(All quotes are taken directly from a transcript of the LA28 press conference I attended July 14, 2026, in Los Angeles, California.)

Exactly 731 days before the Opening Ceremony of the 2028 Olympic Games, LA28 officially opened applications Tuesday for what organizers describe as one of the largest volunteer programs in Olympic history—a call for 60,000 volunteers who will ultimately become the first faces millions of athletes, spectators and visitors encounter when the world arrives in Los Angeles. The announcement, made at Griffith Park on July 14, marked another significant milestone in LA28's countdown to the Summer Games. While venue announcements, transportation plans and competition schedules often fill Olympic headlines, LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover argued that volunteers will ultimately define the experience of the Games more than any stadium or sporting venue.

"We have an opportunity here to show the world on July 14, 2028—just 731 days from today—that we can bring together more than 200 countries not in conflict but in competition," Hoover said.

The volunteer portal officially opened Tuesday after already attracting more than 300,000 expressions of interest from prospective volunteers over the past several years.

"Today is the day that we're launching our volunteer portal," Hoover said. "Across the LA region we've done 30 events, but today really is the big day. We want everybody to go to our LA28 website and sign up to be a volunteer."

Volunteers Become The Olympic Experience

Every Olympic Games is remembered for unforgettable athletic performances. Less visible—but equally essential—are the volunteers. From directing visitors through subway stations to helping athletes navigate venues, welcoming international guests and supporting competitions behind the scenes, Olympic volunteers often create the first and last impressions visitors take home from a host city. Hoover said watching volunteers at both the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics reinforced just how central they are to a successful Games.

"When I was in Paris and when I was in Milano Cortina, I saw firsthand the power of the volunteers," Hoover said. They're the crew behind the scenes. They're the crew behind the show. They're the crew who make it all happen. They were on every street corner. They were in every Metro stop. They were at every venue. They were always happy."

That, Hoover believes, is the spirit Los Angeles hopes to replicate in 2028.

"Our volunteer program is going to reflect that same Olympic spirit."

Delta Sees Volunteer Program As A Lasting Legacy

Presenting sponsor Delta Air Lines views the volunteer initiative as one of the Games' most enduring legacies. Dana Debel, representing Delta, noted that Tuesday's announcement carried special symbolism. When Delta first announced its Olympic partnership with LA28 in March 2020, the event took place just up the hill at Griffith Observatory. Six years later, the airline returned to Griffith Park to launch what Debel called one of the partnership's most meaningful initiatives.

"When you talk about a legacy, it's what are you leaving behind? The ability to leave an incredible volunteer program—an incredible volunteer footprint—is something that we believe very strongly in at Delta."

She connected the Olympic movement with sports' unique ability to unite people across borders.

"At Delta we like to say nobody better connects the world," she said. "And nothing better connects the world than sports."

Carl Lewis: Volunteers Are The People Athletes Actually Remember

Perhaps no one on stage carried greater Olympic credibility than nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis, whose four-gold-medal performance at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics became one of the defining moments in Olympic history. Yet Lewis surprised many by saying athletes rarely remember Olympic officials.

They remember volunteers.

"When you go to the Olympics, you see the volunteers all the time," Lewis said. “You're not interacting with the officials very much. You're interacting with the volunteers."

For Lewis, volunteering also represents something deeply personal. He reflected on growing up watching his parents devote their lives to youth sports. Both public-school teachers, they founded a track club to provide opportunities for girls and eventually coached hundreds of children every summer.

"I realized I was watching my parents serve," Lewis said.

"All I saw was service, service, service."

That lesson shaped his understanding of the Olympic movement.

"It takes me back to 1984," Lewis said. “I never thought later in life I'd have another Olympics."

Creating 60,000 Olympic Stories

Lewis believes every volunteer will leave the Games with a story they'll tell for the rest of their lives.

"There are going to be tens of thousands of volunteers that are going to have tens of thousands of stories to tell their families, their children and people for years and years to come," he said.

Many athletes, Lewis noted, compete in only one Olympic Games. For many, a single race or competition represents a lifetime of preparation.

"Maybe they will have one shot at it," Lewis said. They'll see your faces—all the volunteers' faces—because that's who they're seeing every day."

In Lewis' view, volunteers become part of an athlete's Olympic memory.

Olympic Sports Depend On More Than TV Ratings

Lewis also used the occasion to reflect on broader challenges facing amateur athletics. As collegiate sports continue evolving through NIL compensation and conference realignment, Lewis argued that the Olympic movement survives because of people willing to serve rather than profit.

"What's going to save Olympic sports is events like this," Lewis said. “What's going to save Olympic sports is the volunteers that believe it's more than what coaches get paid, what athletes get paid or what the television ratings are."

Instead, he said, Olympic values are built through everyday acts of service.

A Volunteer From 1984 Returns At Age 90

If anyone most embodies the spirit of Olympic volunteering, it may be Paul Madwin. Madwin volunteered during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, serving as a section chief inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum during the Opening Ceremony, Closing Ceremony and track and field competition. Now approaching 90 years old, he announced he plans to volunteer once again in 2028.

"I volunteered in 1984 with people who had volunteered in 1932," Madwin said.

"I'll be volunteering in 2028 at age 90."

His message to prospective volunteers was simple.

"You can't experience it until you do it."

Madwin called volunteering one of the greatest experiences of his life.

"You will never, never forget it no matter how long you live."

Olympic volunteers receive no paycheck. Instead, they gain something far less tangible—but often far more lasting. The opportunity to stand inside one of the world's largest sporting events. To welcome visitors from more than 200 nations. To help athletes chasing lifelong dreams. And to become ambassadors for Los Angeles, California and the United States. Madwin warned that passing up the opportunity could become a lifelong regret.

"If you don't do it," he said, "you will remember not doing it for the rest of your life."

His closing challenge captured the spirit organizers hope will inspire thousands to apply over the coming months.

"Don't be a 'woulda, coulda, shoulda,'" Madwin said.

"Be an 'I did it, I loved it, and I'd do it again!'"

Two years before the Olympic cauldron is lit in Los Angeles, LA28 has begun recruiting the volunteers who may ultimately shape how the world remembers the Games—not from a medal podium, but from an event venue entrance, a transit station, an athlete village or a city street.

These are, in fact, the places where the Olympic spirit will most come to life.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

The road that leads to the Travers Stakes and then the Breeders’ Cup is running through New Jersey. The Haskell Stakes will be run at Monmouth Park in Oceanport with a cast of seven three-year-old colts competing for their share of $1 million. The winner is guaranteed a spot in the starting gates at the 2026 Breeders’ Cup Classic as this race is part of the “win and you are in” series for the year-end World Championships. Also, this mile and an eighth drive over the East coast dirt normally delivers runners to the Travers Stakes at Saratoga in late August. As is the norm, this event that was first run in 1968 offers a highly competitive group. Let’s take a look at the entrants and provide a thought on each. The horses will be listed by post position with trainer, jockey, and morning line. The Haskell will be contested on July 18 and is carded as race 12 with an expected post time of 5:45 pm eastern.

1 Star Sweeper

Trainer: Louis Linder

Jockey: Luis Rivera

Odds: 30-1

This son of Rock Your World is winless in 2026, but has made his last two starts at Monmouth including a fifth-place finish in the Pegasus Stakes in his last start on June 13. Inside post means his only hope is to break well and go for the lead. Has not faced this class of horses before and it is not likely he Sweeps his way to the winner’s circle.

2 Further Ado

Trainer: Brad Cox

Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.

Odds: 2-1

Coming in off an impressive score over a solid field in the Matt Winn Stakes on June 7. Powerful win in the Bluegrass Stakes in April made him the top selection of many in the Kentucky Derby, but he finished a non-threatening 11^th. This son of Gun Runner is our top selection as his ability to stalk and pounce are made for Monmouth.

3 Baby Vino

Trainer: Lindsay Schultz

Jockey: Jorge Vargas

Odds: 15-1

A winner of two in a row including the Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth means this son of Vino Rosso might get some play at the windows. Has a stalking style, but will be seeing a higher class of opposition for sure. Water is awfully deep for first foray into graded stakes company. Do not think he is the Baby here.

4 The Puma

Trainer: Gustavo Delgado

Jockey: Luis Saez

Odds: 7-2

Hard knocker that had to scratch from Kentucky Derby because of a minor health issue has been in top three in all four career starts. Has not raced since finishing second by a nose in Florida Derby on March 28. Jockey knows how to win big races but the question is how this son of Essential Quality comes back off the layoff. Put him in your trifecta and superfecta for sure.

5 Iron Honor

Trainer: Chad Brown

Jockey: Flavien Prat

Odds: 3-1

Skipped the Kentucky Derby after finishing seventh in the Wood Memorial as the favorite. Ran second in the Preakness as he lacked that closing kick in the stretch. Won first two races of his career and gets one of the best riders in the game. Could be there at the end but we don’t think he wins.

6 Napoleon Solo

Trainer: Chad Summers

Jockey: Paco Lopez

Odds: 5-2

Which Napoleon shows up? The Preakness winner who stalked and motored home and also won his two races as a two-year old by a combined 11 ¾ lengths…or the runner that was a dull fifth in his first two starts as a three-year-old? Recent works indicate he is ready to roll and don’t be surprised if he tries to break to the lead early and attempt to conquer in gate-to-wire fashion. One for all your multi-race and exotic tickets.

7 Ocelli

Trainer: D Whitworth Beckman

Jockey: Tyler Gafflione

Odds: 6-1

Winless in nine career starts, but has earned $829,800 on the track. Finished a respectable 3^rd in the Wood Memorial, 3^rdin the Kentucky Derby, 4^th in the Preakness, and 2^nd in the Ohio Derby. When will this son of Connect quit his door-knocking and decide to go on in? Not likely it happens here, but he is battle-tested for sure.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

The weather forecast tells the story for playing conditions for the 2026 Open Championship, held at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England. Temperatures for the week have touched the low 80s, unusually warm conditions for the western side of England. The forecast for the tournament rounds is much of the same: sunny and warm conditions, winds in the 15 mph range, with limited to no rainfall.

This type of weather will produce firm and fast playing conditions for the players competing in the 155th Open Championship. Firm fast conditions like these have not been seen since the 2018 Open Championship at Carnoustie or the 2022 Open Championship at The Old Course.

While the baked out conditions at Royal Birkdale can thin out the rough, the firm and fast conditions also make fairways and greens trickier to hold. On the playing conditions, Rory McIlroy stated during his opening press conference that, "I think all this dry weather and sun and a little bit of wind is obviously great for the course in one way, but when I was here a couple weeks ago, the rough was a lot more penal than it's going to be this week. It's definitely burnt out a lot.

“The big thing, especially off the tee here, is the fairway bunkers and avoiding those. You might see some guys being more aggressive off the tee, taking driver, trying to take the fairway bunkers out of play.

"Okay, it might be in the rough, but it's not that penal, so you get a wedge in your hand and you can figure it out from there.”

Avoiding bunkers at Royal Birkdale will be important to score this week, which will require precise iron and driving. However, with the firm fairways and the distance modern tour players hit the ball, avoiding running the ball through the fairway will also be important. This may cause some players to club down off the tee, opting for fairway woods or driving irons instead of driver. However, as McIlroy pointed out, hitting a wedge from the rough after driving it closer with driver may be a worthwhile strategy for some.

Firm and fast conditions may favor certain players over others. Players who grew up on links golf, like Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Shane Lowry may draw on experience that can advantage them over their fellow competitors.

Weather Forecast by Round

Thursday, July 16

High 80, Low 58. Partly sunny and very warm. Winds at 9 mph out of the north.

Friday, July 17

High 76, Low 57. Decreasing clouds and warm. Winds at 10 mph out of the northwest.

Saturday, July 18

High 72, Low 54. Cooling with partial sunshine. Winds at 10 mph out of the northwest.

Sunday, July 19

High 71, Low 59. Partly sunny. Winds at 10 mph out of the north-northwest.

Accuweather

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

(This story is based on a recent Forbes exclusive interview with Superbowl Champion Seahawk Coach Aden Durde. All quotes are taken directly from a transcript of the interview.)

When the International Olympic Committee approved flag football for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games it represented the culmination of decades of quiet growth globally, and an opportunity for millions of young athletes around the world to discover American football through its fastest-growing, most accessible format.

Few people understand that journey better than Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde. Long before he became one of the NFL's highest-ranking British-born coaches, Durde was simply a teenager traveling across London for the chance to play a sport that barely existed in Britain. Today, after stops in NFL Europe, the Dallas Cowboys organization, the NFL's International Player Pathway program, the Atlanta Falcons and now Seattle, Durde sees flag football's Olympic debut as a watershed moment that could reshape football's global future.

His own story illustrates exactly why.

A Long Road From North London

Durde's football journey began not in packed NFL stadiums but on London's fragmented amateur football scene, where simply finding a team required determination.

"I started playing when I was young," Durde told Forbes. "Back then a team would pop up, then you wouldn't have enough coaches, people couldn't do it, and the team would shut down. I was travelling probably two hours across London to go and play," he recalled. "Sometimes financially you couldn't get there. You had to rely on people to give you lifts."

His football life became a series of relocations. One club folded. Another lost funding. Practices required hours of travel across London, often depending on rides from teammates because public transportation costs were difficult to manage. Eventually, Durde landed with the London Olympians, then one of Britain's premier American football organizations. Everything changed. The Olympians provided elite competition, leading to opportunities in NFL Europe, NFL practice squads and eventually coaching—a path few British players had ever followed, or could even imagine. Today, Durde stands as one of the NFL's most successful international coaching stories.

Coaching Became The Next Challenge

Unlike many former athletes who struggle after retirement, Durde discovered something unexpected. He missed being uncomfortable. After leaving professional football, he worked conventional jobs and even started his own business. Yet something was missing.

"I missed the relentless work," he said. "I missed the structure, the accountability, the honesty, always having to push to be your best. A lot of the work is done in the office; Out on the field coaching the guys," he said. "That's what I love."

Rather than viewing football's demands as exhausting, Durde realized they were what motivated him. That mindset eventually led him through coaching roles in Britain before an internship with the Dallas Cowboys opened the door to the NFL. His work helping establish the NFL's International Player Pathway program and the NFL Academy further cemented his reputation as one of football's leading international development voices before coaching positions with the Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks followed.

Why Grassroots Football Matters

Durde’s coaching philosophy extends well beyond professional football. His involvement with Coach the Future, a leadership initiative designed to mentor young people through sport, reflects lessons he learned growing up.

"It's important to me about creating leaders in the community," he said. "They breathed belief into me when I probably didn't have the belief in myself. If you can spark that in someone else," Durde said, "they can give that to someone else in the community. Those are the things that help communities thrive."

As a young athlete, coaches gave him something even more valuable than football instruction. Now he hopes to provide that same confidence for the next generation. The philosophy aligns closely with the NFL's expanding international grassroots strategy, particularly as flag football participation accelerates worldwide ahead of LA28.

Why Flag Football Could Transform Player Development

For Durde, flag football’s Olympic debut is about more than medals. He believes it may become one of the best developmental tools football has ever had. Modern athletes often specialize early, learning only one position. Flag football changes that.

"You defend, you attack, you're on offense, you're on defense, you catch, you throw," Durde explained. “When I was younger everyone used to do everything," he said. "The more you can do that at grassroots level... the more rounded players they become."

Those all-around skills, he believes, create more complete football players. That philosophy mirrors growing support among NFL coaches who increasingly view flag football not as an alternative to tackle football but as an important developmental pathway. The sport emphasizes agility, spatial awareness, decision-making and ball skills while minimizing physical contact.

For countries where tackle football infrastructure remains limited, flag football also dramatically lowers barriers to participation.

Why LA28 Matters

Flag football's Olympic debut arrives as the NFL aggressively expands internationally through regular-season games in Europe, South America and Australia while also investing heavily in youth participation. Durde believes the Olympics could become the sport's biggest global showcase yet.

"It's exciting," he said. "Any platform that you can get football in front of different parts of the world—they get an ability to see how cool this game is."

Unlike tackle football, flag football offers a fast-paced, television-friendly version of the sport requiring minimal equipment while showcasing speed, athleticism and creativity. Those qualities make it particularly well suited for Olympic audiences unfamiliar with traditional American football.

"I can't wait to see it," Durde said.

More Coaches Needed To Meet Global Demand

Durde's own career demonstrates what access can create. Had the opportunities available today existed when he first began playing in North London, he believes the journey might have been easier. There are now more opportunities than ever before. The challenge, he says, is developing enough qualified coaches to meet growing demand.

"There is the accessibility," Durde noted. "But there's less people that can engage and coach the sport at a level to make the game as fun as it can be."

That may become one of the lasting legacies of LA28. While Olympic medals will capture headlines, the Games could inspire thousands of new coaches, volunteers and community leaders who introduce football to future generations. For Durde, that matters every bit as much as what happens on the Olympic medal podium. His own life changed because coaches invested in him before anyone else believed he belonged. Now, as flag football prepares for its Olympic debut in Los Angeles, he sees an opportunity to multiply that impact around the world.

For a coach who once spent two hours crossing London just to find a place to play, the Olympic movement today may ensure the next generation of players and coaches won't have to travel so far to discover the game.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Ben Askren's story seemingly gets more inspirational by the day. Askren, who nearly died just over a year ago after suffering necrotizing pneumonia from a severe staph infection, is returning to competitive wrestling on July 18 when he clashes with Belal Muhammad at Real American Freestyle Wrestling 11 in Milwaukee.

The event is taking place on Askren's 42nd birthday. If that wasn't amazing enough, I spoke with Askren ahead of the event and he mentioned to me he believes he might be on the autism spectrum. It's a remarkable realization and one that could be an even deeper inspiration. Let's talk wrestling.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Who: Ben Askren, two-time NCAA champion, Olympian, former Bellator and ONE welterweight champion
• The disclosure: Askren told me he believes he may be on the autism spectrum; he has never been formally diagnosed
• His framing: He ties the traits to his focus and his unorthodox wrestling style
• Health: Returning about a year after a double lung transplant that followed necrotizing pneumonia
• Next: Faces Belal Muhammad at RAF 11 on July 18, his 42nd birthday, in Milwaukee

What Did Ben Askren Say About Being on the Autism Spectrum?

Askren told me the idea started with his wife. Years ago, she pointed out that he matched almost every marker on a list of Asperger's traits, and it stuck with him. He said he checked the box on nine out of ten.

He has never been formally diagnosed, and he was careful to say so. In the full conversation, he framed it less as a label and more as self-knowledge, offering that on some level "all human beings are a little bit different."

Asperger's, as a standalone diagnosis, was folded into autism spectrum disorder in the DSM-5 years ago, which is part of why his account is a personal read rather than a clinical one.

In any case, it made the conversation all the more refreshing.

How Does Askren Think It Shaped His Wrestling Career?

He connects the traits directly to how he competed. Askren said many high-level performers likely sit somewhere on the spectrum, pointing to intense focus, a tolerance for endless repetition, and a habit of tuning out what everyone else thinks.

That last part, he said, is why his style looked like nobody else's. He ignored the conventional wisdom about how to wrestle and built something unorthodox, and it carried him to two NCAA titles and the 2008 Olympics.

He was also honest that the same wiring has a cost, admitting the quick problem-solving that helps him can make him blunt with people, something his wife flagged and he actively works on.

Why Ben Askren's Candor Resonates

I have several loved ones and friends who are on the spectrum, and because of my experience caring for and loving those individuals, it's refreshing and motivating to learn about prominent people who have accomplished amazing things in similar situations.

Askren’s own message lands in the same place. Because of this, my interview with Askren is one of my favorites in the hundreds I’ve done.

He talked about self-acceptance, about acknowledging who you are instead of hiding it, and said people would be better off being honest about their struggles rather than selling a perfect image.

Ben Askren's Return at RAF 11

The wrestling and his history as an icon of the sport carries its own weight. Askren was the first athlete Real American Freestyle ever signed, back in May 2025, months before the infection and double lung transplant nearly ended everything.

Now he finally debuts, facing recent UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at RAF 11 in Milwaukee on his birthday. He is part of the same wave of combat sports names competing outside the UFC, but his path there is unlike anyone before him.

A year ago Askren could not stand on his own. Win or lose, showing up at all is the story.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Only six weeks remain before the 2026 college football season kicks off. Once again, Dublin will serve as the host for the start of a new season when North Carolina and TCU meet in the Aer Lingus Classic on August 28. That Week 0 matchup along with a handful of Week 1 games are sure to create some buzz. Here is a look at some of what should be the more intriguing matchups.

Saturday, August 28

North Carolina vs. TCU (Dublin)

The fact this matchup kicks off the 2026 season shall serve as sufficient reason to tune in. Otherwise, TCU coach Sonny Dykes looked to New England for his new offensive coordinator (Gordon Sammis, UConn) and quarterback (Jaden Craig, Harvard) with the latter arriving following Josh Hoover’s transfer to Indiana. Speaking of New England, Bill Belichick’s second season in Chapel Hill can’t be any worse than last season’s 4-8 mess, can it? Bobby Petrino is the new OC after the Tar Heels averaged a meager 19.3 points per game.

North Carolina State at Virginia

This ACC matchup was originally scheduled to be played in Brazil, of all places. It was moved to Charlottesville and remained a Week 0 matchup. Virginia coach Tony Elliott is coming off a season in which he matched his win total (11) from his first four years leading the Cavaliers. He hit the portal hard a second straight year, including bringing on quarterbacks Beau Pribula (Missouri) and Eli Holstein (Pitt). In Raleigh, Dave Doeren retained QB C.J. Bailey, who has the experience and talent to emerge as a Heisman candidate.

Hawaii at Stanford

It should come as no surprise if Timmy Chang’s Rainbow Warriors win a new-look Mountain West and vie for the Group of Six seat at the playoff table. A win in Palo Alto would be the second against the Cardinal in as many years and would help toward some early-season CFP hype for Chang’s squad. On the other sideline, the Tavita Pritchard era gets underway in Palo Alto where the former Cardinal quarterback faces a brutal early-season schedule.

Week 1

Thursday, September 3

Colorado at Georgia Tech

Deion Sanders took over a direction-less program in Boulder and by his second season the Buffaloes won nine games. Year 3? Well, CU plummeted to 3-9 last season and lost its final five games, three by at least 25 points. The slate was largely wiped clean (once again), including bringing in a new OC (Brennan Marion) and a new DC (Chris Marve). The arrow continues to point up for coach Brent Key at Georgia Tech. However, Haynes King expired his eligibility. How will Alberto Mendoza, Fernando’s brother, fare after transferring from national champ Indiana?

Friday, September 4

Miami at Stanford

Darian Mensah arrived from Duke to take over for Carson Beck in Coral Gables and will attempt to lead the ‘Canes to national championship contention once again. Mensah has all the tools around him, including his favorite receiver with the Blue Devils, Cooper Barkate, and the teenage Malachi Toney, who very well could be the nation’s most exciting player.

Saturday, September 5

North Texas at Indiana

The Hoosiers’ offense now belongs to Josh Hoover, who follows Heisman winner and national champ Fernando Mendoza in Bloomington under Curt Cignetti, who is 27-2 at IU. While the Hoosiers are Exhibit A as to how a team can rise up quickly in the transfer portal and NIL era, UNT might be a glaring example of going the other direction due. Mass departures included coach Eric Morris, quarterback Drew Mestemaker, running back Caleb Hawkins and receiver Wyatt Young to Oklahoma State. Former West Virginia and Troy coach, Neal Brown, takes over in Denton.

Baylor vs. Auburn (Atlanta)

Speaking of mass departures, most of the USF offense followed coach Alex Golesh to the Plains. Quarterback Byrum Brown and the rest of the Tigers have a decent test out of the gate in Dave Aranda’s Baylor Bears. Aranda – Can you believe he is entering his seventh season in Waco? – also has a transfer QB from the Sunshine State in the person of former Gator DJ Lagway, who is a native Texan. By the way, Brown and Lagway met last season when the Bulls drove up to Gainesville and defeated Florida.

Boise State at Oregon

Led by Heisman candidate Dante Moore, the Ducks are expected to be in national title contention in 2026. Coach Dan Lanning has new coordinators in Drew Merhinger, who lends continuity to Moore and the offense having joined the staff (tight ends) in 2022, and Chris Hampton overseeing the defense. While Boise State could represent a tough opener for the Ducks, the Broncos need a solid showing if they are to be a serious G6 contender. Last year’s season-opening debacle (34-7) in Tampa against USF eliminated them from that conversation before conference play began. Speaking of conference play, Boise State left the Mountain West to be a part of the revitalized Pac-12.

Clemson at LSU

The subplots will be many and the spotlights blinding. Lane Kiffin instantly brought national title expectations to Baton Rouge and the coach reeled in a portal haul that included Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt. On the other side, what to make of Dabo Swinney’s Tigers these days? Chad Morris is back as the offensive coordinator following a 7-6 season, the fewest wins in Death Valley since Swinney’s second full season of 2010 when Clemson went 6-7. Morris was also Swinney’s OC from 2011 to 2014.

Sunday, September 6

Louisville vs. Ole Miss (Nashville)

Pete Golding shined bright during the Lane Kiffin-led circus by guiding Ole Miss to the CFP semis. What a story it was, and what a story quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has been and should continue to be in Oxford as he heads into 2026 among Heisman favorites. Meanwhile, the inaugural Music City Kickoff at Nissan Stadium will likely be a monster of a test for Brian Brohm’s Cardinals, who underwent an extensive retooling on offense. That includes at quarterback where Lincoln Kienholz gets an opportunity to show what he can do after backing up Julian Sayin and Will Howard at Ohio State the past couple of years.

Wisconsin at Notre Dame (Green Bay)

Lambeau Leaps? Maybe. For Notre Dame, this Shamrock Series encounter, which was originally schedule for 2020 and postponed due to the pandemic, could be the first steppingstone on its path to the playoff. While many expect C.J. Carr to be even better in his second season operating the Fighting Irish’s offense, it is a potentially awesome defense returning much of its 2025 production that could lead the way. Colton Joseph takes over what was an inept Wisconsin offense that was next-to-last nationally in scoring (12.8 points) a year ago. The Old Dominion transfer quarterback was the Sun Belt’s offense player of the year in 2025.

Monday, September 7

SMU at Florida State

The Mustangs stepped into the power conference limelight two years ago and have since gone 14-2 in ACC regular season games with a conference championship game appearance in 2024 when they made the CFP. Quarterback Kevin Jennings runs the offense once again as Brett Lashlee’s team meets a conference opponent right away. Speaking of which, SMU makes its first-ever trip to Tallahassee where coach Mike Norvell and the ‘Noles have lost 19 of their last 26 games.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Three of the biggest stars in the NTT IndyCar Series were at the White House on Monday, July 13 where they were honored by President Donald J. Trump at an event to promote the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington D.C.

Four-time NTT IndyCar Series Champion Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing, 110^th Indianapolis 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist of Meyer Shank Racing and Team Penske’s David Malukas were there for a special ceremony outside the West Wing of the White House. It included a pit stop demonstration from Team Penske’s pit crew on West Executive Avenue between the West Wing and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

Others at the special White House visit included IndyCar Owner and Penske Corporation founder and Chairman Roger Penske, Penske Corporation President Bud Denker, FOX Sports CEO and Executive Producer Eric Shanks, General Motors President Mark Reuss and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy.

Palou presented President Trump with a special Freedom 250 Grand Prix racing helmet.

Alex Palou Said Touring The Oval Office With The President Was Like ‘Being In A Movie’

After the public portion of the event concluded, the three drivers were given a tour of the White House and the Oval Office by President Trump.

“For me, it was just like being in a movie, honestly,” Palou told me in an exclusive interview on Monday. “I've seen the White House and I've seen the Oval Office and Presidents walking on movies and it just felt like I was in a movie being part of it so for me it was a very special moment just having the opportunity to do this.

“I think I’ve been very lucky in in my career to go to do a lot of cool stuff and for sure it was one of those days that I'll forever remember.”

Palou is from Barcelona, Spain, Rosenqvist from Varnamo, Sweden and Malukas from Chicago.

Malukas was behind the wheel for the Pit Stop demonstration and Palou was impressed that IndyCar literally left its mark on the White House grounds.

“David left a good burnout there, which was pretty cool to see,” Palou said, referring to the Team Penske driver lighting up the tires during the pit stop in front of the President and the other dignitaries. “It was one of those things that you never think that would be possible and that I will go to experience and see for myself.

“It was just very cool.”

Oval Office Tour A Memorable Experience For Alex Palou

But for Palou and the small group that got invited inside the Oval Office, that’s the part of Monday’s program that he will remember for the rest of his life.

“Yeah, I got to be at the Oval Office,” Palou said with excitement. “Just another crazy moment. I got to get a small tour, let's say, around the offices there. And it was just a super cool moment once again, Just to be on those offices in those areas that I’ve seen as a kid in movies, and it was it was a great experience.”

Although Palou is from Spain, since coming to IndyCar in 2020 he has spent most of his time in the United States. The portraits of past presidents inside of the White House gave the 2025 Indy 500 winner a strong sense of history, especially on the 250^th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

“Just seeing the Oval Office and the Cabinet Office as well, and all the decisions that over the history of the United States have been made there, and just for me to be able to sit in person and just walk around, it was just breathtaking,” Palou told me.

Alex Palou, Felix Rosenqvist And David Malukas Bring IndyCar To The White House

Palou, Rosenqvist and Malukas were in their IndyCar driving suits to the right of the President with Penske and the other members of the entourage to the left when the program began Monday afternoon.

“These people have a lot of courage on my right,” President Trump said. “It takes something special. What a great job you have done.

“I’m thrilled to be here from some of the most extraordinary figures in the history of motorsports and any sport as we count down to the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. This will be like no other race, ever.

“It will be one of the most unforgettable racing events the world has ever seen.

“I’ve watched all three of you do very well recently. I don’t want to go 250 miles an hour with two inches separating my car. I don’t want to do that, but what you’ve done is in incredible over the last couple of races.”

Freedom 250 Grand Prix Will Showcase Speed, Ingenuity, Horespower And Patriotism

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. is August 22-23 and will be contested on the streets around the National Mall. The course will pass some of the greatest and most historic landmarks in the Nation’s Capital.

“It will be an awesome display of American patriotism and raw horsepower and ingenuity,” Trump said. “You're going to see cars at the level that they've never been at before, with cars racing more than 190 miles and even higher than that down Pennsylvania Avenue.

“It wasn't exactly designed for that, but what Sean Duffy has done with these incredible, brilliant people is really amazing.

“It’s going to be a sight for the ages. It really will be something special. And they're going to go all around the National Mall…it’s going to be a beautiful thing to watch.

“It’s the first racing event of its kind happening as part of our great celebration on the 250^th Anniversary of America’s freedom.

“It's free. It’s totally free and something they are doing for the country.”

Freedom 250 Puts 'Free" Into “Freedom”

There is no charge for this one-time only event, but those who wanted to attend had to submit for the free tickets last month. According to Roger Penske, there were more than 250,000 requests and a lottery determined those who received the 100,000 free tickets.

“When you think about 250 years of this country, it's an amazing time,” Penske said. “It's a great place to live. It's a great place to work and I think we're fortunate to have the most important office in the world give us the green light and then the checkered flag to have this event in August.

“Think about it. Over 250,000 people signed up to come to this event, and we’ll be able to accommodate 100,000 each of the two days. And it’s for free, as the President said. But we're honored.

“I think it’s an opportunity to showcase. The technology, the speed, the partnerships, and the athletes can make such a difference.

“We think about the Indy 500 as an iconic race, but this is going to move right up there next to it as far as we’re concerned from the standpoint of the best in the world.”

Freedom 250 Kicks America 250 Celebration Into High Gear

In a year of celebration as the United States turned 250 on July 4, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix will kick that celebration into high gear.

“On our 250th anniversary, America deserves the greatest celebration in the history of our country and the history of the world, and I think this is it,” President Trump said. “And this is really a big part of the crescendo.

“So next month, these exceptional sportsmen, drivers, athletes, they're great athletes. Nothing. nothing nobody can do they're born with something very special they're born with an ability to press that pedal all the way down to the ground most people can't do that very few people can but they're beautiful cars.

“This will be a freedom that's roaring like never before.”

Alex Palou’s American Journey Leads To The White House

Behind closed doors, Palou said the President spoke with excitement about the prospect of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix and how it will showcase the series that includes the Indianapolis 500 as part of the America 250 celebration.

When Palou began his motorsports journey, he was hoping to get to Victory Lane.

On Monday, that journey took him to the White House.

“For sure, that was not in my cards, not in my bingo cards,” Palou told me. “I have no words for the opportunities that this sport and everybody in IndyCar and CGR (Chip Ganassi Racing) has given me.

“And I'm ready for more, man. I'm ready to continue to push to win and to get more crazy experiences like this.”

Alex Palou has proven to be a master of the moment during his seven-year IndyCar career, making the difficult look easy. As he closes in on what could be his fifth NTT IndyCar Series Championship in 2026, a victory in the Freedom 250 Grand Prix at Washington, D.C. would be a “Crown Jewel” accomplishment during an historic celebration for the United States.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Get ready for the 2026 Home Run Derby.

All Star Week is upon us.

During the Major League All Star break, fans attention turns to their team’s plans for the rest of the season.

Trade buzz will heat up, as the Major League Baseball trade deadline will take place on August 3, 2026. Trade rumors will intensify.

The 2026 All Star Game will be played Tuesday, July 14.

But first, the 2026 edition of the T Mobile All Star Home Run Derby is upon us.

The Derby begins at 8 PM Eastern Time, Monday, July 13.

Netflix will telecast the Derby live from Citizens Bank Park, in Philadelphia.

Eight participants will vie for a first place prize of $1 Million.

The runner-up receives $780,000.

Each participant receives $180,000.

The player hitting the longest home run receives a $25,000 bonus.

According to MLB.com, the field for the Derby includes:

-Home Run Derby Slugger=Munetaka Murakami-20 home runs-Age 26

Murakami recently returned from a strained hamstring.

Murakami is one of the major reasons the White Sox are in contention in the American League Central Division.

MLB.comsaid, “Murakami will try to be the first rookie to win the Derby since Pete Alonso in 2019.”

This is Murakami’s first All Star Game.

- Home Run Derby Slugger= Kyle Schwarber-Philadelphia Phillies-Age 33

32 Home Runs

Schwarber has prodigious power.

This will be his third Home Run Derby. He has never won.

Schwarber will be competing in his home park.

This will be Schwarber’s third All Star Game.

- Home Run Derby Slugger= Bryce Harper-Philadelphia Phillies- Age 33

Harper has 20 home runs.

Harper won the Derby in 2018, when playing for the Washington Nationals. The Derby was held in his home park in Washington.

This is Harper’s third Derby. His first was in 2013.

This marks Harper’s ninth All Star Game.

-Home Run Derby Slugger= Jordan Walker-St. Louis Cardinals-Age 24

Walker has 22 Home Runs

After a sluggish start to his career, Walker has emerged as a fearsome power hitter for the Cardinals.

He has 74 RBIs already this season.

Walker is making his first appearance in the Home Run Derby, and All Star Game.

Walker could become the first Cardinals player to win the Derby. As mlb.com noted, “Albert Pujols is the Cardinal to have the best Derby performance, finishing as the runner-up in ’03.”

- Home Run Derby Slugger= Willson Contreras-Boston Red Sox- Age 34

Contreras has 20 Home Runs

Contreras was recently suspended for five games for fighting, but he will participate in the Derby, and the All Star Game.

Contreras will be making his first Derby appearance.

Contreras has appeared on four All Star teams.

-Home Run Derby Slugger=Jac Caglianone-Kansas City Royals-Age 23

Caglianone has 15 Home Runs

There is no question Caglianone has tremendous power.

Caglianone was a first round draft pick of the Royals in the 2024 draft.

Caglianone is a long-shot to win the Derby, but as long as he has a bat in his hand, he’s a dangerous power hitter.

This is Caglianone’s first Derby, and his first All Star Game.

-Home Run Derby Slugger=Ben Rice-New York Yankees-Age 27

Rice has 29 Home Runs.

Where would the Yankees be without Ben Rice?

Rice will be playing in his first All Star Game, and will be a first time Home Run Derby participant.

Rice plays first base, and serves as a designated hitter for the Yankees.

-Home Run Derby Slugger=Junior Caminero-Tampa Bay Rays-Age 23 (he turned 23 July 5)

Caminero has 28 Home Runs

This will be Caminero’s second All Star Game.

In 2021, Caminero was traded to the Rays by the Cleveland Indians in what may be one of the most regrettable baseball trades in years.

If he wins the Derby, Caminero will be the youngest player in history to claim the title.

This will mark Caminero’s second appearance in the Derby, as he finished second to Cal Raleigh last year.

Caminero has been on a home run tear. He hit 10 home runs in June, and has smoked five so far in July.

New Home Run Derby Format:

For the first time ever, the Derby will have no timer.

There will be no “outs” recorded.

Each slugger will have 20 swings in the first round

Each slugger will have 15 swings in both the second round, and the finals.

If a player is on his last swing in any round, he may keep on going until he fails to homer.

There is no bonus round and there is no “bracket” for the first round.

Tiebreakers include Home Run distance in Round 1, and three swing swing-offs in Rounds 2 and 3.

Most Likely To Least Likely Home Run Derby Outcomes:

Most odds makers see this order of finish for the Home Run Derby contestants:

This Old Scout’s predictions are in parenthesis:

Kyle Schwarber (1)

Junior Caminero (2)

Bryce Harper (5)

Jac Caglianone (6)

Muretaka Murakami (4)

Jordan Walker (8)

Ben Rice (3)

Willson Contreras (7)

The 2026 Home Run Derby should be exciting and engaging for baseball fans. And without a doubt, anyone can win the $1 Million first prize.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

The Green Bay Packers were arguably the most disappointing team in football last year. And perhaps no one did less with more than Packers’ coach Matt LaFleur.

Green Bay headed into the 2025 season with one of the NFL’s top rosters, then traded for star defensive end Micah Parsons 10 days before the year began. Suddenly, Packer Nation was dreaming of their first Super Bowl appearance since 2010.

Instead, Green Bay went a remarkably unsatisfying 9-8-1 overall and was the NFC’s No. 7 seed for a third consecutive year. The Packers then blew a 21-3 halftime lead in the Wild Card round against Chicago, gave up 25 fourth quarter points and eventually suffered a shocking 31-27 loss to the arch-rival Bears.

“No way you should lose games in this league when you’re up that much,” running back Josh Jacobs said.

Green Bay, which began the year 9-3-1, finished the season with five straight losses. The Packers now enter 2026 with the league’s fourth-longest losing streak.

Collapsing late in games was the story of Green Bay’s 2025 campaign.

Green Bay had double digit leads in the final minutes twice against Chicago and also vs. Cleveland and somehow went 0-3 in those games. The Packers’ odds of losing all three contests were 1-in-250,000, yet they somehow did it.

“That (expletive), it’s starting to get damn-near embarrassing,” safety Javon Bullard said.

Rebounding won’t be easy as the Packers were hit hard in free agency and didn't have a first round draft pick.

Green Bay’s first training camp practice is July 29. Between now and then I will count down the ‘30 Most Important Packers’ heading into the 2026 campaign.

At No. 17 is center Sean Rhyan.

No. 17

Sean Rhyan, C

Last season

Rhyan started the first four games of 2025 at right guard and averaged 62.3 snaps per game. But he played just 11 snaps while backing up Jordan Morgan in Week 6, then didn't play a single offensive snap in Week 7.

After getting benched, Rhyan summed up his chances of returning to Green Bay in 2026 by saying: “I don't know. Right now it doesn't look good.”

Things changed, though, when center Elgton Jenkins suffered a season-ending fractured fibula on Nov. 10 against Philadelphia. Rhyan immediately moved to center, learned a new position on the fly and improved as the season went along.

Ryhan finished the year with an overall grade of 58.5 from Pro Football Focus that ranked 31^st out of 40 qualifying centers. The Packers liked what they saw, though, and gave Rhyan a three-year, $33 million extension that contained an $11 million signing bonus before he hit free agency in March.

“Man, if you told me that I would be here with a second contract about a year ago, or even, you know, eight months, I would have said, yeah, you must have some crystal ball that I don't know about,” Rhyan said.

Career to date

Rhyan, a third round draft pick in 2022, was suspended the final six games of his rookie season for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. That ended a tough rookie year in which Rhyan played just one snap, and that came on special teams.

Rhyan started the 2023 season where he spent the 2022 campaign — on the bench. By midseason, though, he had impressed enough during practice and began platooning with former Packer Jon Runyan.

From Week 9 on, Rhyan played 183 snaps at right guard, didn't allow a sack and didn't have a penalty. According to league data, the Packers averaged 0.78 more yards per rushing attempt with Rhyan on the field versus when he wasn’t in the lineup.

In 2024, Rhyan started all 17 games at right guard and had a respectable season. Rhyan allowed four sacks, had six penalties, and allowed 24 pressures.

Rhyan’s pass blocking grade from PFF was 69.4, which ranked 38^th out of 136 guards. His run blocking grade was 58.4, which ranked 87^th.

Rhyan split time with 2024 first round draft pick Jordan Morgan the first two months of 2024. In early November, though, Morgan was placed on the injured reserve list with a shoulder injury and Rhyan played all but eight snaps in the final 10 games.

Outlook

Rhyan improved enough at center as 2025 unfolded that the Packers believe he can develop into a high level starter.

Rhyan (6-5, 325) has unique athleticism for an interior lineman, impressive strength and is incredibly bright.

Rhyan’s vertical jump of 34-1/2” was No. 1 among all guards at the NFL Combine in 2022. He set shot put and discus records while attending San Juan Hills High School (Calif.) and qualified to play on the feeder team for the Olympic USA rugby team. Rhyan also posted a 29 on the 50-question Wonderlic test, which is eight points higher than the NFL average.

That rare blend of bulk and brains could help Rhyan eventually develop into a quality center.

Rhyan had opportunities in free agency to play center or guard with whatever team he signed with, but eventually chose to stay in Green Bay and be a center moving forward.

“I think towards the end … it was coming down to the point of, like, I could get signed as a guard,” Rhayn said of his experience in free agency. “But you know, going back through and kind of looking and breaking down the last few games (of 2025) and the level of play that we were all able to accomplish playing center, I think, it was good, and I enjoyed it.

“So, yeah, stick with it, you know what I mean? Like, you never know, it could be four years into the league and all of a sudden, you find a new position. So, yeah, I think towards the end there, it kind of did come down to whether I wanted to play guard or center, and everything worked out.”

They said it …

“I thought Sean, obviously, pressed into that duty unexpectedly, I thought he got better each game. It was about Game 3 or 4 of starting at center, he was playing at a very high level. Less experience but more stout in there because he’s just a really physical, strong guy. With (Anthony) Belton coming to the right guard spot and him playing center, our ability to move people inside got better as the year went on because of that.” — Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst on Rhyan

“When we lost Elgton, he stepped up and just kind of took control of it. There were mistakes, for sure, but you know, as we progressed through the season, he just kept getting better and better and better. And I thought, you know, I thought maybe this was probably his best position is to play center in the NFL. So it was good to watch him out there take command of the offense, making the calls and doing, getting a set up front.” — Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich on Rhyan moving to center

“I’m so excited for Sean and coming in here and his journey to get to where he’s at, and it paying off for him. We’ve all been around Sean, we know what kind of guy he is. He’s going to be out there, he’s going to practice, he’s going to play no matter what, and I’m excited because I think his best football is ahead of him and he does too, and he’s going to continue to improve every day. To have (had) an offseason for him to just work on the center position, it’s going to be tremendous.” — Packers offensive line coach Luke Butkus on Rhyan

The Top 30

No. 30 — Trey Smack

No. 29 — Barryn Sorrell

No. 28 — Chris McClellan

No. 27 — Isaiah McDuffie

No. 26 — Daniel Whelan

No. 25 — Tyrod Taylor

No. 24 — Benjamin St. Juste

No. 23 — Skyy Moore

N0. 22 — Brandon Cisse

No. 21 — Anthony Belton

No. 20 — Javon Bullard

No. 19 — Aaron Banks

No. 18 — Javon Hargrave

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

WWE SummerSlam is pro wrestling’s biggest party of the summer. Well, at least it’s supposed to be.

But in 2026? Arguably WWE’s second-biggest PLE behind only WrestleMania sure doesn’t feel like it. In fact, sluggish SummerSlam ticket sales point to a widening gap between the TV product that WWE is delivering and what its fans actually want to see.

The latest SummerSlam ticket sales update from WrestleTix shows a massive dropoff in ticket sales for SummerSlam 2026 in comparison to SummerSlam 2025. SummerSlam Saturday, for example, currently sits at just over 22,000 tickets sold, a figure that pales in comparison to last year’s Saturday event, which surpassed 50,000 tickets sold:

That, according to WrestleVotes, “has been a concern internally for weeks.” As it should be.

WWE recently added what should be a highly anticipated WWE Championship match between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes to SummerSlam, which was likely done in an effort to help boost ticket sales. But just a few weeks out from WWE’s next “Big Four” PLE, it’s clear that lackluster SummerSlam ticket sales speak to a bigger problem: a WWE TV product that is trending downward.

WWE’s live event attendance continues to slide toward pre-boom period levels while Raw viewership recently hit an all-time low on Netflix as SmackDown hit a five-month low as well. Although the post-WrestleMania period for WWE is traditionally a down one for the company, the state of WWE’s current product feels even lower than usual.

Perhaps there is an explanation for that. The period from roughly mid-2022 to mid-2025 has been widely recognized as WWE’s biggest boom since the Attitude Era of the late 1990s. The returns of Punk and Rhodes as well as the rise of Roman Reigns and The Bloodline were two key reasons why WWE had felt so hot for the past few years.

Ironically enough, WWE is still relying heavily on those prominent stars (Reigns, Rhodes, Punk, etc.) to carry the product en route to SummerSlam. Reigns will be defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Seth Rollins while Rhodes and Punk will battle over the WWE title.

That feels like a staying pattern, built up on the with the premesis that WWE officials essentially don’t view anyone outside of these stars and a select few others as legitimate main event stars. That, combined with the departure of John Cena and injuries to key stars like Rhea Ripley, have created a less-than-compelling road to SummerSlam. The show’s card is one built largely upon the same core of top stars as the majority of the rest of the roster is overshadowed and overlooked.

The natural reaction from fans is to become disillusioned with what has become a supbar TV product from WWE, which is still charging exorbitant prices at a time when Raw and SmackDown are not exactly extraordinary. That may have worked a couple of years ago when WWE was sizzling hit, but as it’s cooled off and continues to do so, fans will be less inclined to spend their hard-earned money on a poorly booked product that has casted off popular mainstays like Sheamus and The New Day in recent months.

One of the biggest weaknesses of WWE’s recent SummerSlam booking, however, is its refusal to push new stars to the top. Oba Femi inexplicably delayed, or maybe forfeited, his guaranteed world title shot at SummerSlam. Jacob Fatu is playing second fiddle to Reigns yet again. Bron Breakker’s once massive singles push is fading out with a whimper. Sami Zayn won the WWE title a couple of weeks ago, held it for just nine days and now doesn’t have a clear SummerSlam match.

These creative miscues highlight WWE’s woes on the road to SummerSlam, which is tracking to have a half-empty stadium as a result. How WWE digs itself out of this hole is anyone’s guess, and there is no easy solution or quick fix. The boom period that peaked in 2024 probably isn’t coming back anytime soon, but improvements to the product must be made in order to turn things around.

WWE needs to focus more on stars like Fatu and Breakker, build enthralling long-term rivalries and utilize overlooked talents. Otherwise, SummerSlam’s sluggish ticket sales won’t be the exception. They’ll become the norm.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

The St. Louis Cardinals have had to remain flexible with their roster so far this season and, as with most teams, that has included frequent changes in the bullpen.

The Cardinals’ ongoing relief corps adjustments have helped the team maintain a middling 4.26 ERA so far this season. But the team has had to get pretty creative with a former Atlanta Braves star prospect to keep him in the organization.

St. Louis Cardinals Cut Atlanta Braves’ Former First-Round Pick From Roster 3 Times

Joining the Cardinals as his third organization in four big-league seasons so far, former Braves No.1 prospect Jared Shuster was recently designated for assignment for the third time this season.

Shuster was drafted in the first round by the Braves in 2020 then made his big-league debut three years later, making 11 starts with a 5.81 ERA. He was traded to the Chicago White Sox for the next season and has gradually migrated to an exclusive relief role.

On Friday, the Cardinals outrighted him to the Memphis Redbirds, where he has an 8.87 ERA in a little more than 27 total innings so far this season, according to the official transaction log.

The move marks another frustrating turn for Shuster, who has been caught in a recurring cycle since signing with St. Louis before the season.

"Shuster, 27, signed a minor league deal with the Cards in the offseason,” Darragh McDonald wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “Three times this year, he has been added to the big league roster. Since he is out of options, after a few appearances, each stint has ended with him being designated for assignment. He cleared waivers the first two times."

Because Shuster no longer has minor league options, the Cardinals have had to expose him to waivers each time they needed to open a roster spot.

Former Atlanta Braves Phenom Now Fighting For Another Opportunity

Shuster's professional journey has taken several unexpected turns since the Atlanta Braves selected him in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft.

After starring at Wake Forest University and joining the Braves, Shuster was widely expected to seize a starter’s role in Atlanta. Instead, he is now looking to extend his career as a reliever with some notable upside that might just be taking longer than expected to manifest.

For now, Shuster remains with the Cardinals organization after another outright assignment to Triple-A Memphis. Whether he receives a fourth promotion later this season remains to be seen, but his repeated returns to the major league roster suggest St. Louis still values his left-handed depth even as it continues juggling a crowded pitching staff.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com