The Dallas Cowboys reportedly made Brandon Aubrey the highest-paid kicker, signing him to a 4-year, $28M, record-setting extension with $20M guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

This story will continue to be updated.

Call for Sparring Partners

Бедные борцы начали мне вызовы бросать, у меня проблемы найти спарринг партнёров, жду любого олимпийского чемпиона на спарринги, если он выживет я дам ему 200 тысяч долларов 🤝— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) April 19, 2026

Manchester United are reportedly tracking Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who could be their Casemiro replacement.

Curiously, the Rouen native arrived in the Spanish capital in the summer of 2022, effectively filling in for Casemiro, who was sold to the Red Devils at the time.

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The Frenchman has been a worthy heir to the Brazilian legend at the Santiago Bernabeu, already helping the Spanish giants win eight trophies. His exploits at Madrid may have given Man Utd an idea, as they search the market for Casemiro’s successor.

Man United keeping close tabs on Aurelien Tchouameni

With Casemiro’s departure already confirmed, and Manue Ugarte considered available on the market, United need to sign at least two new midfielders.

They have been eyeing Premier League-proven talent, but Elliot Anderson is considered closer to Manchester City at this stage, while Adam Wharton has been deemed a bit too similar to Kobbie Mainoo, forcing Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell to look elsewhere.

According to the Telegraph journalist James Ducker, MUFC are following Tchouameni, considering him the right profile to inherit the No.6 role from Casemiro.

The French international is 26, thus expected to hit his prime. With his contract expiring in June 2028, his market value dropped to €75 million (£65m) compared with previous campaigns, at least based on Transfermarkt.

Nevertheless, with the midfielder expected to play a key role for France in the World Cup, his price tag could soar in the summer.

Moreover, the source insists that Real Madrid would only consider offloading Tchouameni if they manage to sign a direct replacement.

Club president Florentino Perez has been eyeing a move for Rodri, who is currently running on an expiring contract, but Man City are still trying to convince the Ballon d’Or winner to stay.

Why Tchoumeni is exactly what Man Utd need in midfield

While the club directors are more inclined to recruit EPL-proven players to limit the risks, Tchouameni would be an almost ‘guaranteed’ signing.

The 26-year-old already has four years of experience at the biggest stage, and he hasn’t even reached the height of his powers just yet.

(Stats via DataMB)

As portrayed by the table above, Tchouameni is an absolute beast in the middle of the park, winning more than 97% of his duels, more than any other main top Man Utd target.

Anderson might be more formidable when it comes to winning back possession, while Sandro Tonali excels at carrying the ball forward, while Wharton is a top-class distributor.

Nevertheless, the Frenchman is the closest thing MUFC would get to a holding midfielder who is comfortable sitting deep and shielding the backline, and he’s certainly no slouch in distribution either.

Tchouameni has been linked with Man Utd before, but this is probably the first time the rumours are confirmed by a prominent British source, so it remains to be seen if this track will heat up in the coming weeks.

Serie B side Cesena announced that USMNT goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann suffered a spinal fracture in his neck during the game against Palermo.

The incident happened during an accidental collision with Palermo player Filippo Ranocchia over the weekend, so he was stretchered off in a neck brace and taken to a local hospital in Sicily for tests.

A statement from Cesena confirmed Klinsmann had suffered a cut to the head and neck trauma, so was kept in overnight for observation.

Klinsmann diagnosed with broken neck

BERLIN, GERMANY – AUGUST 19: Jonathan Klinsmann of Hertha BSC Berlin ahead of the Bundesliga match between Hertha BSC and VfB Stuttgart at Olympiastadion on August 19, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Tests were able to later show that the 29-year-old had fractured the first vertebra in his neck, so he will undergo specialist consultation with a neurosurgeon.

The son of former Inter and Germany player Jurgen Klinsmann posted on Instagram to reassure fans and thank both Cesena and Palermo supporters for their “warm wishes.”

Born in Germany and raised in the USA, the goalkeeper represented America at various youth levels and was included in the USMNT squad without making a first team appearance.

His previous clubs include the LA Galaxy, St Gallen, Hertha Berlin and UC Berkeley, before joining Cesena as a free agent in February 2024.

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Somerset continued their strong start to Rothesay County Championship season, increasing their lead at the top of Division One by claiming a tense two-wicket win over Hampshire.

Still hunting their first title after numerous near misses, the Cidermen have come out firing this year and opened up a 21-point gap at the summit by chasing down 287 at the Utilita Bowl.

To do so they needed a gutsy 101 not out from Tom Abell, who laboured for five and a quarter hours to get his side over the line with a mature chase.

Sonny Baker, an England white-ball wildcard last summer and now a Test hopeful, dismissed Lewis Gregory and Alfie Ogborne late on to crank up the pressure and complete the third five-wicket haul of his career, but Abell held firm.

Somerset have the next round off but have built a handy buffer over the likes of reigning champions Nottinghamshire, Sussex and Surrey.

Warwickshire claimed their first win of the campaign at the expense of Essex, with a brilliant effort from 39-year-old seamer Keith Barker taking centre stage in a 41-run success.

Making his first appearance of the season, the veteran left-armer claimed three wickets in the second over of the day - Sam Cook, Dean Elgar and Charlie Allison - to make a target of 206 look suddenly stifling. He later picked off Michael Pepper to finish with four for 29 across 17 overs, as Essex were rolled over for 164 at Edgbaston.

In Division Two, James Anderson's Lancashire tightened their grip on top spot in Bristol with a four-wicket win over bottom side Gloucestershire.

Needing to make 202 following James Bracey's battling century on day three, they built around former England opener Keaton Jennings' unbeaten 78.

Seamer Will Williams caused his old side some headaches, removing Michael Jones and Matty Hurst as he collected three for 44, but the Red Rose always had enough left with Jennings standing firm.

Middlesex batted out for a draw at Northamptonshire, in a game that never came close to reaching a conclusion. Sam Robson made 162 as the visitors eased to 353 for three in their second innings before shaking hands with no result in sight.

PA

Why Anthony Edwards fans falsely think he's now bald originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Fabricated images of Minnesota Timberwolves superstar guard Anthony Edwards being bald have gone viral. 

Many believed that the young star guard shaved his head off ahead of the 2026 NBA playoffs.

Ant shaved his head for the playoffs like he promised

he's locked in and his prime is just getting started

the league is not ready pic.twitter.com/E3bcdS4ZxF

— Dubai’ron Scott (@jimmyhoffa85) April 17, 2026

In the past, the same image of Edwards appearing to be bald has gone viral, and that is once again the case with the playoffs underway. The image shows the Georgia native clean-shaven. 

Since Edwards has entered the league, there has been a running joke highlighting his physical resemblance to Hall of Famer Michael Jordan. The joke stems from fans joking that Edwards is Jordan's son due to their similar appearance. 

Whenever Edwards has a great game, many on X post the image below. 

pic.twitter.com/JNTB0feqdo

— dkb (@dkb_hd) March 19, 2021

Edwards has always had a playstyle and attitude similar to the six-time NBA champion. The similarities are striking; nonetheless, the four-time All-Star is following in his own path as he seeks success in the NBA. 

No matter what has been posted on social media, Edwards remains with his hair intact, often seen with thick, styled curls.

Anthony  Edwards’ Off Night Hurts Minnesota in Game 1

The 24-year-old has once again led the Timberwolves to the playoffs. Minnesota is once again the No. 6 seed, taking on the No. 3 seed Denver Nuggets. Edwards and the Wolves dropped Game 1 to the Nuggets on Saturday, 116-105. 

In the contest, Edwards was not the sharpest, recording 22 points on a poor 7-of-19 shooting from the field, nine rebounds, seven assists and three blocks in 38 minutes of action. 

More NBA news: 

• Why Warriors fans falsely believe Stephen Curry announced his retirement

• Warriors predicted to acquire $220 million Knicks star in trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo

• Warriors predicted to hit jackpot by swapping Jimmy Butler for $175 million 10-time All-Star

Mets ace Freddy Peralta receives huge trade update after New York's awful start to 2026 season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Mets went into the 2026 season thinking they were going to be top contenders: so far, they were totally wrong. They’ve amassed a record of 7-15, and are dead last in the NL East.

Due to that, they could decide to sell at the deadline due to their very bloated payroll. FanSided’s Zachary Rotman believes they’ll be sellers, and predicts that the Mets top candidate to trade will be the All-Star ace they just acquired, Freddy Peralta.

MORE: Blue Jays ace Kevin Gausman receives massive trade update after Toronto's brutal start to 2026 season

“Now, it would be strange and incredibly unfortunate for the Mets to trade Peralta just months after trading two top prospects in the offseason to acquire him, but what other choice does the team have? If New York isn't going to make the playoffs, doesn't it make more sense to trade a player slated to hit the open market after the season? Even with his free agency looming, Peralta can fetch a very substantial return, especially when considering he's only making $8 million this season…If the Mets are out of it, they'd be doing themselves a disservice not trading a player they probably won't be re-signing anyway,” Rotman wrote. 

So far this season, Peralta has posted a 1-2 record, a 4.05 ERA, 28 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.088 in 26 innings pitched. He’s not in All-Star form right now, but his career has shown this is probably just a cold streak. 

MORE: Padres predicted to be potential landing spot for 31 HR All-Star slugger, would create superstar outfield duo with Fernando Tatis Jr.

Wherever he would go, they would only have to pay him half of his $8 million he’s owed this season. But, whoever gets him has to be ok with him being a rental, unless they are ready to pay his market value of a five-year, $131 million contract.

Hopefully, the Mets can get out of this funk and be contenders by the deadline. However, if they can’t, trading Peralta so they can at least not consider trading for him a total disaster is probably the smart move.

MORE MLB NEWS

Yankees predicted to be top landing spot for 23-year-old .954 OPS All-Star, would replace Trent Grisham in lineup

Red Sox predicted to be top trade candidate for $56 million Cy Young, would create insane 1-2-3 punch with Garrett Crochet, Ranger Suarez

Red Sox urged to call up No. 7 prospect pitcher from AAA, help Aroldis Chapman in the bullpen

When will Kevin Durant return? Latest updates on Rockets star's playoff status vs. Lakers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

A specter hung over Crpyto.com Arena during Game 1 of the Lakers and Rockets' first-round series on Saturday night.

Los Angeles was already dealing with injury woes, seeing Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) knocked out of the contest. Houston added to the misery in the hours leading up to tipoff as Kevin Durant would be ruled out with a right knee contusion.

Durant's injury loomed larger than any other during Saturday's game as the Rockets struggled to cope with his absence, seeing their shots miss their target with increasing regularity. The Lakers took advantage, surging to a 107-98 win.

With that, here's the latest on Durant's injury, including a potential timeline for his return.

NBA PLAYOFFS HQ:Live NBA scores | NBA playoff schedule | NBA playoff bracket

What is Kevin Durant's injury?

Durant sustained a right knee bruise during a practice before Game 1. He was deemed day-to-day with the ailment, with head coach Ime Udoka telling reporters that the Durant hit the knee "in an awkward spot" above the patella tendon.

The injury is not believed to be severe. Durant bruised his knee on Wednesday, three days before the Rockets and Lakers met in their series opener. He was added to the injury report on Friday and was ruled out less than two hours before tipoff. Fox Sports 1's Rachel Nichols reported that Durant tried to return to the floor in the hours before the contest, only to be set back.

Durant underwent imaging to assess the nature of his injury. According to Udoka, the scan yielded "nothing major."

“Hopefully it’s a one game thing, but he tried it out in practice and it didn’t feel good enough,” Udoka said, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

MORE: Revisiting iconic matchups between LeBron James and Kevin Durant: Thunder-Heat, Warriors-Cavaliers

When will Kevin Durant return?

Udoka expressed hope that Durant would only face a one-game absence as a result of his malady. According to Houston's coach, part of the trouble with Durant's injury is that it limits the range of motion in his knee.

"It's very tender, tough to bend certain ways," Udoka said. "If he had a regular bumped knee, I think he could kind of play through that. But right above the knee, the patellar tendon area, up there, it's just very tender and sore.

"Pain tolerance is one thing, but actually limited movement is more the cause [of Durant's absence.]"

The Rockets would certainly benefit from Durant's return. Their offense sputtered without its anchor, with Alperen Sengun, Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson combining for 53 points on 19-of-57 shooting.

MORE: LeBron James vs. Kevin Durant: Key stats among their rivalry

Will Kevin Durant play Game 2 vs. Lakers?

As of Monday morning, it's unknown if Durant will play against the Lakers on Tuesday night. He has often showed a willingness to fight through the pain barrier to take part in fixtures, according to The Athletic's Sam Amick.

There's the question of movement -- Udoka cited limited motion as the primary cause of Durant's absence. Still, with no structural damage to his knee and Houston's offensive toils sans him, it's certainly possible that Durant will drape a Rockets kit on for Game 2.

Rockets vs. Lakers schedule

* If necessary

MORE: Lakers vs. Rockets schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores

Bournemouth have acted swiftly to appoint their new head coach with the announcement that Marco Rose will take over this summer.

Current boss Andoni Iraola's contract runs out at the end of the season and he will not sign an extension.

As a result, Rose has been appointed on a three-year contract and will take over this summer.

The 48-year-old has a wealth of experience in the Bundesliga, enjoying successful spells in charge of Borussia Mönchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund and Leipzig.

The Cherries are currently on a 13-game unbeaten run.

NEED TO KNOW

• A 2026 NFL Draft prospect was arrested over the weekend in Georgia
• Zachariah Branch, 22, was arrested on two misdemeanor offenses in Athens, Ga.
• The wide receiver set a single-season record at Georgia last season, with 81 receptions

A 2026 NFL Draft prospect was arrested in Georgia over the weekend, according to authorities.

Zachariah Branch, a former wide receiver at the University of Georgia, was arrested Sunday, April 19, in Athens, Ga. on two misdemeanor charges, according to the Athens Clarke County arrest log and a police report obtained by NFL Network.

Branch, 22, was cited for misdemeanor obstruction of a law enforcement officer and obstructing a public sidewalk. He was booked at 1:26 a.m. and released at 3:44 a.m. local time after posting $39 bond, according to the report.

According to the police report, Branch would not move from the sidewalk, against police officers’ orders.

“I continued to give Zacharia[h] Branch verbal commands to move from blocking the sidewalk and advised that if he did not, he would receive a citation for blocking the sidewalk,” an officer wrote in the report.

“Zacharia[h] Branch smirked, then stepped backwards and to the right, then remained standing upon the public sidewalk, so as to obstruct, hinder, and impede free passage upon the sidewalk as well as impede free ingress/egress to or from the adjacent places of business,” the officer added.

Branch was placed under arrest after allegedly failing to comply with officers’ orders.

The Las Vegas native was in town for a spring football game to support his younger brother Zion, who plays for Georgia, according to ESPN.

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Branch is projected to go in the second round of the draft, which begins on Thursday, April 23, in Pittsburgh.

The 5-foot, 10-inch former USC player set a single-season record for the Bulldogs last season with 81 receptions, per ESPN.

Read the original article on People

Boston Marathon live results: Updated list of 2026 winners from all eight divisions originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Marathon is gearing up for another installment this year on Patriots' Day, a Massachusetts state holiday.

The competition turns 130 years old in 2026, with competitors traveling from across the globe for their chance to race in the Boston Marathon.

Last year's festivities were won by Kenya in both the men's and women's professional level, with John Korir and Sharon Lokedi winning their respective events. 

Every year in Boston, the marathon becomes a spectacle, with fans throughout the city and its surrounding suburbs flocking to watch the runners fly by their street.

The Sporting News is tracking the results of all eight divisions of the 2026 Boston Marathon, as well as the top finishers from each.

STREAM: Watch the 2026 Boston Marathon with fubo 

Boston Marathon results 2026

*The following sections will be updated as races conclude on Monday, April 20.

Men's wheelchair

Women's wheelchair

Men's handcycles

Women's handcycles*

Professional men

Professional women

Boston Marathon start times 

The race will kick off with the wheelchair division on Marathon Monday, followed by handcycles & duo participants. From there, the professionals kick off, with the majority of amateur competitors split into waves. 

Boston Marathon qualifying times 2026

Qualifying times for the Boston Marathon vary by age, with better times needed for younger competitors. Men aged 18-34 needed times below 2:55:00 to fit this year's qualifying standards, while women and non-binary runners 80 and older needed times below 5:20:00.

Here is the full list of qualifying times for those hoping to compete in the Boston Marathon.

How to watch the Boston Marathon

• Date: Monday, April 20
• TV channel: ESPN2 (national, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET), WCVB (local, 4 a.m.-8 p.m. ET)
• Live stream: fubo

The Boston Marathon can be watched from home on ESPN2 for national coverage. For those who are local to the Boston area, ABC affiliate WCVB will air local coverage lasting 16 hours. 

Andoni Iraola’s successor at Bournemouth now has a name: the Cherries announced Marco Rose on Monday afternoon.

The 49-year-old German coach has signed a three-year contract and will take his place on the bench once the current season ends. 

Rose arrives backed by his vast experience at the highest level of European football, having previously managed Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig. 

A two-time Austrian Bundesliga winner, as well as a winner of the German Cup and Super Cup, this will be his first experience in English football. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

San Francisco transfer guard Ryan Beasley has committed to Washington via the portal, per On3’s Pete Nakos.

The NCAA Transfer Portal officially opened on April 7 and will close on April 21. The new 15-day window was enacted following a recommendation by the men’s basketball oversight committee. Athletes don’t have to commit to a new school by the April 21 deadline.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and X (formerly Twitter) account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

— This story is developing and will be updated.

2027 blue-chip defensive back Jailen Hill is one of the top prospects in the state of California. The 6-foot-3, 160-pounder has narrowed his choices down to five schools.

Those programs are the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Washington Huskies, Tennessee Volunteers, Ole Miss Rebels, and Florida State Seminoles, per Greg Buggins of Rivals. Also, he's set his commitment date for June 9.

FSU extended an offer to Hill in July of 2025. However, he still hasn't taken a trip to see the Seminoles yet. He talked about the official visits he has had within his top five schools and getting a chance to visit the ones he hasn't.

“I have Washington May 29 and Nebraska June 6,” Hill said per Rivals. “I’m working on setting the others and looking forward seeing them because I haven’t been able to get to Tennessee, Florida State or Ole Miss yet, not even unofficially.

“I do like all three though and they have all let me know that I’m a priority for them. I like their scheme and think I would fit in really well. I like how they play and their style of defense just fits me so that’s how they made the list.”

Hill was a productive player as a junior at St. John Bosco High School. He registered 11 tackles, six interceptions, and three pass breakups in 10 games.

Rivals' industry rankings list Hill as the No. 244 overall player and the No. 27 cornerback in the nation. He's also the No. 25 prospect in California.

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

This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU Football: Florida State named in top five for DB Jailen Hill

Marco Rose has agreed to take over as Bournemouth manager on a three-year contract when Andoni Iraola leaves at the end of the season.

Bournemouth announced last Tuesday that Iraola, 43, would not be signing a new deal at Vitality Stadium.

German manager Rose was one of three candidates considered by the Cherries, along with Ipswich's Kieran McKenna and Rayo Vallecano's Inigo Perez.

The 49-year-old has been without a club since he was sacked by RB Leipzig in March 2025 and has never previously managed in England.

"Everyone at AFC Bournemouth looks forward to welcoming Marco to Vitality Stadium as he begins his role as head coach in the summer," Bournemouth said.

"The club's immediate focus remains firmly on finishing the current campaign as strongly as possible, with the players and staff continuing to show full commitment to achieving positive results and building on the current 13-game unbeaten run."

• Will Iraola's summer exit speed up managerial merry-go-round?
• Bournemouth boss Iraola to leave club at end of season

Rose began his managerial career in 2012 with Lokomotive Leipzig and has spent time in charge of Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Monchengladbach and RB Leipzig.

He led Red Bull Salzburg to two Austrian Bundesliga titles and the Austrian Cup, and won the DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup with Leipzig.

Rose was also one of the candidates considered by Tottenham Hotspur following the sacking of Thomas Frank in February.

When Rose takes charge of Bournemouth, they will be preparing for their fifth successive season in the Premier League and could also be planning for a first campaign in Europe.

Bournemouth are currently eighth in the Premier League following Saturday's win at Newcastle and they only trail sixth-placed Chelsea on goal difference.

Low-risk Rose drafted in for experience

Bournemouth have become accustomed to having major talent poached and, although Iraola insists he does not have another job lined up, he is expected to be in high demand this summer.

Before the season started, they lost three of their four first-choice defenders. Milos Kerkez joined Liverpool, Ilya Zabarnyi moved to Paris St-Germain and Dean Huijsen signed for Real Madrid, for a combined total of almost £150m.

In January, attacker Antoine Semenyo joined Manchester City after his release clause was triggered.

However, the Cherries can reflect positively on each replacement proving successful. Adrien Truffert came in for Kerkez, Bafode Diakite replaced Huijsen and Rayan was signed as Semenyo's successor.

The club hope Rose would follow the same pattern. He had long been regarded as a potential replacement for Iraola in the event of the Spaniard deciding to leave.

Bournemouth are impressed by Rose's five years of experience leading clubs in the Champions League, as well as his Europa League pedigree.

He has played a role in the development of several leading players, including Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham at Borussia Dortmund and Dominik Szoboszlai at RB Leipzig. Rose also enjoyed surprise success at Borussia Monchengladbach, qualifying for the Champions League with limited resources.

Those experiences would be key if Bournemouth are to qualify for Europe for the first time. Player trading continues to offset revenue limitations caused by the club's relatively small stadium and commercial income.

It is also a low-risk appointment: Rose is currently without a club, meaning no compensation would be required but one they hope will make an immediate impact next season.

• Latest Bournemouth news, analysis and fan views
• Ask about Bournemouth - what do you want to know?

For the past two years, USC has been a member of the Big Ten Conference. However, when Bowl Season rolled around at the end of the football season, the Trojans—as well as their former conference foes—still played in bowl games tied to the Pac-12.

The reason for this was because although the Pac-12 as we knew it effectively collapsed following the 2023-2024 college athletics season, many of the conference’s bowl game ties ran beyond that. In order to maintain some level of stability, it was decided that the former Pac-12 schools would still compete in the bowl games with Pac-12 contracts for the 2024 and 2025 football seasons.

For USC, this meant trips to the Las Vegas Bowl to play Texas A&M in 2024 and Alamo Bowl to face TCU this past season. It also led to a rather weird situation in 2024 when Colorado, who had moved to the Big 12 earlier that year, played against a team from its own conference in the Alamo Bowl.

But with that two-year window now having passed, what will happen in 2026? As it turns out, the same thing as before, as on Friday, Bowl Season announced that the conference ties for bowl games next season will remain the same as they were in 2025. Hence, if USC plays in a bowl game in 2026, it will once again be one with Pac-12 ties.

“We believe maintaining stability across the bowl system for 2026 is the most appropriate path forward given the CFP’s decision to extend the current format through this upcoming season,” said Bowl Season Executive Director Nick Carparelli in a press release. “This approach provides clarity for our stakeholders while preserving flexibility as we collectively evaluate the future of the postseason.”

The good news for USC fans—at least those on the West Coast—is that the vast majority of the Pac-12 bowl games are located in the Western portion of the United States, with the furthest east game being the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio. Hence, after a regular season of making trips across the country and back in the Big Ten, the Trojans will not have to do that once again for their bowl game.

Of course, USC is hoping that this will not affect them because they make the College Football Playoff this season. The CFP has agreements with the premier New Year’s Six Bowls, so if the Trojans were to make the playoff quarterfinals, they would play in one of those bowl games, rather than one with Pac-12 ties.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Bowl Season update contains notable postseason development for USC

Bryson DeChambeau’s future with LIV Golf is very much up in the air right now.

DeChambeau left the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf way back in June 2022.

However, he unquestionably would have thought at the time that LIV Golf as a product would be much more successful than it has been.

DeChambeau‘s current contract with LIV Golf is set to expire at the end of the 2026 season.

Brooks Koepka left LIV Golf to rejoin the PGA Tour in January, while Patrick Reed followed him a few weeks later.

Now LIV Golf leaders must be very concerned that Bryson DeChambeau could do the same.

However, Scott O’Neil insisted that DeChambeau is fully committed to LIV Golf. Is that really the case, though?

What Bryson DeChambeau asked PGA Tour officials during The Masters

DeChambeau endured a difficult week at The Masters, and ended up missing the cut by two shots.

However, it seems like he made use of his trip to Augusta National in other ways.

It seems like the two-time U.S. Open champion could be eyeing up a return to the PGA Tour very soon.

Brody Miller, writing for The Athletic, made the claim about DeChambeau.

“According to golf industry sources, DeChambeau and his team spent a part of Masters week meeting with organizations to discuss possible options if he chose to leave LIV.

“Speculation persists that, in the wake of others leaving LIV for the PGA Tour earlier this year, his ask to re-sign is up to $500 million.

“DeChambeau has even used his YouTube success as a leverage play with all potential suitors, indicating he’s open to only filming content and playing the four major championships.“

With rumors suggesting that Saudi Arabia’s PIF could be set to withdraw their funding of LIV Golf, DeChambeau is clearly exploring contingency plans.

What does the future hold for DeChambeau?

DeChambeau is more than entitled to sound out the PGA Tour.

Given LIV’s current situation, DeChambeau must have concerns about the long-term viability of the league.

Even if the 32-year-old doesn’t return to the PGA Tour, he has made it clear that a future in YouTube golf could be the way forward for him.

DeChambeau cut an extremely frustrated figure throughout the week at LIV Golf Mexico.

He withdrew before his final round, with The Athletic’s Brody Miller reporting that “DeChambeau seemed frustrated after his 2-over round and declined to speak, even uncharacteristically walking past autograph-seeking kids.“

Something is clearly not right with the 32-year-old American right now, with his career path completely up in the air.

Could he return to the PGA Tour? Will he focus purely on his content creation for YouTube? Or will he remain with LIV Golf?

Nobody knows right now but I suspect we will find out the answer soon enough.

Middlesbrough will seek to end their Riverside hoodoo when basement-boys Sheffield Wednesday visit on Wednesday night (19:45 BST).

Boro have taken just three points from their past six home games to fall off the pace in the promotion race, sitting three points behind second-placed Ipswich, who have a game in hand, after Town's late leveller in a 2-2 draw at Portman Road on Sunday.

Millwall and Southampton have the chance to pull six and five points clear of fifth-placed Boro respectively with matches on Tuesday night while the Tractor Boys are also in action on Wednesday at Charlton.

The Owls have drawn their past three games, their joint longest unbeaten run of the campaign along with September, when they also picked up their only league win of a torrid campaign in an away game at Portsmouth.

• Following their 1-0 win in October, Middlesbrough are looking to complete the league double over Sheffield Wednesday for the first time since 2015-16, when they were last promoted to the Premier League.
• Sheffield Wednesday have won just one of their past six league games against Middlesbrough (D2 L3), a 2-1 home win in April 2025.
• Middlesbrough are winless in their past six home league games (D3 L3), losing each of the previous two; they last lost three in a row in April 2022.
• Sheffield Wednesday have lost 15 of their 21 away games in the Championship this season (W1 D5); only in 1946-47 and 2020-21 have they suffered more away losses in a second tier campaign (both 16).
• No player has been involved in more home league goals for Middlesbrough this season than Hayden Hackney (8 – 3 goals, 5 assists); it's just one fewer than his previous three seasons in the competition combined (9 – 6 goals, 3 assists).

Rothesay County Championship, Division Two, County Ground, Northampton (day four)

Middlesex 341 & 353-3: Robson 162, Holden 86, Du Plooy 66*; Procter 1-49

Northamptonshire 409: Sales 164, McSweeney 107; Roland-Jones 3-83, Sharma 3-92

Northamptonshire (15 pts) draw with Middlesex (13 pts)

Match scorecard

Sam Robson hit a determined 162, his first century of the season, as Middlesex drew with Northamptonshire on the final day of their County Championship match at Wantage Road.

Robson batted for over six hours, showing great patience as he waited to put the bad ball away, stroking 21 boundaries all around the wicket. He and Max Holden (86) had resumed this morning with Middlesex on 109-1 and a slim lead of 41 as they looked to make the game safe.

Northamptonshire meanwhile banked on an early burst from Ben Sanderson and Harry Conway in an attempt to make early inroads.

But as the Middlesex second wicket pair extended their overnight partnership to 165 in 47 overs, the draw quickly became the most likely outcome. Holden did fall to leg spinner Calvin Harrison on the stroke of lunch, but Middlesex skipper Leus du Plooy countered in the afternoon with an aggressive 66 not out. He shared a stand of 152 with Robson, who passed his previous highest score of 126 not out against the Steelbacks.

Ultimately, with 63 overs lost to bad light on the first three days, there was not enough time for either side to force a result. The teams shook hands on the draw after tea after the light again caused the players to go off early with Middlesex 353-3, leading by 285.

• Day three: Northants' Sales makes career-best against Middlesex
• Day two: McSweeney and Sales fight back against Middlesex
• Day one: Middlesex recover after poor start against Northants

Earlier Robson survived after offering a tough chance to short midwicket from the second ball of the day, running a single to bring up his half-century.

He played a silky cover drive off Conway to mark the century partnership with Holden who reached his own 50 by pulling Sanderson behind square.

The pair saw off the initial burst from Sanderson and Conway and found it increasingly easy to score against the aging ball, 102 runs coming in the morning session. Robson moved through the eighties as leant into a glorious cover drive off Liam Guthrie and drove Harrison through the covers.

Holden though departed when he tried to pull one from Harrison which turned sharply and kept low.

Northamptonshire rotated their spinners after lunch, ensuring they moved ahead of the over rate, Robson driving Nathan McSweeney through cover before running a single to bring up his century.

Du Plooy showed positive intent, cutting and sweeping to take Middlesex past 250. He reached his second half century of the match by pulling a drag down from Harrison, before driving Saif Zaib through mid-off.

Northamptonshire delayed taking the new ball until the 94th over, opting to bowl Guthrie and Sales in order to manage the workload of their frontline seamers.

Robson cut Guthrie through backward point and then drove him through cover to go past 150 before a leg glance off Guthrie brought up Middlesex's 350. Next ball though Robson departed when keeper Lewis McManus pulled off a stunning one-handed flying catch down the legside.

Middlesex went into tea having added 141 in 37 overs in the afternoon session but just one over was possible after the interval before the umpires took the players off.

Report by ECB Reporters Network, supported by Rothesay.

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Which 3 NHL teams could target Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies in a trade? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies could be a trade candidate to keep an eye on during the 2026 NHL off-season. If the Maple Leafs’ next GM decides to start a rebuild or a significant retool, Knies would have the potential to be a massive trade chip for them. 

Following a campaign in which he scored 23 goals and 66 points in 79 games, Knies’ value as a top-line producer with power-forward instincts is at an all-time high.

Due to this, let’s take a look at three teams that could look to acquire Knies during the offseason. 

Chicago Blackhawks 

The Chicago Blackhawks were one of the teams that made a push for Knies leading up to the deadline, and it is easy to see why. The Blackhawks desperately need top-six wingers, and the 23-year-old Knies would provide them with one for the long term. 

With Knies's young age and proven status as a top-six power forward, he would be a major addition to the Blackhawks’ roster if acquired. His high level of skill would allow him to thrive playing on a line with superstar center Connor Bedard. 

MORE: 3 NHL wingers the Blackhawks should target for Connor Bedard

Montreal Canadiens 

The Montreal Canadiens were another team that tried to land Knies at the deadline. While trades between the Canadiens and Maple Leafs are incredibly rare due to their historic rivalry, the Habs also have the trade chips that could entice Toronto to consider a deal.

If the Canadiens landed Knies this offseason, he would give them another star to work with in their top six as they continue to inch closer to their Stanley Cup window. He could make some real magic on a line with star forwards Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Yet, even if Knies played on their second line, he would greatly improve their top six. 

MORE: What The Maple Leafs Reportedly Wanted For Matthew Knies At Trade Deadline

Anaheim Ducks 

The Anaheim Ducks have taken a major step in the right direction this season and could be aggressive this summer as a result. The Ducks could use another star in their top six, and Knies would provide them with just that if acquired.

The Ducks were among the teams connected to Knies leading up to the deadline, so they certainly could pursue him during the summer. He is also young enough to fit the timeline of this exciting team on the rise.

More NHL News

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Jets reportedly already exploring top-10 NFL Draft trade for big need originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

There isn't a team better situated for the upcoming NFL draft than the New York Jets. They own the No. 2 overall pick and will be able to get one of Arvell Reese or David Bailey. They also own the 16th, 33rd, and 44th overall picks in the first two rounds.

While edge rusher is set to be their first pick, the Jets' next big needs are two positions: cornerback and wide receiver. While CB might not be a Round 1 option, WR very much is in play with the 16th pick. But the Jets might not do something so simple.

According to SNY's Connor Hughes, the Jets have reportedly already been in contact with teams about a trade-up into the top-10, most likely for a wide receiver, with two options in mind.

Jets reportedly explore top-10 draft trade up from 16

"After those two, one general manager said there is a 'gap' at the position - which could lead to teams trying to trade into the top 10," Hughes reports. "One source said the Jets have explored that possibility."

With the Jets looking to move up inside the top-10 of the NFL Draft, there are likely two wide receivers that they have in mind.

Ohio State's Carnell Tate and Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson are the two receivers who have received the most top-10 buzz this year.

While USC's Makai Lemon is a fun prospect and has been typically named alongside Tate and Tyson for the big-three WRs of this class, the Jets are more likely to swing such an aggressive trade-up for Tyson or Tate, not Lemon.

More: Aaron Glenn believes Geno Smith can lead Jets to 'the promised land'

The Jets should be able to piece together a compelling offer for a top-10 pick, as they could use the 44th selection to convince a team to move down to 16th overall.

There are some teams worth keeping an eye on, with the New York Giants (No. 10) strongly connected to Tyson, and both the Washington Commanders (No. 7) and New Orleans Saints (No. 8) being linked to Tate often this offseason.

The Jets might have to leapfrog both of those teams for Tate, or just the Giants for Tyson, inside the top-10 picks of the draft. This will be a storyline to follow along with closely in the days leading up to the draft, and especially once the draft starts on Thursday night.

More Jets news:

• Zachariah Branch would be ideal round 2 fit for Jets
• Jets ideal pick at No. 2 overall is Arvell Reese out of Ohio State
• Jets predicted to trade up for Ty Simpson like Giants did for Jaxon Dart
• Aaron Glenn announced Geno Smith as Jets starting QB for 2026
• Garrett Wilson named Jets most overpaid player

John Korir defended his men’s title at the 2026 Boston Marathon as the Kenyan shattered the course record to become only the fifth man to dip under two hours and two minutes over the distance.

Korir was second at the half-way stage in 1:01:50, seven seconds behind Lemi Berhanu, but the defending champion made a push for the lead after 20 miles and grabbed control of the elite men’s race, surging clear of his rivals to eventually clock a time of 02:01:52 – more than a minute better than the previous best in Boston.

In the women’s race, Sharon Lokedi again proved untouchable as the Kenyan defended her title. Lokedi finished fast to power away from a bunched field and win by a distance, though outside of the course record time set in 2025.

Earlier, Great Britain’s Eden Rainbow-Cooper won the women’s wheelchair race in 1:30:51, beating out Catherine Debrunner by over two minutes to add a second title to her breakthrough success in 2024. The great Marcel Hug, meanwhile, won the men's wheelchair race, dominating the field to win by more than six minutes in 1:16:06 in a ninth triumph in the city.

Here are the results for the elite races at the 130th edition of the Boston Marathon:

Elite men’s race

1. John Korir 2:01:52

2. Alphonce Simbu 2:02:47

3. Benson Kipruto 2:02:50

4. Hailemaryam Kiros 2:03:42

5. Zouhair Talbi 2:03:45

6 Tebello Ramakongoana 2:04:14

7 Charles Hicks 2:04:35

8 Richard Ringer 2:04:47

9 Alex Masai 2:05:32

10 Milkesa Mengesha 2:05:35

Elite women’s race

1 Sharon Lokedi 2:18:51

2 Loice Chemnung 2:19:35

3 Mary Ngugi-Cooper 2:20:07

4 Mercy Chelangat 2:20:30

5 Jess McClain 2:20:49

6 Irine Cheptai 2:20:54

7 Workenesh Edesa 2:21:52

8 Annie Frisbie 2:22:00

9 Emily Sisson 2:22:39

10 Carrie Ellwood 2:22:53

Elite men’s wheelchair race

1. Hug, Marcel 1:03:05

2. Romanchuk, Daniel 1:09:03

3. Plat, Jetze 1:10:00

4. Xingchuan, Luo 1:10:31

5. Watanabe, Sho 01:11:06

6. Smith, Johnboy 1:11:53

7. Hokinoue, Kota 1:12:05

8. Jimenez-Vergara, Miguel 1:13:11

9. Schipper, Geert 1:13:32

10. Weir, David 1:14:24

Elite women’s wheelchair race

1. Rainbow-Cooper, Eden 51:21

2. Debrunner, Catherine 00:52:13

3. Mcfadden, Tatyana 00:54:30

4. Schär, Manuela 00:55:09

5. De Souza, Vanessa 00:56:36

6. De Rozario, Madison 00:56:36

7. Eachus, Patricia 00:56:37

8. Perry, Emelia 00:59:37

9. Elshorbagy, Hoda 01:00:08

10. Dawes, Christie 01:00:25

Sonny Gray Exits Start With Apparent Injury originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Red Sox were handed some injury news on Monday morning.

Boston was hosting Detroit on its annual Marathon Monday game, and Gray was taking the mound for the Red Sox. The right-hander was off to a great start as he went 2.2 innings, allowing one run on three hits, while striking out two. 

Gray pitched two scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double to Matt Vierling, who came around to score two batters later on a single from Jake Rogers. After walking Gleyber Torres, following a strikeout of Kevin McGoingle, Gray appeared to be injured.

Red Sox pitching coach Andrew Bailey immediately went out to the mound along with manager Alex Cora and a trainer. After some discussion, the Red Sox pulled Gray due to the injury after throwing just one warm-up pitch.

In relief of Gray, Boston turned to left-hander Danny Coulombe, who got Colt Keith to ground out to second baseman Marcelo Mayer to end the inning.

It’s a disappointing ending to Gray’s start, as he was pitching well and was limiting the Tigers' offense. The hope for the Red Sox is that Gray’s injury isn’t serious and that he was just removed for precautionary reasons and will make his next start.

Gray is 2-1 with a 4.30 ERA in five starts this season with Boston.

More MLB: Red Sox vs. Tigers Score, Live Updates, Highlights From 2026 Patriots' Day Game

A quartet of transfers announced over the last week that they will be joining Kent State transfer Mya Babbitt in the cardinal and gold for the 2026-27 season.

On April 14, the Cyclones added size to their frontcourt with the commitment of Gift Ezekiel, a 6-foot-1 center from Florida. A native of Edo State, Nigeria, Ezekiel averaged 2.4 points and 1.9 rebounds last season and is expected to have one year of eligibility remaining.

Her addition was particularly crucial as Iowa State saw several key post players, including Audi Crooks (Oklahoma State) and backups Alisa Williams (Indiana) and Lilly Taulelei (Rice), will play the 2026-27 season outside of Ames.

The recruitment momentum continued on Thursday when Ashleigh Connor, a standout guard from La Salle, announced her commitment for the 2026-27 season. Connor, originally from Pittsburgh, began her career at Saint Louis before excelling at La Salle, where she averaged a career-high 16.2 points and 5.6 rebounds last season.

The Cyclones secured two more versatile international players to round out their portal class. On Sunday, Alex-Anne Bessette, a 6-foot-2 transfer from Loyola, announced her transfer to Iowa State. A native of Canada and a former FIBA U18 silver medalist, Bessette started 32 games as a freshman, averaging 11.3 points and leading her team in blocks.

Finally, former Washington guard Sienna Harvey committed to the program on Sunday, too. Harvey, a 5-foot-10 guard from Australia with three years of eligibility left, brings professional experience from the Australian NBL1 and a silver medal from the FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup.

These additions collectively provide the Cyclones with a mix of veteran leadership and young, versatile talent for the upcoming season.

Daniel Rodriguez spent the first quarter of 2026 locked away in a Mexican prison.

Now that Rodriguez is once again a free man, thanks to this fellow UFC fighter, “D-Rod” is making up for lost time, linking up with “Foos Gone Wild” and Combate Global for a new amateur MMA series called “Foos Fighting Championship” on April 25.

It’s like Dana White’s “Contender Series” featuring some of the biggest “foos” in the business.

That includes “Unbreakable” Bobby Liles (0-0), fresh off his stint with a court-mandated ankle monitor. Liles fights Jake “Big Grease” Lleckfelt (1-0), who was nearly greased earlier in his career after getting shot. Elsewhere on the card, Hansol Yi (0-0) returns after “kickflipping a nine-stair” to battle Ryan Pak (0-0), the “sick-ass soccer player from LA High.”

“I’ve been doing my homework on these foos and I already know we’re gonna see some sick fades in La Jaula,” said Lil’ Mr. E, the founder and face of the Los Angeles-based comedy outfit Foos Gone Wild.

La Jaula is the Combate Global Cage.

Foos Fighting Championship (FFC) will stream live on Samsung TV Plus and YouTube on Sat. night (April 25) at 9:30 p.m. ET. The card will also broadcast live in Spanish in the U.S. on EstrellaTV and Samsung TV Plus. Tickets are currently on sale via Ticketmaster.

“This event puts a fun spin on the sport of MMA, but I think we are also going to see the emergence of a few potential future stars that we wouldn’t necessarily have had an opportunity to look at had we not created this event with Lil’ Mr. E and Foos Gone Wild,” said Combate Global CEO Campbell McLaren.

Rodriguez, a former Combate Global fighter, will serve as color commentator alongside “Concrete” and Ben Davis. “D-Rod” (20-5) will then return to training camp for his upcoming fight at UFC 329 during International Fight Week.

Additional FFC bouts include Joseph Muñoz (2-0) vs. Ariel Huizar (4-3), Carlos Meza (1-0) vs. Rey Rodriguez (0-5), Khachic Vardanian (2-0) vs. Carlos Venebra (0-0), and Erik Berganza vs. Jaeysen Jeff (2-4). FFC will be regulated by California Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Association in accordance with California state regulations.

Former Afghanistan cricketer Shapoor Zadran is battling for his life as he receives treatment for a rare life-threatening immune system disorder at a hospital in New Delhi, media reports say.

Zadran, who was admitted to a hospital in the Indian capital in January, is suffering from an advanced form of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and has been placed in the intensive care unit (ICU), ESPNcricinfo reported on Monday.

“It was a very serious infection,” Zadran’s brother Ghamai Zadran told ESPNcricinfo. “His whole body was full of the infection, including TB (tuberculosis). It also spread to his brain, which was revealed after MRI and CT scans.”

Ghamai said Zadran had started to respond to the treatment and, after a few weeks, he was discharged from the hospital and the group moved to a hotel nearby.

“The doctor said we could drop in for the checkups frequently,” Ghamai said. “He [Zadran] was feeling good for about 20 days before he got the infection again. Then we admitted him to the hospital [again].”

HLH is a rare life-threatening disorder of immune regulation with a high mortality rate that usually occurs in infants and young children, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

In adults, many different conditions, including infections and cancer, can cause HLH. While the incidence is increasing, it remains underdiagnosed.

Zadran, 38 years old and a left-arm fast bowler for Afghanistan, first felt unwell in his home country in October and was referred to hospitals in India for further treatment. He arrived in the country with his wife and former Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan.

He was discharged after initial treatment but had to be readmitted when his symptoms returned and worsened with time, his brother said.

HLH weakens the body’s immune system, which does not work normally as certain white blood cells – histiocytes and lymphocytes – attack other blood cells, causing the spleen and liver to enlarge.

Zadran represented Afghanistan between 2009 and 2020, playing 43 one-day internationals (ODIs) and 37 T20 internationals (T20Is). He was part of the Afghanistan squad in its formative years, as the war-torn nation established itself as one of the leading associate members of the International Cricket Council.

The ferocious pacer was part of Afghanistan’s squad when the nation made its debut at the ODI Cricket World Cup in 2015 in Australia and New Zealand. He shone with the ball, taking 10 wickets in six games.

While Afghanistan received Test status in 2017, Zadran never played the longest and most prestigious format of the game for his country.

During his 11-year career, Zadran was renowned for his towering and broad frame, long hair, and aggressive bowling style. He roared in celebration at every dismissal of a batter and became a fan favourite amongst Afghan cricket supporters for his on-field demeanour and performances.

The Afghanistan-born player picked up cricket in Pakistan’s Peshawar, where he lived for many years as a refugee before returning to his home country in the early 2000s.

Social media posts showed Afghan cricket star and T20I captain Rashid Khan by Zadran’s bedside during a visit to the hospital earlier this month.

News of Zadran’s illness prompted several international cricket stars to show an outpouring of support and warm wishes.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said he was “truly saddened” to hear of his former nemesis’s condition.

“You’ve always been a fighter on the field, and I know you’ll fight this too,” Afridi wrote on X.

Had a heartfelt call with Shapoor Zadran’s brother today. Truly saddened to hear about his condition.
You’ve always been a fighter on the field, and I know you’ll fight this too.
Praying for your speedy recovery.#ShapoorZadran#StayStrong#CricketFamily#Prayerspic.twitter.com/2Sn1KKJ5Qd

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) April 17, 2026

When the Chicago Bears selected tight end Colston Loveland in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, many believed Cole Kmet's time with the team was numbered. Everyone except Kmet, that is. The veteran tight end played an integral role on the offense during last year's 11-6 campaign that resulted in an NFC North division title, and that is expected to continue in 2026.

Kmet was back at Halas Hall on Monday for the start of organized team activities (OTAs) and addressed his situation with the media. The 27-year-old is still under contract for two more seasons, but the emergence of Loveland had some believing he would be traded or released to save money. And with Kmet taking a backseat in the passing game, perhaps he would want to be on a team that would feature him more. It turns out neither side wanted to split.

"I thought I did a lot of the things they asked me to do (last year). If you asked me after my exit meeting, I would have told you I didn't feel like I was going anywhere," Kmet said via CHGO Bears.

Those responsibilities included becoming more of a blocking tight end and playing fullback on certain packages while targets and receptions diminished. Kmet had the fewest targets (48), receptions (30), and receiving yards (347) since his rookie season back in 2020. Loveland, meanwhile, became a top receiving option for quarterback Caleb Williams with 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns.

Though Loveland surpassed Kmet on the pecking order when it comes to receiving production, the Bears still value the veteran as part of their core. Kmet is due $11.6 million in each of the next two seasons as part of the four-year, $50 million extension he signed in 2023. We'll see if the Bears lower that cap hit either with a restructure or another extension, but you can count on No. 85 to be part of the team in 2026, doing everything under the sun to help the offense succeed.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears TE Cole Kmet always thought he would be in Chicago in 2026

Compensating with Skill and Technique

Ciryl Gane is pulling out all the stops to ensure he's ready for Alex Pereira's game at UFC Freedom 250.

Less than two months out from his interim heavyweight title showdown with Pereira (13-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) in the June 14 co-main event at the White House in Washington, D.C., Gane (13-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) has enlisted the help of the last name to defeat "Poatan" inside the kickboxing ring.

Veteran GLORY kickboxer Artem Vakhitov, who defeated Pereira by majority decision at GLORY 78 in September 2021, has traveled to France to give Gane some high-level looks in sparring.

Vakhitov shared some footage of their work together on Monday (via Instagram):

View this post on Instagram

Bournemouth have announced Marco Rose will take over as the club’s head coach this summer, succeeding Andoni Iraola.

The German has agreed a three-year deal at the Vitality Stadium, with the Cherries moving swiftly to appoint his replacement as part of their long-term project, despite hoping to extend Iraola’s stay.

Rose, 49, brings a strong track record of player development, having worked with talents such as Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and Dominik Szoboszlai during his time at RB Salzburg, Borussia Monchengladbach, and Borussia Dortmund.

Bournemouth’s owners were attracted by his high-pressing, attacking style of play, which they believe aligns with the club’s identity.

Rose, who has been without a club since being sacked by RB Leipzig in March 2025, also boasts Champions League and Europa League experience.

The appointment follows Iraola’s decision to depart when his contract expires at the end of the season, bringing an end to a highly successful three-year reign.

The 43-year-old Spaniard arrived in Dorset in June 2023, transforming a side that finished 15th under Gary O’Neil.

He guided Bournemouth to 12th place in his first campaign, achieving a then-club record of 48 points, before securing a one-year contract extension.

Last term, the south-coast club finished ninth with a record 56 points and reached the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Bournemouth are currently enjoying a 13-game unbeaten run, sitting eighth in the Premier League table, level on points with sixth-placed Chelsea.

Following back-to-back 2-1 away wins at Arsenal and Newcastle, the Cherries begin their final five games at home to FA Cup semi-finalists Leeds on Wednesday evening.

Iraola could yet lead Bournemouth into Europe before he hands over the managerial reins to Rose at the end of the season.

Iraola has been linked with a return to former team Athletic Bilbao, as well as the Manchester United job.

Bournemouth have announced Marco Rose as outgoing boss Andoni Iraola’s replacement.

Iraola will leave the club this summer and will be replaced by Rose, who has signed a three-year deal with the club.

Rose has previously managed Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig, winning the DFB Pokal with the latter and two league titles with Salzburg.

“The club’s immediate focus remains firmly on finishing the current campaign as strongly as possible, with the players and staff continuing to show full commitment to achieving positive results and building on the current 13-game unbeaten run,” Bournemouth said in a statement.

“Everyone at AFC Bournemouth looks forward to welcoming Marco to Vitality Stadium as he begins his role as head coach in the summer.”

Sri Lanka all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has become the latest player to be banned from future Pakistan Super League seasons after pulling out of this year's tournament.

Shanaka, 34, who led his country at this year's T20 World Cup, withdrew before signing a deal as a replacement at Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League.

He has been banned for one year, with the Pakistan Cricket Board saying he has breached contractual agreements.

The decisions comes after a similar case involving Zimbabwe bowler Blessing Muzarabani.

He was banned for two years after pulling out of a stint with Islamabad United and taking a deal with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.

On Sunday Muzarabani's agent hit out at the decision, calling the ban "excessive" claiming a contract had not been signed.

BOSTON (AP) — Thirteen years ago, the Boston Red Sox returned to the field five days after two bombs went off at the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing three spectators and injuring more than 260.

When they came back to Fenway Park for that next home game, a new jersey was born, and the Red Sox have worn it every Patriots’ Day since.

The regular “Red Sox” across the front of the white home jerseys with red letters was replaced with “Boston.”

On that day in 2013, Hall of Famer David Ortiz walked out in front of the mound and was handed a microphone. He started out by saying: “This jersey that we wear today, it doesn’t say Red Sox, it says Boston.”

Then, he went on to speak the strong words that culminated his speech.

“This is our (expletive) city, and nobody is going to dictate our freedom," he said. "Stay strong.”

Before Monday’s game against Detroit, a large group of Boston Marathon bombing survivors yelled out the customary “Play Ball!” that’s done before each game.

Jonny Gomes, a member of the 2013 team who had a pinch-hit double in that first game back, threw out a ceremonial first pitch Monday wearing the jersey.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said it’s a special day for many reasons, with the game coinciding with the Boston Marathon. He also thinks that day in 2013, when the Red Sox returned, was a big part in bringing the city together.

“Kind of like pushes them more,” Cora said. “Kind of got like everyone united in the city.”

It was also the start of a run that sparked the Red Sox to 2013 World Series championship.

“I think from the pregame ceremonies, throughout, everyone talks about it,” Cora said. “They’re going to have some special people on the field (today).”

Red Sox catcher Conner Wong, in his fifth season with the team, knows what the day means.

“It’s a really special day, especially for the city,” he said.

Boston pitching coach Andrew Bailey pitched in the 2013 game, earning a save. He had the win in relief the day the bombs went off about an hour after the game.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb

NEW YORK (AP) — Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman will retire at the end of August, the conference announced Monday.

Ackerman, 66, has served in that role since 2013, presiding over the rebirth of the conference following the decision a year earlier for the Big East to split. Ackerman led the negotiations that resulted in the return of UConn in 2020 from the American Athletic Conference.

“It’s been an extraordinary honor for me to serve as the Commissioner of one of the most prestigious and storied organizations in college sports,” Ackerman said in a statement. “I want to thank our Presidents for entrusting me with this one-of-a-kind leadership opportunity and for supporting the investments needed to maintain the Big East's stature and meet our schools’ high competitive and academic standards."

Big East men's basketball teams won four national championships during her tenure, with two by Villanova and two by UConn — more than any other Division I conference in that span. The UConn women's team won its 12th national title in 2025.

“Speaking on behalf of all the BIG EAST Presidents, we announce Commissioner Val Ackerman’s retirement with a tinge of sadness and deep gratitude,” said St. John’s president, the Rev. Brian J. Shanley, who is the chair of the conference's Board of Directors. “When we re-founded the BIG EAST in 2013 as a basketball-centric conference, our first task was to find a commissioner who could provide the strategic vision needed to position us as a basketball peer with the power football conferences and compete with the country’s best. We found that visionary leader in Val Ackerman."

She presided in the relocation of the conference headquarters to New York in 2014, and the Big East moved to the famed Empire State Building last year. Ackerman also ensured that the Big East men's basketball tournament will remain at Madison Square Garden until 2032, which would be the 50th anniversary of the event there. The women's tournament is set to be held at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut until 2029.

Before coming to the Big East, Ackerman was the first president of the WNBA when it was launched in 1997 and was in charge of the league for eight years. She also held positions including president at USA Basketball.

Ackerman played at Virginia and was a four-year starter, becoming the first 1,000-point scorer in program history.

___

AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for the 2026 NFL Draft, the front office is taking care of one of the team’s specialists for at least the coming season.

After offering Araiza an exclusive rights free agency (ERFA) tender last month, the Chiefs are signing Araiza to a one-year deal, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The financial details of the contract have not been reported at this time.

When a team offers the ERFA tender to a player like Araiza, the player is barred from speaking with any of the other 31 NFL teams. Kansas City took that step as free agency opened up, and has now taken the next one by agreeing to a contract with Araiza and his representation, JL Sports.

The deal was likely struck because of Araiza’s performance over two seasons as the team’s full-time punter. During the 2025 season, Araiza totaled the 11th-most punts downed inside the 20-yard line with only three touchbacks; only three full-time punters had fewer punts land in or past the end zone.

We will update this article with contract details as they come out.

As the UEFA Champions League enters its most dramatic phase, bet365 are giving fans the chance to catch the dramatic conclusion.

The road to Budapest is heating up as Bayern Munich, Arsenal, PSG and Atlético Madrid battle it four a place in what promises to be an unforgettable final at the Puskás Aréna on 30 May. And bet365 want to make sure fans are in the stands to see it.

As part of their ongoing global partnership with UEFA, bet365 have launched a ballot giving eligible customers a chance to win tickets to the final itself.

The ticketing window is open now until 27 April.

To enter, you must log in or create a bet365 account, head to the UEFA Champions League giveaway page and select the match you want to win tickets for.

Entries must be submitted by 11:59pm UK time on the relevant closing date.

"Year two of our global partnership with the UEFA Champions League is building towards a thrilling climax, and we're delighted to give away tickets for the semi-finals, and the final in Budapest," bet365 stated.

"Since September 2024, we've given away thousands of tickets across the Big Ticket Giveaway ballot to fans, from almost 1.9 million applications. In total, more than 6,000 fans have enjoyed the unrivalled experience of UEFA Champions League football thanks to bet365, and this will continue right up to the final."

Enter the ballot here 18+. BeGambleAware.org. Full terms and conditions apply. See bet365 for details.

Just over a year after being relieved of his duties at RB Leipzig, Marco Rose has a new job!

The 49-year-old has reached an agreement with AFC Bournemouth to take over as head coach starting this summer. The club has just confirmed it on its official channels. 

The former Bundesliga coach, whose contract with Leipzig officially runs until June 30, 2026, will succeed Andoni Iraola. Just a few days ago, Iraola announced that he would leave the Cherries after the current season and would not extend his expiring contract. 

As reported by ‘The Athletic’, Frank Lampard and Ingio Perez were also on the Premier League club’s shortlist. 

Rose, who coached not only RB but also Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, could even take over a team that ends up competing in Europe.

At the moment, Bournemouth are just two points away from the international places. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

The routes for the three UK stages of the 2027 Tour de France Femmes have been revealed, with riders saying it will be "super brutal".

A gruelling 154km second stage from Manchester to Sheffield, which includes nearly 3,000m of climbing and the iconic Winnats Pass in the Peak District, is one of the highlights, which organiser ASO says is "one of the hardest Grand Depart stages we've ever seen before".

The race also travels from Leeds over 85.7km to a likely sprint finish in Manchester, before an approximate 18km team time trial finishing on London's Pall Mall for the third stage - a first for the women's event.

The exact time trial route will be announced in October.

"Having the Tour de France Femmes Avec Swift so close to home feels like a full circle moment for me," said Movistar's English rider Cat Ferguson, who was born in the Yorkshire town of Skipton.

"I watched the men's [Grand Depart in Yorkshire] in 2014 from the side of my home roads as a young kid, and now I hope to have the opportunity next year to line up and race in the peloton."

Ferguson, 19, added: "I trained on those roads and I know they're going to be super brutal stages. Stage two in particular - always up and down. It's really going to be one [stage] that can change the Tour. The GC leaders can lose a lot."

The opening three stages of both the men's (beginning 2 July) and women's (beginning 30 July) editions of cycling's biggest race are taking part across Britain next year.

The route details for the three stages in men's race from Edinburgh, Keswick and Welshpool were revealed in January.

The stages are being billed as the "the most accessible major sporting spectacle ever held in Britain", according the government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

It is estimated the Grand Departs of both races will "pass within an hour's drive of 60% of the population", with free spectating along more than 900km (559 miles) of public roads.

It will be the first time both the men's and women's Grand Departs have taken place in the same country outside of France.

The men's race began in Britain in 1974, 1994, 2007 and 2014, when an estimated 4.8 million watched at the roadside.

The 2014 edition followed on from the first wins in the Tour for British riders, with Bradley Wiggins triumphant in 2012 and Chris Froome a year later - both for Team Sky.

"Tour de France Femmes race director Marion Rousse said: "The United Kingdom has already shown its passion for the Tour, and these stages will once again showcase the energy of the crowds, the beauty of the landscapes and the growing importance of women's cycling on the world stage."

The announcement saw riders and leaders joined by seven young girls as a part of participation programme JOY, which aims to tackle inactivity and improve mental wellbeing in Britain.

Analysis: A victory for road cycling in Britain

Hosting six stages in total of the world's biggest cycling races - which organisers say has a billion viewing hours on television across 190 countries for the men's race - is unprecedented.

Three stages of the men's Tour were held in Yorkshire and London in 2014 and the sport globally has grown in popularity since.

Thanks to a golden period the last time the UK hosted part of the race - which produced Wiggins, four-time victor Froome, 2018 winner Geraint Thomas, sprinter Mark Cavendish and Lizzie Deignan - the UCI World Tour now boasts a combined record 49 male and female British riders, many of whom stand a good chance of winning the sport's biggest events.

But it also comes just in time, too: memberships for British Cycling have been falling, and the body itself stepped in in 2024 to save the men's and women's Tours of Britain from collapse.

Hosting bike races in the UK is much more expensive than it is for organisers on the continent, thanks to huge policing costs for high-speed events held on closed public roads, involving a race cavalcade of around 40 cars and as many motorbikes.

Race organisers make their money through TV rights and charge fees to towns and cities who want the race to showcase them.

While no official figures have been released, rough estimates put the costs of holding all these stages at more than £50m, most of which comes from central government and local authorities.

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

Prediction markets like Kalshi are offering all kinds of markets ahead of Hawks vs. Knicks Game 2 at Madison Square Garden tonight, including options on Hawks vs. Knicks win probability, and much more.

Whether your Hawks vs. Knicks predictions and NBA picks are siding with Atlanta or New York on Monday, April 20, here's how to get the best bang for your buck. 

Who will win Hawks vs Knicks Game 2?

Hawks win probability:32% (+213)
Knicks win probability:69% (-223)

The New York Knicks are given a better than two out of three chance to take Game 2 over the Atlanta Hawks at Kalshi. 

Our prediction:Knicks to win

Covers expert Zak Hanshew sees the Knicks holding serve at home in Game 2 tonight.

"Homecourt advantage will be the deciding factor in a tight game, so New York gets the edge, especially after how well the dynamic duo of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns played in Game 1."

Read more in Hanshew's full Hawks vs. Knicks predictions.

More Hawks vs Knicks prediction markets

You're certainly not limited to the main game outcome for Hawks vs. Knicks at Kalshi; you also have options to trade on the spread, total, and more, among other NBA odds markets.

You can buy either side of a market — for example, "Yes" on the Knicks -4.5 spread means the Knicks will cover, while "No" means the Hawks will cover — with each side priced based on the implied probability (which can be converted to American, Decimal, or Fraction odds using the Covers odds converter).

Hawks vs Knicks spread and total at prediction markets

Our predictions:Knicks -4.5 — No and Over 218.5 points — Yes

Nickeil Alexander-Walker had a quieter game than usual vs. the Knicks in Game 1, scoring 17 points on 35.3% shooting. He dropped 23+ on New York in all three meeting this season, however.

I think a bounce-back game from NAW can propel the Hawks to a high-scoring win.

Other Hawks vs Knicks prediction markets available

• Jalen Brunson 25+ points (Yes: 64¢)
• Josh Hart 4+ assists (Yes: 63¢)
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker 4+ rebounds (Yes: 43¢)

What is Kalshi and how does it work?

Kalshi is a federally regulated U.S. exchange where you trade directly on the outcome of real-world future events. Instead of traditional bets, you trade "Event Contracts" which are simple Yes/No questions like "Will the Knicks win tonight?" These events are priced between $0.01 and $0.99, and the prices reflect the market’s estimated probability of that event occurring. For instance, $0.55 equals a 55% chance. If your prediction is correct, the contract pays out exactly $1.00; if not, it settles at $0. Kalshi is essentially a stock market for reality.

How does Kalshi differ from sportsbooks?

In a sportsbook, you bet against the bookmaker, who sets fixed odds and takes a "vig," which is a kind of commission. On Kalshi, you trade against other users. This peer-to-peer model means prices are driven by supply and demand, often resulting in fairer odds. Additionally, because these are financial derivatives, you can exit your position early. If your team takes a 14-point lead, the contract price will rise, allowing you to sell your "Yes" shares for a profit before the final whistle even blows.

Why should I wager on Hawks vs Knicks at Kalshi?

Kalshi offers four unique advantages over traditional sportsbooks:

1. Flexibility: Unlike a "locked-in" bet, you can sell your contract at any time.
   
   
2. Transparency: You trade against other users, which can allow you to find better value.
   
   
3. Federal regulation: As a CFTC-regulated exchange, your funds are held in a secure, transparent environment.
   
   
4. Availability: Kalshi is available in 49 states (excluding Nevada) and D.C., including many regions where traditional sportsbooks aren't yet legal.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a dominant 119-84 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 last Sunday.

The result was effectively secured early, allowing OKC to control the pace throughout.

The Thunder star played just 29 minutes due to the comfortable margin, yet still finished as the game’s top scorer with 25 points. His efficiency ensured the hosts never lost control of the contest.

Despite the convincing win and his scoring output, Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance sparked debate among fans. Attention quickly shifted from the result to how his points were accumulated.

Fans criticise Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s free throw reliance against Phoenix

Gilgeous-Alexander’s trip to the free throw line became the focal point of discussion after the game. Of his 25 points, 15 came from free throws, highlighting a recurring aspect of his playstyle.

That tendency has divided opinion throughout recent seasons, and the reaction following the Suns game was particularly strong from those who disapprove of his approach.

One fan wrote on X: “It’s a disgrace the best guard in basketball chooses to play like this. The league has to stop rewarding this or else the game will die.”

Another added: “A terrible brand of basketball. It’s why he can’t be the face of the league. You aren’t as excited to watch him play compared to the Stephs, Brons, Shaqs, Kobes, MJs, Birds and Magics. He plays a boring brand of basketball because he leans on flopping for fouls.”

“He is not the best guard in the league, he has to play like that or he will just be a top 25 player instead of top 5,” read a third comment.

Another reaction summed up the frustration: “25 points on 17 FT attempts is a disgusting stat line, big bro.”

SGA explains reason behind frequent fouls

Gilgeous-Alexander addressed the high free throw volume by explaining his style of play after the game.

During the post-match press conference, the MVP contender said: “When you drive the ball a lot, you get fouled a lot, just because most of the fouls happen on drives, and I drive the ball a lot, so that probably adds to it.

“I just tried to get better at many aspects over the years I’ve been in the league, trying to be able to attack teams’ defences in multiple ways, and I feel like I’ve done so.”

Read more:

It felt like more than just a derby win for Liverpool, because the implications for our season are now becoming crystal clear.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

That dramatic 2-1 victory over Everton has put us firmly in control of the race for Champions League qualification, and the numbers now back that up.

Opta prediction shows Liverpool in control

According to Opta Analyst, the impact of that late winner could hardly be bigger in the context of the table.

The data states: “The win takes Liverpool seven points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea in the race for Champions League qualification with only five games remaining.

“The Opta supercomputer now rates their chances of a top-five finish at 89.2%.”

That gap gives us breathing room at exactly the right time, especially with other results going our way across the weekend.

It wasn’t long ago that the situation looked far less certain, with the chasing pack beginning to close in, but this result has shifted the landscape significantly.

Late derby win could define Liverpool’s season

Opta were also clear on what this means in a wider sense, emphasising just how crucial qualification is for the club.

They added: “Qualifying for the Champions League is an absolute must if Liverpool are to rescue anything from a disappointing season, and with this win, thanks to that very, very late strike, they took a huge step towards achieving that goal.”

From our perspective, that sums it up perfectly, because while performances haven’t always been convincing, moments like this can define a campaign.

Curtis Jones hinted at that mentality after the game, making it clear we’re focused on moving forward rather than worrying about those behind us, and that mindset is now backed up by the table itself.

Financially and competitively, Champions League football is massive for us, with recent figures showing just how much revenue it can generate, and that only adds to the importance of getting the job done.

With five games remaining and a seven-point cushion, it’s not finished yet, but it’s difficult to ignore the position we’ve now put ourselves in, and if we handle the run-in properly, this could be the moment that effectively secured our return to Europe’s top table.

Italy international Marco Palestra has not ruled out a potential move to Inter during the upcoming transfer window, but insists that for now, his entire focus is on helping Cagliari achieve Serie A survival: ‘We’ll see in the summer’.

Palestra has been one of Italy’s biggest breakthrough stars of the 2025-26 season after impressing on loan with Cagliari and in his first few appearances with the Italy national team, despite the collective disappointment after the World Cup play-off disaster in Bosnia.

The 21-year-old right-back is on loan with Cagliari from Atalanta, where he has a contract that runs until the summer of 2029. Still, he has attracted plenty of interest in the second half of the 2025-26 season, especially from league leaders Inter.

Speaking at an event at Coverciano on Monday, Palestra refused to go into specific details about his future plans, but confessed that it is ‘nice’ to hear of interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs and did not rule out a potential move away from Atalanta in the summer.

Palestra on Italy disappointment and Inter links: ‘We’ll see’

Palestra was one of several players and coaches present at the ‘Inside the Sport 2026’ event at Italy’s headquarters in Coverciano on Monday.

Speaking to reporters at the event, Palestra explained that he didn’t expect to have such an impressive season on an individual level at the beginning of the campaign: “I hadn’t thought about it, I tried to think in the short term, focussing on doing my best to improve every day without looking at goals like this.”

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Tarik Muharemovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina competes for the ball with Marco Palestra of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

The exciting youngster feels that he still has plenty of potential left to fulfil: “I have a lot of margins. That’s normal when you’re 21 years old. I have to improve a little bit in everything. I’ve been in Serie A for two years and I have a lot to improve with my teammates and the coach, who always helps me.”

Palestra continues to be linked with a potential move to Inter this summer, but for now, he insists that his sole focus is on the remaining five games of the Serie A campaign with Cagliari. He did not definitively rule out a transfer away from Atalanta this summer, though.

“No, honestly I’m only thinking about Cagliari. The most important thing is to achieve safety. The rumours circulating are nice and it’s nice to be approached by big clubs, but we’ll see in the summer.”

He later repeated: “I’m 100% focussed on Cagliari, they deserve it. Then, with my agents we will make the best decision for the future, but I don’t want to think about it now.”

CAGLIARI, ITALY – JANUARY 02: Marco Palestra of Cagliari looks on before the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and AC Milan at Stadio Sant’Elia on January 02, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

Palestra was also asked for his reflections after Italy’s World Cup play-off final defeat away against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which cost the Azzurri a place at the final tournament for the third time in a row.

“It was certainly a big blow for us all in Bosnia,” he said. “The following days were really difficult. However, we need to start again and be stronger than before. The group is extraordinary and we will all be able to help each other get back up, trying to improve more and more.”

And what were the days immediately afterwards like?

“They were difficult, especially the first few. I was locked in the house thinking about what had gone wrong. But then there is Cagliari. I immediately changed my mindset because I had to. Now the most important thing is to reach safety.”

David Alonso is set to join MotoGP in 2027 after agreeing a deal with Honda, but some wonder if the 19-year-old is ready for the move.

The Colombian rider earned his step up to Moto2 in 2025 by winning the Moto3 title the year before, racking up an impressive 14 wins from 20 races. His debut season saw him finish ninth overall, and he claimed his first victory at Balaton Park.

Now heading into his second year in Moto2, Alonso is considered one of the favourites for the championship and has drawn significant interest from teams higher up the ladder. His performances have been strong enough that many believe it’s only a matter of time before he gets his shot in MotoGP.

Honda has signed Alonso for next season, partnering with 2021 MotoGP champion Fabio Quartararo in an all-new rider line-up. The Colombian is an impressive talent, but some are questioning if he is ready for the step to the premier class.

Many MotoGP fans feel Alonso needs more time before moving up

Fans on Reddit have been debating whether David Alonso is ready to make the jump to MotoGP, with most leaning towards him needing more time in Moto2. When asked if he was prepared for the move, two users responded simply with ‘No’.

“My guy is 19 and not destroying the competition in Moto2. What is the point in calling him up now? Just let him develop a bit more,” one fan argued, pointing out that there’s no rush.

Some saw his potential but felt he needed more time to mature. “No he is not….yet. he’ll get there tho. I’m absolutely sure he’ll be a MotoGP rider,” said another fan, while someone else added: “Probably not now, but eventually he’ll get there soon. He just needs to do well in Moto2 rn.”

Another fan wasn’t convinced Alonso was ready for a factory seat just yet, saying: “Yes but probably not for a factory team icl.”

Someone compared Alonso’s situation with his Aspar teammate Daniel Holgado, who’s also set to join Gresini in 2027: “Love Alonso, but he’s only got one Moto2 win.” they said.

“Both are outstanding riders and both will sooner or later succeed at MotoGP,” they continued. “All that said though, Alonso is a diminutive rider that could use some more time in Moto2 to further develop physically.”

David Alonso insisted on a factory MotoGP seat for 2027

Alonso’s rise through the ranks made him a hot prospect, and it wasn’t long before several MotoGP teams started showing serious interest. In the end, it was Honda who secured his signature, beating out other manufacturers in what became a competitive pursuit.

Ducati were strongly linked with Alonso as well, especially with Luigi Dall’Igna being such a big fan of his talent. But talks never really got off the ground.

In the end, it came down to finances. Alonso was reportedly asking for a salary that was far beyond what Ducati were willing to offer, which ultimately pushed him toward Honda.

Both Ducati and Yamaha also stopped short of offering him a factory seat. In contrast, Honda decided to take that leap of faith and handed him an HRC spot alongside Quartararo. With those high expectations comes added pressure, and now he’ll need to show he can back up his side of the deal.

Read more:

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers and star left tackle Trent Williams agreed Monday to a two-year, $50 million contract that gives the team clarity about the future of one of its most important players before the NFL draft.

Williams' agency, Elite Loyalty Sports, announced the deal that includes $37 million of fully guaranteed money and a $22 million signing bonus. Williams had been owed about $33 million this season in the final year of a three-year, $82.3 million deal he had signed before the 2024 season before agreeing to the new contract.

The 49ers got the deal done on the first day of their offseason program and three days before the start of the draft. San Francisco has the 27th pick in the first round and had been linked to some tackles but that could be less of a priority now that Williams is under contract for two more seasons.

Williams turns 38 in July but is still playing at a high level after making the Pro Bowl and earning second-team All-Pro honors.

San Francisco originally acquired Williams from Washington for a third and fifth-round pick during the 2020 draft and re-signed him to a six-year, $138.1 million contract the following offseason. The sides did a reworked three-year deal just before the start of the 2024 season after Williams held out of training camp.

There was much less drama this time around as the two sides came to the agreement before the start of the offseason program.

Williams is coming off his 12th Pro Bowl season — the most for any offensive tackle — and is two shy of tying Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews’ record for any offensive lineman.

Williams made three straight All-Pro teams from 2021-23 before being hampered by injuries in 2024. He was healthy for most of last season, playing 16 games for the first time since 2013.

Williams’ 40 pressures allowed last season were his most since his rookie season with Washington in 2010, according to Pro Football Focus, but he still remained one of the top left tackles in the game in both run and pass blocking.

The 49ers have not drafted a tackle with a Day 1 or Day 2 draft pick since acquiring Williams from Washington during the 2020 draft, leaving the team with no obvious succession plan for when Williams’ tenure in San Francisco is finished.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Texas A&M softball is playing its best ball of the season, and the results keep stacking up. The Aggies capped another impressive weekend with a gritty sweep of Mississippi State, rallying from an early six‑run deficit in Game 3 to secure their fifth SEC series win, three of them sweeps.

Nothing is locked in yet, but this latest sweep puts the Aggies in a strong position to host a regional at Davis Diamond. Their résumé is building exactly the way they hoped. Consistent SEC wins, quality performances, and only one series loss a road matchup at Texas where the first two games slipped away by a single run before A&M took the finale.

Where they stand now is right in line with what head coach Trisha Ford envisioned. A pitching coach by trade, Ford still wants more from her rotation, but she’s seeing a team that competes, responds, and refuses to fold.

"I think this is who we are. I think we fight. You know, we've talked about that over and over. It's something that I take a lot of pride in. Every program that I've been a part of, like you do not hold your breath, you hold your breath, I should say, until the last out and that's why I feel like we're the Fighting Texas Aggies." - Coach Trisha Ford

Two players who delivered in Sunday’s comeback were Mya Perez and Paislie Allen. Perez, one of the best hitters in the country, continues to adjust to teams pitching around her. When she finally got something, she could drive, she didn’t miss.

"First pitch I was like, "Oh, dang." Like I should have swing at that. But then I was like I was like, "You know what? This one I'm just really going to let rip hit something hard. Hit a line drive somewhere." So. I mean I wasn't trying to hit a home run. I was just trying to hit something hard line drive." - Mya Perez

Allen, a sophomore who has been in and out of the lineup, showed exactly why the staff believes in her versatility and upside. She’s finding her rhythm at the plate and proving she can impact the game in multiple ways.

" I think I've just struggled with my pitch selection. So just making sure I get in the cages, work on that, and come back out." - Paislie Allen

The Aggies are finally stringing together complete performances. Timely hitting, resilient pitching, and a lineup that’s learning how to win in different ways. Ford’s group is showing the identity she’s been preaching since January. Tough, competitive, and built for late‑season momentum.

Below is the full postgame press conference following Texas A&M’s sweep over Mississippi State.

Texas A&M will be on the road to face South Carolina in a three-game series starting on Friday, April 24, at 7 p.m. CST. The game can be viewed on ESPN2 and the ESPN App.

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

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M HC Trisha Ford and players speak after Mississippi State series

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta offered strong evaluations of two offensive line prospects, Utah's Spencer Fano and Penn State's Olaivavega Ioane, calling both players first-round talents with the ability to contribute immediately.

DeCosta highlighted Fano's versatility and Ioane's physical profile as key traits.

"I do. I think [Spencer] Fano could play really wherever you want him to play, right? He could play tackle, and he could play guard. He's a good athlete. He's tough. He's a good player. I think [with] Vega [Ioane], I've obviously seen him play a bunch. He's physical [and] tough. He's probably a guard, but [he] sort of prototypes, straight from central casting of what you want your guards to look like. I think they're both excellent prospects. I think both guys are first-round talents. Both guys can probably come in right away and help your team quite a bit."

For Baltimore, both players represent potential fits if they are available when the Ravens are on the clock at No. 14 or later in the first round.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Eric DeCosta sees Fano and Ioane as impact offensive linemen

We’ve finally made it! After all of the rumors, smokescreens, risings, fallings and in-betweens, we’ve reached the week of the 2026 NFL Draft!

Of course, there are still a few days until the first round kicks off on Thursday, so we’re not completely out of the woods yet, but soon enough, we will learn who the newest members of the Miami Dolphins’ roster are.

Speaking of… Jordan Reid of ESPN took a crack at predicting who those new Dolphins will be — along with the other 31 teams in the National Football League — in a mock draft that was published early Monday morning. Based on the latest intel, who does the insider have playing in South Florida for the foreseeable future after this week’s selection process concludes?

11. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

“A new regime typically likes to go QB with its first draft pick, but there isn’t one who makes sense for the Dolphins here. So, offensive tackle is the play, and Fano makes way too much sense as Miami looks to bolster its trenches. With Austin Jackson entering the final year of his contract and having durability concerns, Fano would provide a clear long-term option at right tackle. If GM Jon-Eric Sullivan stays true to his Packers roots, he’ll want a lineman with versatility. That’s Fano, who is capable of playing any spot up front.”

30. Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

“Faulk is another prospect who has a wide range of where he could get drafted. I wouldn’t be shocked if Miami took him with its earlier first-round pick, but he goes here in this projection. The Dolphins want to start their rebuild in the trenches and have a long enough runway to give the young Faulk (he turns 22 in September) time to develop. At 6-foot-6, 276 pounds, Faulk is NFL-ready as a run defender but will need further development to scratch his ceiling as a pass rusher.”

43. Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

“Cisse is a high-caliber athlete who is still working to improve his technique. His scrappiness and competitiveness in man coverage would fit well in new coach Jeff Hafley’s scheme.”

75. Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State

“Lance is a long-striding, speedy target who averaged 21.2 yards per reception last season. He would track with Sullivan’s tendency to draft receivers on Day 2.”

87.Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina

“Kilgore is an interchangeable player who projects best in a STAR type of role on a Dolphins team that’s rebuilding from the ground up.”

90.Romello Height, Edge, Texas Tech

“Height projects as a designated pass rusher who has excellent bend to accelerate around blockers. He finished with 10 sacks last season.”

94. Elijah Sarratt , WR, Indiana

“Sarratt won’t impress anyone with his vertical speed, but he understands how to put his body in position to haul in passes. He could contribute right away for a Dolphins team without Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle this season.”

130. Marlin Klein , TE, Michigan

151.Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan

227.Anez Cooper, G, Miami

238. Jalon Daniels, QB, Kansas

For the entire article which includes all 257 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, click here.

___

What would you think of this collection of players from Jordan Reid if it were to come to pass for the Dolphins during this year’s draft? Would you have selected someone else at pick #11? What about pick #30? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter/X at @MBrave13. Fins up!

After a tough second season in the NFL, Buffalo Bills defensive lineman has provided an injury update.

Carter tore his Achilles prior to the 2025 NFL season. In his rookie year, Carter had 14 tackles, including five for loss, with three QB hits and a pass defended in 11 games played.

But Carter told the "Centered on Buffalo with Eric Wood podcast" he expects to be back by 2026 training camp.

“Yep, I’ll be ready to go,” Carter said. “I’m excited. I’m really excited.”With the change in defensive scheme under new coordinator Jim Leonhard, it remains to be see how Carter fits in next season.

Bills Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 offseason.

This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Injury update on Buffalo Bills DT DeWayne Carter

The standard.

For anyone looking for a career in basketball – and wanting to excel with fierce determination, navigate the toughest challenges with impeccable style and grace, while still accomplishing the task at hand – they need to look no further than Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Val Ackerman.

After four decades of service to professional and college basketball in many roles, including her current position as the commissioner of the Big East Conference, Ackerman is retiring after 13 years at the helm, bringing the league back to its historic place in college athletics after nearly coming close to extinction.

Ackerman will leave the position, effective Aug. 31, and a national search for her successor will start immediately and be led by the conference's Board of Directors.

"When we re-founded the Big East in 2013 as a basketball-centric conference, our first task was to find a commissioner who could provide the strategic vision needed to position us as a basketball peer with our football counterparts and compete with the country’s best. We found that visionary leader in Val Ackerman," said St. John’s President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., Chair of the Big East Board of Directors. "She leaves big shoes to fill."

Ackerman said her first contract at the Big East was for five years. After that contract had nearly expired, it was clear the conference's powers-that-be didn't want her going anywhere.

"Then they came back and said they wanted to sign me to a second contract. They said, how about five years?" Ackerman told USA TODAY Sports, hilariously explaining how she ended up staying for 13 years.

"I said, 'okay. How about three?' So I did that, then that contract ran out, and they came back to me and said, 'Can we sign you up for another five years?' And I said, 'how about three?' And then I went through that, and then they came again and said 'how about another five?' And I say, 'how about one?' "

The league is thriving with competitive teams and armed with a new media rights agreement with FOX, NBC Sports and TNT Sports through the 2030-31 season. The obvious question is, why leave now?

"It just felt like the time was right for me. I'd come back to what retirement means. I did what I was hired to do, which was to put the pieces back together again when this storied league broke up," she said, adding she is leaving on her own volition.

Reflections on a 'pinch me' career

From a little girl shooting hoops outside of her Pennington, New Jersey home to playing at the University of Virginia, Ackerman knew she wanted to work in sports after earning a law degree from UCLA in 1985.

After being hired as a corporate associate at Simpson Thacher in New York, she tried in vain to secure her dream job. She still kept the numerous rejection letters, including one from the NBA. Undeterred, the opportunity came three years later, and the call came from Gary Bettman, the future NHL Commissioner, who at the time was the NBA's general counsel and senior vice president, and who hired Ackerman as a junior lawyer at the league office.

Once David Stern called her into his office 18 months later, asking her to help out on various projects, her career took off, including the timing of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowing nations to determine their own rules for professional athletes to compete at the Olympics.

Ackerman got to travel to the Barcelona Olympics with the original Dream Team and laid the groundwork for the women to follow suit, eventually leading to the formation of the women's team in Atlanta in 1996 and her being asked to be the WNBA's first top executive.

"That was a kind of a pinch-me moment working on the first Dream Team. I was there with some bandwidth and was asked to help out. So it wasn't a surprise that they asked me to do it," Ackerman said about the WNBA. "It was an honor, not quite a surprise, because I was sort of the person in-house at that time who was the basketball person."

Ackerman served as WNBA president for eight years, and the league thrived in its first few years before the novelty of women's professional basketball began to erode.

"Things cooled off, and there were some hard years there as it related to numbers dropping and teams folding," she said. "And we couldn't always relocate them. And that was eight years, and then my kids were getting older, and I don't know, I would say there were moments I missed as a parent because of my focus on work. Yeah, wish I could get some of those moments back."

Rebirth of the Big East

When Ackerman was tapped to lead the Big East after seven schools (DePaul, Georgetown, Marquette, Providence, St. John’s, Seton Hall, and Villanova) separated from the original conference and from the football-playing schools to team up with Butler, Creighton, and Xavier, she knew that she was taking on a Herculean task. UConn completed the Big East reclamation project when it rejoined the league in 2020.

Armed with a cell phone and pretty much nothing else, the mandate from the league's presidents was clear: restore the glory and prestige of a once proud league, with the confidence to do it how you see fit.

When asked how difficult the job at hand would be on a scale of 1-10, Ackerman was not shy in her assessment of what she faced.

"25," she says, almost matter-of-factly. "It was really challenging, the most challenging thing I've ever done in my career. Even when the WNBA launched, we had David Stern make it a company priority, and I was sort of the tip of the spear, but the whole company was told this is a priority project. Here it was, at the beginning, really just me, for the most part, I tried to be resourceful in terms of getting other people involved, trying to hop quickly. But it was a true startup."

The conference has thrived on the biggest stages with Villanova winning national championships in 2016 and 2018 and UConn in 2023 and 2024. The UConn women were the last team standing five times during her tenure (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2025).

Thinking about legacy

As the clock ticks for when Ackerman departs the conference's headquarters at the Empire State Building in midtown Manhattan, she reflects on her career, and those "pinch me" moments start to flood her mind, especially the impact that she has had on women.

"I hope I showed what women can do, and I hope I've been at least, in a modest way, an example to women who are either in the business and want to move up, or women who want to get in the business," Ackerman said. "It can be done, ladies."

So how will a person who seems to be everywhere, including traveling to 25 different cities in the past three months, slow down to enjoy retirement?

"I think retirement for me means, you know, it's like what some people will do to get a vacation," she said.

Ackerman, who is also a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame and the State of New Jersey Hall of Fame, will also enjoy the spoils of life, but just being a regular person, including being entertained by things that don't resemble sports.

"I'm an animal lover. We've had a string of cats, including right now, we're taking care of my older daughter's cat. I've tried to maintain and stay true to my athlete roots. I do try to work out, and I love to swim. I've glommed onto the Peloton in recent years to try to stave off the effects of aging. I like to read.

"My husband (Charlie Rappaport, a retired tax partner at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett) and I watch our shows every night. I mean, I need to watch a French cop show to sort of recharge my battery."

The admitted "chocaholic" plans to spend her time cleaning out her closets, traveling more, focusing on donating to charities, especially environmental causes, and finding anything on Brit Box to watch.

So the next person who inherits the Big East knows what they need to do to continue the success Ackerman built.

"I think when you're in these jobs, you're not in them forever. That's just the nature of the beast. Everyone is working a shift at the end of the day. And I think your hope is that when it was your turn, when the baton got passed to you, you ran a good race," she said.

"I've climbed the mountains. Every mountain that I ever wanted to climb, I've climbed it. If there's a legacy piece, I hope it's at least about what I've done for women and the game of basketball."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Val Ackerman retiring as Big East commissioner after 13 years

Boston Marathon Live Updates: Latest News, Results From 2026 Men's, Women's Races originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This year will mark the 130th edition of the Boston Marathon, an event that has provided plenty of great moments throughout its history.

Thousands of runners will look to complete the 26.2-mile race, but only a select few will compete for titles. The Boston Marathon will feature multiple divisions, including wheelchair and open groups for men and women.

Follow along right here for the latest updates from the 2026 Boston Marathon.

Live updates, latest news, results from 2026 Boston Marathon

12:12 p.m. ET: McClain earned the record for fastest American ever with a time of 2:20:49. 

12:09 p.m. ET: Lokedi did not break her own record, but won by a mile. Her time was 2:18:51. Loice Chemnung (2:19:35) and Mary Ngugi-Cooper (2:20:07) were right behind her. 

11:55 a.m. ET: Sharon Lokedi has a solid lead in the women's race. She no longer needed her sleeve. 

11:50 a.m. ET: Zouhair Talbi earned the record for fastest American man with a time of 2:03:45

11:48 a.m. ET: The broadcast just announced Red Sox are winning 2-0 in the top of the third against the Tigers. 

11:41 a.m. ET: Korir crushed Geoffrey Mutai’s men's race record (2:03:02 in 2011) with a time of 2:01:52. Alphonce Felix Simbu (2:02:47) and Benson Kipruto (2:02:50) came in second and third. 

With a time of 2:01:52, John Korir is a back-to-back men's Boston Marathon champion 🏆 pic.twitter.com/CZP17D8dfH

— ESPN (@espn) April 20, 2026

11:29 a.m. ET: Korir is 0.3 miles ahead of the course record heading into mile 24. 

11:19 a.m. ET: Korir with a clear lead in the men's professional race. 

11:06 a.m. ET:. The women's race is tight. 

10:55 a.m. ET: Chelsea Clinton and astronaut Suni Williams are both running the Boston Marathon. 

10:52 a.m. ET: Marcel Hug and Eden Rainbow-Cooper are together at the finish line. Rainbow-Cooper credits Hug for being a trailblazer. Hug called her inspiring. 

10:50 a.m. ET: Lemi Berhanu leads in the men's race, with the closest American being Ryan Ford. Kodi Kleven, Dakotah Popehn, and Isobel Batt-Doyle are leading in the women's race. 

10:41 a.m. ET: Eden Rainbow-Cooper earned the second-fastest finish in the wheelchair race with a time of 1:30:51 (she won in 2024 with a time of 1:35:11). 

It's a beautiful day in Boston 🤩

Eden Rainbow-Cooper won her second Boston Marathon women's wheelchair title and Marcel Hug won his ninth men's wheelchair title 👏 pic.twitter.com/2Qcsqk1KDG

— ESPN (@espn) April 20, 2026

10:32 a.m. ET: Hug revealed he tried to beat the course record. He talked about the impact of Hall. 

10:30 a.m. ET: Eden Rainbow-Cooper may get her moment, as she's ahead in the women's wheelchair race.

10:23 a.m. ET: Marcel Hug just won his fourth straight wheelchair race. He almost beat his own course record from 2024 (1:15:33) with a time of 1:16:06. It was his ninth win at the Boston Marathon. 

The champion is back! See the moment when Marcel Hug crosses the finish line to win his ninth Boston Marathon race! https://t.co/Y1JlqBlUYUpic.twitter.com/Dm6ndkwyc8

— WCVB-TV Boston (@WCVB) April 20, 2026

10:15 a.m. ET: It's a one-man race for Hug. He's close to winning another race, and in record time. 

10:07 a.m. ET: The U.S.'s Kodi Kleven leads the women's race, followed by Susanna Sullivan. 

10 a.m. ET: Wave 1 has started. Multiple races are going on at the same time!

9:58 a.m. ET: Daniel Romanchuk looks to give Hug a run for his money in the men's wheelchair race. Still, Hug is in a league of his own. 

9:52 a.m. ET: All four races have started. Good luck everyone!

9:49 a.m. ET: The women's professional race has begun. Kenya attempts to continue dominating the race. World Championships runner Jessica McClain is in the race. 

9:37 a.m. ET: The men's professional race has begun! John Korir attempts to win his second straight Marathon. Former Bruin Zdeno Chara looks to make an impact in the race. 

9:25 a.m. ET: Hug's pace at 7.3 miles (passing Framingham and going to Natick) is going to be hard to beat. The women are at 5.7 miles. 

9:20 a.m. ET: Eden Rainbow-Cooper is the current leader of the women's wheelchair race. She's looking for her second win (she won in 2024). 

9:17 a.m. ET: Bob Hall, the winner of the first wheelchair race in 1975, recently passed away.

9:15 a.m. ET: Marcel Hug is currently the leader in the men's wheelchair race. If he crosses the finish line, it will be the fourth straight win for the man from Switzerland. 

Wheelchair Pros are on their way to Hopkinton💛💙 #BostonMarathonpic.twitter.com/O2YobGXR2q

— Boston Marathon Pro (@Boston26_2_Pro) April 20, 2026

9 a.m. ET: Boston Marathon coverage has started!

Hello everyone, and welcome to NESN's coverage of the 2026 Boston Marathon!

How to watch Boston Marathon 2026: TV channel, live stream

• TV channel: WCVB (local) | ESPN2 (national)
• Live stream:fubo

The 2026 Boston Marathon will air locally on WCVB (coverage from 4 a.m. ET to 8 p.m. ET) and nationally on ESPN2 (coverage from 9 a.m. ET to 12:30 p.m. ET). The race will also be available to stream on 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.)

Boston Marathon start time 2026

• Date: Monday, April 20
• Time: 9:06 a.m. ET

The 2026 Boston Marathon will start at 9:06 a.m. ET on Monday, April 20, with the men's wheelchair division. Other divisions will follow with all runners expected to be across the starting line by 11:30 a.m. ET.

Boston Marathon schedule 2026

Boston Marathon course map 2026

The 2026 Boston Marathon will start in the town of Hopkinton, Mass., and it will conclude near the Boston Public Library in Copley Square.

Boston Athletic Association

List of Boston Marathon winners by year

Men's Open Division

Women's Open Division

GGFN was recently invited to a roundtable with Bayern Munich and Germany legend Philipp Lahm. During the conversation, the World Cup winner discussed the current Bayern team, the Champions League, Luis Diaz, Michael Olise, Vincent Kompany, and much more. 

It’s All About the Champions League

It’s almost a given that Bayern Munich are expected to win the Bundesliga season after season. So much so that the actual success of a campaign relies more on lifting the Meisterschale. Instead, those in the club and watching from the stands also measure success on the club’s efforts in the Champions League. 

Conversation quickly got onto Philipp’s ranking of this Bayern team and what makes a good season for Vincent Kompany’s men. Manuel Veth of TransferMarkt opened the discussion by asking where this Bayern team ranks and what exactly does success looks like this season. 

“The most important period of the season is just coming up, so we’ll see if this will be a successful season. Obviously, for Bayern Munich, it’s also about titles and making records. But in the end, it’s silverware, so let’s see how this important period plays out. To make history at Bayern Munich, it will be around the Champions League.”

It was then my turn to bring our attention to the Champions League and, in particular, Bayern Munich vs PSG. The game most fans are looking forward to (unless you’re Arsenal or Atletico, of course), and one which is fit for any final. I asked Philipp if Bayern is to get through to the final, where will this two-legged tie be won? 

“PSG are very strong individually. They have a very strong offence, and obviously, they’re the title defenders. At the same time, Bayern are also scoring goals. We’re seeing that both in the Bundesliga as well as in the Champions League. However, this game will be won in defence. That will be the key to this game.”

However, when talking more about defensive qualities under the lens of the Champions League semi-final, Philipp commented on the risk of Bayern’s reliance on defending mainly by one-on-one duels. 

Charles Booth of CBS Sports mentioned the importance of Bayern’s defensive displays under Kompany and what he thought of some of the changes that the head coach has made at the club. 

“He has brought calmness to the club and has a good style of commuting, as well as to the outside. The club has immense offensive quality, but defensively, they’re also defending one-on-one. That might be a risk, especially looking at the Champions League semi-finals. When you’re playing PSG, who have so much offensive quality. But Kompany is a great representative of the club, and he really has that style of commuting that you want to see from a Bayern coach.”

Goals, Goals, Goals

Unsurprisingly, when you talk about Bayern, you have to talk about goals. This season, the Bavarian giants have scored the most goals in a single Bundesliga season (109 so far) and also set a new club record last weekend by reaching over 160 goals in all competitions within a single campaign.  

Dan Wighton of the AFP News Agency asked what has made Luis Diaz’s impact at Bayern so special and so soon after his transfer from Liverpool. For Philipp, it’s a little bit of everything: 

“He has experience at the top level. He gained experience at Liverpool as well as on the highest international stage with the national team. He’s also a worker; he works for the team in both ways, attacking and defending, and is also aggressive. That is the most important trait, how he works for his team.”

Michael Olise: The Entertainer

When asked by Pardeep Cattry of CBS Sports what exactly makes this Bayern team so entertaining for him, Philipp was quick to mention not just Bayern’s attacking prowess, but the overall league’s appeal at the same time. 

“It’s no wonder that they have scored more than 100 goals and have now broken the old record. They just keep going, they just play until the end, always looking for more and more goals. And the Bundesliga is the highest-scoring top league in the world, with more than three goals per game on average. This is a feature of the Bundesliga, but also Bayern, especially this season.”

The conversation also turned to Michael Olise. The man of the moment for Bayern right now, and possibly one of the best wingers in World football. Philipp was questioned on the importance of Olise’s role within the squad and what;s the aspects of his game he enjoys watching the most. 

“He’s a player you just like to watch because he has the quality in dribbling and finishing. But he also knows when to play easy football and when the team just needs to keep the ball; he brings calmness to the game. So he combines both qualities as a football player and knowing when to change and read the game, that’s what is making him great.”

Is Bayern’s Dominance Damaging?

Before time was up, Philipp was quizzed on the attractiveness of the Bundesliga as a competitive league, particularly with a global audience who just see Bayern win title after title. 

“The Bundesliga is a very attractive league. We have a lot of major traditional clubs with a rich history. Obviously, it would be great to have more than one title winner in the next couple of years, but we also need to acknowledge that FCB have done a really great job in terms of developing [players] and international marketing. There’s a reason why they’re there, but other clubs such as Stuttgart certainly will have the opportunity to develop in the coming years if they can keep playing Champions League football.”

It was an insightful conversation with a former player who helped guide Bayern to their first treble as well as lifting the World Cup as captain in 2014. Thank you once again to Bundesliga Americas for facilitating the interview. 

GGFN | Jamie Allen

John Aldridge has offered a suggestion to Arne Slot on how he can help to get Alexander Isak closer to proper match fitness in the coming days.

In the past fortnight, the Swedish striker has returned from a four-month layoff with a broken leg and (to Jamie Carragher’s surprise) started for the second time in a week in the Merseyside derby on Sunday.

However, an ineffective performance resulted in his withdrawal for Rio Ngumoha with just under 20 minutes of normal time remaining, at which point Liverpool were drawing 1-1 against Everton.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

Aldridge: A practice match could benefit Isak greatly

In his latest column for the Liverpool Echo, Aldridge advised Slot to arrange a behind-closed-doors friendly this week in order to build up Isak’s match sharpness, believing it to be much more effective than individual and team training.

The former Reds striker wrote: ‘Alexander Isak started for Liverpool [on Sunday], but if I’m honest, he is miles off the pace. Liverpool should arrange a behind-closed-doors friendly in the week.

‘When I was manager of Tranmere Rovers, Liverpool wanted to have a look at Rigobert Song and I got a phone call from Gerard Houllier. Tranmere played on the Tuesday night and I got the team to go down to Melwood on the Wednesdsay, so they could have a look at Song.’

Aldridge continued: ‘Just give him a 90-minute match because he is miles off match fitness. There’s fitness and there’s match fitness. They’re two different things. You can run all day and be strong but if you’re not match-fit, you are so rusty.

‘I think at the moment he is better coming on in games rather than starting them in the Premier League while he is not match-fit. The manager should get on the phone today and organise 90 minutes for him to try and get to the required level.’

Want more Empire of the Kop coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

Isak needs time on the pitch to get back to full sharpness

Aldridge’s suggestion makes total sense – the only way that Isak will get back to the sharpness that he showed at Newcastle last season is by obtaining as much game-time as possible, even if it’s in a friendly fixture.

The dilemma for Slot is that the 26-year-old needs to be out on the pitch in order to revive his fitness levels, but in the games against Paris Saint-Germain and Everton he looked worryingly rusty, something that many commentators observed during the Merseyside derby win.

He played 72 minutes at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday but, as evidenced by the figures below from Sofascore, his impact in the match was nonexistent.

A practice game in midweek could be hugely beneficial for Isak, but whether Slot can organise one at such short notice at a critical stage of the season in which managers won’t want to risk injuries to their players is another question.

The Swedish marksman will naturally need a bit more time to properly get back up to speed, but the concern is that, since his comeback earlier this month, there are no discernible signs of that happening any time soon.

Bruins Vow To Learn From Third Period Collapse In Game 1 originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Bruins know they have to learn from their Game 1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.

Boston led 2-0 early in the third period, but allowed four straight goals en route to a disappointing 4-3 loss. The Bruins looked like they were on their way to stealing Game 1, but Boston’s play struggled in the third period. Forward David Pastrnak said the team has to learn from Game 2.

"Obviously, a tough outcome,” Pastrnak said postgame on Sunday. “We had a good lead, we got the second goal early in the third, and didn’t get the job done. The will is there, it’s been there all year with this group. We just have to regroup again, come to work tomorrow, see what we did wrong in those last 10 minutes, and improve for Game 2.”

The Sabres scored three goals in just over four-and-a-half minutes in the third period to take the lead. It was a stunning result for the Bruins, and goalie Jeremy Swayman said the team has to flush it and make sure they play a full 60 minutes in Game 2.

“I think we just have to play a full 60,” Swayman said. “And they capitalized on their opportunities. It’s important and, you know, kudos to them. But every shift is so important and critical in a series, in a game like today. That’s just our job, to really take it one shift at a time to make sure that we’re capitalizing on ours and taking care of our zone.”

The Bruins will look to even up the series in Game 2 on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

More NHL: Marco Sturm Opens Up On Bruins Game 1 Loss After Being In 'Perfect Spot'

The past week brought exciting matches in the Brasileirão, the Copa Libertadores, the Copa Sudamericana, and the Champions League.

Did you keep up with everything? Time to test your knowledge in the Quiz of the Week:

Take the Quiz of the Week here!

Write in the comments if you managed to get that long-awaited 10/10.

And also tell us whether you found it easy or difficult.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

Angel Reese's Dream suffer blow as All-Star has 'no timetable to return' from injury originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Dream will begin the 2026 WNBA season with high expectations after a trade earlier this month brought two-time All-Star Angel Reese to ATL.

But the Dream will have a frontcourt puzzle to solve early in the season amid the news that center Brionna Jones is set for a spell on the sidelines.

MORE: Angel Reese trade gives Dream starting lineup an important ranking update

The Dream announced Monday that Jones has undergone surgery on her right knee. Jones, a four-time All-Star, will be out indefinitely as she recovers.

The Atlanta Dream announce that Bri Jones is out indefinitely as she recovers from right knee surgery. A timeline will be released at a later date.

(commentary: hope she's okay, obviously. immediate thought is that we could see a Reese-Hillmon frontcourt to start the year.)

— Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) April 20, 2026

Jones re-signed with Atlanta as a free agent following a successful first season with the Dream in which she averaged 12.8 points and 7.3 rebounds while continuing to provide the stellar defense she offered over eight years with the Connecticut Sun.

Back in January though, Jones suffered a meniscus tear while playing overseas. It was thought at the time that Jones would be ready for the start of the WNBA season, but that initial timeline has been thrown into some doubt.

The uncertainty on Jones' status moving forward means Reese could play as the 5 with Naz Hillmon as her frontcourt partner to begin the season, in what would mark a major shift for the two-time rebounding champion.

More WNBA news:

• Why Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird are breaking up

• 5 reasons Napheesa Collier supermax deal was smart for Lynx

• Caitlin Clark gets great news as 'one of the best prospects ever' joins Fever following WNBA Draft

• Wings GM reveals how Azzi Fudd draft process 'always came back' to top pick

Relegation-battling Charlton Athletic host promotion-chasing Ipswich Town in a vital encounter at both ends of the Championship table on Wednesday night (kick-off 19:45 BST).

The Addicks are six points above 22nd-placed Oxford United before the midweek round of fixtures and a win would put them on the brink of safety.

If the U's lose to Wrexham on Tuesday evening, Charlton would need just a point to guarantee safety, while if Oxford draw, victory would see Nathan Jones' side survive.

The Tractor Boys currently occupy the second automatic promotion spot but could be leapfrogged by Millwall or Southampton - or both - by the time they kick-off at The Valley.

Kieran McKenna's side also have a game in hand on the chasing pack and even a draw at Charlton would keep their fate in their own hands.

• Following their 3-0 win in October, Charlton are looking to complete the league double over Ipswich for the first time since 2001-02 in the Premier League.
• Ipswich have failed to score in five of their previous eight league games against Charlton, but have netted 14 goals in the three games they have found the net (4-0, 4-4, 6-0).
• Charlton have lost five of their past six home league games (W1) including each of the previous three; they last lost four in a row in February 2024.
• Ipswich, who lost their most recent away league game 2-0 at Portsmouth, are looking to avoid suffering successive away defeats in the Championship for the first time since April 2019 (run of three).
• Ipswich have only won one of their five league games against newly promoted sides this season (D2 L2), failing to win either of their away matches so far (1-1 v Birmingham, 3-5 v Wrexham).

No team in the NFL is perfect. With the way that the hard salary cap is in place, nothing is set in stone from year to year in terms of what a team's overall production will be. Even the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks lost some very important players who must now be replaced.

For a team like the Chicago Bears, they have to battle replacing those that they lost, in addition to shoring up any areas of weakness that were already in place. Whenever you don't win the Super Bowl, you must ask why.

Last summer, between the NFL draft and free agency, the Bears added All-Pro Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, Jonah Jackson and rookie Ozzy Trapilo to their offensive line. With Darnell Wright already in place, they made a major improvement from the year prior.

However, Trapilo is going to miss most of the 2026 season after rupturing his patellar tendon in the wild-card playoffs, and Dalman retired just one year into his contract at 27 years old. These unexpected twists make the offensive line a point of emphasis.

When the offensive line was playing well, the impact they had on the game was obvious. Quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked just 25 times, including the postseason, the Bears had the third-best rushing attack in the league and they had a top-10 scoring offense.

In the 2026 NFL Draft, finding help at left tackle and/or center to replace the injured Trapilo and retired Dalman must be at the top of general manager Ryan Poles' to-do list. It might be difficult to find two legit upgrades at both spots, but these are the positions to be scouting the most.

It isn't all about the offensive line, either, when it comes to the Bears. They don't have a good enough defensive line if they want to take that next step and possibly win the Super Bowl. Montez Sweat has not been much better than "fine" during his time in a Bears uniform, but he needs help.

Chicago led the NFL in takeaways (33) and interceptions (23) in 2025, despite having one of the worst pass rushes. That simply won't happen again. The team's linebackers and defensive backs were opportunistic, but they need to create a better rush; otherwise, that number of takeaways will plummet.

An edge rusher and an interior lineman would both help the Bears. Attacking the quarterback needs to improve, but Chicago could also use someone to help shore up the run defense. Drafting this area of the field is a must, perhaps even more than the replacements on the offensive line, but it's close.

The point is that the trenches should be the targets for Poles and his staff. It's hard to see the Bears, with Ben Johnson's influence heavily involved, drafting all offensive or defensive linemen, but it is a priority. Maybe they draft another wide receiver or running back at some point, but it can't be at the expense of their biggest needs, which come in the trenches.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears must attack the trenches in 2026 NFL Draft

"Golf but louder" has been LIV's tagline as it tried to become a big noise in the sport, but the decibel level was appreciably higher when Matt Fitzpatrick brought down Scottie Scheffler on the PGA Tour last Sunday.

While a disco thrum gave LIV a familiar soundtrack in Mexico City, it paled compared with the partisan support for Scheffler, albeit in vain, at Harbor Town where Fitzpatrick picked up his second win in three weeks.

The Englishman collected $3.6m (£2.7m) for his play-off win over the world number one, while in Mexico Jon Rahm banked $4m, plus a share of $3m because his Legion XIII line-up secured the team jackpot.

They have become ludicrous sums on both sides of golf's great divide. And if last week's reporting on LIV is accurate, the money tap from their Saudi Arabian benefactors might soon dry up.

• Fitzpatrick beats Scheffler in Heritage play-off
• Rahm wins LIV Mexico City amid tour collapse rumours
• Is this the beginning of the end for LIV Golf?

Rahm won by six strokes, his second LIV victory of the season on a circuit where he has finished outside the top two only once in six tournaments this year.

Indeed the Spaniard has never finished outside the top 11 in 31 completed tournaments on LIV. Finishing 11th on LIV is worth $380,000.

For much of LIV's four and a bit seasons, observers have become inured to the riches of its 14 tournaments. But given intense speculation that the flow of cash is about to end, the amounts involved suddenly feel more relevant.

Consider that Scott Vincent received $1m for finishing fourth last Sunday. Cameron Smith and Sergio Garcia each received $131,625 for a share of 40th place and Richard Bland pocketed $126,000 for coming 46th out of 57.

And then remember that Bryson DeChambeau reportedly wants $500m to remain with a league that has burned through an estimated $5bn (£3.7bn) of Public Investment Fund (PIF) cash since its inception in 2021.

LIV's chief executive Scott O'Neil has assured players and staff that the money is in place for the rest of this season, but acknowledged that further investment will then need to be found.

That uncomfortable issue slipped out in an interview with LIV's British broadcast partners TNT, a social media clip of which was quickly taken down. Nevertheless LIV did announce plans to return to Mexico City's Chapultepec Golf Club in 2027.

How such a promise can be made with confidence appears open to serious questioning, even though the latest tournament had a decent atmosphere and LIV have proved they can stage successful events at a local level in places such as Adelaide and Johannesburg.

Whichever way you look at it, men's professional golf needs backers with the deepest pockets to sustain such levels of largesse. And where are such figures to be found when even the once bottomless pit of PIF cash seems under threat?

At least the climax to the PGA Tour's RBC Heritage provided a gripping finale to follow the previous week's thrilling Masters. The past fortnight has shown why pro golf can be a very attractive sporting product.

On both occasions Scheffler banked multiple millions despite the frustration of finishing second on bogey-free weekends.

But credit Fitzpatrick for withstanding last Sunday's charge from the American four-time major champion. Sheffield steel shone through as partisan US support brought a Ryder Cup atmosphere to Hilton Head.

"I'm paid so much money to be out there in front of those crowds," Fitzpatrick said. "Having them chanting at you every week, it's a great feeling.

"However, there's no better feeling than coming out on top against that."

Fitzpatrick had been on the receiving end of similar noise when Cameron Young hunted him down during the Players Championship in March.

He withstood even louder vitriol to grab a crucial half against a spirited DeChambeau fightback in the Bethpage Bearpit at last year's Ryder Cup.

And after the brilliant shootout birdie that beat Scheffler for his most recent win, Fitzpatrick borrowed an analogy from his other sporting passion, football.

"It's kind of winning away against your biggest rival," said the avid Sheffield United fan. "Nothing to do with Scottie or the players; it's the fans that have spurred me on there."

It was a sporting spectacle that was well worth watching, although whether it justifies such inflated rewards is open to debate. PGA Tour purses would not be so grand had Saudi not pumped so much cash into the rival LIV tour.

Oil money has driven rampant inflation that has made millions for so many golfers, especially in the men's game. But it has also benefited, to an admittedly much lesser extent, the female side of the sport.

The Ladies European Tour's PIF Global Series includes five events in three continents, with tournaments in England, Las Vegas, Seoul, Shenzhen and Riyadh where prize funds total $15m.

And this week a Texas oil giant dips into its reserves to fund the Chevron Championship in Houston, the first women's major of the year, to the tune of $8m.

Loose change to the likes of Rahm and DeChambeau, but perhaps more realistic sums than those that have made so much noise in the men's game in recent years?

Red Sox vs. Tigers Score, Live Updates, Highlights From 2026 Patriots' Day Game originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It will be a busy day in Boston as the city prepares for the 130th Boston Marathon and the Red Sox's annual Patriots' Day game at Fenway Park.

The Red Sox are expected to turn to veteran right-hander Sonny Gray, who is hoping to bounce back after a rough start in Minnesota last week. The Tigers will send out Jack Flaherty and look to win their third straight road game.

Can Boston secure a win on Monday and move up in the AL East standings before a pivotal rivalry series against the Yankees?

Follow along right here for live updates and highlights from Red Sox vs. Tigers.

Red Sox vs. Tigers score

Click here for the complete Red Sox vs. Tigers box score.

Red Sox vs. Tigers live updates, highlights from 2026 Patriots' Day game

12:21 p.m.: Carpenter gets hit by a pitch and there are now two runners on with one out.

The Red Sox are making a pitching change, with Zack Kelly coming in.

12:19 p.m.: The lead runner is on for Detroit, with Greene walking.

But, the next batter he is out at second, though Dillon Dingler is safe at first.

End of the third inning: Red Sox 2, Tigers 1

12:15 p.m.: The bottom of the third ends in four batters, with Durbin's double being the only threat.

A third through the game, the Red Sox lead 2-1.

12:07 p.m.: Coloumbe gets Keith to ground out to second, ending the top of the third.

We head to the bottom of the inning with Boston's lingering concerns about Gray's status.

12:00 p.m.: Gray is out of the game in the third inning, which isn;'t a great sign for Red Sox fans. Replacing him is Danny Coloumbe.

Updates on Gray's status will be here as soon as they become available.

11:57 a.m.: There are now two runners on for Detroit, with Gray walking Torres. It brings up Keith, the dangerous hitter.

Alex Cora is on the mound to talk to Gray.

11:54 a.m.: There are two outs in the inning, with Gray striking out McGonigle for his second strikeout of the day. 

There's a runner on first with Torres coming up to the plate.

Red Sox 2, Tigers 1

11:51 a.m.: Detroit is on the board, with Jake Rogers hitting a single and bringing home Vierling.

It cuts the Red Sox lead in half.

11:49 a.m.: The Tigers have a leadoff double to start the inning, with Matt Vierling lining one to left.

Boston gets a groundout on Lee, but Vierling advances to third, and the Tigers runner is 90 feet away with one out.

End of the second inning: Red Sox 2, Tigers 0

11:45 a.m.: It's now 2-0, with Wilyer Abreu drawing the fourth walk of the day for Boston and advancing every runner up a base.

While Masataka Yoshida grounds out to end the inning, it's not before the Red Sox put up a two-spot to break the deadlock.

11:42 a.m.: Contreras flies out to center, and the throw keeps Mayer at third. Now, there are two outs in the inning.

11:40 a.m.: The bases are loaded for Boston after Flaherty's third walk of the day.

Coming up is Contreras, who had the first hit of the afternoon for the Red Sox.

Red Sox 1, Tigers 0

11:38 a.m.: The Red Sox are on the board.

It's Carlos Narvaez who gets a bunt down, and it looks like Jack Flaherty will be able to get Durbin, who is halfway between third and home. But, the Tigers pitcher misses the throw, allowing Durbin to score and the runners to be safe.

Base Running IQ: 1000 🧠😉

Red Sox Lead 1-0! pic.twitter.com/pLJ4EmvJaI

— NESN (@NESN) April 20, 2026

With it, the Red Sox take the first lead of the day.

11:37 a.m.: Boston has runners on the corners.

After a Durbin walk, Mayer singles and Durbin goes all the way to third. It's a prime opportunity to score the first run of the day.

11:32 a.m.: It's a 1-2-3 inning for Gray in the second, getting Kerry Carpenter to fly out to retire the side.

Due up in the bottom of the inning for Boston is Jarren Duran, Caleb Durbin and Marcelo Mayer.

End of the first inning: Tigers 0, Red Sox 0

11:25 a.m.: With two runners on and two outs, Trevor Story blasts a ball right to the Green Monster, but Riley Greene makes an acrobatic play to perfectly time the catch. It ends the inning, and the Red Sox strand two runners on.

Through one inning, the game is scoreless.

11:20 a.m.: The Red Sox are on base courtesy of Contreras, who lines a single to third base and off the glove of Hao-Yu Lee.

The Boston offense is in business.

11:16 a.m.: After the leadoff hit, Gray gets out of the inning in seven pitches, with Colt Keith flying out to center.

We head to the bottom of the first, where we will see the Red Sox offense for the first time.

11:15 a.m.: The lead runner is on base for Detroit. It's Kevin McGonigle, who recently signed a $150 million extension, who lines the second pitch to center field.

Though, the runner is short-lived, as Gleyber Torres grounds right to Willson Contreras, who turns a 3-6-3 double play.

11:11 a.m.: Here come Sonny Gray and the Red Sox, and we are all set for first pitch.

Gray is making his fifth start of the season.

11:05 a.m.: First pitch is moments away.

Follow along for live updates as the Red Sox look to win on Patriots' Day.

10:55 a.m.: Today, April 20, also marks the anniversary of the emotional day the Red Sox finally returned to Fenway Park after the Boston Marathon bombing.

On that afternoon in 2013, David Ortiz took the microphone during a pregame ceremony and delivered one of the most iconic speeches in sports history. Standing on the infield in a special "Boston" jersey, he captured the city's defiance and resilience with his famous unfiltered declaration:"This is our f***ing city, and nobody’s gonna dictate our freedom. Stay strong."

13 years ago today: After Boston Marathon bombing, Big Papi steps up. pic.twitter.com/la36ryRvHI

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) April 20, 2026

The speech became a rallying cry for "Boston Strong," transforming the ballpark into a space for collective healing and signaling that the city would not be defined by fear.

10:40 a.m.: 114 years later, and there's still nothing like Fenway Park.

We're home. pic.twitter.com/JnEXeUh5SM

— Red Sox (@RedSox) April 3, 2026

10:24 a.m.: Here is the Boston lineup for today's game.

Marathon Monday! pic.twitter.com/4WoeWRKXyz

— Red Sox (@RedSox) April 20, 2026

On the mound: Sonny Gray.

10:10 a.m.: There aren't many Red Sox games more special than the annual Patriots Day game at Fenway Park. Today's game holds plenty of significance in Boston, and this year it carries even more weight.

Not only is it the 130th Boston Marathon, but it is also Fenway Park's 114th birthday. 

114 years ago today, the legendary Fenway Park officially opened in Boston 👏

The Red Sox defeated the visiting New York Highlanders, 7-6, in 11 innings. pic.twitter.com/GNlLzQA6pE

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 20, 2026

It's going to be a special day in Boston.

How to watch Red Sox vs. Tigers today: TV channel, live stream

• TV channel: NESN
• Live stream:NESN 360, fubo

Red Sox vs. Tigers will air locally on NESN. The game will also be available to stream 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. Tigers start time

• Date: Monday, April 20
• Time: 11:10 a.m. ET

Red Sox vs. Tigers is scheduled to start at 11:10 a.m. ET on Monday, April 20. The game will be played at Fenway Park in Boston.

Boston Red Sox schedule 2026

Here is the upcoming schedule for the Red Sox:

Detroit Tigers schedule 2026

Here is the upcoming schedule for the Tigers:

More Red Sox

• Latest Red Sox news
• 2026 Red Sox schedule
• 2026 Red Sox roster
• Complete history of Red Sox championships

With the 2026 NFL draft just days away, Indianapolis Colts' GM Chris Ballard will have his annual pre-draft press conference on Monday, Apr. 20.

The press conference is set to begin at 12:00 PM ET, and once underway, we will highlight the key takeaways from what Ballard had to say.

Takeaways and highlights from Colts' GM Chris Ballard's 2026 NFL draft press conference

(This article will be updated as the press conference unfolds.)

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Highlights from Colts' Chris Ballard's press conference

Warriors trade idea lands 76ers' $187 million seven-time All-Star, former MVP originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Golden State Warriors’ 2026 offseason could go one of two ways.

The seven-time NBA champions could make little to no effort to provide Stephen Curry with the help he needs, or they could all-out and enter the 2026-27 with newfound confidence and a far higher ceiling.

CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn has a hunch the Warriors, who failed to reach the postseason this year, will choose the latter by acquiring a Philadelphia 76ers superstar and former MVP.

“Would Philadelphia offer Joel Embiid straight up for (Jimmy) Butler's expiring contract,” Quinn wrote Saturday. “They would essentially be giving up the chance at an All-NBA player -- and Embiid genuinely was that good when healthy -- to offload the risk of the two extra years Embiid has on his deal compared to Butler.”

“(Kristaps) Porzingis already functions somewhat similarly within Golden State's ecosystem as a high-upside but often unavailable center who creates his own points, but Embiid is simply a different class of player.”

“Is the potentially catastrophic injury risk a fair tradeoff for this level of upside without having to give up a mountain of picks? It made more sense before Porzingis, but I wouldn't take it completely off the table now.”

Embiid is similar to Porzingis in terms of persistent injury struggles. The Kansas product has only appeared in 96 regular-season games since the start of the 2023-24 campaign due to various setbacks. 

Embiid is currently dealing with an abdominal injury and was inactive for the 76ers against the Boston Celtics on Sunday afternoon to begin the postseason. Still, considering Embiid is a dominant stretch five who's a daunting pick-and-pop threat and a highly impactful off-the-dribble operator when healthy, it may be worth the gamble for the Warriors. 

Embiid, a seven-time All-Star, is averaging 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists with the 76ers this season, shooting 48.9% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. The 32-year-old could be an underrated trade target for Golden State when the offseason officially arrives.

More NBA news: 

• Lakers predicted to build around Luka Doncic, trade $53.8 million 23.3 PPG breakout star
• Warriors predicted to land $101 million Lakers superstar to help Stephen Curry win fifth title
• Celtics sign 26-year-old ex-Raptors history-making guard to help Jaylen Brown in playoffs

Michael Carrick has strengthened his case for the permanent Manchester United job after masterminding a fine 1-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this weekend. The Englishman has transformed the Red Devils since taking charge as former head coach Ruben Amorim’s temporary replacement in January.

A permanent appointment is expected in the summer, but United’s run of eight wins and two draws in 12 games under Carrick has made him a strong contender for the full-time job. The English giants have been firing on all cylinders under the Englishman, who has made the most of the squad at his disposal.

On Saturday, 18 April, the Red Devils faced the Blues without four first-team centre-backs, but still picked up three points with Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui as an avantgarde centre-back pairing. Carrick has now registered wins against Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea with the same squad that was struggling to impress under Amorim.

This weekend’s victory has further strengthened United’s push for a top-four finish, with the team now third in the table after 33 games. Red Devils legend Ryan Giggs has now given Carrick his blessing for the full-time job.

Playing the United way

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Giggs backed Carrick to become United’s next permanent manager. He said: “I think a strong personality and just the quiet way he’s gone about it. The way we played against Manchester City, that’s the United way pass and move, pass and move.”

“When you get into the ball into the dribblers you can make things happen, that’s when you can take risks.”

“Man United has always been about no player being quicker than the ball, you saw that in little triangle in the City game and that was after just a few days of training. Let’s see what he can do with a pre-season and getting the players he wants.”

Hojlund deserves second chance

United are expected to add quality to the squad this summer, but they are also likely to offload the deadwood before the new season. Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Jadon Sancho left on loan, and while Sancho’s contract expires this summer, the futures of Hojlund and Rashford are not settled yet.

Giggs went on to acknowledge that if Carrick gets the full-time job, he will have some big decisions on his hands, adding: “He’s got big decisions with the likes of Marcus, Hojlund, Sancho all these players.”

When asked which of the loanees deserve a second chance at Old Trafford, Giggs said: “Maybe Hojlund, maybe. I thought he was unlucky he was just the only centre forward at the club. Everyone expected him to come in and do great.”

“I think Sesko gets more chances and scores more goals. But you never know, if you’ve got two young, hungry centre forwards up front and say fight it out. You see at United that’s always been a strength. I say training is harder than the games, if you’ve United centre halves at one end marking Sesko it’s going to be competitive.”

Rasmus Hojlund Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

Final Thoughts

United could be tempted to sign another striker to complement Benjamin Sesko, especially with Joshua Zirkzee’s future still uncertain. A return for Hojlund could be a tempting prospect for INEOS, especially since he has been in good form with Napoli. However, the Serie A giants have an obligation to make his stay permanent in Italy, so a return is unlikely to materialise.

Featured image Marco M. Mantovani via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

According to DNVR’s Zac Stevens, Denver Broncos linebacker and former 3rd round selection Drew Sanders is changing positions again. He was originally drafted as an off-ball linebacker before moving to edge rusher for a short period of time and then switching back to off-ball linebacker. However, according to Stevens, Drew Sanders is now moving back to edge rusher for this upcoming season.

Drew Sanders had a lot of hype surrounding him after the Broncos drafted him in the 3rd round of the 2023 NFL Draft. However, injuries and now multiple position switches have derailed his career a bit, and he is now firmly on the roster bubble as we head towards the 2026 NFL season.

At edge rusher, the Broncos have Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper as the starters. Behind them, you have possibly Jonah Elliss(more on him in a minute), Que Robinson, who is coming off a promising rookie season, and interception machine Dondrea Tillman. So, the Broncos have depth at edge rusher, and all five of these players have produced, so Sanders will have an uphill battle in making the team and becoming a contributor on defense. On top of that, we could see the Broncos add to the edge rusher room via the draft or UDFA, which will add even more competition for Sanders.

I mentioned Jonah Elliss because his position switch likely impacted Sanders. Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph always described Sanders as a “pressure player”. However, with Jonah Ellis moving to linebacker in some capacity, it appears he is taking over that role and replacing Sanders, which triggered this position switch.

Hopefully, Sanders can stay healthy throughout the offseason and training camp and push for a roster spot. He has missed out on a lot of significant developmental time due to his recurring injuries and cannot afford to miss much time at all this offseason. I believe he is firmly on the roster bubble and will need a strong offseason and summer to make the team.

The Philadelphia Flyers (1-0) will look to extend their series lead on Monday when they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins (0-1) at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.

Philadelphia earned the 3-2 win to open the series, stealing the first game and shifting the early momentum of the series in its favor. They did so by outbattling, out-hitting, and just overall gutting out a win against a “been there before” Penguins lineup.

Going back to 2000, the Flyers are 7-2 in playoff series where they win the first game of the series. Being up 1-0 is where they want to be, but there is still a lot of work to be done. Especially given that the Flyers are 5-4 in Game 2s after Game 1 wins, dating back to 2000.

Will Pittsburgh bounce back in Game 2? Or, will Philly grow its lead?

Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. EST at PPG Paints Arena. Here is how the Flyers are expected to line up

Read More: Flyers Steal Game 1 After Battle With Penguins on Saturday

Flyers lines & pairs @ Penguins in Game 2

Forwards

Tyson Foerster—Trevor Zegras—Owen Tippett
Travis Konecny—Christian Dvorak—Porter Martone
Denver Barkey—Noah Cates—Matvei Michkov
Luke Glendening—Sean Couturier—Garnet Hathaway

Defensemen

Travis Sanheim—Rasmus Ristolainen
Cam York—Jamie Drysdale
Nick Seeler—Emil Andrae

Goaltenders

Dan Vladar
Sam Ersson

Special Teams
PP1: Drysdale, Cates, Zegras, Foerster, Martone
PP2: Ristolainen, Dvorak, Tippett, Konecny, Michkov

PK1: Cates, Couturier, York, Sanheim
PK 2: Dvorak, Tippett, Seeler, Ristolainen

Read More: Flyers Postgame Blog: High Physicality, Missed Opportunities, & The Mental Game

Game Notes

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Flyers’ lineup played a great game on Saturday, and answered plenty of questions about how this young, inexperienced team would respond to the pressure of playoff hockey.

Keeping the lineup the same includes Dan Vladar getting the start in Game 2. It won’t be confirmed until about 5:00 p.m. EST today when Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet addresses the media. But Vladar was first off the ice by a wide margin at Sunday’s practice, which is typically a telltale sign that he is starting.

The physicality was intense for Game 1. Both teams were already pretty familiar with one another, making it a pretty intense game from the jump. That’s not going anywhere for Game 2. Can the young legs of the Flyers continue to push through and persevere? Or will the Penguins’ battle-tested lineup break through?

A team like the Penguins won’t just sit back after losing Game 1 of the series. They’re likely to come out of the gate on Monday with an added intensity and a chip on their shoulder. The Flyers can’t make mistakes if they want to bring the series back to Philly with the 2-0 lead. Here are 3 things the Flyers must clean up for Game 2.

How to Watch Flyers @ Penguins

TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia, ESPN
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic

Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. EST at PPG Paints Arena.

Read More: Rivalry Renewed: Tone Set for Flyers-Penguins Series with a Physical Game 1

The post Flyers-Penguins Playoff Series Game 2: Lines, Notes & How to Watch appeared first on Philly Hockey Now.

Liam Rosenior said Monday that Chelsea's owners had been "magnificent" in their support despite an alarming slump that has left their Champions League qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

The Blues are seven points behind fifth-placed Liverpool after four straight Premier League defeats and their chances of finishing in the top five look bleak.

Boos greeted the full-time whistle following Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Manchester United at Stamford Bridge after some supporters staged a street protest against owners BlueCo ahead of kick-off.

Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali last week said the club were still behind Rosenior and remained optimistic about long-term success under his management.

Asked on Monday if he felt that support, Blues head coach Rosenior, who replaced Enzo Maresca in January, said: "One hundred percent.

"They have been supportive of me in our daily conversations, the sporting directors involved, they have been magnificent in their support of me and the team. 

"We are aligned and we know we need to win games of football in the now. That doesn't go against what we are trying to do, which is give consistent success to the club long term."

Chelsea, with just one victory in their past eight league games, face a must-win game at ninth-placed Brighton on Tuesday.

With just three points separating the Blues and Fulham in 12th, Rosenior's side are in danger of missing out on European football altogether.

"We've made it very difficult for ourselves, we have to be honest and realistic with that, but what we can't do is give up, we have to keep fighting," he said.

"We have to make sure we go to Brighton with similar attributes to what I saw against Manchester United in terms of our energy and our intensity and engagement to the game, which was good.

"But what we didn't do is keep a clean sheet in the moment and we didn't take advantage of the chances, so we need to be more clinical and more ruthless in both boxes."

Rosenior admitted he had made errors in the early months of his tenure after replacing Maresca, who led Chelsea to the UEFA Conference League and World Club Cup titles last season.

"If you're not honest and you don't hold your hand up to mistakes, you're never going to improve," said the former Strasbourg coach.

"I have made mistakes, I'm going to make more mistakes, every coach does. But with the guys here, how they support me, because we all want success for the club, we can be open and honest about that."

jw/smg/nf

Such has been their dominance of the Scottish Championship this season, it seems like we have been expecting St Johnstone to be confirmed as title winners for months now.

Indeed, Simo Valakari's side have led the second tier ever since their opening-day statement win over Partick Thistle on 2 August.

Ironically, it was Thistle who have been their closest, and effectively only, challengers since that 5-1 thrashing in Perth.

And, with the Glasgow side conceding a late equaliser away to relegation-threatened Airdrieonians on Saturday, St Johnstone are now within two points of the title and promotion back to the Premiership just a year after relegation.

That could come live on the BBC Scotland TV channel on Tuesday as they visit Dunfermline Athletic in a match postponed from Saturday because of their hosts' participation in the Scottish Cup semi-finals.

If they do so, the only surprise will be that it has taken them until the third last game of the season to officially start the celebrations.

• Highlights from crucial weekend games in SPFL
• Leading Dunfermline to final 'up there with anything' for Lennon
• Championship Dunfermline upset Falkirk to reach Scottish Cup final

From relegation to 'UK's best-loved manager'

Considering they retained a core of their Premiership-quality squads after relegation, St Johnstone and Ross County entered the season as strong favourites for the title and an immediate return to the top flight.

However, County's experience this season has proven it was going to be no foregone conclusion.

Whereas Saints have marched relentlessly towards the title, their Dingwall rivals have been languishing at the other end and remain a point behind Airdrieonians at the foot of the table with only two games remaining.

Despite having ditched two managers - Don Cowie and Tony Docherty - and bringing back the previously successful Stuart Kettlewell, County are in danger of following Hamilton Academical's example of the previous season by suffering successive relegations.

St Johnstone, in contrast, look to have been rewarded for their loyalty to Valakari.

The former Motherwell, Derby County and Finland midfielder had himself been brought in as a potential saviour from relegation after Craig Levein was sacked with his side sitting 10th of the 12 clubs just five games into last season.

However, despite having vowed to "create something special", Valakari's St Johnstone were to finish bottom, five points behind County and a further four adrift of Dundee.

While pleasing to the eye, their manager's desire to "engage the fans" by insisting on "exciting football" played out from the back looked to have been counterproductive in terms of results.

Despite that, American owner Adam Webb stood by the Finn, just as he had done in January 2025 when announcing his own recovery from the cancer diagnosis made just two weeks after he completed his purchase the previous July.

Webb was looking to the long term, vowing not to "break the bank" to avoid relegation as he looked to keep the club "sustainable".

By November, now in the Championship, he was able to suggest they had been able to "weather the storm" of relegation without the need for a cash injection.

Saints fans seemed happy to put their faith in Valakari and, by January, Webb was proclaiming the meditation-loving Finn the "UK's most beloved coach" as the club honoured him with his own beer.

Close but no cigar for Thistle?

After selling emerging talent Makenzie Kirk to Portsmouth and another quality striker, Benjamin Kimpioka, to Sivasspor, along with releasing some well-known veteran campaigners, Saints plucked some gems with Championship experience from their rivals last summer.

It paid off as they won their opening four League Cup group games, followed by their first seven in the league.

Two goalless home draws with Ayr United and County, plus a defeat in Arbroath, allowed Thistle to close to within three points with a game in hand in October.

Then, when Thistle beat Saints 2-1 at Firhill in November and the Perth side lost by the same scoreline at home to third-tier Cove Rangers in the Scottish Cup, it looked like the leaders were in trouble.

Only behind by goal difference in December, Thistle missed a chance to go top when they were held to a goalless draw away to Ayr on the same day Saints had the same scoreline at home to Raith Rovers - and they have never come as close since.

At times Saints have been as many as eight points ahead, but Thistle did travel to McDiarmid Park within striking distance in January, only for a 2-2 draw to preserve a two-point lead and Thistle were still not able to capitalise in February when Valakari's side drew with Rovers and Queen's Park.

Josh McPake, who scored 17 of his 19 goals this season by February, has been such a revelation under Valakari that the 24-year-old winger plucked from fourth-tier Stirling Albion has earned a summer move to Heart of Midlothian.

The January addition of forwards Josh Fowler, Alfredo Agyeman and Ruari Paton also proved vital in continuing the momentum and building a superior goal difference.

Not surprisingly, Saints have six players named in the PFA Scotland Championship Team of the Year - twice as many as Thistle.

Title-winning medals appear likely to follow, if not at East End Park on Tuesday, certainly before the end of the season.

How will Dunfermline react to cup glory?

Mark Wilson's Thistle have kept up a dogged pursuit all season and are seven games unbeaten, 12 in the league, but they let their 2-1 lead over the Diamonds slip on Saturday when Lewis McGratten popped up in the 90th-minute to equalise.

That has handed the initiative back to a Saints side who are four points ahead and are themselves nine unbeaten, 11 without defeat in the Championship.

Their last league defeat, though, came at home to Tuesday's hosts - 1-0 in January.

Neil Lennon's side spent the weekend booking their place in the Scottish Cup final after a penalty shootout victory over Falkirk.

It was clearly a physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling experience for the Pars before the elation of triumph on the Hampden turf. The question will be what sort of impact that has on them on Tuesday night?

They are sure to receive a rapturous reception from the home faithful as they look to enhance their own promotion play-off credentials, having slipped to third as Arbroath went three clear again by defeating Rovers.

However, such is the expectation of the travelling support that extra seats have been made available for their support.

Matches between St Johnstone and Dunfermline have been tight this season, the Perth side winning 2-1 at home in September before a 2-2 draw in their last visit to East End in November.

Lennon's side have lost once in 11 outings - away to Thistle when he shuffled his side in preparing for their semi-final - but St Johnstone too are in great form as they look to take that final step towards a return to the Premiership at the first time of asking.

I think it's fair to say Burnley have known their fate for a while now. The ruthless nature of elite sport means thoughts have moved towards conversations regarding which players have shown they can deliver for someone else at this level.

For me, Martin Dubravka has performed admirably throughout the season. I would be surprised if several clubs across the top five leagues in Europe weren't monitoring the progress of Maxime Esteve. After two seasons away from the Premier League, Jaidon Anthony's improvement has been clear to see. However, the standout candidate is surely Zian Flemming.

With his nine top-flight goals, the 27-year-old remains on course to become only the fifth Burnley player to reach double figures in a Premier League season. The previous case studies of Chris Wood and Danny Ings have shown this type of goal return will lead to inevitable transfer speculation.

Whilst I'll leave it to others to debate how poor this current Burnley Premier League side is when compared to those who've come before, Flemming's case is further strengthened by digging into his individual data. Playing in a team which has the lowest xG (the quality of scoring chance created) in the division, eyebrows surely will be raised at the fact his nine Premier League goals have come from just 19 shots on target.

Only Viktor Gyokeres (12), Hugo Ekitike (11) and Eli Junior Kroupi (10) have scored more during what is for all a debut Premier League season. Furthermore, his tally of nine would make him either the top scorer, or joint top scorer, at eight other clubs, a list which includes Manchester United,Everton and Newcastle United.

Earlier this month, Flemming spoke to Dutch media about his hopes of being part of the Netherlands' World Cup finals squad, despite having never received a senior international call-up.

He said: "The Premier League is undoubtedly the best and toughest in the world. No Dutch (Premier League) player has scored more goals than me this season, so I do wonder why I'm not in the squad yet. I'm going to make sure the national coach can't ignore me any longer."

His main competition for the out-and-out striker role comes from Donyell Malen, who made the switch from Aston Villa to Roma in January, Sunderland's Brian Brobbey and former Burnley striker Wout Weghorst, who left the Premier League in 2023 and has spent the last two seasons leading the line for Ajax.

When it comes to selection, in particular for a major international tournament, there are a variety of factors which are considered. Yet when it comes to numbers, Malen surely is a lock-in given his 10 goals in 13 Serie A appearances since his move, whereas Brobbey's scored six in the Premier League, and Weghorst has seven in the Eredivisie.

I, like Flemming, would love to hear Netherlands' boss Ronald Koeman's thoughts as to why he's not been picked so far.

Jordan Reid's final seven-round mock draft at ESPN gave the Green Bay Packers an edge rusher in the second round, help at cornerback and defensive line, a new, intriguing backup quarterback and a potential future starter at running back.

Reid's eight-player class for the Packers is a highly believable one. Many are terrific fits in terms of Packers tendencies and athletic/size benchmarks. And many have been common picks for the Packers in mock drafts during this cycle.

Reid got things going for Green Bay with Penn State's Dani Dennis-Sutton at No. 52 overall. He's big. Athletic. Productive. Experienced. This impressive profile of edge rusher has a high hit rate. And the Packers need to restock the premium position after saying goodbye to Rashan Gary and Kingsley Enagbare this offseason.

From Reid: "The Packers covet explosive defensive linemen, and Dennis-Sutton exemplifies that. Green Bay needs depth everywhere on the defensive line, and Dennis-Sutton is a lengthy disruptor who could carve out a rotational role early."

Reid's full list of picks for the Packers:

• 2.52: Edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
• 3.84: CB Daylen Everette, Georgia
• 4.120: DL DeMonte Capehart, Clemson
• 5.153: QB Taylen Green, Arkansas
• 5.160: RB Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
• 6.201: WR Caleb Douglas, Texas Tech
• 7.236: S Lorenzo Styles Jr., Ohio State
• 7.255: OL Ar'maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M

Everette stands 6-1, ran 4.38 in the 40-yard dash and is coming off three years of starting at corner at Georgia. He's also still 21. A prime fit for the Packers at perimeter cornerback, a big need spot on the roster.

Want a big, highly athletic run stopper along the defensive line? Capehart is your guy. He's a brick wall against the run, and his movement ability suggests a decently high ceiling as a pocket disruptor.

Green would provide an intriguing developmental quarterback for Matt LaFleur to mold. In many ways, Green is a bigger version of Malik Willis. But he will need plenty of time before he's ready to step into a game and run the offense at a level even approaching what Willis provided the Packers over the last two years.

Singleton is coming off a big injury, but he's an explosive play threat who can catch the ball out of the backfield and return kickoffs. He hurt his foot at the Senior Bowl and didn't do pre-draft testing.

The late Day 3 picks provided a developmental receiver, the older brother of a top draft prospect and a big, athletic offensive lineman. Douglas is 6-4, ran 4.39 in the 40 and produced 13 touchdowns over the last two seasons. Styles, the older brother of Sonny, could give the Packers depth in the slot and safety. Reed-Adams has experience at guard and right tackle, and has the movement and length to provide depth at guard and tackle.

This looks like a strong class for the Packers. Will Reid get any of the picks right? Last year, he didn't get a single one right in his final mock, but there's a good chance he's got at least one this time around. There are too many good fits at need positions.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Breaking down Packers' picks in Jordan Reid's final 7-round mock draft at ESPN

The Philadelphia Eagles aren't the only team drawing attention as the NFL Draft approaches. That's to be expected. Around the league, every rumor, whisper, and report carries weight, especially when it involves division rivals. For those tracking the NFC East, the New York Giants have quietly become one of the more intriguing teams to watch.

They have a new head coach, John Harbaugh, and an expected new philosophy. And now, there may be a clue about their plans once they're on the clock early in Round 1.

Giants linked to Caleb Downs in NFL draft discussions.

According to Connor Hughes, multiple names are in play for New York (NFC), including linebacker Sonny Styles, wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, and one player who continues to rise above the rest at the safety position: Caleb Downs. The most revealing detail, however, came from what a league source told Hughes. One NFL head coach reportedly told Hughes he believes the Giants' pick is Downs.

The word 'adamant' was used. Sure, there's uncertainty, but there is also a little conviction.

Downs is widely viewed as the top safety in this year's class, a player capable of impacting the game from multiple alignments. His versatility, instincts, and playmaking ability would immediately upgrade a secondary in need of a foundational piece. Still, the situation isn't entirely straightforward.

The Giants also hold additional draft capital after acquiring the 10th overall pick, giving them flexibility to attack multiple needs. With Jaxson Dart leading the offense, there's a strong argument to be made for adding weapons or protection on that side of the ball. Names like Jordyn Tyson have surfaced, though injury concerns could complicate that decision. There's also the unpredictability of the draft itself.

Once upon a time, the Giants shocked many by selecting Saquon Barkley second overall in 2018. That move proved they aren't afraid to lean into talent over positional value. If they view Downs as a difference-maker, history suggests they won't hesitate. For the Eagles, this is more than idle curiosity. It's about understanding how the board might fall and how the balance of power within the division could shift. If the Giants land a player like Downs, it won't just fill a need. It could change the way they build their defense moving forward.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Giants linked to Caleb Downs ahead of the NFL Draft

We asked for your views on defender Ibrahima Konate moving closer to a new Liverpool contract.

Here are some of your comments:

James: We shouldn't offer Konate a contract. He wasn't interested in one last year when things were going well and he thought he would get a move to Real Madrid. Now they've realised he is bang average, all of a sudden he only ever had eyes on staying. As well as this, he simply is not good enough.

Russell: Perhaps he has realised there isn't going to be a big queue of clubs lining up to sign him if he does not sign a contract with Liverpool after his poor form this season.

Ross: Not sure if another contract for Konate is a must? He is inconsistent, can have great games and look really good, but also looks as if he can't read a game sometimes and gets caught out of position.

Rhys: Difficult to be excited about this news when he's been prone to so many individual errors. Strong in the air but an accident waiting to happen.

Lee: Konate has been too much of a liability this season and a new contract will just be rewarding mediocrity. He's been a great servant but it's time to move on and get someone younger and better.

Riz: On his day Ibou is world class. Yes there has been very dodgy displays this season, but it may have been because of his father's illness/death. We still need at least one more defender (two if Joe Gomez leaves), and that will have to be another proven senior player...not a player with potential.

Fraser: While he has been all over the place this season, he has been good for us at Liverpool. I am sure he will improve next season. Extending his contract will certainly save us a headache this summer. Overall, happy to see that he wants to stay.

Benjamin: Great news regarding Konate. A key member of the first team and defence. So glad he's staying.

Texas A&M holds the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class in 2027, and the Aggies’ crop is headlined by a new five-star in the Rivals300 rankings.

Hampton (Ga.) safety Kamarui Dorsey earned the honors in the latest rankings update on Monday, checking in as the No. 18 overall prospect in the cycle. He is the team’s lone five-star — per Rivals — but is one of seven Rivals300 players committed to Mike Elko and Co.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder committed to A&M back in early November 2025, choosing the Aggies over offers from Florida State, Georgia Tech, Georgia, Nebraska and a host of others. He has remained locked in with the program and has become one of the class’ most vocal recruiters on social media.

“What made Texas A&M right for me is that they fitted what I needed and wanted as a football player and as a regular human off the field as well,” Dorsey told Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong. “When I say you could be yourself around everyone and everyone was so down to earth and wanted so much for me and their players that are there not only on the field but also of the field.”

Dorsey is now ranked as a five-star by two of the three major recruiting services and is primed for a massive senior year. As a junior, he totaled 61 tackles, a pair of tackles for loss and four interceptions to help lead the Hornets to a 6-4 record.

Scouting Kamarui Dorsey

Rivals National Scout Cody Bellaire writes this about Dorsey as a prospect:

“Physically imposing, versatile safety prospect that plays with violence in the run game who has massive range as a middle of the field rover. Verified 6-foot-3, 200 pounds with great length. Two-way player who doubles as a receiver for his high school program. Shows excellent movement skills on tape on both sides of the ball and in the camp circuit. Has great long-speed in order to cover sideline to sideline as a center fielder or when coming downhill to run the alley. Excellent trigger when working downhill and has no problem detonating ball carriers, very comfortable around the box.

… Has the ability to play man coverage in the slot or outside. Needs to continue developing hip flexibility and fluidity in order to be more reliable as a coverage player in the underneath and intermediate levels of the field. Has the ability to walk in and compete as a heavy nickel early on at the next level that will eventually develop into a true three-dimensional defensive back that has the ability to play man, zone, and stop the run.”

After months of waiting, the Baltimore Ravens have begun off-season workouts under first-year head coach Jesse Minter, and now look towards Thursday night's NFL draft following significant roster losses. Eric DeCosta regrouped from the backed-out Maxx Crosby trade and made a splash signing, landing Trey Hendrickson on a four-year deal. Teams that successfully build through the NFL draft typically suffer the greatest losses. Changes in personnel spark offseason and training camp roster battles, and the Ravens will take part in several high-profile competitions.

As the draft nears, the Ravens could explore trade options involving key players. Here are five potential candidates Baltimore might include in draft-night deals.

RB Justice Hill

A key figure in Lamar Jackson's offensive success, Hill (neck) missed seven games and only rushed 18 times for 93 yards and two touchdowns while catching 21 of 27 targets for 169 yards and one touchdown during 10 appearances in 2025. Hill also had seven kickoff returns for 188 yards. Hill won the backup running back job over Keaton Mitchell and Rasheen Ali for the top change-of-pace role behind Derrick Henry, but he didn't play after Week 12 due to a neck injury.

WR Rashod Bateman

Bateman is under contract through 2029 and has been the subject of trade talks following an injury-filled 2025 season.

DE Broderick Washington

A key piece of Baltimore's defensive front for the past six seasons, Washington has four tackles and one start this season before being placed on Injured Reserve after ankle surgery. Releasing Washington with a post-June 1 designation would save the Ravens $4,010,000, with $1,850,000 in dead salary cap space.

OLB Adisa Isaac

The 24-year-old Isaac has had his first two seasons cut short by injury, playing in just four of 36 possible games.

OL Andrew Vorhees

Vorhees ranked sixth in the NFL's Performance-Based Pay program, earning an additional $1.199 million based on playing time relative to salary. Voorhees started all 17 games for Baltimore in 2025. In 969 snaps, Vorhees allowed three sacks, and his 54.6 grade from PFF was 60th out of 81 offensive guards.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 5 Ravens trade candidates to watch on 2026 draft night

There has been speculation throughout the offseason on the possibility of Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown being traded to the New England Patriots.

On Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that everything is still in play for that deal to happen, and the Patriots remain the likeliest destination for the three-time All-Pro wide receiver. The trade is expected to come on or after June 1, when the Eagles can avoid a $40 million dead cap hit.

Schefter wrote:

"The Eagles remain open to trading Brown, the Patriots remain highly interested in acquiring the star receiver, and conversations are expected to resume shortly on or before June 1, probably culminating in a deal, per league sources."

What would a deal between the Patriots and Eagles potentially look like? It's hard to envision the Patriots shipping a first-round draft pick to Philadelphia. The 2027 NFL Draft is expected to be deep with talent, and the Patriots will probably want to hang on to their top pick.

Brown is still an elite receiving target, but he is also 28 years old with knee injury questions. That alone might be enough to force interested teams to draw a line in the sand with the Eagles and general manager Howie Roseman.

Here are three realistic trade offers the Patriots might consider sending to Philadelphia in a deal for Brown.

Patriots send 2027 second-round pick to Eagles for Brown

The Patriots could offer a 2027 second-round draft pick straight up for Brown. There are expectations that the pick will carry more value next year in a deeper draft. It would keep the Patriots from spending their top draft pick, while also allowing the Eagles to get a premium pick in return for one of their best players.

However, if Roseman has it his way, he will likely try to pry more out of New England to sweeten the deal for Philadelphia.

Patriots send 2027 second-round pick and 2027 fourth-round pick to Eagles for Brown

In this scenario, the Eagles fail to get a first-round pick, but they come out of the deal strong with a second and fourth-round pick in 2027. It would take more sacrifice on the Patriots' end to land their No. 1 wide receiver. However, it might be worth it if it allows them the chance to keep their receiving corps intact as currently constructed.

Patriots send 2027 second-round pick and WR Kayshon Boutte to Eagles for Brown

The Eagles have already loaded up with veteran wide receivers to ensure that the cupboard isn't left empty in the event of Brown being traded. Perhaps they'd want the Patriots' emerging star wideout, Kayshon Boutte, to join the likes of Elijah Moore, Dontayvion Wicks and Marquise "Hollywood" Brown across from DeVonta Smith. Boutte was New England's top deep threat option last season with 33 catches for 551 yards and six touchdowns, with an average of 16.7 yards per reception.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 3 realistic trades Patriots can offer Eagles to seal A.J. Brown deal

The Detroit Lions have heard the noise.

Fans want more pass rush help. Local media has been pounding the table for it all offseason. And yet, as things stand today, Detroit has not invested significant capital into upgrading its edge group for 2026.

That is expected to change in a big way during the upcoming draft.

In fact, it would be surprising if the Lions do not select an EDGE rusher in either the first or second round.

But what happens after that is where things could get interesting.

Enter Mikail Kamara.

A late-round name worth circling

Kamara is not a player generating early-round buzz. Most projections have him going on Day 3 of this week’s draft, and there is a very real chance he could still be on the board in the seventh round.

That is exactly why he is worth paying attention to.

After beginning his career with injuries, Kamara broke out at James Madison before following his coaching staff to Indiana. There, he developed into an All-American and played a key role in a national championship run.

Even when his production dipped in 2025, his impact did not disappear.

Over the past two seasons, he generated 127 quarterback pressures, a number that speaks louder than any projection.

Why he fits what Detroit values

Under defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, Detroit has built its identity around effort, discipline, and physicality.

Kamara checks those boxes.

He plays with urgency off the edge, shows flexibility in his rush, and uses his hands effectively to create pressure. More importantly, he understands how to win. There is a natural feel to his game when it comes to counters and positioning.

He is not perfect.

Kamara does not have the ideal size or elite testing numbers that teams typically covet. When longer, stronger tackles get their hands on him, he can get stalled out.

But players who consistently affect the quarterback tend to stick in the league.

The ideal scenario for Detroit

The Lions are widely expected to address the edge position early, potentially pairing another high-end rusher with Aidan Hutchinson.

If that happens, Kamara becomes even more intriguing.

Instead of being asked to carry a load, he could develop as a rotational piece. A high-motor, high-effort rusher who comes in and creates disruption in key moments.

That is how you find value late in the draft.

The bottom line

Detroit has not yet made the splash move many expected at edge rusher.

That likely changes early in the draft.

But if the Lions want to truly round out the position group, they would be wise to double dip. And if they do, Mikail Kamara is exactly the type of late-round prospect who could quietly outperform his draft slot.

If he is still on the board in the sixth or even seventh round, do not be surprised if Detroit takes a chance.

It might end up being one of the smartest moves of their entire draft.

Cardiff City wasted no time in securing their return to the Championship. The question now is how they stay there – or, eventually, climb higher again.

The Bluebirds secured League One promotion in dramatic circumstances on Saturday, winning 3-1 at Reading and discovering deep into added time that they were going up because Stockport County had dropped points after conceding a last-gasp equaliser, scored by Exeter City's goalkeeper no less.

Now the champagne has dried and the hangovers are easing, Cardiff can start thinking about what comes next.

First, they have three games left this season. This has been their first campaign in the third tier for more than two decades, and they do not want another for a long time.

So, planning will already have started for next season, and how they equip themselves for life back in the Championship.

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• Latest Cardiff City news, analysis and fan views

New contracts for current players

Before signing new players, one of Cardiff's priorities is to sort new contracts for players whose deals are expiring this summer.

Defenders Perry Ng and Joel Bagan and midfielder Ryan Wintle have been three of the Bluebirds' best and most consistent performers, with Bagan and Wintle among the nominees for player of the season.

All three will be able to leave for free if they do not renew their contracts.

Also under consideration are the players on loan at Cardiff.

Goalkeeper Nathan Trott, another nominated for player of the season, has impressed since joining from Copenhagen for the season.

After Saturday's promotion-clinching win at Reading, supporters sang the Bermudan's name and implored him to stay, aware that the Bluebirds could face stiff competition to sign him permanently.

Chelsea attacker Omari Kellyman has contributed nine goals and two assists during his season-long stay.

Another loan would not be out of the question for the 20-year-old, who will also attract interest from other clubs.

Left-back Calum Scanlon has only started one game and appeared as a substitute on six other occasions since joining on loan from Liverpool during the winter transfer window. It remains to be seen whether he features in Cardiff's plans.

Money available for new signings

Sources at the club have indicated that owner Vincent Tan is willing to fund new signings this summer, provided head coach Brian Barry-Murphy can make a compelling enough case for those prospective recruits.

The only substantial fee Cardiff paid for a permanent transfer last summer was Gabriel Osho, paying Auxerre more than £1m for the centre-back.

The Bluebirds also saved a considerable amount of money by offloading 12 senior players following their relegation from the Championship.

Now they are back in the second tier, the need to strengthen is clear.

Although Barry-Murphy is coy about his transfer plans, some board members reckon the Bluebirds need between four and six signings.

Midfielders, wingers and full-backs appear to be priorities, though the squad would benefit from bolstering in all areas.

"I think the manager deserves that right in the summer to get a bit of money to strengthen the squad so they're competitive next season," said former Wales and West Ham defender Danny Gabbidon, who was part of the last Cardiff team to win promotion from the third tier to the second in 2003.

"That step up is quite big into the Championship and, for sure, there will probably have to be tweaks to the squad."

Continue to nurture young talent

One of the most striking elements of Cardiff's success this season has been the development of their young players.

Barry-Murphy signalled his intent in the first game of the season against Peterborough, naming the youngest Cardiff starting line-up for a league fixture this century.

His faith in the academy graduates has been repaid handsomely, with Dylan Lawlor, Cian Ashford, Joel Colwill, Isaak Davies and Ronan Kpakio all catching the eye at different points this season.

Playing in League One has benefited them enormously - as if they have dropped down a division to spend a season on loan together at a lower level.

What remains to be seen is how they deal with the Championship.

It is also easy to forget that vice-captain Rubin Colwill is still only 23. Having burst on to the scene as a teenager, the Wales attacking midfielder has come of age this season.

"It's been an unbelievable season for everyone involved," Colwill said.

"A lot of the young lads have had really good seasons, and obviously getting promoted for everyone is amazing. It's been a pleasure to be a part of it."

Centre-back Lawlor has arguably had the biggest impact of those fledgling talents this season, making his Wales debut and looking remarkably assured over the course of his five caps to date.

The 20-year-old has been linked with a move away – with German giants Bayern Munich among the clubs reportedly interested – and Cardiff will do well to keep him this summer.

But Barry-Murphy has shown how well he can work with young players, not only in the Welsh capital but during his time in charge of Manchester City's Under-21s, where he nurtured the likes of Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.

Crucially, Cardiff will be protected financially should big clubs come calling for Lawlor, who signed a three-year contract extension last August to keep him at the club until 2028.

Rivals has released its updated rankings — the Rivals300 — for the 2027 cycle. Six new five-stars were officially tabbed on Monday morning, including Long Beach (Calif.) Long Beach Poly cornerback Donte Wright.

The 6-foot, 170-pound prospect now ranks as the No. 14 overall prospect in the country for the 2027 class and remains atop the California state rankings.

[ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ] 

Wright committed to Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs last summer over offers from programs such as Oklahoma, Oregon and USC.

“Georgia as a program develops at a very high level, and I think that’s what really attracts me to this program,” Wright told DawgsHQ.com’s Jeremy Johnson last summer. “Growing up, I’ve always been a Georgia fan, so now that they are recruiting me heavily, it’s very exciting.”

This recruitment is far from settled, however. Wright has visited Michigan and Miami and there is significant buzz surrounding Oregon‘s chance to flip him from the Bulldogs.

Donte Wright Scouting Summary

Rivals National Scout Greg Biggins writes this of Wright as a prospect:

“Versatile defensive back who has shown the ability to play anywhere in the secondary. Was more of a safety early on in his career and plays a physical game with a nice edge to him. Moved to corner full time halfway though sophomore season and has the kind of size and twitch that projects really well to the next level. Boasts an athletic 6-foot-1, 175 pound frame with plenty of length. Really strong in press coverage and has the long speed to turn and run with anyone. Has a track background with personal best times of 10.66-100m and 21.80-200m. Explosive getting in and out of his breaks and is an excellent run defender. Can be overly handsy at times and will need to temper his aggressiveness but has all the physical traits and compete level to play on Sundays.”

Last Wednesday, Max Homa spoke in front of a room full reporters at the RBC Heritage, where he implicitly called out the likes of Sergio Garcia and others following their outbursts at Augusta National. “I don’t like when people break clubs. I don't like when people beat up the golf course because we deal with it,” Homa said. “I think breaking clubs makes us look very, very spoiled.”

At the time, Homa’s words rang true enough, but time makes hypocrites of us all, and on Sunday at Harbour Town the six-time tour winner was seen violently whipping his club into one the course’s “native areas” following a poor shot.

RELATED: Watch Bryson DeChambeau lose cool over LIV Mexico City conditions

Golf’s receipt keepers were quick to point out the hypocrisy, and after Homa cooled down following his round, he took to Instagram to own up to the ugly moment.

Max Homa / IG

“I mentioned in this interview that we as pros should be held to a high standard and we should be kept accountable,” Homa wrote on his Instagram story accompanying a video of his press conference quotes and subsequent club throw. “I’m thankful so many people have held me accountable on this. Bad look. Not proud. Looking forward to bettering myself.”

In the end, Homa’s apology isn’t exactly surprising or, on its own, praise-worthy. We’ve seen this playbook before from countless athletes across countless sports over the years. What matters now is whether Homa holds himself accountable on the golf course moving forward. Golf can be an extremely frustrating and emotional game and nobody is perfect, so no one (sane, at least) is asking Homa to suddenly become Tim Tebow out there. But if he takes his own words to heart and doesn’t repeat his Sunday meltdown, then apology accepted.

RELATED: Andrew Novak had the perfect response to taking this stray over an unfortunate PGA Tour stat

Saints 1,586-yard passer expected to draw trade interest during NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New Orleans Saints enter the 2026 NFL Draft with some very interesting options at their disposal in the first few rounds.

Picking eighth overall, the Saints will likely be able to land a solid defender or one of the top wide receivers in the draft class. And down the board in Round 2, there should be plenty of intriguing players still available as well. But the Saints could make a trade, too.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, there is some buzz surrounding one of the Saints quarterbacks, specifically their 1,586-yard passer Spencer Rattler, who could be traded during the 2026 NFL Draft.

Saints' Spencer Rattler expected to draw trade interest

"Those who could gain interest include Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr., Titans quarterback Will Levis, Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler..." Schefter reports.

These three quarterbacks were all mentioned right after Schefter called out the "plenty more who could be dealt during the upcoming draft."

Rattler's name has been floating in trade rumors often this offseason, and for good reason. Tyler Shough is the answer at quarterback, and Rattler would be better off being traded to a new team than sitting as the backup for a year.

He's more valuable to the Saints as a draft pick or player compensation, especially since he is one of the better quarterbacks who could still be on the move this offseason.

More: Spencer Rattler could be traded during 2026 NFL Draft

The other two QBs mentioned have some significant issues. Levis played very poorly the last time he was seen as the starter for the Tennessee Titans, back in 2024, and Richardson's struggles over the last few years, with health and consistency being red flags.

Rattler, while his 1,586 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions this past season weren't the most impressive performance, there was a bit more intrigue about his play than the other QBs Schefter noted could be on the move.

Saints fans should be keeping an eye out for any Rattler rumors leading up to and during the NFL Draft. They might be trading their backup QB away, which would make a lot of sense to surround Shough with better talent on offense or bolster the revamped defense.

More Saints news:

• The Marshon Lattimore trade has aged incredibly well for Saints
• Ruben Bain Jr. named perfect draft pick for Saints with eighth pick
• Chris Olave and the Saints are in extension talks this offseason
• Saints might use both Alvin Kamara and Travis Etienne Jr. in 2026
• Carnell Tate is scheduled to visit with Saints among four other top-10 picking teams for 2026 NFL Draft

The college football offseason's biggest stories are annually the transfer portal, the coaching carousel, and the layout of the coming season's schedule. This year, the college football offseason has added a spicy and unexpected plot twist. USA TODAY Sports college football writer John Brice has more:

"After the NCAA’s Division I Football Bowl Subdivision Oversight Committee on March 19 adopted what the special teams community has called a “drastic rule change,” the measure that restricts player movement for “two adjacent linemen on either side of the snapper” faced objections from coaches.

"However, those objections didn't stop the NCAA football rules subcommittee from upholding the change in a call held Thursday, April 9, a person with knowledge of the vote told USA TODAY Sports. The call was held after coaches had made public their frustration with the rule change and its process.

"Six coaches familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports that Steve Shaw, the NCAA’s national coordinator of officials, recently held a Zoom meeting for FBS special teams coordinators that featured more than 50 coaches. The coaches requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the subject.

"We didn’t have a chance for answers,” a current Power conference special teams coordinator from a College Football Playoff participant told USA TODAY Sports. “Some people basically were already done with spring football when this was passed. I can’t do it or teach it in the summer, because that’s cheating and then I’d get fired.”

You can read the rest of the story for more details and quotes from coaches, but here's the crazy and central part of the whole saga: The rule is almost unanimously opposed by coaches, and yet it passed. That's how messed up the whole process was. Will the rule be rescinded before the season begins? We shall see.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: College football coaches are outraged about punt formation rule change

This story initially appeared on SteelersNow.com

The NFL Draft is just three days away, and the Pittsburgh Steelers still don’t know who will be their quarterback in 2026. The Steelers have not received word from Aaron Rodgers on his future, and there is no expectation of a final decision prior to the NFL Draft, according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

The Steelers open Monday’s bonus minicamp with Will Howard as the starting quarterback, with Rodgers’ decision likely still weeks away.

“Aaron Rodgers has been in regular communication with Steelers officials, including Mike McCarthy who he knows very well from his days with the Packers. They’ve talked plenty about life, as well as football. Rodgers has also been training when he’s been at home back in California. But to this point, he has not told the Steelers affirmatively that he’s going to be back in Pittsburgh for a 22nd NFL season,” Pelissero said onGood Morning Football.

Click here to read more from our partners at Sports Now Group Pittsburgh.

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Marco Sturm Opens Up On Bruins Game 1 Loss After Being In 'Perfect Spot' originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Bruins suffered a disappointing 4-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres in Game 1 of their first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series.

Boston went on the road against Buffalo, in what was an electric atmosphere as playoff hockey returned to Buffalo for the first time in 14 years. However, the Bruins did a good job early silencing the crowd, as the Bruins led 1-0 after the first and second periods.

Boston then took a 2-0 lead just 68 seconds into the third period, before the Sabres scored four-straight goals in just over six-and-a-half minutes. Although David Pastrnak did score with eight seconds left, it was a disappointing loss for the Bruins, as head coach Marco Sturm felt like the team was in the perfect spot to steal Game 1.

“I thought we were in the perfect spot,” Sturm said postgame on Sunday. “We were exactly where we wanted to play. Being in that position, five, six minutes left in the game. You could tell, they got a little bit frustrated and made pretty much two mistakes to let them tie up the game.

“It is a long series, and we’re prepared. We want to come here to Buffalo and get a win. We didn’t get it today, so we’re going to try our best to get it next game.”

It was a frustrating loss for the Bruins, who dropped Game 1, but there are some positives to take away heading into Game 2.

Boston will return to the ice on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET for Game 2 against Buffalo.

More NHL: Bruins vs. Sabres Final Score, Highlights: Sabres Stun Bruins with Third Period Comeback to Win Game 1

As the 2026 NFL draft commences on Thursday night in Pittsburgh, the New York Giants enter with significant momentum following their trade of All-Pro nose tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals in exchange for the No. 10 overall pick.

Equipped with two selections in the top 10 (Nos. 5 and 10) and a total of eight picks, head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Joe Schoen possess substantial resources to accelerate the rebuild around quarterback Jaxson Dart.

With the final seconds finally ticking off the clock, Giants Wire presents its final mock draft of the 2026 offseason.

We used the Pro Football Focus mock draft simulator for this exercise and left all settings on default, including the big board being set to PFF's rankings. We controlled only the New York Giants and projected all seven rounds.

Here is how things played out.

Round 1 (No. 5): Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

While there were trade options available, most of them would have pushed the Giants outside of the top 12, leaving them with precious few prospects with first-round grades (roughly 13-15 in this draft). With a second first-round pick now in tow, the Giants stay at No. 5 and land the versatile off-ball Sonny Styles, who can also pitch in at safety.

Scouting report from Dane Brugler (The Beast):

A three-year starter at Ohio State, Styles played weakside linebacker in defensive coordinator Matt Patricia’s 4-2-5 base scheme (and wore the green dot in 2025). After playing multiple safety roles for two seasons, he transitioned to linebacker as a junior and then became an All-American as a senior, combining for 182 tackles over his final two seasons. He was awarded the “Block O” jersey in 2025 and voted a senior captain (receiving the most votes on the team).

Styles is a freaky height/weight/speed athlete with fluid change of direction and the playmaking range to cover every blade of grass. He processes quickly and delivers pop at contact as a downhill player, rarely missing tackles thanks to his ability to violently overwhelm the ball carrier. Though he plays with terrific reaction quickness, the next step in his development is to improve his anticipation, especially in coverage, so he can make more plays on the football.

Round 1 (No. 10): Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami

Again, there were trade proposals, but with Francis Mauigoa still on the board, the decision felt simple. While the Giants will still go pickless in Round 3, they add a second Day 1 starter in Mauigoa, who is willing, capable, and likely to shift inside to right guard, solving that issue for Big Blue.

Scouting report from Dane Brugler (The Beast):

A three-year starter at Miami, Mauigoa was a mainstay at right tackle in offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson’s balanced scheme. A former five-star recruit, he earned a starting role from day one and started all 42 games the past three seasons (he led the Hurricanes in snaps played in both 2024 and 2025). A consensus All-American his final season, he was a pivotal part of Miami’s run to the 2025 national title game and became the first Miami player since 2005 (Eric Winston) to earn the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the ACC’s top blocker.

A wide-bodied blocker and “Freaks List” alum, Mauigoa carries his weight well. He doesn’t have elite length or foot quickness, but he plays with a relaxed feel in space to mirror and put rushers in a vise. He stays centered in pass sets and has a sturdy anchor to make defenders pay for trying to go through him. He gets in trouble lunging in the run game but plays stout through his extension to seal inside/outside run lanes.

Round 2 (No. 37): Peter Woods, iDL, Clemson

Once a surefire top-5 pick, Peter Woods slides down the draft boards a bit following an inconsistent 2025 season. That ends up benefiting the Giants, who land their Dexter Lawrence replacement. He will likely have some rookie struggles, but with the right coaching and development, Woods can transform into a long-time starter and potential Pro Bowl talent.

Scouting report from Dane Brugler (The Beast):

A two-and-a-half-year starter at Clemson, Woods shuffled up and down the line in defensive coordinator Tom Allen’s four-man front. After earning Freshman All-American honors in 2023, he received All-ACC honors in each of the last two seasons. He was tabbed as a potential top-five draft pick entering his junior season, but he struggled to match that hype in 2025, posting up-and-down tape and poor production (14 pressures, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks over 12 games).

Draft projections for Woods will depend on a team’s willingness to grade to his flashes. He moves with big-man twitch and has the foot quickness to elude blocks in tight quarters. However, for a player with his explosive traits, he doesn’t have many quick wins on his tape and needs to learn how to diversify his rush approach. But he consistently saw four hands from blockers each snap and produced enough splash plays to believe he will be a more stable player in the future.

Round 4 (No. 105): Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame

The Giants have taken a broad approach at wide receiver, replacing the departed Wan'Dale Robinson with a multitude of low-risk, high-reward players. They add to that group here, selecting the 6-foot-4 Malachi Fields, who gives Big Blue a legitimate red zone threat.

Scouting report from Dane Brugler (The Beast):

A one-year starter at Notre Dame (and three-year starter overall), Fields was the boundary receiver in offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock’s scheme. A high school quarterback, he transitioned well to receiver at Virginia before transferring to the Irish for his final season in 2025. His targets and production took a nosedive with a freshman at quarterback (he didn’t record a 100-yard receiving game in 2025), although he produced several memorable plays.

Fields flashes both build-up speed and short-area juice, along with a go-and-get-it gear when the ball is in the air. He displays impressive reflexes at the catch point and deftly takes advantage of every inch of his frame to reel in throws. NFL coaches will like the way he uses his hands and feet to gain a step of separation out of breaks, although they will want to see him expand his route proficiency (there is a healthy amount of hitches and go routes all over his tape).

Round 5 (No. 145): Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska

The Giants sniffed around running backs throughout the offseason and are said to be very high on Jeremiyah Love, but didn't get to call his name in Round 1. They add to the room with Emmett Johnson in the fifth round, which is unlikely to happen come the actual draft (Round 3/Round 4 projection). But hey, we can only play the hands we're dealt in these simulations, so the sure-handed Johnson joins Big Blue.

Scouting report from Dane Brugler (The Beast):

A two-year starter at Nebraska, Johnson lined up primarily offset in offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen’s version of the Air Raid. After two seasons in a running back rotation, he had a breakout 2025 season as the only FBS player to average more than 150 scrimmage yards per game. He led the Big Ten with 1,451 rushing yards and became the first running back in Nebraska history to record 100-plus yards both rushing and receiving in the same game.

With his agile cutting skills, Johnson is explosive laterally and has sharp footwork and shifty body movements to give defenders the slip. His feet can get a little bounce happy at times, but he makes it work for him by pressing the line and setting up open-field defenders. Though he runs with determination, his average power will be more noticeable when dealing with NFL contact.

Round 6 (No. 186): Thaddeus Dixon, CB, North Carolina

Injuries likely cost Thaddeus Dixon an earlier pick despite the strong endorsements from the Belichicks. The Giants take a flier on the 24-year-old, who can play multiple positions in the secondary and is strong against the run -- a John Harbaugh favorite. He does have ball location issues similar to Deonte Banks, which fans won't want to hear, but as a sixth-round pick, it's worth the gamble.

Scouting report from Dane Brugler (The Beast):

A one-year starter at North Carolina, Dixon followed the opponent’s No. 1 receiver in defensive coordinator Steve Belichick’s scheme, aligning both inside and outside (Bill Belichick: “He could probably play any position in the secondary.”). With few options out of high school, he earned his way from the juco level to Washington, and then to the Tar Heels, although his final season was marred by injury.

Dixon is a high-energy cover man and carries himself with maturity, both on and off the field. He doesn’t usually jam at the line but trails routes and disrupts catch points. He is more likely to face guard than find the football, which hinders his interception opportunities. He also relies more on physicality than pure speed to recover, which can be an asset versus the run but will get him in trouble when facing NFL athletes.

Round 7 (No. 192): VJ Payne, S, Kansas State

There is no chance VJ Payne is available this late in the draft, but once again, we can only go with what PFF gives us. Projected to go as high as Round 4, the Giants get another absolute steal here with a safety who can likely contribute to a rotation as a rookie.

Scouting report from Dane Brugler (The Beast):

A starter for three-and-a-half years at Kansas State, Payne played free safety, strong safety and big nickel in former defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman’s scheme. He posted consistent production the past three seasons and earned All-Big 12 honors as both a junior and senior.

Payne offers a rare combination of rangy size and long-striding speed to make plays near the line or at the sideline. He is at his best as a matchup player against big, dynamic tight ends, using his nimble quickness and body length to influence the catch point. Despite his starting experience, he is still a tad green and can be more reactive than proactive keying run/pass or reading routes. He is a physical tackler but often guilty of stopping his feet instead of running through his target.

Round 7 (No. 193): Eli Heidenreich, FB, Navy

Eli Heidenreich remains our favorite mock selection in these projections, and we'd pick him even earlier if we knew there was a risk of him being gone (which is likely in the actual draft). A true versatile threat, he can play fullback, running back, outside receiver, or slot receiver. He's a do-it-all talent that will fit nicely on a Harbaugh-coached roster.

Scouting report from Dane Brugler (The Beast):

A starter for two-and-a-half years at Navy, Heidenreich played the “Snipe Z” position in the Midshipmen’s modern triple-option offense, which includes aggressive pass concepts (play action, verticals, etc.). He split his 2025 snaps between the backfield (44.4 percent), wide (35.4), slot (14.7) and inline (5.5), and he accounted for a sky-high 45.7 percent target share. He set Navy records for career receiving yards (1,994), single-season receiving yards (941) and single-game receiving yards (243). Heidenreich and Tavon Austin are the only FBS players since 1956 with 925-plus receiving yards and 475-plus rushing yards in the same season.

Heidenreich is a versatile all-purpose athlete with acceleration and body control as both a route runner and ball carrier. More quick than explosive, he has mismatch-creating potential out of the slot and catches everything thrown his way, regardless of placement or positioning. He is unproven in pass protection, although there are no questions about his competitive toughness.

Pro Football Focus grade: A-

Payne getting a B- grade and Heidenreich getting a C+ grade in Round 6 remains amusing to us. PFF's board is very different from the consensus big board, especially the deeper you go in these mock drafts.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants Wire 7-round mock draft: Final post-Dexter Lawrence trade projections

Sitting at No. 31 in the NFL Draft, the New England Patriots might be looking at limited options in the first round. However, they are not afraid to make a move up the board either if an opportunity presents itself. Obviously, that opportunity would be closely tied to which players are available; there are only so many worth trading up for.

Would Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman fall into that category? Let’s look at what he brings to the table.

Hard facts

Name: Dillon Thieneman

Position: Safety

School: Oregon (Jr.)

Opening day age: 22 (8/8/2004)

Measurements: 6’0 1/8”, 201 lbs, 31 3/8” arm length, 9” hand size, 4.35s 40-yard dash, 41” vertical jump, 10’5” broad jump, 18 bench press reps, 9.71 Relative Athletic Score

Experience

Colleges: Purdue (2023-24), Oregon (2025)

Career statistics: 39 games (39 starts) | 2,417 defensive snaps, 379 special teams snaps, 5 offensive snaps | 306 tackles, 40 missed tackles (13.1%), 10 TFLs, 2 FFs | 12 QB pressures (2 sacks, 4 hits, 6 hurries) | 68 targets, 44 catches surrendered (64.7%), 494 yards, 6 TDs, 8 INTs, 16 PBUs | 10 special teams tackles, 1 missed special teams tackle (9.1%) | 9 punt returns, 67 yards (7.4/return) | 2 penalties (incl. 0 declined/offsetting)

Accolades: First-team All-Big Ten (2025), Second-team All-American (2025), Honorable mention All-Big Ten (2024), Freshman All-American (2023), Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2023)

An impact player since his high school days, Thieneman was a four-year varsity starter at Westfield, ID, and eventually rated a three-star recruit. He received multiple offers from across the FBS landscape, but family ties prevailed and he joined Purdue in 2023. He immediately earned a starting role as a true freshman and over the next two seasons played 24 games for the Boilermakers. In those games, he registered 210 tackles as well as six interceptions and received multiple individual accolades even as his team went a combined 5-19.

That lack of success led to Purdue firing head coach Ryan Walters, which in turn prompted Thieneman to enter the transfer portal after his sophomore campaign. A four-star prospect, he was a hot commodity before opting to join Oregon. He ended up spending only one season with the Ducks before declaring for the draft, but did manage to earn first-team All-Big Ten honors after picking up 96 tackles and a pair of interceptions.

Draft profile

Projected round: 1 | Consensus big board: No. 18 | Patriots meeting: N/A

Strengths: Thieneman is a fantastic athlete whose straight line speed (97th-percentile 40-yard dash) is accompanied by natural fluidity. He can be trusted as a single-high safety due to his tremendous range and fast processor as well as his instincts; he reacts in an instant to attack the ball and has the closing speed in pursuit and coverage to make big plays in the backend. His skills are not limited to playing space, though, and he also can move to different spots in the lineup. He is a stout tackler who is not afraid of contact and bursts into run lanes.

He also took on a leadership role at Oregon, being named a game captain on four occasions in 2025 despite being in his first year in the program. In addition, he was a reliable player at both of his college stops, starting all 39 possible games without any time missed due to injury.

Weaknesses: Thieneman is not the biggest player, with his lack of height (39th percentile) and weight (27th percentile) limiting him when taking on tight ends in coverage or run support. In general and despite his natural versatility, he can look out of place the closer he gets to the line of scrimmage and gets lost in traffic on occasion. He also is not immune to taking some questionable angles when coming downhill. Finally, he failed to match his freshman ball production in subsequent seasons, going from six interceptions and a pair of forced fumbles in Year 1 to a combined two INTs over his final 27 games.

Patriots preview

What would be his role? Even though the Patriots have two starter-caliber safeties on their roster and rarely rotated into three-safety looks in 2025, they would find a way to get Thieneman on the field as a third option to complement Kevin Byard and Craig Woodson. While he might be used more in nickel and dime packages early on, he should be able to get reps in base looks as well given his abilities as a scheme- and package-agnostic player in the secondary. Further down the line, he would likely be tabbed to succeed Byard as the starting free safety.

Does he have positional versatility? As mentioned above, Thieneman is not limited by scheme or position. He can play man as well as zone, can line up in split safety or single-high looks, and move closer to the line or into the slot if need be. He also played 100-plus special teams snaps in all three of his college seasons, seeing action on five units (kickoff and punt coverage, kickoff and punt return, field goal/extra point block). In addition, he aligned as a running back for five snaps during his freshman campaign at Purdue.

What is his growth potential? Not turning 22 until training camp, Thieneman is still a developing player despite his immense college experience and an NFL-caliber athletic profile. If he can improve his angles and tackling technique, and make the necessary adjustments from college to pro level, he should become an impact player fairly quickly in his career and has all the tools to turn into a multi-year starter.

Why the Patriots? New England may have more pressing needs than safety to address in the first round, but as Eliot Wolf stated last week the draft is about more than short-term considerations. And with Kevin Byard turning 33 in August and on a one-year deal, Thieneman would be well-suited as a long-term replacement. In fact, given where they are positioned, the Patriots probably would not find a better prospect.

Why not the Patriots? There is a chance that Thieneman will not fall in the Patriots’ range, even if they are willing to move up the board in the first round. Furthermore, they simply might want to address other spots first before targeting a position with two starters in place.

One-sentence verdict: Thieneman is as good a safety as there is in the draft, and under the right circumstances — i.e. him still being around in the high 20s — would be a tremendous addition to a Patriots defense that prides itself in being versatile.

For more information about Dillon Thieneman and the rest of this year’s class of prospects, please take a look at Adam’s 2026 NFL Draft Guide.

Also, what do you think about Thienemanas a potential Patriots target? Do you like him? Where would you pick him? Please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts.

In what's shaping up to be one of the deepest wide receiver classes in recent memory, the 2026 NFL Draft presents the Pittsburgh Steelers with plenty of prospects — including projected Day 2 wideout Ted Hurst of Georgia State — to keep a close eye on.

Here's a look at Hurst's scouting report, containing information on his bio, strengths, concerns, stats, and highlights.

Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

• Height: 6 feet 3 7/8 inches
• Weight: 206 pounds
• 40-yard dash: 4.42 seconds
• Projection: Second- to third-round

Strengths

• Finds soft spots in zones with ease
• Builds speed through routes
• Incredible red zone target
• Can find a second gear in his speed

Concerns

• Average contested catch ability despite length advantage
• Struggled with drops
• Release package needs work

Stats

• 2024: 56 receptions, 961 yards, nine touchdowns
• 2025: 71 receptions, 1,004 yards, six touchdowns

Highlights

Ted Hurst hip-sink/deceleration at 6032 pic.twitter.com/RBunwcY6qv

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) February 3, 2026

For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers NFL Draft scouting report: Ted Hurst, Georgia State

Davison Igbinosun came into Ohio State as a top recruit. His first three seasons at Ohio State were solid enough, but they did not quite live up to the high expectations coming in. He was always a strong corner and able to keep tight coverage, but he got flagged for pass interference way too much as he had a tendency to grab after getting beat on cuts. He cut down on the penalties a ton his senior season, which gives him serious consideration as a top cornerback in this year's draft class.

Davison Igbinosun, Cornerback

Draft Projection: Rounds 2-5

I don't expect Igbinosun to get as high as the second round. He's a strong corner with huge potential, but he hasn't put it together enough in college to really earn the risk of a high draft pick.

There are a lot of pretty good corners in this year's draft class, but there are very few elite ones. Where does that leave NFL teams looking at Igbinosun? If he can get his penalty problem fully under control, he's a strong multi-year starter at the NFL level. If he can't quite stay with elite receivers making cuts, then he'll be a serviceable cover back for the second or third receiver. How much will NFL teams be willing to look to put into Igbinosun? That will decide whether a team wants to take him as high as early in the third round or as low as late in the fifth.

This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Davison Igbinosun NFL Draft profile and projection

Head to the comments section to share your thoughts and join the conversation. You can sign up for a commenting account below and we have full-time moderators to enforce the Community Guidelines.

Penn State football will have a completely overhauled roster to get to know in 2026 under new head coach Matt Campbell. Following one of the most active offseasons in recent memory for Penn State with a flurry of activity in the transfer portal, fans will have a lot of catching up to do in getting to know this year's Penn State roster. Fortunately, not every face will be brand new to fans. Regardless, we will be here to give you a fresh overview of every player on the roster for the 2026 season with a series of player profiles.

From all of the returning players, a long list of new faces from the transfer portal, and incoming recruits from the Class of 2026, we will have you covered with this year's player profiles for the Penn State roster. Here is a quick look at quarterback Connor Barry for the 2026 season.

Preseason Player Profile

• Hometown: Vienna, Virginia
• Height: 6-1
• Weight: 206
• Class in 2026: Senior

Recruiting Rankings

Class of 2025: Composite zero-star recruit

Barry was not heavily recruited out of high school, although he was one of the successful QBs in Virginia High School history.

Career Stats

Connor Barry previously played for Appalachian State in his freshman season, before transferring to D-III Christopher Newport. In his career, he has passed for 5,561 yards, 55 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions. Last season, not only did he break CNU's single-season passing yards and touchdowns records, but he also led D-III in passing efficiency.

Depth Chart Overview

Barry should be projected to land the QB2 role, although he may have to battle for it with redshirt freshman transfer Alex Manske. Still, his experience, even at the D-III level, could lend itself to a potential battle. He could see some early playing time in the early stages of Penn State's schedule, but may not start unless an emergency occurs.

Random Fact

Barry is the first southpaw quarterback to potentially play for Penn State in over 20 years.

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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Previewing the 2026 season for Penn State QB Connor Barry

The Golden State Warriors have put together their teams through a variety of ways over the years, yet few approaches have proven as successful as the NBA draft. More than anything else, the most talented players to represent the Warriors have arrived in Golden State either by being selected directly in the annual draft or through trades executed on that same night.

The Golden State Warriors have taken many of their top stars through the draft, but have also landed a number of notable players over the years as well. From tiny colleges to blue blood programs, these alumni have contributed significantly to the team's roster over the years. So, we chose to take a closer look at which Dubs came from which schools over the years.

So without further ado, let's take a look at every player who has been drafted by the Warriors out of BYU.

Joe Nelson - wing

Draft year and position: fifth round (eighth pick, 56th overall), 1948 BAA Draft

Seasons at BYU: three

Seasons played with Warriors: did not make the team

Jim Eakins - center

Draft year and position: fifth round (7th pick, 57th overall), 1968 NBA Draft

Seasons at BYU: three

Seasons played with Warriors: did not make the team

All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.

This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Every BYU player drafted by the Warriors

It’s officially Draft Week!

The 2026 NFL Draft starts in just three days, as Pittsburgh plays host to the event for the second time in its history and the first in more than 70 years. Whether you love or hate mock drafts, they’re finally about to come to an end, but not before a final blitz of them come through over the next 72 or so hours.

The first big shakeup affecting the first round happened over the weekend as the Cincinnati Bengals acquired All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants. Cincinnati sent the #10 overall pick to the Giants in the deal, giving them two selections in the top ten heading into John Harbaugh’s first year as their head coach.

That likely will not affect the Green Bay Packers, who will wait until #52 to make their first selection (barring a move up). Of course, what the board looks like at that time is anyone’s guess, and that will make the wait on Friday evening a long and nerve-wracking one for fans of the Green and Gold.

Meanwhile, today also marks the first day of the Packers’ offseason workout program as players are back in the building. Expect a few bits of business to take place over the course of the day.

Here’s a look at what’s going on around the Packers and the NFL with just a few days to go before the Draft.

2026 NFL draft intel, notes: What Adam Schefter is hearing | ESPN
Among the notable items here is a reminder that the first round will go faster this year — teams now will have only an 8-minute clock per pick rather than getting ten minutes.

Packers Tailgate Tour blog: Reflecting on an unforgettable trip | Packers.com
The 20th annual Tailgate Tour concluded over the weekend with a few stops in north-central Wisconsin.

Identifying the best prospect fit for Packers at each position in 2026 NFL draft | Packers Wire
We’re not the only ones projecting Dani Dennis-Sutton as a perfect Packer this year.

All-Packers Mock Draft Based Purely on Their 30 Visits | SI.com
More interesting than the mock draft is the news that there’s a secret quarterback visitor whose name the team refuses to share with the public. Perhaps they’re trying to avoid a similar situation to 2023, when they had Sean Clifford in for a visit and then had to scramble to draft him in the fifth round after a run at the position?

Bengals acquire Dexter Lawrence from Giants for No. 10 pick, give DT 1-year, $28M extension | NFL.com
There go our dreams of Sexy Dexy in Green Bay, but at that price, it was never going to happen. Still, he only got a one-year extension which signs him in Cincinnati through 2028.

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is now so large it is home to dozens of species of life, prompting debate over cleanup efforts | Earth.com
This sounds like the Great Garbage Crisis of 2000 come to life — I think it’s time to blast the garbage into space.

Talent? On this defense? Yes, despite what Matt Eberflus failed to do with it, the Cowboys’ defense does have some pieces to work with. Some of them are new arrivals from free agency, and we expect several more to come from the upcoming 2026 draft. As we continue this series of articles looking at how Dallas’ talent rates, and how it could impact the draft, the focus turns to the defense and specifically the front-seven positions in the defensive line and linebacker corps.

In the modern NFL, the term “front seven” is almost antiquated. With nickel now the dominant scheme, the majority of snaps have a combination of six defensive linemen and linebackers playing with five defensive backs. That’s good for a Cowboys team which is sorely lacking up front, and especially at linebacker.

As we’ve done with the other articles in this series, we’re looking at each player based on his perceived talent and the role he’s expected to fill in 2026. That means some backups will be rated higher than projected starters, but only because they currently feel more qualified for their spots on the depth chart.

The Elite

DL Quinnen Williams

Even in a transition from his midseason trade, Williams remained one of the league’s top interior linemen. While Dallas’ defense had too many holes for Williams’ arrival to raise all ships, his individual dominance was routinely on display. The hope going forward is that Christian Parker’s work to improve other defensive positions will take some of the pressure and attention off of Williams, allowing him to do even more to personally impact games.

Sadly, none of Dallas’ other front-seven defenders qualify for this top level. We have hopes for what good health could mean for DeMarvion Overshown, but we won’t know until December just how that goes.

Very Good

N/A

Williams not only stands alone on the elite tier, but there’s a huge gap between him and the rest of the defense. In the front seven, who right now can you say you feel all that great about? Many would consider DeMarvion Overshown the next-most talented, but he has massive availability concerns. We hope that Donovan Ezeiruaku is going to break out in his second season, but we need to see it first. Other guys are at least solid in their projected roles, which we’ll get to next, but no DL, EDGE, or LB outside of Quinnen Williams feels like a clear strength right now.

Good Enough

DL Kenny Clark
DL Otito Ogbonnia
DL Jonathan Bullard
EDGE Rashan Gary
EDGE James Houston

Remember, we’re looking at players’ value relative to their respective role. We’re not saying James Houston is a better player than Donovan Ezeiruaku (next tier), but he’s got lower expectations as a rotation piece versus someone the team is counting on for bigger things. With 5.5 sacks last year coming off the bench, he’s perfectly adequate for the same role. The same goes for new arrival Rashan Gary, who should be a capable starter as long as we’re not asking him to be the team’s top pass rusher.

Dallas has nearly renovated the defensive line, with Jay Toia now the only guy remaining from the start of last season. The new veteran core of Clark, Bullard, and Ogbonnia probably aren’t pushing for Pro Bowl spots this year, but they all feel like solid fits for what Parker plans to do. Like Williams, they’re hoping for more effective play around them to create more opportunities. But more than anything, their jobs will be to dictate terms up front and allow the linebackers to be the playmakers.

Causes for Concern

EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku
EDGE Marist Liufau
EDGE Sam Williams
EDGE Tyrus Wheat
DL Jay Toia
LB DeMarvion Overshown
LB Shemar James
LB Justin Barron

And now we get to the not-so-fun part. The linebackers are riddled with issues and question marks, which is why ILB and EDGE have been at the forefront of many mock drafts. Even a guy we have high hopes for in his second year, Ezeiruaku, is going to need to take a pretty big leap to be the productive pass rusher that Dallas needs. He’d be “Good Enough” if he was just a wingman or rotation guy, and maybe he will be depending on how the draft goes, but without any new additions there is a lot of pressure on Ezeiruaku to perform.

The rest of the EDGE rotation is suspect even for depth. Liufau has reportedly been moved there after two years inside, and it doesn’t bode well. He’s undersized for the role and will be a huge liability against the run, which will limit his snaps. Your third season is a time to blossom in an existing role, not find a new one, and this move is more likely to result in Liufau not finishing out his rookie contract. As for Sam Williams, he could find new life in this scheme but has to show it on the field. If his best plays are only on special teams like in 2025, this one-year deal is probably his last. Tyrus Wheat returns after a one-year sojourn in Detroit, but he’s just a body right now until proven otherwise.

As bleak as some of that sounds, it’s still a better situation than inside linebacker. As already mentioned, Overshown has clear star potential but needs his body to cooperate. If healthy, Overshown can be a great chess piece for Parker with versatile abilities. You can line him up in several different ways and leave offenses guessing about what he might do. But if his knee doesn’t finally hold up, it will all be for naught.

Shemar James was able to get a lot more playing time last year than expected, but we saw all of the rawness that made him just a Day 3 pick. The physical traits are all there, but his diagnostic skills need to improve. As for Justin Barron, a year on the practice squad means we don’t really know what he has to offer. But the former safety should have the coverage skills to play 3-4 LB, especially on passing downs, and will be interesting to watch this summer.

Surprise, surprise: the linebacker position, inside and edge rushers, is a massive need going into the draft. It’s why many think Dallas could trade up on Thursday night, hoping to land a premier EDGE like David Bailey or the top ILB, Sonny Styles. If the Cowboys do move into the top-10, it’s probably for one of these guys. We could also see Arvell Reese in the mix if he falls a little, or Rueben Bain if the other top defenders go early.

However, moving up means only getting one guy early. Given how big the needs are at both spots, you can understand why many would prefer Dallas to stand pat at the 12th and 20th picks. They may not get an elite prospect, but they can cover two bases instead of one. This would bring other pass rushers like Akheem Mesidor and Keldric Faulk into play, plus ILB prospects C.J. Allen and Jacob Rodriguez. Still, not trading up also makes it more likely that the top talents on the board will be defensive backs, or maybe offensive tackles.

More than any other positions, EDGE and ILB will hang over this draft. Not getting one on Thursday night will keep a spotlight on it in the subsequent rounds. And without a significant addition from the rookie class, many will be looking for Dallas to turn to free agency or even a trade immediately following the draft. This will be especially true for ILB, which has no reliable starter from among the current talent.

Worcester: W, 4-2 (BOX SCORE)

The Red Sox farm, unlike the Major League team, actually enjoyed solid pitching all the way around on Sunday. Worcester’s shutout performance in Nashville (Brewers AAA) was courtesy of Michael Sansone. The 26-year-old Connecticut native may well end up putting together some innings on the Major League squad in 26; he lacks any sort of velocity but gets by with control. He allowed just two hits in six innings; Nate Eaton beat that on his own, including his 2nd home run of the series in the midst of his three-hit afternoon. This one, with Sansone’s great start, was never really in doubt, but the WooSox may have benefitted from a bit more offense. Still, you can’t look a gift horse that is a 4-2 win in the mouth, especially when it comes at the heels of five straight losses and a total of five runs in three games combined.

Portland: W, 5-3 (BOX SCORE)

Hayden Mullins, the former Auburn Tiger and 2022 12th round draft pick, had perhaps the best outing of his professional career. Mullins has more velocity and less control than Sansone, but the latter didn’t seem to be the case in Altoona (Pirates AA), as he rolled through eight scoreless innings with eight strikeouts and just one walk. That’s not to say he was constantly throwing strikes; 30 of his 76 pitches were outside the strike zone, but the strikes came at the right times. He’s been struggling so far to start 2026, so this was nice.

Day off for Franklin Arias, and in his absence the team had its three top slots in the lineup each strike out multiple times. In fact, the Sea Dogs only had one extra base hit on Sunday from Miguel Bleis. Even still, they strung together a W.

Greenville: W, 4-3 (BOX SCORE)

The only problem with Marcus Phillips’ start on Sunday against Bowling Green (Rays High-A) was that it didn’t go super long. It lasted just 58 pitches, but he amassed seven strikeouts, and then things went south in the bullpen after Phillips was pulled in the fourth. But, things didn’t go SO well for the Hot Rods that the Drive couldn’t take the lead back in the bottom of the eighth with a Natanael Yuten RBI single, which had a .268 WPA. As the entire arm emerged victorious, this win was also not pretty, but it was a win!

Salem: W, 4-2 (BOX SCORE)

The RidgeYaks break their five-game losing streak holding a total run differential of -18 with a defense-first win. They got to scoring runs on Hickory (Rangers A) early, holding a 4-0 lead, peaking with Starlyn Nunez’ RBI triple, and the bullpen held their own following a short, but good, start by Kansas native Barrett Morgan. Prior to this game, the Crawdads had hung a total of 8.8 runs a game on Salem, so this was a refreshing display of effective pitching by committee!

The Arizona Cardinals are in need of another safety. Jalen Thompson unfortunately left in free agency and the team signed Andrew Wingard away from the Philadelphia Eagles. But every defensive backfield needs three capable safeties.

Currently in the safety room are Pro Bowler Budda Baker, Kitan Crawford, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, and Joey Blount.

RELATED: SAFETY BUD CLARK PROFILE

In the meantime, does the safety room need another capable body?

Michael Taaffe is also a highly-regarded safety. He is a smart kid with good awareness on the field, most likely at strong safety. He is a guy who can come in and instantly compete for the open starting job next to Delpit.

Defensive backs coach Cristian Garcis hasconsistently valued instinctive, physical defensive backs who can operate in multiple roles. All of this represents Taaffe.  

S Michael Taaffe

Draft projection: Round 5

Cardinals pick: #143

—————————————————————————-

Specifics:

College: Texas

Height: 6’-0”

Weight: 189 pounds

40-time: 4.5

Career Tackles: 222

Career Forced Fumbles: 1

Career Sacks: 3

Career Tackles for Loss: 9.5

Interceptions: 7

Career Pass Defenses: 14

Career games: 53

Accolades: First Team All-American, First Team All-SEC, Second Team All-American (2024), Wuerffel Trophy winner

Positives:

• Tremendous coverage skills
• Great anticipation rather than being physical
• Natural ball tracking
• Seven career picks, so he knows how to find the ball
• Versatility in that he can play box, free safety, and in the slot
• Genuine coachability
• Superior special teams guy
• Leader
• Shows up in big games

Negatives:

• Athletic limitations
• Bit undersized
• Bigger tight ends an issue
• Not able to take on offensive linemen
• Too many missed tackles
• Will overrun pursuit angles
• Limited recovery speed

Expert Draft Site Analysis

Bucs Wire

Taaffe brings a unique and experienced profile to this draft class, appearing in over 50 career games while developing into a key contributor in Texas’ secondary. A former walk-on who earned his role, Taaffe steadily worked his way into a starting position and became one of the more reliable defensive backs on the roster. Taaffe continued to contribute, making plays across multiple phases of the defense, including interceptions, tackles for loss, and consistent involvement in the run game before dealing with injury late in the season. Across his career, Taaffe has consistently shown the ability to produce in big moments, including interceptions in key games and strong performances against high-level competition.

Good morning.

Evan Grant writes that McKenzie Gore’s subpar road trip shows that he’s not yet at the level that the Texas Rangers hope that he can achieve.

Kennedi Landry writes that Gore allowed three home runs in a start for the first time since 2023 in the series finale loss to Seattle.

Grant checks in on the options available to the Rangers should ailing Robert Garcia miss time with a sore shoulder.

Landry’s newsletter covers to rise of Gavin Collyer to the big league bullpen, despite debuting in a minor league park.

And, ESPN’s David Schoenfield has an extremely early look at the players that could be available at the trade deadline.

Have a nice day!

Henri Veesaar had a season for UNC that few saw coming. Veesaar elevated his three-point percentage in his senior season from 32.7% to 42.6%, posting an effective field goal percentage of .677. For the season, Henri averaged 17 points, 8.7 boards, and 2.1 assists, using his time in Chapel Hill to elevate his status from bench player in Tucson to potential NBA first round pick. (Side note: fans who love to point out players who shot better away from Chapel Hill seem to forget guys like Veesaar and Manek, who posted career bests here).

Towards that end, NBA draft talk projects Veesaar anywhere from back end of the first round to middle of the second round. ESPN mocks see Veesaar landing anywhere from 36-44. The Athletic has him at 32. Rookie Scale, which blends its own player analysis with estimates from other sources, puts Henri at 35. The NBA advisory board reportedly did not give Henri a consensus first round grade.

The positioning creates a real question for Veesaar. Last season, the NBA started guaranteeing two years for players at the top of the 2nd round, which increases their chance to put down roots in the league. However, the money starts to drop off considerably beyond pick 30. In 2025, being picked 30th guaranteed two years totaling $5.6 million, with team options for years three and four totaling an additional $8.5 million. Pick 40 last season signed a contract for two years guaranteed for $3.4 million, with years three and four a team option at an additional $5 million. Pick 50 got a one-year deal at $475,000, with two more years as a team option totaling $2 million.

With crazy portal numbers for proven big men rumored to be in excess of $4 million, Veesaar clearly stands to make more money for one season by remaining at UNC, assuming UNC pays market rate. Towards the higher end of Veesaar’s draft predictions, Veesaar can make that money back if he puts down roots and if he gets to a lucrative second contract one year faster. Towards the back end of his predictions, Veesaar would be leaving multiple millions on the table.

Throw in this: if the NCAA passes the “five years eligibility” rule, Veesaar could be looking at making as much in the next two years of college ball as he would in four NBA years at pick 40. That’s how rapidly NIL and the financial arms race in college sports has escalated value at Henri’s position and skill level.

That’s a tough decision for Henri, and Henri’s decision leaves us with a troubling question of our own: what would be the ceiling for UNC next season if Veesaar declares?

Louisville and Duke have been throwing money at next season’s roster, with some suggesting Louisville may end up with the most expensive roster in college basketball. Virginia returns everyone and adds a couple of new pieces. Malone will be instituting a new culture with a remade roster and no one available in the portal nearly as proven as Veesaar, or even with the potential Veesaar flashed at Arizona. Would UNC be starting the season hoping for fourth best in the ACC? Or do you see room for more optimism?

Continuing the two-part series from this past weekend, ranking the Detroit Lions free agent signings from this offseason, we now flip to the top half of the list after starting with Nos. 17–10—diving into Nos. 9–1.

Keep in mind, this isn’t just a ranking of the players or their projected 2026 contributions. These rankings blend projected role, current ability, future upside, contract value, the broader free agency landscape, and a layer of intangible impact.

Dive in below for the Lions’ top free agent signings (Nos. 9–1), as this class quietly positions the organization well heading into this week’s draft, where they currently hold nine selections.

No. 9 — Wide receiver / Returner Greg Dortch | Age 27.8 | $1.40M / 1 year ($1.075M guaranteed)

Greg Dortch serves as a stylistic parallel to Kalif Raymond, but the Lions got much younger at the position, as Raymond enters his age-32 season.

Dortch shares a lot of similar characteristics with Raymond: an undersized undrafted free agent who bounced around multiple rosters and practice squads before eventually finding a more stable home in Arizona, while also providing value as a punt returner.

He also comes from Arizona, where he has familiarity with new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. Similar to Raymond, Dortch offers a scrappy, dependable presence in the passing game, and since 2022 has posted a 75.5% catch rate (third among receivers), a 2.1% drop rate (seventh), and 6.6 yards after catch per reception (fifth), underscoring his efficiency and reliability after the catch.

No. 8 — Safety Avonte Maddox | Age 30 | N/A

Avonte Maddox, much like Rock Ya-Sin, emerged as one of the most consistent and valuable members of the Lions’ defense last season, particularly in a chaotic defensive backfield. After seven seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Maddox delivered one of his most productive years, taking on more responsibility as a post safety and thriving in that expanded role.

He graded out as a top-10 safety per PFF and consistently showed up in key moments, including standout performances in wins over the Cowboys and Bears, where his range and instincts helped stabilize the back end.

It was a necessary reunion with the Detroit native, even with the additional pieces added to the defensive back room. His familiarity with the system and versatility give him a clear path to playing time, particularly in the opening stretch of the season.

No. 7 — Guard Ben Bartch | Age 27.7 | N/A

Ben Bartch enters a true Super Smash Brothers free-for-all battle at left guard, with the winner of the role having clearly earned it as a key piece of what should be the Lions’ deepest offensive line under Hank Fraley’s guidance.

Bartch’s contract details are not yet known, but it is assumed to be a low-risk free agent flier on a player who is still only six seasons removed from being a Division III left tackle—and eight years removed from playing tight end at the DIII level—while continuing to settle into the nuances and consistency required at NFL guard.

He brings a fitting amount of size and physicality to the interior, coming off encouraging play in four starts at left guard for the San Francisco 49ers the past two seasons. He now enters a heated competition with Christian Mahogany and Miles Frazier for the starting job in Detroit.

No. 6 — Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez | Age 27 | $2.75M / 1 year ($2.70M guaranteed)

Malcolm Rodriguez’s 2025 season was largely defined by his recovery from a 2024 Thanksgiving Day ACL injury, and once he returned, he was a limited player who didn’t resemble his pre-injury impact to earn playing time. A wasted season. In many ways, that would have been an underwhelming and premature endpoint to his time in Detroit—but not a fitting one for a player who has been a locker room fit since Day 1.

A true program player, Rodriguez earned a modest pay bump and the opportunity to rebound with the Detroit Lions, competing for the third linebacker role in a system that continues to value his run defense and energy.

In 2024, before the injury, Rodriguez was playing the best football of his career. He looked more comfortable in coverage—handling more man assignments—while processing run fits faster than in his first two seasons and consistently detonating downhill with clean tackling form. That version of him was an ascending, higher-impact role player in the front seven especially after Alex Anzalone went down.

If he can regain that form with another year removed from injury, Rodriguez projects as a plus starter alongside Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes. In that scenario, he would easily outplay the value of his contract and position himself for a stronger free agent market next offseason.

No. 5 — Defensive back Christian Izien | Age 25.8 | $2.00M / 1 year ($1.00M Total Guaranteed)

Christian Izien fits the type of player Dan Campbell has subtly referenced when talking about adding more competition and ferocity to practice and training camp. Like many of the Lions’ external additions, Izien is a hungry, junkyard-dog competitor with the right demeanor to elevate the overall intensity of the room while ensuring nothing in the building is taken for granted and every role has to be earned. 

One of the more successful undrafted defensive backs of the past few years, Izien has carved out a legitimate role through sheer volume and consistency. His 1,582 defensive snaps over the last three seasons rank fifth among all UDFAs within their first three years in that span, while his 165 total tackles rank sixth in that same group.

He brings clear value on a bargain contract, offering the ability to play across the defensive backfield while also contributing on special teams. His game shows a blend of zone coverage experience from his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and man coverage traits dating back to college at Rutgers. The result is a versatile, assignment-ready defensive back who can be deployed in multiple roles depending on need—while consistently flying around the football and filling up the stat sheet with active production.

That flexibility matters in Detroit, where he can factor in at safety amid uncertainty around Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, while also providing insurance and depth at nickel. Durability is another calling card—he’s played in 93.7% of possible games across his college and NFL career over the past seven seasons, reinforcing his profile as a dependable, ready-to-roll depth piece.

No. 4 — Right tackle Larry Borom | Age 27 | $5.00M / 1 year ($4.90M guaranteed)

Larry Borom didn’t have the most stable start to his career with the Chicago Bears, but he still exceeded expectations as a fifth-round pick, making 27 starts across four different spots on the offensive line. Notably, he hadn’t seen consistent work at right tackle—his natural position—since midway through the 2022 season.

That changed in a resurgent second act last year with the Miami Dolphins, where he found real runway with 11 starts on the right side and played some of his best football. From Week 6 through the end of the regular season, Borom posted a 70.3 PFF overall grade (35th among 92 qualifying tackles), while his 82.1 pass-blocking grade ranked sixth among all offensive tackles in that span.

Brad Holmes clearly valued that stretch of proven production and upside at a premium position, moving to secure Borom at the 48th-highest paid offensive tackle in football (tied with fellow free agents Braxton Jones and Jawaan Taylor). While his 3.71% pressure rate last season ranked sixth-best among right tackles. Borom brings a stable floor in pass protection with the ability to contribute in the run game as he continues to settle into his natural position.

With the possibility of Penei Sewell shifting to left tackle, Borom could pair with Tate Ratledge to form a physical, ascending right side of the offensive line—potentially giving the Lions enough stability there to avoid immediately addressing an early draft pick at tackle.

No. 3 — Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin | Age 29.8 | $3.20M / 1 year ($2.64M guaranteed)

Rock Ya-Sin proved to be a massively underrated signing for the Lions’ front office last season. Despite toggling between cornerback and safety during training camp, he ultimately settled in at corner and played all 17 games with six starts amid a wave of secondary injuries. The result was a career-resurgence season: a career-high 47 tackles and nine passes defended, along with several clutch plays that helped stabilize the position group in key victories.

He also delivered strong value on special teams, finishing as the Lions’ highest-graded special teamer per PFF (85.1, 22nd among all NFL players). One of the better tackling outside corners in football, Ya-Sin is a high-effort competitor who played his best ball down the stretch, posting a 70.0 coverage grade from Weeks 11–18 (33rd among 113 cornerbacks).

While his $3.2M deal is the most he’s earned since joining the Baltimore Ravens in 2023 ($4M for one year), he still ranks only 59th among NFL cornerbacks in salary—despite producing like a much higher-paid starter in stretches last season. In many rooms, he would be more than just depth.

He now projects as a steady floor piece behind starters D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold, giving the Lions a reliable rotational option with starting-caliber snaps when needed.

No. 2 — Defensive back Roger McCreary | Age 26.1 | $1.40M / 1 year ($0.987M guaranteed)

A clear replacement for the recently paid Amik Robertson, Roger McCreary brings a similar scrappy demeanor, positional versatility, durability, and play style—despite overcoming historically short arms (28 7/8″). Not long ago, he was a second-round investment by the Tennessee Titans and later deemed worth acquiring by the Los Angeles Rams at last year’s trade deadline as they looked to bolster a postseason push.

His 2023 campaign—his second in the league—remains his most complete season to date. In his first year transitioning to the nickel, McCreary finished as PFF’s 12th-highest graded slot defender (71.3), while showcasing his run defense and tackling ability with 33 defensive stops (seventh among all cornerbacks). He also posted career highs in tackles (86) and tackles for loss (6), while adding six passes defended. That version of McCreary is what the Lions are betting on rediscovering.

He also offers outside flexibility, dating back to his time at Auburn, as a rookie, and flashing again in a brief stint with the Rams—particularly during the playoffs. That versatility ties into a broader theme across the Lions’ defensive back additions: optionality. New defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard now has the ability to mix and match personnel, contributing to what may be the deepest secondary of the Detroit Lions era under Dan Campbell—with room to add more in the draft.

McCreary will now be playing under his sixth defensive coordinator in eight football seasons, underscoring the instability he’s navigated early in his career. Still, at just 26, this is a classic low-risk, high-reward swing. He brings stout play strength and a physical edge that can make him an irritable presence for opposing receivers, giving the Lions another tone-setter in the secondary.

No. 1 — Center Cade Mays | Age 26.9 | $25.0M / 3 years ($14.0M guaranteed)

Mays made 21 starts over the past two seasons, including 12 last year, helping stabilize Bryce Young’s pocket while opening rushing lanes for Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard during Carolina Panthers’ first postseason run since 2017. His path hasn’t been linear—three regimes in four years, a brief stint on the New York Giants’ practice squad, and positional movement between fullback and both guard spots—but he’s finally settled in at center and found his footing.

In 2024, Mays led all centers with an 87.5 PFF gap-blocking grade—the third-highest mark at the position since 2018. Across his 21 starts at center over the past two seasons, he didn’t allow a single sack and posted just a 3.0% pressure rate (t-eighth among centers).

Mays brings a burly, physical presence to the position and represents the Lions’ most cost-effective solution at center. His AAV came in well below his projected $12.3M and far beneath Tyler Linderbaum’s $27M mark. He should help fortify the interior, easing the burden on the guards, providing stability for Jared Goff coming off a war-torn 2025 season full of dirty pockets, and creating more interior runway for Jahmyr Gibbs.

For new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, it’s a plug-and-play upgrade that allows the offense to hit the ground running. More broadly, Mays represents the kind of needle-threading move this front office prioritized—landing a long-term answer at center in an inflated market, without forcing the issue in a draft class that may not offer a top-75-caliber option at the position. In doing so, they’ve stabilized a spot left unsettled since the early-career exit of franchise pillar Frank Ragnow.

Harry Kane and Michael Olise have one of the most amazing partnerships in world football right now. The Bayern Munich duo have registered over a hundred goal contributions combined, and show no signs of slowing down. Against Real Madrid it took two goals and an assist by Kane, as well as a goal and assist from Olise over 180 minutes to win the tie.

Speaking to the media after the game, Harry Kane expressed an opinion that only FC Barcelona fans would disagree with. “I’d say he [Olise] is currently the best winger in the world,” said Kane (DAZN via @iMiaSanMia). “He creates a lot of chances and isn’t afraid to dribble. I think he’s one of our main players, along with Luis Díaz.”

Kane is probably right about that. Stats-wise, the two players are pretty even, but Olise has now fired his team into a Champions League semi-final. That should give him the edge.

Now, what about the Ballon d’Or? If Olise wins a Champions League but Yamal wins the World Cup, then in a year like this Yamal would probably win the thing. But it’s all up in the air right now. Bayern Munich fans will swear up and down that Olise is the better player, and Harry Kane agrees with us. That’s what matters.

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…

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For the third time in program history, Aggie baseball came away with a road sweep of the LSU Tigers and the first since 1978. Behind stellar pitching, consistent offense, and a will to win and in front of a nationally televised audience, #10 Texas A&M (31-7, 12-5) also secured their fourth straight conference series victory. The squad is in a winning rhythm, having won 11 of their last 12 SEC contests and holding a current six-game win streak.

GAME 1: #10 A&M 10, LSU 4

Jorian Wilson’s first collegiate multi-homer day catapulted No. 10 Texas A&M to a 10-4 series opening win over LSU on Friday night at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge, La. The freshman blasted a pair of two-run homers to pace the Aggie offense’s eighth double-digit output in conference play this season.

Ice was broken by Texas A&M (29-7, 10-5) in the third inning with a Caden Sorrell RBI groundout. The junior’s productive at-bat was set up by a walk and single that set up runners on the corners with less than two outs. LSU (23-16, 6-10) would tie things up one inning later on Steven Milam’s solo shot.

From that point, it was mostly Maroon and White. A three-run fifth gave A&M the 4-1 lead off Chris Hacopian’s run-scoring single and a Jake Duer two-run base hit up the middle. The Tigers did respond with an RBI single in the bottom half, but the bats went quiet for the hosts until the eighth.

The longball power was on display in the sixth, as Wilson launched his first homer of the night to left center. Gavin Grahovac piled on with a solo shot to right center to really extend the Aggie advantage to 7-2.

While the offense was hard at work, the pitching was also solid. Shane Sdao worked into the fifth, allowed two earned runs, and struck out four across 4.2 innings of work. Gavin Lyons took the baton from the lefty and also punched out four in his 2.1 innings.

A wild pitch in the eighth scored another A&M run before LSU grabbed two runs in the bottom half on an error and a sacrifice fly to close the gap to 8-4. Wilson called game with his second longball of the night in the ninth, while Ethan Darden closed out his second scoreless inning of work to finish the victory for A&M.

Something of note: Hacopian took a 93-mph fastball to the face in the eighth inning on Friday. He did play in both remaining games this weekend, showing off his power on Sunday.

GAME 2: #10 A&M 7, LSU 2

A seven-inning outing from Aidan Sims paced Texas A&M (30-7, 11-5) to a 7-2 road victory over LSU at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge. The 30^th Aggie win of the season also secured a fourth straight conference series win and their first in Louisiana in four years.

Five runs between the second and third innings provided more than enough run support for Sims. In his second start since being moved off Sundays, the sophomore shoved. He struck out the side to start the contest and punched out six across his first three frames.

As for the Aggie offense, they went back to work. They made Tiger (23-17, 6-11) pitching work overtime. A wild pitch gave Jorian Wilson another RBI opportunity, driving home the game’s first run with a single. Bear Harrison cashed in three pitches later, launching his sixth homer of the year to left to give A&M a 3-0 lead.  

Steven Milam hit his second homer in as many days, another solo shot, to put LSU on the board and provide an immediate response. That was Sims’ only true blemish on an otherwise stellar outing. Gavin Grahovac got the run back in the next half inning, punishing the second pitch of the third to left for a 4-1 advantage. Jake Duer later brought home the fifth Aggie run on a sacrifice fly.

Teams traded single scores in the fifth, as Chris Hacopian picked up an RBI after getting plunked in the face in game one. LSU used a fielder’s choice in the bottom half to get the score to 6-2.

Grahovac collected another RBI in the sixth, which proved to be enough offense on Saturday night. Sims (7-0) took held the Tigers off the board in his final two innings of work, completing seven frames of two-run baseball. The sophomore retired nine of the final 10 Tigers he faced, paving the way for Clayton Freshcorn.

Freshcorn got some help from his defense in the eighth and worked around a ninth-inning single, posting two zeros to secure the Saturday win for the Maroon and White.

GAME 3: #10 A&M 5, LSU 2

No. 10 Texas A&M’s early offensive attack was enough to hold off LSU’s bats as the Aggies took the series finale 5-2 at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge. The visitors only scored in the first four frames but held the Tigers scoreless in eight of the nine innings to polish off a second consecutive SEC sweep.

It didn’t take long for the Aggies (31-7, 12-5) to get going, as Caden Sorrell sliced the eighth pitch of the day through the north wind into the right field stands to go up 1-0.

Bear Harrison’s sacrifice fly in the second doubled the lead going to the third. Chris Hacopian provided the big blow, depositing a two-run laser into left field to grow the advantage to 4-0. The Maryland transfer last homered in the second game on April 3 vs. Vanderbilt, nearly 16 days ago.

Speaking of 16 days ago, starter Weston Moss finally got to take the bump again. The junior struck out three over his first three scoreless innings of work, allowing two baserunners via the walk.   

Gavin Grahovac picked up an RBI in the fourth with his single into left to push the lead to 5-0. After 3.2 innings of no-hit baseball, Moss gave up his first knock, a single, in the fourth. Consecutive singles, followed by a strikeout, ended his outing in the fifth, as he finished with 4.2 shutout frames and five punchouts.

The focus for the Aggies shifted to the mound, as Gavin Lyons and Clayton Freshcorn took over. Lyons posted 2.2 innings of scoreless ball, working around three baserunners without giving up a hit.

Freshcorn allowed a solo shot to Cade Arrambide on the first pitch of his afternoon outing but settled in. The junior struck out three, sandwiched around two singles and a passed ball that scored a second Tiger run in the eighth. Up 5-2 in the ninth, Freshcorn got two quick outs. A first-pitch single proved to be no issue, as the right-hander punched out Arrambide to complete the three-game sweep and push the Aggies’ win streak to six games.

This weekend’s efforts helped A&M to their fourth ever sweep of LSU (1910, 1916, 1978) and third away from College Station (1910, 1978). This is Texas A&M’s third SEC series win at Alex Box Stadium out of six total played between the two schools.

Up next for Aggie baseball is an afternoon midweek game against UTSA (27-13, 10-5 American) on Aggie Muster (Tuesday, Apr. 21) at 3:00 p.m. in Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park. Then, the SEC gauntlet continues away from home with a three-game set versus Florida in Gainesville, Fla., next weekend (Friday, Apr. 24 – Sunday, Apr. 26).

It’s Monday, and although basketball is over, college baseball and softball are still going strong. But our coverage is still going strong. Check out our original coverage and what we can find from the World Wide Web below.

Is Week 0 the new Week 1?

The Oversight Committee has been busy so far this spring, with the latest report coming out at the end of last week. This is looking at changing the FBS football calendar to have everyone start the year on what is currently Week 0, the weekend before Labor Day. The regular season would still end Thanksgiving weekend, making the two bye-week schedule that happens every so often permanent. The hope is that this creates more flexibility in the CFB schedule, including the potential for changes to the playoffs. It will now be discussed in June, and if approved, it will go into effect for the 2027 season.

Mountain West Top 10 returning MBB players

Chris Murray takes a look at the top returning players in the Mountain West Conference for next season. Jake Hall tops the list after his reaffirmation to New Mexico. Nevada’s Elijah Price and UNLV’s Tyrin Jones come next, as both are major retainments for their schools. Wyoming has three of the remaining seven players, while Grand Canyon has two of its own. Plus, Nevada and New Mexico have another on the list, too.

Colorado State post-spring press conference.

Jim Mora called the spring practices successful for the Rams, with a lot of progress. They ended the spring with 24 players missing due to injury, so the top concern is getting healthier. It sounds like they could have some incoming transfers if the five-for-five rule goes into effect. Mora declined to release a depth chart, saying no player has cemented their spot at this time.

Gloria Nevarez talks exit fees, conference realignment.

Mountain West commissioner Gloria Nevarez sat down and shared her thoughts on the conference and how quickly they were to fill the spots of the departing members. About the lawsuits, she is standing by the bylaws and the position of the policies that were adopted by all members at that time. Some interesting notes in the post, the Grant of Rights has no minimum collection from the lawsuits, making it binding even if they lose the lawsuit. Also, in her opinion, Nevarez said 12 football teams is the ideal number, but they are stable enough where they can be more selective now.

Bowl Games staying the same.

Women’s Tennis Co-Champs

On the horizon:

Today: A new Recruiting Roundup. Will the impending redshirt rule impact recruiting?

Today: Baseball Rankings

Tuesday: Reacts Survey

Tuesday: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly: PAC-12 Football Coaches

Tuesday: Hike’s Peak Podcast Episode 151

Wednesday: Peak Perspective: Top 10 MBB Players of the Mountain Division Era

Wednesday: NCAA Baseball Tournament Projections Vol 4

Manchester City edged a breathless, high-stakes contest 2-1 against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in a result that could prove decisive in the Premier League title race.

Rayan Cherki gave City the lead with a piece of individual brilliance, gliding past Gabriel and Declan Rice before calmly finishing into the far corner. Arsenal responded immediately, taking advantage of a mistake by Gianluigi Donnarumma, whose heavy touch allowed Kai Havertz to pounce and equalise.

The second half was a battle of tactics and strength, with both teams gaining and losing momentum as the game went on. Arsenal came close to taking the lead via Eberechi Eze and Havertz, while Manchester City threatened via Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo.

But just after the hour mark, Donnarumma was at the centre of more positive things for his side, as the Italian started a sweeping move that led to Nico O’Reilly driving forward and Haaland finishing it off flawlessly.

Late drama followed as Gabriel hit the post via a deflection and Havertz missed a clear chance in stoppage time, but Manchester City held on to their lead to move to within just three points of Arsenal with a game in hand.

Here are Five Things We Learned from an enthralling contest at the Etihad Stadium!

Match Report & Player Ratings: Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal (Premier League)

1. City’s transitional efficiency proved decisive

This game was not defined by who controlled possession, but about decisive moments. Manchester City executed theirs with greater clarity and confidence, and deservedly won the contest.

The winning goal highlighted the importance of teamwork. Gianluigi Donnarumma’s pass bypassed Arsenal’s press and released Nico O’Reilly in space. Jeremy Doku stretched Arsenal’s defensive shape before the decisive cross from O’Reilly found Erling Haaland.

The pace and tempo at which Manchester City progressed the ball stood out, moving from their defensive third to the final third in a matter of seconds, taking advantage of weaknesses in Arsenal’s offensive positioning.

On the other hand, Arsenal created chances by building up in a structured way, but they weren’t as clinical in key moments. Eberechi Eze’s shot that hit the post and Kai Havertz’s missed chances revealed the difference.

In games of this magnitude, efficiency is often more important than volume. City highlighted that fact precisely.

2. Cherki continues to provide unpredictability in tight games

Rayan Cherki’s initial strike wasn’t just an early breakthrough – it showed a growing tactical asset in Pep Guardiola’s system. 

Manchester City needed individual creativity to break through Arsenal’s tightly organised defence. The France international did just that. He was able to get around several defenders in one move by rapidly shifting his balance and direction in tight spaces.

His presence made Arsenal change their defensive focus beyond the goal. Gabriel, who usually does well in one-on-one situations, had to play reactively, and Rice had to move out of position to try to stop Cherki’s movement.

This unpredictability is becoming more and more useful. In games where structured play is neutralised, players who can create incisively and ingeniously become crucial.

Rayan Cherki gave the game that spark when Manchester City desperately needed some ingenuity.

3. Donnarumma’s duality remains a key variable

This was one of the few performances that really showed the contrasting facets of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s game.

His mistake that led to Arsenal’s equaliser was costly and could have been avoided. He tried to play under pressure, but his heavy touch allowed Kai Havertz to get the ball and score the equaliser, which changed the game’s momentum and could have destabilised City’s control.

But the response that the Italy international provided was just as important. In the second half, he made a key save to keep Havertz from scoring and to keep the score level at a crucial moment. A few moments later, he developed the play that led to the winning goal by quickly finding O’Reilly.

This duality, which shows vulnerability under pressure but excellence in shot-stopping and ball distribution, remains crucial to Manchester City’s risk-reward balance.

Guardiola’s insistence on building from the back has its risks. Donnarumma shows both the risks and the benefits of that style of play.

4. Haaland’s and Gabriel’s duel defined the physical narrative

Erling Haaland versus Gabriel Magalhães has been one of the most significant individual battles in recent matches between these two teams.

This meeting followed that same pattern and turned into a constant physical fight. At first, Gabriel seemed to be in control, making it hard for Haaland to get involved by marking him closely and making aggressive challenges. The Norway international had little impact, and his touches did not lead to any critical chances.

But what sets elite forwards apart is their relentless ability to keep going. Haaland stayed involved, keeping both William Saliba and Gabriel busy and stretching the defensive line. When the decisive moment arrived with O’Reilly crossing in the box, Arsenal’s focus shifted toward Rodri, leaving Haaland with the space he required.

The finish was brilliant, but the timing of the run was what made it important. Haaland faced a tough battle, but he still scored the crucial goal at a key moment.

The fight, both physical and mental, showed how close these games can be.

5. City’s resilience under pressure signals title readiness

This was not a controlled performance of old by Manchester City. It was chaotic at times; there were obvious swings in momentum as the game went on.

Arsenal had opportunities to assert their control in the match. Havertz’s late header, Gabriel’s deflected effort, and Eze’s effort all highlighted moments where the match could have gone Arsenal’s way.

What separated City was their response to those phases. They absorbed the pressure, remained structurally compact, and capitalised on the next opportunity.

Teams that are in the final stretch of a title race often show this kind of resilience, as exemplified by Pep Guardiola’s previous title-winning teams themselves. They don’t need to be in charge all the time; instead, they find ways to deal with momentum swings and know how to capitalise decisively on key chances.

This resilience mattered because everyone across the team shared it. Everyone on the team made contributions, as highlighted by Cherki’s creativity, O’Reilly’s driving runs, Haaland’s finishing, and Donnarumma’s recovery moments.

City didn’t control every part of the game. They controlled the outcome.

Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Arsenal was determined by small margins, decisive individual contributions, and strategic details.

The performance was not outstanding. Defensive weaknesses, mistakes in distribution, and times when Arsenal put City under pressure revealed areas that need improvement. But those flaws also showed the traits that make a title challenge successful: being flexible, effective, and strong.

Above all, City showed that they could win even when they didn’t have full control, which is an attribute that often sets contenders apart from champions.

Now that the game is over and the momentum has changed, the bigger picture is now clear. The title race, which was once leaning heavily in Arsenal’s favour, has now shifted towards City.

And Manchester City, as they so often are at this stage of the season, are firmly in pursuit.

Pep Guardiola issues Rodri injury update after worrying Arsenal substitution

With the 2026 NFL Draft slated to begin this week, players across the league are ramping up their offseason workouts and conditioning, including members of the New Orleans Saints. Following a Tulane Green Wave scrimmage over the past weekend, Yulman Stadium hosted Saints QB Tyler Shough and several of the team’s current pass catchers for an organized practice.

Among those in attendance were three tight ends and three wide receivers currently on New Orleans’ roster. The workout included both veterans and newcomers to the Big Easy, most notably TE Juwan Johnson, who seemingly developed a strong connection with Shough during the QB’s rookie campaign a season ago.

The Saints will head into this year’s draft with strong needs at both WR and TE. Although options will be available for both when New Orleans is on the clock at number eight, it has been heavily speculated that the team may decide to lean toward a defensive playmaker in the first round instead.

Which position do you think the Saints should target in the first round of this year’s draft? Is there a particular player that you are hoping to see rock the black and gold this season? Let us know in the comments below!

The Phillies just suffered their worst homestand in quite a while. They didn’t hit well, they didn’t field well, they (honestly) didn’t pitch very well either. It’s not good baseball to watch, it’s not good baseball to analyze right now. Is there anything going right for the team at this moment?

Bryce Harper has been hot of late. That’s been cool.

Brad Keller has been better lately as well after his season got off to a rocky start.

Cristopher Sanchez is awesome again. There are some good things happening for the team; they’re just hidden under about ten feet of garbage.

The question for today is: of all the things that are going wrong for the Phillies at the moment, which is likeliest to turnaround quickly for them? Some of the hitters are hitting so badly at the moment, the laws of averages seem to be in their favor at some point that they’ll bounce back. The fielding can’t be this bad (can it?). At some point soon, there has to be positive regression with something…..but what?

We. Have. ARRIVED.

It’s draft week and the Texans are on the clock in just over 72 hours. It’s the calm before the storm that is Nick Caserio’s draft-day antics. Will he move out of the first round for the third straight draft, or will he leverage the additional draft capital he has to trade up in the first round? Will they build for the future by adding depth at key positions, or will they try to ‘win now’ and go all-in for stars that can contribute right away?

As the kids say, it’s going to be ‘cinema.’”

Over the past fifteen years, only four trades have occurred with the 28th pick in the NFL Draft. Unfortunately for those hoping the Texans move up, it’s only occurred one time in the past decade and a half.

Each trade presents a different scenario that the Houston Texans can emulate this week. Considering the Texans complete an AVERAGE of five trades per draft, there’s reason to believe Caserio will make a move with his first pick in this class.

2011: Saints move up for their star RB

SAINTS RECEIVED:

• 2011 first-round pick (No. 28): Mark Ingram, RB

PATRIOTS RECEIVED:

• 2011 second-round pick (No. 56) -> Shane Vereen, RB
• 2012 first-round pick

2015: Denver sends multiple assets to move up

DETROIT RECEIVED:

• Manny Ramirez, OC
• 2015 first-round pick (No. 28): Laken Tomlinson, OG
• 2015 fifth-round pick (No. 143): traded to Minnesota
• 2016 fifth-round pick

DENVER RECEIVED:

• 2015 first-round pick (No. 23): Shane Ray, OLB

2016: 49ers move into first round

49ERS RECEIVED:

• 2016 first-round pick (No. 28): Joshua Garnett, OG
• 2016 seventh-round pick (No. 249): Prince Charles Iworah, CB

CHIEFS RECEIVED:

• 2016 second-round pick (No. 37): Chris Jones, DT
• 2016 fourth-round pick (No. 105): Parker Ehinger, OG
• 2016 sixth-round pick (No. 178): D.J. White, CB

2024: Bills trade pick No. 28 to Chiefs

CHIEFS RECEIVE:

• 2024 first-round pick (No. 28): Xavier Worthy, WR
• 2024 fourth-round pick (No. 133): DB Jaden Hicks, DB
• 2024 seventh-round pick (No. 248): C.J. Hanson, OG

BILLS RECEIVE:

• 2024 first-round pick (No. 32): Pick traded to Panthers:  Xavier Legette, WR
• 2024 third-round pick (No 95): DT DeWayne Carter, DT
• 2024 seventh-round pick (No. 221); (from Tennessee): Travis Clayton, OT

Of these trades, I would be happiest with the redo-ing the Bills trade back. Moving back four spots earned them a 38-pick move up from their fourth round pick and 27 pick improvement in the seventh round. The Bills appear to have lost this trade however, as Worthy and Jaden Hicks have proven to be solid picks for the Chiefs.

The most intriguing pick is by far the 2016 trade. Considering With the 38th pick only 10 spots away, Houston can afford to trade out of the first round. Stockpiling a 2027 first-rounder in a loaded class is a savvy long-term play to offset the massive contracts soon hitting the books.

The Los Angeles Rams will have the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, their highest selection since the 2016 draft. Recent history favors the Rams’ draft position, with a mix of All-Pro talent and a Super Bowl champ going in that spot.

Some of the league’s greatest players and franchise stalwarts have been chosen with the 13th pick. According to the L.A. Rams’ official website, Hall of Famers Bob Lily, Franco Harris, Kellen Winslow and Tony Gonzalez were taken at No. 13. Same for 15-year veteran John Abraham and two-time Super Bowl champ Brandon Graham.

Plus, the last time the Rams had the 13th overall pick, they took Aaron Donald, and that selection seemed to pan out okay. Here’s a look at the most recent No. 13 selections from the last five NFL drafts.

2021: Rashawn Slater (Chargers)

Being selected immediately after Micah Parsons is a little unfair, but the Northwestern star proved up to the task.

Slater has been a staple on the Chargers’ offensive line, serving as a full-time starter protecting Justin Herbert. He was a second-team All-Pro during his rookie campaign, and is a two-time Pro Bowl selection.

Unfortunately, injuries have plagued Slater for a solid chunk of his career, and he is coming off a torn patellar tendon which cost him the entire 2025 season.

2022: Jordan Davis (Eagles)

Like most picks Howie Roseman and the Eagles have made in recent years, the Jordan Davis selection was a home run.

The former Georgia star is a key anchor of Philly’s defensive line and is coming off a season where he set career highs in combined tackles (72), sacks (4.5) and tackles for loss (9). Davis was also a pivotal part of the Eagles’ second Super Bowl win during the 2024 season.

He’s also got some sneaky good wheels — Rams fans might wanna look away before watching the clip below.

Davis signed a three-year, $78 million extension this offseason to solidify his future in Philadelphia for years to come.

2023: Lukas Van Ness (Packers)

Man, did the Packers whiff on this pick.

In a draft where Green Bay could’ve boldly started its new era with Jordan Love by giving him some help like Jaxson Smith-Njigba, the team opted for Van Ness. He’s mostly been a rotational player, with only two starts to his name in 43 games played.

The Ex-Hawkeye hasn’t played 50% of his team’s stats on defense in any of his first three seasons. He’s only the latest entry on a LONG list of Packers defensive draft picks who have stunk it up in the pros.

2024: Brock Bowers (Raiders)

Perhaps the best of this grouping of the No. 13 pick club.

Bowers was a revelation in Year 1, earning first-team All-Pro honors and setting an NFL record for most receptions by a rookie (112), a mark set the previous season by the Rams’ Puka Nacua. He additionally set the league record for most receiving yards by a rookie tight end (1,194), shattering Hall of Famer Mike Ditka’s 1961 record.

Injuries limited him to 12 games in ’25, but every time he took the field, he instantly made an impact, even though the silver and black were godawful.

Incoming Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza is going to love lobbing passes to his new security blanket.

2025: Kenneth Grant (Dolphins)

Grant was the most recent No. 13 pick in the NFL draft. He played in all 17 games during his rookie campaign, starting five, finishing with 33 combined tackles, 2.0 sacks and five QB hits. A slow start was cast aside by his strong finish to the year.

While his numbers were largely underwhelming on paper, there’s a strong chance he could flourish under Miami’s new defensive-minded head coach, Jeff Hafley. With fellow youngsters like Chop Robinson and Jonah Savaiinaea playing alongside Grant on the defensive line, the Dolphins might have enough pieces to field a competent D in 2026.

Given the state of the team’s bare bones roster, especially on offense, they can use all the help they can get.

Jon Anik is fascinated by Josh Hokit, especially after what he accomplished at UFC 327.

Hokit stole the show in Miami with an incredibly gritty, all-time battle against Curtis Blaydes, winning a unanimous decision and throwing himself into the top-10 rankings in just his third UFC fight. The Fight of the Year contender helped earn Hokit two post-event bonuses, an extra $200,000, and a fight on the UFC White House card on June 14 for his efforts.

Ahead of the fight, Hokit leaned into his bizarre character, and was getting go-away heat from the vast majority of the MMA community — even Dana White wasn’t a fan of his antics. But after Hokit’s outing, Anik recounts the UFC 327 fight week experience with “The Incredible Hok.”

“Well hopefully a lot of people have gone back and watched the lead horse Mark Hunt and Antonio ‘Bigfoot’ Silva, December 2023 in Brisbane, Australia, because this is the fight that people are comparing this to just in terms of its heavyweight greatness all time in the UFC,” Anik told MMA Fighting. “So Henry Cejudo, for all of his cringe and for as much adoration as I have for him, he never made me laugh out loud. And even though Josh Hokit is cringy at times, and our fighter meeting was completely fruitless. This dude makes me laugh out loud, right?

“Even though I’m sort of put off by some of the antics, he got me in the fighter meeting to laugh out loud, and at the official weigh-in, got me again, So I do think there’s some merit to what he’s doing, maybe more than some of his contemporaries that have tried with a shtick like this. But bro, You just can’t even make it up, and that’s why I think mixed martial arts is the greatest sport in the world and why it truly is the most unpredictable theater in live sport, because President [Donald] Trump has always wanted Derrick Lewis on the card, and Joe Rogan’s been talking about a 7th fight and Rogan starts pining for Hokit to find his way on the card, and the next thing you know, everything comes together and they booked the fight. Bro, I mean, like of all of Josh Hokit’s dreams, right?

“Like if you would have said to him on Friday, ‘Hey man, you can manifest this, you can get a double bonus, greatest heavyweight fight of all time in the UFC, and they’re going to book you on the already filled up White House card on June 14th.’ Yeah, man, walking the walk doesn’t even begin to describe it. So congrats to Josh Hokit.”

Anik mentioned the fighter meeting during UFC 327, saying Hokit was in character the entire time he was in the room with the broadcast team. But Anik said there was a moment where he made the longtime UFC play-by-play voice lose it a little bit in laughter — and again later in the week.

“So I don’t know exactly what the utterance was,” Anik said. “Maybe he said to Daniel Cormier at some time, like, ‘Now you’re playing along,’ or something. Like at one point he broke character and said to DC, ‘Now you’re playing along,’ or ‘Thanks for playing along,’ or whatever it was. 

“And just the body language at the morning weigh-in got me, right? With all his sort of timidity and everything else. But yeah, I mean, when Dana White says that’s not my thing, largely that’s my thesis statement too. If they assigned me a one-on-one with him leading up to the White House show, an interview, how much can I extract from him? Is he going to be right? Because our first fighter meeting with him was not that, right? It was a lot different, you know, so yeah, we’ll see.”

Hokit is still undefeated, and now sits at 3-0 in the UFC. The Bellator veteran has gotten opportunities he couldn’t get with the now defunct MMA promotion, and a move to the UFC was always what the doctor ordered, according to Hokit in an interview with MMA Fighting this past May.

“I was like, why am I even fighting in the first place? I’m not fighting to be PFL champion,” Hokit said about his decision to leave the company. “I’m fighting to be UFC champion. So that’s the goal of mine is I want to be in the UFC.”

Hokit is not only in the UFC and making a dent, but has become an intriguing fighter to watch and ask questions about as his breakout campaign continues on.

“I just don’t know how good he is yet,” Anik explained. “I think we’re all curious to see just how far he can take it athletically. The pedigree is there, but how good can he be? How good a puncher can he be? I don’t know. … 

“A guy accomplishing more in a third UFC appearance in UFC history certainly hasn’t happened, and it’s just going to be fascinating to see how he fares in some of these fights. He might get to a title fight before he fights someone like Sergei Pavlovich, but how do you fight a guy like that, or an Alexander Volkov? These guys, who have been there and done that, haven’t realized a UFC world title, but how does Hokti match up against those guys?

“I think it’s going to be absolutely fascinating to find out. I mean, he certainly is a dog. He’s got Greg Jackson and Mike Winklejohn in his goddamn corner, which is an interesting juxtaposition. We’ll see.”

Ariel Helwani is BACK ... IN ... YOUR ... LIFE!

Join "The Ariel Helwani Show" live on Uncrowned and YouTube at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. UK time as Ariel and the Boys in the Back react to everything after another jam-packed combat sports weekend. Monday's rundown can be seen below.

1 p.m. ET: Ariel and the gang kick things off by reacting to the weekend that was.

2 p.m. ET: Mike Malott checks in following his big UFC Winnipeg win over Gilbert Burns.

2:30 p.m. ET: Josh Barnett looks back after another successful Bloodsport event.

3 p.m. ET: UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria previews his White House headliner against Justin Gaethje.

3:30 p.m. ET: Urijah Faber reflects on his RAF 8 main event against Arman Tsarukyan.

4 p.m. ET: RAF co-founder Chad Bronstein stops by after a wild weekend at RAF 8.

Catch all new episodes of "The Ariel Helwani Show"liveevery Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET on Uncrowned and The Ariel Helwani Show's YouTube page.

To listen to every episode, subscribe on Spotify or iTunes.

Columbus Clippers 12, Iowa Cubs 8

Clippers improve to 11-10

It was a home run derby in Columbus on Sunday, led by none other than the scorching hot Cooper Ingle, who went 3-for-4 with two home runs and a walk.

Ingle now has a ridiculous 1.403 OPS to begin the season. It’s one of the hottest start of any prospect in all of minor league baseball.

Crazy as it sounds, Ingle was just one of three different Clippers who had three hits. Nolan Jones went 3-for-4 with a walk while Milan Tolentino went 3-for-5 with a home run and a triple.

Kahlil Waton also impressed, going 1-for-3 with a double, two walks, a stolen base and three runs scored while Kody Huff went 2-for-4 with a home run and a hit by pitch. Stuart Fairchild also went 2-for-4 with a walk and a stolen base.

With that kind of offense, Columbus didn’t need much pitching to win … and they didn’t get much pitching. Starting pitcher Pedro Avila allowed five runs on nine hits with three strikeouts and a walk in 5.0 innings. Koby Allard allowed another three runs in his lone inning of work.

The big standout was Daniel Espino, who again tossed a scoreless inning to close out the win while striking out two. He’s getting closer folks.

Akron RubberDucks 4, Harrisburg Senators 0

RubberDucks improve to 10-5

Tugboat!

What an impressive turn from the Akron pitching staff, led by none other than Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson. Wilkinson was flat out sensational in this game, throwing 5.0 perfect innings with six strikeouts. He was pulled after throwing 70 pitches.

While the bullpen wasn’t able to keep the perfect game going, it did preserve the no-hitter. Matt Jachech pitched a scoreless frame with one walk. Magnus Ellerts walked two and struck out two in a scoreless inning. Jay Driver walked one in his scoreless frame and then Carey closed out the combined no-hitter after walking a pair of batters.

Offensively, Alfonsin Rosario left the game after a first-inning RBI double. I hope he’s OK.

Wuilfredo Antunez homered, Jake Fox walked twice, Angel Genao doubled and Jose Devers went 1-for-2 with a walk and a stolen base. Nick Mitchell also walked and was hit by a pitch.

Lake County Captains 6, Fort Wayne Tincaps 9

Captains fall to 7-8

Lake County spoiled another excellent start from Franklin Gomez. Gomez allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits with five strikeouts and just one walk in 5.0 innings.

Unfortunately, piggy-back partner Michael Kennedy got blistered for six runs on six hits in his 2.0 innings of work to take the loss.

On offense, Jace LaViolette was given an opportunity to lead off and he responded by blasting his second home run of the season, also walking.

No one had a multi-hit game, but Aaron Walton impressively went 1-for-2 with two walks. Bennett Thompson and Anthony Silva also both reached base safely twice, going 1-for-3 with a walk apiece and Dean Curley doubled.

Hill City Howlers 3, Wilson Warbirds 5

Howlers fall to 9-6

For his second straight start, Chase Mobley dominated opposing hitters, this time tossing 3.2 no-hit shutout innings with four strikeouts and a pair of walks.

Petty immediately followed by giving up three runs on six hits in his 3.0 innings of work. The game was still within reach until Keegan Zinn took the mound in the bottom of the ninth inning with the game tied 3-3 and quickly gave up a two-run walk-off home run.

Outfield prospect Robert Arias continued his scorching streak, going 2-for-3 with a home run, a walk and a stolen base. Dauri Fernandez went 1-for-4 with a walk and a stolen base and Anthony Martinez went 1-for-3 with a walk.

Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu held a meeting with his squad ahead of Tuesday’s decisive Coppa Italia clash against Como.

According to FCInterNews, the 45-year-old coach has urged his side not to get complacent after winning three consecutive Serie A games.

The runaway leaders have returned from the March international break with a bang.

Indeed, they’ve beaten Roma, Como, and Cagliari in their last three league outings, netting at least three goals in each victory.

As a result, they’re now 12 points clear of second-placed Napoli, with only five games left to play.

Therefore, it’s fair to say that Cristian Chivu is on the verge of hoisting the Scudetto in his first full season in charge of a Serie A club.

Cristian Chivu Warns Inter Milan Against Complacency Ahead of Como Clash

Chivu could become the first Inter manager since Jose Mourinho to secure a domestic double.

However, Inter can ill-afford to underestimate Cesc Fabregas’ side ahead of tomorrow night’s showdown at San Siro.

Indeed, a place in the Coppa Italia final is on the line following a scoreless draw at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia last month.

Furthermore, the Nerazzurri will be without Lautaro Martinez and Alessandro Bastoni.

As such, Chivu has warned his players to maintain focus and intensity to avoid any drop in standards ahead of this ‘make or break’ fixture.

After a difficult two-week stretch, it was nice for the Yankees to have a laugher series against the Royals. They swept their first series since the opener against the Giants, the pitching staff bouncing back to limit Kansas City to six runs across the three games while Aaron Judge and Ben Rice are really finding their power strokes to lead an offensive awakening. They enter a well-deserved offday atop the standings in the AL East.

Many of their AL rivals were also in action on Sunday, so let’s recap the events of those games.

Houston Astros (8-15) 5, St. Louis Cardinals (13-8) 7

The Cardinals thoroughly outclassed the Astros in this series, scoring 23 runs in three games to continue their surprising start to the campaign just a half-game back of first. Matthew Liberatore gave St. Louis six strong innings, limiting Houston to a run on three hits and two walks with four strikeouts, the lone damage coming in the form of a Carlos Correa sac fly in the third after Taylor Trammel reached on a one-out triple. The Cardinals then ambushed starter Mike Burrows for four runs in the fifth. Masyn Winn and Pedro Pagés singled around Nathan Church walk to load the bases with two outs. Victor Scott II walked to force home the first run, JJ Wetherholt singled home the next two, and Iván Herrera singled home the fourth.

Houston wouldn’t go quietly, responding with three runs in the eighth to level the scores. Yordan Alvarez became the first in MLB to ten home runs with a two-out solo shot. Jose Altuve singled, Christian Walker walked, and a wild pitch advanced the pair to scoring position allowing both to come home on an Isaac Paredes game-tying, two-run single.

That sent the game to extra-innings, where a crucial error by Brice Matthews at third gifted St. Louis the win. His misplay of a Jordan Walker grounder followed by a Ramón Urías HBP loaded the bases, and Winn won the game with a bases-clearing triple. Houston would attempt to rally, an Altuve RBI single cutting the deficit to two, but it wasn’t enough to prevent their 13th loss in their last 16 games.

Seattle Mariners (10-13) 5, Texas Rangers (11-11) 2

Bryan Woo gave the Mariners seven strong innings, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk along with six strikeouts. He clearly ran out of steam in that seventh inning, allowing a Corey Seager leadoff walk, Wyatt Langford single, and Joc Pederson HBP to load the bases, followed by a Josh Jung sac fly and Evan Carter RBI double. Offseason trade acquisition MacKenzie Gore was nowhere near as sharp for Texas, yielding five runs on seven hits and a walk in five innings.

All five of Seattle’s runs came vie three home runs off Gore. Rob Refsnyder led off the first with a solo shot, his first hit in a Mariners uniform. J.P Crawford struck with a two run bomb in the second after Mitch Garver drew a leadoff walk. Randy Arozarena capped off the trio with a two-run blast of his own after Julio Rodríguez kept the fifth inning alive with a two out single.

Toronto Blue Jays (8-13) 10, Arizona Diamondbacks (13-9) 4

On the verge of being swept for the second time this season, the Blue Jays bats broke out for double digit runs to salvage a win. Eight of the ten came in the first inning to tie a franchise record against starter Ryne Nelson, who managed to record just one out after allowing eight hits and a walk. In fact, the first eight Blue Jays reached safely as they sent an eventual 12 batters to the plate. Doubles from Kazuma Okamoto and Nathan Lukes were the big blows in the inning, Toronto scoring all their runs despite the ball not leaving the yard in the frame.

Okamoto would later add a solo home run to lead off the third while Lukes and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. each contributed three-hit afternoons. Kevin Gausman has been one of the best starters in baseball to open the season, so spotting him an eight-run first inning lead pretty much meant the game was over before Arizona had even come to bat. He pitched six innings of two-run ball, allowing seven hits and a walk against four strikeouts. The Diamondbacks scored consolation runs in second and sixth, the lone bright spot a pinch-hit, two run home run by Jorge Barrosa in the seventh.

Detroit Tigers (12-10) 6, Boston Red Sox (8-13) 2

Tarik Skubal and Garrett Crochet entered the season as the consensus favorites in the AL Cy Young race. Skubal lived up to that billing with six innings of one-run ball and ten strikeouts to silence Boston on Saturday, but Crochet couldn’t return serve. Coming off his worst start with the Red Sox — 11 runs in 1.2 innings against the Twins — Crochet allowed five runs on seven hits including a pair of homers in five innings against Detroit. It’s the third of his five starts in which he has allowed at least five runs, the southpaw left with a 7.88 ERA after departing. On the otherside, Framber Valdez authored another stellar start for the team that signed him to a three-year, $115 million deal over the offseason. He held Boston to a run on three hits and two walks with seven strikeouts in six innings, meaning he has allowed one or fewer earned runs while lasting at least six innings in four of his five starts with the Tigers.

The two sides traded runs in the first, Dillon Dingler opening the scoring with and RBI double before Willson Contreras answered in the bottom half with a solo home run. But then Detroit struck for four runs in the fifth, all with two outs after Crochet struck out the first two batters of the frame. Jahmai Jones crushed a solo blast followed by a walk from Gleyber Torres and single from Matt Vierling to set up a three run wall scraper from Dingler, giving the starlet catcher four RBIs on the day.

There would be no more scoring until the ninth, when again the teams traded runs. Torres collected an RBI single in the top half and Caleb Durbin an RBI double in the bottom of the frame to bring us to our final score, 6-2.

Other Games

Cleveland Guardians (13-10) 8, Baltimore Orioles (10-12) 4

It was the José Ramírez show in Cleveland, the future Hall of Famer slugging a pair of solo home runs as the Guardians tagged Orioles Opening Day starter Trevor Rogers for six runs on six hits and two walks in five innings. Taylor Ward crushed a three-run blast in the Orioles’ four-run fifth to make this a one-run game, but Cleveland restored their cushion by scoring a pair in the eighth. Rookie Juan Brito hit a two-run double and Brayan Rocchio collected three hits and three RBIs batting ninth.