistons picked up the pick swap in a three-team trade on Feb. 3 involving the Pistons, Timberwolves and Chicago Bulls, with Jaden Ivey going to the rival Bulls and the Pistons receiving Dario Saric (who was later waived) and Kevin Huerter. (In a salary dump, Minnesota sent veteran point guard Mike Conley Jr. to Chicago.)
The Pistons enter their game with the T'wolves on Saturday (5:30 p.m., ABC/FanDuel Sports Network Detroit) owning the No. 28 overall pick; Minnesota sits at No. 22.
The potential pick swap, however is protected from spots 1-19, meaning for the Pistons to want to swap, Minnesota will need to finish with a better record than 19 other NBA teams, but worse than Detroit.
The Pistons (52-20) sit atop the Eastern Conference, with a magic number of five to clinch the top seed in this spring's playoffs
Detroit is on pace for roughly 60 wins and close to clinching their first Central Division title since the 2007-08 season (which was also the last time the franchise won a playoof series).
The Timberwolves (45-28) sit in the middle of the pack in the Western Conference at No. 5.
Lewis Hamilton is worried that Ferrari will only regress in the Formula 1 pecking order once McLaren has fully understood the Mercedes engine in the MCL40.
Ferrari has been the closest challenger to the factory Mercedes outfit in the 2026 season, sitting second in the championship and 31 points behind the dominant Silver Arrows after two rounds.
It’s been a more troubled start to McLaren’s title defence, meanwhile, as it is third on only 18 points with three DNS’ across Melbourne and Shanghai with various mechanical issues hitting.
But the shining light is McLaren being powered by Mercedes, whose engine is clearly the strongest at the start of these new regulations. Although the Woking outfit is yet to maximise the power unit, it is gradually getting to grips with it as its much-improved showing in Japan demonstrated.
Oscar Piastri topped FP2 and continued that form into Saturday, qualifying third with team-mate Lando Norris fifth, while Charles Leclerc and Hamilton respectively took fourth and sixth for Ferrari.
Hamilton therefore cut a frustrated figure in the media pen afterwards, claiming “we’re just miles away” having also qualified seven tenths off polesitter Kimi Antonelli in yet another Mercedes 1-2.
“They clearly have a good car, and as they start extracting more of the power of that Mercedes engine, then we're going to fall behind,” said the seven-time world champion of McLaren.
“We've got a real job on our hands to try to somehow close the gap. The engine is a part of it, but I think the chassis clearly is, at least this weekend, not on par with Mercedes. They're quicker through the corners as well.”
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
What makes it worse is that Hamilton revealed Ferrari is unsure about why its power unit is lacking compared to Mercedes, even if it’s still been a positive start to 2026 for the Scuderia.
“Just on performance, we're hugely down to the Mercedes engine,” said Hamilton, who took his first Ferrari podium last time out in China. “What that is, we don't know. Whether it's just that they have a bigger turbo or more power or something else. We'll find out.
“We have to try and figure it out. We've got to just work harder to try and close the gap.”
This steep development curve backs up the pre-season belief that the rate at which teams fit upgrades is what will decide who enjoys success in this new rules era.
“I kind of expected them to make this kind of progress,” said Leclerc, also of McLaren. “They are a very, very, very strong team. We've seen it last year. They had an incredible car.
“They've had a bit of a rough start to the season, but it's not such a surprise to see them back to where they should be and I'm sure that there's a lot of progress also in the next few races.
“So on our side, we need to stay on it and keep pushing because as I said at the beginning of the year, it's going to be a development championship where development is going to play a much bigger role than it has in the past few years. We need to be on top of that.”
Wigan’s Joe Taylor / | CameraSport via Getty Images
Form
Wigan Athletic finished 15th in League One last season, 10 points clear of the relegation places. This season marks their third straight year in the third tier, having been relegated from the Championship in 2023, after finishing 22nd in the league.
The Latics are currently hovering just above the relegation zone in 19th place, three points above the drop zone. Their recent form has been relatively strong, having seen two wins, two draws and one loss in their last five league games.
They come into this weekend’s game off the back of a 2-0 home win against fellow strugglers Exeter City. Wigan’s home form has been stronger than their away, with only two of their 11 wins this season coming on the road.
The two sides faced each other last month with Reading picking up a 1-2 away victory after second-half goals from defenders Jeriel Dorsett and Paudie O’Connor.
The boss
Gary Caldwell: Caldwell was appointed Wigan manager last month, replacing Ryan Lowe and starting his second stint in charge of the Latics.
He had a 14-year professional career as a defender, starting off at Newcastle United, before also playing for the likes of Hibernian, Celtic and Wigan, where he became captain. He ended his playing career at Wigan, before taking up a coaching role with the club.
It wasn’t long until he was made manager, taking over from Malkay Mackay in 2015. Caldwell won promotion in his first full season, winning the League One title in 2016. He was sacked by Wigan partway through the 2016/17 season and went on to manage both Chesterfield and Partick Thistle.
He then had minor roles at Newcastle United, Manchester City and Hibernian before his move back into first-team management with Exeter. Caldwell spent close to three and a half years in charge of the Grecians, leading them to 14th-, 13th- and 16th-placed finishes in League One.
Wigan have seen a real turnaround in form since Caldwell took over, winning four of his eight games in charge. The Scotsman likes his teams to play aggressive, front-footed football, while also looking to hand opportunities to younger players.
Squad
Wigan signed four players during the winter transfer window with one arriving permanently and three joining on loan.
Their permanent addition was defender Jack Hunt, who joined on a free transfer following the end of his contract at Stockport County. Those coming in on loan included midfielder Owen Moxon (Stockport County), former Royals forward Caylan Vickers (Brighton & Hove Albion) and striker Joe Taylor (Huddersfield Town)
Wigan will have midfielder Callum Wright back for this weekend’s game as he returns from suspension.
15. Jason Kerr: Defender Kerr joined Wigan in August 2021 from Scottish side St Johnstone.
Kerr started his career at St Johnstone but made his professional debut at East Fife, where he spent two seasons on loan between 2015 and 2017. He then spent a season on loan at Queen of the South before breaking into the first team at St Johnstone in 2018. Kerr went onto become club captain at the Saints and made 147 appearances, scoring nine goals.
The 29-year-old has made over a century of appearances for Wigan since joining in 2021. The Scotsman was also capped by his country at under-21 level, picking up six caps. Kerr is a centre-back who is strong in the air, while also being an effective passer of the ball.
One to watch
10. Joe Taylor: Forward Taylor joined Wigan during the winter transfer window, signing on loan for the rest of the season from Huddersfield Town.
He spent time at Norwich City and Kings Lynn Town during his youth career and made his professional debut at Kings Lynn in the National League. He went on to join Peterborough United in 2021, making his EFL debut in March 2022.
Taylor signed for Luton in 2023 but only made 19 appearances for the Hatters over the course of two years, spending time out on loan at Colchester United and Lincoln City. A permanent move to Huddersfield Town followed last January, where Taylor has scored nine goals in 42 appearances.
The 23-year-old is currently on a hot streak at Wigan, scoring nine goals in 13 appearances since signing on loan. Taylor is a high-energy, pacy centre-forward who is a good finisher.
International Recap | Adzic scores for Montenegro U21
Three Juventus Men's First Team players featured in matches for their respective national teams yesterday evening, comprising one official fixture and two friendlies.
The first to take to the pitch, in the Under-21 European Championship qualifier, was Vasilije Adzic, who faced hosts Sweden with his Montenegro side. The Bianconeri midfielder started the match and played a key role by scoring the goal that made it 2-1 to Montenegro. The match ended 2-2.
In addition to the young midfielder, Teun Koopmeiners and Filip Kostic also started yesterday evening’s friendlies for the Netherlands and Serbia respectively. Koopmeiners provided an assist from a corner in the Oranje's 2-1 win over Norway, whilst Kostic played an hour in Serbia's defeat to Spain.
THE SCHEDULE OF THE BIANCONERI'S INTERNATIONAL MATCHES ON SATURDAY 28 MARCH
Gareth Barry has expressed his dismay at no longer being the answer to a popular football quiz question, following James Milner's recent surpassing of his Premier League appearance record.
Milner, a former teammate of Barry at Aston Villa and Manchester City, made his 654th Premier League appearance last month during Brighton's victory over Brentford.
This landmark moment saw him eclipse the record Barry had held since 2017. What makes Milner's feat particularly notable is that he achieved it having played a remarkable 13,874 fewer minutes than Barry – an equivalent of over 150 matches.
Despite this significant difference in playing time, Barry has been quick to dismiss any suggestion that it diminishes the validity of Milner's impressive accomplishment.
A special reception for the 🆕 Premier League record holder 👏
“No, there should be no asterisk!” the 45-year-old told the Press Association, speaking at an Aston Villa Foundation event at TOCA Social in Birmingham.
“It was nice for other stats to come out on the back of James passing the appearance record.
“But we had slightly different careers. The game has changed, it’s really become a bit more of a squad game.
“There’s five subs now. James had a great period of time at Liverpool. He wasn’t going to start every game, but he was always involved in the squads and that’s probably where our careers differed slightly.
Barry racked up nearly 14,000 more minutes than Milner (Nick Potts/PA(
“He’s an ex-team-mate at two of my clubs, and also England, I know him exceptionally well.
“And he’s got to where he is for one reason: he’s a proper professional, a very underrated player, and literally is squeezing everything out of his body, because he takes everything to the limit.”
Trivia buffs up and down the country will have undoubtedly scribbled Barry’s name down as an answer in a quiz about players making the most Premier League appearances.
Milner may have that title now, but, as the player with the most minutes and most yellow cards, Barry is clinging to the hope that the questions may get changed.
Gareth Barry was speaking at an Aston Villa Foundation event at TOCA Social in Birmingham (Fabio De Paola/PA)
“I remember the Covid days when the quizzes were very popular,” he added.
“That was definitely one where people kept telling me I was coming up in the quizzes.
“But you never know, they might change the question to minutes or yellow cards or something like that.”
Hibernian are fifth in the Scottish Premiership [SNS]
Hibernian chief executive Dan Barnett says the club's recent financial losses are "not sustainable" and has outlined plans to move towards a more stable long-term model.
Hibs reported losses of £5.8m this year, taking the total to more than £18m over the past four seasons.
Barnett acknowledged they cannot continue to rely on financial backing from majority owners, the Gordon family, despite their ongoing support.
"We don't believe those losses are sustainable," he said. "You'll see that reflected in next year's accounts.
"We think there is significantly more revenue to be generated on the business side so that we are not dependent on European qualification or player trading in any given season."
Hibernian boosted their finances in January with the sale of striker Keiron Bowie to Italian club Hellas Verona for a near-£6m fee.
Barnett says the club's aim is to reach a position where it can regularly break even.
"That is what we are working towards," he added. "The Gordon family have shown incredible commitment, but our intention is to build a model that is sustainable in the long-term.
"You grow revenue, you grow the club. A key part of that is player trading – identifying young talent, developing them and then maximising their value."
'We would prefer to fill seats with own fans'
The club is also exploring ways to increase matchday income, including the potential to allocate more South Stand tickets to away supporters when Celtic and Rangers visit Easter Road.
Barnett insists no decision will be made without consulting Hibernian supporters.
Hibs estimate that unfilled seats in the South Stand could cost between £150,000 and £200,000 per year.
"We've been open about the balance between principle and revenue," he said. "We're working with fans to decide the best approach.
"We would always prefer to fill those seats with our own supporters, but we also have to consider the financial impact."
Hibs have, however, opted to freeze season ticket prices for next season, despite the potential to generate additional income.
"We want to keep football accessible and reward loyalty," Barnett added. "We broke our season ticket record last year and sales are already ahead of that pace again.
"My preference is to grow revenue in other ways rather than increasing prices for our supporters."
Fresh off a riveting women's hockey tournament at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, the PWHL is getting a nationally televised showcase this weekend.
The New York Sirens and Montreal Victoire match up Saturday in Detroit for a "Takeover Tour" game designed to showcase the third-year league to fan bases outside its home markets. The game will also mark the PWHL's first on linear national television in the U.S.
Canadian star Sarah Fillier leads the Sirens attack. The 25-year-old starred in the 2022 and 2026 Olympics and finished tied with Hilary Knight as the PWHL's points leader last season as a rookie. Canada's backup goaltender from the Milan Cortina Games, Kayle Osborne, has started every game in net for New York and has a 2.52 goals-against average, while Canada's starting netminder Ann-Renée Desbiens will backstop Montreal.
Unfortunately, the Victoire will be missing their marquee player, Team Canada captain Marie-Philip Poulin, who is out at least two more weeks after aggravating the knee injury that caused her to miss two games during the Olympics. Veteran Abby Roque, who played for New York the last two seasons, leads Montreal with 18 points (6 goals, 12 assists), and 2026 U.S. Olympian Hayley Scamurra is also a key contributor (3 goals, 7 assists).
Montreal is in a tight race with Boston and Minnesota atop the PWHL standings, while New York is trying to shake off a three-game losing streak and climb back into playoff contention.
Here's everything you need to know to watch all the action Saturday.
Where to watch New York vs. Montreal PWHL game today
TV channel: ION
Live stream: Fubo
The New York vs. Montreal game will be broadcast nationally by ION. Fans in local markets with ION affiliates can stream the game live via Fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time is New York vs. Montreal PWHL game?
Date: Saturday, March 28
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Puck drop for Sirens vs. Victoire is set for 1 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game will take place at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, home of the Red Wings and Pistons.
Opinion: Liverpool will sack Arne Slot at the end of the season
Arne Slot: A Stay of Execution, Not a Show of Faith
The decision by Fenway Sports Group to publicly back Arne Slot this week should not be mistaken for unwavering belief. If anything, it feels like the outcome of a necessary internal audit rather than a passionate endorsement.
Behind the scenes, you can almost picture Michael Edwards sitting down with the hierarchy, dissecting every layer of what has become a chaotic and underwhelming campaign. Performances, training methods, player utilisation, tactical inconsistencies — all of it placed under the microscope.
And yet, the conclusion seems simple: now is not the time.
There is no logic in panic. Not with fixtures looming against Europe’s elite and domestic rivals in quick succession. Not with Champions League progression still alive. Not with the FA Cup offering a final opportunity for silverware. To rip it up now and hand the reins to an interim — whether that be an internal promotion like Rob Page or the emotionally charged return of Steven Gerrard — would be reckless rather than reactive.
Because what comes next is not a gentle run-in. Chelsea and Tottenham both opted for an interim and both are failing to deliver.
It is Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa — all within a matter of weeks, across competitions that still carry consequence.
No elite manager walking into that storm would accept the role on a short-term basis, let alone a longer stint without the forthcoming pre-season. And those who would? They are not the calibre required to lead Liverpool forward.
Photo: IMAGO
So this “backing” is not about trust. It is about timing and the only decision that makes sense.
Even the wider noise — such as speculation around a potential points deduction for Manchester City — only adds to the sense of uncertainty. It creates a strange backdrop where finishing outside the top five may not carry the same punishment. But that remains hypothetical, and Liverpool cannot build decisions on rumour.
For now, stability — however uncomfortable — is the chosen path.
The Inevitable Reset Is Already in Motion
If this feels like a holding pattern, that’s because it almost certainly is.
The expected summer arrival of Xabi Alonso continues to hover over everything. Whether officially agreed or simply aligned in principle, all roads appear to lead toward a managerial change once the season concludes.
And key decisions already reflect that.
The confirmed departure of Mohamed Salah is not isolated. It is part of a wider recalibration — one that suggests the next Liverpool cycle will look very different. Younger, more structured, more aligned to a new tactical identity.
It is difficult to imagine that decision being made without consideration of the next manager’s preferences. Mo may not want to remain with the current leadership; however, the next regime may not want him.
Equally, the growing frustration among supporters — fuelled by inconsistent performances and rising ticket prices — adds another layer of pressure. Backing Slot now may quieten the narrative temporarily, but it does not erase the underlying tension.
Because the truth is, this season has already drifted beyond recovery in a broader sense.
What remains is salvage.
And that is why the club’s approach, while frustrating to many, does carry a degree of logic. There is little to gain from disruption now, and potentially much to lose. Allow the current head coach to navigate the final stretch, absorb the pressure, and carry the burden of this transitional period.
Then, in the summer, act decisively.
Liverpool are not standing still. They are simply waiting for the right moment to move.
From the outside, it may look like indecision. From the inside, it feels far more like controlled patience.
And when May arrives, that patience is expected to give way to change.
National media all in agreement as they react to Cole Palmer’s latest England performance
Cole Palmer made his first England appearance under Thomas Tuchel as a second half substitute against Uruguay on Friday night, and drew positive reviews from the media.
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England were held to a 1-1 draw, with Palmer replacing Phil Foden with just over half an hour to play at Wembley.
National media give verdict on Cole Palmer England performance
Palmer took the corner which led to Ben White scoring England’s goal, and he was allowed to operate in a central position, whilst he’s played more from the right for Chelsea.
The former Manchester City star was one of the only players to pick up the ball and drive forward with it, and the national media were in agreement when discussing his performance.
BBC – The start of the battle for the number 10 position for Palmer. Brought on in place of Foden and the Chelsea playmaker looked to make things happen and should have had an assist when his free-kick was headed wide from close range by Calvert-Lewin. 6/10
iPaper – On in the 56th minute for Foden and delivered a terrific ball for the striker below with 20 minutes to go. Wanted the ball often and impressed more than the Manchester City man he replaced, and it was from his corner where England scored. If you think this score is too generous, it’s warranted for the impact he made. 8/10
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Enzo Fernandez scores in Argentina win
Palmer, who’s considered untouchable wasn’t the only Chelsea player to impress on international duty with Enzo Fernandez on the scoresheet for Argentina.
Argentina beat Mauritania 2-1 in a friendly, and it will no doubt be a boost for Fernandez to score, after a poor performance in the defeat to Everton.
Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
Barcelona not ruling out Montjuïc return during Spotify Camp Nou rood installation
The transformation of Spotify Camo Nou is entering its most delicate stage, and with it comes uncertainty that the club cannot afford to ignore.
While the long-term vision around Spotify Camp Nou remains ambitious and on track, the practical challenges of completing such a massive redevelopment is beginning to hit hard.
As reported before, Barcelona are already preparing contingency plans for a specific phase of the project, one that could temporarily force them away from Camp Nou once again.
Now, according to a report from Mundo Deportivo, it has come to light that Barcelona are not ruling out the possibility of playing at Montjuïc during the renovation stage of the Spotify Camp Nou.
What’s the story?
The complication lies in the final stretch of construction.
Once all seating areas are completed and the stadium is ready to operate at full capacity, work on installing the roof will require a complete halt to normal matchday activities.
Barcelona are keeping all options on the table for when all seats have been completed, and it becomes necessary to suspend all activities to install the roof.
This process is expected to take at least four months.
The installation of the roof will take a long time. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Although the current plan is to use the Estadi Johan Cruyff, and the goal is to move some of the early matches of the 2027–28 season to Sant Joan Despi, the possibility of negotiating with the Barcelona City Council to close off Montjuïc has not been ruled out.
From a timeline perspective, the club still expects to reach a major milestone by spring 2027.
Seatings to be completed next year
According to all technical reports, full occupancy of Spotify Camp Nou is scheduled for April 2027.
From that point on, Spotify Camp Nou will operate at full capacity. Occupancy of the Third Tier will open in phases, beginning with the two rings of VIP boxes as they are completed.
But that milestone will not mark the end of the project, as the installation of the roof remains the final and most disruptive phase.
This is four months of work, which would mean having the Spotify Camp Nou fully remodelled by October.
It is at the start of the 2027-28 season that Barcelona plans to ask LaLiga again to play several away games and have the Estadi Johan Cruyff ready, but the club is studying the feasibility of all alternatives.
The King of Japan is back in Glasgow – KT’s Shunsuke Nakamura reunion
Celtic legend Shunsuke Nakamura is back in Glasgow, the city he describes as his second home and there’s a very special reunion with Kieran Tierney…
21 11 06 – UEFA Champions League Group F Celtic v Man Utd 1 0 Celtic Park, Shunsuke Nakamura scores with his free kick. Manchester Utd Keeper Edwin van de Sar is stranded. Photo Ian Rutherford (IMAGO)
After meeting up with Kieran Tierney yesterday he will be co-commenting on the Japanese TV’s coverage of this afternoon’s World Cup warm-up friendly at Hampden between Scotland and Japan.
Welcome back to Glasgow Naka, you’re a true Celtic icon…
Shunsuke Nakamura is a name well known at Celtic Park. The Japanese superstar wowed the Celtic supporters during his four year career in the East End of Glasgow, and left as a Celtic legend with more than a few memorable moments imbedded in the minds of the Celtic supporters worldwide.
You can pick up a copy of Majic, Stan and the King of Japan from Celtic Star Books. It’s written by Matt Corr and tells the story of how Gordon Strachan managed to sign Shunsuke Nakamura and his remarkable first season at the club. It’s just £10 plus P&P and is a brilliant read.
Shunsuke Nakamura of Celtic during the Scottish Premier League match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox on May 9, 2009. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Naka is back in Glasgow, where he spent four years of his career, and this city is also the birthplace of his son this weekend, this time as a pundit for Japanese television as The Samurai Blue take on Scotland at Hampden in a warm up match for the upcoming World Cup finals in the USA, where both clubs will be competing.
The cultured midfielder was one of the best players to have played in this country, and made his mark not just domestically, but in the highest level of football in the Champions League.
Naka was well known for his precision from dead ball situations, with his ability to convert a free kick absolutely legendary not just in the Scottish game, but worldwide.
The Yokohama born playmaker who won 98 caps for Japan, fully carved his name in Celtic folklore by producing some memorable moments of magic during a trophy laden four years in the hoops, making the £2 million fee the club paid to Italian side Reggina look ridiculous.
Banners are unfolded for Shunsuke Nakamura of Celtic during the Scottish Premier League match between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park on May 24, 2009. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)
The free kick Naka scored against a star studded Manchester United side doesn’t need any explanation, nor does his iconic last gasp dead ball effort against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park that clinched the league title.
His sensational long range effort against Rangers FC was just as memorable, but that is just the high profile efforts, as Naka was just as efficient and consistent in his entire Celtic career, scoring 34 goals and providing numerous assists in 166 appearances in the green and white.
Welcome home Naka!
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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Sources: Everton prepare €30m move for Real Madrid academy defender
According to a recent report from Fichajes, Premier League side Everton are ready to formalise their interest with a €30 million offer for Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio.
The Merseyside club see Asencio as a player who could reshape their defensive structure for the coming years.
Despite being highly rated within the club, Asencio has struggled to secure consistent minutes under Alvaro Arbeloa.
While he has featured regularly enough to show glimpses of his ability, 19 league appearances and 30 across all competitions, there remains a sense that his role has not fully stabilised.
That uncertainty has naturally led the 23-year-old to consider his options. At this stage of his career, regular playing time is not just desirable, it is essential.
A move away from Madrid, therefore, is no longer unthinkable if it guarantees him a more prominent role.
Everton are ready to act
Everton are interested in Raul Asencio. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Everton, meanwhile, are acting with clear intent.
Their manager, David Moyes, is reportedly keen to rebuild his defensive line, targeting players who combine physical presence with composure on the ball.
Asencio fits that profile perfectly. His ability to distribute cleanly from the back, combined with his positional awareness, makes him an attractive option for a side looking to modernise its defensive approach.
Financially, the proposed €30 million deal is expected to be structured through a mix of fixed payments and performance-based add-ons, making it a manageable investment while still appealing to Madrid’s hierarchy.
From Everton’s perspective, they view Asencio as a potential leader at the heart of their defence for the next decade.
They feel his development at Real Madrid has equipped him with tactical maturity beyond his years, and there is a belief that he can anchor the backline in a more competitive Everton setup.
Real Madrid, however, are unlikely to make a straightforward decision. With Asencio tied down until 2031, they retain full control over his future. Yet, as is often the case, the player’s ambitions could prove decisive.
As the NFL draft draws closer, one of the biggest debates that has come up in recent weeks is whether or not the Tennessee Titans will pull the trigger and select Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
While some NFL Insiders, like Adam Schefter, have thrown cold water on that idea, other scouts and insiders see it differently. Friday, while recapping the latest draft buzz, ESPN’s Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, and Field Yates dissected the topic, and to no surprise, they all had different opinions.
Could the Titans really take Jeremiyah Love at No. 4?
Reid: Love is my No. 1 prospect in this class, but I just don't see it happening. General manager Mike Borgonzi joined Tennessee after 16 seasons in Kansas City, where the Chiefs always valued premium positions early. Don't be surprised to see another defensive player added here for new coach Robert Saleh.
Yates: They absolutely could. Tennessee's busy offseason has opened the board up, as it added all over its defense and signed wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson to a four-year deal. Love is my No. 2 prospect, and many NFL executives and scouts believe he is Tennessee's most likely pick. With that said, what other teams think the Titans are going to do doesn't mean much. This will come down to whether Tennessee is confident in the rest of its roster.
Miller: Yes, they could and should take Love at No. 4. The Titans were aggressive enough in free agency to enter the draft without a must-pick position here. Love is the type of transcendent prospect who the Titans can build their offense around, giving quarterback Cam Ward a viable threat in the run and pass game. And from what I've heard, if Love falls past Tennessee, the Giants will likely take him at No. 5.
The idea of the Titans taking Love is not far-fetched. Yes, general manager Mike Borgoni came from Kansas City and does bring some of that philosophy to the organization. But even Borgonzi has talked about the importance of a “generational talent,” and if that is how they view Love, there is no way they can pass him up if he is available.
Woods, 50, crashed his Land Rover on Jupiter Island, in the same town where he lives, just after 2pm local time after clipping a machinery truck at speed and was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence.
The 15-time major champion, along with the other driver, emerged from the incident uninjured with Martin County sheriff John Budensiek admitting “this could have been a lot worse”.
This is the third major crash Woods has been involved in and the second time it has led to a DUI arrest, with authorities suspecting that he was “impaired” by medication after he passed a breathalyser test but refused to take a urine sample.
Tiger Woods was arrested and taken to jail following the rollover crash (AP)Tiger Woods’ Land Rover rolled over in the crash (Martin County Sheriff’s Office via AP). (AP)
The American was previously taken into custody for driving under the influence in Florida in 2017, after which he checked himself into a clinic for prescription medication.
Trump commented on Woods’ crash and said he “feels so badly” for his close friend.
“He’s got some difficulty,” Trump said, speaking before the Martin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Woods’ arrest. “There was an accident and that’s all I know. He’s a very close friend of mine, he’s an amazing person, an amazing man. Some difficulty, I don’t want to talk about it.”
Tiger Woods (right) alongside Donald Trump at the White House (Getty Images)
Woods will remain in county jail for at least eight hours under state law until he can be released on bond.
Woods was also in a high-profile rollover crash in California in 2021, which left him with serious injuries. Authorities said he was driving at least twice the 45mph speed limit when he SUV struck a tree, causing the vehicle to fly through the air and land on its side.
At the 2021 Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, Woods said: "I'm lucky to be alive and also have a limb,” revealing it was 50-50 as to whether part of his right leg would require amputation.
Woods had been working his way back to golf from a seventh back surgery last September and his status for next month’s Masters remains unclear.
He admitted he got his “a*** kicked” after returning to golf in the virtual league with his team Jupiter Links, who lost in the TGL Finals.
His last official tournament was The Open in 2024, rupturing his Achilles tendon in March 2025 which that kept him off the course all season prior to back surgery.
Real Madrid star Fede Valverde talked to the press during Uruguay’s training camp and explained his feelings about his current form, which he kept going by scoring Uruguay’s only goal against England at Wembley last night.
“I’m enjoying a lot the moments like the ones I lived recently, scoring a hat-trick in a game that I never imagined would score more than two goals in. For me it is a unique moment. But that also allows me to continue working harder and to remain focused on football, which I think is what also puts me in a good position to make the National Team,” he said.
Valverde was also asked about his favorite position on the field.
“I like helping the team. Sometimes the team needs a right-back and I will be there to help the team. Sometimes it needs a winger and I’ll be there. I always like to help wherever the coaching staff needs me to be. I work every day to make sure that things go well when I enter the field,” he added.
Valverde will be suspended when Real Madrid visit Mallorca immediately after the break, so he will have a few days off as he tries to stay fresh for the crucial Quarterfinals tie against Bayern Munich.
Former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports analyst Karun Chandhok has claimed that Kimi Antonelli has had the "upper hand" over his experienced team-mate George Russell throughout the Japanese Grand Prix weekend so far.
The Italian driver secured pole position for the race at the Suzuka circuit, and Russell will join him on the front row with a P2 start.
"We have seen through the practice sessions that Antonelli has had the upper hand," Chandhok told Sky Sports F1.
"All through qualifying, it looked like Russell was struggling to have a good feeling with the rear of the car - he didn't have the confidence to lean on the rear.
"In the end, we saw his last run, his first sector was strong but he didn't have that final confidence to lean on the car."
2009 F1 champion Jenson Button also spoke about Antonelli's form. "I feel we have seen a different Kimi this weekend. He's always been extremely quick but the consistency is there," he said.
"He's driving within himself, he's not overdriving. To see how good he's been through practice, and the consistency he had in qualifying, really impressive."
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Antonelli secured his maiden F1 win at the Chinese Grand Prix after successfully converting pole position and he will be looking to continue that form through to the Japanese Grand Prix.
The 19-year-old driver currently sits second in the drivers' standings with 47 points, four points behind his team-mate and championship leader Russell.
"I had a really clean session. Felt good. I had a strong run one," Antonelli said during the post-qualifying press conference.
"And then from there on, I built the momentum. And obviously, it was a bit trickier than FP3, especially at the start of qualifying. I think the wind increased a little bit. And yeah, it just felt a little bit more difficult, the car overall. But then we tried to adapt.
"And we made some tweaks with the aerobalance and found a good compromise. Then the lap in Q3 was good. It was a shame for the last one. But I think it was overall a very strong session."
Germany's coach Julian Nagelsmann leaves the field after the International Friendly soccer match between Switzerland and Germany at St. Jakob Park. Christian Charisius/dpa
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann wanted to highlight the positive aspects, especially the performance of midfielder Florian Wirtz, after the win against Switzerland on Friday evening.
Wirtz scored a brace and set up the other two as visiting Germany came from behind twice to win the World Cup tune-up match 4-3.
"He's already a world-class football player. And if he keeps it up, he'll be at the top of every club's wish list for a very, very long time. Because he's just incredibly good, dedicated, and always brings the necessary energy," Nagelsmann said.
The three goals carelessly conceded didn't go unnoticed, but what Nagelsmann highlighted the team's response to the setbacks.
According to him, the team came back twice without losing their dominance, nor the control in the opponents' half.
"In terms of mentality, I think that's very, very good," he praised.
Nagelsmann will address the various defensive errors but internally.
"Yes, we didn't defend quite as well in some situations," he admitted.
The coach didn't want to focus on Nico Schlotterbeck's mistakes, which handed Switzerland two of the three goals.
"He won't be reprimanded now. I think he found his feet in the game. That's the important sign for me," Nagelsmann said.
The coach also praised Arsenal forward Kai Havertz, who made his return to the national team after 16 months away due to injuries.
"He had six, seven very dangerous situations," Nagelsmann said, but added in view of the World Cup: "And yes, he needs to remain healthy and fit. Then he will be for us on the same level as Wirtz."
Germany continue their warm-up for the World Cup on Monday against Ghana. At the tournament, they will face Curaçao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
Los Angeles Lakers' Bronny James (2nd R) watches as LeBron James (R) drives against the Brooklyn Nets during the NBA basketball match between Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets at Crypto.com Arena. Ringo Chiu/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Basketball superstar LeBron James and his son Bronny James had a special moment on Friday evening as the Los Angeles Lakers players produced the first father-son assist in NBA history.
LeBron passed to Bronny for a three-pointer in the second quarter of the Lakers' 116-99 win over the Brooklyn Nets.
LeBron and Bronny are the first father and son ever to play in the NBA at the same time, let alone on the same team.
"That was definitely a cool moment for us and for the family," LeBron James said. "I don't take this for granted, I'm just enjoying the moment."
Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James (R) watches as Bronny James (2nd R) shoots during the NBA basketball match between Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets at Crypto.com Arena. Ringo Chiu/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Jannik Sinner beat Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6(4) on Friday to reach the Miami Open final, where the Italian will be a heavy favourite to complete the “Sunshine Double” following his triumph in Indian Wells earlier this month.
World number two Sinner, who will play Czech Jiri Lehecka in Sunday's final, roared "Let's go!" after the German failed to put his powerful serve back in play on match point.
"It has been an incredible swing," said four-time Grand Slam champion Sinner, who picked up his 16th consecutive Masters 1000 match victory.
"I've been trying to play as many matches as possible and I couldn't do any better.
“Today was a very tough encounter; he played some incredible tennis, but I was serving very well, especially in the end and in the crucial moments."
Sinner is now one win away from becoming the first man since Roger Federer in 2017 to complete the 'Sunshine Double' by winning at Indian Wells in the California desert and the Miami Open in South Florida in the same season.
It could be a double Sunshine Double this year as world number one and Indian Wells champion Aryna Sabalenka will play Coco Gauff for the women's title on Saturday.
Earlier, Lehecka, 24, dismantled Arthur Fils 6-2 6-2 in just 75 minutes to reach his first Masters 1000 final.
Lehecka broke the 21-year-old Frenchman early and never relinquished his grip on the match.
Fils briefly threatened a revival at the start of the second set, but he struggled with consistency and committed a total of 21 unforced errors to Lehecka's 14, with three double faults.
"I'm very excited that I'm in a final,” Lehecka said.
“Definitely one of my goals, but at the same time it's just a sport, there are more important things going on in the world right now. I'm just trying to do what I do best.”
BOTTOM LINE: No. 13 Illinois plays Iowa in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Fighting Illini have gone 15-6 against Big Ten opponents, with a 12-2 record in non-conference play. Illinois is 8-2 when it turns the ball over less than its opponents and averages 8.5 turnovers per game.
The Hawkeyes are 12-11 in Big Ten play. Iowa leads the Big Ten allowing just 66.1 points per game while holding opponents to 45.9% shooting.
Illinois scores 84.2 points, 18.1 more per game than the 66.1 Iowa gives up. Iowa averages 8.1 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.3 fewer makes per game than Illinois gives up.
The teams meet for the second time this season. The Fighting Illini won 75-69 in the last matchup on Jan. 11. Keaton Wagler led the Fighting Illini with 19 points, and Tavion Banks led the Hawkeyes with 16 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Wagler is shooting 41.1% from beyond the arc with 2.4 made 3-pointers per game for the Fighting Illini, while averaging 17.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists. David Mirkovic is shooting 53.3% and averaging 16.4 points over the past 10 games.
Bennett Stirtz is averaging 19.7 points and 4.4 assists for the Hawkeyes. Cooper Koch is averaging 10.6 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Fighting Illini: 7-3, averaging 82.8 points, 36.4 rebounds, 14.6 assists, 4.2 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 45.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 69.2 points per game.
Hawkeyes: 5-5, averaging 71.8 points, 25.8 rebounds, 14.9 assists, 6.1 steals and 1.0 block per game while shooting 47.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 70.7 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: No. 3 Michigan and No. 23 Tennessee square off in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight.
The Wolverines have gone 21-2 against Big Ten teams, with a 13-1 record in non-conference play. Michigan is fourth in college basketball with 18.8 assists per game. Elliot Cadeau leads the Wolverines averaging 5.7.
The Volunteers are 12-8 against SEC teams. Tennessee averages 79.3 points and has outscored opponents by 10.4 points per game.
Michigan averages 9.3 made 3-pointers per game, 1.5 more made shots than the 7.8 per game Tennessee allows. Tennessee averages 6.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.8 fewer made shots on average than the 8.4 per game Michigan gives up.
TOP PERFORMERS: Yaxel Lendeborg is shooting 52.0% and averaging 14.9 points for the Wolverines. Aday Mara is averaging 13.7 points over the last 10 games.
Ja'Kobi Gillespie is scoring 18.3 points per game with 2.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists for the Volunteers. Nate Ament is averaging 10.5 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Wolverines: 9-1, averaging 81.9 points, 34.5 rebounds, 17.4 assists, 4.0 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 51.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 72.6 points per game.
Volunteers: 6-4, averaging 74.0 points, 37.1 rebounds, 15.9 assists, 6.6 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 45.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 68.1 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: No. 2 Arizona and No. 8 Purdue square off in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight.
The Wildcats have gone 19-2 against Big 12 teams, with a 16-0 record in non-conference play. Arizona is the Big 12 leader with 39.9 rebounds per game led by Tobe Awaka averaging 9.2.
The Boilermakers are 17-7 in Big Ten play. Purdue has a 2-2 record in one-possession games.
Arizona averages 86.7 points, 16.4 more per game than the 70.3 Purdue allows. Purdue has shot at a 50.3% rate from the field this season, 11.1 percentage points above the 39.2% shooting opponents of Arizona have averaged.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jaden Bradley is averaging 13.3 points, 4.4 assists and 1.5 steals for the Wildcats. Brayden Burries is averaging 18.8 points over the last 10 games.
Braden Smith is averaging 14.3 points, 8.9 assists and 1.7 steals for the Boilermakers. Trey Kaufman-Renn is averaging 17.2 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Wildcats: 10-0, averaging 85.4 points, 38.7 rebounds, 14.9 assists, 4.7 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 50.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 70.2 points per game.
Boilermakers: 8-2, averaging 80.7 points, 29.6 rebounds, 19.5 assists, 4.7 steals and 2.7 blocks per game while shooting 50.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 72.6 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: No. 1 UConn takes on No. 22 Notre Dame in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Huskies' record in Big East play is 23-0, and their record is 14-0 against non-conference opponents. UConn leads the Big East with 24.1 defensive rebounds per game led by Sarah Strong averaging 6.3.
The Fighting Irish are 14-7 against ACC opponents. Notre Dame is second in the ACC scoring 77.8 points per game and is shooting 46.4%.
UConn averages 9.4 made 3-pointers per game, 3.8 more made shots than the 5.6 per game Notre Dame gives up. Notre Dame has shot at a 46.4% clip from the field this season, 13.1 percentage points higher than the 33.3% shooting opponents of UConn have averaged.
The teams square off for the second time this season. UConn won the last meeting 85-47 on Jan. 19. Strong scored 18 to help lead UConn to the win, and Hannah Hidalgo scored 16 points for Notre Dame.
TOP PERFORMERS: Strong is averaging 18.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, four assists, 3.4 steals and 1.6 blocks for the Huskies. Azzi Fudd is averaging 17.2 points over the last 10 games.
Hidalgo is averaging 25.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 5.7 steals for the Fighting Irish. Iyana Moore is averaging 2.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Huskies: 10-0, averaging 85.8 points, 36.4 rebounds, 22.3 assists, 16.4 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 50.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 48.8 points per game.
Fighting Irish: 9-1, averaging 74.5 points, 30.9 rebounds, 12.6 assists, 12.4 steals and 3.5 blocks per game while shooting 45.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 62.0 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
‘What a player he was’ – Jurgen Klopp swoons over ex-Liverpool star he could ‘sing a song about’
Jurgen Klopp has said there was one player he managed during his time at Liverpool who he ‘could sing a song about’, such was the impression that he made.
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It was 10 years ago last week that Sadio Mané scored twice for Southampton in a comeback victory over the Reds, for whom he would sign a few months later. He was joined at Anfield the following year by Mo Salah, and thus the legendary attacking trident of the African duo and Bobby Firmino was formed.
The Egyptian King was by far the most prolific of the three, but each of them contributed plentifully in the goalscoring stakes and they were poetry in motion to watch as a collective in the five season that they played together.
Klopp swoons over Sadio Mané
Klopp is back on Merseyside to fulfil the role of assitant to Sir Kenny Dalglish in the Liverpool Legends match against Borussia Dortmund this afternoon, and speaking at a visit to the LFC Foundation Community Hub, our former manager lauded the Senegalese forward, who left the Reds in 2022.
Reflecting on the gradual transition of playing personnel in his time at Anfield, the 58-year-old gushed (via Daily Mail): “We lost Sadio Mané. We could sing a song about him. What a player he was!”
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Mané was an integral figure in Klopp’s great Liverpool side
Such has been Salah’s history-making impact at Liverpool that it’d be easy to fall into the trap of underappreciating just how sublime Mané had been for the Reds in his six seasons with the club.
He racked up 120 goals in 269 appearances on Merseyside, and without his output during his debut campaign in 2016/17, Klopp’s side wouldn’t have qualified for the following year’s Champions League, let along made it to the final (in which he scored against Real Madrid).
He was the Premier League’s joint-top scorer in 2018/29 with 22 goals, none of which were penalties, and Graeme Souness – who was anything but a shrinking violet in his playing days – lauded the ‘warrior’ qualities of the Senegalese attacker on the pitch, adding: ‘I can’t tell you what he hasn’t got’ (lfchistory.net).
A delightful combination of strength, finesse and trickery (whilst also being admirably humble), Mané was integral to Liverpool’s success during the peak years of the Klopp era. He mightn’t have stayed as long as Salah or scored quite as many goals as the Egyptian, but his role in a glorious era for the club is no less praiseworthy.
If he were to be part of the LFC Legends circuit in future years, he’d be assured of one of the most raucous welcomes at Anfield!
Anthony Martial: Former Man United star’s career takes new nosedive
Former Manchester United star Anthony Martial has found himself in hot water with his new club, Monterrey, in Mexico.
Post-United career
The French star joined Manchester United from AS Monaco in the summer of 2015.
He would end up playing for the Red Devils 317 times and scoring 90 goals for the team.
Martial left the club in 2023 on a free transfer after the expiration of his contract.
The striker moved to AEK Athens, but after only one season, he signed for Mexican side Monterrey.
It has been far from plain sailing for the former Golden Boy winner.
He has only managed one goal in 21 matches for the Mexicans, as he has struggled to adapt to the league.
From bad to worse
The Sun newspaper now reports that he is in further trouble with his new side.
The paper states that, “Anthony Martial has been banished from first-team training and forced to work alone following a touchline strop during a league clash.”
The punishment is a result of Martial reacting angrily after being overlooked as a substitute option in Monterrey’s latest match.
Reportedly, the “French forward was left fuming when a youngster was brought on ahead of him during their clash with Chivas de Guadalajara.”
The incident occurred in the 74th minute with Monterrey 0-3 down, and when Joaquin Moxica entered the pitch, Martial was clearly expecting to be called on.
Consequently, boss Nicolas Sanchez has asked the former United forward to train away from the rest of the group for the time being. Logically, Martial may be unlikely to play a part in their next fixture against Atletico de San Luis.
Karun Chandhok believes Red Bull’s issues have become clear after Liam Lawson was able to match Max Verstappen’s lap times during practice for the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix.
Verstappen was the fastest among the Red Bull drivers on Friday at Suzuka, but he only managed P10 in FP2, where Oscar Piastri of McLaren led the session. Verstappen was also 1.376 seconds off Piastri’s best time, a 1:30.133 lap.
Lawson ended up P12 as Racing Bulls’ top driver, posting a best lap of 1:31.590, which left him 1.457s behind Piastri. Isack Hadjar managed only the 15th-fastest time for Red Bull, while Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad didn’t set a time due to a gearbox issue.
Both teams have faced mounting criticism this season over their performances compared to other constructors such as McLaren and Mercedes – especially with Ferrari currently leading both championships.
Liam Lawson’s close FP2 time to Max Verstappen highlights Red Bull’s struggles
Max Verstappen spent much of FP2 battling understeer at Suzuka, unable to get the front of his RB22 to respond the way he wanted. It was another frustrating session for Red Bull, and Karun Chandhok pointed out that Liam Lawson’s pace made their issues even more obvious.
Lawson’s best lap in the Racing Bulls VCARB 03 was just 0.081s slower than Verstappen’s, a gap that Chandhok believes highlights how far Red Bull have to go. The senior team shouldn’t be so close in performance to their junior outfit.
Speaking on Sky Sports F1, Chandhok said: “That’s what it looked like from trackside. The Red Bull, it just looked like he was chasing the front end, just having to wait, and wait, and wait. And we know Max, of any driver on the grid, that’s a balance that he really dislikes.
“The fact [that] he’s still three-tenths ahead of Isack Hadjar suggests that the car is not there. Lawson in the Racing Bulls, with all due respect to them, should not be within eight-hundredths of Max Verstappen in the top Red Bull car. So, that is not a happy camp.”
This wasn’t an isolated case either – it’s becoming more common for Racing Bulls drivers to match or even beat their Red Bull counterparts during practice sessions. After beating both Verstappen and Hadjar during race conditions in China last week despite starting behind both drivers.
Lawson finished P7 in Shanghai while Verstappen came home ninth. He also finished eighth ahead of Hadjar by over six seconds.
Yan Dhanda, who is out on loan from Hearts, believes he has become a more complete player at Dundee. (Courier - subscription required)
Everton are planning to offer David Moyes a new contract this summer in recognition of the 62-year-old Scot's success in transforming the Toffees from relegation candidates to challengers for a place in Europe this season. (Guardian)
🥐Spain, Raphinha, Argentina... Saturday's 5️⃣ top stories
The Brazilian’s injury, victories for Spain and Argentina, along with another series of major international clashes, are the day’s main highlights.
Spain score and spark dreams
A comfortable win for the national team against Serbia, with Oyarzabal in fine form with two goals and Víctor Muñoz opening his scoring account on his debut for La Roja.
Argentina win, but...
La Albiceleste beat Mauritania but did not fully leave a good impression. Nico Paz scored his first goal for Argentina on a day when a Finalissima should have been played.
Raphinha, out for a month
The friendly against France resulted in an injury for Raphinha, who will be out for around a month with a hamstring injury in his right thigh.
Karl already shining with Germany
In Germany’s win over Switzerland, the young Bayern talent showed he is up to the expectations placed on him and produced flashes of great quality, looking every bit like one of the young stars of the next World Cup.
Fede Valverde is still in a rich vein of form
Against England, at Wembley and in the 94th minute, his goal secured a draw and confirmed that he is currently in the best moment of his career. Valverde is scoring at a frightening rate.
Generational star confirms he's now ready to join Liverpool
There's an exciting centre-back who is ready to join Liverpool.
When Richard Hughes failed to secure Marc Guehi during the summer transfer window, there was an uneasy sense that the decision might come back to haunt the club.
That concern has now become reality.
The serious injury to Giovanni Leoni has left Liverpool’s defensive depth in a fragile state. Passing up another opportunity to sign Guehi in January - only to see him join Manchester City - has made the earlier failure feel even more costly.
There has been some forward planning, with the arrival of Jeremy Jacquet, but he and Leoni cannot be the only 'new' centre-bacjs at Anfield next season.
The truth is, relying on Jacquet and the injured Leoni is simply not enough. With Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate both struggling with fitness concerns and facing uncertain futures, reinforcements are essential.
Liverpool also cannot afford to depend too heavily on inexperienced options like Mor Talla Ndiaye or Ifeanyi Ndukwe. If they are to restore stability at the back, further additions are not just necessary - they are urgent.
Let us introduce you to Liverpool's perfect solution to this problem - Dylan Lawlor.
He's kind of a cross over between Joel Matip and Adam Wharton but in centre-back form. Liverpool's scouts have been credited with interest in the young Cardiff City centre-back, and he could be the perfect extra depth the Reds need - especially considering he likely won't cost too much money.
Lawlor caught the eye for Cardiff against Doncaster last month with a brilliant solo-goal that made him look like he was prime Matip on turbo power.
The 20-year-old Welsh centre-back started just outside his own penalty area when he received the ball and decided to go on a rampage.
Lawlor turned into prime Diego Maradona as he waltzed through the League One side's defence and calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net.
It was yet another sensational moment in Lawlor's rapidly ascending career. He's established himself as one of the best young centre-backs in the EFL and has also become a regular at international level for Wales.
Now he confirmed he was ready to join a club like Liverpool in his most recent outing for Wales. In just his fourth international cap, Lawlor came into the Wales team against Bosnia in a crucial World Cup qualifier and he absolutely shone.
Lawlor won six out of his nine duels, including three out of four ground duels and three out of five aerial duels. He also made four clearances and four recoveries and really stood up to the physical test that Bosnia's strong and experienced forwards imposed on him.
That was a sign of Lawlor being ready to step into a more physical environment like the Premier League.
On top of all of this, he also completed 96 passes and made 10 passes into the final third.
Lawlor's ability on the ball is what makes him stand-out. He is a very technical and forward thinking player who loves to break lines and also carry the ball - similarly to Wharton.
He is incredible comfortable under pressure and while he doesn't have the long gait that Matip had, he has the same ability as the Cameroonian to waltz through opposition lines.
Defenders often fall into one category. On the ball they are either carriers or passers. Matip was both and so is Lawlor.
That ability to break lines through carrying, rather than just passing alone, makes Lawlor’s style feel very reminiscent of Matip at his best.
Now he's producing top defensive performances against strong and top class attackers like Edin Dzeko. With his performance on Thursday, Lawlor confirmed he is ready to join a club like Liverpool.
Rodri responds to Real Madrid transfer speculation after bombshell radio interview
Manchester City and Spain midfielder contracted at the Etihad Stadium till 2027
City executives set to hold future talks with 29-year-old in the coming months
Rodri has opened the door to joining Real Madrid in a recent radio interview
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has responded to his controversial interview opening a door to joining Real Madrid amid uncertainty over his club future.
The 29-year-old is into the final 15 months of his current deal at the Etihad Stadium and is expected to hold future talks with club bosses in the coming months.
Rodri has returned to regular first-team football since January after an injury-ravaged 18 months on the sidelines, having recently said he feels like the “Rodri of old” as the Blues eye a domestic treble.
The Spain international has been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid after admitting he would not ignore transfer interest from the Spanish capital despite his background at Atletico Madrid.
How Man City have reacted to Rodri’s transfer comments concerning Real Madrid
Rodri offers clarification on Real Madrid comments
In a fresh interview after Spain’s 3-0 win over Serbia on Friday night, Rodri has clarified his comments on his Manchester City future and him being open to returning to Spain.
“Well, I’m used to it,” the midfielder said as quoted by Mundo Deportivo. “If, out of a 50-minute interview, they cut out whatever they want – in the end, I don’t have much more to say.
“I’m a person who speaks directly. The interview is there if you want to listen to it in its entirety, and not just certain snippets.”
Manchester City fans have expressed their displeasure at Rodri publicly opening himself to joining Real Madrid, a fierce European rival who have eliminated the Blues from the UEFA Champions League in each of the last three seasons.
There has been a lot of smoke surrounding the Washington Commanders and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Not only is Love the top running back prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft class, he's arguably the best overall player in the class.
Numerous mock drafts have Love going fourth overall (Tennessee Titans), fifth overall (New York Giants), or seventh overall (Commanders). Almost no one has Love falling past Washington.
Some of the top draft analysts believe Love would be a perfect fit for the Commanders behind quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, there's a good chance that Love doesn't make it out of the top five.
In their latest draft buzz for ESPN, draft analysts Jordan Reid, Field Yates, and Matt Miller discussed Love and whether the Titans will pick him at No. 4. Here's what Miller shared.
Yes, they could and should take Love at No. 4. The Titans were aggressive enough in free agency to enter the draft without a must-pick position here. Love is the type of transcendent prospect who the Titans can build their offense around, giving quarterback Cam Ward a viable threat in the run and pass game. And from what I've heard, if Love falls past Tennessee, the Giants will likely take him at No. 5.
Notice that last sentence, if Tennessee doesn't pick Love, the Giants will. That could impact Washington's plans at No. 7.
It could also lead the Commanders to fill a more urgent offensive need: wide receiver. There's also the chance that Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate could go to the Cleveland Browns at No. 6 overall.
Is Washington really that interested in Love? There's a debate about premium positions vs. non-premium positions. Running back is not considered a premium position, but neither is safety (Caleb Downs) and off-ball linebacker (Sonny Styles), where two of the draft's other top players are also options for the Commanders. Picking the best player is easy for Washington this year with several holes to fill. The good news is that GM Adam Peters filled many of the Commanders' needs in free agency, ensuring that he wouldn't need to force the pick at No. 7 overall.
Washington's reported interest in Love could be smoke. It's draft season, after all. The same could be said for the Titans and Giants, who would like to see other teams move up.
Even if Love lands in the top five, the Commanders are in an excellent position to land an outstanding player who can make an immediate impact.
Kimi Antonelli's pole in Japan follows the first of his F1 career in China two weeks ago [Getty Images]
Kimi Antonelli took his second pole position in a row as he beat Mercedes team-mate George Russell in qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Antonelli was fastest throughout qualifying and beat Russell by 0.298 seconds despite not improving on his final run at Suzuka.
Russell also did not improve but still had enough to beat McLaren's Oscar Piastri, who will be joined on the second row by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.
McLaren's Lando Norris was fifth after a troubled weekend so far, ahead of Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari, while Max Verstappen was knocked out in the second session and will start 11th.
Antonelli's first lap in the final session was 0.298secs quicker than Russell's. He was on course to improve on his final run but locked up into the hairpin and lost time.
The 19-year-old Italian said: "Super happy with the session. It was a good one, a clean one. And I felt very good in the car and every run I was just improving and improving.
"Shame about the last lap after a lock-up in Turn 11 but it was a good one before that."
Antonelli became the youngest driver to take pole position in history in China and is emerging as a serious threat to Russell in the championship - they start the race separated by four points, less than the margin between first and second places in a grand prix.
Russell, who was complaining of a lack of rear grip throughout qualifying, was quicker than Antonelli in the difficult first sector of the lap but lost out over the rest.
"Really strange session," the Briton said. "We were both very fast all weekend. We made some adjustments after final practice and in this qualifying we were nowhere so we have to try and understand."
Piastri, meanwhile, was pleased with the obvious progress McLaren have made this weekend, during which they have for the first time been in the mix with Ferrari as the closest challengers to Mercedes.
"We have looked good all weekend," said the Australian, who is yet to start a grand prix this season after a crash on the reconnaissance lap in Australia and a battery failure in China before the start.
"We don't have the pace to match Mercedes still but we are getting closer."
Leclerc, who was fastest in the first session of qualifying, looked as if he might threaten Antonelli's pole when he was 0.172secs faster through the the first sector on his final lap.
But an oversteer snap out of the Spoon Curve double left-hander put paid to his chances, although he was still quick enough to leapfrog ahead of Norris.
Hamilton has lagged behind Leclerc all weekend but he got to within 0.162secs in the final session to take up the final place among the big three teams.
World champion Norris has been beset by reliability problems this weekend, losing much of second practice to a hydraulic failure and half of final practice with another battery failure.
But he bounced back to be 0.277secs off Piastri by the end.
Max Verstappen is not on pole for the Japanese Grand Prix for the first time since 2019. He has won every race at Suzuka since then [Reuters]
The top 10 was completed by Alpine's Pierre Gasly, Red Bull's Isack Hadjar, Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto and the British rookie Arvid Lindblad in the Racing Bull.
It was Lindblad who knocked Verstappen out of the top 10 shootout with his final lap of the second session.
Verstappen, who was 0.158secs slower than Hadjar in that session, complained over the radio that the car was "undriveable".
Briton Oliver Bearman, so impressive in the first two races, was knocked out in the first session, while at the back the Cadillac team convincingly beat struggling Aston Martin for the first time.
Sergio Perez, in the faster of the two Cadillacs, was 1.6secs faster than Fernando Alonso's Aston Martin.
Alonso's only consolation at the first race after the birth of his son was that he extended his run of out-qualifying team-mate Lance Stroll to 39 grands prix.
A heavyweight clash is set for the West Regional Final as No. 1 seed Arizona and No. 2 Purdue meet on Saturday night with a massive piece of history on the line.
The Wildcats are looking to punch their ticket to the Final Four for the first time since 2001, while the Boilermakers — after falling just short in the 2024 title game — continue their relentless pursuit of the first national championship in program history.
The top-seeded Wildcats earned their spot in the Elite Eight with a record-setting offensive display, dismantling No. 4 Arkansas 109–88 in the Sweet 16. Arizona shot a blistering 63% from the floor, led by standout freshman Brayden Burries, who poured in 23 points. Sophomore big man Motiejus Krivas provided the exclamation point with a massive second-half dunk, helping Tommy Lloyd's squad reach this stage with a 12-game winning streak in tow.
Purdue, meanwhile, survived a heart-stopper to reach the regional final. The Boilermakers edged out No. 11 Texas 79–77 thanks to a dramatic game-winning tip-in by Trey Kaufman-Renn with just 0.7 seconds remaining. Kaufman-Renn finished with 20 points, while star guard Braden Smith added 16 points and continues to be the engine of a Purdue offense that ranks near the top of the nation in efficiency. After a bumpy road through the first three rounds, the Boilermakers are now just one win away from playing for a title in their home state of Indiana.
There is plenty of star power to boast in this game, from the senior guards in Smith and the Big 12 Player of the Year Jaden Bradley to Kaufman-Renn and freshman Koa Peat inside. Tommy Lloyd and Matt Painter's squads both enter the Elite Eight with a legitimate chance to be the final team standing in Indianapolis, but only one team will punch its ticket on Saturday night.
Here’s what you need to know about Saturday’s matchup between Arizona and Purdue, including broadcast information and start time.
Arizona vs. Purdue will air on TBS and truTV. The veteran broadcast team of Brian Anderson, Jim Jackson, and Allie LaForce will be on the call from San Jose.
Fans looking to stream Arizona vs. Purdue can watch live on DIRECTV.
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What time is Arizona vs. Purdue today?
Date: Saturday, March 28
Time: 8:49 p.m. ET | 5:49 p.m. PT
The West Regional Final is set to tip off at 8:49 p.m. ET (5:49 p.m. local time) from the SAP Center in San Jose, California.
Listen to every game of the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament live on SiriusXM. The Arizona vs. Purdue broadcast will be available on channel 201.
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.
The 2026 Men's Final Four is set for April 4 and 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The semifinals will be played Saturday night, and the national championship game is set for Monday night.
The home of the Indianapolis Colts previously hosted the event in 2010, 2015 and 2021 and is set to host again in 2029. Indianapolis previously hosted the Final Four at other facilities in 1980, 1991, 1997, 2000 and 2006.
Only Kansas City has been home to the Final Four more often (10 times), but the last one held there was in 1988.
March Madness tournament schedule 2026
Here is the round-by-round schedule for the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament:
Barcelona begin contract discussions with top defensive target – Romano
Transfer market specialist Fabrizio Romano has put Barcelona in the spotlight, this time revealing fresh developments in their pursuit of Alessandro Bastoni.
It is known that the Catalan giants are actively working to strengthen their defence, and the Italian centre-back has emerged as a priority target heading into the next phase of squad planning.
According to the latest update from the Italian journalist, Bastoni’s representatives have already initiated contact with Barcelona, with discussions focusing on the framework of a potential contract.
These early negotiations have reportedly covered key aspects, including salary expectations, financial structure, and long-term terms.
Barcelona are quite serious
Barcelona’s intent is serious, and that message has been communicated strongly during talks.
Interestingly, the club is not currently considering including any players in a swap deal, something that was reported before.
In fact, as reported before, he is so convinced by the idea that he is not entertaining offers from other clubs at this stage.
Barcelona are advancing in talks with Bastoni. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
However, the financial side of the deal remains complicated. Reports have varied significantly regarding his valuation, with figures ranging from €50 million to as high as €90 million.
These numbers, though widely circulated, are not tied to any formal negotiations with Inter Milan, who still hold a strong position in this situation.
Bastoni’s current contract runs until 2028, meaning Inter are under no pressure to sell.
The Italian side retains full control, especially considering the player himself has not pushed for an exit so far.
Despite this, Barcelona are making their move count financially as well.
Bastoni currently earns close to €7 million per season, but the Catalan club have already presented improved terms to his camp.
The proposed salary package is understood to be significantly higher, which shows Barcelona’s intent to secure one of Europe’s most reliable defenders.
Kimi Antonelli served George Russell a title warning by beating his British team-mate to pole position for Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.
Buoyed by his maiden victory in China a fortnight ago, Antonelli delivered another composed performance as he secured top spot in Suzuka by 0.298 seconds. Russell holds a four-point championship lead over Antonelli but he was no match for the Italian teenager during a session in which he grumbled about the handling of his Mercedes.
Oscar Piastri took third place for McLaren, one spot clear of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. World champion Lando Norris starts fifth with Lewis Hamilton sixth, and Max Verstappen a distant 11th.
Russell opened his season with victory in Australia but Antonelli laid down his own championship marker by winning from pole last time out in Shanghai. At the previous round, Russell's bid for pole was derailed by technical gremlins after he broke down in Q3. However, here he was simply outgunned by Antonelli's pure pace.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Japanese Grand Prix.
The Japanese Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom. Sky’s coverage of Sunday’s race starts at 4:30am (GMT).
Sky Sports subscribers can watch all the action in Suzuka on the Sky Go app. If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
In the United States, every practice, qualifying and race session will be streamed on Apple TV this year. You can stream Apple TV for FREE, with Apple TV’s seven-day free trial.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the Japanese Grand Prix then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help.
Lewis Hamilton is eyeing a strong weekend in Suzuka (Getty)
Qualifying change a step in the right direction for 2026 ruleset
The 2026 regulation change has been contentious to say the least. Just looking at the drivers, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have been heavy critics, whereas George Russell and Lewis Hamilton have been in favour of the more electrical ruleset.
Due to the increased reliance on electrical energy, lift and coast plus super clipping have played a greater role in the track action. And while the races have been more entertaining with the ‘yo-yo’ style battles, qualifying across Melbourne and Shanghai was a disappointment.
Drivers were super clipping well ahead of the braking zone and revealed they were being penalised the more they tried to risk things. So effectively, the exciting challenge of ramping all settings up and going flat out in qualifying had been taken away across the opening two rounds.
These regulations are a work in progress, how the racing looked in Melbourne will be vastly different to, let’s say, at the end of next year, and this qualifying change indicated how things will gradually improve.
Williams has regressed
Alexander Albon, Williams
Alexander Albon, Williams
The uncompetitiveness of Cadillac and Aston Martin is well documented by now and was largely expected heading into the 2026 campaign. But what has come as perhaps a shock, or disappointment, is the regression down at Williams - particularly after its strong 2025.
Last year saw the Grove outfit jump from ninth to fifth in the championship with its first multi-podium season since 2015. That came with the pairing of Alex Albon and new signing Carlos Sainz, so for the first time in what felt like forever, Williams had two strong drivers in its stable meaning everything was looking positive heading into the new regulations.
But it has come crashing back down to earth, despite team boss James Vowles repeatedly saying in the build-up that all work was being done for a strong 2026. In Melbourne it failed to score a point with Sainz not even setting a lap in quali, Shanghai saw it suffer a double SQ1 and Q1 elimination, and once again Williams was out in the first session at Suzuka.
Albon qualified 17th after being knocked out by former Williams man Franco Colapinto late on, and reacted by cryptically stating “I complain for three races in a row that there’s something wrong, but I’m sure that it’s my driving style”.
Sainz, meanwhile, only just made it through to Q2 and eventually took 16th for Sunday's grid. It was initially believed that Williams would be at the forefront of the midfield this year, with all the tools on paper to progress towards the front - particularly as it has a Mercedes engine - but the opposite has in fact transpired.
Red Bull is a midfield team
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Verstappen just can’t be enjoying life in F1 right now. The 28-year-old is widely regarded as one of the championship’s best with four world titles, which could easily have become five last season. But, in 202, he seems destined for a fight to just get into Q3.
This is something that properly started in China, as the Dutchman qualified eighth for the sprint race before dropping outside of the points. He then started the grand prix in eighth, yet retired with a mechanical problem.
It was hoped that this would just be an anomaly and that Red Bull could return to its strong pace from Melbourne, where Verstappen was challenging McLaren’s Norris for fifth late on, but it seems that the Australian opener was in fact the outlier. That’s because he suffered a Q2 exit in Japan having qualified 11th, so not only does Verstappen strongly hate these new regulations - apparently if one enjoys them they ‘don’t understand racing’ - but he has to put up with a fight in the midfield. “Completely undriveable,” was his reaction to the early elimination - which ended his streak of four, consecutive poles in Japan.
Red Bull should be fighting the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes, not its so-called ‘B team’ Racing Bulls, which reached Q3. Hey, at least Isack Hadjar is an improvement on previous Verstappen team-mates, having outqualified the world champion with eighth at Suzuka…
Arvid Lindblad is a solid rookie
Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls
Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls
There were doubts over Arvid Lindblad heading into 2026, because he was about to make his F1 debut at the age of just 18 after a rather underwhelming F2 campaign where he finished sixth. The talk by many was that Red Bull should have given him another year in the feeder series to build up that experience and ensure he’s actually ready for F1, given how he’d just been fast tracked through the single-seater ladder.
But that talk is no more. Lindblad belongs in F1 with a second Q3 appearance in three weekends. So he is showing all the signs of a top driver because firstly, they need to display that raw pace with the rest of their abilities, such as experience and race craft, coming at a later stage,
What makes this more impressive is that it isn’t like the Racing Bulls car is a definite for Q3, no. It was there because of Lindblad whose team-mate Liam Lawson was knocked out in Q2. So, to already be beating a team-mate this early on during a rookie campaign is a mighty achievement.
Unlikely that George Russell will romp towards the world title
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, George Russell, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, George Russell, Mercedes
When Mercedes emerged as the team to have nailed this regulation change, Russell instantly became the heavy favourite for the world title. That was with good reason too, as he is now in his eighth season of the championship, produced his best campaign yet in 2025 and has shown all the tools needed to content for a title.
Looking at the other side of the garage, it was all quite the opposite with Antonelli still being a teenager, whose form last year as a rookie was understandably inconsistent, so shouldn’t really be a match for his veteran team-mate in the long run.
All of those assumptions were backed up at the Melbourne opener, where Russell won from pole with Antonelli not really getting close despite completing a Silver Arrows 1-2. The script then flipped a week later in Shanghai, as the 19-year-old became F1’s youngest ever polesitter before taking his maiden grand prix win in another Mercedes 1-2.
The question was, can he now produce that performance on a consistent basis? If Japan is anything to go by, then the answer is yes because Antonelli has taken yet another pole and has had the upper hand on his team-mate ever since FP2 this weekend.
So right now, it’s looking unlikely that Russell - albeit still the favourite for glory - will romp towards his maiden crown because Antonelli is offering a real threat. He’s always had that pace, but now he’s starting to apply that much-needed consistency having learned from his many mistakes last year.
Keely Hodgkinson won 800m gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics [Getty Images]
Keely Hodgkinson has poked fun at Premier League side West Ham by claiming Great Britain will win more medals at the London Stadium than the Hammers have "in their entire history" if the 2029 World Athletics Championships are held in the English capital.
Last year the UK Government confirmed its support for London's bid to host the event for the first time since 2017, with ministers also backing a bid for the World Para Athletics Championships.
If successful, the bid would see the championships return to West Ham's London Stadium although, according to reports, the Premier League side have not yet agreed to allow the venue to be used.
This month West Ham told the Daily Mail they have a "contractual right ensuring West Ham United games take priority during the football season". BBC Sport has contacted West Ham for comment.
World Athletics usually stages the championships in August or September, which would typically clash with English football's fixture schedule.
Replying to a post on X speculating that West Ham's alleged stance could scupper London's bid, Olympic 800m champion Hodgkinson saw the funny side.
"The GB team will bring back more medals to that stadium than West Ham have seen in their entire history," Hodgkinson said.
She later returned to X to say she had "enjoyed the rattled comments" replying to her post and urged the club to "let us have this moment".
"In all seriousness, to have a global championships back in London would be incredible for our sport. I didn't think we'd get the opportunity again during my career," she said.
West Ham have won nine major trophies in their history, including three FA Cup titles and the 2022-23 Uefa Conference League.
They have had an underwhelming campaign this season with the club in the Premier League relegation zone, one point from safety.
The 62,500-capacity London Stadium was built for the 2012 London Olympics and is owned by London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC).
West Ham left their former ground Upton Park in 2016 to move to the London Stadium and pay LLDC £2.5m annually as part of a 99-year lease for the ground.
The stadium has continued to host athletics events since West Ham's move, including the 2017 World Athletics Championships and Diamond League meets.
‘He’d be the one…’: Ex-Red urges Man Utd to sign ‘powerful’ star to rival summer signing next season
Nicky Butt believes Manchester United have to sanction another centre-forward signing if they want to compete on all fronts next season.
It comes after the club facilitated a deal worth £74 million to bring Benjamin Sesko to Old Trafford last summer.
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How Benjamin Sesko is faring at United
Indeed, the Slovenian formed one-third of a complete attacking revamp for United before 2025/2026 got underway, joining Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha as new options in then-manager Ruben Amorim’s ranks.
The two ex-Premier League stars have since enjoyed prominent starting roles in their maiden campaigns, while Sesko is still having to mostly make his impact off the bench.
He is, however, overseeing his most prolific form in a red shirt as of late, having returned a tremendous seven goals in his last 10 Premier League appearances – four of which came as a substitute.
Weighing in on the 22-year-old’s situation, Butt told Paddy Power (as cited by the Metro): “I don’t think he can carry the club up front on his own.
“They’ll need another No.9. He’s shown he’s got massive potential, great movement, and he works his socks off. He can score a goal, and you can see he’s good in the air, but he’s not the complete centre-forward for United at that level. He can potentially get there.
“When you go into the Champions League, it’s just a different kettle of fish. The tempo is totally different – the pressure on it is totally different. You’ve then got to come back and perform in the league maybe two days later.
“They’re going to have to go out and buy a top, top player. I do believe in recruitment – there’s no point in going and buying a player who doesn’t improve the squad. You’ve got to go and buy the best player.
“I think Sesko will be a good player for United; I don’t think he needs replacing, but someone who is better than him that can lift his game as well.”
The experienced frontman signed for Galatasaray last July in a £65 million switch from Napoli, marking a Turkish transfer record.
He had spent one season on loan with the Super Lig giants, and all parties were keen to continue beyond his initial agreement, prompting Osimhen to put pen to paper on a four-year deal.
Alas, the likelihood of him upping and leaving at the end of the current term is low, but that hasn’t stopped Butt from voicing his admiration for the Nigerian international.
“I think he’d [Osimhen] be the one. You’d like to think that players from Turkish sides are gettable,” said the ex-Red.
“The recruitment team will not only look at the best players, but they’re looking at the ones that are gettable. You’re wasting time on certain players that you’re not going to get if they cost £120million.
“I think he’s powerful, quick, he can run in behind, he’s strong, has got a good touch, can score different types of goals, [and] he’s good in the air. It’s a difficult job to recruit players, and maybe you go and find someone with potential, but they keep doing that, and it doesn’t quite work.”
Note: my usual format (citing examples for each attribute) does not display well on the site. Please click this link to access them.
Positives
Rare blend of size, speed and explosiveness.
True home run hitter if he catches a lane (16 plays of at least 20 yards in 2025).
Accentuates his explosiveness by baiting second- and third-level defenders with his patience and generally sees/anticipates the correct running lane well.
Displays glimpses of power, especially in one-on-one situations once he gets past the line of scrimmage.
Not only did he improve at each of his stops (Buffalo, New Mexico State and Arkansas), but he was at his best against the toughest competition of his career in the SEC.
While not a dynamic pass-catcher, he is more than just a dump-off/screen option; possesses the ability to catch the ball outside of his frame.
Negatives
Flashes the power one would expect from a 223-pound back with his kind of speed (watch this run), but it does not happen nearly enough (running less upright would help his cause).
May never be a good outside zone runner with what appears to be an inability to plant his foot and turn upfield without needing extra steps.
Although he has lateral agility to change his path when he is going north-south, he is mostly a straight-line runner.
Wheel routes were about the only routes he ran at Arkansas (outside of screens and check-downs), leaving his route-running repertoire something of a mystery.
Attention/focus/fundamentals in pass pro seem to come and go.
Three fumbles on 195 offensive touches in 2025, six fumbles on 166 touches in 2024.
Bottom Line
Based solely on athleticism and upside, Washington is clearly the second-best running back prospect in this draft. (If a running back prospect tests out similarly to Adrian Peterson, it usually means something.) Running backs his size are supposed to be grinders, not big-play producers. He is the rare 220-pound back who accelerates quickly and can destroy pursuit angles. The crowd that expects running backs to be mostly finished products by the time they reach the NFL probably won't like him, but the crowd that believes a good position coach can mold a talented lump of clay into something special will love him a lot. He was only running back in college football last year with 30 or more runs of at least 10 yards and 17 or more runs of at least 15 yards on less than 170 carries. He did that in the SEC on a two-win team. Yes, he had help sharing the backfield with a supremely talented dual-threat quarterback in Taylen Green, but that alone doesn't explain Washingtons' level of success in 2025. It could be argued that Green's presence hurt him at times, as Arkansas occasionally relied so heavily on RPO action that made Washington an east-west back, which is definitely not his strong suit.
Washington has three-down upside, but there are some definite drawbacks to his current game that won't allow him to be that in the NFL right away. The big concern is ball security. Nine fumbles on 361 offensive touches over the last two seasons is alarming. It doesn't really matter if six of them happened in 2024. The other major issue is pass protection. On one hand, he has the size to do it and do it well. That will show up occasionally on tape. On the other hand, he minimizes the size advantage he has on most backs in this regard by lunging and bending. A lesser concern - but one that is unlikely to change much in the NFL - is his likely inability to run outside zone effectively. How much can NFL coaching address his ball security issues? If they can in one offseason, Washington is more than capable of being a very good early-down back right away. The problems that Washington currently has in pass protection can be improved via coaching, but that tends to be a longer process. As a result, the best-case scenario for Washington is likely as his team's primary early-down back in 2026, with feature-back duties a possibility in 2027.
Liverpool XI vs Everton – Predicted lineup and team news
Liverpool travel to Goodison Park today, aiming to break an eight-game winless league run against Everton and secure their survival in the WSL.
The Reds have moved five points clear of the relegation playoff spot under manager Gareth Taylor, who has overseen a much-improved defensive period recently. Liverpool are currently on a three-match unbeaten run in all competitions and will look to their 2–1 FA Cup victory over the Blues last month as a blueprint for success tonight.
Liverpool team news
Gareth Taylor manages a squad thinned by a challenging long-term injury list. Notably, the Reds remain without Sam Kerr, Marie Hobinger, and Sophie Roman Haug. Consequently, Mia Enderby and Olsson will lead the attack. They desperately look to break a goal drought plaguing their away form this season.
Meanwhile, Risa Shimizu and Fuka Nagano recently returned from winning the Asia Cup with Japan. Therefore, they expect to go straight into the starting XI.
Jennifer Falk continues in goal. She aims to become one of only seven keepers to record five shutouts in their first eight WSL matches. Falk starts behind a back four featuring the returning Shimizu and the experienced Gemma Bonner.
Notably, Bonner boasts a prolific record against Everton. She has scored three career goals against them.
In midfield, Nagano joins Megan Campbell and Cornelia Kapocs. Impressively, Kapocs remains the only player to start every league match for the Reds this term. Ultimately, Liverpool have failed to win an away match all season.
Consequently, they desperately need to find a clinical edge tonight. They aim to secure their first league derby win since May 2019.
Liverpool predicted lineup
Liverpool Women Predicted XI (4-3-3): Falk; Shimizu, Clark, Fisk, Bernabe; O’Sullivan, Nagano, Kapocs; Enderby, Holland, Olsson
When will the match kick off?
The WSL fixture takes place at Goodison Park on Saturday, 28 March 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00 GMT.
How to watch Everton vs Liverpool?
UK fans can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Mix.
Harry Maguire: Man United star reminds England boss of his credentials
Manchester United had numerous players on international duty on Friday night.
Harry Maguire
After returning to the Manchester United first team in the autumn, Harry Maguire has been a regular in the side.
This improved form saw him recalled to the England squad under Thomas Tuchel and reignited his hopes of making the World Cup.
He played the full 90 minutes of England’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay.
Maguire made four clearances and blocked one shot from the visitors. He failed to win his only aerial duel and only came out on top in one of his three ground duels.
The defender also made one key pass and had a passing accuracy of 94% on the night.
Harry Maguire stats vs Uruguay
Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo played the final 21 minutes of England’s match, replacing fellow former Carrington graduate James Garner.
He had very little involvement, completing just three passes and failing to win his only aerial duel in a disappointing effort.
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has found game time hard to come by under Hansi Flick at Barcelona lately but returned to the starting line-up in an experimental England side.
He played 69 minutes and had one key pass in the match. He also completed one cross and had one effort on goal that was blocked by the Uruguayans.
Rashford completed an impressive six dribbles in the match and, amazingly, won 11 duels, something he is not particularly famous for.
Manuel Ugarte
The Uruguayan has been a peripheral figure at Old Trafford this season but started for his national side against England.
Ugarte won both his tackles and his only aerial duel. Nonetheless, he was very disappointing in duels, winning just two out of 13.
He was involved in controversy as he seemed to receive two yellow cards, but the referee apparently changed his mind and rescinded one of the cards, meaning Uruguay, in fact, did not go down to ten men.
Noussair Mazraoui
Noussair Mazraoui played 82 minutes of Morocco’s 1-1 draw with Ecuador in a friendly.
Arsenal injury worry as England star spotted in a brace
Arsenal will be sweating over the fitness of Noni Madueke after the winger was spotted wearing a brace following England’s draw with Uruguay on Friday night.
The winger was forced off in the first half of the game after coming out the worst of a heavy collision with striker Rodrigo Aguirre.
Madueke tried to play on after receiving treatment, but went down off the ball moments later and called for the physios. He went straight down the tunnel holding his jaw after being replaced by Jarrod Bowen.
The extent of the 24-year-old’s injury is as yet unknown, but it looks like it could be a serious one after he was spotted walking with a brace around his left leg when the squad were leaving the stadium.
England were denied victory after Ben White’s opener was cancelled out by a controversial penalty, which was scored by Fede Valverde in added time.
Everton vs Liverpool – Predicted lineup and team news
Everton host Liverpool at Goodison Park today, aiming to secure their third consecutive home victory and maintain their dominance in the Merseyside derby.
The Toffees have moved into a position of strength under interim boss Scott Phelan, who has overseen three wins in his first five matches. Everton boast an incredible record against their rivals.
They have won 10 previous WSL meetings—more than against any other side. They are unbeaten in eight league derbies and will look to complete a second consecutive league double over the Reds today.
Everton team news
Scott Phelan manages a squad that has received a massive boost from international returns and eligibility changes.
Notably, Hannah Blundell is set to reclaim her spot in defence after missing the Manchester United match. Consequently, her experience will be vital as Megan Finnigan and Rion Ishikawa remain sidelined with injuries.
Hikaru Kitagawa and Honoka Hayashi are also back from international duty and in contention to start. Inma Gabarro will lead the line, looking to build on her clinical strike against United last weekend.
Courtney Brosnan will start in goal, behind a defence likely to feature Blundell and Fernandez. In midfield, Clare Wheeler and Hayashi are expected to control the tempo. Notably, Ornella Vignola remains the danger woman.
She netted a hat-trick in the reverse fixture and will look to exploit a Liverpool defence that has historically struggled in this encounter. The Toffees will also look to their bench for impact, having seen four goal involvements from substitutes this calendar year.
Everton predicted lineup
Everton Women Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Brosnan; Blundell, Mace, Fernandez, Kitagawa; Wheeler, Hayashi; Momiki, Van Gool, Vignola; Gabarro
When will the match kick off?
The WSL fixture takes place at Goodison Park on Saturday, 28 March 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00 GMT.
How to watch Everton vs Liverpool?
UK fans can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Mix.
Everton vs Liverpool – Match preview and team news
Everton and Liverpool meet at Goodison Park this Saturday lunchtime for a massive Merseyside derby that carries heavy weight for local pride and survival.
The Toffees return to their original home, aiming to secure a historic league double over their rivals. Everton won the reverse fixture 4–1 at Anfield, where Ornella Vignola announced herself with a stunning debut hat-trick.
Notably, Everton have won more WSL games against Liverpool (10) than against any other opponent. They remain unbeaten in their last eight league meetings with the Reds, a run stretching back to 2019.
Interim boss Scott Phelan has transformed the side’s fortunes, winning three of his first four league matches.
Liverpool, meanwhile, travel across the city seeking revenge and their first league victory over the Blues in seven years. Gareth Taylor’s side found success in the FA Cup last month, defeating Everton 2–1 to reach the quarter-finals.
While the Reds have struggled on the road—winning no away games all season—their defensive solidity has improved recently.
They arrive at Goodison Park following consecutive clean sheets against Leicester City and Brighton. Significantly, Liverpool have moved five points clear of the relegation playoff spot and know a result today would essentially secure their safety.
Everton vs Liverpool – Match preview and team news
Date: Saturday, 28 March 2026
Kick-off: 12:00 GMT
Venue: Goodison Park, Liverpool
Referee: Phoebe Cross
Last Meeting: Liverpool 2–1 Everton (22 Feb 2026, Women’s FA Cup)
Team News
Everton
Scott Phelan is boosted by the return of Clare Wheeler, Hikaru Kitagawa, and Honoka Hayashi from the Asia Cup. Hannah Blundell is also available after being ineligible to face her parent club last weekend.
However, Megan Finnigan, Karen Holmgaard, and Katja Snoeijs remain sidelined through injury. Notably, Everton have relied on their bench recently; their last two goals were both scored and assisted by substitutes.
Liverpool
Gareth Taylor welcomes back Risa Shimizu and Fuka Nagano after they helped Japan win the 2026 Asia Cup. Notably, Jennifer Falk has been exceptional in goal, keeping four clean sheets in just seven WSL appearances.
The Reds remain without Sam Kerr, Sophie Roman Haug, and Marie Hobinger due to long-term injuries. Cornelia Kapocs is expected to start, maintaining her record as the only Red to start every match this term.
Form
Everton
Everton are in strong domestic form, winning four of their last five matches before a narrow 2-1 defeat to Manchester United. The Toffees are targeting three successive home wins for the first time since 2011.
Significantly, they have been resilient under pressure, recording four goal contributions from substitutes since the turn of the year.
Liverpool
Liverpool have found defensive stability at the right time, entering the derby on a three-game unbeaten run in all competitions. Despite their recent clean sheets, their away form remains a major hurdle.
The Reds have failed to score in five of their nine road trips this season and are still chasing their first away win.
Predicted Lineups
Everton Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Brosnan; Blundell, Mace, Fernandez, Kitagawa; Wheeler, Hayashi; Momiki, Van Gool, Vignola; Gabarro
Liverpool Predicted XI (4-3-3): Falk; Shimizu, Clark, Fisk, Bernabe; O’Sullivan, Nagano, Kapocs; Enderby, Holland, Olsson
How to watch Everton vs Liverpool?
The match will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Mix. Coverage begins ahead of the 12:00 kick-off.
Liverpool now one step closer to nightmare Alexander Isak scenario
There's a nightmare Alexander Isak situation that has just gotten a step closer for Liverpool.
The Swedish forward's time at Liverpool so far has been a major disappointment, especially given the weight of expectation that came with his £125 million transfer - a club and Premier League record fee.
From the outset, things have not gone to plan. Isak arrived at Anfield lacking match sharpness after missing pre-season at Newcastle, and it showed in his early performances. He struggled to find rhythm, looked short of fitness, and never quite seemed fully comfortable within Liverpool’s attacking system.
Just as it appeared he might be finding his footing, there was finally a glimpse of his quality. His goal against Tottenham suggested he was building confidence and beginning to show why Liverpool invested so heavily in him. For a brief moment, it felt like he could kick on.
But that momentum was quickly derailed. Injury struck at the worst possible time, ruling him out for a significant stretch and preventing any chance of building consistency. Since then, Liverpool have been left without their marquee signing for most of the campaign.
For a player signed to transform the attack, the return has fallen well below expectations. His first season has been defined by fitness issues and frustration rather than impact and influence.
Now it looks like he's on the cusp of a comeback. Isak has been back training on the grass for the last few weeks and after the international break, it is expected that he will resume training with the first-team.
That's brilliant to hear. It's exactly what Liverpool fans have been waiting for.
Of course, they are going to need to be patient. Isak is not going to be the same player as he was overnight. Liverpool don't want to rush him back too soon, even though it's tempting because of the important games the Reds are facing at the moment.
An FA Cup tie against Manchester City and the big Champions League game against Paris Saint Germain could determine the fate of the entire season.
Having Isak even just for 20 or 30 minutes in those games could be vital for Liverpool.
However, before that the club will be chewing their fingernails to avoid a nightmare scenario.
Because of the fact that Isak missed pre-season last summer, Liverpool want to have him back as soon as possible this time around.
This summer will need to be about preparing Isak to be the in the best condition so he can be successful at Liverpool and live up to his massive price tag.
However, this might not happen.
It didn't look like it, but now Sweden are just one victory away from qualifying for the World Cup. Viktor Gyokeres' hat-trick on Thursday night confirmed they will face Poland in the World Cup final play-offs.
If Sweden win that game and qualify for the tournament, Isak is almost guaranteed to go - and that is going to mean that he will miss parts of pre-season and will have a disrupted preparation for next season.
Considering Isak's condition, the last thing Liverpool will want is for him to go the tournament. He will undoubtedly want to play and represent his country, but it could come too soon for him and it could completely derail his fitness regime.
If Sweden qualify, they would face Japan, Netherlands and Tunisia with three of the four teams potentially going through to the next round.
At the best case scenario, Isak's tournament would conclude on the 25th June. However, it's likely Sweden will at least qualify to the next round, which could ending towards the end of July.
Mid to early July is likely when Liverpool would return for pre-season, which means Isak won't be there if Sweden qualify for the World Cup.
Randy Orton and Jelly Roll make an entrance - Elsa/Getty Images
The Road to WrestleMania continues, and it brought "WWE SmackDown" to Pittsburgh, PA, home of the Penguins, the Pirates, and "The Pitt." The show was loaded with Jelly Roll appearances, featured a US Title switch, and even had Matt Cardona wrestling in the main event. But enough about what happened, we already covered that.
Instead, it's time to talk about the very good and the very bad from Friday's show in the PPG Paints Arena. As always, there was plenty to love, like Sami Zayn's big win, and there was plenty to hate, like the wall-to-wall Jelly Roll coverage, that would even make his own mother say, "Ok, enough."
But enough of my bloviating, let's get down to the very best and the very worst from the March 28, 2026, edition of "WWE SmackDown."
Drew McIntyre makes an entrance - Elsa/Getty Images
It has taken weeks but WrestleMania 42 is finally starting to take shape. WWE has been kicking around various ideas, and teasing others, but the general managers of "Raw" and "SmackDown" have finally started saying "at WrestleMania" with their whole chests.
No better example of this than Nick Aldis stepping in between Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu and making an unsanctioned match between the two at WrestleMania. There is a very real probability that a violent brawl between McIntyre and Fatu could steal the weekend, and while I think there's been too much p****footing around about WrestleMania, the matches themselves have some real bite to them.
There's about 20-something days until the big show, and they've already given me a match that will feel like appointment television. Reigns vs. Punk is a solid idea, there's history to Orton vs. Rhodes, but McIntyre and Fatu wrestling in an unsanctioned match will provide the kind of visceral thrill I love.
Written by Ross Berman
Hated: So... What's officially going on with Jelly Roll?
Jelly Roll screams - Elsa/Getty Images
I am all for celebrity involvement at WrestleMania. I'm well aware that's what the entire concept of the event was built on, but I can't for the life of me figure out what Jelly Roll is going to be doing this year. Sure, we have an idea of where the country music artist may be headed, but it seems really strange that WWE wouldn't have an official match locked in for him yet that they could market the hell out of to sell more WrestleMania tickets.
Maybe that's not so strange with the way the entire build to WrestleMania has been this year, but Jelly Roll seems like a pretty easy guy to book, and it seems like an easily marketable match to get those tickets selling. I've seen "WWE Unreal," I know how much they love him, and honestly, his match against Kit Wilson tonight was surprisingly pretty solid for it being his first-ever singles match. He's been feuding with Wilson for a few weeks now, but they burned that match tonight, so I'm assuming the only possible direction is for him to team with Danhausen against The Miz and Wilson.
I guess Danhausen's first WWE match being at WrestleMania would be huge and would get a major pop, but I just can't picture him fighting alongside "Jelly Jam." I really cannot picture it in my mind at this point, but I guess much stranger things have happened in a WWE ring. Jelly Roll has also been involved, slightly, with the Undisputed WWE Championship feud pitting Randy Orton against Cody Rhodes, but he's obviously not getting added to that match. He was just kind of existing during their main event brawl until he ate an RKO. That's likely just another reason for Rhodes to want to beat Orton at WrestleMania in their match, to avenge his friend Jelly Roll.
So, what we basically have here is Jelly Roll hanging out on "SmackDown," possibly driving some eyes to the product on the "Road to WrestleMania," but he's not yet set for the big event. Who knows if he'll be on the show next week after taking Orton's finisher after wrestling a match of his own? It felt strange to me to not announce something for him tonight, on a night where Jelly scored a big victory, and other WrestleMania matches, like Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu and the US title match, were announced.
Written by Daisy Ruth
Hated: Why is he here?
Jelly Roll interjects himself into the show-closing pull-apart. - WWE
EDITOR'S NOTE: Another bit about Jelly Roll, so as to best convey the sheer amount of Jelly Roll on this show.
Another week of "WWE SmackDown" came, and Jelly Roll was here once more, wrestling Kit Wilson and embedding himself further into the WWE Championship feud between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes. Jelly is the latest in the long line of wrestling fans who became celebrities and appealed to the latent clout-chaser within a promoter, leveraging their fame and talent in one industry to yoink someone's spot from beneath them despite the fact that it is their chosen vocation. They're the ones with stacked medical bills because of it.
Oh, and they're also normally much better at it. And with Jelly, endearing as one may find him, that is most definitely the case. His match with Wilson was as good as Wilson is in the ring and as not bad as Jelly could be. He didn't drop Wilson on his head, and he knows how to do the moves. It's just doing the stuff in between the moves that he doesn't excel at, and he's also just not believable at all.
Then he won the match, which, sure, he is the more popular guy, objectively speaking. But then he returned in the main event... why? Like seriously, why is Jelly Roll embedded within the WWE Championship program? It's Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton feuding; they have plenty of well-known wrestling friends and third parties that you could bring in if you really needed to. But aside from that, they didn't need anyone else.
This was supposed to be one of the best feuds, the easiest stories to tell, and it's being presented as Orton and Rhodes face one another, but first, what does Jelly Roll think? In the middle of a brawl between Orton and Rhodes, a really, really long brawl between Orton and Rhodes, Jelly Roll came down to the ring to get between them and, I guess, try to stop them from fighting – because that always works, doesn't it? And then he got hit with a terrible-looking RKO and melodramatized the rest of the show with his face on the mat.
Great effort on his part, don't get me wrong. But it's the very fact that there is a celebrity embroiled in a feud set to main event WrestleMania. Especially when they're nowhere near the level of a Bad Bunny, or even a Stephen Amell – and maybe he would have even more of a reason to be involved with Rhodes.
At the close of the show, the focus was more, "Oh, Jelly Roll got RKO'd," rather than what was going on beyond the two men who will be fighting for the industry's top title. And that becomes quite damning for the industry, the more one thinks about it.
Written by Max Everett
Loved: Women heavily featured
Rhea Ripley walking to the ring - WWE
At the beginning of the month, I lamented about the terrible booking for the women in the first few days of Women's History Month. During the last show of the month, we got two women's matches, an in-ring segment, and two backstage segments.
The first match was a tag match between The Bellas and Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss with the tag champs were ringside. Following the match, the Irresistible Forces got involved in a brawl with both teams. Lyra Valkyria and Bayley happened to be in the building and came down to even things up. While Bayley & Valkyria need to win their match on "Raw", it looks like we're heading towards the rumored 4-way match at WrestleMania between all the teams in this segment.
The following segment was a hot mess, as my wonderful colleague will attest to. Rhea Ripley addressed being blindsided by Michin and B-Fab the week before. They came out along with Cargill and dealt with boos the entire segment. The women were talking over each other and just struggled to get through it. Ripley came out looking the best of the four. Ripley and B-Fab were scheduled to have a match, but it didn't get very far because Cargill got involved. We'll likely Michin vs. Ripley next week. While the segment was not the greatest, it's giving B-Fab and Michin something more substantial to do and potentially give them roles at WrestleMania.
While Bayley and Valkyria was merely a quick interview segment, it put a spotlight on their match on Monday and the stakes if they win. In another backstage segment, Tiffany Stratton turned down help from Chelsea Green prior to her title match against Giulia. With help from Kiana James, Giulia was able to retain the U.S. title. It may have been a bit surprising, given the way Giulia has been booked during her reign. Hopefully, it's a sign that Giulia will have a WrestleMania match.
While some parts were rough, there is movement in various probable WrestleMania storylines and title pictures.
Written by Samantha Schipman
Hated: One Hot Dumpster Fire Of A Mess
Cargill standing over Ripley in the ring - WWE/X
Wow, I don't even know where to start with this entire thing.
Rhea Ripley is in my top five favorite wrestlers of all time, so it takes a lot for me to hate something that she's involved in. However, her segment with Jade Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab and subsequent match with B-Fab was one hot dumpster fire of a mess. For one thing, it almost felt like the fans hijacked Ripley's verbal exchange with Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab with just how loud their boos were for the three latter women. It was pretty hard to hear what Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab were saying, and it almost seemed like they were getting overwhelmed by the heat that they were receiving. B-Fab and Cargill also felt like they stepped over one another at certain points during the entire exchange, which made things feel pretty awkward between them.
I also had no idea what points Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin were even trying to make throughout this entire segment. It kind of felt like it was a bunch of one-sentence jumbled-up points that didn't really have a through line but were supposed to act as a response to Ripley's succinct point of not wanting to wait until WrestleMania 42 to do what she has to do.
Aside from that, Ripley and B-Fab's match didn't really do anything to help matters. I'm all for this match being a way to give B-Fab some television time in the ring, but she barely even got that, seeing as Cargill almost immediately interfered in the match back from the break to cause it to end in a disqualification. Cargill's involvement didn't really make a whole lot of sense to me either, as one would think WWE would want to get B-Fab a win under her belt to make Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin look collectively stronger. There would've been plenty of opportunity for Cargill to beat down Ripley after the match, so there wasn't any good reason for her to cost B-Fab a win in my opinion.
From top to bottom, nothing good came out of any of this, nor did anyone involved really come off looking good. "SmackDown" puts out some bad segments on a weekly basis, but I would dare venture to say that this was easily one of – if not – the worst things that has been on this show in months (excluding a certain slam poetry battle from last Friday).
Written by Olivia Quinlan
Loved: Sami Zayn victory gets him to WrestleMania against heated rival
Trick Williams and Sami Zayn go nose-to-nose and stare each other down in the middle of the ring during their four-way match at Saturday Night's Main Event. - WWE
I have to admit, I had no idea where Sami Zayn's "Road to WrestleMania" was actually going to lead him, especially with how bumpy said road has been this year, and I was quite pleasantly surprised when he officially got a match against Trick Williams on "The Grandest Stage of Them All" made official tonight, all by defeating Carmelo Hayes in the US Championship open challenge. While I do feel bad for Hayes, I think he had an excellent run with banger after banger with the open challenge, and I think he'll be feuding for the gold again soon if my 'Mania 42 prediction comes true.
I suppose I half expected that Williams vs. Zayn was going to be added to WrestleMania, but I didn't think it would be for a title. It made sense tonight, however, following a backstage segment with "SmackDown" General Manager Nick Aldis. Aldis flat-out told Williams he was going to have a 'Mania match this year, because he's been on a hot streak and is a bona fide star, but when Zayn asked what was in store for him, Aldis basically said he was SOL because his year hasn't been going so hot, and he didn't have a title.
So, Zayn went out there and won himself a title. The finish of the match wasn't exactly the cleanest, but it worked, as Williams accidentally clocked Hayes instead of Zayn, allowing Zayn to get the victory. I didn't expect Aldis to make the match official almost immediately after the new champion got backstage, but I can't say I mind it. I thought maybe after Williams accidentally hit Hayes, they'd drag it out, making it official until next week or something.
I can also see "Melo" attempting to get himself on the WrestleMania card, as well, via triple threat for the title, which I wouldn't mind, but I'm not exactly certain if I see that happening. Zayn and Williams have been feuding for months now, and it's a hot feud. I don't know if adding Hayes to the match would work out well for him in the long run. I do think, however, that Williams gets a huge WrestleMania moment his first time at the event, and defeats Zayn for the title. One of his first feuds on TV, after Zayn likely gets a rematch for Williams to get another victory, should be Hayes, as the pair have excellent chemistry from their "WWE NXT" days.
I may be getting ahead of myself there, but I did really like this tonight. It was a nice little moment for Zayn, and it makes his match against Williams at 'Mania really mean something.
Nathan Heaney said he was looking to enjoy himself in Manchester [Getty Images]
Nathan Heaney believes the delay to his WBA Continental Middleweight fight against Gerome Warburton has allowed him to get into "phenomenal condition".
It was postponed because of an injury to another fighter, Moses Itauma, and the Stoke-on-Trent boxer said his first thought was that 10 weeks was a long time to wait.
But he said: "I can't believe how quick it's gone."
The 36-year-old hopes a win in Manchester on Saturday will set up a world title fight and said: "I want to return to Stoke as a world champion."
Heaney said when he got the news about the postponement of the original fight, he had almost finished sending out 2,000 tickets to his friends, family and supporters.
He explained: "It's weird because at the time I was thinking 'oh my goodness it's been moved and you've got another 10 weeks', but it's gone really quick actually.
"Normally, boxers train to reach peak condition just before the fight, you're tracking every single meal, you're training really, really hard and you're just being very disciplined in what you do."
As the original date approached, he said he'd been thinking: "After the fight I will be eating takeaways every night and doing whatever I want."
So, when the news of the postponement broke, although it was initially disappointing, there was an unintended silver lining for Heaney.
He added: "I'm in much better shape now."
'I'm going to enjoy every second'
Heaney is due to turn 37 the week after the fight and said: "His [Warburton's] manager's probably said 'Heaney's done, he's finished, this is your opportunity'.
"Athletes don't go to 37-years-old normally, so he'll obviously be thinking I'm there for the taking".
The last time Heaney fought at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, it was following a loss and the boxer said he "didn't enjoy it like I should have."
But this time he will go into the fight full of confidence, adding: "I'm going to enjoy every second."
The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix qualifying session delivered an unpredictable grid. From a massive upset in the Red Bull garage to a stunning display of dominance by Kimi Antonelli, the Suzuka Circuit lived up to its reputation as the ultimate test of man and machine.
Antonelli Leads a Mercedes Front-Row Lockout
Antonelli has officially arrived. The young Italian phenom put together a blistering Q3 lap of 1:28.778 to take pole position, beating out his highly experienced Mercedes teammate, George Russell. The W17 looks incredibly planted through the high-speed Ess curves, and Russell’s time (1:29.076) ensured a dominant front-row lockout for the Silver Arrows.
Behind the Mercedes duo, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri secured a fantastic P3 start. Meanwhile, his teammate Lando Norris pulled off a miraculous recovery. After spending most of FP3 stranded in the garage with a catastrophic battery failure – and facing the looming threat of grid penalties for maxing out his allocated PU components – Norris wrestled his car into Q3 to secure a highly respectable P5, sitting just behind the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc in P4.
Max Verstappen Eliminated
The biggest surprise of the afternoon came during Q2, when reigning champion Max Verstappen was officially knocked out. The Red Bull Racing star could only manage a 1:30.262, leaving him stranded in P11 and forcing him to start Sunday’s race from the midfield.
Adding insult to injury for Verstappen, his teammate Isack Hadjar not only made it through to Q3 but qualified a brilliant P8, proving that the pace was genuinely in the Red Bull car. Verstappen will now have his work cut out for him to carve through the field.
Williams Meltdown and Backmarker Struggles
While the top teams fought for pole, the Q1 elimination zone was packed with frustration. Despite Carlos Sainz jokingly predicting a pole position for Williams earlier in the weekend, reality hit today. Sainz qualified P16, and his teammate Alex Albon managed only P17.
For Albon, the early exit was a serious annoyance. Following his elimination, the typically patient Thai-British driver fired off a brutally sarcastic radio message to his race engineer. After being told he likely knew the result, Albon snapped back: “Yes, I complain for 3 races in a row that there’s something wrong but I’m sure that it’s my driving style.” The underlying tension at Williams is officially boiling over.
Further down the grid, the new Cadillac entries of Sergio Perez (P19) and Valtteri Bottas (P20) struggled to find pace. However, the absolute back row belongs to Aston Martin, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll qualifying P21 and P22, respectively, capping off a miserable Saturday for the Silverstone-based squad.
Japanese Grand Prix
Qualifying — Suzuka | 22 drivers
Pos
Driver
Team
Tyre
Best
Last
Gap
Int
Status
1
Kimi ANTONELLIANT #12FL1:28.778MercedesS
1:28.778
1:56.462
LEADER
—
—
2
George RUSSELLRUS #63MercedesS
1:29.076
2:07.357
+0.298
—
—
3
Oscar PIASTRIPIA #81McLarenS
1:29.132
1:29.198
+0.354
—
—
4
Charles LECLERCLEC #16FerrariS
1:29.405
1:29.405
+0.627
—
—
5
Lando NORRISNOR #1McLarenS
1:29.409
1:58.844
+0.631
—
—
6
Lewis HAMILTONHAM #44FerrariS
1:29.567
1:29.660
+0.789
—
—
7
Pierre GASLYGAS #10AlpineS
1:29.691
1:29.691
+0.913
—
—
8
Isack HADJARHAD #6Red Bull RacingS
1:29.978
1:56.688
+1.200
—
—
9
Gabriel BORTOLETOBOR #5AudiS
1:30.274
1:30.274
+1.496
—
—
10
Arvid LINDBLADLIN #41Racing BullsS
1:30.319
1:30.319
+1.541
—
—
11
Max VERSTAPPENVER #3Red Bull RacingS
1:30.262
—
+1.484
—
—
12
Esteban OCONOCO #31Haas F1 TeamS
1:30.309
—
+1.531
—
—
13
Nico HULKENBERGHUL #27AudiS
1:30.387
—
+1.609
—
—
14
Liam LAWSONLAW #30Racing BullsS
1:30.495
—
+1.717
—
—
15
Franco COLAPINTOCOL #43AlpineS
1:30.627
—
+1.849
—
—
16
Carlos SAINZSAI #55WilliamsS
1:31.033
—
+2.255
—
—
17
Alexander ALBONALB #23WilliamsS
1:31.088
—
+2.310
—
—
18
Oliver BEARMANBEA #87Haas F1 TeamS
1:31.090
—
+2.312
—
—
19
Sergio PEREZPER #11CadillacS
1:32.206
—
+3.428
—
—
20
Valtteri BOTTASBOT #77CadillacS
1:32.330
—
+3.552
—
—
21
Fernando ALONSOALO #14Aston MartinS
1:32.646
—
+3.868
—
—
22
Lance STROLLSTR #18Aston MartinS
1:32.920
—
+4.142
—
—
Kimi Antonelli grabbed his second career pole position at the Japanese Grand Prix, also his second in a row, as Max Verstappen was eliminated in Q2.
Antonelli enforced his dominance on Mercedes team-mate George Russell so far this weekend, with the Italian youngster quicker than his elder in the last two free practice sessions as well as Q2 – by six tenths – and Q3 – by three.
The pecking order was mostly unsurprising in Q1: Ferrari and Mercedes led McLaren at the front, while the Williams, Cadillac and Aston Martin cars lay in the drop zone – like they did in both qualifying sessions in China – with five minutes remaining.
Late improvements by Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon allowed the Spaniard to jump to 15th, with Oliver Bearman out in Q1 with a shock 18th-fastest time – the Haas driver currently stands in a remarkable fifth place in the drivers’ championship, but adding to his points tally will be a tall order this time around.
The troubled Aston Martin squad ended up 21st and 22nd on struggling Honda’s turf, some three seconds off the pace.
Oscar Piastri then set the early pace in Q2, leading the Mercedes by three tenths, before Charles Leclerc, then Antonelli went even faster.
Gabriel Bortoleto and Pierre Gasly established themselves as the two midfield cars in the top 10 after the Brazilian’s team-mate at Audi, Nico Hulkenberg, comfortably topped the midfield in Free Practice 3.
The Red Bulls, however, were on the cusp of elimination. A late effort by Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad earned him 10th place, kicking Verstappen out of Q3.
“I think there is something wrong with the car mate, it’s completely undriveable suddenly in this qualifying”, Verstappen told his race engineer on the radio. “Jumping on high speed in the rear suddenly.”
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
The first Q3 run saw Antonelli set the first 1m28s lap of the weekend, a 1m28.778s, with team-mate Russell a whopping three tenths down in 1m29.076s despite similar times in the opening sector of the lap.
McLaren outperformed Ferrari with Oscar Piastri three tenths ahead of Lando Norris and Leclerc, as Lewis Hamilton ended up one further tenth in arrears. The sole remaining Red Bull of Isack Hadjar was exactly 1.2s off the pace.
Neither Mercedes driver improved on their times in the second run, despite Antonelli setting the fastest final sector overall. Neither did the McLarens and Ferraris, in fact, so the order of the top six remained unchanged.
Gasly, however, impressed by snatching seventh place away from fellow countryman Hadjar, with the Alpine under one second away from pole position.
Bortoleto and Lindblad will make up the fifth row of the grid on Sunday.
Japanese Grand Prix qualifying results
Photos from Japanese GP - Saturday
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Mark Thompson / Getty Images
Fan
Fan
Clive Rose / Formula 1 via Getty Images
A fan dresses as Ayrton Senna
A fan dresses as Ayrton Senna
Clive Rose / Formula 1 via Getty Images
Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls
Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls
Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images
Alexander Albon, Williams
Alexander Albon, Williams
Kym Illman / Getty Images
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images
Pierre Gasly, Alpine, Francisca Cerqueria Gomes
Pierre Gasly, Alpine, Francisca Cerqueria Gomes
Peter Fox / Getty Images
Fans of Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lando Norris, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Fans of Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lando Norris, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Mark Thompson / Getty Images
Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing
Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing
Jayce Illman / Getty Images
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images
Fans
Fans
Clive Rose / Formula 1 via Getty Images
Alexander Albon, Williams
Alexander Albon, Williams
Mark Sutton / Formula 1 via Getty Images
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images
Dan Towriss, CEO, Cadillac, with Cassidy Towriss, brand ambassador.
Dan Towriss, CEO, Cadillac, with Cassidy Towriss, brand ambassador.
Jayce Illman / Getty Images
Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls
Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls
Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images
Choi Min-Ho poses for a photo in the Oracle Red Bull Racing garage.
Choi Min-Ho poses for a photo in the Oracle Red Bull Racing garage.
At 21, the British heavyweight is already being heralded as the future global king of the sport's glamour division.
Itauma is on a nine-fight knockout streak with every victory ending within the first two rounds. Last summer, he destroyed a fading Dillian Whyte in just 61 seconds in Saudi Arabia.
The world appears to be at his feet, but the thrill of a lightning-fast clinical finish isn't enough for Chatham fighter. He wants more.
"It just went so fast," recalls Itauma, who has 11 knockouts in 13 successful contests. "When I got to the changing room, I was a little bit underwhelmed.
"In training camp for 14 weeks, for the fight to go two minutes, it's a bit underwhelming, because it's like, did I have to train all that?"
Itauma faces American Jermaine Franklin at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena on Saturday. This time, he is craving rounds.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the heavyweight discusses his three-year professional career, the sacrifices of his family, and why Franklin represents his toughest test yet.
Family first - Team GB snub & bitter-sweet debut
Itauma's professional journey has been brief but brutal. He has boxed just 26 rounds in his pro career - and many of those were cut short.
He demolished Marcel Bode in just 23 seconds on his debut in January 2023 at Wembley Arena. But just like the Whyte fight, the early ending brought little joy.
"I didn't care," he reflects. "My brother suffered his first loss, literally a couple of minutes before. To be honest, I didn't even want to fight that day."
Family is the core of the Itauma story. His brother, light-heavyweight Karol Itauma, sits behind the cameras during fight week duties. The bond was forged through a 1,050-mile journey from Kezmarok, beneath Slovakia's Tatra Mountain, to Chatham in Kent.
Born to a Slovak mother and Nigerian father, their early years were defined by racism and a search for a place to belong.
"Me and my brothers, we don't look very Slovak, and that kind of limited opportunities that we can have in that country," says Itauma.
"My mum was like, they're probably going to have more opportunities and a better upbringing if they move to a country where people of mixed-race backgrounds are more common."
Those sacrifices influenced every decision that followed. Itauma started boxing at nine, but it wasn't until 14 that he decided to take it seriously.
"My mum sacrificed a lot coming over to the UK," he says. "I need to kind of make it. So, yeah, it's difficult, but I'm happy that my mum made the decisions and obviously I'm following through."
That "family first" mentality is why he snubbed the Olympic route with Team GB to sign with Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions.
"The short and sweet of it was that my family needed the money," he adds.
Can Ituama do better than AJ against 'tough cookie' Franklin?
It hasn't been entirely plain sailing. In his third and fourth fights, Itauma was taken the six-round distance by journeymen Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko and Kevin Nicolas Espindola.
It was a wake-up call. Itauma initially "wanted to be world champion by 20", but these gritty encounters tempered that ambition.
He says: "I kind of hit a barrier where I don't think I was learning anymore. So would I say I learned from those fights? Yes, but kind of to not wait for something to break to fix it."
Taking "accountability" for his career, he linked up with trainer Ben Davison. Since then, Itauma has gone from strength to strength.
The ensuing knockout streak has catapulted him into - perhaps prematurely - conversations about world titles. While wins over Demsey McKean and Whyte were impressive, the general consensus is Itauma still needs to prove he can swim in deep waters.
He has never lost as an amateur nor a professional and his chin has rarely - if ever - been tested.
Franklin is the man chosen to provide the answers. The 32-year-old Michigan native is a "tough cookie", according to Itauma, never been stopped, losing only to Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua on points.
"We can agree that Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte are big punchers, right?" asks Itauma.
"Everybody's saying that I haven't seen the distance because I'm such a big puncher, right? So Jermaine Franklin's about to answer some questions."
While the public talks of world titles, Itauma knows there are levels to the heavyweight game and he is eager to scale them.
The jump from contender to world-title level can be huge and Itauma is eager to find someone to bridge that gap, rather than jump right into a bout with a champion.
Itauma already has his eyes fixed on that opponent - Croatia's Filip Hrgovic, whose last two bouts have been victories against Britons Joe Joyce and David Adeleye after losing to Daniel Dubois for the interim IBF heavyweight title two years ago.
Could the Washington Commanders use the 2026 NFL Draft to begin preparing for life after defensive tackle Daron Payne? Payne is entering the final year of his contract in 2026. The 2018 first-round pick is usually at his best when playing on an expiring contract.
The Commanders all but ruled out an extension for Payne this offseason, noting that left tackle Laremy Tunsil was the only extension that was a priority at the time. Since then, Tunsil has signed a record extension, while guard Nick Allegretti and safety Jeremy Reaves each signed one-year extensions.
Washington holds the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and could look to add a defensive tackle. While there is no tackle likely to be drafted inside the top 10, the Commanders could trade down and acquire more picks or address the position with a later pick.
While Washington has been linked to numerous players throughout the pre-draft process, we haven't heard them speaking with many interior defenders. However, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic, the Commanders recently met with Louisville defensive tackle Rene Konga. Specifically, Konga met with Washington's defensive line coaches, Eric Henderson and Darryl Tapp.
Who is Konga?
Konga is a 6-foot-3, 299-pound Canadian who spent four seasons at Rutgers before transferring to Louisville in 2024. In two years for the Cardinals, Konga played in 23 games and finished his career as a second-team All-ACC selection. He played in 44 career games, recording 63 tackles, including 11 for loss and five sacks.
Konga is a rare athlete.
The craziest Pro Day number (NFL-verified) I've heard so far?
Louisville DT Rene Konga with a 7.03 3-cone at 298 pounds.📈📈
Fletcher Cox had the best 3C for a DT I can remember, which was 7.07 at 298 pounds (Aaron Donald was 7.11).
Finally, we know how Washington general manager Adam Peters is a big fan of the Relative Athletic Score (RAS) metric. Several of the Commanders' recently signed free agents all produced high RAS scores coming out of college. Here's Konga's score:
If Konga were at the NFL combine last month, he would've tested at or near the top of every test.
Washington isn't the only team interested in Konga. The Cowboys are reportedly bringing him in for a top-30 visit. His performance at Louisville's pro day this week only helped his stock.
The Commanders have Payne, Javon Kinlaw, Tim Settle, Jer'Zhan Newton and Ricky Barber under contract next season. They appear deep on paper, but Payne's future, along with a new defensive scheme, could make Konga an interesting match for Washington.
Jannik Sinner has won eight of his 12 matches against Alexander Zverev [Getty Images]
World number two Jannik Sinner won his seventh match in a row against Alexander Zverev to reach the Miami Open final for a fourth time.
Italian Sinner came through 6-3 7-6 (7-4) and will meet Czech Jiri Lehecka on Sunday.
Sinner is aiming to win a second Miami title in three years and become the first man since Roger Federer in 2017 to complete the 'Sunshine Double' after his win in Indian Wells this month.
Sinner, a four-time Grand Slam winner and the reigning Wimbledon champion, also beat German world number four Zverev two weeks ago in the Indian Wells semis.
"It has been an incredible swing," said Sinner, who claimed his 16th successive win in Masters 1,000 tournament and extended his record of consecutive sets won to 32.
"I've been trying to play as many matches as possible and I couldn't do any better.
"Today was a very tough encounter. He played some incredible tennis, but I was serving very well, especially in the end and in the crucial moments.
"Standing here again, in the final, means very, very much to me."
Earlier, Lehecka, the 21st seed, defeated Frenchman Arthur Fils 6-2 6-2 in an hour and 15 minutes to reach his first Masters 1,000 final.
"I'm very excited that I'm in a final," said Lehecka.
"At the same time, it's just a sport. There are more important things going on in the world right now.
The Red Sox started the 2026 MLB season with a 3-0 win over the Reds on Thursday behind a dominant performance from Garrett Crochet.
Last year's AL Cy Young runner-up tossed six scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and striking out eight batters. Roman Anthony got off to a hot start, hitting three singles and scoring in the top of the ninth.
Veteran right-hander Sonny Gray is set to make his Boston debut against his former team in the second game of the series, facing off against Cincinnati's Brady Singer. After being limited to just four hits on Opening Day, the Reds will be counting on Elly De La Cruz, Sal Stewart and Eugenio Suarez to light up the scoreboard.
Here is everything you need to know about Red Sox vs. Reds, including TV and streaming options for the game.
How to watch Red Sox vs. Reds today: TV channel, live stream
Red Sox vs. Reds will air locally on NESN. The game can also be streamed on NESN 360 and Fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100-plus top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Red Sox vs. Reds start time
Date: Saturday, March 28
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Red Sox vs. Reds is scheduled to start at 4:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 28. The game will be played at the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.
Scotland can enjoy a March international break with a World Cup place already in their back pocket.
The Tartan Army saw near neighbors Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland suffer playoff heartbreak in midweek, a familiar feeling in the recent past.
But Steve Clarke's side are heading to their first finals since 1998 and will hone their preparations against a Japan side who have become a fixture at world soccer's biggest tournament.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the weekly schedule.
Here's how to watch this friendly match in the U.S.:
TV channel: FS1 Live stream: Fubo, ViX, Fox Sports app
This game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports, while a streaming option will be available via Fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time does Scotland vs. Japankick off?
This international friendly clash takes place at Hampden Park in London, UK and kicks off on Saturday, March 28 at 5 p.m. local time.
For the first time since 2019, conference rivals will collide in the Elite Eight when Illinois and Iowa meet on Saturday evening.
The Fighting Illini advanced to the regional final after a dominant 65–55 win over No. 2 seed Houston in the Sweet 16, a defensive masterclass that held the Cougars to just 34% shooting. Leading the charge for Illinois was All-America freshman Keaton Wagler, who continues to cement his status as a projected top-10 NBA pick. Wagler notched a double-double against Houston with 13 points and a career-high 12 rebounds, joining teammate David Mirkovic to become the first freshman duo in NCAA Tournament history to record double-doubles in the same game.
Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes enter the Elite Eight as the tournament's ultimate bracket-buster under first-year head coach Ben McCollum. After upsetting No. 1 Florida in the second round, No. 9 Iowa pulled off another thriller by defeating No. 4 Nebraska 77–71. Alvaro Folgueiras will likely be a highlight of the "One Shining Moment" montage after his late-game 3-pointer to knock off the defending champion Gators and a critical "and-one" dunk that sealed the Sweet 16 win over the Huskers.
Both teams look to make history come Saturday night. Illinois is looking to advance to the Final Four for the first time since its legendary 2005 run, while Iowa is seeking its first Final Four berth in 46 years.
Here’s what you need to know about Saturday’s matchup between Illinois and Iowa, including broadcast information and start time.
Illinois vs. Iowa will air on TBS and truTV. Kevin Harlan, Robbie Hummel and Stan Van Gundy will be on the call, and Lauren Shehadi will serve as the sideline reporter.
Fans looking to stream Illinois vs. Iowa can watch live on DIRECTV.
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What time is Illinois vs. Iowa today?
Date: Saturday, March 28
Time: 6:09 p.m. ET | 5:09 p.m. CT
The NCAA tournament game between Illinois and Iowa is set to tip off at 6:09 p.m. ET from the Toyota Center in Houston.
Listen to every game of the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament live on SiriusXM. The Illinois vs. Iowa broadcast will be available on channel 202.
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.
The 2026 Men's Final Four is set for April 4 and 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The semifinals will be played Saturday night, and the national championship game is set for Monday night.
The home of the Indianapolis Colts previously hosted the event in 2010, 2015 and 2021 and is set to host again in 2029. Indianapolis previously hosted the Final Four at other facilities in 1980, 1991, 1997, 2000 and 2006.
Only Kansas City has been home to the Final Four more often (10 times), but the last one held there was in 1988.
March Madness tournament schedule 2026
Here is the round-by-round schedule for the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament:
Moses Itauma (left) and Jermaine Franklin Jr (right) with promoter Frank Warren during the Magnificent 7 press launch at the Co-Op Live Arena, Manchester. Picture date: Monday November 17, 2025. (Photo by Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images) | PA Images via Getty Images
Moses Itauma makes his in-ring debut for 2026 today in England, facing American heavyweight veteran Jermaine Franklin in the main event.
The top heavyweight prospect Itauma (13-0, 11 KO) will be fighting for the first time since last August, when he laid waste to former title challenger Dillian Whyte in two minutes. Franklin (24-2, 15 KO) has been plenty durable in his career, having never been knocked out, including distance fights in defeat against Whyte and Anthony Joshua. He’s coming off of a good win over Ivan Dychko in September of last year.
We’ll be here with live updates, results, and conversation down in the comments section. Join us to kick off a big day and night of boxing!
How to watch Itauma vs Franklin
Start time: 1:00 pm ET (main card) / 11:00 am ET (prelims)
Main event ring walks: approx. 6:00 pm ET
Streaming: DAZN (subscription)
Location: Co-op Live, Manchester, England
Itauma vs Franklin main card running order
Michael Gomez Jr vs Jordan Flynn, lightweights, 10 rounds
Alex Murphy vs Josh Holmes, lightweights, 10 rounds
Liam Davies vs Francesco Grandelli, featherweights, 12 rounds, for vacant European title
Shakiel Thompson vs Brad Pauls, middleweights, 10 rounds
Willy Hutchinson vs Ezra Taylor, light heavyweights, 10 rounds
Nathan Heaney vs Gerome Warburton, middleweights, 10 rounds
Moses Itauma vs Jermaine Franklin, heavyweights, 10 rounds
Dealing with a busted bracket?
The Sweet 16 is almost here – who’s still alive? We’re reviewing the week that was in the first week of the NCAA tournament and turning our focus to remaining teams. How bad (or good!) is your bracket? Join us in the SB Nation March Madness Feed and let’s talk about who’s most likely to make a run to glory.
Fans want the Blues to sign a new goalkeeper despite Sanchez’s improved showing for the vast majority of the campaign.
Chelsea turned down the chance to sign Mike Maignan last summer as they weren’t prepared to meet AC Milan’s valuation.
The Blues have highly rated youngster Mike Penders on their books who’s impressing at Strasbourg, but Crook has told them to solve their issues by signing Pickford.
“I just can’t take Chelsea seriously as a football club,” he told talkSPORT.
“I don’t understand the project. They’ve got four or five who could be potential number one.
“And my hot take is, there’s a simple solution, go and get the England number one, Jordan Pickford.”
If you enjoy Chelsea News coverage and want to see more of it, add us as apreferred source on Googleto make us a favourite and see more of our content.
Mike Penders favourite to be number one next season
It’s been reported part of the reason Chelsea didn’t sign a keeper last summer is because they were worried about blocking the pathway for Penders.
It’s clear neither Sanchez or Jorgensen are good enough to take Chelsea to where they want to be, and the Blues can’t afford to get another decision wrong in goal.
Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
VIENNA, AUSTRIA - MARCH 27: Team Austria celebrate their second goal scored by Michael Gregoritsch of Austria during the friendly match between Austria and Ghana at Ernst Happel Stadion on March 27, 2026 in Vienna, Austria. (Photo by Severin Aichbauer/SEPA.Media /Getty Images) | Getty Images
Leaving
🚨💣 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐃: Gabriel Jesus is leaving Arsenal this summer! 🇧🇷⚠️👋
The club have decided not to extend his contract, which was set to run until 2027.
— £265,000 per week — Second highest earner behind Bukayo Saka (£300k+ with bonuses)
The 21-year-old is adept at breaking up play, intercepting danger, shielding the backline, and driving play forward, a profile the Palace need in the centre of the park.
Crystal Palace ace Cheick Doucoure has been sidelined for most of the past two seasons, leaving a gaping hole in midfield.
Jefferson Lerma, Will Hughes, and Daichi Kamada have all helped out, but the club needs a specialist at anchoring the midfield, and Mukau fits the bill.
However, Crystal Palace are not alone in the race for his signature, with Premier League rivals West Ham United also keen on his services as they look to bolster their squad.
It remains to be seen how hard Palace will push to get a deal for Mukau over the line, but the Eagles are poised to reshape their midfield in the summer transfer window.
Palace’s chief conductor, Adam Wharton, is set to leave the club this summer, with several European giants circling. They will enter the market to replace him.
Elsewhere, Palace need a new experienced centre-half to replace Marc Guehi following his winter transfer window exit.
Signing another difference-maker in attack will also go a long way next season. The Eagles need a clinical forward with a creative side.
The biggest change of all will likely come in the dugout with Oliver Glasner leaving the South London outfit following a hugely successful stint.
The Eagles must bring in a quality manager to take the torch from the Austrian tactician.
Is Omar Marmoush ready to step up to the next level for Manchester City?
When a player initially joins Manchester City, expectations are generally high. There’s no easing in period. Every touch is analyzed, every missed chance is replayed, and every goal is measured against a very high standard. T
hat’s why the conversation around Omar Marmoush has been so interesting.
For fans tracking EPL betting trends, recent arrivals at City can quickly influence markets if they settle fast. Omar Marmoush arrived at Manchester City during the 2025 January transfer window. So far, he’s shown flashes of quality interspersed with moments of frustration as the Egyptian international hasn’t yet found a consistent role in Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Omar Marmoush is has a different profile to the usual Manchester City forward.
Marmoush arrived with a reputation built on pace, direct running, and versatility across the front line. At previous clubs, he thrived when attacking space and driving at defenders.
Manchester City operates differently. Under Pep Guardiola, structure is everything. Forwards are expected to press intelligently, hold width at the right moments, and rotate positions with precision.
For the most part, Omar Marmoush has at times looked more than comfortable at City. His movement off the ball has been sharp. He’s willing to track back. He doesn’t force actions when patience is required. That alone suggests he understands the tactical demands. The issue is more the consistency of performance that does tend come from the Egyptian international.
Omar Marmoush made an early impact at City.
Settling at Manchester City is often about small details rather than headline grabbing moments. Linking play cleanly, making the right supporting run, and choosing when to accelerate.
Marmoush contributed with goals and assists in key fixtures last season. His goals were crucial to Manchester City securing Champions League football last season. What stands out in Marmoush’s game is his composure. He looks calm in crowded areas and he combines well in tight spaces. When chances fall, he strikes them with conviction. Having said that, Marmoush can spend large portions of matches on the periphery of proceedings. That area of his game does need to improve.
Confidence is vital in the Manchester City environment. Squad competition is fierce. Minutes are earned, not handed out. The 25/26 season has been a battle at times for Marmoush. A knee injury and his participation at AFCON limited his opportunities. He has also been regularly used as a substitute this season by Pep Guardiola.
Marmoush faces competition for a starting place with Erling Haaland.
City’s forward line remains stacked with quality. Rotation is inevitable across domestic and European competitions. Marmoush is not guaranteed a starting role every week.
However, versatility should work in Marmoush’s favor. He can operate centrally or from wide areas. That flexibility gives Guardiola tactical options, especially against deep defensive blocks where unpredictability is needed. But there is an issue with that which has emerged this season.
The issue for Omar Marmoush is he seems to be viewed by Pep Guardiola primarily as a back up to Erling Haaland. Marmoush doesn’t do his best work on a wing, and it appears that Pep Guardiola doesn’t want to play the Egyptian international out wide. Marmoush is too good a player to solely be a back up striker.
Also, we have seen Haaland, Marmoush and Antoine Semenyo start together on occasions this season. The issue is when those three start together it does appear clunky. When those three players start they do need a player like Rayan Cherki to start with them. Otherwise the trio do lack the service they need as we saw during Manchester City’s recent 1-1 draw with West Ham. Marmoush, Haaland and Semenyo didn’t work together before Marmoush was taken off after an hour. Perhaps that trio can’t play together and if they can’t it is hard to see Marmoush starting for City if every player is fit and available.
Tactical fit within the Pep Guardiola system.
One of the most demanding aspects of playing for Guardiola is positional discipline. Wingers must know when to stretch the pitch and when to invert. Strikers must recognize pressing triggers instantly.
Marmoush’s work rate has been noticeable. He presses with energy and recovers quickly when possession is lost. That commitment aligns with City’s defensive structure.
In possession, he appears increasingly comfortable receiving between lines rather than only attacking open grass. That development is important. Premier League defenses rarely allow continuous space behind.
What Omar Marmoush needs to improve is his overall impact on games. He needs to do more then simply score goals. The Egyptian international showed how damaging he can be in the Bundesliga. Manchester City will be hoping that he can have the same impact for them next season or even across the back end of this season if the opportunity is there for Marmoush to start or play more often.
Is Omar Marmoush a long-term player for City?
Omar Marmoush’s time at Manchester City has seen him show flashes of his quality and also the areas of his game that need improvement.
Manchester City’s environment encourages evolution. Training alongside elite teammates sharpens decision making. Tactical detail becomes second nature over time.
If Marmoush evolves as a player, there’s no reason his trajectory cannot continue upward. His physical attributes are clear. His technical level fits. The remaining factor is improvement over the long term.
Final thoughts.
Marmoush did adapt quickly to Pep Guardiola’s complex tactical system. He’s contributed in meaningful moments last season and against Newcastle in the FA Cup this season. The signs are there that Marmoush can be more than simply a sqaud player for Manchester City.
However, at Manchester City, promise is only the starting point. Sustained excellence is the requirement. Marmoush hasn’t secured his place permanently yet, but the foundation is there.
If Omar Marmoush maintains focus and continues refining his game within Guardiola’s structure, Marmoush’s move to Manchester City could evolve from smart signing to genuine success story.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MARCH 27: (L-R) Opponents Israel Adesanya of Nigeria and Joe Pyfer face off during the UFC Fight Night ceremonial weigh-in at Climate Pledge Arena on March 27, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
MMA Fighting has UFC Seattle results for the Adesanya vs. Pyfer fight card, live blogs of the top two fights, and more from the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle on Saturday night.
In the main event, two-time UFC champion Israel Adesanya squares off against Joe Pyfer in a middleweight contest. Adesanya aims to snap a three-fight skid in the contest, while Pyfer has won six of his first seven UFC fights.
Former UFC champion Alexa Grasso battles Maycee Barber in a flyweight contest in the co-main event. Grasso defeated Barber via unanimous decision in their previous meeting at UFC 258 on Feb. 13, 2021.
MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 22: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid CF looks on during the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Real Madrid and Atletico de Madrid at Bernabeu stadium on March 22, 2026, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images
In an incredible report from journalists Guillermo Rai and Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, Kylian Mbappé’s knee injury was misdiagnosed when the medical staff took a scan of the wrong knee, which showed no damage:
Kylian Mbappe’s knee injury was misdiagnosed after Real Madrid medical staff performed an MRI scan on the wrong leg back in December. When no problem was found after a scan of his uninjured right knee, the 27-year-old featured in three games for Madrid before the mistake was realised and rectified.
Sources with first-hand knowledge of the situation — who, like all those consulted for this article, asked to speak anonymously as they did not have permission to comment — said Mbappe continued playing after that initial erroneous scan despite having signs of inflammation in his injured left knee.
A further scan on his left leg then showed a partial posterior knee ligament tear, and on December 31, Madrid published a medical report consistent with that, although they described the injury in more general terms as a knee sprain. It is unclear how the initial mistake was made.
The Athletic contacted Mbappe’s representatives five times before publication on Tuesday, but they declined to comment. Mbappe later called the claim that the wrong knee was examined “not true.”
The Athletic goes into a deep dive of the injury situation at Real Madrid and also a comment from Mbappé, where the star forward seeks to control some of the damage. For all the criticism levied at Bayern Munich’s staff, at least this has not happened (that we know of).
Oh, and if you were wondering about the headline…
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…
Phil Foden substituted with injury after horror tackle in England draw with Uruguay
Manchester City star earned a start against Uruguay after impressing Thomas Tuchel in training
However, Foden suffered a leg-breaking challenge from Ronald Araujo in second-half at Wembley
Full extent of ankle injury unknown but Manchester City return likely for full assessment
Manchester City forward Phil Foden was taken off with injury in the second-half of England’s 1-1 friendly draw with Uruguay on Friday night.
The Three Lions suffered a frustrating draw after Federico Valverde scored an injury-time penalty to cancel Ben White‘s opener after 81 minutes, though the headlines were dominated by a shocking challenge from Ronald Araujo.
Araujo won the ball but followed through heavily on Foden’s ankle with a potential leg-breaking tackle and one that has drawn strong criticism on social media – particularly given the game being a friendly.
England manager Thomas Tuchel was furious on the touchline in the aftermath of the tackle, with Foden receiving treatment and going off shortly after and Araujo luckily evading a red card for a horrific tackle above the Manchester City forward’s ankle.
Phil Foden considering Manchester City exit amid frustrations over bit-part role
Foden injury and implications on Man City run-in
The full extent of Foden’s injury is yet to be known and Manchester City are likely to call their academy graduate back to the club’s facilities to undergo a thorough assessment and further medical treatment.
Foden is unlikely to be fit for England‘s game against Japan next week and Tuchel will not want to risk one of his best players, who has struggled for minutes and form at club level so far in 2026, in a mere friendly.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will want Foden to withdraw from international duty as soon as possible should the impact of Araujo’s tackle be anywhere near what it seemed like at Wembley on Friday night.
City return to action in 10 days’ time against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final and there are major doubts over Foden’s availability for the cup tie, which precedes monumental Premier League meetings with Chelsea and Arsenal.
World Cup chances – A missed opportunity?
In his post-match press conference, Tuchel was full of praise of Foden’s attitude in the England camp in the days leading to the 1-1 draw with Uruguay, waxing lyrical in particular of the Manchester City’s star performances in defensive training in a new-look England setup.
Foden has been devoid of starts at club level in recent months and questions have emerged over his long-term future at Manchester City, where his current deal is set to expire in 15 months. His recent lack of minutes at club level was telling when Tuchel pointed out that he felt the 25-year-old could have been “more adventurous” in the final third against Uruguay.
Phil Foden admits “football sometimes isn’t straightforward” amid Manchester City contract doubts
However, Tuchel remains a big fan of Foden, who has it all to do at club and international level to return from this fitness setback stronger than ever to push for a spot in England’s squad for this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
Guardiola has preferred the likes of Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki and Omar Marmoush in attack alongside Erling Haaland in this calendar year but Foden has the experience and know-how to climb the pecking order and force his way back into the Manchester City starting XI.
The Los Angeles Lakers are well on their way to being the third seed in the Western Conference by the time the 2025-26 regular season ends. They owe their success to a well-rounded team spearheaded by Luka Doncic.
Of course, they still have a loaded team with LeBron James and Austin Reaves, but their supporting cast also matters. One of those players is Rui Hachimura, who head coach JJ Redick feels is such an important player for his system.
Hachimura's importance for the Lakers gets addressed by Redick
As a player, Hachimura is a fantastic player. He has a well-rounded skill set as he can defend at a high level while being a solid tertiary scorer. He is a solid shooter from every area on the court, which meshes well with his teammates.
Unfortunately, Hachimura has not played as often as Redick would like. Redick loves it when Hachimura is available, as they are 42-18 when he does play. Moving forward, they want him to play more because he is a special player.
Redick laments the fact that they have not had Hachimura on the floor every chance they get. He wants him to be playing out there because he complements everyone who is playing a starring role for the Lakers.
"We are now 42-18 when Rui plays, which is a 57-58-win pace. That tells you all you need to know, his ability to space the floor, his size, it's important for our team and our rotation," Redick said after beating the Nets on Friday.
As Hachimura continues to contribute, the Lakers can pull off some surprises. The Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs are at the top of the West, but they could be in trouble in the Playoffs when the Lakers find their best form.
Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Caleb Foster (1) dribbles the ball past St. John's Red Storm forward Dillon Mitchell (1) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The Johnnies left it all out on the court for over forty electric minutes. They traded big play after big play with a proven national title contender. However, they couldn’t close the deal at the end.
St. John’s’ deepest foray through the NCAA Tournament this century ends after three games, as the Red Storm fell to the top-seeded Blue Devils in an 80-75 gauntlet of a Sweet Sixteen matchup.
Trailing 78-75 after Isaiah Evans split two free throws, St. John’s had one last chance to tie it. Round of 32 hero Dylan Darling shook Dame Sarr loose and pulled up for a deep three with four seconds remaining, but late-game lightning couldn’t strike twice for Darling, missing the basket wide to the left. Duke super freshman Cameron Boozer drew a foul and made a pair of clinching free throws to end the Red Storm’s season and send the Blue Devils into the Elite Eight.
Following a back-and-forth first half, St. John’s used a 15-1 run to capture the lead and expand it to ten points following an Ian Jackson mid-range jumper that put the Johnnies up 55-45 with 15:01 remaining. Yet, Duke mounted a comeback and eventually retook the lead off an Isaiah Evans triple with 7:54 left. The high-pressure Red Storm defense sagged in the final 15 minutes, as the Blue Devils made 13 of their last 17 shots.
The Red Storm appeared to steal momentum back when Bryce Hopkins bolted through the contact and scored a layup while drawing the foul with 4:22 remaining, then Dillon Mitchell hammered Hopkins’ missed and-one free throw in with a putback dunk to push St. John’s ahead 69-67. Duke promptly went on a 7-0 run to re-take the lead for good. On the next possession, Isaiah Evans stepped back and drained another deep shot for his final made field goal on a night he scored a team-high 25 points (10-of-15, 4-of-8 shooting), then Cameron Boozer maintained his balance while banking in a mid-range jumper, drawing the foul on the smaller Ian Jackson, and converting the and-one to give the Blue Devils a two-possession edge.
Duke also received help from guard Caleb Foster in his improbable return from a fractured foot nineteen days ago. Foster scored all of his 11 points in the second half to will the Blue Devils to victory, including a downhill layup against Dylan Darling to give his team a five-point lead with 1:27 remaining.
Boozer and the taller Blue Devils expectedly dominated the paint battle, tallying 40 points in the paint and matching that same total in rebounds, while the Red Storm could only muster 27 boards.
To keep the game snug, St. John’s made up for their struggles inside by going off with an extraordinary three-point shooting night, which they went 13-of-32 (40.6%) from beyond, largely because of their forwards.
Ruben Prey notched a new career-high of 12 points after going a perfect 4-of-4 from deep, nailing three of those triples in the first half, yet he only played four minutes in the second half and his newfound hot touch was surely missed as the Red Storm offense started losing gas during Duke’s rally. Zuby Ejiofor had a team-high 17 points while hitting 2-of-5 from deep, including a late trey to keep hope alive for the Johnnies. Bryce Hopkins had another lights-out shooting performance, posting 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting and making both of his long-range attempts. Even Dillon Mitchell got in on the act, making his first three-pointer of the season midway through the first half.
The Red Storm finished the 2025-26 season with a 30-7 record. This marked the first time since 1985 and 1986 that they recorded back-to-back 30-win seasons. The Johnnies also made their first appearance in the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament since 1999. With program icon Zuby Ejiofor departing, along with key starters Bryce Hopkins and Dillon Mitchell, this is guaranteed to be a transformative offseason for St. John’s basketball.
David Peterson has a fantastic matchup for hitting his over for strikeouts today.
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MLB has games spread throughout the entire day on Saturday, providing gamblers with a plethora of strikeout props to pick from. The best strikeout bets got off to a fast start, with two correct selections on Opening Day. Both highlighted pitchers hit their overs for strikeouts.
Today’s best strikeout bets include an over and an under. One southpaw has a cushy matchup against a strikeout-prone lineup at home, making his over a compelling bet. Another lefty has a challenging matchup against a lineup with multiple hitters with low strikeout rates against southpaws and a few patient hitters who can work up a pitcher’s pitch count, enhancing the appeal of betting on his under.
MLB Best Strikeout Bets
David Peterson (New York Mets - SP)
Over 4.5 Strikeouts (-130) at Fanatics Sportsbook
David Peterson spun a 2.90 ERA in 21 starts in a breakout in 2024, but his ERA estimators, including a 4.59 xERA, 4.10 xFIP and 4.37 SIERA, suggested he was quite lucky. Predictably, Peterson didn’t duplicate his sub-3.00 ERA.
The lefty tallied a 4.22 ERA in 30 starts spanning 168.2 innings in 2025. Interestingly, his 4.59 xERA in 2025 was identical to his mark in 2024, and he improved his xFIP to 3.72 and his SIERA to 4.09.
Peterson also ticked up his strikeout rate from 19.8% in 2024 to 20.7% in 2025. He also improved his called-plus-swinging-strike rate from 27.5% in 2024 to 27.8% in 2025. Peterson isn’t a world-beater, but he’s a rock-solid pitcher, and he might be slightly better than last year’s ERA suggested.
The 30-year-old hurler is also quite sharp at home. In 132 innings at home since 2024, Peterson has twirled a 3.89 ERA, 3.82 xFIP, 1.37 WHIP, 8.9% walk rate and 20.6% strikeout rate.
Peterson’s strikeout prop line of 4.5 isn’t particularly high, and he can clear it in a favorable matchup. Roster Resource projects the Pirates to start Oneil Cruz, Brandon Lowe, Bryan Reynolds, Marcell Ozuna, Ryan O’Hearn, Jared Triolo, Jake Mangum, Nick Gonzales and Henry Davis to start against left-handed starting pitchers.
Eight of those projected starters have had at least a 20.8% strikeout rate against lefties since 2024, and seven of them have had at least a 22.1% strikeout rate. Five of the projected starters have struck out in more than a quarter of their plate appearances against lefties since 2024.
Peterson’s matchup is dreamy for striking out batters. He is a good bet to clear the low bar of 4.5 strikeouts and strike out at least five Pirates today.
Reid Detmers has a difficult matchup against an opponent he hasn't enjoyed much strikeout success against.
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Reid Detmers (Los Angeles Angels - SP)
Under 5.5 Strikeouts (-118) at FanDuel Sportsbook
Reid Detmers made 75 starts for the Angels from 2021 to 2024. In those starts, Detmers had a 4.90 ERA, 4.35 xERA, 4.24 xFIP, 4.11 SIERA, 1.37 WHIP, 9.3% walk rate and 25.0% strikeout rate.
The lefty’s strikeout rate was good. However, his ERA was ugly, his ERA estimators were unimpressive and his control was lousy. As a result, Detmers spent the entire 2025 season as a reliever. It was a good enough campaign for the Angels to give Detmers another crack at starting.
Detmers got stretched out to only 66 pitches in Spring Training. He pitched four innings or fewer in all of his appearances.
Detmers could struggle to pitch deep enough into the game to surpass 5.5 strikeouts today. In addition, Detmers’ matchup is challenging.
The Astros started Jeremy Pena, Yordan Alvarez, Isaac Paredes, Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Cam Smith, Christian Walker, Yainer Diaz and Brice Matthews against lefty Yusei Kikuchi last night. Six of those batters had a strikeout rate of 19.0% or lower against southpaws since 2024, and four of them had a 17.4% strikeout rate or lower.
Furthermore, three of those hitters had a walk rate of 10.4% or higher. Given Detmers’ previous struggles with his control, Houston’s patience could result in the lefty inefficiently piling up pitches. Finally, Detmers has an unimpressive 19.1% strikeout rate in his career against the batters on Houston’s current roster. Therefore, Detmers should log fewer than six strikeouts, making his -118 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook for his under one of Saturday’s most appealing strikeout bets.
Ben White scored on his recall to the England side and then gave away a penalty in stoppage time as England drew 1-1 with Uruguay on a night of pre-World Cup friendlies, while Florian Wirtz scored two and made two more as Germany twice came from behind to beat Switzerland 4-3.
In other games on Friday, the Netherlands overcame Norway 2-1 in Amsterdam, while Mikel Oyarzabal scored two impressive goals in Spain’s 3-0 win over Serbia.
White was a controversial selection by England coach Thomas Tuchel, four years after walking out on his teammates in the middle of the last World Cup.
The Arsenal defender replaced Fikayo Tomori with 21 minutes left in a dull match on Friday, and his appearance was greeted with some boos from the 80,000 fans present at Wembley.
“He needs to take it on the chin,” Tuchel said. “We will always protect him, and hopefully we can put it behind [us] because he is ready to write some new chapters and we are ready to give him the chance, so hopefully everyone can move on and accept it.”
White was in the right place at the right time 10 minutes from time to give England the lead, after Cole Palmer’s corner was flicked on and White poked the ball in at the far post for what will surely be one of the easiest goals of his career.
Uruguay did not have a shot on goal, and that looked like the winner, only for White to clip Federico Vinas in the box as the clock ticked past 90 minutes.
The referee pointed to the spot after a video review, and Federico Valverde converted for Uruguay to leave the scores level.
It was the first goal that England had conceded in seven games, and the decision left the coach and players furious, with Tuchel declaring it “not a penalty”.
Brilliant Wirtz downs Switzerland
In Basel, Germany won for the sixth time in a row, thanks largely to the brilliance of Liverpool’s Wirtz.
Germany looked shaky at the back and went behind in the 17th minute when Dan Ndoye cut in from the left and crashed a shot past Oliver Baumann from a tight angle.
Germany levelled nine minutes later when Jonathan Tah headed home Wirtz’s cross from the left, but Breel Embolo put Switzerland ahead again in the 41st minute with a diving header after Baumann hesitated to leave his line.
Once again, Wirtz brought Germany back into the game when, on the stroke of halftime, his flighted pass carved open the Swiss defence and allowed Serge Gnabry to lift the ball over goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
Wirtz then gave Germany a 3-2 lead 11 minutes into the second half with the best goal of the night, his stunning right-foot shot from full 30 metres (33 yards) sailing over Kobel into the top corner of the net.
Joel Monteiro equalised for the home side 10 minutes from time with a rifled shot that gave Baumann no chance, but Wirtz made it 4-3 with another superb shot from the 18-yard line six minutes from the end.
The result ended Switzerland’s 10-match unbeaten run.
Oyarzabal stars for Spain, Netherlands beat Norway
In Villarreal, Oyarzabal was the star man for Spain in its hastily arranged game against Serbia.
The match was set up at short notice after Spain’s proposed game with Argentina in Doha fell through due to war in the Middle East, and the home side showed just why they are one of the favourites to win a second World Cup title this June and July.
Oyarzabal got his first goal with 16 minutes gone, hammering home after Alex Baena’s smart dummy from Fermin Lopez’s pass gave him time and space on the edge of the Serbian box.
His second, a minute before halftime, was an unstoppable left-foot shot from almost 25 metres (27 yards) out.
The goals take his international tally to 26 in 53 internationals and extend his superb scoring streak. The Real Sociedad striker has scored 11 times in his last 10 games for Spain.
Oyarzabal was withdrawn after 63 minutes as Spain gave a debut to Osasuna winger Victor Munoz, but there was no letup for the Serbs. Munoz capped a happy night with a goal nine minutes later, taking a lovely back-heeled pass from Ferran Torres and stroking the ball home to make it 3-0.
Oyarzabal scores Spain’s first goal under pressure from Ognjen Mimovic of Serbia [Alex Caparros/Getty Images]
In Amsterdam, Norway rested their record scorer, Erling Haaland, but took the lead after 25 minutes thanks to a curling shot from Andreas Schjelderup.
Virgil van Dijk levelled 10 minutes later when he powered home a header from a corner, and Tijjani Reijnders gave the home side the win when he crashed home from close range five minutes into the second half.
The win extended The Netherlands’ unbeaten run to nine games. The last time Ronald Koeman’s men were beaten was by Spain in a Nations League game a year ago.
In other matches, Algeria, who are pitted against Austria, Jordan and reigning world champions Argentina at the World Cup, beat Guatemala 7-0 in Genoa, and Egypt beat Saudi Arabia 4-0.
Morocco, who drew 1-1 with Ecuador, went behind early in the second half to a goal from John Yeboah, but Neil El Aynaoui’s goal two minutes from time ensured a share of the spoils.
Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Angel City FC forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir (32) stretches to handle a pass against the Houston Dash during the second half at BMO Stadium.
LOS ANGELES -- Angel City FC extended its winning streak to three matches with a 2-1 comeback victory over the Houston Dash, continuing a strong start to the season.
“There is no ceiling for this team,” Angel City FC head coach Alex Straus said following the win.
Entering the match, the storyline centered on which of the two unbeaten teams would remain perfect — and which would take its first loss. Houston struck first in the opening half, taking a 1-0 lead and setting the tone early. The goal energized the Dash, who forced Angel City out of rhythm and dictated much of the first-half play.
Whatever was said at halftime made an immediate impact.
Angel City came out with renewed energy and cohesion, scoring twice in a two-minute span to flip the match. In the 47th minute, attacker Sveindís Jónsdóttir delivered a left-footed strike from just outside the box to equalize at 1-1, igniting the crowd of 13,896 at BMO Stadium.
“Sveindís putting the ball in the net in the first [few minutes] of the second half really helped us get some confidence and continue to play,” Riley Tiernan said after the match.
Moments later, Angel City struck again through a full-team effort. Gisele Thompson delivered a ball into the box that led to a header from Maiara Niehues. The initial attempt was deflected on the goal line, but Tiernan followed the play and finished the rebound for her first goal of the season.
After the final whistle, Tiernan acknowledged the team’s slow start but emphasized a shared focus in the second half. Angel City’s response reflected that urgency, as the team delivered when it mattered most.
Tiernan’s goal proved to be the difference, as neither side scored again.
The strike was not only decisive but historic. It marked Tiernan’s fourth career game-winning goal, setting a new club record.
History was a recurring theme for Angel City. The victory marked the first time the club has won three consecutive regular-season matches. At 3-0, Angel City also became just the eighth team in National Women's Soccer League history to start a season with three straight wins.
The comeback carried added significance, as it was the first time Angel City had trailed in a match this season. Their second-half resurgence showcased both resilience and execution.
Fans later voted Jónsdóttir, the reigning NWSL Player of the Week, as Player of the Match.
LOS ANGELES — For their first act, LeBron and Bronny James became the first father-and-son duo to play together on the same NBA team.
For their second act, LeBron and Bronny James recorded the first father-son assist.
“Definitely a cool moment for us and most importantly our family,” LeBron James said.
Well before the Lakers’ 116-99 win over the Brooklyn Nets became official on Friday, LeBron passed to Bronny for an open 3 with 7:52 left in the second quarter. The sequence played out this way. While Bronny ran the offense, LeBron set a screen and received an entry pass near the top of the key. Shortly after drawing a double team, LeBron passed the ball out to an open Bronny behind the arc. Bronny made a short pump fake before pulling up and nailing the trey.
LeBron and Bronny first shared the court together during the Lakers’ season opener against Minnesota in the 2024-25 season. But both LeBron and Bronny viewed their latest moment as just as significant following a cardiac arrest scare before his junior season at USC (summer 2023) and spending most of his rookie and sophomore season in the G League. Bronny had only three points on 1-for-2 shooting in four minutes off the bench, but he played with his father the entire time. That happened two days after Bronny scored four points on 2-for-4 shooting in 13 minutes off the bench in Wednesday’s win in Indiana.
“Just getting back to where it was before the incident. He’s always been able to shoot the ball,” LeBron said of Bronny. “He shot the ball at a high level pretty much throughout his years of playing ball. But just getting confidence in getting his strength back and his wind and everything. Everything is just coming back before the incident. I’m not surprised to see him shoot the ball at a high clip.”
Neither are the Lakers or Bronny, whom has received strong praise for his strong work ethic, amenable personality and coachability. Bronny, whom the Lakers drafted in 2024 at No. 55, said he has “gotten more and more comfortable to shoot it without thinking.”
“I’ve been wanting to play basketball my whole life,” Bronny said. “I knew this would be my job at one point. It’s a dream come true. I’m so privileged to be able to play basketball for a job. I love every single second of it. My teammates embrace me. I’m best friends with all my teammates and coaches. I’m happy to he here.”
Bronny was also happy to make history with LeBron about 12 years after playing one-on-one at their former home in Miami. Then, Bronny said that LeBron broke a backboard.
“Special moment with us two,” Bronny said. “A lot of work getting done.”
Alex Albon is widely considered one of the friendliest and most patient drivers in the Formula 1 paddock. But every driver has a breaking point, and it looks like the 2026 Williams car has finally pushed the Thai-British star over the edge after an early Q1 exit from the Japanese Grand Prix qualifying session.
Following a disappointing end to his Saturday, Albon unleashed a wave of pure sarcasm over the team radio. He made it more than clear that he is tired of his feedback falling on deaf ears.
The Sarcastic Radio Message That Said It All
The exchange happened during the cool-down lap after the Q1 checkered flag flew. Albon’s race engineer came over the radio to deliver the bad news, bracing the driver for the result.
“You probably don’t want to know, but you can probably guess,” James Urwin stated.
Albon didn’t miss a beat. Instead of the usual disappointed sigh or an apology to the team, he fired back with a biting response that highlighted a much deeper, ongoing issue within the Grove-based garage.
“Yes, I complain for 3 races in a row that there’s something wrong but I’m sure that it’s my driving style,” Albon snapped back.
Trouble in Paradise for Williams?
This radio message is incredibly concerning. It confirms that whatever fundamental issue Albon is feeling in the car hasn’t just popped up this weekend, it’s been an annoyance for multiple races.
His sarcastic quip about his “driving style” is a direct shot at the engineering team, implying that instead of fixing the flaw he’s been reporting, the team might be brushing it off as a misalignment between the car and the way the Thai-Briton drives it. For a driver who single-handedly carried the team on his back in recent years, having his technical feedback seemingly dismissed is clearly getting to him.
He will start tomorrow’s race in P17. Sainz will start in P16.
Tottenham forward Dominic Solanke fails England audition
Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke led the line as England took on Uruguay in a friendly match in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
Solanke got the nod in the absence of Tottenham legend Harry Kane, but failed to impress England manager Thomas Tuchel as the Three Lions played a 1-1 draw.
Solanke was the focal point in Tuchel’s 4-2-3-1 set-up, eight years and 133 days since his England debut.
The Spurs ace was the only England player to muster a shot in the first 45 minutes, nutmegging a Uruguayan player before firing at goal.
Unfortunately, it was mostly a subdued outing for Solanke, who has been in terrific form for Tottenham in 2026, before he was substituted for Dominic Calvert-Lewin on 56.
He did not grab the opportunity to establish himself as Kane’s back-up at the 2026 World Cup with this performance. He risks missing out despite the uptick in form.
On his performance, the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope gave Solanke a 4.5/10 rating, saying,“Has to do more on such a big night.
“Dithered when played in behind by (Jordan) Henderson, and the chance went. Not an England starter, and maybe not a squad member.”
Solanke did not make much of an impact in a match that demanded he up his game, the story of his time at Tottenham.
His lack of impact, rampant injuries, and the possible loss of Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison will likely force Spurs into the market for a new striker this summer.
The Tottenham frontline is crying out for a lethal marksman that can fire the club back into the upper echelon of the Premier League.
Solanke’s measly tally of six goals this season does not move the needle, and Spurs will be looking to pounce on a good market opportunity to sign a striker.
Everton are preparing to reward manager David Moyes with a new contract after a remarkable turnaround at the Merseyside outfit, according to The Guardian.
Everton were drifting dangerously close to relegation when Moyes returned in January last year, inheriting a side short on confidence and direction.
Fast forward to now, and they are sitting eighth on the league table and within touching distance of a European slot.
It has been a dramatic shift in trajectory for the Toffees, one that underlines Moyes’ massive impact.
Everton’s hierarchy, led by the Friedkin Group, initially viewed Moyes as a stabilising figure. Instead, he has masterminded a serious push up the league table.
Everton have developed structure, resilience, and a clearer attacking identity, with experienced additions fitting seamlessly into Moyes’ system.
There is now growing confidence within the club that Moyes will extend his stay beyond his current deal, with formal talks expected at the end of the season.
Everton are also prepared to hand him greater influence over recruitment, a move that reflects both trust and recognition of how he has rebuilt the squad.
For Everton, tying Moyes down is only part of the job. The next phase is far more demanding.
If they are serious about sustaining this upward curve, they must back Moyes decisively in the transfer market.
The Toffees need a reliable striker to convert their progress into goals, as well as another marquee attacker capable of shifting games in tight moments.
The midfield also requires reinforcement, particularly a defensive presence who can anchor transitions and protect the back line with Idrissa Gana Gueye advancing in age.
Equally important are upgrades at both full-back areas. The Toffees desperately need more quality in those positions.
Everton have momentum, but without decisive investment, they risk stalling. This summer will define whether Everton merely competed or truly arrived.
Photo by Marcel van Dorst/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Juan Pablo Montoya doubts Red Bull can hold on to Max Verstappen much longer, saying their chances beyond the 2026 season are “very slim” and that talks with Mercedes for 2027 are already underway.
Toto Wolff has made no secret of his admiration for Verstappen, and while Red Bull have so far managed to keep hold of their star driver, Montoya thinks it may just be a matter of time before things change.
Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull runs through 2028, but he had a clause allowing him to leave if he was fourth or lower in the 2025 drivers’ standings by the summer break. That didn’t happen, so Mercedes extended Russell and Antonelli last October.
Russell’s deal isn’t fully locked in yet – he needs to meet certain performance targets to activate his extension for 2027. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s situation could shift as early as next year since he only needs to be third or lower at the 2026 summer break to trigger his release clause.
Red Bull’s odds of keeping Max Verstappen now ‘very slim’
While Wolff recently dismissed any suggestion that Mercedes could bring in Verstappen, stating he is fully committed to Russell and Antonelli, Montoya believes those talks might be happening already. He just doesn’t see a path for Red Bull to hold onto their star driver much longer.
Montoya also pointed out that Red Bull’s efforts to keep Verstappen, such as giving him the green light to compete in other events like the Nurburgring 24 Hours, might not be enough. The 28-year-old used a recent NLS2 race at the Nordschleife as a tune-up ahead of his return to the classic event this May.
Montoya told AS Colombia: “I think Red Bull are in a position where whatever Max wants, they’ll say yes to make sure they don’t lose him.
“Now I actually believe that whatever happens, they’re going to lose him. Max is going to want to be at Mercedes next year… I think that conversation has already started.”
“Last year [their talks] were not even over yet,” Montoya continued. “But I wouldn’t be surprised if the chances of Max being at Red Bull next year are very slim.”
If Verstappen chooses to break ties with Red Bull before his contract expires, there’s now little standing in his way. Although he was leading George Russell by just 15 points at the summer break last season, new performance clauses allow him more flexibility this time around.
This term, with Mercedes already pulling away from the field early on and both Russell and Antonelli sitting first and second in the standings after strong starts in Australia and Shanghai respectively, it wouldn’t take much for Verstappen’s exit clause to come into play.
LeBron James #23, Luka Doncic #77, and Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers plead their case to referee JD Ralls during an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets, Friday March 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
LOS ANGELES — The energy of the Lakers' six-game road trip carried over in their return home.
Before Los Angeles’ matchup against the Nets, coach JJ Redick said that the feeling of the first game back from a long road trip could feel like an extension of it.
And it was for the Lakers, beating the Nets late in the fourth in an ugly 116-99 win over Brooklyn on Friday for their eighth straight victory at Crypto.com Arena.
Luka Dončić poured in another big scoring night, finishing with 41 points (eight rebounds) on 15 of 25 shooting, while Austin Reaves had 26 points in 40 minutes.
"Obviously we didn't play well for three quarters," Dončić said on the energy.
James was the Lakers' third leading scorer with 14 points in 37 minutes while adding six rebounds and eight assists.
WHERE THEY STAND
The Lakers improved to 48-26 and still sit in the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference.
With their win over Brooklyn, L.A. has now won 14 of its last 15 games, improving to 24-12 at home and 26-3 against teams with losing records.
THE GAME-CHANGER
After a strong 11-2 third-quarter start and then a buzzer-beating 3-pointer ending it by the Nets, Brooklyn made it just a one-point game going into the fourth behind intense physicality.
Then, as the Nets pulled a majority of their starters as the fourth quarter went on in their effort to tank, the Lakers slowly pulled away. beating them 31-15 in the quarter.
Austin Reaves' back-to-back 3s at the top of the quarter opened the gates for the Lakers. Reaves would knock down four 3s and score 16 points in the quarter while finishing with a game-high +26 plus/minus.
THE GAMEBREAKER:
Dončić had another 40-point game, his now 15th time this season he's notched that threshold, which leads the entire NBA.
"Just playing my game. Trying to get downhill. Sometimes the 3s going, sometimes not. I was trying to touch the paint and make plays and see what the defense gives me."
He has scored 30 or more points in the 12 games, contests in which the Lakers are 11-1.
IMPORTANT STAT TO KNOW
Dončić is facing another one-game suspension after picking up his 16th technical in the fourth quarter after he and Zaire Williams both received a double technical.
"I'm sure we will appeal it. I didn't see what happened,” Redick said on the technical.
The Lakers will appeal the technical, but if it is not approved by the NBA, he will miss their next game, which is against the Wizards on Monday in the first game of a back-to-back.
NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE
The Lakers continue their three-game homestand and will have the next two days off for the first time before the All-Star break.
They see the Wizards on Monday and then the Cavs on Tuesday.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — NBA scoring leader Luka Doncic is facing a one-game suspension after he received his 16th technical foul of the season while scoring 41 points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 116-99 victory over Brooklyn on Friday night.
Doncic got whistled for a double technical foul with the Nets' Ziaire Williams in the third quarter.
Williams was celebrating an offensive foul called against Doncic by gleefully screaming in Doncic’s personal space. When Doncic reached out to push Williams’ arm, Williams responded with a backhand swipe across Doncic’s face.
“He was yelling in my face three times,” Doncic said. “I just wanted to get out of there. It’s a double tech, of course. What can I say? I didn’t even talk. I just wanted to get out of there. (The referee) said my push was exaggerated, which (it) was obviously not. I don’t know what else to say.”
Officials reviewed the incident before issuing technical fouls to both players.
Doncic has been building steam as an MVP candidate with a monumental scoring binge for the Lakers, who have won 11 of their last 12 as they streak toward the postseason in the third spot in the Western Conference standings.
Along with his NBA-best 33.7 points per game as he closes in on his second scoring title, Doncic is third in the league with 8.2 assists per game. He is also second in 3-pointers made and first with 15 40-point games.
He has been named the West's player of the week in each of the past two weeks, and he has scored at least 30 points in 12 consecutive games, including a 60-point barrage in Miami — where fans serenaded him with “MVP!” chants — preceded by a 51-point effort against Chicago.
NBA players are suspended for one game after picking up a 16th technical foul in a season. Unless Doncic's technical is rescinded — and that's unlikely given the circumstances, which included an in-game video review — he could sit out when Los Angeles hosts the Washington Wizards on Monday night.
“I’m sure we will appeal it,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “I didn’t see it happen.”
Doncic already had a technical rescinded last week after he was whistled for a verbal altercation with Orlando’s Goga Bitadze. The league didn't announce why that T had been rescinded, but Doncic said Bitadze had insulted his family in Serbian — and Bitadze denied it.
San Diego Clippers guard Matt Allocco (27) plays defense during a G League Basketball game between Sioux Falls and San Diego, Saturday December 27, 2025 at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, Calif.
OCEANSIDE, CA — For a team with playoff stakes looming, the San Diego Clippers showed exactly the kind of response they’ll need when it matters most.
After falling behind by double digits in the second half, San Diego flipped the game with a burst of energy on both ends, rallying past the Stockton Kings for a 120-112 win Friday night at Frontwave Arena.
The Clippers trailed by as many as 11 in the third quarter before tightening up defensively and pushing the pace. A quick run late in the period erased the deficit, and from there, the momentum never swung back. San Diego took control in the fourth, pouring in 35 points while shooting efficiently and getting stops when needed.
TyTy Washington Jr. led the charge, finishing with 29 points and seven assists, but it was his late game takeover that defined the night. He scored 15 in the fourth quarter, knocking down shots off the dribble and keeping the offense organized as the Clippers pulled away.
TyTy is that guy 💫
⭐ 29 points (24 in the second half) ⭐ 7 assists ⭐ four rebounds ⭐ 11-18 fg, 5-6 3pt pic.twitter.com/gjX37pnpr9
San Diego’s offensive balance played a major role as well. Zach Freemantle added 22 points and six assists, while Norchad Omier anchored the interior with 16 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists. Cam Reddish provided a spark in his return, scoring 16 points and knocking down four three-pointers.
Despite giving up 45 points to Stockton’s Jameer Nelson Jr., the Clippers made up the difference with efficiency and pace. San Diego shot over 51 percent from the field and hit 16 threes, while also generating 31 fast break points and dominating the paint with 54 points inside.
The postseason picture only adds to the urgency. The Rip City Remix have already finished their schedule at 19-17 and currently hold the No. 7 seed, while the No. 8 seed Sioux Falls Skyforce sit at 18-17 with one game remaining against the top-seeded South Bay Lakers. That leaves San Diego partially in control of its own path—win Saturday’s rematch against Stockton, and the Clippers can lock up a playoff spot on their home floor.
The matchup will be played at Frontwave Arena with tip-off at 7pm.
Virginia attempts to continue its hot streak as the No. 10 Cavaliers take on No. 3 TCU in the Sweet Sixteen. It’s the first meeting between the two programs. It comes after Virginia made it to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018.
TCU easily beat UC San Diego in the first round and Washington in OT to make it to the next round. Olivia Miles had a double-double for the Horned Frogs.
Virginia became the first First Four to reach the regional semifinals following a double-overtime win against No. 2 Iowa. It was their second OT win, as the Cavaliers beat Georgia before beating the Hawkeyes. Kymora Johnson scored 28 points.
Here's what you need to know about Saturday's matchup between TCU vs. Virginia, including broadcast information and start time.
The Sweet Sixteen game between TCU and Virginia will air on ESPN.
Fans looking to stream TCU vs. Virginia can watch live on the ESPN app, which will carry every NCAA women’s basketball tournament game in 2026.
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Fans can also stream the game via Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers, so you can try before you buy.
TCU vs. Virginia start time
Date: Saturday, March 28
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
The NCAA women’s tournament game between TCU and Virginia is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET from the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. TCU made it to its second straight NCAA Tournament after its first appearance in 15 years last year.
Virginia last made the Sweet Sixteen in 2000. A win could bring the Cavaliers to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1996.
Listen to TCU vs. Virginia in the 2026 NCAA women's basketball tournament live on the SiriusXM app.
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The 2026 Women's Final Four is set for April 3 and 5 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. The semifinals will be played Friday night and the national championship game is set for Sunday afternoon.
Women’s March Madness tournament schedule 2026
Here is the round-by-round schedule for the 2026 NCAA women’s basketball tournament:
Tiger Woods has experienced some incredible lows to accompany the many highs during his career - James Gilbert/Getty Images
The reaction from many to the news that Tiger Woods had been involved in a car crash on Friday and charged was simple: “Oh God, not again”.
The good news is that his local sheriff in Jupiter, Florida, reported that nobody was hurt. The bad news was that this situation is so grimly familiar. This was not the first time that Tiger’s car has overturned, or in which he has been arrested on charges of driving under the influence. He just did them both at once on this occasion.
Woods clearly has a problem, and one has to hope that he at least starts by hiring a full-time driver. But beyond that, Woods is plainly in a mess and his many friends in the game will pray that he can at last sort it.
To hell with him making a competitive comeback at the Masters in two weeks’ time. His biggest challenge is to put himself right.
In 2017, he was arrested on the same charges and the toxicology report revealed a mixture of drugs in his system after he was found, again not far from his home, asleep and slumped over the steering wheel of his vehicle. Woods eventually pleaded guilty to “reckless driving” and checked into an addiction clinic.
Tiger Woods makes his way into a courtroom in 2017 - Carline Jean-Pool/Getty Images
This was not alcohol-related or anything to do with recreational drugs – but simply with the pain-killing prescription medications he felt he required to put up with the crippling agony. It is an epidemic across the continents and, away from the social media ridicule, was a desperately sad situation.
And as much as the world lauded his remarkable physical comeback from all those back surgeries to win the 2019 Masters, it perhaps overlooked the scale of the mental recovery he had launched from that extreme low-point.
Woods had been forced to go through tortuous withdrawal symptoms and then, when the spinal fusion later in 2017 did hand him back a near pain-free existence in which he could play with his children in the backyards of his mansion and, yes, swing the club well enough to win him a 15 major, the miracle seemed complete.
Except, it was not, because once again there were niggling injuries that were compounded by a car crash that could have been even more terrifying than it turned out anyway. After Woods rolled over his SUV in Los Angeles on a February morning in 2021, he was found upside down in a ravine.
Woods was fortunate not to lose a leg in 2021 - Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP
Emergency rescue teams cut him out and saved his life, but even then the surgeons feared they would not be able to rescue his right leg. He spent weeks in hospital and that seemed that. Yet Tiger comes back, that’s what he does, and he somehow appeared at the following year’s Masters – and made the cut.
He did the same in 2023, before being forced to withdraw on the final morning, and again in 2024, before he missed the cut at that year’s Open and bowed out in agony. More pain, more operations, more of the corporate machine trying to flog this dead horse.
The question for many will now be whether Woods will do his Lazarus trick and play in that first round of the Masters on Thursday, April 9? Well, there appears to be no physical damage from this awful crash in Jupiter, at least.
Or will he be wise and decide that, no, he is not nearly fit enough for such a demanding undulating course. Woods is due at the Masters anyway to open a nearby course he has designed in conjunction with Augusta National. He has also promised his friend Rory McIlroy to attend his Champions’ Dinner on the Tuesday. He will be there, so why not?
But would he dare face the media and their questions at Augusta? On the other hand, Tiger has a new clothing range to promote, so would he dare sidestep the opportunity that would give Sun Day Red that amount of exposure? And as the supreme competitor, would he dare forsake another trip around the Masters layout, where his legend was first cast in golf 26 years ago?
All these queries will be asked in the next few weeks and answers will be demanded. But none of them mean a damn when positioned alongside what should be the overarching concern. Woods must get well again.
As we approach the end of the 2025-26 regular season, the NCAA tournament is heating up. There, we will get our best glimpse yet of most of the incoming cohort of 2026 NBA Draft, and who the next members of the Celtics organization might be.
The league is also elevating their assault on the tendency of teams to make their play worse to get said players after a recent Board of Governors meeting laid out a number of routes the NBA could take to lessen tanking. To get a read on who Boston ought to consider drafting and what the league should (not?) do to fix tanking, the hosts of "Havlicek Stole the Pod" sat down with USA TODAY draft guru Bryan Kalbrosky to talk through a very future-focused episode.
We also cover some important health news in the context of the Celtics stretch run and more, so be sure to tune in.
Arizona left fielder Addison Duke stands at the plate at Hillenbrand Stadium on Feb. 8, 2026 Photo by Ryan Kelapire | Photo by Ryan Kelapire
The last time the Baylor Bears played in Hillenbrand Stadium is something Arizona Wildcat fans would rather forget. Arizona was the No. 2 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats won the first game of their home super regional, then dropped two heartbreakers in a row to miss the Women’s College World Series.
While the stakes weren’t nearly as high, there were times it looked like the Bears were going to come back and hang another defeat on the Wildcats Friday evening. Instead, Arizona exploded in the fifth and sixth innings to run-rule Baylor 10-2.
It was an up and down affair for both sides. Lots of errors and mental mistakes followed by spectacular defensive plays and clutch hitting.
One of the biggest stars for BU was former Wildcat Amber Toven. The shortstop, who used to call herself “glove first,” not only showed a first-rate glove but also did a solid job with her bat. The Wildcats just had a few more players come up as big or bigger.
Last Friday, Arizona head coach Caitlin Lowe said that the scout indicated that freshman Rylie Holder was the best matchup to start the series against ASU. This week, the Friday night starter was senior Jalen Adams.
Adams threw the complete six-inning game. She dodged baserunners all evening, but she rarely broke. Her defense dodged their own mistakes, but they also came up big on several occasions.
Adams went deep into the count on several batters and walked three to go along with eight hits and two official errors behind her. She also gave up the 10th home run to Big 12 opponents this season by Arizona pitchers. It didn’t matter.
Arizona once again proved that it has a varied offense. Fourteen singles, three doubles, three home runs, a walk, a sac fly, a sac bunt, and a stolen base were all part of the attack. The Wildcats also took advantage of two Baylor errors.
The Wildcats also proved that the decision making part of the game can get away from them at times. A throw by Tayler Biehl from a seated position that was offline and a roller that skipped off her glove into centerfield. An attempt by Sereniti Trice to make a flashy play at second instead of taking the sure out at first base. A baserunning error by Molli Daley that ended an inning. A throw to first by Adams with no one covering. There was plenty of responsibility to go around.
They didn’t let that take them out of their game. In fact, they got better as the game unfolded. Regan Shockey, Sydney Stewart, and Addison Duke were especially key to that.
“I think Biddy could have gone first,” Lowe said. “She knows that. The slap to Jalen…they kind of both have to crash on that. But other than that, I mean, Tay got some dirty hops today, which are unfortunate, but she stayed right with it. And I thought we sent a message when we needed to with the play with Regan and Stew, with Addi just kind of being all over the place. So we were able to kind of turn the momentum around when we did give it away just a little bit.”
Adams threw up zeroes in four of six innings. Her offense struggled a bit for four innings, as well. The Wildcats had nine hits and a walk through four innings, but they could only manage three runs off the 10 baserunners. Then the fifth inning happened.
Adams and her defense allowed one run in the top of the inning, but it could have been much worse. A walk and two singles loaded the bases with one out. Leah Cran hit one up the middle by two diving infielders. Shockey was charging into shallow centerfield. She came up throwing. One run scored, but Stewart swung the ball back and tagged the second runner. Arizona’s lead was down to 3-2, but it got out of the inning with the advantage intact.
The crowd was getting tense, regularly booing when the umpire’s calls of balls and strikes didn’t go the Wildcats’ way. When Arizona squeaked out of the top of the fifth still ahead, the team finally responded.
Lowe credited hitting coach Amber Freeman with showing them the way, then Kez Lucas put it into practice in the bottom of the fourth. That carried over.
“They just started putting their swing on it,” Lowe said. “Ber came into the circle and said we were being too careful and just to go for it and be ourselves…I mean, it’s just silly for them to go in and not take some A swings, strike one, strike two. I thought we just got after it and had a different mindset the second half of the game.“
The Wildcats sent 11 to the plate and found its power in the fifth. Stewart went down and knocked a 1-2 pitch out to center field for a 2-run shot. Arizona’s lead was the largest of the game up to that point at 5-2.
Grace Jenkins followed Stewart and went back-to-back with a solo shot. Arizona led 6-2 with just one out.
Tele Jennings, starting at designated player for the second straight Friday, reached on an error. That brought up Duke with runners on the corners and two outs.
Duke smacked her first double of the night. Sniffen scored easily from third base. Jennings had more work to do. She motored around from first. A great throw from left-center was just a hair too late as she slid across the plate for Arizona’s eighth run of the game.
Duke was crucial to Arizona’s success on both sides of the ball. A leaping grab in the top of the second robbed Gianna Gusman of a double if not a home run. A long run and diving play in the top of the sixth retired Olivia Buettner on a foul out.
“She’s a feisty player,” Lowe said. “She comes out confident, she comes out as her best self every single day, and she’s just, I love outfielders who kind of patrol, and they don’t just sit back and wait for the ball to be hit to them. Regan does a great job of that, and Addi does a great job of that.”
The diving catch in foul territory was especially big because it kept the leadoff runner off the bases for the fifth time in six innings. With the run rule just two runs away, that was important. Duke was thinking about her pitcher, though.
“We were up by a lot, so it didn’t if I didn’t catch it, it was still foul anyway,” Duke said. “So I knew I could go all out for the team…It has Jalen pitching less pitches.”
On offense, Duke went 2 for 3 with two doubles, three RBI, and a sacrifice bunt. The second double was even bigger than the first.
Duke came up in the bottom of the sixth with her team leading 9-2 with two on and two out. Jenna Sniffen came in to end the game.
“I didn’t think about [the run rule] at all,” Duke said. “I mean, Grace said to finish it, but I just saw a good pitch and I hit it, and it just happened to work in our favor.”
It wouldn’t have been possible without Jennings, though. After several tough-luck outs and reaching on an error, she stepped into the box with two on and two out. Her single to center drove in one, putting Arizona within a run of the mercy rule.
“I just felt it the whole day, whether or not the outcome was there,” Jennings said. “I knew it was gonna happen at some point.”
Lowe was not surprised.
“I think it takes a great mindset to kind of hit the ball hard and see someone standing right there and still just plug away,” Lowe said. “And she’s been doing that every single day at practice, and it was a great matchup for her tonight. But also, she’s just been getting better every day, and I think that’s the biggest thing is it takes again a really special mindset to sit in the dugout and be ready for your moment. And she was ready for hers today, and I’m really proud of her.”
Arizona’s last game against Baylor came when the current Wildcats were in middle school, but many of those in the stands on Friday night were also there on that May afternoon in 2017. The win might not have exorcised the demons, but it didn’t hurt.
Arizona improved to 25-8 overall and 7-3 in conference play. Baylor’s record now stands at 21-10 overall and 5-2 in Big 12 competition. The two teams meet again on Saturday, Mar. 28 at 3 p.m. MST. The game will stream on ESPN+. The radio call will be on 1400 AM (KTUC).
The Arizona Cardinals are well into their 2026 NFL draft player evaluations. Part of that is meeting with players formally or informally. The NFL combine is one place where formal interviews happen. We are beginning to find out which players the Cardinals have spoken with.
One player is a defensive lineman who possibly could be a first-round pick — Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald.
In an interview with SI.com's Justin Melo, McDonald revealed that he had a formal meeting with the Cardinals and many other teams at the NFL combine. He said that it feels like he has been in contact with every team.
"Every team that needs a physical defensive tackle has been in touch with me," he said.
The Cardinals have the 34th overall pick in the draft, so he is perhaps a guy in play for them in the second round.
He is 6-2 and 326 pounds out of Ohio State, a school the Cardinals love to draft players from. He is a strong run defender.
He was an All-American last season and had 65 total tackles in the defensive interior with three sacks and nine tackles for loss. He also forced two fumbles, recovered one and tipped a pass.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Flau’jae Johnson tried to stay in front of Ashlon Jackson on the perimeter, but Duke's star danced away, stepped back behind the arc and drained a 3-pointer that couldn’t have missed touching even a millimeter of the rim, circling and circling before dropping gently through the net.
As the Blue Devils scrambled in celebration of their thrilling 87-85buzzer-beating win over LSU in the regional semifinal of the NCAA Tournament at the Golden One Center, Johnson, the Tigers’ heart-and-soul senior guard, could only walk toward the LSU bench with hands on her forehead in disbelief.
The last moment of her remarkable college career was a painful one.
“LSU has meant everything to me, it’s done everything for me,” Johnson said, sitting by her locker after the game, speaking quietly, her head still in her hands. “But right now I kind of feel like I let everybody down and I’ve got to get my emotions in check. But I am thankful for my time at LSU.”
Johnson was the first McDonald’s All-American recruited by Kim Mulkey when she took over the Tigers program. She won a national title as a freshman in 2023 and became a symbol of the modern collegiate player with NIL money and a name nearing household status - not to mention a successful rap career. Now she's moving on from LSU and college basketball. But not from the spotlight.
Johnson could well be a top five pick in the WNBA Draft on April 13, and no one will be better positioned to build their brand as the women’s professional league enters a new era of prosperity thanks to a new collective bargaining agreement.
Johnson, who had passed 2,000 career points in the SEC Tournament, has been dominant in LSU’s first two wins, scoring a combined 44 points in wins over Jacksonville and Texas Tech.
She was less than that against Duke, finishing with 13 points, five rebounds and four personal fouls. In the first half, she struggled mightily, going 1 for 7 with two rebounds in 14 minutes before righting her way in the final 20 minutes. LSU got down by 11 points with 7:35 to go, but went on a 10-0 run and grabbed an 85-84 lead with nine seconds to go.
“We were going to fight,” Johnson said of the Tigers’ late-game rally. “We have been in that position before and we folded. And weren’t going to do that anymore. And that’s what we did, we fought.”
It was Perdomo who took strike three to end a thrilling game, with a runner on third and a one-run deficit. And it was Blaser who thought a pitch well under the strike zone was a ball.
Perdomo wasn’t happy with the call, letting out a yell and squatting in frustration as Team USA celebrated the 2-1 win. He wasn’t happy after the game either, telling reporters he “knew 100% it was a ball.”
Fortunately, it was a friendlier situation two weeks later.
In a heck of a coincidence, it was Blaser behind the plate for Perdomo’s second game of the season. It was even the same catcher, too, Will Smith of the Los Angeles Dodgers. It could have been an awkward situation, but Perdomo made the classy gesture of offering Blaser a half-hug before his first at-bat.
Arizona Diamondbacks player Geraldo Perdomo of the Dominican Republic greeted home plate umpire Cory Blaser before his first at bat.
This is the same umpire who rang Perdomo up to end the WBC semifinal vs the USA 👀 pic.twitter.com/eRd4HG3DYY
It was quick, but no likely less meaningful for the men involved.
Perdomo went 1-for-4 in that game, with a double in the fourth inning. The Dodgers won 5-4, leaving the D-backs with an 0-2 record and needing a win Saturday to avoid a three-game sweep to open the season.
Los Angeles, CA - March 27:Dodgers Will Smith (16) tags out Diamondbacks Pavin Smith (26) at home plate during third inning action at Dodger Stadium on Friday, March 27, 2026. (Photo by David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
Game Summary
The Diamondbacks showed a little more fight compared to their campaign opening loss last night, but still came up short at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium (ugh). Ryne Nelson started the game for the good guys against Emmet Sheehan and very-much-bad-not-good-at-all guys, and it was a bit of a mixed bag for our talented righty. Ryne finished the night with a line very similar to Zac’s from last night, a not incredibly impressive 4 ER over 4.2 IP. Nelson did leave a better taste in our mouth than Zac did thanks to Nelly’s 4 runs all coming in the 3rd before he bounced back and retired the last 7 hitters he faced, compared with Zac mowing the Dodgers down for 4 innings then getting lit up at the end. Nelson has room for improvement, but this was largely a good start for him and I imagine it will be somewhat easier to limit his blow-up innings against teams that don’t stack 8 straight All Stars at the top of the lineup.
The offense showed more punch than the night before as well, but for as many opportunities as they gave themselves with the bat, they took away some key opportunities with mistakes on the base paths. Pavin Smith getting sent from first to home should be something on the Do Not Do list given out to the coaches when pitchers and catchers report in February, but apparently our third base coach was feeling froggy and wasted a prime scoring opportunity in the second by sending Pavin to his doom on Alek Thomas’ first RBI double of the evening. Then, Alek undid his own good when he tried to stretch an RBI double into a triple in the fourth inning. It wasn’t the last out of the inning, and he did actually beat the throw, but having Alek at second with one out and a potential to flip the order over would’ve been a favorable outcome for the Snakes.
The defense was again pretty solid, with the only real miscue being Gabi’s throw into centerfield when trying to throw out a stealing Kyle Tucker, but that didn’t end up hurting the team’s chances. The bullpen was mostly brilliant for the second night in a row, with a single pitcher allowing a run that wound up being the difference on the night. While Loaisiga and Thompson looked solid, almost brilliant, Ginkel and his diminished fastball velocity made one mistake too many and cost his team the game. Giving up a leadoff double to the only Dodger not expected to be an All-Star this year was the death knell as the Dodgers ‘fundamentaled’ the go ahead run in with Shohei’s grounder to second advancing the runner to third and Tucker putting the ball perfectly into the hole between Ketel and Santana to put the Dodgers ahead in the 8th.
Coming into the 8th inning, the Dodgers had scored 4 runs on 2 hits. The D-Backs had quadrupled that hit total, but had still only scored the same 4 runs. The margin for error against this squad is too small for the D-Backs to afford making extra outs on the bases or giving up costly hits to the 9-hole hitter (2-3 with a 2B and HR). Make one mistake and that is all they need.
Loss Probability and Box Score
Outside the Box Score
Geraldo Perdomo greeted home plate umpire Corey Blaser as he walked up to home plate for his first at bat of the ballgame and lingered a little while longer than perhaps is usual with him. Blaser was the umpire who called Perdomo out with that now infamous low Strike 3 call to end the Dominican game against USA in the WBC just a couple weeks ago. Appears all is water under the bridge at this point and Blaser even gave Domo the benefit of a borderline pitch in a 2-strike count later on in the AB, but Will Smith successfully challenged resulting in a strikeout.
Ryne Nelson couldn’t quite match Emmet Sheehan’s 3 strikeouts in the first inning, but he buckled both Shohei and Tucker with beautiful knee-high sliders to ꓘ them starting off the game. Mookie put the first ball in play of the whole game with a soft lineout to Corbin in right.
Alek Thomas delivered a moneyball line drive into the corner in right field with runners at first and second in the second inning. Unfortunately, Pitters immediately went into flashbacks of last season when our third base coach sent Pavin trundling home where he was a dead duck for the third out of the inning. On the bright side, Gabi did score to give the Snakes a 1-run lead, but it’s really annoying to be giving baserunners away yet again in 2026.
Ketel Marte’s homer off Sheehan came on a 3-0 fastball that was absolutely tanked into the right field bleachers. 107.2 mph off the bat and 391 feet.
Gabi got his first ABS reversal of the season (I think?) during Shohei’s second AB of the night when Ryne missed his spot and flew a pitch to the far side of the plate. The pitch was completely inside the strike zone but called a ball because, as it has for generations, when a pitcher wildly misses his spot he loses the benefit of the doubt. This type of situation is exactly what I’m most excited for ABS to correct. The borderline pitches that could go either way don’t usually bother me too much, but the obvious balls/strikes that are missed are what I want to see addressed and glad they can be now.
Nelson had Kyle Tucker struck out in the bottom of the third on a foul tip, but Gabi couldn’t hang on to the tip so Tucker got new life. The next three pitches were all balls and Tucker earned a free pass. That set the table for Mookie’s three run bomb a couple pitches later.
Weird factoid: the first groundball of the entire ball game didn’t come until the last out of the third inning when Will Smith grounded out to Domo. That was the 27th plate appearance of the game!
Pavin Smith earned full count walks in both of his first 2 plays appearances. I’d bet that both of the called Ball 4s could’ve been challenged and overturned to Strike 3. We’ll take it!
After our third base coach, apparently with the last name of House per the fellow Pitters in the GDT, sent Pavin from first to home on a double into the right field corner, there was some banter about Pavin and House combining for more buffoonery when he got a leadoff walk in the fourth. To my horror, Carlos Santana roped a double into the right field corner just like what happened in the second inning. Thankfully for my heart health, House learned his lesson and held Pavin at third to set the table for Alek’s 2-RBI double (thrown out when he overslid the bag trying to stretch it into a triple).
Jonathan Loaisiga made his D-Backs debut in the fifth to face Kyle Tucker with 2 outs and the bases empty. Loaisaga made him look silly finishing him off with 3 nasty changeups to end the inning. I’m really excited for what he could bring to the team.
In Ketel’s at bat in the top of the 6th inning, he was spun around to the right side against Alex Vesia where Ketel is known for his extremely hard swings. In the AB he got a line drive single to left that wasn’t particularly astonishing, but his recorded swing speed was 83.1mph which was the fastest of the game to that point (the second fastest swing for either team was his HR swing earlier in the game, nearly 5.5mph slower at 77.7mph). Interestingly, Corbin Carroll topped that high swing speed in the very next AB with 83.5mph.
Comment of the Game
It wasn’t Opening Night levels, but the GDT was still well populated, finishing at 267 comments at time of publishing. Many went Sedona Red, but first COTG for the season goes to VW Beetle with a game-leading number of Recs with his reaction to Alek’s hit and the base coach assisted TOOTBLAN in the second inning:
Coming Up
The Diamondbacks face the Dodgers for the third and final game of this series tomorrow night at 6:10pm. WBC hero – and the Snakes only LHP – Eduardo Rodriguez will be on the mound trying to stave off a season-opening sweep, while the Fighting Guggenheims counter with Tyler Glasnow. Tune in and join the GDT to give the recapper Dano some company.
WASHINGTON — Earlier this week, as he spoke to reporters here from Capital One Arena, a day before his team tangled with Duke in the Sweet 16, Rick Pitino caused a bit of a stir.
“The blue bloods no longer control basketball,” he said.
“There’s no such thing as a blue blood anymore,” he added later.
And just in case we didn’t catch it the first two times, Pitino again quipped before leaving the podium, “There are no more blue bloods and I think it’s great.”
UConn's Dan Hurley celebrates with his team during an NCAA tournament game. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
At halftime, UConn coach Dan Hurley glared toward his senior leader, Alex Karaban, who up to that point had been skittish to shoot.
“If you’re going to go out in this tournament, you’ve got to go out firing,” he told him.
Karaban finished with 17 points, buried half of his field goals, hit three 3-pointers and snagged 7 rebounds, most of them coming down the stretch of a one or two-score game.
“We let it fly. We’re going to let it fly,” Karaban said afterward.
Clutch free throws for the Huskies kept them on top late. Karaban and Tarris Reed Jr. combined to make their final six free throws. Each trip to the line extended the lead to three or four points.
With 44 ticks left, Karaban found Reed down the lane. He was fouled and made both free throws to make it 63-60. With 22.5 seconds left and leading by one, Karaban sank two free throws. And with UConn up by two, Reed secured the game with a pair of free throws with 4 seconds left.
As he walked up to the line, teammates yelled support toward Reed, “We trust you! We trust!”
The baskets prevented a historic collapse.
Had they won, the Spartans’ 19-point comeback would have been the sixth-biggest in NCAA tournament history. Down 25-6 just 10 minutes into the game, MSU began its rally, outscoring the Huskies 22-10 over the next 15 minutes.
In fact, UConn scored 25 points the first 10 minutes of the game and then scored 25 points over the next 23 minutes.
“It’s about how we are going to respond,” Karaban said about MSU’s comeback. “Making sure we didn’t allow Michigan State to break us.”
What happened early on?
“They punched us in the mouth,” MSU coach Tom Izzo said. “It was an onslaught there.”
During the postgame news conference, Izzo waved away questions about retiring.
What does he plan to be doing in five years?
“Trying to win a national championship. Plain and simple,” he said. “I’m feeling good. We all talk about retirement. Why? What the hell am I going to do?”
He expressed confidence that he’ll return the Spartans to a Final Four one day, that he’ll be able to claim victory in a regional final.
“It’ll happen,” he said, squinting into the crowd of reporters.
But on Sunday here in Washington, D.C., as the city’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival hits full swing, the blue bloods meet in the nation’s capital.
Tiger Woods is making headlines for all the wrong reasons once again. The 15-time major golf champion was arrested on Friday afternoon in Florida following a chaotic rollover crash that left his Land Rover mangled on its side.
According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, the legendary golfer is currently facing multiple non-felony charges, including driving under the influence, property damage, and refusing to submit to a lawful test.
An Overtake Gone Wrong
The incident took place shortly after 2:00 p.m. local time in Jupiter Island, the same Florida town where Woods lives. Sheriff John Budensiek detailed that Woods was traveling at a “high speed” in a designated 30-mph zone when he attempted to overtake a truck hauling a pressure-washing trailer.
The driver of the truck reportedly noticed Woods’ Land Rover approaching rapidly and attempted to edge off the road to make room. Unfortunately, there simply wasn’t enough space. Woods collided with the trailer, causing his SUV to tip onto its driver’s side and scrape down the roadway for a long distance before finally coming to a stop.
Amazingly, neither Woods nor the driver of the truck sustained any injuries. By the time first responders arrived at the scene, Woods, who was the only one in the car at the time, had already managed to pull himself out of the wreckage by crawling through the passenger-side door.
Breathalyzer Passed, But a Urine Test Refused
Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links GC warms up before match against Los Angeles Golf Club during the TGL finals at SoFi Center on March 24, 2026, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
While Woods survived the wreck unscathed, his legal troubles were just beginning. Investigators talking with him at the crash site noted that the golfer appeared highly “lethargic” and exhibited clear signs of impairment.
Authorities administered standard roadside tests, including a breathalyzer test, which Woods passed with flying colors by blowing “triple zeros.” Police, however, strongly suspected he was under the influence of medication rather than alcohol. Taking his previous surgeries and injuries into account, they requested a formal urine analysis. Woods refused.
Because of his refusal to provide a sample, Woods was officially placed under arrest, transported to the Martin County jail, and hit with the trio of charges. As per standard legal processes, he was to remain in custody for a minimum of eight hours before being eligible for release on bond.
A Troubling History on the Road
Sadly, this is not the first time Woods has found himself climbing out of a wrecked vehicle. This incident is in fact his third high-profile car crash. His most recent accident was in February 2021, when a devastating rollover in Southern California left him with severe leg injuries that nearly ended his professional career.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MARCH 27: Luke Raley #20 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after his two-run home run during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park on March 27, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Maddy Grassy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Tonight’s game started off on a sour note, with another first-inning bomb from Guardians rookie Chase DeLauter, already his third on the season. It seemed to foreshadow a replay of last night’s loss. But the next batter flipped the vibes, as Cole Young went full extension to corral a hard-hit grounder from Jose Ramírez and get things back on track for Mariners starter George Kirby.
Kirby settled down from there, kicking off a run of retiring 11 of 12 batters with five strikeouts. In some ways, he looked like vintage Kirby, with pinpoint command and touching 98 at times. In other ways, it was an unusual performance for him. He went to his four-seamer almost 50% of the time, about twice as much as last year. The fact that the Guardians’ major threats batted from the left side help explain why Kirby left his sinker on the shelf, and the DeLauter dinger coming on a terrible slider may explain Kirby’s hesitance to return to that pitch. He’s also deliberately trying to use his curveball against opposite-handed hitters more this year.
“[The curveball] is a great weapon, especially against the lefties to start the count or finish it,” he said after the game. “But we were aggressive with heaters, and using the curve just to kind of change their sights a little bit and then go back to the heat. But yeah, the curveball is one pitch I really want to rely on to lefties. Good strike pitch, good strikeout pitch. And the more I throw it, the better it is.”
The plan faltered in the fifth inning, when Kirby gave up rare back-to-back walks to open the inning and, an out later, hit a batter. But for as much as the tension rose in the moment, Kirby says he didn’t feel it: “For me right now the biggest thing is to find a way to get back in control and stay in control. Those runners out there in that situation were the least of my worries. Just go attack the hitter – I think it was Kwan at the time – these guys are on, flush it, get back in control and attack from there. So I feel like I’ve made a big step in that side of my game.”
The result was inducing an easy fly ball to shallow left. A baffling baserunning decision by Rhys Hoskins turned it into the easiest double play of Randy Arozarena’s career—just the way Randy likes it—and the end of the threat.
Kirby came back out for one more three-up-three-down inning to finish the night with six strikeouts, two walks, and just two hits and one run on 90 pitches. After an uneven 2025, this was a very promising first start to 2026 for him.
He also left with the lead thanks to the bottom half of the Mariners lineup. It was another quiet night for the heart of the order, with a meaningless walk from Julio Rodríguez the only time he reached base, Cal Raleigh wearing a golden sombrero, and Josh Naylor also sporting a goose egg for his batting line. But at least Randy Arozarena recovered from last night’s torpor, catalyzing the guys behind him a couple times.
He worked a four-pitch walk in the fourth inning, inspiring Dominic Canzone to do the same. With those two runners on base, Cole Young fouled off two belt-high fastballs in a row. Finding himself in an 0-2 count to a pitcher who’d been struggling with command all game could have overwhelmed Cole Young. He says he “definitely” could not have stayed on top of a 97-mph heater in an 0-2 count last year. But this isn’t last year. Crediting a new routine and his work with machines that simulate a given pitcher’s spin, he feels he’s better able to execute. And that’s just what he did, taking the third pitch into the seats for his first home run of the season to make the score 3-1.
Two innings later, Randy led off with another walk, once again never even feinting that he might swing. But if he was a statue in the box, he was anything but once he reached first base, dancing around like a silent disco with long, fidgety, start-and-stop leads. It seemed to get Guardians reliever Colin Holderman shook, leading to him leaving a very tempting middle-middle cutter to Luke Raley, who drove it out of the deep part of the park. It’s worth noting that Raley pulled that off after attempting a bunt earlier in the at-bat. The delightfulness of that juxtaposition and his earlier 110-mph fly out earns Luke Raley this season’s first Sun Hat Award, an award I give out in my recaps to a player who makes a noteworthy individual contribution to the game.
Kirby’s having pitched that extra sixth inning after seeming to lose it a bit in the fifth meant that the Mariners could use just three relievers tonight, saving arms for the rest of the series. We were treated to the season’s first appearances by Eduard Bazardo, Matt Brash, and Andrés Muñoz, who each allowed a harmless single as they get themselves dialed in and were otherwise the reliable arms you hope for at the back of a bullpen. The biggest highlight of the back three innings was Julio instituting the No Fly Zone in earnest for the first time this season, with a front slide and slick wrist work to wrangle in a ball in the no man’s land behind the infield.
Julio might still be looking for his first hit, but he can’t have one, he’s making damn sure no one else can have one either.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Noah Clowney in the Lakers' NBA victory over the Brooklyn Nets (Kevin Terrell)
The Oklahoma City Thunder got back in the win column on Friday, beating the Chicago Bulls 131-113 to maintain their grip on first place in the NBA Western Conference.
Two days after their 12-game winning streak was halted by the Boston Celtics, the defending champions Thunder were again on the ropes against the visiting Bulls.
Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander connected on just eight of 24 shots for the Thunder, who trailed by eight late in the third quarter but unleashed a furious 22-0 scoring run to turn it into a blowout.
Cason Wallace added 21 points for Oklahoma City.
Jalen Williams scored 18 and Ajay Mitchell and Isaiah Joe added 15 apiece off the bench for the Thunder, who were without All-Star Chet Holmgren who sat out with a bruised hip.
It was a key win for the Thunder, who came into the contest with a two-game lead over the San Antonio Spurs for top spot and home court advantage in the Western Conference playoffs.
Collin Sexton scored 22 points and Tre Jones added 21 for the Bulls.
In Boston, the Celtics shook off a sluggish start against the high-flying Hawks to triumph 109-102.
The Hawks, who had won nine of their last 10 games, led by as many as 16 in the first quarter.
But Payton Pritchard's 36 points off the bench and 26 points and 12 rebounds from Jayson Tatum led the hosts' fightback on a night when Jaylen Brown was sidelined by Achilles tendinitis.
It was Tatum's highest-scoring performance since he made his season debut this month after recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in last year's playoffs.
He scored 13 points in the fourth quarter to help the Celtics seal the comeback and maintain their slim advantage over the New York Knicks for second place in the Eastern Conference.
The Los Angeles Clippers, jostling for position in the play-in tournament, got a scare against the league-worst Indiana Pacers.
But Kawhi Leonard drilled a game-winning basket with less than a second remaining in a 114-113 victory.
Leonard finished with 28 points and eight rebounds and Darius Garland scored 30 for the Clippers.
Denver star Nikola Jokic delivered another monster triple-double, his 31st of the season, in the Nuggets' 135-129 victory over the Utah Jazz.
Jokic tallied 33 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists and point guard Jamal Murray added 31 points and 14 assists to help the Nuggets tighten their hold on fourth place in the West.
- Doncic shines -
The third-placed Los Angeles Lakers, fueled by 41 points from Luka Doncic, beat the lowly Brooklyn Nets 116-99.
Doncic could be facing a one-game suspension after being whistled for his 16th technical foul of the season after tangling with Nets forward Ziaire Williams in the third quarter.
A player's 16th technical triggers an automatic one-game ban, something Doncic had already avoided after his last technical foul -- in a victory over Orlando last weekend -- was rescinded upon league office review.
The Golden State Warriors, fueled by 28 points from Kristaps Porzingis, got a morale-boosting 131-126 victory over the Washington Wizards despite the continued absence of superstar Stephen Curry.
Curry missed his 24th straight game with a nagging knee injury, and the Warriors said before the contest that he'll miss at least one more -- against Denver on Sunday -- before being re-evaluated next week.
For Mick Schumacher, the move across the pond was more than just a change of scenery—it was a leap into the deep end. After his first few races in IndyCar, the German driver has offered an honest assessment.
Despite years of experience in Formula 1 and winning the Formula 2 championship, Mick realized that things work differently in the United States. His takeaway after the first two races: “I thought I was ready, but I wasn’t.”
Even before the actual start of the first race in St. Petersburg, he faced unexpected challenges. Anyone accustomed to the strict order of the European Formula world experiences a veritable culture shock in the IndyCar Series.
Fans have access to the pre-start area—which in the U.S. is located in the pit lane—and were therefore standing right next to his car. The grid is bustling with activity everywhere. “It was very different," said Schumacher in his latest YouTube video. "Cars were already there in pit lane. People are surrounding the car, a lot of people itself and I didn't really know what to do. So, I was walking around trying to find my car and find my crew. It took me a while, but I ended up having more time than I thought I would originally.
But it wasn’t just the atmosphere that was new. He also had to adjust to the imperial system. While everything in Europe is measured in kilometers and Celsius, Mick had to get used to miles, PSI, and Fahrenheit in the blink of an eye. “That was the hardest part,” he said with a laugh.
Schumacher didn't have much to say about the race, as he only made it four turns before he was collected in an accident. “It was a very short race, but nonetheless, we learned a great amount and that is what was key to us -- it's that we take as much experience away from each weekend."
The tough school of ovals
Pit stop botched! Mick Schumacher loses lead lap in Phoenix
Pit stop botched! Mick Schumacher loses lead lap in Phoenix
Of course, the second race weekend in Phoenix left the biggest impression because it was Schumacher’s oval debut. While qualifying on the short oval went quite well with a fourth-place grid spot, the race brought a quick reality check when he was overtaken by a whole string of competitors in the opening laps.
Schumacher quickly learned that a fast lap alone on an oval is worthless with how easy it is to move back-and-forth through the field. "I tried to be open-minded and I tried to be ready for everything, but I wasn't ready for this. That was very hectic, a lot of cars coming left and right -- especially at the start. But once I found my groove, things started to become a bit better.
Once he had settled into around tenth place, things started to click, before a faulty impact wrench during a mid-race pit stop sent him back.
Ultimately, though, this must be viewed positively, because the learning curve was immense. Together with his driver coach Ryan Briscoe, he analyzed the mistakes immediately. “'If you came back and just did the race over again with all the experience you’ve just gained, you’d do a lot of things differently,' Bricoe told him. "And that’s true. I’d do a lot of things different. And that’s good to know for the next time when we head to a short oval.
Of course, the public pressure is immense. Especially with the fourth starting position, Schumacher may have fueled false expectations for this early phase of his IndyCar career. “Yes, there will be people putting a lot of pressure on me," admitted Schumacher. "Pressure is part of my life. And I always feel that the greater the pressure, the better I’ve become. And ultimately, no one will be able to put more pressure on me than I can on myself.”
The steep learning curve is necessary, because the biggest race is already looming just ahead with the 110th running of the Indy 500. After the experience on the short track in Phoenix, there are no more oval races before Indianapolis. Entirely new challenges await at the 2.5-mile speedway.
But before that, there are still two races on permanent circuits: Barber Motorsports Park and the Indianapolis road course race—more familiar territory for the 27-year-old.
"The most important thing for me is that I'm getting more and more comfortable every time i get into the car, and things starts to become natural and effortless," added Schumacher.
"So that I no longer have to think about what I’m doing, but only about what we need to do to make the car faster ... We obviously want to be at the top, that's where everybody wants to be. It's a hugely competitive championship as a whole, and we want to make sure we keep grinding so we can end up consistently up there."
Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Angel City FC forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir (32) handles the ball against Houston Dash forward Avery Patterson (15) and defender Paige Nielsen (14) during the second half at BMO Stadium.
LOS ANGELES – Riley Tiernan lifted Angel City Football Club to a 2-1 victory over the Houston Dash Friday night before 13,896 fans at BMO Stadium.
Tiernan’s game-winning goal extends ACFC’s winning streak to three, adding to the buzz that the club’s fifth season in the league may be its best yet. This is the first time Angel City has won three straight regular-season games, and it's the eighth team in the NWSL to do so.
After struggling in the first half, ACFC seemed to find its rhythm after half-time.
"One of the main things we noticed [in the second half] was our energy. That's one of the main things we always say, like 'control the controllables, and I think just wanting it and protecting our home field and not allowing someone to come in and take that away from us. We just made it a point to be more energetic and win first and second balls. Sveindís putting the ball in the net in the first minute really helped us to get some confidence and continue to play," said Tiernan on the shift during the second half.
In the 47th minute, Sveindís Jónsdóttir’s left-footed shot from outside the box to the top left corner brought the home side back to life. The goal follows her performance against Bay FC last week, where she was involved in all three of Angel City’s scores, netting two goals and one assist.
YOU’RE GOING TO WANT TO WATCH THIS GOAL 🤯
Absolutely insane goal from Angel City’s Svendís Jónsdóttir that starts with her impressive throw-in into the box and ends with her scoring an absolute screamer. No notes.
Less than three minutes later, Tiernan’s close-range right-footed shot put ACFC ahead with its second goal of the night. The goal brings Tiernan’s tally of regular-season game-winning scores to four- a club record.
Riley Tiernan finishes it off after Gisele Thompson’s cross finds Maiara Niehues for the headed setup 👏 pic.twitter.com/O5zvdiifpa
"On the wing, it's adjusting to the 1v1 mentality, and it's really important to change your speed and get into those dangerous positions to get the ball into the box. Just going forward, trying to read the defender's body language and trying to see whether I can come inside or take it down the line to get the ball across", said Tiernan.
Despite the score-filled second half, the night started differently from the club’s past two matches. Remnants of the team’s transition woes from last season made an appearance through the first half, and fans filled the stadium with ‘boos’ and ‘ref you suck’ chants against referee calls.
In the tenth minute, Houston's Maggie Graham sent a header into the bottom left corner. Angel City struggled to break through Houston’s high press. Statistically, Houston overpowered the Los Angeles side. The visitors created two big chances, while ACFC failed to register a shot on target.
"I think there's not a lot of good that we did in the first half, so we're going to have to figure out what happened...we came into the second half knowing that we were only one-nil down, so we were lucky it wasn't bigger. We came out and scored two goals and won the game," said Jónsdóttir.
Angel City plays the Orlando Pride (1-1-1, 4 points) on April 3 at Inter&Co Stadium. After an international break, Angel City returns home for an April 26 match against the Portland Thorns.
Kentucky looks to defy expectations against Texas as the No. 5 Wildcats take on the No. 1 Longhorns in Sweet Sixteen action.
Texas has won all four games against Kentucky dating back to the 1977-78 season. The Longhorns won the last contest back in February, 64-53.
After beating Missouri State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Texas manhandled Oregon in the second. Sporting News 2025-26 Women's Basketball All-American Madison Booker scored 40 points against the latter.
Kentucky went 5-3 in the regular season after the Texas loss. The Wildcats beat James Madison and West Virginia in the tournament to advance, with a double-double by Teonni Key being the key to victory against the latter.
Here's what you need to know about Saturday's matchup between Texas and Kentucky, including broadcast information and start time.
The Sweet 16 matchup between Texas and Kentucky will air on ABC.
Fans looking to stream Texas vs. Kentucky can watch live on the ESPN app, which will carry every NCAA women’s basketball tournament game in 2026.
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Texas vs. Kentucky start time
Date: Saturday, March 28
Time: 3 p.m. ET
The NCAA women’s tournament game between Texas and Kentucky is set to tip off at 3 p.m. ET from Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. Kentucky reached the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in ten years. The Wildcats last made the Elite Eight in 2013.
Texas appears in its third straight Sweet Sixteen. The Longhorns attempt to win a National Championship for the first time since 1986.
Listen to Texas vs. Kentucky in the 2026 NCAA women's basketball tournament live on the SiriusXM app.
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The 2026 Women's Final Four is set for April 3 and 5 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. The semifinals will be played Friday night and the national championship game is set for Sunday afternoon.
Women’s March Madness tournament schedule 2026
Here is the round-by-round schedule for the 2026 NCAA women’s basketball tournament:
BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 14: (BILD OUT) Younes Aitamer of FC Bayern Muenchen controls the ball during the UEFA Youth League match between FC Barcelona and Bayern Muenchen at Johan Cruyff Stadium on September 14, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Berengui/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) | DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Bayern Munich is usually an unforgiving, difficult environment that weeds out the players who cannot compete at the highest level of European football. If you cannot demonstrate your immense quality every week, you will likely not remain at the club for long. But it is also a club that takes care of its’ own.
This was proven yet again as Bayern renewed injured talents Younes Aitamer and Louis Richter until 2027, via the Bavarians’ official website. Both players’ contracts were set to expire in 2026, but they have suffered ACL injuries and are striving to return from them. Aitamer, who has been at the club for nearly 9 years now, has not played an official football match in nearly two years, while Richter, who has been at the club for around 12 years, was injured just a few weeks ago. Cutting them off now would have made it so very difficult for their careers to recover.
Instead, Bayern retains the duo, ensuring they get paid and continue to have easy access to modern medical equipment and recovery tools. Die Rekordmeister may be something of a shark tank, but it still takes care of its’ own.
CHICAGO — Nate Ament scored 18 points, Ja’Kobi Gillespie finished with 16 and Tennessee beat Iowa State 76-62 on Friday night to advance to the Elite Eight for the third straight year.
Coach Rick Barnes’ team used a dominant effort on the glass and a strong second half to put away Iowa State (29-8) and move within one win of its first Final Four.
The sixth-seeded Volunteers (25-11) will meet top-seeded Michigan in the Midwest Region final on Sunday. The Wolverines beat Alabama 90-77 behind a dominant all-around performance by Yaxel Lendeborg.
Ament made three 3-pointers. Felix Okpara chipped in with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Jaylen Carey added 11 points and 10 boards, and the Volunteers outrebounded the Cyclones 43-22.
Nate Heise and Tamin Lipsey each scored 18 points for Iowa State, but the Cyclones clearly struggled without injured star Joshua Jefferson.
The All-America forward was hurt minutes into the Cyclones’ March Madness opener against Tennessee State and did not play in their lopsided win over Kentucky. He averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists.
Tennessee led 34-33 at halftime after Okpara hit two free throws in the closing seconds and Lipsey missed a driving layup at the buzzer.
The Volunteers were up 44-39 when they went on a 13-4 run that Carey punctuated with a three-point play off a tip-in. The 6-foot-8, 267-pound forward turned toward the roaring Vols fans and flexed before hitting the free throw to make it 57-43 with 11:47 remaining.
Utah Jazz center Kyle Filipowski, left, collects a loose ball as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić defends in the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 27, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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David Zalubowski
Before the Utah Jazz tipped off against the Denver Nuggets on Friday night, Jazz head coach Will Hardy was asked if he studied teams like the Nuggets in order to see what is working for a winning team in the NBA.
“We’re trying to study the best teams in our league all the time,” Hardy said .“You get a moment to focus on them a little bit differently when you’re preparing to play them, but I mean, these are things we’re looking at throughout the season, and then especially during the playoffs — watching as many playoff games as you can and trying to study and determine what ultimately wins, what actually wins in the playoffs in our league."
Respectfully, if I were the Jazz, watching the Nuggets, studying what they were doing and trying to emulate that, I would simply get one of the best players of all time and a team full of pressure-tested dogs who are talented and efficient.
If I were studying, what would I take away from the Jazz’s 135-129 loss to the Nuggets — a game that the Jazz were leading by as many as 14 points in the third quarter?
I would see that the good teams, the ones that are headed for the playoffs, sometimes relax and find themselves trailing against a clearly inferior team.
At that point, the good teams, they just do better. They try harder, they utilize their superior talent and then they win the games with ease.
In this, the 74th game in an 82-game season, I hope you’ll excuse some sarcasm from a beat reporter who has seen every single moment of the Jazz being absolutely abysmal throughout this rebuild and tanking effort.
What’s the saying? Play stupid games, win stupid prizes?
This is what you get when you are playing the worst lineup you have. Even if that lineup surprises a better team that has its guard down, that lineup still isn’t capable of beating the best in the business.
There were some impressive moments from Jazz players Friday, if you ignored the relaxation and unnaturally blasé effort from the Nuggets.
A really great 25 points from Kyle Filipowski and 24 for Cody Williams. Adorable.
And then Jamal Murray had a 31-point, 14-assist double-double and Nikola Jokić notched a 33-point, 15-rebound, 12-assist triple-double.
So, yeah...the talent gap is massive.
“Games like tonight are great more than the prep piece,” Hardy said. “It’s great for our young players to play against the top players and top teams in the league and continue to feel the level that’s needed to compete against the best.”
Well, I hope they felt that on Friday. I hope the Jazz players really internalized the feeling that they are not in fact Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, and that in order to win at the highest level in the NBA, those are the kinds of players who need to be on the court.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 27: Ashlon Jackson #3 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrates with teammates after making the game winning shot to defeat the Louisiana State Tigers in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 27, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There has been no shortage of incredible late-game heroics in both this year men’s and women’s March Madness, but it’ll be hard to come up with anything better than what Duke guard Ashlon Jackson pulled off to send the Blue Devils to their first Elite 8 in 13 years.
Down 85-84 to LSU with 2.6 seconds left, Jackson received the inbound pass from Jordan Wood, got LSU star Flau’jae Johnson to bite on her shot fake, and put up a three-pointer with about a second before the clock hit triple zeroes. The ball circled around the rim three times before dropping through the net for a dagger that’s as thrilling for Duke as it was agonizing for Kim Mulkey and her squad. You truly have to see it to believe it:
Jackson’s shot was not just iconic, it was redemptive. Kara Lawson’s team was up 84-75 with under 3:30 to play in the fourth quarter, only for LSU to rattle off 10 straight to take the lead in the closing seconds. Clinging to an 84-83 lead with :18 to go, the usually reliable Jackson missed two free throws that would’ve given Duke a three-point lead. LSU’s Mikaylah Williams capitalized with go-ahead free throws at the other end, but after the Tigers failed to secure the rebound on Taina Mair’s corner three, Jackson seized her big moment to keep Duke’s season (and her collegiate career) alive.
This was also a bit of apt and sweet revenge for Duke, who were once 3-6 after losing by 16 at home to LSU way back in December. They’ve since gone 24-2, won the ACC regular season and conference tournament, and have their sights set on reaching their first Final Four since 2006. Their final hurdle to clear to get to Phoenix and the national semifinals is No. 1 seed UCLA on Sunday afternoon in Sacramento.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 27: The Iowa State Cyclones bench looks on against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of the Sweet Sixteen round game of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Tyler Schank/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images
CHICAGO — No. 2 seeded Iowa State bowed out of the NCAA Tournament late Friday night with a 76-62 loss to No. 6 seeded Tennessee in the Sweet 16 at the United Center. The Cyclones fall to 0-4 all time inside “The House That Jordan Built”.
A pair of seniors, Tamin Lipsey and Nate Heise, led the Cyclones (29-8, 12-6 Big 12) with 18 points each. Killyan Toure scored nine and Blake Buchanan tallied eight in the loss. Milan Momcilovic connected on a pair of 3-point baskets.
Iowa State shot 38.8 percent on 21-of-54 shooting, going 5-for-23 from 3-point range and 15-of-25 at the free-throw line. Defensively, ISU forced the Volunteers (25-11, 11-7 SEC) into 17 turnovers resulting in 14 points.
Tennessee shot 50.8 percent (30-of-59) from the floor and 31.8 percent (7-22) from beyond the arc. The Volunteers dominated the rebounding battle, 43-22.
Four Tennessee players finished with double-digit scoring totals, led by Nate Ament’s 18.
Lipsey, an Ames native, gave the Cyclones an early 3-0 lead. Iowa State led by as much as four, with the last instance occurring on a driving layup by Heise.
The Volunteers responded with a 5-0 run. Over the final 13 minutes of the first half, Tennessee stretched their lead to as much as five and went into halftime up 34-33.
After Tennessee stretched their lead to six to open the half, a Toure jumper brought back to within four.
Lipsey’s layup at the 14:46 mark of the second half brought the Cyclones within six. The Volunteers responded with a 7-0 run.
Jaylen Carey gave Tennessee their largest lead, 14, with a made free throw with 11:47 remaining.
Momcilovic’s 23-foot 3-point basket with 4:01 remaining slimmed the orange and white margin to eight, the closest it got for the remainder of the contest.
Buchanan’s dunk finalized the Cyclone scoring tally with 68 seconds left.
WASHINGTON — Tarris Reed Jr. scored 20 points, Alex Karaban added 17, and both made pressure-packed free throws in the final minute that helped second-seeded UConn hold off third-seeded Michigan State 67-63 in the Sweet 16 on Friday night.
The Huskies (32-5) led 63-62 when Karaban was fouled with 22.5 seconds remaining. He made both ends of a one-and-one to give UConn a three-point lead, and after Michigan State was unable to find a quick shot, Kur Teng’s 3-pointer missed.
A foul was called on the Huskies on the rebound with 4.6 seconds remaining. Carson Cooper made the first for Michigan State. He missed the second — it did not appear to be intentional — and Reed rebounded. His two free throws effectively sealed the win.
UConn advances to a true heavyweight clash in Sunday’s final of the NCAA Tournament’s East Region against top-seeded Duke.
Michigan State (27-8) overcame an early 19-point deficit but bowed out on a night the Spartans shot just 4 of 16 from 3-point range.
The four teams that arrived in Washington this week have combined for 13 national titles, so it was no surprise that both games Friday were pulsating. Duke’s 80-75 win over St. John’s in the opener came down to the last few seconds.
It looked at first like the second game wouldn’t. Malachi Smith, Solo Ball and Jaylin Stewart combined for four 3-pointers during a 15-1 run that put UConn up 25-6. The Spartans had to clamp down defensively over the final three minutes just to trail 35-27 at halftime.
Michigan State scored the first seven points of the second, but the Huskies pushed back. After a steal and dunk by Reed put UConn back up by six, Huskies coach Dan Hurley began waving his arms wildly at the fans behind his bench, exhorting them to be louder.
The Spartans didn’t waver. A three-point play by Jaxon Kohler with 10:06 to play put Michigan State up 45-44.
A short scoring draught by the Spartans allowed UConn to take a 56-49 on a driving layup by Ball, but it stayed tight until the end. The Huskies led 58-57 when Karaban made a 3. Jeremy Fears Jr. answered from beyond the arc for Michigan State to cut the lead to one.
Reed made two free throws with 44.8 seconds to play, and Fears made two with 32.3 remaining.
Up next
Michigan State: Cooper and Kohler are both seniors, but coach Tom Izzo is showing little sign of slowing down at this stage of his career.
UConn: The Huskies’ matchup with Duke might feel more like a Final Four game. In fact, they met in the 1999 title game, with UConn winning.
The Brooklyn Nets (17-57) had one game left on their west coast road trip before they could head back home to play for the majority of the rest of the season. Brooklyn had arguably its toughest matchup of the road trip as they visited the Los Angeles Lakers (48-26) on Friday and while the Nets played well for the first three quarters, they couldn't come away from Los Angeles with the win.
The Nets lost to the Lakers 116-99 as Los Angeles pulled away in the fourth quarter thanks to the efforts of Austin Reaves and his 15 points in the quarter. Forward Josh Minott led the way for the Nets with his 18 points and six rebounds in 26 minutes off the bench while center Nic Claxton had one of his better games of the season with 16 points and seven rebounds.
The main reason that the Nets were going to have a tough time pulling off the upset on Friday is due to what superstar Luka Doncic is capable of doing when he gets going. As NBA fans have seen over the past few seasons and beyond, Doncic dropped 41 points and eight rebounds as he was able to get whatever shot he wanted against Brooklyn's team defense.
The Nets did not roll over for the Lakers, however, as they forced Los Angeles into committing 15 turnovers, leading to 19 points for Brooklyn. The Nets just couldn't find a way to make shots in the fourth quarter as they shot just 6-of-19 from the field and 1-of-8 from behind the three-point line in the period, just as the Lakers started to get more production from Reaves and LeBron James.
Similar to how Brooklyn has been operating since the team has been officially eliminated from postseason contention, players like Claxton, Williams, and Noah Clowney did not play in the fourth quarter. Be that as it may, the Nets can return home for a six-game homestand that will begin on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings so they will be able to look forward to going back to a familiar setting for some time.
1. A nightmare, an epic comeback, and just not quite enough for MSU
WASHINGTON — Well, that was the nightmare for Michigan State’s basketball team. That they couldn’t make shots early. That Connecticut couldn’t miss early. That it would take way too long for the Spartans to settle in and resemble themselves. That it would be a bad matchup, a team of a different class.
Then MSU woke up. And decided not to go gently into that good night.
What was nearly the greatest comeback in MSU NCAA tournament history will be a tough defeat to stomach — because of how they started, missed opportunities later, and because they were right there and couldn’t close the deal, like a few other times this season agains elite competition. They were good enough to win, but also maybe a player away. And UConn was definitely good enough, too, hitting big shots time and time again when MSU pulled close or, briefly, ahead. The 67-63 final was a just score. Earned by UConn. Earned by MSU.
MSU showed remarkable gumption. They began the game with such a whimper that they had no choice. It wasn't just the 2-for-16 start shooting. It was the nervousness, as Tom Izzo described.
In the closing minutes of the first half and throughout the second, we saw an MSU team we recognized. A team that was up for this — the matchups, the moment.
Jeremy Fears Jr. missed some shots — layups, the front end of a one-and-one — but he made some big plays, including a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 61-60 with 1:12 remaining.
Coen Carr continued his strong NCAA tournament, not making 3s this time, but attacking the paint, through defenders, showing an ability to create through force in traffic that he should bring every night.
Jaxon Kohler got a handle on his matchup with Tarris Reed Jr., forcing him into some missed shots, out-rebounding him, out-maneuvering him on the glass, 8-5. He missed a couple 3s that would have been enormous. He also hit one in the first half that helped MSU find its footing.
Carson Cooper led MSU in scoring in his final game, with 14 points, scoring in the post and hitting 4 of 5 free throws, adding seven rebounds and three assists, the culmination of a remarkable development story.
MSU didn’t get enough from the others — a big shot late by Jordan Scott, a 3 at an important time by Trey Fort, some good work on the glass by Cam Ward, but overall, not enough.
They didn’t make enough outside shots, just 4 of 16 3s, right down to a would-be tying 3 by Kur Teng with 8 seconds remaining.
“It’s very hard to be disappointed and yet proud,” Tom Izzo said. “We just kind of wore down, I think.
“I thought our guys played our ass off. I thought they played hard as hell after the first 10 minutes.”
Izzo thought they were a little nervous out of the gate, which he put on himself.
It showed. It was costly. And UConn had a lot to do with what transpired.
2. The start was a problem it turned out they couldn’t afford
Not until Carson Cooper threw down a pick-and-roll alley-oop dunk from Jeremy Fears with 4:57 remaining in the first half, cutting UConn’s lead to 29-16, did the Spartans have a single half-court offensive possession where they looked comfortable or like themselves.
From there, there were others: Cam Ward recognizing the mismatch with Alex Karaban guarding him and going around Karaban for a reverse layup; Jaxon Kohler knocking in a 3 from the top of the key; Coen Carr hitting a cutting bank shot, which led to Fears calling for one stop and MSU getting it as Kohler bodied Tarris Reed further from the basket than he wanted, resulting in a missed shot that Kohler also rebounded.
Suddenly it was 33–25, a game that was once 25-6 was now a game again.
This game was determined late, but it was also determined early — with a couple missed defensive assignments on the first few possessions, by playing like a team that wasn’t sure of itself for too long.
So much of the game was a comeback, and then trying to pull even and ahead. Almost as soon as they did, UConn had an answer and MSU couldn’t keep the Huskies on their heals.
“Maybe if we were neck and neck, we give ourselves a better chance at the end of the game,” Fears said. “We just didn’t do our part early, and that falls on me.”
3. A group that’ll be remembered for elevating the program again
When this team raced out of the gate this season, when they finished Big Ten play by winning at Purdue and pushing Michigan to the end, when the Spartans controlled their second-round NCAA tournament game against Louisville, and when they took the lead in the second half Friday night against UConn — and into the final minute — it looked like this group might really have the chance to get somewhere. They did have a chance. We saw it.
They’ll be disappointed in this finish, in being knocked out in the Sweet 16, not quite being able to get over the line against the best of the best they played — UConn, Michigan, Duke.
But after a series of 13-loss seasons and mostly first-weekend NCAA tournament exits, and Tom Izzo’s assertion that he was going to get the program back to deeper tournament runs, this group did it. This core group — Jeremy Fears Jr., Coen Carr, Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper — were a massive part of 57 wins in two seasons, 15 total losses, a Big Ten championship, and runs to the Elite Eight and Sweet 16.
There is another step still to take. This year’s team, while different than last, reestablished the program among the upper crust of the Big Ten and the sport.
Any question on whether Izzo sees this as the peak were answered postgame.
Where do you see yourself in five years, he was asked.
“Trying to win a national championship,” he said.
Contact Graham Couch at gcouch@lsj.com. Follow him on X @Graham_Couch and BlueSky @GrahamCouch.
“You know, college basketball has been cyclical forever,” May said after Michigan's 90-77 win in the Midwest Region semifinals. “Hopefully this is a long cycle for us in the conference.”
For this year, at least, the Big Ten has snatched the March Madness spotlight that was locked on the SEC last year.
The Big Ten had a league-record six teams reach the Sweet 16 and now has tied the tournament record with four teams in the Elite Eight, increasing its chances of breaking through for the league's first title in more than a quarter-century. That includes an all-Big Ten matchup in Saturday's South Region title game that will send either No. 3 seed Illinois or No. 9 seed Iowa — which upset reigning national champion Florida in the second round — out of Houston and on to Indianapolis for the Final Four.
No other league has more than one team in this weekend's regional finals.
“The talent in our league is very good,” Purdue coach Matt Painter said Friday, ahead of his team's West Region final against top-seeded Arizona. “I think you’re seeing that here in the tournament. Like very good. I think it’s been about as good as it’s been for a long, long time.”
The results are backing that up.
Big Ten schools were highly ranked entering March Madness
Only three leagues had put four teams in the regional finals since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985: the Big East in 2009, the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2016 and the SEC last year.
Now the Big Ten has done it, too, after getting three teams to the Elite Eight four other times, most recently in 2014. And the league nearly got five teams there, with Michigan State losing a tight contest with UConn on Friday night.
Last year, all the talk was about the SEC's records of 14 tournament bids and seven Sweet 16 teams. This year, the Big Ten is the standout, with four of its teams having taken out SEC opponents so far — including Purdue beating Texas on Thursday and Michigan's win against Alabama.
It could add a fifth, too, with the Wolverines set to play Tennessee in the Midwest Region final on Sunday.
It shouldn't be a surprise, considering the Big Ten had a national-best six teams ranked in the AP Top 25 entering the NCAA Tournament, while its nine bids were behind only the SEC's 10.
First-year Iowa coach Ben McCollum, who has the program in its first regional final since 1987, admitted he was “curious” as to how difficult his first run through the league would be. His team went just 11-11 between Big Ten regular-season and tournament play, yet here it is, playing for a Final Four spot.
“The good part is it helped a lot of us in the tournament,” McCollum said Friday of the league's difficulty. “I think sometimes it can hurt you too, just because you get beat up a little bit, maybe lose your confidence. It helped us from a process perspective and we continued to grow and get better, and be better and better as long as we focused on that.”
Big Ten has money but a long title drought
The Big Ten's run marks the second straight year that the two most cash-flush conferences have dominated the tournament. The Big Ten generated the most revenue ($928.1 million) and distributed the most to its member schools ($63.1 million average) for the 2023-24 season, according to tax documents.
That figure outpaced the SEC's $839.7 million in total revenue and $52.6 million in average payout to full members for that same season, which is the most recent year in which all power conferences have filed tax documents. And that only helps when it comes to managing the always escalating costs for staff, facilities and roster building.
“I know our league is incredibly tough,” May said Friday night. “The coaches are off the charts, but I want to give the administrations a lot of credit. There’s a bunch of well-run athletic departments in the Big Ten.”
The only trick now is for the league to get a team to the final Monday night of the season and actually cut down the nets. The Big Ten hasn't had a school win the tournament since Michigan State gave Izzo his lone title in 2000.
“I think the Big Ten Conference is the best conference in the world,” Wolverines senior guard Roddy Gayle Jr. said Thursday. “Obviously we want everybody in the Big Ten to be successful. But just kind of seeing the success that the conference has had in the tournament is really good. And I think it speaks to how good we were in the season to be able to finish first.”
The Badgers-Spartans game will be televised on ESPN2 and can be streamed on the ESPN app.
You can listen to the game at MSUSpartans.com or on the Michigan State Athletics app.
Is Michigan State ranked this season?
MSU was ranked as high as No. 1 this season after beating Michigan. The Spartans are currently ranked third in the nation behind Michigan and North Dakota. Wisconsin is ranked 12th in the nation.
Michigan State and Wisconsin met four times during the regular season, each of the two teams splitting the games.
The duo created a moment in the second quarter of the game, producing the first father-son assists in NBA history.
Bronny had initially passed the ball to LeBron with 7:54 left in the second quarter before the veteran player drew a double team and immediately passed the ball back to his son, who made a wide-open three-pointer.
Bronny’s long-range shot cut into Brooklyn’s lead and made it a two-point game at 44-42. The Nets were on a 16-4 scoring run before the Lakers’ 3-pointer.
LeBron finished with 14 points, eight assists and six rebounds in 37 minutes of play. Bronny finished the game with three points in four minutes of play.
Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) tries to get around the defense of Connecticut forward Alex Karaban (11) during the first half of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball East Regional game against UConn at Capital One Arena in Washington DC on Friday, March 27, 2026. | Eric Seals / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
UConn men’s basketball is headed to the Elite Eight for the third time in four years and the 14th time ever, defeating Michigan State 67-63. After opening up a 19-point lead in the first half, UConn let Michigan St. climb back into the game, eventually re-taking the lead in the second half.
Tarris Reed led UConn with 20 points and 5 rebounds, and Alex Karaban had another great performance with 17 points. Both came up big late. Michigan St.’s Carson Cooper led the team with 14 points. The Huskies held top scorers Jeremy Fears and Coen Carr each to 13 points.
This win sets up a matchup with the tournament’s top overall seed, the Duke Blue Devils. Led by the Boozer brothers, Duke took down St. John’s earlier tonight, 80-75.
Karaban got the Huskies night started with a triple, picking up where he left off after his career night in the Round of 32. Mullins hit the next UConn shot from the corner to go up 6-4. Reed was getting defenders in the low post, so he started from the top of the key and went downhill for a thunderous slam.
The UConn defense swarmed Michigan St. during the first seven minutes, holding the Spartans to just five points. Reed and Mullins had rejections. On what seemed to be a broken possession, Reed was doubled down low and hit a cutting Mullins for a rare slam to put UConn up 10-5.
Malachi Smith came off the bench and immediately nailed a three-pointer. Karaban scored an easy layup down low off a Michigan St. turnover to extend the Huskies’ run to 12-1. Fears had a freezing cold start, starting out 1-for-4, forcing up heavily contested shots.
A struggling Solo Ball hit an open three to increase the lead to 12, forcing an enraged Tom Izzo to call a timeout. This was his first field goal since Round One against Furman. Success from guards is the key to victory. Stewart got on the board with a three for the first time since Feb. 21 after his knee injury.
The Spartans had nowhere to go, starting out 2-for-15 overall, having a tough time finding open shots. Reibe was on the Spartans like glue during his first few minutes. The Huskies led 21-6 at the 11-minute mark.
It was rinse and repeat for UConn after the timeout. Ball nailed a deep three and then forced a turnover on the other end. They started 6-for-7 from the three-point range midway through the first half.
Coen Carr hit the first Michigan St. field goal in nearly 9 minutes, making the score 25-8.
To say the bench unit in the first half was phenomenal is an understatement. To make a powerhouse offensive team at Michigan State look lost on the floor is not an easy feat. Fears couldn’t get by Demary, launching a brick with the shot clock at zero.
UConn had its first turnover with just under 7 minutes to go, allowing the Spartans to finish with a layup, cutting the lead to 13. The next possession, the ball slipped from Mullins, turning it over again, giving the foes some life.
UConn started missing shots, but their defense bailed them out, forcing two more turnovers at the 4:30 mark. Smith hit Reed in a two-on-one transition play to put the Huskies back up 15. Reed followed it up a minute later with some smooth ball fakes, getting an and-one, putting him up to 8 points.
Michigan St.’s first triple came from Jaxon Kohler with just under 3 minutes to go in the first half. After forcing a stop, Carr hit a contested layup to make the score 33-23. The Spartan faithful were finally heard in Capital One Arena as Dan Hurley called a timeout. Michigan St. cut the lead to 8 from the free-throw line.
Ball got up 8 points before the halftime buzzer on a circus layup, tying Reed’s for the team high for the half. Fears came back quickly on the following possession to make the score 35-27 at the halftime break. From what was turning into a blowout was now a ballgame, as Michigan St. ended the half on a 15-8 run. UConn finished the half shooting 14-for-25 and 6-for-9 from deep.
Those stats would make you think that this is a blowout, but no, UConn allowed the Spartans to creep back in the last 6 minutes of the first half. 1-for-5 from the charity stripe also didn’t help UConn’s chances of turning this game into a blowout.
Michigan St. cut the lead to 5 as Carson Cooper started the half with an and-one. A Carr jumper after making a highlight rejection over Reed made it a 35-32 ballgame.
The Huskies looked disheveled, as the Spartans came out with more intensity than they did in the first half. An additional and-one from Carr made it just a one-point game. Mullins responded tremendously with a triple on the following possession. Reed picked up a steal from Cooper and rocked the rim to go back up by 6.
The UConn defensive pressure was still present; the Spartans, however, were making the shots they missed in the first half. Karaban rejected Jordan Scott’s layup, putting UConn up by 6 blocks for the game.
At the under-12-minute timeout, the Huskies were up 44-40, still an eternity of gametime left. After starting out 6-for-7 from deep, UConn then went cold, going 1-for-6 after that.
Michigan St. took the lead via transition buckets, Kohler got an and-one to go up 45-44.
It turned into a back-and-forth battle of the bigs after that, Reed getting back-to-back buckets and Cooper getting a post fade over the senior.
Karaban nailed another huge three to go up 51-47, putting him in double figures. After starting out 4-for-19 in the second half, the Huskies made three straight buckets. Another bucket from Michigan St. made it a two-point game at the under-8-minute timeout.
Ball went on a 4-0 run of his own to put UConn back up by 6. Michigan St. was scoreless for over three minutes. The Spartans responded by getting stops and scores to make it a one-point game with 1:50 to play.
The last five minutes were a nail-biter, with both teams throwing haymakers at each other. After UConn’s dominant start, which included a 22-2 run, Michigan St. turned into a different team at the end of the first half and into the second. Jaxon Kohler notched a three-point play to put the Spartans ahead as they surged back, and from there it was one hell of a game.
The captain Karaban made a monster triple to go up 61-57, and Fears stepped up and hit a three of his own with a minute to go. Reed got to the line for a pair with 44.8 seconds left and made two critical free throws to go back up three. Demary fouled a driving Fears, and he went to the line and drilled both free throws, making it a 63-62 game.
Michigan St. needed to foul, and Karaban made both after they broke the full-court pressure. The UConn defense made Michigan St. panic on their final possession. Needing a three, Fears was dancing at the top of the key, wasting precious time trying to find an open shot. Kur Teng launched a wild three that missed. But UConn committed a loose-ball foul, and the Spartans went 1-for-2 at the line, with the rebound falling into Reed’s hands. With 4 seconds to go, Reed had a one-and-one. The 54% free throw shooter hit both. The Spartans turned it over on the inbound, which sealed the deal.
The huge free throws from Reed and Karaban capped off the victory for UConn. The Huskies and the Duke Blue will tip off on Sunday evening at 5:05 p.m., on CBS.
Duke women's basketball (27-8) is headed back to the Elite Eight for the second straight year. And they might have what it takes to go all the way, after watching the way they crushed an uncrushable on Friday night in 2-seed LSU.
"When the shot went in, yeah, I'm not a big reactor in that way," Kara Lawson said. "I just wanted to shake Kim's hand and express what a great season they had. In moments of victory or defeat, I think it's really important to be respectful. And it's something we try to do all the time. Whether we win or we lose, we're going to have respectful interaction."
The Blue Devils took a hot lead, fast, and held that lead until MiKaylah Williams hit a free throw with 6:37 to go in the third quarter. Over 20 minutes, Duke had LSU's head underwater as Arianna Roberson, Toby Fournier and Delaney Thomas took turns hitting buckets.
LSU tried to keep the lead, but Taina Mair hit a pullup jumper to make it 67-65 headed into the final 10 minutes, and that's where the real madness of March occurred.
Back-and-forth, round-and-round the score went until Mi'Laysia Fulwiley had something to say about it. She scored a layup in the paint, then two free throws and a jumper in the paint off an opponent turnover in the span of 2 minutes and 24 seconds to bring the game within one point.
Mikaylah Williams tied and took the lead on second-chance free throws, and the Tigers thought they were in the clear with nine seconds remaining. But an appeal in Kara Lawson's favor allowed Duke one more possession, and it was all they needed. Was all Ashlon Jackson needed, even though she'd just missed two free throws.
"We had squandered away a little bit of a lead there late and luckily got another opportunity with two and a half seconds left. And there was no doubt who I was going to in that situation," Lawson said. "It was 3. And just made an unbelievable play. I'm so proud of our team's resilience.
"It can weigh on you mentally late in the game when you squander a lead and the other team takes it. And it can weigh on you. And we stayed so strong in those huddles. And all their eyes were on me, and we were very purposeful in what we wanted to do and our execution on that last play was great."
Jackson was 1-for-7 from deep before the big shot.
"My teammates and my coaches, they trust me and they believe in me," Jackson said. "And whenever shots aren't really falling for me, I can't really hang my head. That's just how the game goes. Every competitor knows that."
Duke has now been to 13 Elite Eights, and this is the second consecutive appearance under Kara Lawson. Previous to 2025, they hadn't been since 2013.
The 3-seeded Blue Devils will play 1-seed UCLA on Sunday at 3 p.m. on ESPN.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 4: Sebastian Fundora, left, the WBC Super Welterweight World Champion, and Keith Thurman.(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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HIGHLIGHTS
The WBC super welterweight champion puts his title on the line against a former unified welterweight champion in a fight that has been rescheduled twice and finally arrives Saturday night.
The co-main event features the man who handed the champion his only professional loss, adding a layer of intrigue to the undercard.
A heavyweight prospect, an undefeated middleweight and a pair of fighters in desperate need of a win round out a solid four-fight PPV card.
The night is nearly upon us. Sebastian Fundora will put his 154-pound title on the line against former welterweight champion Keith Thurman. The event takes place at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.
Here is a look at the complete card, estimated ring walk times, weigh-in results and a deeper look into the full lineup of fights on the Prime PPV boxing event.
Fundora Vs. Thurman Full Card
PPV Main Card (Prime Video, 8 PM ET)
Sebastian Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs) vs. Keith Thurman (31-1, 23 KOs) -- WBC super welterweight title, 12 rounds
Yoenis Tellez (11-1, 8 KOs) vs. Brian Mendoza (23-4, 17 KOs) -- junior middleweight, 12 rounds
Gurgen Hovhannisyan (9-0, 8 KOs) vs. Cesar Navarro (15-3, 13 KOs) -- heavyweight, 10 rounds
First on Prime / Prelims (5:30 PM ET, free on Prime Video)
Elijah Garcia (17-1, 13 KOs) vs. Kevin Newman II (18-3-1, 11 KOs) -- super middleweight, 10 rounds
Additional undercard bouts
Ring Walk Times and How to Watch
The PPV main card starts at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT on Amazon Prime Video PPV ($74.99). Prelims begin at 5:30 PM ET and are free for Prime members. Main event ring walks are estimated around 10:30 PM to 11:15 PM ET, depending on earlier finishes. MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Weigh-In Results
Fundora tipped the scales at 153.6 pounds. Thurman came in at 152.6. Fundora holds an 8-inch height advantage (6'5" to 5'9") and an 11-inch reach advantage (80" to 69"). Gausha missed weight for his middleweight bout with Hernandez and will incur a fine.
Key Storylines on the Card
The co-main is loaded with narrative.
Brian Mendoza knocked out Fundora in 2023 for the WBC interim title -- Fundora's only professional loss. Mendoza went 1-2 since then (losses to Tim Tszyu and Serhii Bohachuk) and now faces Yoenis Tellez, who is rebounding from his first career loss to Abass Baraou.
Both men need a win. The Tellez-Mendoza bout replaced the Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez Jr. IBF heavyweight eliminator after Sanchez aggravated a knee injury.
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms started a pivotal three-in-three with a 5-3 loss to the Springfield Thunderbirds. The Phantoms needed the win and were outplayed from the opening puck drop against a team that was chasing them in the Atlantic Division.
This team looks like a mess right now with no answers. It’s a shock considering where the Phantoms were at the start of the season and the expectations starting in the offseason. With a new coach, a wave of prospects, and the right veteran mix, the Phantoms looked like a team that could be in the Calder Cup conversation while providing a steady pipeline for the Philadelphia Flyers.
Instead, the Phantoms are falling apart at the worst time. They might miss the playoffs, and based on their play from the past three months, it wouldn’t be surprising either. “It’s been a 63, four-five month stretch where we’ve talked about the same thing,” Phantoms head coach John Snowden stated after the 5-3 loss, a loss that looked all too familiar for the Allentown faithful who have watched this team for the past few months.
Bad Habits Are Still Costing The Phantoms
The penalties have been an issue all season, and it was noticeable again in the loss to the Thunderbirds. The Phantoms took three early on in the game that prevented them from establishing any momentum and instead had them chasing the game. It’s been the story all season, and it’s something they should have fixed a while ago.
Good teams, or more accurately, well-coached teams, don’t take penalties. The Phantoms are a better team than their record suggests but they can’t get out of their own way with the penalties beating themselves up. “I think we should learn from them, it’s a continual conversation every day that we have to manage pucks in certain areas, that we have to be on the right side of the game,” Snowden noted after the recent game.
Along with the penalties are the errors, especially on the defensive end. The breakdowns in their zone and the poor plays on the rush have resulted in goals the other way. “Eventually, we’re going to have to learn that being on the right side of the game is important. You just can’t make mistakes, and when you do, it ends up in the back of our net,” Snowden added.
All of these issues are fixable and should have been taken care of a while back. Yet, it’s March, while there are only nine games left in the season, and the same mistakes are costing the Phantoms games. Some of it is coaching. Most of it falls on the players, including some defense prospects with an eye on the NHL who are proving why they must remain in the American Hockey League.
Phantoms Have No Answers Because Nobody is Left
The Phantoms heading into the latest game looked like a team depleted of talent. They didn’t look like the same team that entered the season with a surplus of prospects or talent across the board. It’s why Snowden isn’t the one to blame for the Phantoms' collapse, as he doesn’t have much to work with.
The Denver Barkey call-up took the energy out of the team. He was the motor for the first two months, who made everyone around him better. It’s why the Phantoms were at the top of the Atlantic Division and why the Flyers are excited about the future, knowing they have a building block who will bring a high competitive level on every shift.
The Alex Bump, Carl Grundestrom, Emil Andrea, and Garrett Wilson call-ups have left the Phantoms with minimal talent. Throw in the injuries to a few big names, and the reality is that the Phantoms aren’t a good team.
This is where the collapse is justified and, to a point, understandable. That said, the Phantoms should be better than what they’ve been lately. They brought in veterans to handle these issues, players like Lane Pederson and Phil Tomasino, who can carry the weight when the prospects aren’t available. Yet, the Phantoms aren’t getting enough from them, and it’s a sign that this team isn’t good enough for the playoffs.
How Lehigh Valley Can Avoid The Collapse
The Phantoms must lean into their new identity. In the first two months, they were a skilled team that could win with their forwards leading the way. The next two months, they clawed their way to victories by playing a heavier brand of hockey with a focus on defense and forechecking. Now, it’s about the defenseman stepping up and taking over games.
The defense prospects are the ones who can save the Phantoms season. David Jiricek and Oliver Bonk must add a spark, and they haven’t lately. While Jiricek had an assist in the 5-3 loss, Bonk has looked slow or a step behind the play, something a scout noted during the game.
The other key to success is for them to play simple hockey. It’s what the Phantoms did two weeks back, and it resulted in a three-in-three weekend where they won two of the three games. They must get back to playing that way and cleaning things up with the season on the line. “We can control our own fate when we stick to our plan and play the game the right way,” Snowden mentioned. The Phantoms, in many ways, are their own worst enemy, yet that’s who has defeated them time and time again this season.
The Los Angeles Dodgers took home a 5-4 win against the Arizona Diamondbacks on the night when they got their 2025 World Series rings.
Alex Freeland had himself a night, going 2-for-3 with a home run and a double. He was the go-ahead run in the bottom of the eighth inning as the $240 million man, Kyle Tucker, hit the RBI single to drive him in.
Tucker only had one hit on the night, with his other three plate appearances being two strikeouts and a walk.
The Dodgers’ offense exploded during the third inning, scoring four runs after starter Emmet Sheehan allowed two during the first three innings.
Mar 26, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker (23) bats against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Mookie Betts hit a three-run home run in the third inning, getting his season going with a strong note and signaling he may get back to his All-Star level.
The D-Backs’ pitching staff did a good job of limiting the damage other than the fourth inning, getting outs despite the Dodgers making some hard contact.
Emmet Sheehan struggled mightily after a first inning that saw him strike out the side. His fastball velocity dipped dramatically over the next three innings, and so did his stuff, along with his pitch mix.
However, the Dodgers’ bullpen looked strong once again, providing lights-out stuff and keeping the team in the game so Tucker could come up clutch.
Edwin Diaz’s moment
Tucker hit allowed for fellow new Dodger Edwin Diaz to get his grand entrance and get the save. The Dodgers went all out for Diaz, who pulled out his signature “Narcos” song with a live trumpet.
He threw 17 pitches, 10 for strikes, and managed to get two strikeouts, allowing just one baserunner via a walk.
The Dodgers were able to end another night on a good note, beating the D-Backs and celebrating their 2025 title again.
On Opening Night, it was the back-to-back titles being presented, but on Friday, the Dodgers celebrated their championship with rings, taking in their glory before turning the page on the season and saying hello to an old friend in Clayton Kershaw.
The Elite Eight will be headlined by a battle between Duke and UConn, two teams that have combined for 11 national championships.
Since the 1990s, these two teams have been the cream of the crop in college basketball, as no other teams have had more success. In the process, the Blue Devils and Huskies have had some fierce battles in the NCAA Tournament and should add another with a Final Four trip on the line.
Here’s a look back at the history between Duke and UConn.
The first time these two teams met in the NCAA Tournament came in the 1990 Elite Eight, when UConn was a No. 1 seed and Duke was a No. 3 seed. It was a tight game that went to overtime, but the Blue Devils outscored the Huskies 7-6 in the extra minutes to get the win.
Duke saw Alaa Abdelnaby, Christian Laettner and Phil Henderson all score at least 20 points, while Bobby Hurley struggled to score throughout the night. UConn was led by Chris Smith and Nadav Henefeld, but fell short of making its first Final Four.
The Blue Devils would go on to lose to UNLV in the national championship.
1991 Sweet 16: Duke, 81-67
The following year, Duke was a No. 2 seed while UConn was a No. 11 seed when they met again in the tournament. The Huskies were tied for the lowest seed left in the tournament, which is part of why Duke beat them by double digits.
Both teams were similar to the year before, but Duke had a key addition in Grant Hill. The Blue Devils had four players score in double digits, and Hurley had a much better performance this time around.
Duke would go on to win its first national championship, defeating UNLV in the Final Four and Kansas in the title game.
One of the most famous games in NCAA Tournament history, underdog UConn defeated powerhouse Duke in the 1999 national championship game for its first title. The Huskies lost just two games that season but still faced an uphill battle in their first NCAA championship appearance.
UConn got 27 points from Richard Hamilton as Duke used a 40-point second half to win 77-74. At the time, both teams were No. 1 seeds, but Duke was a favorite by almost 10 points, so the Huskies’ win was a shocker.
This was UConn’s first Final Four appearance, and it would propel the Huskies to becoming one of the top programs in the country.
2004 Final Four: UConn, 79-78
Five years later, Duke and UConn once again met in the Final Four, this time with a trip to the national championship on the line. Duke’s team featured J.J. Redick and Luol Deng, while UConn had future NBA players Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon.
After Duke went into halftime up seven, UConn outscored the Blue Devils by eight in the second half to win by one point. Gordon and Okafor both had 18 points, while Duke’s five players in double figures were not enough.
The Huskies would go on to defeat Georgia Tech two days later for their second national title.
The 1999 National Championship is one of the most memorable in college basketball history. At the time, Duke already had two national titles and was considered a heavy favorite as they entered the game with a 32-game winning streal. Meanwhile, UConn was in its first Final Four and National Championship game.
The Blue Devils had future NBA playrer all over the court with Shane Battier, Corey Maggette, Elton Brand and Trajan Langdon. Duke cruised through the first two weekends with four double-digit wins, making people believe a championship was a foregone conclusion.
The Huskies shocked the world with a three-point win, despite UConn having only two losses on the year. Richard Hamilton's 27 points led all scorers, while Ricky Moore and Khalid El-Amin combined for 25 points between the two.
Since this win, UConn has won six National Championships, more than any other program. The victory also cemented Jim Calhoun's place among the best coaches in college basketball history.
Duke and UConn have played nine times in their history, with Duke having the edge 5-4. The Huskies won four-straight between 1994-2004, but the Blue Devils won the last two, with the most recent matchup coming in 2014.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kyle Tucker singled in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning, lifting the Dodgers over the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-4 on Friday night after Los Angeles players received their World Series rings.
Edwin Diaz earned his first save in his Dodgers debut.
Tucker, who joined the team on a $240 million deal in the offseason, contributed for the second straight game. He had his first hit and first RBI in an 8-2 comeback win in the season opener.
Alex Freeland, whose home run gave the Dodgers their first lead in the third, doubled off Kevin Ginkel (0-1). He moved to third on Shohei Ohtani's groundout to second and scored on Tucker's hit to right field.
Diaz had fans on their feet as the former New York Mets reliever entered to Timmy Trumpet's “Narcos.” A trumpeter wearing a Dodgers jersey tooted away. Diaz converted 28 of 31 save chances last season before the Dodgers lured him away with a $69 million, three-year deal.
Diaz erased Carlos Santana on a swinging strikeout. He walked Alek Thomas, who stole second. Jordan Lawler took a called third strike and Diaz retired Ketel Marte on a groundout to shortstop to end it.
Edgardo Henriquez (1-0) got the win in relief, striking out Nolan Arenado in the eighth inning. Arenado struck out four times total.
The Dodgers took a 4-2 lead on Mookie Betts' three-run homer and Freeland's solo shot off Ryne Nelson in the third.
The D-backs led 2-0 on Marte's homer in the second and Thomas' RBI double in the first off Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan.
Up next
Arizona LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (9-9, 5.02 ERA) starts Saturday's series finale against RHP Tyler Glasnow (4-3, 3.19).
SEATTLE — Cole Young and Luke Riley hit home runs and George Kirby pitched six strong innings as the Seattle Mariners defeated the visiting Cleveland Guardians 5-1 on Friday night to even their four-game series at one apiece.
Guardians rookie Chase DeLauter went deep for the third time in two games.
Kirby (1-0) allowed one run on two hits. The right-hander walked two and struck out six.
Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams (0-1) struggled with his command. He allowed three runs on two hits over five innings with seven strikeouts and walked a career-high six.
DeLauter, who made his first regular-season appearance Thursday after debuting in last year's playoffs, homered with one out in the first inning for a second straight night. His fly ball to right-center field just eluded the glove of a leaping Raley at the wall.
DeLauter is the third player since 1900 with three home runs in his first two career regular-season games. The others to do it are Trevor Story in 2016 and Joe Cunningham in 1954.
Williams held Seattle scoreless until the fourth. Randy Arozarena and Dominic Canzone drew walks and, with two outs, Young just cleared the fence in right to make it 3-1. Young, in his second season, led the team with six homers and 18 RBIs this spring.
The Guardians loaded the bases in the fifth as Rhys Hoskins and CJ Kayfus led off with back-to-back walks, then an out later, Brayan Rocchio was hit by a pitch. Steven Kwan hit a shallow fly ball down the left field line that was caught by Arozarena, with the lumbering Hoskins inexplicably trying to tag and score. Hoskins was thrown out by 25 feet and Cleveland never threatened again.
The Mariners extended their lead off reliever Colin Holderman in the sixth. Arozarena drew a leadoff walk -- the Guardians challenged ball four but the video review went against them -- and Raley followed by lining a two-run shot over the right field wall. It was Raley's second homer in as many games.
All nine of the Mariners' runs through the first two games have come via the long ball. They hit four solo shots in a 6-4 loss in Thursday's season opener.
Seattle's Cal Raleigh, the runner-up for American League MVP last season when he hit 60 homers - the most ever for a catcher and a switch hitter - went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts. Raleigh has fanned in all seven of his at-bats this season.
The Akron Beacon Journal sports department can be contacted via email at bjsports@thebeaconjournal.com.
It was ring night at Dodger Stadium for the defending back-to-back World Series champions. And the Los Angeles Dodgers had plenty to celebrate, too, in a 5-4 win on Friday night over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The ring celebration was theatrical, with members of the 2025 World Series-winning Los Angeles Dodgers each receiving their hardware for the first time.
To make matters even more special and unforgettable, future first ballot Hall-of-Famer Clayton Kershaw, threw out the ceremonial first pitch and was later presented his ring by his former teammates.
There were a handful of players that repped Dodger Blue that were unable to receive World Series rings, but they turned out to be the ones who contributed the most.
Looking ahead to the game, the Dodgers were looking to remain perfect and secure the series win over the
Right-hander Emmet Sheehan took the mound for the Dodgers and was unable to complete four innings. His final line score read 3 1/3 innings, allowing four earned runs on five hits while striking out six.
Manager Dave Roberts spoke on the difficult Spring that Sheehan said, nailing the troubles down to mechanical issues.
It looked as though that was the case Friday night with every time Sheehan completed an inning, his velocity seemed to dip down.
Arizona was able to work the right-hander into long counts.
Emmet Sheehan had issues maintaining his stuff and command in spring, something they attributed to some mechanical stuff he was working through.
For the second consecutive night, the Diamondbacks rang up their name first on the scoreboard.
After Gabriel Moreno and Pavin Smith led off the second inning reaching base, Alek Thomas doubled down the right-field line to give Arizona an early 1-0 lead.
Smith tested his luck trying to score from first, but outfielder Kyle Tucker showed his arm strength and gunned him out with ease to end the frame.
They got the run back the following inning as Ketel Marte ambushed Sheehan's 94 mph fastball in the middle of the zone and took it 391 feet over the right-field wall.
The Dodgers turned the tide in their bottom half of the third.
Alex Freeland made his season debut on Friday night starting at second base and made his impression felt on the offensive side, hitting his first home run of the season during his first at-bat.
Los Angeles felt they were hitting a groove until the Dbacks punched back as Thomas hit his second RBI double to tie the game 4-4.
After that Betts three-run blast, 14 straight Dodgers hitters were retired.
It wasn't until Freeland led off the bottom of the eighth with his second extra-base hit of his debut. Ohtani moved him up to third and Tucker hit the go-ahead RBI single to give the Dodgers a 5-4 lead.
Arizona traveled a long way to get to its Big 12 series, and then watched its opponent hit the ball a long way out of the stadium over and over.
Wildcat pitchers allowed four home runs in an 11-6 loss at UCF on Friday night in Orlando. It was the most homers yielded in a game since Game 1 of the Super Regionals last year at North Carolina.
Arizona (9-16, 2-5 Big 12) hit three homers of its own, getting a 2-run shot from Nate Novitske in the top of the 1st, a solo homer by Carson McEntire in the 5th and a 2-run bomb by Jackson Forbes in the 8th. But the Knights (16-8, 6-1) took the lead for good with a 3-run 3rd that included the first of two homers by John Smithill.
Owen Kramkowski allowed six runs (five earned) in six innings, dropping to 1-3. Relievers Maclain Roberts and Matthew Martinez didn’t do much better, each giving up a homer.
Game 2 of the series is set for 3 p.m. PT Saturday, with right-hander Smith Bailey on the mound.
Tennessee guard Ethan Burg (35) celebrates and leads the team toward the Tennessee fan section after Tennessee defeated Iowa State in a NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game at the United Center in Chicago on March 27, 2026. | Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Tennessee Vols are, again, back in a very familiar place — on the doorstep of the Final Four. The Vols defeated Iowa State 76-62 behind a big second half surge to secure their third straight appearance in the Elite Eight.
Nate Ament led Tennessee with 18 points and four rebounds despite missing 15 minutes of action on the bench with foul trouble. Felix Okpara was dominant in the paint, posting 12 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks. Jaylen Carey also had a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards.
Iowa State was without star forward Joshua Jefferson with an ankle injury. Tennessee absolutely blanketed the Cyclones,’ top scorer Milan Momcilovic, who had a nightmarish game with 6 points on 2-9 shooting.
The Vols absolutely dominated this game close to the basket. Tennessee held a 43-22 edge in rebounds after leading 22-10 at the break.
The game started slow, with Tennessee falling behind early 10-6 in the first six minutes. But Tennessee tied it up at 15 and gradually pulled ahead 24-19 on a slam by Carey. The Vols had a shot to go into the half with momentum, as they controlled the glass and the paint, but a layup and a bad throw into the backcourt by Okpara gave the Cyclones the lead back at 33-32 with a chance to build on it. Tennessee’s defense held, and Okpara atoned with two free throws in the final seconds of the half, and the Vols took a 34-33 lead into the locker room.
The problem for Tennessee was the turnovers. The Vols coughed it up 10 times in the first half, and ISU registered 12 fast break points. Where Tennessee should have had a significant lead, those two stats are why it was a one-point game at half.
Ament took a pass and launched a long three from the top of the key just 10 seconds into the half to get Tennessee going quickly. Boswell was open on the wing and splashed home a three to push the lead to 7 at 44-37. After Ja’Kobi Gillespie knocked down a three, Carey followed a J.P. Estrella miss with a putback, and Tennessee had control of the game at 54-41. From there, Tennessee stayed in control, up by double digits for almost the rest of the way.
ISU made one last late mini-surge, cutting it to 66-58 on a Momcilovic with around four minutes left. But Estrella took a pass and slammed it home to push the lead back to 68-58. Iowa State couldn’t muster anything to get back into it, and Tennessee dribbled out the last 25 seconds.
Up next for Tennessee is Michigan on Sunday afternoon at 2:15 pm ET on CBS, with a trip to the program’s first ever Final Four on the line.
The biggest college basketball tournament is here, bringing plenty of excitement and storylines. Will we see Cinderellas pull upsets, or will the bluebloods keep their grip on the tournament? With the power of a reliable connection always important during a successful tournament run, we’re keeping you connected to the can’t-miss headlines and standout moments from every round.
The first two spots in the Final Four will be booked on Saturday. And there are three schools vying to break droughts that span at least 20 years.
Only Purdue, which made the national title game in 2024, has gotten to the Final Four in the last two decades. Will the Boilermakers get back for the second time in the past three seasons and give the Big Ten two teams in the national semifinals?
Here’s what you need to know for Saturday’s Elite Eight games.
No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 9 Iowa
Illinois’ last Final Four appearance: 2005
Iowa’s last Final Four appearance: 1980
We’re guaranteed to have at least one Big Ten team in the Final Four and it’s through a matchup only the most die-hard fans of the conference would have predicted before the NCAA tournament.
The Hawkeyes dictated the slow tempo against Nebraska and shot 52% from the field and nearly 64% from inside the arc. Of course, Nebraska’s four-men-on-the-court blunder is the play that will be relived for years, but Iowa already led before that happened.
Iowa probably can’t give up 10 offensive rebounds again, however. Illinois had nine in its win over Houston, though the Illini shot just 43% from the field against Houston’s tough defense. The Cougars, meanwhile, were an abysmal 34% from the field and made just 28% of their 3-point attempts.
The two teams met once during the regular season; Illinois got a 75-69 road win.
No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 2 Purdue
Arizona’s last Final Four appearance: 2001
Purdue’s last Final Four appearance: 2024
This could be the highest-scoring game of the Elite Eight. Both teams have topped 100 points once in the NCAA tournament and Arizona’s 78 points in the second round against Utah State is the lowest total of either team through the first three rounds.
The latter got the game-winning basket against Texas on Thursday night after he tipped in Braden Smith’s missed layup with 0.7 seconds to go. Purdue again got nearly all of its scoring production from its starting lineup; bench players scored just two baskets.
Arizona can get more scoring power off the bench. Tobe Awaka had 14 points and seven rebounds against Arkansas and Anthony Dell’Orso has had 20 or more points four times this season.
How the Wildcats keep Fletcher Loyer from wriggling away for open 3-pointers will be a big key. Arizona’s opponents shoot less than 31% from behind the arc. Loyer is 5-of-9 from 3-point range through three NCAA tournament games and is averaging nearly 20 points per game.
Following a tradition he started in 2018, Diaz entered the field from the outfield bullpen, then headed to the pitcher’s mound to the sound of trumpets as his walk-out song "Narco" played over the stadium speakers. Diaz struck out two batters to close out the 5-4 win.
For the past three years, he did it at Citi Field as a member of the New York Mets. On March 27, he unveiled the walk-out ritual at Dodger Stadium.
Diaz told reporters in December he was looking forward to the moment after signing a three-year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers.
“It would be fun,’’ Diaz said at the time. “I think that music will get into the fans right away. That's a nice walk-up song, so I can't wait to, first game of the season, come in the ninth with Timmy Trumpet and get the W for the Dodgers."
The sound of trumpets almost always signals a triumphant moment. Diaz, the 32-year-old from Puerto, has recorded 253 saves in his nine-year MLB career, He also was named the American League Reliever of the year in 2018 and the National Reliever of the Year in 2022 and 2025.
Diaz started using Narco as his walk-out song in 2018. At the time, he was pitching for the Mariners, which provided a few options, according to MLB.com.
Why did he pick the song?
"The trumpets," Díaz told Matt Monagan of MLB.com in 2022. "The trumpets were unique. Something different from what everybody uses. That's why I picked it."
Released in 2017, the hit song is by Blasterjaxx, Dutch DJ and record production duo, and Timmy Trumpet, an Australian DJ/producer.
Upon joining the Mets in 2019, Diaz started using “No Hay Limite’’ as his walk-out song. But he went back to “Narco’’ in 2020 and has remained faithful to the trumpets ever since.
A Dallas Mavericks logo is seen at the team's practice facility, June 27, 2024, in Dallas. (Elías Valverde II/Staff Photographer)
While the 2025-26 season hasn't been a great one for the Dallas Mavericks, the team has a good chance of landing a premium pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
Luckily for Dallas, the team has run into some recent good luck in the draft lottery. The Mavericks won last year's lottery despite having just a 1.8% chance of drawing the No. 1 pick. That put them in a prime position to select Cooper Flagg.
Will the Mavericks' lottery luck carry into 2026? Below, we'll take a look at Dallas' chances at landing the No. 1 pick and where the squad is currently projected among lottery teams:
Mavericks' odds to land the No. 1 overall pick in 2026
Chances at the No. 1 pick (based on current position)
1
Pacers
16-58
14.0%
2
Nets
17-57
14.0%
3
Wizards
17-56
14.0%
4
Kings
19-55
12.5%
5
Jazz
21-53
10.5%
6
Mavericks
24-50
9.0%
7
Grizzlies
24-49
7.5%
8
Hawks (Pick from Pelicans)
25-50 (New Orleans' current record)
6.0%
9
Bulls
29-44
4.5%
10
Bucks
29-43
3.0%
11
Warriors
36-38
2.0%
12
Trail Blazers
37-38
1.5%
13
Heat
39-35
1.0%
14
Grizzlies (Pick from Magic)
39-34
0.5%
How does the NBA draft lottery work?
Here's a breakdown from our Mike Curtis from last year's lottery:
Fourteen ping-pong balls, numbered 1-14, are placed in a hopper, with the potential for 1,001 different four-ball draws. Each team is assigned a certain number of combinations based on their final record.
At least three four-number combinations will be drawn, slotting teams with picks Nos. 1-3 in this year's draft.
In the event that a team has one of its combinations drawn more than once, the balls are drawn again until three different teams have been determined.
What's the Mavericks' draft lottery history?
Before 2025, the Mavericks didn't have the best luck in the NBA draft lottery. Last year marked the first time in 17 lottery appearances that Dallas drew a pick better than its odds dictated.
Here's a look at the history and the players Dallas has selected or traded for via the draft lottery:
Los Angeles, CA - March 26: Kyle Tucker #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers watches his RBI double as teammate Shohei Ohtani (not pictured) scores against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the seventh inning of an opening day baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 26, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
After the pomp and circumstance that came from the Dodgers’ second consecutive ring night, the Dodgers had a close affair on Friday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, pulling away late to win 5-4.
Emmet Sheehan made his first start of the season, and he made quick work of the first three Arizona hitters by striking out the side in order. The final one of the inning was initially called a ball, but Will Smith issued a challenge and the Dodgers won their first ABS challenge in team history.
Arizona began the top of the second inning by putting their first two hitters on base via a single from Gabriel Moreno and a walk to Pavin Smith. Sheehan managed to strike out Nolan Arenado and get Carlos Santana to fly out, but Alek Thomas got the Diamondbacks in front early with an RBI double that could’ve scored two, but a great relay from Kyle Tucker and Alex Freeland caught Smith at the plate. Arizona padded their lead to two as Ketel Marte launched a line drive home run to right field in the top of the third inning on a 3-0 fastball from Sheehan.
Arizona right-hander Ryne Nelson was one out away from keeping the Dodgers at bay over the first time through the lineup, but Alex Freeland got one of the two runs back with a towering home run to right field— a little thank you to Dave Roberts for adding him to the opening day roster. Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Tucker both walked against Nelson to put the potential tying and go-ahead runners on base, and Mookie Betts, who homered twice on ring night last year, crushed a go-ahead three-run home run to right-center field to give the Dodgers their third four-run inning over their first 11 innings on offense.
Sheehan struggled again in his second time facing the bottom half of Arizona’s lineup, as he allowed his second walk to Smith and a double to Carlos Santana to put the tying run in scoring position. Sheehan was pulled after tossing 83 pitches over just 3 1/3 innings of work, allowing two earned runs on five hits and two walks while striking out six. Jack Dreyer came in relief of Sheehan, and Thomas once again made the Dodgers pay with his second double of the night, this time driving in two and tying the game, but Thomas overran the third base bag going for a triple and was tagged out.
Arizona threatened to retake the lead in the top of the sixth inning, as Ben Casparius allowed two baserunners while recording just two outs in the top of the sixth inning. Dave Roberts went to Tanner Scott for the second day in a row, needing him to put away Thomas with the go-ahead run at second base. The gamble paid off, and Scott struck him out to get the Dodgers out of the jam.
Both Alex Vesia and Edgardo Henríquez tossed a scoreless inning as the bullpen kept the Diamondbacks off the board after the second double from Thomas. The Dodgers couldn’t supply anything offensively after the home run from Betts, going hitless over their next 14 at-bats against Nelson and the Arizona bullpen. Freeland snapped the hitless skid to begin the bottom of the eighth inning with a ringing double to the right-center field gap. Ohtani moved him over to third on a groundout, and Tucker lined a ball into right field past a drawn in infield to put the Dodgers back on top by a run.
This set up the perfect opportunity for Edwin Díaz to make his Dodger debut, and emerged from the left field bullpen to the blaring sounds of “Narco” by Timmy Trumpet for the first time at his new home. Díaz put the tying run on base, but struck out two and tossed a scoreless inning to pick up his first save as a Dodger and help his new squad take the series from Arizona.
The Dodgers last season started the year 8-0. They are a quarter of the way there this time around.
Game particulars
Home runs— Ketel Marte (1); Alex Freeland (1), Mookie Betts (1)
The Dodgers wrap things up against Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday before an off-day on Sunday, with a three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians beginning the following day. Tyler Glasnow makes his first start of the season against left-hander Eduardo Rodríguez.
CHICAGO (AP) — Nate Ament scored 18 points, Ja’Kobi Gillespie finished with 16 and Tennessee beat Iowa State 76-62 on Friday night to advance to the Elite Eight for the third straight year.
Coach Rick Barnes' team used a dominant effort on the glass and a strong second half to put away Iowa State (29-8) and move within one win of its first Final Four.
The sixth-seeded Volunteers (25-11) will meet top-seeded Michigan in the Midwest Region final on Sunday. The Wolverines beat Alabama 90-77 behind a dominant all-around performance by Yaxel Lendeborg.
Ament made three 3-pointers. Felix Okpara chipped in with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Jaylen Carey added 11 points and 10 boards, and the Volunteers outrebounded the Cyclones 43-22.
Nate Heise and Tamin Lipsey each scored 18 points for Iowa State, but the Cyclones clearly struggled without injured star Joshua Jefferson.
The All-America forward was hurt minutes into the Cyclones’ March Madness opener against Tennessee State and did not play in their lopsided win over Kentucky. He averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists.
Tennessee led 34-33 at halftime after Okpara hit two free throws in the closing seconds and Lipsey missed a driving layup at the buzzer.
The Volunteers were up 44-39 when they went on a 13-4 run that Carey punctuated with a three-point play off a tip-in. The 6-foot-8, 267-pound forward turned toward the roaring Vols fans and flexed before hitting the free throw to make it 57-43 with 11:47 remaining.
CHICAGO − Tennessee basketball kept its postseason run alive with a 76-62 win over Iowa State on March 27.
The No. 6 seed Vols (25-11) made it to their third straight Elite Eight and will play No. 1 Michigan (34-3) at the United Center on March 29 (2:15 p.m. ET, CBS).
A win over the Wolverines could send Tennessee to its first Final Four in program history.
Tennessee basketball vs. Michigan start time in NCAA Tournament
Date: Sunday, March 29
Time: 2:15 p.m. ET
Where: United Center
What channel is Tennessee basketball vs. Michigan in NCAA Tournament? TV, livestream
CHICAGO — Iowa State basketball was shorthanded, but 6-seeded Tennessee hardly had any sympathy.
The Volunteers' big men were unrelenting on the glass and inside, and they helped Tennessee knock down the Joshua Jefferson-less Cyclones. After holding a one-point halftime lead, Tennessee pulled away after the break for a 76-62 win on Friday, March 27, at United Center.
Iowa State finished the season with a 29-8 record.
Nate Heise and Tamin Lipsey each had 18 points to lead the Cyclones.
For Tennessee, Nate Ament had a team-high 18 points. Felix Okpara had a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double with three blocks and a steal. Ja'Kobi Gillespie added 16 points, while Jaylen Carey had an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double off the bench.
Here are five noteworthy numbers from the Cyclones' loss:
+21 — Rebounding margin in favor of Tennessee
Tennessee entered the Sweet 16 as a team known for excelling on the glass, especially on the offensive boards. With Jefferson ruled out for Friday's game with a sprained ankle, the Volunteers were able to use their imposing size and rebounding skills right away.
Tennessee demolished an undersized and short-handed Iowa State on the glass. The Volunteers had three starters measure at 6-foot-10 or taller in Ament, J.P. Estrella and Okpara, and they were difficult to box out and keep off the glass. Tennessee also had two 6-foot-8 forwards enter the game off the bench.
The Volunteers outrebounded Iowa State, 43-22. Tennessee managed to collect 16 offensive rebounds.
There were times Iowa State minimized the damage and got a stop, even with the Volunteers getting second or third chances at a basket, only to come empty-handed.
There were other moments where Tennessee's frontcourt overmatched Iowa State, or the Cyclones failed to track a long rebound or loose ball.
Although Tennessee got all those offensive rebounds, the Volunteers only got 14 second-chance points out of it.
34.6% — Iowa State second-half shooting percentage
After a closely-contested first half, where Iowa State only trailed by a point, the Volunteers were able to gain separation and build a double-digit lead.
The Cyclones had a harder time keeping up, as Tennessee's length and size made life difficult on offense. Iowa State wasn't able to get into a groove at the perimeter, so it had no choice but to try to go inside. There were no easy drives to the basket, and oftentimes the Cyclones had to change their shot mid-air or settle for a difficult off-balanced, or fadeaway shot.
Iowa State shot 9-of-26 (34.6%) overall and 1-of-10 from deep in the second half.
Overall, the Cyclones shot 38.9% for the game, and they went 5-of-23 (21.7%) from deep.
36 — Points for Tamin Lipsey, Nate Heise in final college game for Iowa State
In a highly physical game, with plenty of collisions and contact, it was fitting that two of the Cyclones' toughest players led the pack for what turned out to be their last game for Iowa State.
Tamin Lipsey and Nate Heise were the only players to score in double figures for the Cyclones.
Heise shined in the first half, while Lipsey stepped things up in the second.
With his gold medal-winning big sister, Taylor, in the house and his team in need of players to step up in Jefferson's absence, Heise once again filled in for the 6-foot-9 standout forward in the starting lineup. He had 14 of his 18 points in the first half. He also had five rebounds and a steal.
As for Lipsey, 11 of his 18 points came in the second half. He also had five rebounds and five assists. He also brought the hustle to both ends of the floor, hitting the deck often and drawing fouls and contact in the tough matchup.
How were the Volunteers going to handle the Cyclones' defensive pressure? This seemed like the one area where Iowa State could potentially make up for any rebounding discrepancy.
The Cyclones were able to force 17 Tennessee turnovers, but only converted those into 14 points the other way. In the second half, they only had three points off turnovers.
Iowa State tried to push the pace, but the Volunteers were able to get back and their length inside made it difficult for the Cyclones to convert.
Eugene Rapay covers Iowa State athletics for the Des Moines Register. Contact Eugene at erapay@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @erapay5
The BYU Cougars men's volleyball team plays the Pepperdine Waves on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Smith Fieldhouse in Provo, Utah.
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Jaren Wilkey/BYU
No. 6 Pepperdine remained unbeaten in MPSF play Friday night in Provo, taking down No. 9 BYU in four sets and handing the Cougars their third home setback of the season.
The Waves broke an otherwise even match open late in the third set, ultimately cruising to their seventh league victory. Pepperdine’s win came on set scores of 25-21, 19-25, 25-23 and 25-15.
“We (had a) really funky start,” BYU coach Shawn Olmstead said after the match. “(I) felt like our guys were just trying to do too much. … Once you saw us just hitting the way we need to hit, and just doing things correctly, you saw us kind of come (back).”
It still wasn’t quite enough, as Olmstead’s squad dropped its fifth straight match against a ranked opponent.
Entering the weekend, the Cougars had won six straight matches against Pepperdine, the Waves’ last win in Provo coming a decade ago.
“Credit to Pepperdine,” Olmstead said. “It’s tough to play here, been tough to play here, but it didn’t seem to impact them.”
Pepperdine scored the first four points of the initial set before BYU rallied to take a 15-14 lead on a 5-0 run. The Waves soon regained control of the set though, scoring six of the next seven points and pulling away for the win.
The Cougars were unable to capitalize on their visitors’ seven service errors, ultimately hitting -.037 in the set on just nine kills against Pepperdine’s 5.5 blocks.
“It got fairly close there in the first set,” Olmstead said. “They ran away at the end … but it just felt like (we) were definitely trying to overdo too much.”
BYU figured things out and had a timely run in the second set. The Cougars outscored the Waves 7-1 to take a 21-15 advantage before coasting to the finish line from there.
The Provo school rectified its poor hitting percentage, swinging things in its favor with a .458 percentage in the second frame.
Pepperdine punched back though, using a strong finish to take the third set. The Waves hit a scorching .571 in the set and finished things off on a 7-2 run to eke out the two-point victory.
The teams were tied 12 different times, but BYU created separation late before Pepperdine’s run ended the set.
“I know teams come back, but you got to be confident, you got to be assertive, you got to be aggressive and just be able to put teams away,” Olmstead said of his team’s meltdown in the final stretch of the third set.
“They went on a run that ended up winning that set, so that one stings.”
Adding to the sting was senior outside hitter Trent Moser going out after the third set due to cramps.
“I thought he was doing a great job,” Olmstead said of Moser. “That’s one of the best matches that I’ve seen from him in the back row. … He really kind of led the guys and I thought that really was a changing point (when he went out).”
The Waves’ momentum carried into the final set as they earned a lopsided victory in a match that had been close up until that point.
Pepperdine tallied four service aces in the set and grew its lead as things wore on. The visitors had four different runs of three or more points, overwhelming the Cougars for the win.
“They saved all their aces for that set,” Olmstead said of the fourth set. “(Things) were starting to fall apart because they were serving so tough.”
Ultimately, the Waves’ strong effort and the Cougars’ inconsistent play cost BYU, as it failed to capitalize in critical moments of the match.
BYU will have 24 hours to make the necessary adjustments after a tough night, as it gets another crack at Pepperdine Saturday evening in the Smith Fieldhouse.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Ashlon Jackson’s 3-pointer at the buzzer lifted third-seeded Duke to an 87-85 win over No. 2 seed LSU in the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA Tournament on Friday night.
Jackson’s shot from the wing right in front of Duke’s bench rolled around the rim before dropping in, setting off a wild celebration by the Blue Devils. She caught the ball on the wing and after faking LSU defender Flau’Jae Johnson put up the shot.
Duke (27-8) will face top-seeded UCLA in the Elite Eight of the Sacramento 2 Region on Sunday. The Bruins beat Minnesota in the other regional semifinal.
LSU (29-6) had rallied from an 11-point deficit to go ahead on two free throws by Mikaylah Williams with 9.2 seconds left.
Taina Mair missed a 3-pointer from the corner with 5 seconds left. The ball went out of bounds off an LSU player with 2.6 seconds left, setting up the fantastic finish.
Mair and Toby Fournier each scored 22 points to lead Duke. Jackson finished with 21.
Duke took an 11-point lead early in the fourth quarter before LSU cut it to 84-83 with 19 seconds left. Jackson was fouled and she missed both free throws. The ball went out of bounds and a review gave it to LSU.
Johnson drove the lane and missed a shot but Williams got the rebound and was fouled. She made both free throws to give the Tigers the lead briefly before Jackson’s heroics.
MiLaysia Fulwiley scored 28 for LSU and Williams added 22. Johnson finished with 13 to end her illustrious college career.
Duke avenged an early season loss to the Tigers in the ACC-SEC challenge. Since that loss, which put the Blue Devils at 3-6, they have won 24 of 26 games. That propelled them to both the ACC regular season and tournament titles.
LSU had been nearly unstoppable on offense, scoring more than 100 points in an NCAA-record 16 games this season. The Tigers’ offense was fine, but they couldn’t stop the Blue Devils.
Duke got off to a fast start, hitting 55% of its shots in the first quarter to lead 24-19. The Blue Devils extended the advantage to 47-40 at the half. LSU struggled from the field except for Fulwiley, who had 18 points on 7-for-9 shooting.
LSU rallied to tie the game early in the fourth before going cold from the field. Coach Kim Mulkey, wearing a purple sequined suit, tried to get her team going, but the Tigers couldn’t respond.
Up next
Duke will face UCLA in the Elite Eight in a rematch of a game from November that the Bruins won easily.
The NFL Draft is 26 days away, and the Minnesota Vikings have nine picks. With the event so close, the rumor mill stays quite loud, and this is the first batch of the weekend.
The rumor mill hit Kirk Cousins, KOC, and D.J. Reader in one swing.
It focuses on a former Vikings quarterback’s connection to a rival, a hypothesis about what got Kwesi Adofo-Mensah fired, and a defensive tackle option in free agency.
Latest Vikings Chatter Covers Three Very Different Angles
The Purple Rumor Mill for Saturday, March 28th.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) watches from the sideline during second-quarter action, tracking the flow of the game against his former team as emotions and familiarity intersect on Dec. 8, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with the Vikings controlling key moments throughout the matchup. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Rumor: Kirk Cousins is an ideal free-agent fit for the Packers.
Matt Schneidman of The Athletic analyzed free agents for Green Bay this week, and Cousins was mentioned.
He explained, “Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love and Malik Willis have all been backup quarterbacks for the Packers. All three could be starting in the NFL come September. Green Bay really values the position, which might make it unlikely that Desmond Ridder or Kyle McCord — the only other quarterbacks on the roster besides Love — are in the No. 2 role come Week 1.”
“The idea of adding a proven veteran like Cousins, who can at least help the Packers tread water if Love goes down, might entice head coach Matt LaFleur. Cousins might (understandably) want to sign with a team whose starter is less entrenched than Love, but perhaps the idea of reuniting with his position coach from his first two years in the NFL (LaFleur) entices him, too.”
Green Bay has also visited the recent rumor mill for an Anthony Richardson trade.
Either way, because of the Matt LaFleur connection — LaFleur was Cousins’s first quarterback coach in Washington 14 years ago — Cousins to Wisconsin cannot be ruled out.
Rumor: Kevin O’Connell was denied every step of the way last offseason at quarterback.
Mike Florio, the boss at Pro Football Talk, led the way with this theory last week.
He said, “As I understand it, O’Connell got overruled. He wanted to have Sam Darnold or Daniel Jones or Aaron Rodgers, and he got overruled. They said no to Rodgers. Rodgers wanted to play for them last year, and they said no. They’re sticking with J.J. McCarthy. And Jones is really the one that I think gulled O’Connell the most, because I think they thought they had something special with Jones.”
“They fired the GM because he had Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and an interested Aaron Rodgers in the building, and he said,” No, we’re good with J.J. McCarthy, and Max Brosmer and Carson Wentz are gonna be his backups. They’re not going to make the same mistake twice.”
This one actually makes sense, especially for explaining the timing of Adofo-Mensah’s firing — five days after the Seattle Seahawks reached the Super Bowl, led by Darnold.
Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell address media members, outlining expectations and roster outlook during a pre-training camp press conference held on July 22, 2025, as both leaders discuss team direction, player development, and goals entering another pivotal NFL season. Image Courtesy of YouTube.
Darnold silenced his doubters in Seattle, proving his strong 2024 season in Minnesota was no fluke. He led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory in 2025, a feat the Vikings have been chasing for 65 years.
In Indianapolis, Jones emerged as an early MVP candidate before his performance waned in November. A torn Achilles tendon cut his season short, and despite this, rumors surfaced that Minnesota hoped to bring him back in 2025. Ultimately, Jones chose to try the Colts, betting on a starting role under Shane Steichen — a decision that proved prescient.
Meanwhile, Rodgers guided the Steelers to the playoffs, though their run ended in the first round, marking the end of Mike Tomlin’s tenure. Despite the early exit, Pittsburgh secured a playoff berth, while Minnesota narrowly missed out.
If Florio is correct, every quarterback option O’Connell wanted would have led to success.
Rumor: The Vikings should sign DT D.J. Reader.
Reader got the shoulder tap from Bleacher Report‘s Kristopher Knox on a late-March free-agent list, and he claimed that Reader should pick the Vikings or Dallas Cowboys for his 2026 plan.
Detroit Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) lines up at the line of scrimmage, preparing for the snap and engaging the interior during defensive action against the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 16, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as trench battles shape the tone of the game. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images.
Knox explained, “D.J. Reader will turn 32 this summer and isn’t the sort of attacking interior pass-rusher that many teams want at defensive tackle. However, he remains a high-end starter, a legitimate force against the run, and a very durable defender. Reader would be a great addition for the Dallas Cowboys, who traded away Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas.”
“He could serve as a run-stuffing specialist behind Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams to help boost a defense that allowed 4.7 yards per carry in 2025. The Minnesota Vikings should also take a long look at their former division rival. Minnesota released defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in cap-saving moves earlier this offseason. Best Fits: Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings.”
Reader is a damn steady defensive tackle, similar to former Vikings defender Dalvin Tomlinson of yesteryear. He would look great in purple for a couple of seasons. Minnesota almost never showcases a true nose tackle. That would change with Reader.
This is always a series where the records don’t seem to matter. It could be a battle for 1st place, or a huge game in the Big Ten Tournament, or where one is seemingly a big underdog. It almost always comes right down to the final at bat, and has seen its fair share of walk offs. They always bring out the best in each other and make for an outstanding
The Huskers got thing started in the 2nd inning. Second baseman Jett Buck reached on a fielding error by the 3rd baseman. Not a shock as the young Hoosier defense is average at best. Josh Overbeek had a long at back before striking out. DH Max Beuttenback followed with a long at bat himself, and on a full count was fooled by a off speed pitch and had his weight a little forward in the box, but was able to shoot his bat and hit a line drive that got a little assistance from the wind and landed just in the Hoosier bullpen for a 2 run home run. Not as pretty as his tape measure blast on Sunday, but just as effective. 2-0 Big Red.
NU kept it going in the 3rd, as lead off man extraordinaire, Mac Moyer poked a base hit into center field. Catcher Jeter Worthley sacrificed him over to second baseman, and short stop Dylan Carey drove a ball into centerfield, collecting an RBI as Moyer crossed home. Carey took advantage of struggling Indiana starter Reagan Rivera, as 2 wild pitches found Carey at 3rd base. Rivera tried to step off as the pitch clock was winding down, but was called for a balk as no one was covering and Carey jogged home to put the Huskers up 4-0.
The Hoosiers seemed to be collapsing in the 4th, as Rivera walked two NU batters and Moyer reached on Indiana’s short stop Cooper Malamazian uncorked his team leading 8th error of the season. Case Sanderson wore a fastball, scoring Max Buettenback from third. Carey stepped up to the plate again in a spot that felt like it could be the knockout blow for the Huskers, but popped his first pitch up into fouled territory and left the bases loaded. Still, Nebraska led 5-0.
Husker ace Ty Horn had kept the Indiana offense completely off balance through 5 innings. Backed by some spectacular plays, especially by the NU infield on some 100+ mph balls off the bat, Horn scattered 2 hits, 3 walks and struck out 6.
Horn ran into trouble finally in the 6th, as back to back weakly hit, but perfectly placed singles led off the inning. Caleb Clark came on in relief and after striking out out his first batter, threw a wild pitch, allowing an inherited runner to score, and then hit the batter on a full count. A fielders choice at second got him to his second out, but he couldn’t bring home the third. An RBI single closed the door on Horn’s stat line, and a full count walk in which multiple pitches appeared to catch the black on the inside of the batter, loaded the bases.
Tucker Timmerman came in to attempt to put out the fire, but his first pitch was driven into left, scoring 2 Hoosier base runners. He was able to finally induce a fly out for the 3rd out, but the damage had been done, and Indiana was right back in the game, down 5-4.
Nebraska put the pressure back on in the bottom of the inning. Buettenback was hit by a pitch to lead off and motored to third on a hustle double by the suddenly surging Drew Grego. Moyer then hit a sharp ground ball to third and Buettenback seemed to have time to either retreat or take off and come close to scoring, but ran while looking back at the 3rd baseman who himself seemed confused by Max’s action. He recovered to gun Max down at the plate.
Worthley walked to again load the bases for a potential knockout blow, and again Sanderson was hit by a pitch to secure another “black and blue” RBI. Carey again came up with the bases loaded, but a fly out to left, and throw home to snag Moyer trying to score double play ended the inning. Nebraska answered with a big run, bumping the lead up to 6-4, but again allowed Indiana to hang in there.
Malamazian made up for his error in the 7th with a 1 out triple. A simple ground out to Carey was able to bring him in and cut the lead to 6-5.
The Huskers turned to J’Shawn Unger for the 8th and he made quick work of the Hoosiers. He came back to the 9th to face the 3 best Indiana batters with a 1 run lead. His first pitch was drilled right at Rhett Stokes who was inserted at second base for defensive purposes. He someone snagged it, for the first out. Unger’s next pitch was a come-backer right to him which he hung onto for the second out, and he used the adrenaline from that to strike out the final batter, touching 95 mph, and earning the his third save of the season, and seemingly officially earning the title of closer for the Big Red.
It’s been a while since Nebraska played a game like this, where the offense didn’t erupt for a big inning and put a game out of reach. They only had 6 hits, and despite not making a huge dent in any single inning, took advantage of numerous Hoosier physical and mental errors. You have to imagine Dylan Carey is not going to let another situation like he saw with the bases loaded twice, slip through his fingers.
Nebraska looks to take the series Saturday, as the teams meet up after the conclusion of the football spring game. Fist pitch from Carson Jasa is going to be at 2pm.
Vanderbilt (15-12, 3-4 SEC) defeated No. 21 Tennessee (18-8, 3-4 SEC), 3-2, in 10 innings Friday to open a SEC series at Hawkins Field in Nashville, Tennessee.
Vanderbilt won the game on a walk-off single by Logan Johnstone with two outs in the tenth inning.
The Commodores led, 1-0, after Brodie Johnston hit a RBI single in the third inning. Vanderbilt extended its advantage to, 2-0, in the fifth inning after Korbin Reynolds hit a solo home run.
The Vols would pulled to within, 2-1, after Blake Grimmer scored on a Vanderbilt error in the sixth inning.
Tennessee tied the game in the eighth inning on a RBI single by Levi Clark.
Grimmer went 1-for-3 and recorded one double and scored one run, while Clark went 2-for-4 and recorded one RBI. Many Marin went 1-for-4 and scored one run.
Tegan Kuhns (1-3) pitched 4.1 innings in relief for the Vols. He allowed one run, five hits and one walk. Kuhns recorded six strikeouts, while totaling 78 pitches, including 56 strikes.
Brandon Arvidson started for the Vols. He allowed two runs, four hits and walks. Arvidson recorded seven strikeouts and 86 pitches (54 strikes).
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Golfer Tiger Woods stands by his overturned car on Friday afternoon in Jupiter Island, Florida.Photograph: Jason Oteri/AP
Tiger Woods was released on bail on Friday, hours after the golf star’s Land Rover clipped a truck, rolled onto its side and he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to officials.
Martin County sheriff John Budensiek said Woods was driving a Land Rover that overturned after attempting to overtake a truck on a narrow two-lane road shortly before 2pm near Woods’s residence on Jupiter Island. The vehicle clipped a trailer, veered off and came to rest on its driver’s side after sliding along the roadway.
The truck had been slowing to turn into a driveway when Woods approached at what the sheriff described as a “high rate of speed” on a road with a 30mph limit.
Woods, who was alone in the vehicle, was able to exit through the passenger side. Investigators said he showed signs of impairment and was subjected to roadside tests before being taken into custody.
Authorities said a breath test showed no alcohol in his system, and investigators believed impairment was due to medication or drugs. No substances were found in the vehicle. Woods refused to submit to a urinalysis test and was charged with DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
No injuries were reported, though Budensiek told reporters the outcome could have been far worse given the narrow roadway.
Donald Trump called Woods a “close friend” and said he felt “so badly” upon hearing the news during a gathering with media on Friday afternoon in Miami.
“I feel so badly,” Trump said. “He’s got some difficulty. There was an accident and that’s all I know. He’s a very close friend of mine ... an amazing person, an amazing man.”
It is the latest in a series of traffic-related incidents involving Woods. In February 2021, he was seriously injured when his SUV veered off a coastal road in Los Angeles at high speed. In that crash, Woods suffered multiple leg and ankle injuries so severe that, he later said, doctors considered amputation.
Woods was also arrested in 2017 on a DUI charge after police in south Florida found him asleep behind the wheel of a damaged vehicle. He later said he had taken a problematic mix of prescription medications and pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
A third incident took place in 2009, when Woods crashed his SUV into a fire hydrant and a tree outside his home in Windermere, Florida, in the early hours of the morning. Police said he was found injured in the street, while his then-wife, Elin Nordegren, told officers she had smashed the rear window with a golf club to help him out of the vehicle.
The 50-year-old has played a limited schedule in recent years while working his way back from multiple injuries and surgeries, including a seventh back procedure and a ruptured achilles tendon. He has not competed in an official PGA Tour event since July 2024, though he appeared earlier this week in the TGL indoor league he co-founded with Rory McIlroy.
Woods has entered this year’s US Senior Open but has not committed to playing, and his availability for next month’s Masters at Augusta National Golf Club remains uncertain.
An 82-time winner on the PGA Tour, Woods is tied with Sam Snead for the most victories in history and last won a major at the 2019 Masters, his fifth title at Augusta.
The Miami Heat managed to finally end their losing streak in their previous game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Unfortunately for the Heat, they had to play against the Cavs again on Friday, which was not a good result for them.
Miami lost 149-128, which is one of the worst results of the season for the Heat. After the game, Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra voiced out his displeasure with his players' performances, which is not a good look moving forward.
Spoelstra admits the Heat are playing unacceptable basketball as of late
Earlier in March, Spoelstra started to demand more grit from his players. He likely felt that the energy was dipping from his players, which is sub-optimal for the most important time of the season for their postseason hopes.
It was working well for Miami just a few weeks ago when they were on a lengthy winning streak. They were even in the automatic Playoff spots in the Eastern Conference, but their recent losing streak was a proverbial nail in the coffin.
While they broke that streak earlier this week with an impressive win against the Cavaliers, their second consecutive game against Cleveland did not pan out well.
In fact, it was a humiliating blowout loss that Spoelstra is unhappy about. Moving forward, Spoelstra wants more from his team as they have been playing bad basketball recently.
"It's extremely disappointing. We put in the time. The guys have put in blood, sweat, and tears to develop a top-four defense two weeks ago. When we need it the most is when we let it disappear. It's unacceptable at this time," Spoelstra said after the loss to Cleveland.
As the Heat progress this season ahead of the Play-In Tournament, Spoelstra wants his team to focus on their task. It is not a good look that they are crumbling at the moment, as the expectations are high for their postseason performances.
The women's Tournament continues with Sweet 16 Friday night finale as No. 2 LSU and No. 3 Duke will play for a spot in the Elite Eight. Duke who finished not far behind LSU in the final regular season rankings could view this as a revenge game for the 16-point loss the suffered at the hands of LSU on December 4.
In the time since that December game, the Blue Devils went 21-2 throughout the remainder of the season. Including wins over Notre Dame, North Carolina and Louisville. All of whom are Tournament teams with top 5 seeds. Kara Lawson's Blue Devils have had ample time to prepare for a possible rematch.
Since the last time these two teams met, Duke has clamped down defensively using turnovers to fuel additional possessions and points off turnovers. If Duke's defense can prevent LSU's frontcourt from dominating early, Duke could be an in advantageous position in the 4th quarter.
Here is a look at the box score from Friday's second round Regional 1 in Fort Worth.
Duke vs LSU live updates, highlights from 2026 March Madness game
4th Quarter - 5:10
Since the start of the 4th quarter Duke has gone on a 15-4 run. They are still having success going inside to Fournier. However, Taina Mair has been quietly making a big difference from beyond the arc where she has shot 50%. Most of those threes coming in critical moments, allowing Duke to maintain their lead. Which is now a 10-point lead. Duke leads LSU 83-73.
4th Quarter - 8:37
The scoring back and forth continues. Right about the time it begins to seem that Duke was content to trade twos, Ashlon Jackson fakes the defender for midrange two instead of the three she lined up for. Then followed that up with a steal by Delaney Thomas on the other end resulting in an and one on the other end. Duke leads LSU 72-67.
After LSU took the lead it only last a moment. Duke regained the lead and the teams have been essentially trading baskets for the last few minutes. Duke leads LSU 63-61.
Just shy of the midway point of the 3rd quarter, LSU gets its first lead since the score was 2-0. Fulwiley took the ball from the top of the key and drove hard, wrapping around a defender for a bucket and the foul. LSU now leads Duke 53-52.
For the first time in the game LSU looks like the aggressor. Flau'jae Johnson, who shot 1 for 7 in the first half, is more of a factor in the early part of the second half. MiLaysia Fulwiley who scored 16 off the bench, got the second half start for LSU.
End of the 1st Half
Duke leads LSU at halftime by a score of 47-40. The Blue Devils will need to 'lock it in' in the second half as LSU has gained momentum in the final five minutes in the half. Duke cannot stay comfortable and needs to continue to remain the aggressor.
LSU has cut into the lead with timely three point shooting. However, Duke is still getting production inside. LSU is making it difficult in the paint, but Duke has not been deterred. Duke leads LSU 44-40.
2nd Quarter - 5:23
Duke continues to convert inside at a shocking rate. Fournier already has 15 points and 8 rebounds. She is also 5 of 7 from the line. Duke has extended their lead to double digits for the first time in the game. Duke leads LSU 38-28
LSU is converting at a much better clip, but Duke is still the aggressor. They are pushing the ball whenever possible and getting high percentage shots. Despite being the worst free throw shooting team in the Sweet 16, Duke is 100% from the line. Duke leads LSU 26-21.
The scoring has increased. Both teams are converting difficult possessions. In a surprising turn of events, Duke is having their way inside. LSU does not yet have an answer for the Duke High-Low approach. There have been a couple 'chippy' moments but everything within reason. Duke leads LSU 19-12.
LSU is giving Duke opportunities early in what has been a somewhat sloppy start. Duke has captialized and extended their lead. LSU has not scored since the opening pair of free throws by Mikaylah Williams in the first minute of the game. LSU is currently 0-5 from the field. Duke leads LSU 9-2.
LSU came out of the gate as the aggressor attacking the basket but only got one score in before Toby Fournier would get three chances to score inside. Despite early turnovers and missed opportunity, the game is tied 2-2.
Mar 27, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) drives to the basket against the Miami Heat during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers ran the Miami Heat off the floor. Let’s go over today’s winners and losers.
WINNER – Jarrett Allen
In case you couldn’t tell, the Cavs missed Jarrett Allen. That was clear the moment he returned to the floor for his first game since March 3rd.
During that time without Allen, the Cavs ‘ defense had fallen off a cliff. They ranked 20th in defensive rating over the last two weeks. And, while their offense had been surging, it still felt like they were missing an important contributor.
Allen provided the goods as soon as he hit the hardwood.
In the opening minutes, Allen sealed Bam Adebayo in the paint for an easy post hook, pounded the glass for a few rebounds, and ran like the wind to finish an alley-oop jam. This trend repeated until he had 18 points and 10 rebounds midway through the third quarter.
“He’s been the best rim protector in the league post All-Star,” said Kenny Atkinson. “And then his rim presence offensively, I think sometimes without him, we become too perimeter oriented.”
Allen, in years past, has been the unsung hero of this team. I’m not so sure he’s being unsung anymore. Everyone in Rocket Arena seemed to appreciate the performance he just had. I know I did.
WINNER – Max Strus
Well, if the Cavs missed Jarrett Allen, you can say the same thing about Max Strus.
Strus already gave us an electric reintroduction when he hit Boston with a barrage of three-pointers in his first game of the season earlier this month. But after a few games of not having much success, Strus once again jolted back to life by erupting from downtown against his former team.
“Everything is game speed,” said Kenny Atkinson after the game. “He’s first in the gym, in the performance room, lifting, rehab, recovery, he does a phenomenal job taking care of his body — so I knew he had a little rest here, he didn’t play the last game, and so I kinda felt like he was going to come out and have a big game.”
It doesn’t take much to get Strus going. A semi-open jumper kicked it off. From there, any sliver of daylight meant Strus was launching it. The gravity that comes from having a player on a heater like this opened the floor for everyone else to attack. Miami wouldn’t dare to leave him.
Was it a revenge game? Or just Mad Max doing his thing? I don’t really care; it was awesome either way.
WINNER – Everyone Else
It was just one of those nights.
Who else can I shout out? James Harden, who put the Heat’s defense into a torture chamber and didn’t let them out until he had 17 points and 14 assists.
How about Evan Mobley, who padded his stats a bit in the fourth quarter, but punished Kel’el Ware in isolation after being embarrassed the game before. Mobley might have taken advantage of garbage time for 12 fourth-quarter points — but he owed them a little something extra.
The bench was all around much more impactful than last time. After only combining for 14 points in their first meeting, Cleveland’s bench had 50 points going into the fourth quarter against Miami this time around. Even if you subtract the points added by Strus, this was still a much better showing from them.
All in all, the Cavs were a well-oiled machine tonight. They played their hearts out defensively and couldn’t miss a shot on the other end. That’s how you build a 30+ point lead and get yourself back on track.
Georgio Poullas and Arman Tsarukyan clash again in RAF 7 main event Saturday night. | RAF
MMA Fighting has RAF 7 results for the Tsarukyan vs. Poullas 2 fight card, live blogs of the top two fights, and more from Yuengling Center in Tampa, Fla., on Saturday night.
In the main event, UFC star Arman Tsarukyan squares off against Georgio Poullas in a rematch. Tsarukyan defeated Poullas in their last meeting at RAF 6 before Tsarukyan punched Poullas in the face and caused a brawl.
Former UFC interim champion Colby Covington faces Dillon Danis in the co-main event. Covington hasn’t competed in the UFC since Dec. 14, 2024, but he makes his RAF return against the controversial Danis.
American stars Kyle Dake, Kyle Snyder, Wyatt Hendrickson, and Kennedy Blades also compete in title matches on the main card.
BASEL, SWITZERLAND - MARCH 27: Players of Germany pose for a team photograph prior to the international friendly match between Switzerland and Germany at St. Jakob-Park on March 27, 2026 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images) | Getty Images
German rolled into Switzerland looking to establish some momentum for its World Cup run and it might have actually helped build more doubt than confidence despite a 4-3 victory.
Switzerland is no pushover, but Germany did not do much to establish itself as a potential favorite for the upcoming World Cup.
Simply put, it just looked like more of the same. Let’s get into it, here are some quick hitters on the match:
As always, let’s begin with a look at Julian Nagelsmann’s starting XI:
Nagelsmann’s lineup offered few surprises. Leroy Sané is being given a chance, but it does feel like many fans are skeptical of his ability to stay “up” during the travails of a tournament.
In the 6th minute, Kimmich hammered Dan Ndoye with an attempted pass that slammed Ndoye’s noggin.
Switzerland boss Murat Yakin looks like Niko Kovač, if Kovač was an international spy with a penchant for hard drinks and fast women (or maybe hard women and fast drinks?). Either way, it is a solid look.
Schlotterbeck is really developing into a fine, No.1-type center-back, but he still makes some unnecessary mistakes.
Germany took control of the match very early.
Havertz almost scored in the 13th minute, but his sliding attempt was right at Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
Gnabry had a good look minutes later, but his volley attempt hit traffic on its way to the net.
Ndoye got his revenge for Kimmich’s misplaced pass by scoring against an extremely lackadaisical effort from the German defense. Kimmich and Tah, in particular, left a lot to be desired on the play.
Just like that, all of the worst fears about Nagelsmann came right back to the forefront for Germany fans.
The German were too rigid offensively and did not show enough creativity, but would get a reprieve. Tah would head home a cross from Florian Wirtz after a quick corner. Germany needed that in the worst way.
Havertz ripped off a good shot in the 32nd minute, but Kobel saved it. Havertz would put another shot over the crossbar in the 36th minute.
Sané and Gnabry just did not look comfortable at all out there for Germany. Leon Goretzka was not much better.
Breel Embolo would get the better of Tah on a run to the net net laid out to put his head on a cross from Silvan Widmer to make it 2-1 in favor of the Swiss in the 41st minute. The play started with a bad pass by Schlotterbeck.
Just a minute later, some sloppy play from the Germans led to another break for Switzerland, which led to Fabian Rieder’s rocket clanging off the crossbar. Yup, it seemed like Germany was in shambles to end the half, but…
Gnabry, after a dismal half, had a fantastic finish off of a great pass from Wirtz. What a freaking play!
If you have not seen the pass from Wirtz, you need to.
In the 61st minute, Wirtz unleashed an incredible shot from a short corner that dipped in right under the crossbar at the far post. Wirtz…simply incredible!
Bayern Munich phenom Lennart Karl would make his debut in the 63rd minute.
At that point, Germany just had to settle in and protect its lead…and basically to avoid doing anything stupid.
Right?
Right?
Switzerland’s Miro Muheim sent a pass into traffic toward Joël Monteiro, who gathered it in and took advantage of some horrendous defending from Goretzka and Tah to unleash an absolute cracker to knot the game at 3-3.
Germany could not avoid doing something dumb.
In the 85th, minute, though, Wirtz would bail out Germany once again with another goal on a perfectly placed shot! The play started with a great track back to win a ball by Tah before eventually getting to Karl, who used his dribbling to breakdown the Switzerland defense. From there, the ball would eventually get to Pascal Groß, who just tapped a pass to Wirtz to set up the goal. Wirtz was sensational.
Overall, it was a game filled with some great individual moments, but clearly not up to the standard that fans would expect for the World Cup. It is great that Germany won and that fans were treated to a spectacular showing from Wirtz, but it does have to be much better moving forward.
Liverpool could be poised and ready to make a move for Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga:
Liverpool are leading the race to sign Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, TEAMtalk reports. Madrid are willing to consider offers for the 23-year-old, who would want to join a club in the Champions League if he leaves the Bernabéu. Both Manchester United and Chelsea are reported to have informed Camavinga’s representatives of their interest in signing him, while previous reports have indicated that an offer in the region of £70 million could be enough to get a deal over the line.
Phil Foden was once considered to be the future at Manchester City, but now he could be on the verge of leaving the club:
Manchester City attacking midfielder Phil Foden is ready to leave the club this summer. Football Insider reports that the 25-year-old has been frustrated by his limited playing time recently, and if an agreement over a new contract isn’t reached in the next months, he will look to move to a team in Europe, where several top clubs would be keen on him. Foden has been named on the bench by manager Pep Guardiola in four of his last five appearances across all competitions.
Borussia Dortmund and Jadon Sancho could be looking at Act 3 for their relationship and it might be getting closer to becoming a reality:
Borussia Dortmund are lining up a move for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho. The Times reports they are confident of landing the 25-year-old, who would need to accept a notable salary reduction for a third spell with Dortmund to become possible. Sancho’s exisiting deal at Old Trafford is believed to be worth in the region of €15 million-per-season, but he is expected to be moved on from the club when he returns in the summer from his loan spell at Aston Villa, where he has scored one goal in 29 appearances.
Liam Delap could already be on his way out of Chelsea as Newcastle United is reportedly interested in the striker:
Chelsea forward Liam Delap is a summer target for Newcastle United, according to talkSPORT. The 23-year-old has struggled for regular game time at Stamford Bridge since making the move from Ipswich Town last summer. With João Pedro performing well in the No. 9 position under coach Liam Rosenior, the Blues are reported to be open to offers for Delap. Newcastle’s interest in the England under-21 international is long-standing, as the Magpies tried to sign him in 2025 following his breakout Premier League campaign. Delap is under contract at Chelsea until June 2031.
Liverpool is reportedly interested in Inter Milan star center-back Alessandro Bastoni:
Liverpool are losing faith in the idea that they can convince Internazionale defender Alessandro Bastoni to join the club, TEAMtalk reports. The Serie A side are said to be working on a “mega-money” contract extension for Bastoni, amid additional interest from Barcelona and Chelsea. Bastoni, 26, is viewed by the Liverpool hierarchy as a potential replacement for club captain Virgil van Dijk, who turns 35 this summer.
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…
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 27: General view during the national anthem prior to a game between the Colorado Rockies and Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on March 27, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We’re only one game in — so small sample size and all that — and you can read James Riggenbach’s game recap here of the Colorado Rockies 2-1 loss to the Miami Marlins.
but what were your biggest takeaways from the game?
Me, I was encouraged by the Rockies staying in the game after going down early.
But the base running was not awesome.
That’s just me. Let us know what you think in the comments.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 13: Alex Pereira of Brazil reacts to his knockout of Jamahal Hill in the UFC light heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 300 event at T-Mobile Arena on April 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) | Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Let’s start the night off by taking a look back over the three biggest stories of Friday, March 27, 2026.
Alex Pereira’s star has only grown brighter since UFC 300, but these numbers definitely illustrate the overall decline in pay-per-view (PPV) sales from years prior. 67k is grim for Pantoja, while Islam Makhachev was drawing well.
🚨 Dave Meltzer of @WONF4W has released the PPV buys of several UFC events from 2024/2025
▫️ UFC 300: Pereira vs Hill (615K) ▫️ UFC 301: Pantoja vs Erceg (67K) ▫️ UFC 302: Makhachev vs Poirier (410K) ▫️ UFC 303: Pereira vs Prochazka (274K) ▫️ UFC 311: Makhachev vs Moicano (240K) pic.twitter.com/fp255rvpHU
The headlock throw is the bane of women’s MMA, so insidiously pervasive that it infected even the most technical female fighter of all time (Valentina Shevchenko).
Dominick Cruz going off on women’s MMA wrestling—while Anik and DC try to steer the conversation elsewhere—lives rent-free in my head.
New Ronda Rousey shadowboxing meme material just dropped after all these years! My favorite part about the original clip is Joseph Benavidez’s disgusted expression in the background …
I can't believe MVP dropped the first new footage of Ronda Rousey shadowboxing in 10 years and nobody clipped it yet pic.twitter.com/kGdIPrInkd
Lovely Southpaw striking from Kireev, who jabbed up the middle and blasted power kicks into the open side until his opponent crumbled.
RCC lightweight prospect Dmitriy Kireev takes a side quest to Karate Combat and demolishes UFC vet TJ Brown. Don't fuck with the rat tail #KC60pic.twitter.com/eGGPMfe59m
It was back to PPG Paints Arena — a regular WWE stomping ground — for this week's "WWE SmackDown", as the Road to WrestleMania 42 continued with a stop in Pittsburgh. With several big names set to appear, expectations were high that we might see some more ‘Mania matches confirmed. But would WWE deliver the goods in Pennsylvania?
Revenge of the nerd(s)
Tonight's show kicked off with another Randy Orton segment, as "The Viper" stressed the importance of picking up title No. 15 in Las Vegas. The future Hall of Famer didn't get to cover much ground before Matt Cardona arrived and delivered a fine-looking punch as revenge for Orton calling him an “indie nerd” last week.
Orton didn't take the disrespect lying down, instead going backstage to demand that “SmackDown” GM Nick Aldis pit him against Cardona in tonight's main event, which the besuited general manager duly did. In the end, the bout ended with a clean victory for Randy Orton, rather than the violent beatdown for Cardona that I had been anticipating.
As Orton celebrated his win, a vengeful-looking Cody Rhodes made his entrance, racing down the ramp to get even with the man who pummeled him into a bloody mess two weeks ago. The ensuing pull-apart led to Orton hitting Jelly Roll (this week's special guest) with an opportunistic RKO, thus concluding what turned out to be a pretty uninspired finale to the night.
"It's going to be a long three weeks until WrestleMania," said Wade Barrett on commentary, capturing my sentiments perfectly.
WWE paid tribute to a certain Sherlock Holmes story last week, as "SmackDown" ended with sworn enemies Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu falling from a raised platform to an unseen fate in front of gobsmacked looking bystanders.
Fear not, though, there were no fatalities, as Nick Aldis delivered his promised update, confirming that the duo will go one-on-one at this year's WrestleMania. That has to be a solid ‘Mania match by anyone’s metrics.
That said, there was bad news for those who had been hoping it might be a Hell in a Cell match, with the WWE authorities opting for an unsanctioned match (a la Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn from last year) instead. Obviously that could change in the weeks to come, but right now it looks like the 20-foot steel cell will be staying in WWE's lock-up for now.
Out of all the celebrities who get cameo appearances in the modern WWE product, I confess to having a soft spot for Jelly Roll. Not only did he take one hell of a bump at last year's SummerSlam, but he also puts in more effort with his in-ring character, rather than just relying on name recognition alone.
Prior to his appearance in the closing segment, the Grammy superstar appeared earlier on “SmackDown,” picking up a neat victory over Kit Wilson in his first ever singles match.
As you'd expect, the match felt more like a practice run ahead of Jelly Roll's likely WrestleMania appearance rather than anything of substance. Though, it was nice to see the newly svelte superstar celebrating with his son afterward.
Trick and Sami step up a gear
It's going to be Trick Williams vs. Sami Zayn at WrestleMania, after a neat run of events led to Zayn winning the U.S. title on tonight’s “SmackDown” following some botched interference from Trick Williams during the U.S. Championship open challenge.
Congratulations to the NEW United States Champion!! 🏆
Given the way that Williams has been received since arriving on the main roster in January, no one will begrudge him his ‘Mania moment. But surely there has to be a way to involve Carmelo Hayes, whose superb title run was brought to a premature end by the Williams-Zayn shenanigans tonight. Do I sense a triple threat on the horizon?
While we're at it, isn't it a bit weird to have zero acknowledgement that Williams and Hayes know each other? I know NXT call-ups tend to function as a clean slate, but these guys have more history than most.
This time around it was the Bella Twins vs. CharLexa, with the twins picking up a win off the back of a distraction from Lash Legend (who was sitting at ringside with her fellow tag champ Nia Jax). After the disputed finish led to continued brawling between the various teams, we saw Bayley and Lyra run to the ring to get their piece of the action.
No doubt there will be another iteration of this extended tag feud next week. Any guesses which two teams will get their turn in the ring next time? At this point, we might as well put their names in the sorting hat and have ourselves a sweepstakes.
Ripley and Cargill tread water again
Rhea Ripley's recent work with Jade Cargill hasn't exactly been setting the internet alight. But maybe tonight would finally inject some chemistry into this world title feud ahead of WrestleMania?
After another superstar entrance by "The Eradicator," Cargill appeared on the ramp with her new allies of convenience, Michin and B-Fab. The latter then delivered a quick promo, explaining why she and Michin took the decision to side with the woman who previously beat the paste out of her for kicks. (Spoiler: they didn't really give a reason.)
The segment led to a hastily-booked match between Rhea Ripley and B-Fab, though predictably the whole thing turned out to be a ruse for Cargill's team to launch a group assault on Ripley. That triggered a near-instant DQ and the equivalent of a big yawn from the Pittsburgh live crowd.
What's with the two designs of the WrestleMania match graphics that we saw before the main event, with some matches having the electric blue backdrop and others having that“Mad Max” junkyard vibe?
Is WWE breaking with recent precedent and letting us know in advance which matches will be on Saturday and Sunday? Who knows, perhaps they've figured that's a good way to shift a few more seats, given that you can now buy tickets for the night of your choice (rather than having to buy the two-night combo).
Blame my contrarian streak, but I came into tonight's show keen not to follow the recent pattern of hailing the U.S. Title open challenge as the match of the night. Though for much of the first two hours, it looked like I'd have no option but to follow the trend…
Thank goodness for Tiffany Stratton and Giulia, then, who delivered a satisfying showcase match that felt clean-as-a-whistle from start to finish. Despite both women having massively contrasting backgrounds (Giulia being a stalwart of the indie-tastic Japanese wrestling scene; Stratton being a gymnastic prodigy who was fast-tracked for a WWE tryout), they both had evident in-ring chemistry from the get-go.
We also saw a rare Tiffy loss, after Giulia executed an opportunistic counter to Stratton's Prettiest Moonsault Ever to score the pin-fall. Not that the defeat did her any damage on this occasion.
I give this show a crown score of: 👑 5/10 👑
WWE SmackDown (March 27) full card results and grades:
Randy Orton def. Matt Cardona: 👑 3/5 👑
Giulia def. Tiffany Stratton: 👑 3.5/5 👑
WWE US Championship - Sami Zayn def. Carmelo Hayes: 👑 3/5 👑
Jelly Roll def. Kit Wilson: 👑 2.5/5 👑
Rhea Ripley def. B-Fab via DQ: 👑 1/5 👑
The Bella Twins (Nikki Bella and Brie Bella) def. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss: 👑1.5/5 👑
Q.Zuby, could you just describe for us your emotions after such a tough way to end your career.
ZUBY EJIOFOR: Obviously pretty disappointed. I felt, like Coach said, we had a couple moments, we had opportunities down the stretch to be able to come out with the win, but little mistakes here and there with our coverages, and they were able to exploit us with some mismatches and stuff like that. So obviously disappointed.
Fell just short of the Elite Eight and our chance to go to the Final Four. One heck of a year, but yeah, pretty disappointed.
Q.Dillon, can you kind of elaborate or explain why it was so difficult for you guys to get stops in the last eight minutes of the game?
DILLON MITCHELL: Just making mistakes that you can't have at this time of the year, not listening to Coach. You can't have mistakes like that at this time of the year, and it cost us. It cost us the game. It cost us our season. It's just disappointing.
Q.Zuby, I want to hear a little bit more. You've had an amazing run with St. John's. You've been a legendary player. I just want to hear what you want the fans to remember you by.
ZUBY EJIOFOR: Yeah, just a competitive player on the court, but my character is something that I pride myself on the most. To all the St. John's nation, I appreciate you guys over the past three years just embracing the player.
Q.Dillon, you're talking about some mistakes about like getting the stops late in the game. Are we talking about like switching mistakes? Like what kind of mistakes are we talking about?
DILLON MITCHELL: Both sides of the ball, offensively and defensively. They were in the zone, and we didn't run what we were supposed to run. We were messed up, not getting to our stops. Defensively just not making the right switches, not doing the right things on the defensive end. Just both sides of the ball, making mistakes.
Q.When you're down three in the last 10 seconds, what kind of shot was drawn up for you guys? What were you guys looking for?
DILLON MITCHELL: Really just I believe it was power, try to get Zuby the ball, look at him to pop. Dylan coming down like the Kansas game, but looking for Zuby to pop and try to get the shot down there.
Q.Dillon, I just want to say thank you for the hard work this season, but not the ending you wanted to your college career. You definitely helped St. John's get another Big East Championship regular season and tournament, and you exceeded expectations by making it to the second week. Just reflect on what is one thing you could tell your younger self?
DILLON MITCHELL: Man, just enjoy the moments. It comes fast. It goes fast. It's tough.
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