Atari has acquired emulation specialist Implicit Conversions, adding the studio’s proprietary Syrup engine to accelerate the revival of 32-bit-era games, starting with PlayStation support and early PlayStation 2 work, on modern platforms. The deal bolsters Atari’s retro-focused strategy alongside Digital Eclipse, expanding its in-house tooling and talent to re-release titles from its own catalog and partner IP back catalogs.
Ubisoft has opened pre-orders for Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced, launching July 9, 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with pre-order bonuses and a $59.99 Standard and $69.99 Digital Deluxe edition adding new cosmetics and packs. The headline $199.99 Collector’s Edition, currently sold out, includes the physical game and a 12-inch Edward Kenway statue plus premium extras, while the remake promises a visual overhaul, revamped combat, updated parkour and stealth, no loading screens, and new story content.
There is no doubt that Fitbit still has enormous brand recognition. Whether or not the company’s current offerings are your best option is certainly debatable, but the make carries a lot of weight. Well, who better to potentially start killing it off than Google? The company certainly has a dark track record of mishandling brands and products.
The situation might not be too bad at the moment, though. We are certainly only piecing clues together, and there is no formal announcement yet. Still, people noticed that on the software side of things, in some markets (mostly European), on the...
Santos are set to face San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana, with Neymar at the center of attention.
Next week, Santos will play a key Copa Sudamericana clash against Argentina’s San Lorenzo, a match that could prove decisive for the Brazilian side’s future in the tournament. Neymar will be part of that showdown, and his upcoming opponents have spoken about him.
“On the field, we’re all rivals, and if we have to, we’re going to go hard at him,”Jhohan Romaña said when asked about facing Ney next Tuesday, in an interview with ESPN. “We’ll prepare over the next few days. Hopefully we can rise to the occasion and come away with the win.”
From the Colombian defender’s comments, it’s clear that Neymar could be in for a physically demanding match in the Copa Sudamericana. This type of continental competition is often characterized by tough defensive play and lenient refereeing, which can work against a player of Santos’ star’s profile.
“Neymar is an extra factor, but for us the most important thing is getting the three points, which would give us a significant advantage,” said Matias Reali, another San Lorenzo player. “Of course, he’s a global star and you might ask him for a photo, but first we have to win the match.”
San Lorenzo defender Jhohan Romaña.
Santos prioritize the clash against San Lorenzo
While Santos are also competing in the Copa do Brasil and the Brazilian Serie A, their priority right now is the Copa Sudamericana. They have not started well in the competition, with one loss and one draw in their first two matches. That leaves them at the bottom of the group and in serious danger of elimination.
Given that context, Tuesday’s match is so important for the club that they decided to rest Neymar in Saturday’s league game against Bahia, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Head coach Cuca chose to go without his best player in a match that was also important, with Santos dangerously close to the relegation zone, in order to ensure he is fully fit for Tuesday.
Neymar returns to Argentina
At club level, Neymar has played in Argentina only once. It came during his first spell at Santos, when they lost 1-0 to Velez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires in the 2012 Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. In the second leg of that tie, the Brazilian side won by the same scoreline and then advanced on penalties.
The other seven times Ney has played in Argentina have been with the Brazil national team. Four came during the 2011 Copa America held in the country, where Brazil were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Paraguay. Two others were friendlies in 2011 and 2012, while the most recent was in 2015, during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Nate Tice, Matt Harmon & Charles McDonald grade the best & worst 2026 NFL draft classes. The guys start at the top by each revealing the draft classes they think deserve an A (shoutout to the Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens) before moving down the grade sheet to the teams that potentially flunked this year’s draft, including the Los Angeles Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams. The guys also cover their favorite day three selections.
Later, Nate, Matt & Charles use NFL IQ to analyze the top player-team fits of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, as they look at the perfect scheme fits for Sonny Styles & the Washington Commanders, Makai Lemon & the Philadelphia Eagles, Fernando Mendoza & the Las Vegas Raiders and Dillon Thieneman & the Chicago Bears.
(5:15) - Favorite draft classes
(21:00) - Least favorite draft classes
(34:10) - More draft superlatives, best day three picks
(46:00) - NFL IQ Insights: best player-team fits
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Ty Simpson of Alabama poses for a photo after being selected 13th overall by the Los Angeles Chargers during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Nick Gonzales had a go-ahead single in the 10th, Bryan Reynolds followed with a two-run single and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6-3 on Saturday night.
Henry Davis started the 10th at second for the Pirates against Angel Zerpa (0-2). Pinch-hitter Marcell Ozuna walked and Nick Yorke pinch ran for Ozuna. Reynolds singled to left to score Davis and chase Zerpa. Gonzales then hit a sharp single off Grant Anderson to drive in Yorke and Reynolds.
Gregory Soto (2-0) pitched the ninth, and Yohan Ramírez worked the 10th for his first save.
Milwaukee had a chance in the bottom of the eighth against Dennis Santana. Garrett Mitchell laced a two-out double and Sal Frelick was walked intentionally before Greg Jones struck out swinging.
Frelick had a pair of sacrifice flies for Milwaukee, the second off reliever Issac Mattson to tie 3 in the sixth.
Spencer Horwitz’ sacrifice fly in the sixth put the Pirates ahead 3-2. He also drove in a run with a single to center in the fourth. Rookie Konnor Griffin followed with his second hit in the game, a two-out run-scoring single.
The Brewers tied it in the fourth. Jack Bauers led off with a single and took second on left fielder Jack Mangun’s fielding error. Mitchell’s groundout scored Bauers.
Pirates starter Mitch Keller allowed three runs on five hits in five innings.
Brewers starter Jacob Misiorowski struck out nine for the second consecutive game but hit two batters who both scored. He allowed three runs on six hits and threw a wild pitch. The lanky right-hander hasn’t won since beating the Chicago White Sox 14-2 on Opening Day, a span of five starts.
Up next
RHP Carmen Mlodzinski (1-1, 3.28 ERA) was scheduled to starts for Pittsburgh on Sunday against LHP Kyle Harrison (1-1, 3.06).
Tony Stewart Says NHRA Success Depends on CrewMediaNews Group/Inland Valley Daily Bulletin via Getty Images - Getty Images
Tony Stewart’s championships have come in ever form of racing—open wheel, stock, and sprint cars—but the Indiana native says a drag racer’s crew plays a bigger role in a team’s success than the driver.
“Everything I drove before I got to drag racing, I was 70 percent of the equation,” Stewart explained. “If the car wasn’t a 100 percent right, there were things I could do with my hands and feet. I could manipulate it a little bit and I could sometimes band-aid it and make it better.”
However, it’s different in drag racing where Stewart says he’s only 30 percent of the equation.
“The tuners, the crew chiefs, those two crew chiefs with their computers. They’re the success or the failure of the race car itself,” Stewart said. “I still have that 30 percent of the equation of making sure I cut a good light, keep it in the groove, catch it if it spins or shakes too hard. At this part of my life, it’s fun for me to watch the crew… that’s the people that you’re excited for because you know how integral a part and how big a percentage of the success of that car is that group of guys.
MediaNews Group/Inland Valley Daily Bulletin via Getty Images - Getty Images
“Every time they’ve got to flip this thing and get it ready in 40 minutes to make the next run, one guy makes one mistake, he screws the whole run up and you’ve lost your chance to win. I feel like this is a much bigger team sport because … those crew guys that touch that race car, how big of an impact they make on it.”
Stewart won the season’s third NHRA Top Fuel event at the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip and he gave his Elite Motorsports team 24 hours to celebrate that organization’s first-ever Top Fuel victory. After finishing their at-track, post-race duties, they immediately headed to an In-N-Out Burger near the dragway.
“It didn’t have a sit-down lobby,” Stewart said. “It just had a walk-in, make your order and walk out. We filled the entire thing up to where nobody could come in and order if they wanted to. They finally locked the door behind us because it was closing time.”
Two weeks after the victory, Stewart found himself 12th fastest in the qualifying order for the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Concord, North Carolina, with a 3.808-second e.t., 328.91 mph. Shawn Langdon was the fastest, claiming the top qualifying position with a 3.674 e.t., 339.19 mph.
The Detroit Lions continue to build out their roster following the 2026 NFL Draft, and their latest addition brings both upside and intrigue.
According to a social media post from USC football, defensive lineman Anthony Lucas has signed with the Lions as a priority free agent.
A high-upside addition to the defensive line
Lucas arrives in Detroit with a unique background and plenty of untapped potential.
A former five-star recruit who began his career at Texas A&M before transferring to USC, Lucas steadily improved during his time with the Trojans. In 2025, he finished second on the team with 23 pressures, showing flashes of the disruptive ability that once made him one of the top recruits in the country.
Even more impressive?
Lucas is still relatively new to football, having not started playing until high school. That means his best football could still be ahead of him.
Strength and power define his game
At his core, Lucas is a power player.
He has the size and strength to hold up at the point of attack and uses heavy hands to engage blockers. As a pass rusher, he thrives when attacking gaps or driving directly through offensive linemen with force.
That “battering ram” style gives him a clear identity.
However, he is still developing as a complete pass rusher. His move set remains limited, and he will need to improve his technique and sequencing to consistently win at the NFL level.
A developmental fit in Detroit
This is exactly the type of move the Lions have leaned into.
General manager Brad Holmes and the coaching staff have consistently targeted players with strong physical traits and trusted their development system to bring out the best in them.
Lucas fits that mold perfectly.
If he continues to develop and refines his technique, he has the potential to become a reliable edge setter and rotational piece along the defensive line.
The bottom line
Anthony Lucas is not a finished product.
But he does not need to be.
The Lions are betting on traits, effort, and upside, and Lucas checks those boxes.
And if everything clicks, this could quietly become one of the more interesting additions of Detroit’s post-draft class.
Smith got an up close and personal look at his new quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, during their college days. Mendoza, the draft’s No. 1 overall pick, picked apart Smith and the Bruin defense in a 56-6 drubbing this past season.
Smith won’t be worried about Mendoza however, as now he’ll have to focus on earning a spot on an NFL roster, or even an NFL practice squad. The Raiders made 10 picks in this year’s draft but they didn’t focus too much on their interior defensive line, taking only Brandon Cleveland in the seventh round with the No. 229 overall pick.
Smith played five college seasons, spending his first two years with Duke before spending the next three with the Bruins in Westwood. The best statistical season in Smith’s college career came in 2023, when he posted 2.0 sacks, 3.0 tackles for losses and 21 tackles in 10 games.
UCLA was without Smith for the entire 2024 season due to an injury. Smith came back this year and appeared in all 12 games for the Bruins. Smith recorded 40 tackles but had only 0.5 sacks and 1.5 TFL.
Even though his college numbers were modest, at 6’2” and 340 lbs, Smith has the mass to get an opportunity at the NFL level. Now it’s just a matter of Smith making the most of his chance in training camp this summer.
The 2026 NFL Draft is over. The Washington Commanders welcomed six new players to the NFL, led by No. 7 overall pick, linebacker Sonny Styles.
Washington drafted a linebacker, wide receiver, edge rusher, running back, center and quarterback. Outside of quarterback, all were positions of need for the Commanders. So, with the NFL draft in the books, general manager Adam Peters can turn his attention to undrafted free agency.
Washington didn't draft a defensive back, and could look to add a cornerback and/or a safety as an undrafted free agent.
We’re tracking all of the Commanders’ moves in undrafted free agency, reporting every player they sign after the draft. Be sure to check back often for the latest updates.
The Washington Commanders are signing my client Quentin Moore (TE, Washington) to a rookie free agent deal. Has great size/athleticism and many teams were interested in his potential. Will receive a larger guarantee than most players drafted in the last few rounds.
Apr 25, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty (9) throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Jack Flaherty had zero command of anything in this one and was mauled for six runs in two innings of work. Even accounting for Flaherty’s usual rollercoaster nature, this is two in a row where he really couldn’t put the fastball remotely where he wanted it with any consistency. Kevin McGonigle and Spencer Torkelson homered early on, but the Tigers offense couldn’t put together a rally as they dropped their second in a row to the Reds in Cincinnati on Saturday.
This one started off auspiciously and in classic Great American Ballpark fashion, as Kevin McGonigle got a 1-0 sinker away from Brady Singer, and hammered it into the seats for his second major league home run. Perhaps he felt the pressure to maintain his lead in Baseball Reference’s WAR metric. Good to see his right hand was alright after getting hit last night.
Matt Vierling grounded out, but Colt Keith slapped a single up the middle and Riley Greene followed with an oppo roller to the left side that went for a hit as well. Dillon Dingler grounded one in the hole and the Reds could only get the out at second. So it was first and third with two outs to Kerry Carpenter. Singer fell behind in the count but eventually Carpenter flew out to end the inning, stranding two.
Jack Flaherty started his day by striking out TJ Friedl, but he quickly fell behind Matt McLain and walked him and did the same with Elly De La Cruz. Bad Jack continues, and in this park a lack of control is a disaster. I wrote that last sentence before Sal Stewart hammered a 1-1 slider down over the middle for a three-run shot and a 3-0 lead. Nathaniel Lowe launched a solo shot to make it 4-1. Flaherty still had just one out, and he was going to have to wear this. Spencer Steer would have to wear something as well, as he then got plunked, bringing Chris Fetter to the mound as this was trending toward a bullpen game as Flaherty was already over 30 pitches. Tyler Stephenson took a called strike three, and Will Benson whiffed on a knuckle curve to end the inning. 4-1 Reds.
The Tigers went in order, and Ke”Bryan Hayes started the bottom of the second by hammering a first pitch fastball to the wall in center field for a double. Friedl dropped a good bunt toward third base, but Colt Keith made a nice play to get him at first. Still, it did the job of advancing Hayes to third. Flaherty got away with a 3-2 meatball of a slider that McLain whiffed on. Flaherty’s velocity continued to swing wildly as his mechanics from 89.5-95.2 mph. De La Cruz got into a 2-2 count and smoked a curveball for a deep drive to center field. 6-1 Reds.
Even before De La Cruz’s homer, this was already looking like the kind of game where you just want Flaherty to take an absolute beating if that’s what it takes to get four innings out of him and not hurt the bullpen too much. Coming back to win wasn’t really in the cards unless Singer fell apart entirely. Stewart was called out on strikes, but it wasn’t really close, and a challenge quickly overturned that. After an 11 pitch AB, he snoked a hot grounder that McGonigle could only dive for and keep in the infield for a single. After back-to-back disasters, Dillon Dingler apparently remembered that you need to pitch Nate Lowe up and in, finally getting a ground out to end the inning as RHP Burch Smith warmed in the Tigers’ bullpen. I won’t bore you with Flaherty’s line. It suffices to say it sucked, and you had to think his night was already over.
McGonigle led off the third by lining a cutter to center field for a single. Matt Vierling lined out to right, and Keith made an oppo bid with a drive to left that just fell short for the second out of the inning. Riley Greene continues to swing it great, ripping a hot one-hopper through the right side for a single that got McGonigle to third. Singer did the right thing with Dingler, staying down away from him with breaking balls. A ground out to second ended the threat.
Burch Smith’s outing didn’t begin well as he walked Steer. The veteran right-hander’s power curve got Stephenson to lift a routine fly out, and he froze Benson with a fastball for strike three. Hayes whiffed on a good curveball down, and we were on to the fourth.
Kerry Carpenter was ahead in the count to open the inning, but he whiffed on a sinker on the outer edge. Spencer Torkelson however, got a first pitch heater and killed it to right center field for his fourth home run of the year and fourth in as many days. The Tigers record is five straight from Marcus Thames in 2008. 6-2 Reds. Nice to see an oppo shot. Tork’s approach has been very good this year and he’s finally reaping the rewards.
Wenceel Pérez has been putting the ball in play a ton with horrific luck, but he got a sweeper and pulled it to right for a one-out single. Javy Báez chased a sweeper and struck out. With two outs, we were looking for Pérez to run on a pitcher that doesn’t hold runners well, but the Tigers continue to be really conservative with the base stealing. McGonigle flew out to center field to end the half inning.
Friedl landed a little bloop double to start the bottom half, but Smith went through the heart of the Reds’ order without issue, striking out McLain along the way.
The Tigers failed to take advantage of Singer, going 1-2-3 in the fifth. After a good two innings from Smith, Tyler Holton took over. He got two quick outs before walking Tyler Stephenson. Former Tigers’ farmhand Dane Myers pinch-hit for Benson against the left-hander, taking over in center field. A 2-1 cutter from Holton got a grounder to Báez at second to end the inning.
Dingler lined out to left to open the sixth inning with Singer’s outing coming to an end. Carpenter singled to center, and that was it for Singer with Connor Phillips ready to enter the game. Phillips dumped three straight sweepers in and struck out Torkelson, while Pérez flew out to center field.
Hayes and Friedl started the bottom of the sixth with consecutive singles off of Holton, and that ended his outing. Connor Seabold got McLain to fly out, but he walked Elly De La Cruz. That brought Sal Stewart to the dish with the bases loaded and one out. Not good. Seabold fell behind 2-1 but got a whiff on a 95 mph heater to even the count. He tried it again, but Stewart inside outed a hot grounder into the hole. Báez dove and got some glove on it but it bounced into right field as two runs scored for an 8-2 lead. Hopefully you moved on with your Saturday night if you hadn’t already.
Seabold threw three straight balls to Nate Lowe, and then collapsed to the ground. Replay showed that he slipped on his lead leg when he landed. He tried a practice pitch, but had to leave the game. Drew Anderson had to speed through a warm up and come into a 3-0 count with runners on 2nd and 3rd. Anderson walked Lowe to load the bases, but induced a 4-6-3 double play from Steer to clean up the mess. Nicely done.
Assuming Seabold hits the IL, my guess is that Ricky Vanasco gets the call after a great start in Toledo. He’s already on the 40-man roster. Brenan Hanifee and LHP Drew Sommers are the other relief options.
RHP Graham Ashcraft took over from Phillips to open the seventh inning. Báez chased a slider away from strike three. McGonigle got a 1-0 98 mph cutter and smoked it to right field for a double. Matt Vierling drew a walk, but Keith tapped one to Ashcraft and the Reds pitcher fired to second and on to first for an inning ending double play. Keith was ruled safe, but the Reds successfully challenged it.
Anderson carved up Stephenson to start the bottom half, spotting a perfect kick change on the bottom rail for strike three, then froze Myers with a good fastball for the first two outs. Myers wasted a challenge but it was clearly a strike. Anderson dialed up 98.2 mph against Hayes, and then fired a curveball down for a whiff to strike out the side.
At this point, the only thing the Tigers could do for themselves is close the gap and force Terry Francona to use his better relievers. They did not manage it in the eighth. Lefty Sam Moll came on for Ashcraft and walked Riley Greene, but Dingler grounded into a double play. Jahmai Jones pinch hit for Carpenter, but struck out on a sinker running back under his hands.
Anderson left a 2-2 curveball over the middle to TJ Friedl to open the bottom of the eighth and he launched it for a solo shot. 9-2 Reds. He bounced back to strike out McLain, and then Javy Báez made a brilliant diving catch on a 115 mph line drive from De La Cruz. Anderson walked Sal Stewart, but whiffed Lowe on a good changeup to send this to the ninth. One run in 2.2 innings of work with five strikeouts for Anderson. Good to see him coming around in terms of his command.
Emilio Pagan took over to finish this one out. Torkelson grounded out, but Pérez lined a single to right. Hao-Yu Lee pinch-hit for Báez, which was a little ominous after that incredible play on De La Cruz’s laser beam in the eighth. Lee flew out to left, while Pagan fell behind McGonigle and fired a wild pitch that got Pérez to second. McGonigle needed a triple for the cycle, but spanked a line drive to Myers in center field to end it.
The Tigers fall a game behind first place Cleveland, who lost to Toronto on Saturday. They are 7-5 over this 13 day stretch without a day off. If they can make it 8-5 on Sunday behind Keider Montero, we’ll take it. The Tigers will face a pretty good young right-hander in Rhett Lowder at 1:40 p.m. ET.
The Patriots are expecting Morton to do more than fetch coffee after his impressive run at Texas Tech. He finished his career with 8,986 passing yards and 71 touchdowns. In 2025, he recorded 2,780 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions.
He was an Honorable Mention All-Big 12 selection for three consecutive years from 2023-2025.
Now, he'll start from scratch with a new challenge ahead in the NFL. He will most likely assume the third-string quarterback role behind Maye and Tommy DeVito. But like Maye and DeVito, he will be working with legendary offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, the quarterback whisperer for the greatest of all time, Tom Brady.
Even as a seventh-round pick, this is a tremendous opportunity for Morton.
CINCINNATI (AP) — Kévin Denkey scored twice in the first half to back Roman Celantano and FC Cincinnati blanked the New York Red Bulls 2-0 on Saturday night.
Denkey scored with assists from Pavel Bucha and Gerardo Valenzuela in the 40th minute. It was only the third time Cincinnati scored the first goal in a match this season. It was the third assist for both Valenzuela and Bucha. Valenzuela has already matched his career high set in 30 appearances in 2024.
Denkey scored on a penalty kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time for a two-goal advantage at halftime. The PK was awarded after Evander Da Silva Ferreira drew a foul on 19-year-old defender Joyeux Bungi. It was the sixth goal this season for Denkey, who scored 15 times in 29 appearances last season — his first in the league.
Celentano saved six shots. It was his second clean sheet of the season and his 37th in 128 career starts for Cincinnati (3-4-3).
Ethan Horvath had three saves for the Red Bulls (3-4-3), making his ninth start in his first season in the league.
Nineteen-year-old defender Tahir Reid-Brown made his MLS debut in the second half after being called up on a short-term loan from the Orlando City B squad.
The Red Bulls beat Cincinnati 4-2 at home on April 4 and have gone 0-3-1 since.
Cincinnati posted a pair of 1-0 victories over New York last season.
The New England Patriots have never been shy about unearthing players in fascinating places.
Like their latest addition, from NAIA school Culver-Stockton College.
Kyle Dixon is a wide receiver, and he's signing a $252,000 undrafted free agent deal with the Pats, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
He is quite the athlete:
NAIA to NFL: Former Culver-Stockton College WR Kyle Dixon is signing with the Patriots on a deal with $252,500 in guarantees.
Dixon (6-2, 220) posted a 40.5 vertical and 10-11 broad at Mizzou pro day. Repped by Hardik Sanghavi of Exclusive Sports Group. pic.twitter.com/Qgr2tR5QSl
The Yankees hit three solo shots and the bottom of the order had seven hits as New York extended their winning streak to eight games after an 8-3 win over the Astros on Saturday night in Houston.
New York used power, contact, good pitching and defense to keep the Astros off the board. They outhit Houston 12-7 and drew 10 walks, while Yankees pitching only allowed two walks.
Here are the takeaways...
-Ryan Weathers returned to the team from paternity leave and faced an uphill climb early. Carlos Correa led off the first with a double and eventually scored from third on a one-out single by Isaac Paredes.
The young left-hander would settle in, but the long ball would get Weathers in the sixth. Correa launched a solo shot to tie the game at 2-2. The Astros would hit Weathers hard, even on outs, and manager Aaron Boone noticed it, taking out Weathers with one out in the sixth and a runner on for Fernando Cruz.
Cruz walked Jose Altuve but bounced back to strike out Christian Walker and Yainer Diaz to get out of the inning and put an end to Weathers' night.
The Yankees southpaw tossed 86 pitches (56 strikes) across 5.1 innings, allowing two runs on six hits, no walks and striking out four.
-The Yankees haven't trailed much during their winning streak, but knotted things up in the third via a Trent Grisham solo shot over the Crawford Boxes. The Yankees would then take the lead thanks to a solo shot from Jose Caballero in the fifth. It's the second straight game Caballero has homered. Caballero also extended his hitting streak to seven games with a bunt single earlier in the game. That streak is tied for the longest of his career (2024 with the Rays).
-Austin Wells proved to be an unlikely hero, launching the team's third solo homer of the game, this time in the seventh to give the Yankees a 3-2 lead. The Yankees backstop had just one hit (1-14) over his last five games entering Saturday, and the homer was his first extra-base hit since April 11.
The Yankees would have a chance to add on. Caballero singled and Grisham walked, but Caballero was caught stealing third for the second time in this game. Ben Rice followed with a single and Aaron Judge walked, setting up Cody Bellinger with the bases loaded and two outs. Bellinger fell behind 1-2, but fought back to draw a walk and push across a big insurance run. Jazz Chisolm Jr. worked a walk as well to give the Yankees a 5-2 lead.
The Yankees would push across another run in the eighth on a Rice sac fly. The first baseman finished 3-for-4 and now has 21 RBI on the season. He's also leading the team with a .337 batting average. Well had an RBI single in the ninth and finished 2-for-3, his first multi-hit game since Opening Day (March 25). Wells entered the game with just two RBI and doubled it on Saturday.
Ryan McMahon got in on the fun with an RBI single to put the Yankees up 8-2. McMahon finished 2-for-5.
-Jake Bird, who returned to the team Saturday after Angel Chivilli was placed on the IL, was strong in his inning of work. He struck out a batter in a 1-2-3 inning on just nine pitches. Camilo Doval allowed a walk, but pitched a clean eighth. Tim Hill gave up a leadoff homer to Walker, but got the next three batters out to lock down the win.
Game MVP: Bottom of the order
Wells, McMahon and Caballero went a combined 7-for-13 with four RBI.
The 2022 Rochester High School graduate led the Illini with 70 catches for 864 yards and three touchdowns over his final season that included three 100-yard games in wins against Western Illinois, Duke, and Purdue.
The 5-foot-11 receiver and punt returner notably became the first Big Ten Conference performer to record a passing TD, rushing TD, receiving TD, and punt return TD in the same season since 2003.
He additionally broke Red Grange’s 102-year-old school record for most punt return yards in a game against WIU.
“I feel like I just make things happen when I have the ball in my hands,” said Beatty, who won All-Big Ten Third Team honors from coaches and media, not to mention Associated Press All-Big Ten Second Team as an all-purpose player despite ramped-up coverage.
Beatty wasn't alone in the Springfield area.
Kyle Dixon, a 2019 Carlinville High School graduate, also reportedly signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent.
Not unlike Beatty, Dixon also competed in the Hula Bowl after two seasons as a 6-4, 215-pound receiver at NAIA Culver-Stockton College in Missouri. He wrangled 143 catches for over 2,300 yards and 24 TDs over those two seasons.
Dixon was previously a pitcher at NCAA Division I schools Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville and NAIA Georgia Gwinnett College before shifting to football at Culver-Stockton in 2024, where he became the first wideout to record two seasons with 1,000-plus receiving yards.
In the Hula Bowl, Dixon recorded four receptions for 71 yards as the lone NAIA athlete.
Duke Tobin’s biggest draft move didn’t happen while the Cincinnati Bengals were on the clock.
It occurred last weekend when he acquired defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants for the 10th overall pick.
The Bengals added another pass rusher in the NFL draft by taking Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell in the second round. The additions of Howell and Lawrence, along with signing edge rusher Boye Mafe and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen at the start of free agency, give coach Zac Taylor more confidence in his defensive line’s ability to rush the passer.
“I’m really excited about the group we have. It’s a deep group, solid veterans with experience and youth that’s still developing with rookies that are now entering the mix,” Taylor said.
This is the second straight draft the Bengals have selected a player from Texas A&M with their first pick. The hope is that Howell has a better rookie season than Shemar Stewart, who played in eight games because of injuries and had one sack.
Howell comes in with a better resume than Stewart. He was tied for seventh in the Football Bowl Subdivision with 11 1/2 sacks and was the first Texas A&M player with at least 11 in a season since Myles Garrett in 2015.
The Bengals also added another defensive lineman with Navy’s Landon Robinson in the seventh round.
Lawrence’s trade and Howell’s selection allowed Tobin, the Bengals director of player personnel, to focus on other areas.
Washington cornerback Tacario Davis gives Cincinnati some depth as Dax Hill and DJ Turner enter the final year of their contracts.
Not only could Davis be a future starter, but he can contribute as a true man corner in specific matchups and on third downs in nickel and dime situations.
“We love cover guys,” Bengals executive Trey Brown said. “When you look at big, long athletic corners who can absolutely fly, he checks the box.”
Four of Cincinnati’s five selections on Saturday were on offense. They added depth at wide receiver by moving up late in the fourth round to select Georgia’s Colbie Young, added offensive linemen Auburn’s Connor Lew (fourth round) and Duke’s Brian Parker II (sixth round), and took Texas tight end Jack Endries early in the seventh round.
Star player at Navy
Robinson was Navy’s first AP first-team All-America selection in 40 years. He was the American Athletic Conference’s defensive player of the year and had 6 1/2 sacks.
Welcome home
Parker is a Cincinnati native who attended St. Xavier High School, which produced Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Luke Kuechly. About a decade ago, Parker remembers Bengals legend Anthony Muñoz giving a speech at his middle school. That memory ran through his head after being drafted by his hometown team.
While he played only tackle in college, Parker has the versatility to play all five positions on the offensive line. He takes pride in the consistent technique and footwork he demonstrated at Duke, which made him one of the more reliable offensive linemen in college football.
Due diligence on Young
Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said Young has the look of a starting wide receiver. He has a rare combination of size, speed, and catch radius that fits what the Bengals look for at receiver, such as Tee Higgins and Andrei Iosivas.
Young never filled up the stat sheet in college, but was an player whose 75% of catches last season turned into first downs or touchdowns.
Taylor said he conducted wide-ranging research to learn about Young’s character. Young was suspended in 2024, but Taylor stressed Georgia wanted him back on the roster for the 2025 season.
Making progress
The 20-year-old Lew is one of the youngest players in this entire draft class.
He expects to be ready for training camp as he rehabs from a torn ACL. The Bengals were impressed with how Lew stepped into the center role as a freshman at Auburn, playing in the SEC. He also impressed the team in the pre-draft process with his football IQ, ability to learn quickly, and communication skills, which he demonstrated in pre-draft meetings.
Lew also gives the Bengals depth at center with Ted Karras going into the final year of his contract.
___
Freelance reporter Charlie Goldsmith in Cincinnati contributed to this story.
NY Giants undrafted wide receiver Beaux Collins and quarterback Jaxson Dart | Getty Images
It’s been a long and complicated process, but the New York Giants 2026 draft class is set.
The Giants’ scouts and coaches have been working the phones since they made their final pick of the sixth round. This is when teams get to work recruiting undrafted free agents to sign with the Giants, and not one of the 31 other teams. Area scouts are leaning on the relationships they’ve built while traveling around their territory during the seasons, while position coaches are playing on the connections they made while working out and visiting with players during the draft process.
In a change from previous years, the Giants now have John Harbaugh. Harbaugh not only has a reputation as one of the best coaches in the world, but he’s also a charismatic and it doesn’t take him long to convince audiences of his earnest enthusiasm for the game of football.
We’ll get to see whether Harbaugh’s presence is a magnet for priority free agents, where they might have avoided an unstable coaching situation in previous years.
Undrafted wide receiver Beaux Collins made the Giants’ initial 53-man roster a year ago, and the Giants kept several on their practice squad throughout the year. Can the rookie free agents have a bigger impact this year?
The Minnesota Timberwolves entered Saturday with hopes of securing a 3-1 lead over the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
While the contest is still up for grabs, the franchise isn’t in good shape to come out victorious in front of their home crowd, as their star guard, Anthony Edwards, suffered a brutal lower body injury before intermission.
“Anthony Edwards appeared to take a knee-to-knee shot on that Cam Johnson drive to his left knee,” ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported on X/Twitter. “Needed help to get to the locker room.”
“Replay shows a hyperextension of Edwards' left knee. Brutal first half for the Timberwolves.”
Essentially, Edwards elevated to contest a Cameron Johnson layup late in the first half and landed awkwardly in the process. As Slater noted, it’s apparent that the 24-year-old superstar hyperextended his left knee, which isn’t great news for a Timberwolves squad that’s already without sharpshooting wing Donte DiVincenzo (he’s also dealing with a lower body setback).
While it’s unclear if Edwards’ latest injury will end his season, there’s already heavy speculation that he could miss significant time on the hardwood. Finding a way to squeeze out a win without Edwards and moving a step closer to advancing to the next round would go a long way toward eventually getting him back in the lineup.
For now, though, it isn’t far-fetched to suggest that things don’t appear promising for Minnesota.
Oct 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive back Malik Muhammad (5) celebrates after he intercepts a pass thrown by Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (not pictured) during the first half at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
With the No. 124 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears selected Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad.
After a surprising offensive-heavy approach on Day 2 in the draft, the Bears circled back towards the defensive side of the ball with their fourth-round pick in Muhammad. A top-100 player on my board, the Longhorns star is a battle-tested cornerback who declared for the NFL Draft a year early.
Incumbent starting cornerback Tyrique Stevenson is in the final year of his rookie contract, and he’s been pretty up and down over the course of his NFL career. Bringing in a player like Muhammad could not only put the writing on the wall on Stevenson’s time in Chicago, but he could push the latter for playing time in 2025.
As I’ve done since 2019, I put together a thread involving my analysis of each Bears draft selection, sharing some clips that highlight their strengths along the way. This year is certainly no different, so here’s my quick-hit evaluation of the Bears selecting Muhammad in Round 4.
Malik Muhammad is one of the scrappiest cornerbacks you’ll find in this draft.
He has the athleticism to stay with receivers stride for stride, and he’s competitive at the catch point to break up passes. #Bearspic.twitter.com/Ro8NlYo8LD
Here’s Malik Muhammad’s RAS card. Really good athlete with elite length.
The #Bears are all the way back. Tyrique Stevenson is on an expiring deal and hasn’t put it all together yet. I could see Muhammad replacing him in the starting lineup. pic.twitter.com/gDtSP5UisY
Smith began his collegiate career at Stanford, where he redshirted his freshman year. In his third season as a Cardinal and first as a starter, Smith missed the final 10 games of the season with an undisclosed injury, granting him a second redshirt. He was averaging 103 rushing yards per game, 31.5 receiving yards per game, and 2 touchdowns from scrimmage over his injury-shortened junior season.
After graduating with a top-tier education, Smith transferred to Aggieland for his final two collegiate years. He was stuck behind star RB Le'Veon Moss and Rueben Owens for both of his seasons at Texas A&M, but he was an excellent depth piece in an injury-prone backfield.
He rushed for 207 yards in 2024 and 205 in 2025, even though he received a 19% drop in carries in his final year as an Aggie. He averaged 4.7 yards per attempt and scored 4 TDs.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Sam on X:@Smallred25
With today’s results, Santos and Internacional are seriously at risk of dropping into the bottom four.
And the worst part (for Santos and Inter fans) is that they now depend on rivals Grêmio and Corinthians.
As for Cruzeiro, after spending the opening rounds at the bottom of the table, they have recovered in the league and can already see the “first page” getting closer.
In the first half of Game 4 against the Ottawa Senators, the Carolina Hurricanes lost their rookie defenseman, Alexander Nikishin, due to injury, which soon led to a line brawl and heightened physicality throughout the rest of the match. Though information was minimal, head coach Rod Brind’Amour still spoke to the media about him after the game.
Alexander Nikishin Injured in Second Period Against Ottawa Senators in Game 4
With 15:29 left on the second period clock, Alexander Nikishin hit the ice hard.
Senators defenseman Tyler Kleven had landed a massive hit on him – a blow which snapped Nikishin’s head back and knocked him off his feet. Immediately after, Andrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho converged on Kleven as the others on the ice found someone to tussle with.
As a major penalty on Kleven was called and went under review, head athletic trainer Doug Bennett rushed onto the ice to tend to Nikishin. He managed to stand on his own power, but as he went to skate away, he fell, being caught by Bennett and Seth Jarvis. Soon after, Shayne Gostisbehere skated over and assisted him off the ice alongside Jarvis.
After review, Kleven’s five-minute major penalty was rescinded, with only Jordan Spence receiving a minor penalty for roughing against Gostisbehere, and Svechnikov receiving two minor penalties against Kleven for roughing, giving the Senators the power play.
Head Coach Rod Brind’Amour’s Words Regarding Alexander Nikishin’s Injury After Game
“Nikishin, I don’t know, I can’t tell you,” Brind’Amour told the media. “That’s obviously a concussion there. Or certainly looked like one.
“So, I don’t have any definitive there on that one.”
Apr 25, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Tyler Black (7) high fives teammates in the dugout after scoring a run during the fourth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Three times in this baseball game, the Brewers—a team that hasn’t homered in almost a week—nearly hit a baseball out of the park to right field. But none of those balls made it over the wall, and while Milwaukee sparred with the Pirates and answered their runs throughout the first nine innings, they lacked the big hit to give them a lead. Then some bad bounces (and questionable management of relievers) went against them in the tenth, and the team’s slide hit four games.
The late dramatics came after a compelling showdown between the teams’ two starters, Jacob Misiorowski and Mitch Keller. Misiorowski had the goods early. His first pitch of the night clocked in at 102.6 mph, and he struck out the first two batters on a total of seven pitches. After Bryan Reynolds turned an 0-2 count into a walk, Miz struck out Ryan O’Hearn on three more fastballs, and he had struck out the side.
Keller’s first inning looked quite a bit different, but the results were similar. Brice Turang was frozen by a 2-2 curveball, William Contreras hit a lazy fly ball to right, and Jake Bauers struck out, too.
Nick Gonzales led off the second with the first hit of the game, a base hit to center on a 1-2 fastball that got too much of the zone. But three pitches later, Spencer Horwitz hit a grounder into the shift that ended up as a 5-4-3 double play. A strikeout of Jake Mangum ended the inning.
Tyler Black led off the bottom of the second and struck out looking on an 0-2 curveball that was overturned on a challenge by Pittsburgh catcher Henry Davis. Garrett Mitchell battled, fouled off a couple of high fastballs (which have given him trouble this year), and then smoked a line drive that almost beheaded Keller, but Konnor Griffin had him positioned perfectly and caught Mitchell’s 108 mph liner on the fly. Sal Frelick became the Brewers’ first baserunner of the night when he drew a two-out walk, but Greg Jones struck out on three pitches to end the inning.
Griffin started the third with a base hit to right, but Davis flew out to right and Misiorowski struck out Oneil Cruz and Brandon Lowe for the second time each, and for the second straight inning, a leadoff Pirate baserunner did not advance past first base.
David Hamilton tried to drop one of his patented bunts-for-hits down to start the bottom of the inning, but Gonzales was ready for it and threw him out by a half-step. Joey Ortiz drew a one-out walk (on a 3-2 pitch that might’ve been successfully challenged had the Pirates not lost one in the previous inning), and Turang hit a ball hard to center field but Cruz made a nice catch running back on the warning track on Turang’s 106 mph fly ball. Contreras struck out looking on a front-door sweeper, and Milwaukee still didn’t have a hit after three innings.
Miz’s first pitch of the fourth inning was a curveball that got away and hit Reynolds on the thigh. O’Hearn followed with a single to center, and the Pirates had two on and nobody out in the fourth. Gonzales hit a ball to Turang at second and he tagged O’Hearn for the first out but it wasn’t hit quite hard enough to turn two. Horwitz was the batter with runners on the corners and one out, and Miz got ahead 1-2 but Horwitz went up and got to a 100 mph fastball that was even just a little bot up out of the zone and hit an RBI single to center. Another fielder’s choice that was nearly a double play gave Misiorowski the second out, but Griffin came through with another RBI single and the Pirates had a 2-0 lead. Davis flew out to end the inning, but a struggling Brewer offense now had to come to Misiorowski’s aid.
A couple of bloopers gave the Brewers life in the bottom of the fourth. Milwaukee’s first hit of the game came when Bauers flipped one into no-man’s land in left center. But Magnum misplayed it, and Bauers ended up at second. Black was next, and he got jammed on the first pitch and hit one weakly down the left-field line that landed just out of the reach of a diving Magnum. Bauers, who had to wait to see if it would be caught, only made it to third, but Black was on second with a double and the Brewers were in business with nobody out.
Mitchell again managed to not strike out on a couple of high fastballs again, and a productive groundout middle got Black to third and scored Bauers for the Brewers’ first run since the seventh inning on Thursday. A sacrifice fly from Frelick tied the game, and Milwaukee’s offense had mustered a response to Pittsburgh’s two runs in the top of the inning. Jones scalded a ball at 109 mph with two outs but hit it right at Lowe, who was able to knock it down and throw him out to end the inning. Through four innings, the Brewers had three balls hit at 106 or higher that all went for outs, while their two hits came off the bat at 74 and 71 mph, respectively. Baseball.
Misiorowski responded nicely with a clean fifth inning in which he needed only ten pitches to get two groundouts and a strikeout to retire the top of Pittsburgh’s order. Turang picked up a two-out single in the bottom of the inning to break an 0-for-15 streak, but Contreras grounded out weakly on the first pitch and the score remained knotted at two as we headed to the sixth.
For the second time in three innings, Misiorowski hit the first Pirate batter of the inning, O’Hearn, with a pitch (though this one needed a replay review to confirm that), and just like in the fourth, the next batter, Gonzales, singled to follow that up. To make matters worse, a wild pitch with Horwitz at the plate moved both batters into scoring position with nobody out. Horwitz hit a fly ball to left that was deep enough to score O’Hearn, and an ill-advised throw to the plate by Jones also allowed Gonzales to move up to third with just one out. Misiorowski got a needed strikeout of Mangum, and another one of Griffin ended the inning, but Pittsburgh had retaken the lead.
Once again the Brewers were searching for an answer, and once again Bauers led off the inning with a hit, this time a single in between the shortstop and second baseman, and once again, Black followed with a blooper that landed in the outfield, this time for a single. Milwaukee had runners on first and second this time with nobody out, and that was it for Keller, who was pulled after five-plus innings and 93 pitches in favor of the righty Isaac Mattson.
Mitchell went after Mattson’s first pitch and hit a ground ball to second, which was not hit hard enough to turn a double play, so Milwaukee had runners on the corners with one out for Frelick. For the second straight at-bat, Frelick came through with a sac fly to right that tied the game. Jones, who continued to have some rough luck, hit a solid line drive to center but Cruz caught it and the inning ended. For the second time, though, the Brewers answered the Pirates, and the game was again tied as it headed to the seventh.
Misiorowski was taken out of the game after six pretty good innings; the two HBPs didn’t help him and he gave up a few poorly timed somewhat tough-luck hits, but he only walked one, he struck out nine, and he completed six innings for just the second time on the season. Aaron Ashby was the chosen arm out of the bullpen, and he quickly got the first two outs before Lowe singled to center. No trouble, though, as Ashby struck out Reynolds looking to end the inning.
Luis Rengifo came off the bench to hit for Hamilton to counter lefty Mason Montgomery in the bottom of the seventh. He got a couple of good fastballs to hit but could merely foul them off, then he struck out on a 2-2 breaking pitch. Ortiz grounded out, but Turang drew a two-out walk to give Contreras an opportunity versus the lefty. Contreras got into a hitter’s count and drove one deep to right… but it held up just in front of the wall for Reynolds, and Montgomery escaped the inning.
Ashby kept going in the eighth and struck out O’Hearn looking to start the inning, with an assist from Contreras and the ABS challenge system. Gonzales struck out, too, and Ortiz made a nice pick on a hard one-hopper from Horwitz to end the inning.
What amounted to one pitch after Contreras flew out to the wall in right, Bauers did the same to lead off the bottom of the eighth, on the first pitch against the new Pittsburgh pitcher Dennis Santana. Black popped out, but with two outs Mitchell nearly gave the Brewers a late lead. He hit a fly ball that hit just below the yellow line on the top of the wall in right-center, but had to settle for a double. Frelick had an opportunity to put the Brewers ahead with his third RBI of the night, but he was walked on three pitches (intentionally after the third), and it came down to Jones. Santana spammed sliders until Jones struck out on the seventh pitch, and sixth slider, of the at-bat.
Garrett Mitchell was thiiiiis close to giving the Brewers the lead and snapping their home run drought, which started Sunday in Miami.
Anxious to end a three-game slide, the Brewers went to Abner Uribe in the top of the ninth. Uribe’s first pitch, to Mangum, was grounded to second for an easy first out. Griffin struck out looking (and burned Pittsburgh’s second challenge in doing so), and Davis flew out to Frelick in right. Pittsburgh sent lefty Gregory Soto to the mound to try to get the game to extra innings. Rengifo flew out to left, Ortiz popped out, and Turang struck out looking. Soto succeeded.
Even though Uribe had only thrown eight pitches in the ninth, it was the struggling Ángel Zerpa to face the lefty-heavy top of the Pirates’ order in the tenth. Cruz did Zerpa a favor by swinging and missing at a 2-0 pitch that was quite a ways inside, and Zerpa came back to strike Cruz out after that. Pittsburgh countered the Zerpa move by pinch-hitting Marcell Ozuna for Lowe, and Ozuna drew a walk (and was pinch-run for by Nick Yorke). Not the end of the world, as it set up a double play with one out, and Zerpa did get a ground ball, but Reynolds hit it where there weren’t any fielders, and Pittsburgh took a 4-3 lead. A chopper back to the mound bounced too high to get a double play—or even a lead runner—but Zerpa did get the second out. Pat Murphy opted for Grant Anderson to face Gonzales, and it did not work; Gonzales hit a 1-1 single that plated both runners and made it 6-3. A fly ball to right ended the inning, but the Brewers, who were just a couple of luckier bounces or a couple of better pitches from getting it to the bottom of the tenth tied, were facing a daunting task.
The Pirate pitcher was Yohan Ramírez (remember him?). The Brewers went quietly, as Contreras grounded out and Bauers and Black struck out.
It’s been a rough week for the Brewers. Go get ‘em tomorrow, I guess. Black did have two hits including a double, which was nice, though both of those hits were softly hit. Mitchell made good contact a couple of times tonight, but his evening will be remembered for just missing a go-ahead homer. Bauers had a couple of hits. Misiorowski was mostly pretty good, but still couldn’t escape that one big inning that tends to plague him. Ashby and Uribe pitched well out of the bullpen.
Milwaukee will look to salvage a game tomorrow at 1:10 p.m., when Carmen Mlodzinski faces Kyle Harrison.
Heading into his third season at the helm, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko's preseason premonition was that the Aggies would see at least ten or more players selected in the 2026 NFL draft, and after Saturday's third and final day of the annual event, a record ten Aggies heard their names called, led by first-round selection, and star wide receiver KC Concepcion, who is headed to join the Cleveland Browns.
In the second round, former starting left guard Chase Bisontis and unanimous All-American edge Cashius Howell were immediately off the board, as the New Jersey native will likely start for the Arizona Cardinals during his rookie season, while Howell joins Texas A&M pass rusher Shemar Stewart in Cincinnati.
However, nothing matches Jacksonville's shocking selection of tight end Nate Boerkircher in the second round with the 56th overall pick, who also picked veteran defensive tackle Albert Regis in the third round, joining current starting safety and former Texas A&M standout Antonio Johnson.
Defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim (Denver Broncos) and reliable left tackle Trey Zuhn III (Las Vegas Raiders) were off the board in the third round, and on the third and final day, former star cornerback Will Lee III joins former safety Demani Richardson and edge Nic Scourton in Carolina, and will look to earn a rotational spot with the Panthers next season.
Finishing out the historic weekend, starting right tackle Dametrious Crownover was selected in the 6th round by the New England Patriots, while starting right guard Ar'maj Reed-Adams was the final Aggie selection in the 7th round, joining the Buffalo Bills.
For the first time since 1976, when there were 10 rounds, Texas A&M's 10 draft selections are just the start of Mike Elko's tenure. Just minutes after Mr. Irrelevent was announced, several former Texas A&M starters and reserves signed with NFL teams as undrafted free agents. Here is the running list.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo were injured in the first half of Game 4 of Minnesota's playoff series against Denver on Saturday night, leaving the Timberwolves without both of their starting guards.
Edwards' left knee appeared to buckle as he landed after contesting a layup late in the second quarter. He was helped to the locker room and did not return.
DiVincenzo appeared to injure his lower right leg in the game’s opening minutes when he slipped to the court as he raced to chase a ball. He immediately waved to the bench for help and put little to no weight on his right foot as he was helped to the locker room. The Timberwolves said DiVincenzo would miss the remainder of the game.
Edwards averaged a team-high 23.0 and 8.0 rebounds as the sixth-seeded Timberwolves took a 2-1 lead over Denver. DiVincenzo averaged 14.3 points and made 11 of 22 3-pointers in the first three games.
The Orlando Storm spotted the St. Louis Battlehawks 25 points Saturday night before they finally woke up.
Thanks to a couple of lucky breaks mixed with the Storm finally starting to execute on offense, Orlando started to make a game of this one, but the would-be rally was short-lived, and the Storm suffered their first loss of the season 25-17.
Orlando gained just 29 offensive yards in the first half to St. Louis’ 244 and a rally certainly looked unlikely with the Battlehawks taking a 25-0 lead with 11:52 left in the third quarter.
Orlando took advantage of a huge personal foul penalty after Elijhah Badger had caught a 13-yard pass from Jack Plummer and was standing out of bounce. He was leveled by Battleshawks’ player Trey Dean III, and the result was 28 yards on the play and finally Orlando had some momentum.
Plummer kept the drive alive with a huge 13-yard run on a 4th-and-1 play and two plays later he found Badger for the Storm’s first touchdown of the game to pull Orlando within 25-7 with 7:17 left in the third quarter.
The breaks kept coming for Orlando. The Storm forced St. Louis to punt on the next series and due to a huge rush, the Storm pushed blocker Kevon Latulas backward and punter Ryan Sanborn kicked the ball right into the back of Latulas.
The ball rolled backward to the St. Louis 1-yard line, and Elijah Dotson punched it in to pull Orlando within 25-14, with 5:20 left in the third.
Orlando failed to take advantage of a Nate Meadors interception in the fourth quarter and a field goal by Michael Lantz with 1:52 left in the game was all the Storm had left. A late rally inside two minutes fell short and Orlando lost for the first time.
More to come. Check back for players and coach reaction.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 13: Aljamain Sterling looks on during his featherweight fight at T-Mobile Arena on April 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is live TONIGHT (Sat., April 25, 2026)with UFC Vegas 116, streaming live online via Paramount+. The event goes down in the comfy confines of META APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is our second trip to the APEX this month. The main event tonight sees top-ranked Featherweights looking to break into the 145-pound title picture with Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal.
UFC Vegas 116 Preview
Tonight’s APEX card is what we’ve come to expect — a mildly interesting main event and then lots of fights with newcomers and Contender Series grads. The main event highlights the Featherweight division this week with both Sterling and Zalal hoping to score a win that might get them over the top in the division. Both men are on win streaks. Zalal’s is longer, while Sterling’s has better names on it. Both are likely losing out to Movsar Evloevin the title fight sweepstakes, but a win here might help one of them become the next man up.
The co-main event is Norma Dumont vs. Joselyne Edwards. Only the hardcores probably recognize both these names and have any kind of recollection of how they fight. Both are eager strikers, though, who love to get into brawls. They are both on good win streaks, too. The women’s Bantamweight title is stuck in the mud right now (thanks to Kayla Harrison’s injury); therefore, it’s hard to tell where anyone else stands. That being said, a win for Dumont and Edwards would be very helpful in pushing them a little closer to the title picture.
The rest of the main card features interesting match-ups, albeit with relatively unknowns. Rafa Garcia vs. Alexander Hernandez, Davey Grant vs. Adrian Luna Martinetti and Montel Jackson vs. Raoni Barcelos should all be fun scraps. There’s also Marcus Buchecha vs. Ryan Spann, which could get weird.
Rodolfo Vieira vs. Eric McConico is our featured “Prelims” fight. Both those guys are coming off knockout losses. UFC Vegas 116’s “Prelims” also feature Jackson McVey vs. Sedriques Dumas and Jafel Filho vs. Cody Durden.
UFC Vegas 116 Start Date and Time
It’s the usual start times (more on that here) for UFC’s latest trip to “Sin City.” Checkout those below:
UFC Vegas 116’s “Prelims” will begin at 5 p.m. ET.
UFC Vegas 116’s main card is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET.
All of UFC Vegas 116 airs on Paramount+, which you can stream here.
The live blog here starts rolling below at 5 p.m. ET. Come in and say hi!
UFC VEGAS 116 QUICK RESULTS
Main card
135 lbs.: Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal
135 lbs.: Norma Dumont vs. Joselyne Edwards
155 lbs.: Rafa Garcia def. Alexander Hernandez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
135 lbs.: Davey Grant def. Adrian Luna Martinetti by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
135 lbs.: Raoni Barcelos def. Montel Jackson by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
265 lbs.: Ryan Spann def. Marcus Buchecha by KO (punches), round 2 (2:10) — HIGHLIGHTS
Prelims
185 lbs.: Eric McConico def. Rodolfo Vieira by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
185 lbs.: Jackson McVey def. Sedriques Dumas by submission (D’arce choke), round 1 (2:14) — HIGHLIGHTS
135 lbs.: Cody Durden def. Jafel Filho by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
155 lbs.: Francis Marshall def. Lucas Brennan by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
170 lbs.: Victor Valenzuela def. Max Griffin by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
115 lbs.: Talita Alencar def. Julia Polastri by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
UFC VEGAS 116 PLAY-BY-PLAY UPDATES
Main Card
Rafa Garcia vs. Alexander Hernandez
Round 1: There wasn’t a lot of action in this round. Garcia held the center, though, and had the slight edge in the striking exchanges. He also landed a big takedown.
10-9 Garcia
Round 2: Garcia hit a great grove in this round. He continued to command the center and also tagged Hernandez over and over again, countering Hernandez’s jab. He bloodied Hernandez up a lot in this round.
20-18 Garcia
Round 3: Garcia managed to press Hernandez into the cage for most of this round, thus securing himself the decision. He did manage to land good shots whenever there was separation, though. This was a very complete performance from him, to end Hernandez’s winning streak.
30-27 Garcia
Official decision: Rafa Garcia def. Alexander Hernandez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Davey Grant vs. Adrian Luna Martinetti
Round 1: Grant landed over a dozen good leg kicks and thus out landed Martinetti a lot on the significant strike count. However, Martinetti landed the better punches thanks to his head movement and hand speed advantages. Even so, Grant was moving forward a lot and looking very aggressive. That should give him the round.
10-9 Grant
Round 2: Martinetti upped the intensity in the second round and threw lots of combos Grant’s way. He landed some nice uppercuts and elbows. But Grant responded with some big overhand rights. Grant also continued his leg kick assault, forcing Martinetti to fight in his opposite stance. That was a very close round to score, but I think Martinetti did more damage — especially with those elbows.
19-19
Round 3: Martinetti showed a lot of urgency in the third round. He tried to chase Grant and land combos, but he got chewed up with counter punches. Those counters were the hardest shots of the round. Martinetti tried to switch things up late with a takedown, but it wasn’t enough to win him the fight.
29-28 Grant
Official decision: Davey Grant def. Adrian Luna Martinetti by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Montel Jackson vs. Raoni Barcelos
Round 1: Jackson cracked Barcelos early and then swarmed him for what could have been an early finish. Barcelos was able to survive, though. Barcelos, once recovered, then landed a takedown. But Jackson was able to get up without taking any damage. Barcelos would come back and get another takedown and then get a decent bout of top position time. That’s not enough to outweigh the damage Jackson did to his right eye with punches, though.
Round 2: Jackson was able to snipe Barcelos with a few nice shots. But they weren’t enough to deter Barcelos, who kept marching forwards, grabbing a leg and scoring control time and/or takedowns. Jackson was able to explode out from under him a few times, but ended up stuck at the end of the round.
Round 3: Jackson’s workrate dipped at the beginning of this round. Barcelos kept working, though, moving forwards and looking to get connected and drag Jackson down. He managed to get Jackson down with a foot sweep, but couldn’t keep him down very long. Barcelos then scored a single leg takedown, but again Jackson was able to spring up. He then got a body lock takedown and was able to finish the round on Jackson’s back.
29-28 Barcelos
Official decision: Raoni Barcelos def. Montel Jackson by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Marcus Buchecha vs. Ryan Spann
Round 1: Spann did a good job of tagging Buchecha during Buchecha’s takedown attempts and sprawling to stay out of danger. At one point he did hang out a little too long with Buchecha on the ground and almost got swept. After that Spann was a lot more cautious and forced Buchecha to work harder to close the distance on him. Buchecha looked a little tired, as a result.
10-9 Spann
Round 2: Spann continued to sprawl and block takedowns, using the threat of his guillotine to back Buchecha off. After that Buchecha tried his luck at standing with Spann. Spann stepped in and landed a huge one-two that send Buchecha across the cage and out.
WOW 🤯@Superman_Spann shows off his power with a THUNDEROUS RD2 KO!
Official decision: Ryan Spann def. Marcus Buchecha by KO (punches), round 2 (2:10)
Prelims
Rodolfo Vieira vs. Eric McConico: Vieira scored an early knockdown and then got deep on a few submission attempts, but McConico was able to survive. Vieira spent the rest of the first trying to get McConico down again, but struggled to do so against the fence. In the second McConico did a good job of keeping the fight standing and in the center of the cage. That resulted in him landing a lot of heavy shots to Vieira’s face. The third round was much like the second, earning McConico a pretty comfortable decision.
Official decision: Eric McConico def. Rodolfo Vieira by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Jackson McVey vs. Sedriques Dumas: McVey dropped Dumas early with an uppercut to the ear. He tried to get a TKO with ground shots, but Dumas defended them well enough. That forced McVey to switch it up and go for a D’arce choke for the win.
FIRED UP 🔥
Jackson McVey leaves no doubt with a RD1 submission victory!
Official decision: Jackson McVey def. Sedriques Dumas by submission (D’arce choke), round 1 (2:14)
Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Michelle Montague: Montague looked like a beast in the first round, dumping Bueno Silva down and then beating her up on the ground. In the second she let Bueno Silva stand with her too long and ended up getting hurt and tired. Bueno Silva let her off the hook, though, by choosing to grapple. Montague was able to recover some energy during those moments. In the third she got the early takedown and was able to ride out the fight, on the ground, to get the decision.
Official decision: Michelle Montague def. Mayra Bueno Silva by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Jafel Filho vs. Cody Durden: Durden managed to survive Filho’s best grappling attacks and land some good shots on the feet. Filho looked tired in the third, and pivotal, round and Durden was able to get the upper hand in the wrestling positions. I had Durden winning 29-28 and scoring the big upset.
Official decision: Cody Durden def. Jafel Filho by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Francis Marshall vs. Lucas Brennan: Brennan brought wrestling to the dance and Marshall brought better wrestling. Marshall dominated the newcomer and also showed off better striking on the feet.
Official decision: Francis Marshall def. Lucas Brennan by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Max Griffin vs. Victor Valenzuela: Valenzuela’s power punching caused Griffin lots of problems. Griffin gave a good account of himself early, mixing striking with his superior wrestling. But the damage caught up to him down the stretch and Valenzuela took over.
Official decision: Victor Valenzuela def. Max Griffin by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Talita Alencar vs. Julia Polastri: There was too much slipping and not enough ripping for Polastri in this one. She gave Alencar lots of time and space to tee off with her jab. Alencar landed a couple of takedowns, too, to steal this on my scorecard.
Official decision: Talita Alencar def. Julia Polastri by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
For more UFC Vegas 116: “Sterling vs. Zalal” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.
The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books and where this draft class lacked the volume of elite prospects, there were players with starting-caliber skills taken well into the third draft. Several teams took aggressive approaches to filling needs, while others kept things more conservative opting for the best player on the board. There were plenty of hits and plenty of misses and while some teams looked like they had insider information, other teams looked lost.
Here are our snap judgment draft grades for all 32 teams.
Apr 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher Walbert Urena (57) pitches during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Kauffman Stadium.
For the Los Angeles Angels, it was a difficult night for Walbert Ureña. The right-hander lasted just 3 ⅔ innings, surrendering six hits and four earned runs while walking four and striking out three. He needed 81 pitches to get through his outing, landing only 44 for strikes.
This marked Ureña’s second start since being recalled and transitioning from the bullpen; the growing pains were evident. His command wavered throughout the outing, with walks and deep counts preventing him from settling into any sort of rhythm.
Walks Create Early Trouble
The biggest issue for Ureña was his inability to consistently throw strikes. Free passes and hitter-friendly counts allowed Kansas City to generate traffic early and often. That added pressure mounted quickly, forcing Ureña to pitch out of jams and ultimately shortening his night.
Allowing extra baserunners proved costly, as the Royals capitalized on those opportunities and built a lead the Angels could not recover from.
Defensive Miscues Add to Problems
The Angels didn’t do themselves any favors defensively, as sloppy play from the infield compounded their pitching issues.
Zach Neto and Oswald Peraza each committed errors, with Peraza charged with a fielding miscue and Neto a throwing error. Those mistakes would extend innings and create additional opportunities for Kansas City.
On the other side, Cole Ragans delivered a dominant performance for the Kansas City Royals. The left-hander worked six strong innings, striking out 11 and keeping the Angels’ offense largely in check.
Los Angeles managed just one run against Ragans, coming in the fourth inning on a solo home run by Jo Adell - his fourth of the season. Outside of that swing, the lineup struggled to generate consistent offense or apply pressure.
Bullpen Can’t Contain Damage
The Angels’ pitching troubles didn’t end with Ureña. Sean Anderson, typically a reliable multi-inning option, faltered in relief. He allowed four hits and three runs (two earned) over one inning of work, along with a walk and one strikeout.
On top of those struggles, the Angels would see a similar situation from Jordan Romano, who would let up four earned runs in the eighth, and from there, it certainly left the game out of reach for the Angels.
Series Outlook and What’s Next
With the loss, the Angels fall to 12–16 and remain in fourth place in the AL West. It also marks their second defeat in the series against Kansas City.
They’ll look to salvage the finale with Reid Detmers taking the mound against Seth Lugo. Detmers is coming off a six-inning outing in which he allowed four earned runs while striking out five against the Blue Jays. The Angels will need him to provide stability and length as they aim to avoid a sweep before heading into their next series against the Chicago White Sox.
Farewell night! The last dance for Mazatlán and Tigres
Mazatlán ended its Liga MX campaign in painful fashion, suffering a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Tigres at the Estadio Universitario on the final matchday of the Clausura 2026 regular season.
From the first half, Tigres’ dominance was evident thanks to the clinical finishing of Juan Brunetta, who opened the scoring in the 15th minute.
The match also carried special emotion due to the tribute and farewell from the fans to André-Pierre Gignac, who left to a standing ovation in his final regular-season match at "El Volcán."
The second half was a true nightmare for the visitors, as Tigres picked up the pace and put the game to bed within minutes. Ángel Correa doubled the lead in the 58th minute, followed shortly after by Brunetta’s second goal of the night in the 63rd.
Although Gabriel López managed to score a consolation goal for Mazatlán in the 78th minute, the response from the Monterrey side was ruthless, with goals from Diego Sánchez and Ozziel Herrera sealing the final five-goal rout.
With this result, Tigres secured direct qualification to the Liguilla with this show of strength, while the team from the Pearl of the Pacific will have to undergo a deep restructuring ahead of next year to avoid once again being a stepping stone for title contenders.
Alabama running back Jam Miller has been drafted by the New England Patriots.
Miller is an extremely talented running back despite struggling in the Tide’s backfield last season. The former Crimson Tide back was selected with the No. 245 overall pick in the seventh round on Saturday, as Miller will look to fight his way towards a roster spot throughout training camp this summer.
Miller recorded 504 yards and three touchdowns during his fourth and final season in Tuscaloosa last year, as the former Alabama star will look to shine throughout his career in New England.
Miller was widely regarded as one of the top overall players available on the board prior to the Patriots drafting him. The running back has elite speed and athleticism given his size, and Miller could potentially emerge as New England’s third string running back in 2026.
Alabama has seen a plethora of talent selected during the NFL draft in Pittsburgh this weekend, as Miller will officially find himself in New England for his rookie campaign next season.
There was a recent poll circulated on social media that asked fans if they believed they could draft better than their favorite team.
The results were stunning, but actually not surprising when acknowledging the level of delusion that exists.
The best example is that 37 percent of Seattle Seahawks fans claimed they could do a better job evaluating talent. Yes, the Seahawks. The recent Super Bowl winner that has been led by one of the best general managers in the sport, John Schneider, who has been at his job since 2010.
Which brings us to the Arizona Cardinals, whose fanbase understandably hasn’t had much faith in the decision-makers for many decades, dating back to their days in St. Louis.
Thus, the loud critics were out in force after the Cardinals selected quarterback Carson Beck with the first pick of the third round on Friday.
One reality is they might be right. Another is that no one truly knows what the future holds. Yet another is that Mike LaFleur was hired as head coach for his offensive acumen, so it’s best at this point to trust his judgment.
General manager Monti Ossenfort did the talking early in the media briefing after the pick, saying, “We spent a lot of time with Carson. We met with him at the Combine. Brought him in on a 30 visit. There was no shortage of tape to evaluate on Carson. Carson's played a lot of ball. Banked a lot of reps. Carson played a lot in big-game environments. Played in a lot of intense environments in the SEC, those stadiums, those loud screaming, wild, rabid fans of the SEC.
“And then, the highest stage that he could play on in the national championship this year, all those playoff games. I think a lot of things sold us on Carson and we’re excited to add him to our room.”
Beck also discussed the big games he’s played in and having 43 starts during his college career.
“I think that will really help as I head into this next level,” he said. “Obviously, it’s super different and I’ve got to put my nose to the grindstone and work and that’s something that I’ve always done and something that I’ll continue to do and make sure that I have the right approach. I think that experience really helps me, but again we’re starting from scratch, we’re starting brand new and I’m ready for this opportunity.”
Ossenfort was present for Miami’s semifinal win over Ole Miss at State Farm Stadium when Beck completed 23 of 37 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns.
Ossenfort noted how Beck was able to “answer the bell, lead his team.” He added, “Carson’s been productive the whole step of his career at different spots, and that game was no different.”
In addition to his experience, Ossenfort said, “He's big, he's tough, he's strong, he stands strong in the pocket, not afraid to take a hit in the pocket. He's got good arm strength. He can drive the ball down the field. Good accuracy, good production. Those are all things that we like.”
Beck was asked what he views as his strengths and said, “I think the mental side of the game is my strength. Just from a processing standpoint, to being able to win from pre-snap and understanding the guys that you have around you. I'm not going to kill anybody with my legs. I'll be able to make plays when I need to, but when you have so much talent around you, being able to utilize that talent and getting the ball in their hands is really the most important thing as a quarterback. And I feel like that's something I've been able to do well over my years in college and hopefully something that I continue to do at the next level.”
When Ossenfort was asked about some struggles Beck had last season when pressured and why that was supposedly “overlooked,” he said, “Listen; we look at everything with the player. A lot has been made (of that), but we look at the tape and we evaluate him and his performance and the guy's performed. The guy's won a lot of games and we’re excited to add him.”
When a question was finally directed to LaFleur about what stood out about Beck, he said, “I think a lot of the things that Monti was just saying. He's a big solid dude, right? I mean, he's 6-4, he's 235 pounds. I mean, he looks the part, right? And that doesn't mean that that's the end-all, be-all by any means. Natural thrower like he was just saying. He's tough. I think one of the coolest things about him, especially spending some time with him; he's been through those big games, but he's been through some adversity, too, and that's well documented. It's out there.
“And I think he's gotten better from it. I wasn't there through that journey through the last few years, but just being able to get to know him and really spend some time; I really enjoyed my time with him. I know Monti did as well. I know our building did. So, there's a lot of cool things that we're excited about working with him.”
Ossenfort was then asked how much a part of the evaluation is that big-game experience.
He said, “When you see a player who has had big-game experience, you know when they make this transition to the NFL, there's more hope that it's not going to be too big for him. So, it's not going to be (like) a deer in the headlights. They go into hostile environments and so I think that's always good. I mean, the NFL, there's no bigger stage and so I think the transition is a little bit smoother for them.”
LaFleur also believes Beck’s specific experience will help him with the scheme.
“It's cool because you can evaluate his tape at Georgia and Miami, all the things that we've been talking about, the big-game experience, all those kind of things. But he's run what you would say ‘quote, unquote’ is an NFL-style system. You watch the Miami national championship game and you have to see him clicking through progressions against a really good defense in Indiana. It's nothing against any other quarterbacks. It's just he was given the opportunity to kind of be in more of a similar system as to what most NFL offenses do.”
Beck likes what he has experienced so far with LaFleur, saying, “Just very calm, cool, collected. He seemed like a competitor. Someone that is a fierce competitor but also a team guy. (He) seemed very relational, something that it sounded like he stood on and again just talking ball with him you can just tell the football knowledge. And obviously that’s what I love.
“I’ve played football for a long time and getting around guys that really understand the game and really care about their guys is really important to me. It was really cool to have that visit, get to meet them and now ultimately have this opportunity.”
What he does with that opportunity will determine what it looks like a few years from now, not what anyone says minutes after the choice.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
Moss backed up Williams with the Trojans, and then when Williams was drafted in 2024, Moss became his replacement.
In that lone season as USC's starter, Moss threw for 2,555 yards (64.4 completion percentage) with 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
After the 2024 campaign, he transferred to UofL to play for the Cardinals.
There, he threw for 2,679 yards (64.2%) with 16 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Moss ran for nine touchdowns in 2025, as well.
He was once a solidly regarded recruit, and he got plenty of experience at two high-level college football programs.
Moss doesn't have the overall traits to have been drafted, and he's highly unlikely to break through into a depth chart spot held by Williams and his backup, Tyson Bagent.
But if Moss has a quality offseason, he can compete for a QB3 job in Chicago. His relationship with Williams may be a plus.
The Chargers were able to fill needs up front for both sides of the ball with three of their first four picks.
The team’s front office also managed to execute multiple trades on Day 2 of the trade to produce a stockpile of picks to use on Day 3.
The Chargers’ draft class consists of eight total players, with six of those selections coming on Day 3. The team did not make a pick in the third or seventh round.
Wheeler cruised through his first three innings, allowing just one hit and one walk in 35 pitches. But in a 36-pitch fourth inning, Wheeler gave up two runs on two hits and two walks. He stranded runners on second and third by striking out Mauricio Dubón and Mike Yastrzemski to end the inning. He pitched a clean fifth inning and was pulled for Tanner Banks.
There were questions regarding Wheeler's velocity prior to Saturday. His fastball did not reach 95 mph in any of his five rehab starts after he averaged over 96 mph last season. Phillies manager Rob Thomson said he was confident Wheeler could still be highly effective.
“He typically has really good command. So I think if he’s 94-95 (mph) and it’s building, it’s going to build back up,” Thomson said before the game. “I’ve got confidence in that if he’s anywhere in that range, he’ll be fine.”
Wheeler's velocity was not an issue Saturday. In his 20-pitch first inning, Wheeler exceeded 95 mph 11 times.
Wheeler struck out Ronald Acuña Jr. twice — once with a 96.5 mph fastball and the second time with an 82.8 mph sweeper. He had five whiffs in three hitless at-bats against the Braves star.
Wheeler, 35, is in his seventh season with the Phillies. The Atlanta native has finished runner-up for the Cy Young Award twice and has been an All-Star three times during his first six seasons in Philadelphia after coming over from the New York Mets.
During the Los Angeles Rams' Week 7 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, Sean McVay pulled out his solution to injuries affecting Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell. His 13 personnel offense, which is a personnel group that consists of one running back, one wide receiver, and three tight ends, revolutionized offensive theory within the sport.
Most rosters are built to execute and defend against 11 personnel offenses – offenses with three wide receivers, skewing more often toward the pass. Thanks to the physical mismatches that multiple tight ends create against modern defenses, McVay had an edge that most of the NFL didn't. He had four starting-caliber tight ends in Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, and Terrance Ferguson.
After witnessing Matthew Stafford use the formation to achieve tremendous success, on his way towards his first MVP award, the NFL is catching up.
During the 2026 NFL Draft, 22 tight ends were selected, which is the second most in the common draft era, and two off the record that was set back in 2002.
This shows one thing: The Rams continue to influence the NFL. After McVay made 11 personnel the standard for most teams, he’s now blazing a trail of higher tight end usage — and his competition is following suit.
The Cleveland Browns picked up Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL draft despite having the likes of Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel in the room.
Green is an impressive athlete who has the potential to become a dual-threat quarterback in the NFL. He passed for 2,714 yards with 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this past season. On 139 carries, he rushed 777 yards and eight touchdowns. Moreover, at the NFL Combine, he recorded an impressive 4.36 40-yard dash with a 43.5'' vertical jump and an 11'2'' broad jump.
Even Browns general manager Andrew Berry cleared that they drafted the quarterback based on his attributes and what he could provide the Browns with his skill sets in the near future. However, according to NFL analyst Skip Bayless, this was still not a good enough reason for the Browns to turn a blind eye to what they already have.
Skip Bayless blasts Browns for drafting Taylen Green despite Shedeur Sanders & Co.
Taking to X, Skip Bayless expressed his frustration over the Browns' alleged brain-fade moment to draft a position that they already have in full. Speaking in favor of Shedeur Sanders starting next season, Bayless wrote on X:
"WHY? WHY? WHY? Browns draft another QB, Taylen Green, top of R6. Freakish big athlete who throws it pretty well and definitely can run. BUT THE BROWNS DON'T NEED ANOTHER QB. THEY HAVE 3, WITH SHEDEUR THE STARTER. SHOW SOME FAITH IN HIM."
WHY? WHY? WHY? Browns draft another QB, Taylen Green, top of R6. Freakish big athlete who throws it pretty well and definitely can run. BUT THE BROWNS DON'T NEED ANOTHER QB. THEY HAVE 3, WITH SHEDEUR THE STARTER. SHOW SOME FAITH IN HIM.
The Browns have talent at their disposal since drafting Dillon Gabriel and Sanders last year. They probably already have a starter in Sanders and with Deshaun Watson returning from injury, the Browns QB is as competitive as it can be.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard made it clear in January he was going to make the defense younger and faster.
He delivered on that promise repeatedly during the three-day NFL draft.
Indy beefed up its thinnest position by using two of its first four picks on linebackers then added a hard-hitting, playmaking safety and a speedy edge rusher as the next steps in what has become a a major offseason overhaul.
Now the Colts will see how it all fits, starting with top selection CJ Allen of Georgia who is expected to be an immediate starter at middle linebacker.
“One of the good things about the system he’s coming from (Georgia) is they put a lot on the (middle linebacker), a lot of adjustments,” Ballard said of the first team All-American after making his first selection at No. 53 overall Friday. “So we think he’s going to be able to handle (the transition) pretty well. We spent a lot of time — I know, (James) Bettcher, our linebackers coach, I know he grilled him pretty hard and came across raving about his IQ”
The 21-year-old Allen ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash and called defensive plays each of the past two seasons at Georgia, making him an ideal match to replace 29-year-old Zaire Franklin, a former team captain who was traded to Green Bay in March after his fourth straight 100-tackle season.
Indy's second pick, A.J. Haulcy of LSU, also fit the mold. The 6-foot, 222-pound safety was clocked at 4.52 seconds in the 40 at the scouting combine and earned all-conference honors at three different colleges.
“A.J. is interesting,” Ballard said. "What I love the most is — especially in the transfer world — he goes to New Mexico, starts, goes to Houston, starts, goes to LSU, starts. Takes the ball away. He’s physical. No, he’s going to be a good addition. We think we got younger and faster on defense.”
Double draftee
Indy's most intriguing pick might be the selection of Bryce Boettcher from Oregon. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound middle linebacker was taken in the fourth round, No. 135 overall, and it wasn't the first time he was drafted.
Boettcher was a 13th-round pick of the Houston Astros in the 2024 Major League Baseball draft but turned down the chance to pursue a baseball career to continue playing football. He wound up leading all Power 4 players with 131 tackles last season.
"There’s no better feeling than inflicting pain on someone legally,” he said while explaining why he bypassed a baseball career.
Boettcher noted, his position coach with the Colts pronounces his last name the same way — “Bet-cher” — despite the different spellings.
Holding the line
Ballard also used the first of his two fourth-round picks on guard Jalen Farmer. Indy listed the 6-5, 312-pound offensive linemen from Kentucky as a guard, though some draft analysts think his long body and arms could help him play tackle in the NFL.
He's likely to start out playing multiple positions after Indy lost versatile backup lineman Danny Pinter in free agency.
Home state ties
Indy closed out the draft by selecting Caden Curry of Ohio State in the sixth round, a 6-3, 257-pound defensive end who played high school football in suburban Indianapolis and former Purdue receiver Deion Burks in the seventh round. Burks finished his career at Oklahoma.
“I feel like this is the next step in my career and I can't wait to do it in the city I grew up,” Curry said, wearing a Peyton Manning Super Bowl jersey. “We're just happy to be here and happy to be so close to home.”
Other picks
Indy also took George Gumbs Jr., who started his career as a walk-on receiver at Northern Illinois before moving to tight end before eventually finding a home — and earning a scholarship — at defensive end. He finished career at Florida and was taken No. 156 overall.
Texas A&M star linebacker and captain Taurean York will join the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent after unexpectedly falling out of the draft entirely.
York was a favorite of both fans and coaches, impressing on the field with his high-IQ play and off the field with his leadership and maturity. He was a captain in both his sophomore and junior seasons and thrived as an on-field coach, organizing the defense with ease. He has an excellent range in coverage and closes down for tackles like a heat-seeking missile.
But at 5'11 and 226 pounds, York is quite undersized for the linebacker position at the NFL level; the average professional inside LB measures 6'4 and 250 pounds. He plays bigger than his size, playing well in the run game and somehow managing to hold his ground against bigger blockers, but his NFL ceiling could be limited by his frame.
The USA Today pre-draft big board had Taurean ranked as the 161st overall, which would be the first pick of the sixth round, and after the draft, he's ranked as the fourth-best UDFA. Denver could be getting a steal with this signing.
Source: Broncos are signing former Texas A&M LB Taurean York as a UDFA.
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After addressing key needs earlier in the draft, Detroit traded up in the fifth round to select Kendrick Law, adding another layer of speed and versatility to their offense.
Trade Details:
Lions Receive: Pick 168
Bills Receive: Pick 181 and Pick213
A different kind of weapon
Law may not jump off the stat sheet, but his game is built on something Detroit values: explosiveness.
After beginning his career at Alabama as more of a gadget player, Law transferred to the Kentucky Wildcats and saw his role expand in 2025. He primarily operated out of the slot, where he became a quick-hitting, underneath option in the passing game.
His average depth of target was just 3.4 yards, showing how he was used close to the line of scrimmage.
But that is where he becomes dangerous.
Speed that changes games
Law’s biggest strength is what happens after the catch.
He is lightning quick in short areas, with the ability to make defenders miss and turn routine plays into explosive gains. Whether it is a slant, screen, or quick hitter, he has the burst to stretch the field horizontally and disrupt defensive balance.
That type of skill set fits perfectly with how Detroit likes to create mismatches.
Still developing as a receiver
There are questions, though.
Law’s route tree is still developing, and he has not proven himself as a consistent downfield threat. At times, his routes can lack polish, relying more on athleticism than precision.
That said, the Lions are clearly betting on the upside.
With the right development, his role could grow beyond just a gadget or underneath option.
A classic Brad Holmes move
General manager Brad Holmes has made a habit of targeting traits and trusting his coaching staff to develop them.
This feels like another example.
Law brings speed, versatility, and special teams value from Day 1. And if everything clicks, he could evolve into a much bigger piece of the offense.
The bottom line
This is not a splash pick.
It is a strategic one.
The Lions saw something they liked, moved up to get him, and added a player who can contribute in multiple ways right away.
Kendrick Law may not be a finished product, but in Detroit, he does not need to be just yet.
RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Instead of moving back with their first pick in the NFL draft, the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks elected to fill their most pressing need.
The Seahawks were open to trading their first-round selection for more picks since they entered the draft with only four, their fewest since 2021. But president of football operations John Schneider held onto the 32nd overall pick and used it on Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price.
The Seahawks lost running back and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III when he signed a free-agent deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. Price fit the bill of what Schneider was looking for to bolster Seattle’s backfield.
“Kind of stood alone. Great player,” Schneider said. “The person is outstanding. The competitor. He’s a Seahawk.”
While Price headlined Seattle’s draft class, the Seahawks filled other holes on their young and talented roster. They ended up with eight picks, thanks to trades with Pittsburgh, Cleveland, the New York Jets and Green Bay.
Clark buoys the secondary
The Seahawks took safety Bud Clark of TCU in the second round. The versatile Clark played safety, nickel back and cornerback for the Horned Frogs and was twice named a second-team All-Big 12 selection.
The 6-foot-1, 188-pound Clark had 15 interceptions over four seasons. He models his game after Seahawks great Kam Chancellor.
“He always brought the pop, and I feel like he was the hammer, not the nail,” Clark said. “That’s what I try to do all the time I play.”
Clark is eager to join a defense that lost a few key contributors from one of the best units in the NFL last year. The Bears signed safety Coby Bryant to a three-year, $40 million contract in March.
“I feel like it’s a lot of shoes to fill, but I honestly feel like I can fill those shoes and make them bigger,” Clark said. “That’s what I’m trying to do. Especially with (coach Mike) Macdonald, I feel like that’s the best defensive coach in the NFL. Why not?”
Macdonald brushed off any notion of Clark being brought in as a straight-up replacement for Bryant. He said the Seahawks don’t view the draft process that way and that Clark will play multiple positions.
“We’ll figure that out kind of as we go and how the team kind of shapes up,” Macdonald said, “but we got some really great players at safety too that are going to compete. Ty Okada helped win us a lot of games last year. Rodney Thomas is a guy that we’re really high on. A lot of guys. So it’s going to be a lot of great competition.”
Jawing Julian
The Seahawks parted ways with one outspoken cornerback via free agency in Riq Woolen, who agreed to a deal with Philadelphia in March. They added another in the draft, when they selected cornerback Julian Neal of Arkansas in the third round.
Neal proclaimed the Seahawks will go “back to back” in 2026 and secure the franchise's third Super Bowl title before explaining why he believes he is the most physical cornerback in the draft.
“I use my arms to my advantage. I use my length,” Neal said. “I use my availability. I’ve never gotten hurt, I’ve never missed a game in college from being hurt. I come down (and) I hit something. I’m going to go up and get the ball.”
Schneider was a bit surprised by how outgoing Neal was with reporters during a post-draft conference call. In the Seahawks’ pre-draft scouting process, they found Neal to be confident but quiet.
Neal had four interceptions, 17 passes defended and 61 tackles in his four-year collegiate career.
“I think there’s clearly a competitor and a confidence in there,” Macdonald said. “Takes a lot of pride in how physical he is at the corner position. He’s played safety as well.”
Solidifying with Stephens
The Seahawks bolstered their offensive line last spring when they drafted Grey Zabel, who started every regular-season game at left guard. They added to their depth on Saturday by trading up to select guard Beau Stephens of Iowa in the fifth round.
Stephens was a first-team All-American. In Seattle, he will join former college teammate Mason Richman, a seventh-round selection last year.
“When he was back down training in Iowa City, he was telling me how cool it was and (how) cool (offensive line coach John) Benton was,” Stephens said. “We’re going to be friends for life, so it’s just awesome to have a guy who’s going to be there at my wedding this summer, to have him around. He was kind of a big brother for me in college.”
Stephens started 35 of 43 games in college, 10 at right guard and 25 at left guard. He looks forward to operating within Seattle’s run-blocking scheme, though it is unclear what position he'll play.
Adding depth at receiver
For the second straight season and third time in four years, the Seahawks selected a wide receiver, this time taking Emmanuel Henderson Jr. of Kansas in the sixth round.
Henderson started his collegiate career at Alabama before joining the Jayhawks, for whom he was a third-team all Big-12 selection as a wide receiver and first-team pick as a return specialist.
“Special teams is a big part of my game (along) with my wide receiver ability,” Henderson said. “It’s a great combo for them to have.”
Henderson led the Jayhawks in receiving yards last season with 766, and tied for the team lead with 45 receptions and five touchdowns. He joins a receiver room headlined by Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the AP Offensive Player of the Year.
Henderson provides some insurance and depth in the return game for the Seahawks, who also have wide receiver Rashid Shaheed and Tory Horton, who is out with a shin injury he sustained as a rookie.
The rest of the picks
The Seahawks made three picks in the seventh round, acquiring cornerback Andre Fuller of Toledo, defensive tackle Deven Eastern of Minnesota and cornerback Michael Dansby of Arizona.
No edges needed
The Seahawks addressed their most pressing needs except at edge rusher. Boye Mafe, who had 20 sacks in four seasons for Seattle, signed a three-year, $60 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency, and the Seahawks did not find an immediate replacement in the draft.
Schneider said the Seahawks may add a player via free agency on Monday. Macdonald pointed to a number of players already on the roster who could replace Mafe’s production, including linebackers Jared Ivey, Jamie Sheriff, Connor O’Toole and Jalan Gaines.
“We’re really excited about those guys,” Macdonald said.
Edwards is one of the most athletic players in the league. Unfortunately, it seems bad luck caught up to him in Game 4 against the Nuggets.
Considering how important Edwards is to the Timberwolves, this is obviously a significant blow.
Edwards is the Timberwolves' superstar and primary scoring option, so losing him is a punch in the gut. He had already been dealing with an issue with his right knee, but now, it is both knees.
With his block attempt against Johnson, it appears he hyperextended his left knee.
The Washington Huskies held their final scrimmage of spring practice as things begin to wind down in the month of camp ahead of the finale at Friday's spring game.
After 130 plays, head coach Jedd Fisch seemed very confident in his young and somewhat inexperienced team, which could be led by one of the strongest defenses in the Big Ten if Saturday's workout is any indication of what things will look like in its second season under defensive coordinator Ryan Walters.
"The players continue to get better, so it enables (Walters) to be able to have a little bit more flexibility in his scheme," Fisch said on Saturday of the defense. "He's able to do more and more things, and given us, given the offense more challenges, because he's capable of playing with three safeties. Then he's capable of playing with two safeties, two linebackers—three linebackers, two corners—so more base defense, then he's capable of jumping into multiple fronts and multiple pressures."
That defense generated a trio of turnovers on the day, with the first coming from redshirt freshman defensive back Kayden Greene, who earned an interception off of Demond Williams Jr. in the end zone after he ripped a jump ball away from sophomore wide receiver Justice Williams as the two battled all the way to the ground.
Later on in practice, backup quarterback Elijah Brown threw a pair of picks. The first came on an overthrow, which fell into the waiting arms of freshman safety Gavin Day, before later on in the practice, his classmate, cornerback Elijah Durr, rose up over a horde of players in the end zone to haul in the turnover.
Walters showed off several of those different pressure looks throughout the day, which caused a lot of trouble for the various quarterbacks. Three of the signal callers: redshirt freshmen Treston Kini McMillan and Dash Beierely, along with true freshman Derek Zammit, weren't dressed in the standard black no-contact jerseys that they've donned all spring, because Fisch wanted to see them take true live-action reps.
"We've got to see who can play," Fisch said of the quarterback depth competition. "I don't know how you evaluate guys that have never really played in a college football game. What would they be like if it's actually not people that have to stop when they're near them? So, our plan was: Demond and Elijah have both played in college football games; the other three guys, not. So, we got to see with the other three guys, who's gonna be the third, who's gonna be the fourth, and who's gonna be the fifth, and we're gonna run out of days to be able to know that."
All three got a rude awakening at what life could look like facing Washington's pass rush, as the three of them all took several hits throughout the scrimmage. Most notably, Zammit got taken down while trying to roll out to his left on a bootleg by his classmate, outside linebacker Ramzak Fruean, who came barreling down on the quarterback and showcased the elite athleticism that made him such an important target for Fisch's coaching staff out of nearby Bethel High School.
The quarterbacks delivered some punishment, too. McMillan made one of the more fun plays of the day on a QB keeper, where he lowered his shoulder and ran straight through sophomore safety Paul Mencke Jr.
Here are some of the other noteworthy plays from Saturday's scrimmage.
Spring practice notebook
After practice, Fisch said that Demond Williams has had a "fantastic spring." Early on, he made a few very impressive throws, including a perfectly placed 45-yard bomb to sophomore Dezmen Roebuck, and a 17-yard touchdown to junior Rashid Williams on a back shoulder throw to complete a slot fade route he ran against sophomore cornerback Dylan Robinson.
"How he’s growing, how he’s building," Fisch explained with Williams' growth. "We’re asking him to do certain things this spring. We’re treating it like a driving range...test a club here, test a club there."
Throughout practice, the defensive line was able to generate constant pressure thanks to its versatility and ability to disguise looks. Among other players I credited with sacks are: LB Xe'ree Alexander, DT Darin Conley, LB Jacob Manu, DT DeSean Watts, and OLB Isaiah Ward.
Speaking of Manu, it felt like the Arizona transfer was everywhere throughout practice as he looks to lead what is expected to be one of the Big Ten's best units of linebackers in 2026.
Freshman offensive lineman Dominic Harris had a nice day at practice and made one of his best plays of the spring, pancaking redshirt freshman outside linebacker Victor Sanchez-Hernandez during a red zone period.
Each of Washington's three kickers got one live rep. Freshman CJ Wallace converted on a 53-yard attempt, while Texas State transfer Tyler Robles was good from about 45 yards, while Eastern Washington transfer Hunter McKee's one attempt from a similar spot bounced off the right upright.
The New York Giants, general manager Joe Schoen, and head coach John Harbaugh called the names of seven players during the 2026 NFL draft in Pittsburgh over the weekend, beginning with Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese.
Things wrapped up on Saturday with their final selection of BYU linebacker Jack Kelly.
All seven members of the Giants' 2026 draft class have X or Instagram accounts (some more active than others), and this is how you can follow them:
The dust has now settled on the 2026 NFL Draft, and, with that, the Buffalo Bills have now put the finishing touches on their most recent class of college prospects looking to make a name for themselves in the pros. In total, the Bills made 10 selections, adding talent in all three phases of the game.
Buffalo added six defensive players, three on offense, and also a specialist to compete for the team’s punting job in 2026 and beyond. Below, we’ll review each of the Bills’ latest draft picks.
With their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and at 35 overall as the third pick in Round 2, the Buffalo Bills selected edge rusher T.J. Parker out of Clemson. Parker’s fall could ultimately prove fruitful for Parker and the Bills.
Just 21 years old, Parker brings near-prototypical edge defender size at 6’3 5/8” tall and 263 pounds, with 33 1/8” arms and 9 1/2” hands. At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Parker ran a 4.63-second 40-yard dash, a 10-yard split time of 1.61 seconds, with a 34” vertical jump, and a 10’ broad jump.
In three seasons with Clemson, Parker played in 39 games, making 126 tackles (71 solo), 41.5 tackles for loss, 21.5 sacks, four pass defenses, six forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries. It was that 2024 season where Parker opened eyes, totaling 57 tackles (35 solo), 19.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, one pass defense, six forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. (All stats courtesy of Sports Reference.)
Parker was voted Freshman All-American in 2023, and named Second-Team All-ACC for his play in 2024.
Round 2, Pick 62: Davison Igbinosun, CB (Ohio State)
With the 62nd overall pick in this year’s draft, Buffalo selected cornerback Davison Igbinosun from Ohio State. A four-year college player who spent three seasons with Ohio State after his freshman campaign at Ole Miss, Igbinosun enters the NFL having played in 56 games, making 194 tackles (119 solo), four tackles for loss, four interceptions (for 47 yards), 27 pass defenses, and three fumble recoveries (for 17 yards). (All stats courtesy of Sports Reference.)
Igbinosun is viewed as a dependable and physical press corner with long arms, and someone who has a tendency to get handsy against the competition. That physicality can get him in trouble, evidenced by his 16 penalties during the 2024 college football season. In pre-draft analysis, some scouts noted Igbinosun’s ability to moonlight as a slot/nickel cornerback despite his true role as an outside corner.
Igbinosun will need to improve his fluidity when flipping to give chase out of a backpedal, where he’s shown to play with too much stiffness in the past. NFL quarterbacks will look to challenge Igbinosun early with deep routes, a facet of his game where his fundamentals tend to dip.
In its pre-draft coverage of Igbinosun, NFL.com gave him an overall prospect grade of “6.00” with “Traits or talent to be above-average backup.” At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Igbinosun measured in at 6’2 1/8” and 189 pounds, with 32 7/8” arms and 9 1/8” hands. Igbinosun clocked a 4.45-second 40-yard dash, a 1.58-second 10-yard split, adding a 34” vertical jump, and a 10’ broad jump.
Igbinosun was named First-Team All-Big Ten following his play during the 2025 college football season.
Round 4, Pick 102: Jude Bowry, OL (Boston College)
Leveraging yet another trade back, the Buffalo Bills added offensive tackle Jude Bowry out of Boston College early in Round 4 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
A four-year player at offensive tackle who logged 31 games in 23 starts for the BC Eagles, Bowry lands with One Bills Drive as someone with real potential to develop into a pivotal swing tackle option in the long term. Prioritizing Bowry early in the fourth round may represent a meaningful move to replace losing swing tackle Ryan Van Demark in the offseason. There’s also potential for him to find his way to transitioning to guard at the pro level.
The addition of Bowry solidifies Buffalo’s depth at the edges of the offensive line in the long term.
Next, the Bills added a receiving weapon for quarterback Josh Allen, selecting wide receiver Skyler Bell with pick 125. Bell is a versatile wideout who analysts expect could be used both outside and within the slot.
Bell, listed at just under 6’ tall and 192 pounds, totaled 101 receptions for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns with UConn in 2025. At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Bell ran a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, and he recorded a 41” vertical jump in addition to an 11’1” broad jump.
The Bronx, NY native was a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award this past season, and he also was invited to the Senior Bowl and the East-West Shrine Bowl. He was a Consensus All-American, as well.
Buffalo then finally addressed the team’s linebacker depth with their second of two picks in Round 4, selecting linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr out of TCU.
Elarms-Orr split his four-year collegiate career between the University of California and TCU, logging 21 games with the Bears and 26 games for the Frogs. In four campaigns combined, Elarms-Orr totaled 276 tackles (135 solo), 19 tackles for loss, seven sacks, one interception, seven pass defenses, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries, per Sports Reference. He was named First-Team All-Big 12 following a productive 2025 season of college football where he made 130 tackles (60 solo), 11 tackles for loss, four sacks, and two pass defenses.
At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Elarms-Orr measured in at 6’2” and 234 pounds, with 31 1/2” arms and 9” hands. His agility tests netted Elarms-Orr a time of 4.47 seconds in the 40-yard dash, 1.59-second 10-yard split, 4.41-second 20-yard shuttle, 40” vertical jump, and 10’4” broad jump. All of those numbers totaled saw Elarms-Orr finish with an Athleticism Score of 86 (good for third among linebackers at this year’s combine), and a Total Score of 74 (7th among this year’s combine LB participants).
As for Elarms-Orr’s fit with the Bills, he’ll immediately slot in as high-upside depth, with the need to focus on improving his fundamentals to better-extract his full potential down the road. Expect Elarms-Orr to be a significant contributor on special teams at the outset of his NFL career.
Round 5, Pick 167: Jalon Kilgore, S (South Carolina)
With their first pick in Round 5, Buffalo selected safety Jalon Kilgore out of the University of South Carolina. One Bills Drive did plenty of work on scouting Kilgore ahead of the draft, conducting a private workout with him in addition to an earlier meeting at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
Kilgore was twice named Second-Team All-SEC (2024, 2025), and he was also named to the 2023 SEC All-Freshman Team. Kilgore carried a projected third-round grade throughout the pre-draft process, so Buffalo landing him in Round 5 should be seen as a solid, plus-move addition.
At the combine, Kilgore measured in at 6’ 1 3/8” and 210 pounds, with 32 7/8” arms and 9 3/8” hands. He finished with an Athletic Score of 79, ranking him fourth among safeties at this year’s combine, per NFL.com. Kilgore’s agility tests at the combine revealed his explosive potential, with a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, 1.56-second 10-yard split, 4.32-second 20-yard shuttle, 37” vertical jump, 10’10” broad jump, and 16 reps on the bench press.
Kilgore played 36 games in three seasons with the Gamecocks, making 178 tackles (109 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, eight interceptions (for 69 yards), 21 pass defenses, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries, per Sports Reference. He also brings potential as a punt returner, having done so with South Carolina. If analysis of Kilgore’s game proves accurate, Buffalo could have another late-round defensive back gem.
The Bills used the last pick in Round 5 to select defensive tackle Zane Durant from Penn State. In drafting Durant, it represents Buffalo’s first addition to the defensive tackle room this offseason.
Most pre-draft analysis of the Bills’ defense saw a glaring need to add zero-tech nose tackle for new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard’s 3-4 base system. However, it’s uncertain whether Buffalo sees Durant as that answer at a perceived need.
Draft experts have tabbed Durant’s role as an athletic three technique in the NFL, and his size reminds of Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver. At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Durant measured in at 6’ 1 1/8” tall and 290 pounds, with 31 7/8” arms and 10 5/8” hands. Durant brings tons of athletic potential, having finished the combine with a 4.75-second 40-yard dash, 1.66-second 10-yard split, 33.5” vertical jump, and 9’4” broad jump.
A four-year player with the Nittany Lions who logged 54 games, Durant finished his college career with 89 tackles (49 solo), 22 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, one interception (for 14 yards), three pass defenses, and one fumble recovery (for 14 yards), per Sports Reference.
Durant will join a defensive tackle room in Buffalo that’s looking to get nastier up front, and he should slot in as a solid developmental depth piece with plus-ability as a penetrating d-lineman built to chase the football.
Round 7, Pick 220: Toriano Pride Jr., CB (Missouri)
The Buffalo Bills doubled down at cornerback in this year’s draft, adding cornerback Toriano Pride Jr. out of Missouri with pick 220, their first of three selections in Round 7.
Pride represents a priority by the Bills to continue adding explosive speed, with him clocking the fastest 40-yard dash time (4.32 seconds) at the 2026 NFL Combine. Pride also posted a 1.51-second 10-yard split, a 7.2-second 3-cone drill, a 37.5” vertical jump, 10’8” broad jump, and put up 13 reps on the bench press.
Pride split his four-year college career between Clemson and Missouri, playing in 26 games for each program. In 52 total games, Pride made 82 tackles (64 solo), 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, five interceptions (for 50 yards), two interception touchdowns, 16 pass defenses, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries for 62 yards, and one safety (per Sports Reference).
The Bills then decided to turn in a draft card for punter Tommy Doman Jr. with the second of three seventh-round picks.
Doman led FBS in hang time during the 2025 season, with an average air time of 4.5 seconds. Additionally, 17 of his 50 punts landed inside opponents’ 20-yard line. Doman made Pro Football Focus’ All-SEC Team in 2025 in his first and only season with the Gators (he played for Michigan during the 2023 and 2024 seasons).
Dolman has experience as a holder, and he brings an added element as a kickoff specialist, a placekicker, beyond his main role as a punter. Doman will compete with incumbent punter Mitch Wishnowsky for a roster spot this summer.
Round 7, Pick 241: Ar’maj Reed-Adams, OG (Texas A&M)
The Bills closed out their draft class by adding offensive guard Ar’Maj Reed-Adams with pick 241 in Round 7. A massive lineman, Reed-Adams measured in at 6’5 3/4” and 314 pounds during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
An older rookie at 24 years old, Reed-Adams spent six years at the college level between Kansas and later Texas A&M. Reed-Adams appeared in 56 games at guard in those six campaigns, per Sports Reference. He started 15 of 31 games played with Kansas.
Pre-draft analysis of Reed-Adams reveals a prospect who will likely compete to provide depth along the offensive line, with perhaps greater upside if he can utilize his size traits to gain more consistency rep to rep.
18 Jun 2000: Jeff Cirillo #7 of the Colorado Rockies throws the ball during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies defeated the Diamondbacks 19-2.Mandatory Credit: Rodolfo Ganzales /Allsport | Getty Images
The Colorado Rockies will play a double-header tomorrow to wrap up their series against the New York Mets after an unexpected off-day thanks to a rainy day in Queens.
Since there was no baseball game today, I thought we could play a little game instead. It’s time to remember some guys who played for our Rockies.
In this exercise, the goal is to come up with a lineup of players for your favorite team—in this case, the Rockies—comprised of players who posted between 20 and 40 wins above replacement (WAR) according to Baseball Reference. This spread cuts out the team’s Hall of Fame players like Larry Walker (72.7 bWAR) and Todd Helton (61.8 bWAR), but still includes players who overall had strong careers.
The other stipulation is that players selected must be retired. For the Rockies, that means that DJ LeMahieu—their all-time second baseman—isn’t currently on the list.
For a team as young as the Rockies I found it both interesting and challenging. For older teams there are certainly a lot more players to choose from. However, I ultimately was able to come up with a full 10-player lineup, including designated hitter. For this lineup, I did not necessarily take into account how they performed with the Rockies, especially since they usually only played one or two seasons here. Instead, I went with their career WAR.
Lineup:
Catcher: Charles Johnson, 2003 (22.6 WAR)
First Base: Andrés Galarraga, 1993-1997 (31.7 WAR)
Second Base: Mark Ellis, 2011 (33.5 WAR)
Third Base: Jeff Cirillo, 2000-2001 (34.6 WAR)
Shortstop: Juan Uribe, 2001-2003 (22.6 WAR)
Left Field: Ron Gant, 2001 (34.1 WAR)
Center Field: Charlie Blackmon, 2011-2024 (21.5 WAR)
Right Field: Carlos González, 2009-2018 (24.5 WAR)
I decided to take things one step further and come up with a five-man starting rotation and a four-man bench.
Rotation:
LHP Mike Hampton, 2001-2001 (28.2 WAR)
RHP Pedro Astacio, 1997-2001 (25.6 WAR)
LHP Denny Neagle, 2001-2003 (22.4 WAR)
RHP Bill Swift, 1995-1997 (20.7 WAR)
RHP Ubaldo Jiménez, 2006-2011 (20.4 WAR)
Bench:
INF Marco Scutaro, 2012 (22.1 WAR)
UTIL Howard Johnson, 1994 (22.2 WAR)
OF Matt Kemp, 2020 (21.6 WAR)
INF Ronnie Belliard, 2003 (20.8 WAR)
Of course, the methodology has some flaws. For example, this list of Rockies has no backup catcher. Chris Iannetta failed to make the cut with just 14.9 career bWAR. The WAR criteria also makes building a bullpen impossible. I discussed it with a few friends, and we decided that for a bullpen we could select players that had at least 10 career WAR. In true Rockies fashion, this leaves us with a bullpen that has only one lefty.
Bullpen:
RHP LaTroy Hawkins, 2007/2015 (17.8 WAR)
RHP Steve Reed, 1993-1997/2003-2004 (17.6 WAR)
RHP Adam Ottavino, 2012-2018 (14.9 WAR)
RHP Houston Street, 2009-2011 (14.5 WAR)
RHP Dave Veres, 1998-1999 (12.9 WAR)
RHP Greg Holland, 2017 (12.4 WAR)
RHP Curtis Leskanic, 1993-1999 (12.1 WAR)
LHP Brian Fuentes, 2002-2008 (10.5 WAR)
Overall this gives us a complete “remember some guys” 26-man roster! What names are you surprised to see? Who are you surprised to see not make the cut? Let us know in the comments. Feel free to come up with your own lineup or roster for either the Rockies or a different team as well!
According to Pro Football Reference, the graduate of Appleton North High School will become the first NFL player from the school if he makes an opening day roster.
The guard from Northwestern will get his shot with Baltimore. The Ravens selected Beerntsen with the 37th pick of the seventh round (253rd overall) of the NFL draft.
Beerntsen was one of two Northwestern linemen selected. Tackle Caleb Tiernan was taken by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round.
Evan Beerntsen draft grade: B
USA TODAY and CBS Sports liked the pick for the potential depth it provides. The Ravens also selected a guard, Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane, with its first-round pick.
Beerntsen played at FCS South Dakota State from 2019-24 and joined Northwestern as a graduate transfer for the 2025 season.
Evan Beerntsen highlights
Beerntsen played in just four games during his first two seasons at South Dakota but eventually blossomed into a starter for a program that won the FCS national title in 2023 and ’24. In his final season with the Jackrabbits he was a second-team Associated Press All-American. In his only season at Northwestern he allowed zero sacks or quarterback hits and was an honorable mention all-Big Ten selection on the coaches and media teams.
What is Evan Beerntsen’s height, weight?
Beerntsen measured 6-3 ½ and 301 pounds at the NFL combine..
What were Evan Beerntsen’s stats?
Beernsten received the highest grade from Pro Football Focus among Northwestern linemen (79.0). Northwestern ranked 96th in the nation in total offense (346.1 yards per game) and 65th in rushing (160.2 ypg).
How did Evan Beerntsen do at the NFL combine?
Beerntsen participated in four drills at the combine. He ran the 40-yard dash in 5.25 seconds, posted a 10-yard split of 1.82 seconds. His vertical jump was 32.5 inches and his broad jump was 8 feet, 9 inches.
Utah Mammoth defenseman Mikhail Sergachev (98) and defenseman MacKenzie Weegar (52) sit in the penalty box during the third period of game 3 of a first-round NHL Stanley Cup playoff series against the Vegas Golden Knights at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 24, 2026.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
In the 2023-24 NHL season, MacKenzie Weegar and Rasmus Andersson played more ice time together than any other two members of the Calgary Flames: 947 minutes and 15 seconds, to be exact, and they were still teammates as recently as this season.
On Friday, they repeatedly punched each other in the face.
No matter how many dinner outings and golf rounds the pair shared over their three and a half seasons as teammates, the Stanley Cup Playoffs aren’t the time to exchange pleasantries.
“Just two competitors competing against each other,” Weegar said of the tussle. “Obviously, in a playoff series like this, there’s no friends out there. It’s not personal.”
Andersson is responsible for the cut and swollen left eyebrow Weegar sported after the game.
“He got me good, but that’s alright — I like it. I like a little blood."
The two began this season as teammates with the Flames. They were in the visiting locker room for the Utah Mammoth’s home opener, and Andersson even scored the first goal of the season at the Delta Center.
After missing the playoffs on a mere tiebreaker last year, the Flames had high hopes for this season. But when it was clear that they wouldn’t achieve much and that Andersson, one of their biggest stars, was unlikely to re-sign, they went full rebuild mode.
It began with Andersson’s trade to the Vegas Golden Knights in January. Weegar went next with a trade to the Mammoth a few days before the trade deadline, after which Nazem Kadri returned to the Colorado Avalanche in a deal that wasn’t announced until more than an hour after the deadline had passed.
It’s entirely possible that the winner of the ongoing playoff series between the Mammoth and Golden Knights could end up facing Kadri, one of the league’s most notorious pests, in the Western Conference Finals.
If it gets to that point, fans can expect at least the same level of competitiveness between the former teammates.
MacKenzie Weegar, the goal scorer
Weegar scored four goals in his 79 regular-season games this year. Through just three playoff games, he’s already halfway to that total with a pair of goals.
He has Andersson to thank for the first one, as it almost looked like Andersson kicked Weegar’s shot from the point in Game 2 into the net.
In Game 3, Weegar scored the first-ever playoff goal at the Delta Center on another point shot.
“I saw one fan when I banged on the glass,” Weegar said of the experience. “We had a special moment. I’m not sure who that was, but I’m sure he’ll remember it, along with myself.”
Weegar added an assist in the second period for three total points in the series. He’s now tied with seven others as the series leaders in the points column.
The veteran defenseman still has some adjusting to do on the defensive side of the puck, but he looks more and more comfortable with each passing game.
He’s beginning to show why the Mammoth valued him so highly when they acquired him.
The 2026 NFL Draft has reached its conclusion, and with it, we've closed the book on one of the most underwhelming quarterback classes in recent memory.
It didn't quite play out how we imagined. Ty Simpson's floundering stock was saved by the Los Angeles Rams in the middle of Round 1, but Garrett Nussmeier fell to seventh. No quarterbacks went in the second, the three from the third round went too early, and a smattering of Day 3 hopefuls found their new homes.
As those passers get acclimated to the next level, it's worth investigating which ones are set up for success in 2026 and beyond.
10. Behren Morton, Texas Tech (New England Patriots)
Morton has a real shot at being New England's backup quarterback this season. The quarterback room lacks a reliable veteran and his main competition is Tommy DeVito -- it's a winnable battle.
However, we know that Morton isn't getting real playing time unless something goes seriously wrong; and even in this event, a competitive team may prefer an outside veteran. If he does play, he's still operating with a below-average receiving corps, a changing offensive line, and a coaching staff that may have some turbulence in its future.
Morton's ceiling is being a decent second-string quarterback, but he may be better served by being the gameday inactive for a season instead of being thrust into relief work.
9. Cade Klubnik, Clemson (New York Jets)
For all the talent added in this class, the Jets' process wasn't always ideal. Adding Klubnik in the fourth was a reach, trading up for the right to do so was worse, and the move reeks of offensive coordinator Frank Reich taking the reins for a pick.
None of that makes his fit with the New York worse. But neither the current coaching staff nor the depth chart conjures up much optimism.
Klubnik is a developmental backup, which means it'll likely be more than just Geno Smith in his path to playing time. He lacks Smith's aggression and effectiveness downfield, and the change of pace to a more RPO-centric offense would be more about keeping the offense afloat than fostering development.
From a long-term perspective, a bad season from the Jets would mean a second coaching staff and, potentially, a regime looking to replace its entire quarterback room. This attempt at hitting big feels ill-fated from the start.
8. Taylen Green, Arkansas (Cleveland Browns)
Incompetence might stunt Klubnik's development in East Rutherford. It'll threaten to do the same to Taylen Green in Cleveland.
Todd Monken is an excellent offensive mind and a good professor for any young quarterback. Still, he'll be entering the league's most chaotic quarterback room, with little recourse in the form of ideal veteran mentorship.
The spotlight will once again be on Cleveland's quarterback controversy, and by nature of being on the Browns, there's a decent chance Green sees playing time in Year 1. His experience and raw physical tools will help him tread water, but playing with multiple rookie receivers and a new offensive line could make life more difficult, especially in negative game scripts.
7. Carson Beck, Miami (Arizona Cardinals)
Taking Beck in the third round was one of Day 2's most curious selections, and head coach Mike LaFleur's lack of conviction about the plan for his development isn't making anyone more optimistic.
Arizona has some weapons at its disposal, especially after drafting running back Jeremiyah Love in Round 1. Trey McBride headlines a crop of pass catchers that lacks juice on the perimeter, and the Cardinals will hope an offseason's worth of additions helps remodel the offensive line.
As for Beck, he remains little more than leverage against Jacoby Brissett. The veteran is a suitable mentor, but Beck's pro-readiness might make him a candidate to start ahead of schedule. Beck doesn't have the tools to cheat defenses, and with the test only getting more difficult, it's hard to envision him having significant success as a rookie.
With a first-year head coach feeling the heat of his new gig, there's a chance Beck gets into game action, struggles, and is permanently relegated to second-string duties. Arizona is neither the best short- nor long-term home for Beck's development.
There's a cap to Kaliakmanis' fit with Washington because of Jayden Daniels. When healthy, he's a star, and the Commanders' entire competitive window rests upon him.
With that said, Kaliakmanis is uniquely equipped to be a strong backup quarterback from the jump. He has plenty of experience against Big Ten defenses and grew into the aggression that his arm talent demands in Piscataway. Kaliakmanis struggles with consistency under pressure, although he has a live arm and a nice feel for nuance as a decision-maker.
Daniels' (and Marcus Mariota's) injury history might accelerate Kaliakmanis' debut, but if he's seeing the field, he'll do so with a strong supporting cast. Terry McLaurin, Luke McCaffrey, and Antonio Williams are a fun start to a receiving corps. Throw in a good offensive line, and a pro-ready passer would be able to find success.
5. Drew Allar, Penn State (Pittsburgh Steelers)
We're about to find out whether the Steelers' steady hand left with former head coach Mike Tomlin.
An uninspiring quarterback room isn't an ideal starting point, but Allar will have the chance to learn behind Mason Rudolph and, potentially, Aaron Rodgers. Head coach Mike McCarthy isn't necessarily innovative, but he helped both Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott.
If the futility of Pittsburgh's quarterback situation pushes Allar into action, he'll be playing with a playoff-worthy roster. The defense should keep game scripts fairly favorable, and the trio of DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., and Germie Bernard is an excellent balance of potency, physicality, and nuance. I like the Steelers' offensive line, too, and a healthy commitment to the run game should keep Allar upright.
4. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana (Las Vegas Raiders)
All things considered, Fernando Mendoza could have landed in a worse spot. Klint Kubiak is an exciting offensive coach who is tied to Mendoza's success, rather than a lame-duck coach more likely to prioritize short-term gains.
The supporting cast isn't great -- especially at receiver -- but this team's identity will begin on the ground. Two star linemen and Ashton Jeanty pave quite the path to a strong ground game. Of course, tight end Brock Bowers headlining a receiving corps is lots of fun, too.
Parity suggests that Mendoza is behind the eight ball, but this spot is better than several recent environments for No. 1 picks like Cam Ward, Caleb Williams, and Trevor Lawrence. That gives him a head start, and voices like Kirk Cousins and Tom Brady are bound to be helpful.
3. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU (Kansas City Chiefs)
I can't promise that Andy Reid or Travis Kelce will be in Kansas City when Nussmeier hits his stride, but if Nussmeier is taking snaps ahead of Patrick Mahomes' return, they figure to be important pieces of his immediate success.
Nussmeier may ultimately prefer landing with the Chiefs, rather than a team like the Cardinals. Freed from the pressure of franchise quarterbacking, Nussmeier's rookie year will be defined by the progress he makes on the practice field, shedding the bad habits of his injury-plagued 2025 season.
Even if it caps his ceiling as a high-end backup, Nussmeier seems more likely to hit that ceiling in an environment ripe with weapons, championship pedigree, and stability. Perhaps he becomes Kansas City's rendition of the many Brady backups that found work elsewhere down the line.
2. Ty Simpson, Alabama (Los Angeles Rams)
It's probably not worth overreacting to Sean McVay's post-Round 1 press conference, but it didn't set an ideal tone for Simpson's stint in Los Angeles. He's not equipped to help this team beat Seattle in January, and the weight of those expectations, should Matthew Stafford get hurt, might put a dent in his performance.
On the other hand, the Rams are stacked. Puka Nacua and Davante Adams -- as long as both are on the field -- create one of the league's most dynamic receiving duos. The team added to the tight end room on Day 2, has consistent offensive line play, and can bank on another dangerous run game.
That ground game is critical to Sean McVay's status as one of the NFL's preeminent playcallers. McVay finally gets another shot at a protégé after the successes that Jared Goff found -- an enviable spot for any young passer.
As long as the tension in that quarterback room doesn't boil over, Simpson won't have to work against circumstance to be a quality starter.
1. Cole Payton, North Dakota State (Philadelphia Eagles)
It's a good day to be Cole Payton. Unlike other mid-round passers, the chance Payton starts in 2026 seems slim, and the expectations of a franchise aren't resting on his shoulders. For now, those land on Jalen Hurts, who is creeping closer to replacement quicker than the Philadelphia faithful may anticipate.
Tanner McKee stands between Payton and Hurts on the depth chart and offers him insulation as he jumps from FCS play to the pros.
Of course, the talent in Philadelphia isn't much of a question. A.J. Brown getting traded would hurt the receiving corps, but more targets for DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon are an excellent consolation prize. The offensive line is still strong, Saquon Barkley is a superstar, and the defense will continue to keep the Eagles competitive.
Payton has the physical tools to fit well in a Hurts-style offense, and he may be better-equipped to test the middle of the field, too. Success rates for any later-round quarterback are low. In Philadelphia, Payton has a better shot than possibly anywhere else of hitting his stride.
NORMAN, OKLAHOMA - NOVEMBER 22: Linebacker Kendal Daniels #5 of the Oklahoma Sooners covers his face after stopping running back Tavorus Jones #22 of the Missouri Tigers from converting on third down resulting in a punt in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 17-6. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Falcons added depth with their final selections of the 2026 NFL Draft, as expected. As anticipated, they weren’t just looking for guys to quietly fill roles.
Instead, everyone the Falcons took has a whisper of promise. We have no idea whether that will be realized, but we do know the Falcons were looking for players who have traits and talent that suggest they can be more than just special teamers and backups. With that in mind, let’s talk roster implications for the quartet of picks from earlier today.
Kendal Daniels will push for a starting job
Remember when De’Vondre Campbell was selected in the fourth round and ended up starting 10 games in 2016 for the Falcons? I’m sure Jeff Ulbrich does.
I’m not suggesting that Daniels is Campbell, but I am suggesting that a talented fourth rounder who isn’t facing any standout competition may well win the job. Christian Harris is the chief obstacle to that, and a 27 game starter who was Atlanta’s only credible inside linebacker addition in free agency is not an obstacle to wave away. But Daniels, like Campbell, is primarily getting knocked for being a little slow to react at times and not having ideal instincts, rather than a lack of coverage ability, physicality, athleticism, or talent.
Ulbrich can coach him up, and Daniels is by all accounts a motivated, smart player to begin with. I wouldn’t be at all shocked if he’s starting next to Divine Deablo in Week 1.
Anterio Thomas will slot in to the back end of the defensive line rotation
Thomas doesn’t impact anyone in the current rotation; he just supplements it. This is a player who has been a bit of an inconsistent run defender in his career but was quite good a year ago, and he’s always had the burst and nastiness to be a force as a pass rusher. Better consistency will need to be there and experience will help him achieve that, but initially this is probably a 10 snap per game player who will get Nate Ollie’s coaching and the ability to pin his ears back and chase the quarterback.
Despite being a sixth round pick, Thomas has real talent and energy and could be a more prominent part of the rotation going forward. In year one, with quite a few options in front of him, his impact will be limited unless he really stands out.
Harold Perkins Jr. is an enigma
Do you know where Perkins is going to play? I don’t.
Tre’Shon Diaz notes that he’ll be a major factor on special teams, where the team needs his energy and aggression, but I genuinely don’t know what his path to playing time is otherwise. Will he get some snaps at edge rusher, where his speed and good hand usage could make him a nuisance despite his lack of size? Will he man inside linebacker at times, serving as a Kaden Elliss-esque blitz threat to cause headaches and working on his coverage and tackling shakiness in real-time? Will he do a little bit of both, spelling starters on clear passing downs?
I don’t know, but Jeff Ulbrich probably has a vision for him. Perkins isn’t going to start and likely won’t get a ton of playing time, but if Ulbrich can find a few different ways to turn him loose, he seems like an agent of chaos the Falcons could use.
Ethan Onianwan is a lottery ticket and a deep reserve
Onianwan didn’t start a tackle for Ohio State last year, and seems likely to kick in to guard in the pros. He’s an absolutely mammoth human being who could be a mauler in the run game with time and effort, but Onianwan should be firmly behind Kyle Hinton on the interior in 2026 as he adjusts to the NFL. If he’s doing particularly well this summer, though, he could ensure Hinton is the only guard in front of him; I’m also interested to see if Bill Callahan believes he has any potential at tackle. Write his name down as someone who could be a lot more intriguing in 2027 if his development goes well.
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Google seems to be working hard on expanding its editing options in Google Photos. We recently saw the online titan add a quick facial touch-up feature. Now another similar feature has gone live. It is a very simple and straightforward “AI Enhance” button that sits beside the Enhance and Dynamic buttons that were already present in the Auto tab in the image editor.
We tried it for ourselves, and while it can restore highlights and shadows quite effectively and deal with common issues caused by bad lighting and boost colors slightly, it is nothing truly spectacular in any way....
Portugal star Bruno Fernandes spoke about the goal of winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite never having won the FIFA World Cup, Portugal are shaping up as one of the top contenders to lift the trophy this summer in North America. Bruno Fernandes addressed that ambition and what it would mean to help Cristiano Ronaldo achieve it.
“Wrapping up all this last World Cup with Cristiano winning it would be something amazing,” said Fernandes during a recent appearance on The Wayne Rooney Show, as shared by BBC.
The Manchester United midfielder then emphasized that, beyond the significance of the World Cup title itself, the achievement would also serve as recognition for Ronaldo’s career. “I really hope we can make it happen, not just for Portugal, but for everything Cristiano gave to football and the world,” Bruno said.
Wayne Rooney was, of course, part of that conversation and knows Ronaldo well from their years together at Manchester United. “I would love to see you and Cristiano win the World Cup. Go and enjoy it. Have fun. And I hope you do well,” said the England legend.
Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo were also teammates at Manchester United.
How has Bruno Fernandes performed in the World Cup?
Bruno Fernandes may be approaching his final World Cup. By 2030, he will be close to turning 36, making it uncertain whether he will still be able to compete at the highest level by then.
For that reason, the midfielder is placing significant importance on this tournament. So far, Fernandes has been part of Portugal’s squad at Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. In his first World Cup, he played a limited role: he started just one match and did not feature in the team’s Round of 16 elimination against Uruguay.
In Qatar 2022, however, Bruno had already established himself as a European soccer star and played a much more prominent role. The Manchester United player started four of the five matches, including the quarterfinal loss to Morocco.
Cristiano Ronaldo has one last chance
Despite being 10 years older than Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo finds himself in a similar situation regarding what the upcoming World Cup represents. At 41, it is clear that North America 2026 will be CR7’s final opportunity to win the most important title in soccer.
So far, Ronaldo’s best performance in the FIFA tournament came in his first appearance, at Germany 2006, when he reached the semifinals with Portugal before losing to France. In the following four editions, they never managed to get past the quarterfinals, and on one occasion (Brazil 2014), they were even eliminated in the group stage.
Portugal stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes.
After both stars were absent from Saturday’s training session, speculation quickly grew over whether the club could be without key names for one of the biggest matches of the Saudi Pro League season.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane have become central figures in another major week for Al-Nassr, with fresh attention now focused on their availability ahead of a decisive showdown. After both stars were absent from Saturday’s training session, speculation quickly grew over whether the club could be without key names for one of the biggest matches of the Saudi Pro League season.
The timing has only increased the tension. With Al-Ahli next on the schedule and the title race entering a critical phase, Jorge Jesus needs his biggest players ready. When Al-Nassr hosts Al-Ahli in Riyadh on April 29, the fixture carries far greater significance than a routine league game. It is widely viewed as a match that could shape the championship race and bring the club closer to a long-awaited domestic title.
Al-Nassr currently sits top of the Saudi Pro League table with 76 points from 29 matches. The club holds an eight-point lead over Al-Hilal and remains ahead of third-placed Al-Ahli, which has played one game fewer.
Victory would strengthen Al-Nassr’s grip on first place and place the side in a commanding position entering the final stretch of the season. A setback, however, could reopen the race and revive pressure from the chasing pack.
Al-Nassr vs Al-Ahli could decide the Saudi Pro League, and Ronaldo’s first Middle East crown
Will Ronaldo and Mane be ready for Al-Ahli?
Concern surfaced when Saudi journalist Abdulaziz Al-Osaimi reported on X (formerly Twitter) that Cristiano Ronaldo, Sultan Al-Ghannam, and Sadio Mane missed Saturday’s training session. The reason given was fatigue and exhaustion rather than a major physical issue.
That update immediately raised fears among supporters, especially with such an important match approaching. Losing Ronaldo or Mane would significantly change the attacking outlook against a dangerous side led by Golden Boot favorite Ivan Toney.
Another Saudi journalist, Ali Al-Anzi, later eased the uncertainty. According to his update, Cristiano Ronaldo is not injured and will be ready to face Al-Ahli. That is the major development supporters hoped for. It suggests the absence was precautionary and tied to workload management rather than a serious setback.
Sadio Mane of Al Nassr celebrates with teammate Cristiano Ronaldo
As for Sadio Mane, no major injury has been confirmed, though attention remains on whether he returns fully to training before matchday. His presence would give Al-Nassr another elite option in the final third.
Why Ronaldo’s presence matters so much
Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia in January 2023 transformed the league’s global profile. Since arriving, he has delivered goals, headlines, sold-out stadiums, and another reminder of his relentless standards.
Yet one target has remained unfinished: winning the Saudi Pro League title. For a player who has already conquered England, Spain, and Italy, lifting the domestic crown in Saudi Arabia would add another chapter to a career built on collecting trophies.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrating.
This season has offered his clearest path yet. Al-Nassr has combined attacking power with defensive discipline, scoring 79 goals while conceding only 21, numbers that reflect the balance of a true contender.
Despite the teenager being sidelined until the end of the season, the title race has created a scenario that could soon place him ahead of one of Real Madrid’s greatest icons in a statistic few expected to become relevant so soon.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy in Spain remains immense, but a surprising new benchmark is beginning to emerge as Lamine Yamal edges closer to another remarkable achievement with Barcelona. Despite the teenager being sidelined until the end of the season, the title race has created a scenario that could soon place him ahead of one of Real Madrid’s greatest icons in a statistic few expected to become relevant so soon.
Barcelona strengthened its grip on the league with a composed win over Getafe, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s old club saw its hopes fade further. Yamal may be injured, yet his influence on the campaign and the team’s position means he remains central to one of the season’s biggest stories.
The Blaugrana took another major step toward retaining the La Liga crown after a 2-0 victory over Getafe. Goals from Fermín Lopez and Marcus Rashford secured three points in a fixture that had troubled the Catalan club in recent seasons.
The win pushed Hansi Flick and his players to 85 points, opening an 11-point lead over Real Madrid with only five matches left to play. With momentum on its side, the title is now within touching distance.
The milestone that could put him ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo
Amid the title push, a deeper storyline has begun to emerge, tying Barcelona’s present to Real Madrid’s past. If the current trajectory holds, Lamine Yamal is on course to accumulate more La Liga titles than Cristiano Ronaldo managed during his time at Real Madrid.
Thus, if Barcelona wins the Spanish title this season, Lamine Yamal would collect his third league accolade at just 18 years old. That would move him beyond CR7’s two La Liga titles won during his career at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ronaldo’s time in Madrid delivered extraordinary success, especially in Europe, where he lifted multiple Champions League trophies and rewrote scoring records. Yet domestically, league titles proved harder to come by in an era of fierce competition.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona lifts the La Liga EA Sports title trophy
For Yamal, the comparison is less about overall greatness and more about the astonishing speed of his rise. Few players in modern soccer have accumulated silverware this early while already playing such an important role.
Why this matters beyond the numbers
Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in Spain as a global superstar in his prime. Lamine Yamal, by contrast, is still a teenager developing inside one of the most demanding environments. That makes the potential milestone especially striking.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid CF holds up the La Liga trophy as he celebrates winning the La Liga title
The Portuguese superstar’s name will always command respect in La Liga history, but soccer constantly creates new stories. Lamine Yamal is now writing one of the most impressive early chapters the league has seen in years.
Should Barcelona complete the title charge, the 18-year-old will own a league tally many legends never reached. For a player still only beginning his career, that would be a statement impossible to ignore.
Cesc Fabregas insisted the most important focus is Como’s match against Genoa as rumours linking him to the Chelsea job grow. Fabregas is aiming to guide Como into the Champions League places in Serie A, but their recent form has not been ideal. Como have lost their last two Serie A matches, against Inter (3-4) […]
Florida State offensive lineman Jacob Rizy is heading to New England. The Patriots are signing the former Seminoles interior lineman as a priority undrafted free agent with a $5,000 signing bonus, Andrew Callahan was first to report the news, giving Rizy a shot at earning a roster spot with one of the NFL's most storied franchises following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Rizy spent three years at Harvard before transferring to Florida State for his final two seasons. He had full starting seasons at both right tackle in 2022 and left tackle in 2023 for the Crimson before a swing lineman for the Seminoles, where he played at 6-foot-5, 310 pounds.
At Harvard, Rizy earned second-team All-Ivy League honors in 2022 before earning first-team All-Ivy League recognition in 2023 while starting 20 games across his two seasons as a starter for the Crimson.
Rizy earned All-ACC Academic Team honors in 2025 during his second and final season at FSU, and graduated from Florida State with a social science degree in the fall of 2025, his second college degree, having previously earned a degree in economics and psychology from Harvard in the spring of 2024.
A versatile interior offensive lineman capable of lining up at both center and guard, Rizy combines good size with impressive athleticism and registered a 9.88 Relative Athletic Score during the pre-draft process.
Rizy is one of three former Seminoles to sign with NFL teams following the 2026 draft so far, joining defensive back Jerry Wilson, who signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, and wide receiver Squirrel White, who signed with the Chicago Bears.
Source: #Patriots signing ex-FSU and Harvard OL Jacob Rizy as a priority free agent. $5,000 signing bonus.
Rizy is an elite athlete (9.88 RAS) for a G/C at 6-5, 304. He played LG, C, RG and RT over the past 2 years at Florida State. Graduated Harvard in spring '24. (📸: @AP) pic.twitter.com/I1nd60tBMC
HOUSTON – As Nelly Korda opened up an eight-shot lead at the Chevron Championship, the Houston fire department was trying to break into the pro shop to check out what apparently turned out to be a false alarm.
Needless to say, things got heated at Memorial Park on Saturday, where fans came out to see if anyone could rise up to challenge Korda. After four birdies on the front side, Korda cooled down, playing the last 12 holes in 2 over. By day's end, she'd shot 2-under 70 to get to 16 under, still good enough for a five-shot lead, the largest 54-hole lead of her LPGA career.
Korda is the first player to lead the Chevron by multiple strokes after each of the first three rounds since Lorena Ochoa 20 years ago. A victory on Sunday would give Korda 17 LPGA victories and three majors titles. It would also give her 22 of the 27 points needed to enter the LPGA Hall of Fame.
"I played really solid on the front and then just kind of – not may have lost concentration," said Korda, "but the wind started picking up and then I just put myself into, I mean, I put myself into great positions; didn't kind of execute really well."
Korda hit 16 greens, the most this week, and took 32 putts, up from 24 and 27 in the first two rounds.
Nelly Korda keeps it consistent. She holds the lead for the third day straight 👊 pic.twitter.com/xh5VyyDN4W
Korda's closest pursuer is former Chevron champion Patty Tavatanakit, who made par or better on her first 48 holes of the tournament. It marked the longest bogey-free streak to start a major since Bronte Law played the first three rounds of the 2019 AIG Women's British Open without a dropped shot.
"It was pretty incredible," said Korda. "She was definitely making some insane up-and-downs and she has this flow to her chipping and to her entire game where it looks super easy. She looks very confident around the greens."
Tavatanakit shot a second consecutive 69 to get to 11 under, while former KPMG Women's PGA winner Ruoning Yin shot 66 to get to 10 under with Frenchwoman Pauline Roussin-Bouchard (67).
Nelly Korda keeps it consistent. She holds the lead for the third day straight 👊 pic.twitter.com/xh5VyyDN4W
"I'm really proud of how I putt right now because I've been struggling with putting for a long time," said Yin, who experimented with a broomstick putter for several months before switching back to conventional length.
Both Gaby Lopez (T-6) and Lexi Thompson (T-10) matched the day's low round of 66.
Amateur Farah O'Keefe, the Texas junior who ranks No. 4 in the world, heads into the final round in a share of sixth. It's the best 54-hole position by an amateur at the Chevron since Morgan Pressel in 2005.
Korda will move back to No. 1 in the world on Sunday, overtaking Jeeno Thitikul, should she finish T-2 or better. She has spent a total of 108 weeks at the top spot. It would mark her seventh time ascending to No. 1.
The Boston Red Sox have axed Manager Alex Cora and five coaches after notching just 10 wins in the team’s first month of baseball.
Cora was let go, along with hitting coach Peter Fatse, third-base coach Kyle Hudson, bench coach Ramón Vázquez, assistant hitting coach Dillon Lawson, and major league hitting strategy coach Joe Cronin, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported.
The Boston Red Sox fired manager Alex Cora, hitting coach Peter Fatse, bench coach Rámon Vazquez and game-planning coach Jason Varitek, sources tell ESPN.
While the Red Sox won today, they are 10-17 and in last in the American League East. Massive change is coming in Boston.
The team also reassigned its former catcher and three-time World Series champion Jason Varitek, who was serving as game planning and run prevention coach.
Cora, a former infielder who played 14 MLB seasons, became Red Sox skipper in 2018. During his tenure, the Sox won 620 games and lost 541.
Cora brought a World Series championship to Boston in 2018.
“Alex Cora led this organization to one of the greatest seasons in Red Sox history in 2018, and for that, and the many years that followed, he will always have our deepest gratitude,” Red Sox owner John Henry said in a statement to the media. “He has had a lasting impact on this team and on this city. He has led on and off the field in so many important ways.”
The Sox currently sit at the bottom of the American League East, 7.5 games back of the archrival New York Yankees, who are in first place. Boston’s ugly start to the season comes after the Red Sox lost to the Yanks in the AL Wild Card round last year. The team is currently 10-17 on the season.
A Detroit Lions logo by practice field during training camp at Detroit Lions Headquarters and Training Facility in Allen Park on Monday, July 24, 2023.
The Detroit Lions’ 2026 NFL Draft class has been established, but they’re far from closing out their weekend. Teams will now scurry to sign players who went undrafted—commonly known as UDFAs—to fill out the rest of their roster.
The Lions should be pretty active during this process. Including this year’s draft class, they have 76 players on their roster, with the NFL maximum currently set at 90. That means they could potentially sign up to 14 UDFAs over the next few days. This post will track all of the latest UDFA news as it comes in and the team gets their roster closer to the limit.
Below is a list of all the reported signings with the Lions after the draft, but please don’t treat this list as official. Players often change their commitment to a team. And other times, these players are actually invited to Lions minicamp, but it’s conflated/misreported as a UDFA signing. Also, it’s worth noting that the Lions are not holding a rookie minicamp this year, so it’s unclear if any of these UDFAs will get the opportunity to try out with Detroit if they don’t sign a contract.
With that in mind, note that the list below may change. We’ll list officialnext to a player once the team has confirmed the signing—which usually takes at least a few days.
Names will trickle in over the next few days, so keep refreshing this page Saturday night throughout the entire weekend.
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley articulated their goal weeks ago: They wanted to rebuild the franchise around toughness and physicality.
They walked away from their first draft in Miami with the players they wanted.
“I would say it was collaborative, cohesive,” Sullivan said. “I felt like we executed. I felt like we helped the Miami Dolphins. I speak for both of us when we talk about the excitement of the players we drafted and the culture we're trying to build.”
The Dolphins had 13 picks, and they used the first two on Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor (12th overall) and San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson (27th) — players who fit the mold of toughness and are expected to be tone-setters.
Proctor was the biggest offensive lineman in the draft at 6-foot-7, 352 pounds. He will be tasked with protecting new quarterback Malik Willis and making things easier in the run game for De'Von Achane. Johnson, known for his physicality and versatility, will have a chance to start right away because of the holes in Miami's secondary.
“I believe this is a physical game,” Hafley said, “and you need tough guys to play this game and guys who want to be physical. If you look at this (draft) list and watch how hard these guys play, I think it’s impressive.”
Dolphins wanted Proctor no matter what
The Dolphins needed of offensive line help, but given Sullivan's stated approach of taking the best player available, it was somewhat surprising when they used their first pick on Proctor when projected difference-makers like Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs were available.
Sullivan said the Dolphins targeted Proctor specifically. They had no desire to deviate from their plan, regardless of how the draft board unfolded.
“His height, weight, speed, production, the things that he can do on the football field for a man his size, he’s an outlier,” Sullivan said. “There’s not many like him. That’s no shot at Caleb Downs, a phenomenal, phenomenal football player, and he’ll have a great career ... but we had a lot of conviction on Proctor being a very unique player in this draft and one that we can build around for years. We invested in Malik, and it was important for us to protect him."
Pr”ctor has a “1972” tattoo on the knuckles of his right hand, honoring the year his stepfather was born.
That also happens to be the year that the Dolphins completed the NFL's only perfect season en route to their first Super Bowl win.
“I suppose it was meant to be,” Proctor said at his introductory news conference.
Texas ties
Miami drafted linebacker Jacob Rodriguez out of Texas Tech to possibly follow in the footsteps of Red Raiders alum and Dolphins Hall of Famer Zach Thomas. Miami also selected Texas Tech wide receiver Caleb Douglas in the third round and took linebacker Trey Moore, safety Michael Taaffe and guard DJ Campbell out of Texas.
That's five players from Texas schools.
At least one Dolphins veteran was thrilled about the Texas ties. Former Red Raider Jordyn Brooks was so excited the team drafted Rodriguez and Douglas that the veteran linebacker came to the Dolphins' practice facility shortly after the picks were made on Friday night.
“It was cool to have him in the draft room,” Sullivan said. “He was gassed up, and he got us fired up."
Addressing”receiver
After releasing veteran Tyreek Hill and trading away star Jaylen Waddle, Miami drafted three receivers, including Douglas and Louisville's Chris Bell.
Both fit what Miami was looking for in size. Douglas — 6-4, 205 pounds — was praised for his length. Bell — 6-2, 220 pounds — is strong and explosive.
The Dolphins used a third-round pick on Bell, who Sullivan estimated would not have fallen that far if he wasn't recovering from an ACL injury suffered in November.
Sullivan said the Dolphins expect Bell to be available to play at some point this season, but the draft pick was about a “long-term investment” in the type of player Bell can become. He was Louisville's leading receiver and had nine receptions, 136 yards and two TDs when the Cardinals played the Hurricanes at the Dolphins' Hard Rock Stadium in October.
“Just seeing me drop down the board, it hurt,” said Bell, who had ACL surgery four months ago. "But I know I pla“ better with a chip on my shoulder, so God did that for a reason.”
All in on Willis
Sullivan has said he plans to bring as much competition as possible into the quarterback room, including potentially drafting a quarterback every year.
Nonetheless, the Dolphins decided against using one of their picks on a QB. Sullivan said he still plans to bring in competition, but he was comfortable enough with Willis, Quinn Ewers and Cam Miller to use those picks on other positions.
“It came up a couple times throughout the course of the weekend," Sullivan said. "We ”ust felt like th“ better option was the other pick. Just a chance for a guy to get on the field and help us this year with where we are as a roster. Certainly not backing off what I said initially. We will take a quarterback every, or every other year when we have the opportunity. ... We like our room. We're in good shape.”
The rest of the new Dolphins
Miami also selected Ohio State tight end Will Kacmarek (third round), Pittsburgh linebacker Kyle Louis (fourth), Missouri wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. (fifth), Mississippi State tight end Seydou Traore (fifth) and Iowa edge rusher Max Llewellyn (seventh).
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 17: Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on as players warm up before the AFC Divisional Round game against the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Now that the 2025 NFL Draft has concluded, the Denver Broncos will begin working on adding undrafted free agents. These players were not selected during the draft but are now free to sign with all 32 NFL teams. The Broncos finished the draft with multiple selections and will now look to add to their class with these signings.
The Broncos have been able to find undrafted free-agent gems in the past, most notably cornerback Chris Harris Jr. and wide receiver Rod Smith. Both players would go on to be key members of multiple Super Bowl teams and go down as some of the best Denver Broncos players ever.
In recent years, we have seen Jaleel McLaughlin, Nate Adkins, Alex Palczewski, Ja’Quan McMillian, Frank Crum, Karene Reid, and others make the roster, be key members of the roster, and even starters. Will we see any of these undrafted free agents join this list? History tells us that we probably will.
This thread will be updated as these signings are reported unofficially and will be made official when the Broncos announce their signings.
Broncos 2026 Undrafted Free Agent Tracker
Note: Keep in mind that everything you see here is not official until the Broncos officially announce these signings
PHOENIX — After forcing another turnover, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sped past several Phoenix defenders. Running at full steam, he bumped his way through Devin Booker for the blue-collar layup. No foul was called for an and-one. The reigning MVP let his teammates hear about it. He mouthed he didn't need the whistle as he turned into a one-man machine.
The Oklahoma City Thunder pulled away late for a 121-109 Game 3 win over the Phoenix Suns. They now hold an ironclad 3-0 series lead in their Round 1 matchup.
Back to life without Jalen Williams, the Thunder went with Ajay Mitchell as the starter. The move allowed him to seamlessly take up all of the All-NBA talent's shot attempts. Knowing Game 3 is when they'd get the Suns' best jabs, they stuck with it. The Thunder had a 33-28 lead after the first quarter.
Rolling out a new second-unit lineup, Mitchell and Jared McCain took turns putting up shot attempts. The your-turn-my-turn style served as a Band-Aid for Williams' absence. The Thunder kept their distance with 29 points in the second frame. They had a 62-53 halftime lead.
At that point, the Thunder had full control over the Suns. Even without Williams, they've duct-taped an offense together. Most teams in OKC's position would ponder waving the white flag. But the reigning NBA champions have truly lived up to their plug-and-play formula scattered throughout their roster.
Coming out of the break, it was much of the same. As the Thunder kept their distance, Devin Booker's ankle roll breathed life into a Phoenix crowd that was mentally and emotionally mostly checked out. Pulling a play out of being a superhero, he quickly checked back in after he hobbled to the bench.
Alas, all that did was generate a cool aura moment. The Suns failed to rally behind Booker's injury. Gilgeous-Alexander ensured the Thunder kept pace. Getting hot on a handful of possessions, Jalen Green's outside jumpers turned out to be irrelevant. The reigning MVP answered with his own buckets to water down any momentum Phoenix hoped to spark.
The Thunder had 25 points in the third quarter. They held a commanding 87-79 lead over the Suns. All things considered, this was a great spot to be at. Felt like the Suns emptied the tank and it barely moved the scoreboard to their favor. The talent gap between these two teams is just too wide. The size difference between your average JV and Varsity squads.
Going for a fastbreak poster, Booker's daring attempt to go at Holmgren ended in spectacular failure. The seven-footer jumped off the floor with him. He swatted away his layup attempt. Going back on offense, he pulled out a double thumbs-down to nonverbally trash-talk Phoenix's superstar.
With the finish line within eyesight, Gilgeous-Alexander walked down the Suns to pop any late-game interest. He shouldered his way through Booker for an old-school bucket. On the other end, OKC's defense morphed into a school of piranhas. Anytime someone from Phoenix tried to break down their defender, it became a turnover or a bad shot attempt.
Mixing those two things, it shouldn't be a surprise to see the Thunder pull away late. They led by as many as 16 points. They had 34 points in the final frame. Historically struggling in Game 3s, OKC looked like a team on a mission not to mess with their food and make quick work of the Suns.
The Thunder shot 50% from the field and went 12-of-37 (32.4%) from 3. They shot 19-of-21 on free throws. They had 23 assists on 45 baskets. Four Thunder players scored double-digit points.
Gilgeous-Alexander had one of his best playoff outings ever with an efficient 42 points and eight assists. Mitchell gladly ate into the vacated possessions with 15 points and six rebounds. Holmgren had 10 points and seven rebounds. Alex Caruso had 13 points and five rebounds.
Meanwhile, the Suns shot 44% from the field and went 13-of-41 (31.7%) from 3. They shot 20-of-23 on free throws. They had 25 assists on 38 baskets. Four Suns players scored double-digit points.
Booker once again struggled with 16 points and seven assists. Dillon Brooks exploded for 33 points and seven rebounds. Green had 26 points and six assists. Oso Ighodaro had 15 points and four assists.
Anybody thinking this Round 1 matchup would drum up interest once Williams was sidelined had their balloon popped. The Thunder are just heads and shoulders above the Suns. At every level. Taking care of business at home through two games, this was supposed to be the telltale sign of this series. Well, it looks like OKC is well on its way to another stress-free advancement.
Starting at the top, Gilgeous-Alexander refused to let the Thunder sleepwalk through another bad loss. His career-best night helped the rest of OKC to get into a rhythm. We're seeing one of the game's greatest players carry his squad to playoff wins. While it won't be as lengthy as others, add this chapter to his ever-growing book of NBA royalty.
Let's look at Thunder player grades:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A-plus
Taking advantage of Booker's care-free dribble, Gilgeous-Alexander ripped the ball away from him. He jogged his way to a rare two-handed dunk. The reigning MVP had a one-man show to put the Thunder a win away from another ho-hum Round 1 series victory.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 42 points on 15-of-18 shooting, eight assists and four rebounds. He shot 1-of-3 from 3 and went 11-of-12 on free throws. He also had one steal.
I guess this is what it's like to see one of the NBA's greatest scorers in a flow state. The Suns didn't have a prayer to slow down Gilgeous-Alexander. We've seen him have these superb-efficient 30-plus point outings in the regular season, but rarely in the NBA playoffs. Which makes sense, considering the competitive level is amped tenfold.
But showing his evolution, Gilgeous-Alexander carried the Thunder to a bulletproof 3-0 series lead. He did it at all levels on the court. He drove to the rim without any real resistance. The Suns threw every defender at the wall out of desperation. None of them stuck.
At the mid-range, Gilgeous-Alexander was surgical. A couple of dribbles in, he pulled up at different spots throughout the packed areas. When none of that happened, he bullied his way to the rim and flipped the Suns' constant pressure as a detriment. He had a busy night at the free-throw line. Expect that to trend on all social media platforms again.
Putting this one away in the second half, Gilgeous-Alexander scored an unreal 25 points. He had a dozen alone in the final frame. Even when the Suns enjoyed some hot shooting, the reigning MVP immediately answered on the other end before Suns fans could do the napkin math in their head for a possible comeback.
This is what the NBA's best players ever do. Just a complete takeover. I mean, 42 points on 18 shot attempts. You never see that in the NBA playoffs. Gilgeous-Alexander has cemented himself as one of the best players this decade. Now, his competition goes beyond the current field of players. He's chasing all-time greatness. And he's doing a dang-good job at putting himself in the same sentences as Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
Bumping his way through Collin Gillespie's defense, Mitchell muscled his way to the paint. He went up for a floater that drilled in. Rinse and repeat that sequence. Promoting the 23-year-old to the starting lineup, he licked his chops at the vacated scoring looks up for grabs.
Mitchell finished with 15 points on 5-of-20 shooting, six rebounds and two assists. He shot 1-of-5 from 3 and went 4-of-4 on free throws.
This is what the NBA playoffs are about. Leaving it all on the floor — to your last drop of sweat. Without Williams, the Thunder badly needed someone else to step up as OKC's second-best scorer. In comes Mitchell, who's made a habit of being able to scale up or down whatever they need out of him.
In his biggest test yet, Mitchell showed he's not afraid of the moment. That's not something you can universally say about every second-year player. Especially one who was mostly sidelined in OKC's championship run last year. He had 10 points in the first half and five big-time ones in the final frame.
The efficiency is a little grotesque and Mitchell developed some bad tunnel vision, but eh, screw it. It's the playoffs. You just need buckets. No matter how pretty or ugly they get. There's no replacing Williams' production one-for-one — especially considering how stellar he looked through six quarters — but the 23-year-old helped the Thunder keep their non-Gilgeous-Alexander offense above water. That's all you can ask for.
Eyeing Booker down, Holmgren waited for the Suns' franchise player to take off. The seven-footer synchronized jumps. In a meeting in the air, he one-upped the dynamic scorer's driving layup attempt with an animated swat. After the highlight block, he shook his hand in disapproval and wagged his finger Mutumbo-style.
Holmgren finished with 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting, seven rebounds and two assists. He shot 0-of-1 from 3. He also had two blocks.
Playing within the flow, Holmgren served as a play-finisher. He's one of the best in the business at it. The Thunder fed him several looks around the rim. His ability to finish through traffic has turned him into one of the most efficient 15-plus point scorers in the league. Nothing flashy, but good, fundamentally sound offense.
On defense, the Suns have yet to figure out the league-best defense. It was another game where the Thunder muddied their offense to below-average shooting numbers inside the paint. For the third straight game, Phoenix struggled to reach the century mark. And at this juncture, they've run out of time to make proper adjustments.
The Thunder continue to sport the NBA's best defense. Holmgren is the face of that. If they go back-to-back, it'll be because that side of the ball carried them through the NBA playoffs. I know it's just Round 1 in a lopsided matchup, but so far, everything has gone to plan.
Going for a risky poke-out attempt, Caruso made up for his mistake. He made up ground on Green. As Phoenix's second-best scorer tried to go at Jaylin Williams for a layup, the 32-year-old smacked the ball out of his hands for a defensive highlight in a fourth quarter filled with them.
Caruso finished with 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting, five rebounds and one assist. He shot 3-of-6 from 3. He also had one block and one steal.
Welcome back to the NBA playoffs, Caruso. Your classic postseason riser, the Thunder have depended on him to play in high-stress minutes and close things out. He might be a bench player in job title, but he goes way beyond that. He compliments OKC's chaotic style. Like a kettle of vultures, they circled whoever had the ball for the Suns.
We know what Caruso adds to the league-best defense. His motor makes the Suns' insecurities grow. To the point that they manifest into OKC's stops and create turnovers. But when he gets going on the other end of the floor, it just incentivizes the Thunder even more to up his playing time.
Finally, Caruso helped out as a scorer. Struggling all year from the perimeter, he knocked down timely outside jumpers that must've felt like a knife twisting in your chest if you're the Suns. He was one of the guys who stepped up as the Thunder were without Williams and Isaiah Joe. Great stuff from the two-time NBA champion who's made a career out of these types of games.
INGLEWOOD, CA - AUGUST 20: A Dallas Cowboys helmet on the field before the NFL preseason game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Chargers on August 20, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Dallas Cowboys officially have a draft class and that is all kinds of exciting.
We can start to really figure out who we think this team is going to be in 2026 after this weekend, and a lot of that is because of what happens after the NFL draft as well. As important as the draft class itself is, there is also a sector of roster construction that the Cowboys have thrived in – undrafted free agency.
For those unaware, this is exactly what it sounds like. There are only so many draft picks in the NFL and the players who were not selected were/are free to negotiate deals with teams, whichever ones they want. While the Cowboys have taken heat in the past for not being big spenders this is an area where they are very comfortable out-bidding teams for players they care about.
Below you will find our tracker for all reported undrafted free agents who are set to sign with the team.
The Cowboys have invited Presbyterian College RB Zach Switzer to rookie minicamp, per Aaron Wilson. He is the grandson of former head coach Barry Switzer.
It was originally reported that Jaylon Guilbreau would be among the Cowboys UDFAs, but the mothership reported that he flipped to the Carolina Panthers.
Nov 12, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) comes under pressure from New York Jets defensive end John Franklin-Myers (91) during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and teams will introduce their latest rookie class to the league in hopes of having them become part of the next Super Bowl puzzle.
The draft also means finalizing past trades that included future draft picks. That includes a deal made in April 2024, which sent defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers from the New York Jets to the Denver Broncos.
Original terms of the John Franklin-Myers trade from the Jets
Broncos receive: John Franklin-Myers
Jets receive: 2026 sixth-round pick
What did the Jets do with the pick from the John Franklin-Myers trade?
The Jets flipped the pick acquired for Franklin-Myers to the Minnesota Vikings for defensive tackle Harrison Phillips in August 2025.
How was John Franklin-Myers’ performance for the Broncos?
Franklin-Myers was a key piece of the Broncos’ defensive line over the last two seasons. He started 31 of 33 games for the team and recorded 14.5 sacks and 65 tackles. Franklin-Myers also started both playoff games for the Broncos this past season. He ultimately signed a three-year, $60 million deal with the Tennessee Titans ahead of the 2026 campaign, reuniting him with former Jets head coach Robert Saleh.
Who won the John Franklin-Myers trade?
While the Jets got Phillips in the deal involving the pick from the Franklin-Myers trade, the Broncos are clear winners here. Even though Franklin-Myers is no longer on the roster, the Broncos got two years of his prime and will likely get a 2027 compensatory pick for losing him in free agency.
The pick that the Jets sent to the Vikings for Phillips was sent to the Philadelphia Eagles for quarterback Sam Howell. The Eagles then traded that pick to the Baltimore Ravens for Jaire Alexander.
Nov 1, 2025; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Kendrick Law (1) escapes the tackle of Auburn Tigers linebacker Bryce Deas (16) during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images | John Reed-Imagn Images
The Detroit Lions added to their offensive skill players group in round five of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting wide receiver Kendrick Law. A dynamic slot option who thrives on yards after the catch (YAC), Law will give the Lions another option to compete for the vacated Kalif Raymond role.
Let’s take a look at Law’s background and traits and discuss how his addition will impact the Lions roster in 2026 and beyond.
Round 5, Pick 168: Kendrick Law
After spending the first three seasons of his college career at Alabama, Law sought out larger opportunities and landed at Kentucky for his senior season, and performed well enough to start climbing NFL Draft boards. Law talked with the Lions media about transferring:
“I was at Alabama for three years and played there for three years, and then after my third year, I just felt like I needed to go to a kind of different system. The kind of system where I could be moved around a little bit more, put in different spots, create mismatches upon defenses, and just create value for myself across the board.”
The decision paid off, as Law produced more in one season at Kentucky (53 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns) than he did in his three seasons at Alabama (33 receptions for 343 yards and one touchdown).
What’s interesting about Law’s production at Kentucky is that, of his 540 yards, 505 were yards after the catch (YAC), illustrating how Kentucky prioritized getting Law the ball early in routes and letting him use his athleticism (9.6 RAS) to gain yards.
“Once I get the ball in my hand, I just let my lower body half just kind of do the work and just I see angles, learn how to create space and just continue to accelerate.”
But Law doesn’t feel his game is limited to just what he did at Kentucky. He believes he can bring more to the table in the NFL.
“I can stretch the field, and I feel like that’s just something that the Lions will every day get to see from me. ‘Hey, this guy is not only just a medium-type guy, package-type weapon, but he’s also a vertical threat. We can use him down the field, we can use him intermediate, or we can use him in range.’ And that’s what kind of kind of guy I feel like I am.”
While Law didn’t show that field-stretching ability, his short/medium game is loaded with ways he can be deployed as a weapon and has caught the attention of several analysts.
I’ve studied some really good WRs today. 2 of my favorites 👇🏻
IU Omar Cooper Jr- tough, physical yac, strong hands. Great feel.
KY Kendrick Law- explosive, strong lower, dynamic with ball.
“He is lightning quick in short areas and can destroy the balance of open-field defenders with speed to stretch. He is dynamic on slants and stick-and-nods, although his routes show more freelancing than nuance and he is unproven as a downfield target.“
Roster impact
With Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa locked into starting roles, the Lions will be looking for two or three reserves from their remaining six rostered players.
The biggest hole the Lions need to replace is that of Kalif Raymond, who departed in free agency. In addition to Law competing for that job, the Lions returned Dominic Lovett (last year’s seventh-round pick), re-signed Tom Kennedy and Malik Cunningham, and signed Greg Dortch in free agency. Of this group, Law and Lovett are the fastest, while Dortch’s quickness and experience should give him an edge over the two younger players.
That being said, this competition figures to be a fun training camp battle to follow, and there’s a fair argument to be had that Law could be a frontrunner for a WR5 role.
Despite 257 players finding a new NFL home in the past few days, draft season isn't quite over.
Now, the annual scramble to add hidden young talent who may have been overlooked begins — at the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, all 32 teams are able to begin negotiating with players who were not selected.
Typically, undrafted free agents (UDFAs) wind up filling a franchise's gaps in training camp or on their practice squad, but there are plenty of success stories. Among active NFL players, Austin Ekeler, Jakobi Meyers, Frankie Luvu and Kenny Moore II are some of the well-known names who began as UDFAs.
Below, The Sporting News is tracking all of the notable 2026 UDFA signings and their landing spots.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 22: A general view of the San Francisco 49ers sign in the tunnel during the NFL football draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 22, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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The 2026 NFL Draft is a wrap, and the San Francisco 49ers are now getting things set up for their undrafted free agents.
For lack of a better word, the 49ers’ draft has been “interesting” to say the least. Many players were picked ahead of where numerous consensus big boards had them going. The proverbial reaches have been getting mixed reviews from fans and analysts alike.
“Depends on whose consensus,” 49ers general manager John Lynch said when asked about the strategy in his recap of Day 3. “We have consensus in this building. That’s the consensus I care about.”
So there you have it: fans may be wondering about the reaches and these players going early, but Lynch—and Kyle Shanahan, by extension—seem confident in what they’re doing. One thing to keep in mind is that a lot of our draft crushes don’t pan out. In 2019, N’Keal Harry was a wide receiver many hoped would go to the 49ers; instead, he was selected by the New England Patriots in the 2019 NFL Draft. In that same draft, the 49ers took Deebo Samuel a round later. Harry is playing in the CFL, while Samuel has been a wrecking ball in the league.
Another point to think of here is that some of these picks were picks the 49ers didn’t think would be around when they picked again. Sure, they could trade back in and up to snag someone, but who knows what a trade partner might ask for, and the 49ers started the draft with six picks. That’s not much ammo to move up.
So if you think their first pick, wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, is a reach, perhaps another team was waiting to reach on him also. If you watched his tape, you’d know he fits the part on the 49ers’ offense. Or maybe this is another A.J. Jenkins — the infamous 49ers 2012 first-round pick — in the making. We’ll have to see.
Overall, this draft class has a ton of potential, but there’s not much here for me to say I’m skeptical or optimistic about. This is a group that feels more lukewarm, and I need to see how it plays out. Remember, this is coming from a guy who thought Jake Moody would change the 49ers’ future at kicker, and that didn’t exactly go the way I expected. Furthermore, it’s been documented that next year’s draft is going to be rather deep; this year’s draft had a thin talent pool—the 49ers weren’t the only team trying to find diamonds.
But what do you think? Fill out our survey below, and we’ll take a look at the results on Monday.
Often a good number, but not when it’s how many walks you issued.
Perhaps the most memorable thing about this game from a White Sox perspective is that, according to the TV folks, it was only the second time since 1901 that four switch-hitting catchers appeared in the same game. Not much to that, you say? Well, it’s better than considering what happened on the field.
Want another anomaly? In the sixth inning, the Sox struck out not once, not twice, not thrice, but four times, the first a case of Miguel Vargas getting on via a third strike passed ball.
Noah Schultz pitched well, but not well enough. He did a terrific job getting out of a jam in the third, following a leadoff walk and double with two strikeouts and a grounder to short. But when Schultz started the fourth with two more walks and a wild pitch, both runners scored on a single by .179 hitter Nasim Nuñez to give Washington a 2-0 lead.
Schultz made it through six innings on a (very short) career-high 85 pitches, giving up four bases on balls and an equal number of hits and just the two runs while striking out a (very short) career-high eight. Meanwhile, though, Jake Irvin, who came into the game with an ERA of 6.00, was even better, walking none and allowing four hits and no runs while whiffing 10. He even had the first three K’s of the four-whiff inning.
Three Sox relievers kept it close, including new call-up Tyler Davis, who got two strikeouts in his first major league appearance. He did walk one, but maybe he just wanted to be part of the group. The fourth Sox reliever? Uh, well, we’ll get to that.
Nationals relievers did their best to try to hand the game back to the Sox via walks and hit batters and misplaying a bunt, which was to no avail until the eighth. It was then that Mitchell Parker walked Vargas and hit Colson Montgomery. Ex-Sox Gus Varland came in to give up an RBI single to Everson Pereira.
Chase Meidroth followed with a sac fly to knot the game, 2-2.
The Sox got two on via walks in the ninth — another attempted gift by the Nationals pen — but Montgomery struck out to end the threat. No matter how many gifts you’re offered, going 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position won’t help you much.
Then we arrive at the 10th, with Jordan Leasure on the mound. This is an apt time to scream, as usual, “Oh, no! Not him!” Leasure issued a walk and a single to load the bases, Manfred Man pushed to third. A passed ball by Drew Romo (just up from Charlotte to replace the DFAed Reese McGuire), on what looked like a cross-up from Leasure, let in one run. An intentional walk loaded the bases again. Leasure then walked Joey Weimer to force in a second run and make it 4-2, then gave up a two-run single to Nuñez, giving the shortstop (and No. 8 hitter) four RBIs on the afternoon.
Down 6-2, the Sox scored the free runner without any Washington effort to stop him, and 6-3 it ended.
It was a jammed house despite very cold weather thanks to a really cool jacket giveaway, but by the bottom of the 10th everybody had headed for warmth.
Thus, the White Sox are 11-16 and the series is tied at 1-1, with the decider at 1:10 p.m. Central tomorrow, Sean Burke and lefty Foster Griffin the scheduled starters.
The Buffalo Bills are getting an explosive playmaker in Pitt running back Desmond Reid.
Reid is signing with the Bills as an undrafted free agent following the completion of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, according to multiple reports.
In 2024, Reid put himself on the map with an all-purpose Second-Team All-American campaign in his first season at the Power Four level. Looking to build on that season, his senior year did not pan out as well. Reid dealt with an ankle injury that kept him out of five games. He started six in seven appearances.
Reid was invited to the combine, where he measured in at 5-6 1/4, 174 pounds, but he did not test in any of the on-field drills or 40-yard dash. At Pitt’s pro day, Reid did post an unofficial time of 4.50 in the 40.
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - OCTOBER 25: Fernando Mendoza #15 and E.J. Williams Jr. #7 of the Indiana Hoosiers run to the sidelines against the UCLA Bruins at Memorial Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2025 NFL draft is almost over, but don’t worry. That doesn’t mean the rookie player addition period is over.
It’s about to get busy all over again. As soon as the draft is over, the race for undrafted free agents will begin for the 32 NFL teams. Really, it has already started. Teams are already discussing UDFA deals with players in case they are not drafted.
The Las Vegas Raiders are, already talking to potential free-agent additions led by general manager John Spytek and his staff. The actual signing process starts as soon as the draft is over and will continue for the next several days.
While these players aren’t overly hyped, several undrafted free agents make impacts every year. So, this is an important part of the Raiders’ roster-building process.
Below is our reported Raiders’ undrafted free agent tracker. It will be updated as the news comes in. Remember, nothing is official until the team announces it. Every year, a few players agree to terms with a team and then sign elsewhere because a better deal emerges:
Former Rutgers forward Bryce Dortch announced on his instagram that he will be playing basketball next season in South Bend. The 6-foot-9 big man spent two seasons with the Scarlet Knights and will give Notre Dame head coach Micah Shrewsberry another front court option.
Dortch arrived at Rutgers as a member of a very highly regarded 2024 recruiting class. He was ranked among the top-200 players nationally and saw his role expand unexpectedly in his first season because injuries to the front court led him to burn his redshirt.
In 43 career games, Dortch averaged 1.8 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. In his sophomore year, he appeared in 31 games and averaged 2.1 points and 3.2 rebounds as the main backup at center.
NEWS: Rutgers transfer Bryce Dortch has committed to Notre Dame, he announced on IG.
Shrewsberry is under a lot of pressure from Irish fans having missed a postseason for the second straight season. He praised this portal class for its' fit and maturity saying via social media that "these guys buy into our culture." The coach will hope that the talent brought in can do more than fit into culture, but also provide some extra wins as he hopes to turn things around in South Bend.
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The Boston Red Sox surprisingly fired Alex Cora on Saturday and have named Worcester WooSox manager Chad Tracy as the new interim manager.
The Red Sox parted ways with Cora, hitting coach Peter Fatse, third base coach Kyle Hudson, bench coach Ramon Vazquez, assistant hitting coach Dillon Lawson and major league hitting strategy coach Joe Cronin. The Red Sox were 10-17 to start the season. Now Tracy will take over as the new manager.
"Alex Cora led this organization to one of the greatest seasons in Red Sox history in 2018, and for that, and the many years that followed, he will always have our deepest gratitude," Red Sox owner John Henry said in a statement. "He has had a lasting impact on this team and on this city. He has led on and off the field in so many important ways. These decisions are never easy, but this one is especially difficult given what Alex has meant to the Red Sox since the day he arrived.
"I want to thank Alex, our coaches, and their families for everything they have given to this organization. They have been part of this club in a way that goes beyond the field, and they will always have our respect and gratitude."
Cora helped the Red Sox win a World Series in 2018 and had been a solid manager for the Red Sox. However, a slow start this season proved to be too much for the Red Sox to continue with him.
Tracy has been the manager for the Red Sox Triple-A affiliate since 2022. He played eight seasons in the minor leagues as a player. The Red Sox still have plenty of time to turn things around, but they need to show some urgency.
MANHATTAN, KS - OCTOBER 11: Linebacker Namdi Obiazor #4 of the TCU Horned Frogs warms up before the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Since walking off the Super Bowl field 76 days ago, the New England Patriots’ goal has been to improve the roster to get back to that stage.
Saturday marked one of the final steps in that process, as the team made five Day 3 selections in the NFL Draft — with improving depth a key point of emphasis.
“It’s invaluable really to roster building as I see it,” vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowden said of the final rounds. “The depth part, and I think that’s a big part of where we wanted to come into this draft… It’s all about trying to find competition at the back end of the roster. And you can never have enough depth. We know that. We were fortunate last year. We were a pretty healthy football team through the 2025 season, and you just can’t bank on that happening in the same way.
“And so our goal now is to start really building depth with young players who can come in and this coaching staff can really mold into the type of players that we want. So, this depth on Day 3 and this post-draft that’s getting ready to happen is really important, and it’s something that’s exciting. Our scouts do a great job along with the coaching staff of trying to get the right guys in.”
After trading a pair of fourth-round picks to move up in Rounds 1 and 2, the Patriots waited roughly 70 selections to make their first pick Saturday. That was Wake Forest cornerback Karon Prunty, who joins a depth chart that includes Charles Woods, Marcellas Dial Jr. and Kobee Minor.
“He’s a player that was really intriguing to us because of his length, his speed. He’s an aggressive player,” Cowden explained. “Has an interesting story, starting out at Kansas, and he went to North Carolina [A&T] for a minute and then at Wake Forest.
“We brought Karon in on a 30 visit. He did a great job with our coaching staff. He really represented himself in a really professional manner, and we’re excited to bring his skill set at the perimeter corner and where it goes from there.”
Sticking on the defensive side of the football, the Patriots added TCU linebacker Namdi Obiazor and Boston College pass rusher Quintayvious Hutchins over the final two rounds — both players who are expected to make an immediate impact on special teams.
The other Day 3 selections focused on offense, which included a second investment at offensive tackle with the “massive” Dametrious Crownover after selecting Caleb Lomu in the first round Thursday.
“If I would want a room to be crowded, I’ll take that as being one room that’s crowded,” Cowden said. “It is a premium position in our league and the pool of players that can play the position is, is relatively small. You can never have enough depth.”
Two seventh-round picks also targeted offense. New England added a potential third running back in Alabama’s Jam Miller, while also selecting their third quarterback in Texas Tech’s Behren Morton as a developmental option.
“The first thing that stands out is the toughness. He played through a lot of stuff. He’s been beat up, but he’s played through a lot of stuff,” executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said. “He’s got a live arm. He’s really smart. He’s been productive. He’s played a lot of football, and he’s a really good fit for the type of offense that we want to run.”
New England will now turn to undrafted free agency to round out the roster. Wolf said the team is expected to target wide receiver after not addressing the position in the draft. Reinforcements could also come via trade, with speculation around A.J. Brown continuing as the Patriots look to put the finishing touches on the roster.
“I think there’s always work to be done, as far as filling holes and adding depth at a lot of different spots,” Wolf said. “Now that the draft has ended, our guys are working on college free agency, but as always, we’re always going to try to look for ways to improve the roster.”
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 20: Nasim Nuñez #26 of the Washington Nationals bats against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park on April 20, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For the last few weeks, the Nationals offense has been heavily reliant on James Wood and CJ Abrams. However, with Abrams out of the lineup, and Wood not having the best game, it was on the supporting cast to get the job done. Led by Nasim Nunez, the Nats were able to put six runs on the board and win the game in extra innings.
Nasim Nunez does a lot of great things on the baseball field. He is an incredibly smooth defender and is one of the best baserunners in the league when he gets on base. However, he is not known for his bat, and has gotten off to a pretty dreadful start at the plate. Even after this game, he is just hitting .195 with a .505 OPS.
The great thing about this Nats offense though is that different guys have stepped up when needed. Today was Nunez’s time to shine. He drove in four runs on two ultra-clutch hits, including one in the 10th inning to break the game open.
There have been times this season where Nunez seemed like he was trying to do too much. After shockingly hitting four home runs last September, Nunez may have fallen in love with his power too much. You could tell during some at bats that he really wanted to lift the ball. Today, he was not trying to do too much, which is when he is at his best.
Nunez should be trying to get on base whatever way he can. Whether that is bunting or selling out for contact, putting the ball in play should be Nunez’s main focus. He still struck out twice today, but in the biggest moments, Nunez was staying within himself.
This game was not all about Nunez though. The other big hero was Jake Irvin, who had his best start of the season. Coming into this game, Irvin had an ERA of 6.00, but I thought he was pitching a lot better than he was last year. Today, the results matched his improved stuff. He had 16 whiffs, the most he has had in a game since June of 2024.
16-whiff day for Jake Irvin.
That's the most swing-and-miss he's gotten in a start since 6/23/2024. If he can get the swing-and-miss to stabilize around 25 percent, he's a different pitcher. 11 whiffs on the curveball today. Great outing.
Seeing those whiffs is a great sign for Irvin. When he was at his best in the first half of 2024, he was getting solid whiff numbers. He was not overpowering, but he had enough in the tank for hitters to respect him. Irvin has actually been a big strikeout guy to start this season, with 34 in 29.2 innings. He was not even striking guys out like that in his big first half a couple years ago.
Today, his curveball was a whiff monster. He got 11 of his 16 whiffs on the hook. You do not see a ton of big slow curve’s like Irvin’s anymore, but they are so nice to watch. Irvin’s command of the curveball was absolutely outstanding today. He was putting it right at the bottom of the zone or putting it slightly out of the zone. It was just too much for hitters not to swing at and he had White Sox batters fishing all afternoon.
Honestly, I think Blake Butera’s hook for Irvin was pretty quick. After a disastrous sequence from Keibert Ruiz turned a strikeout into having a guy on second, Irvin buckled down. He got two more strikeouts, but Butera had seen enough. With a lefty coming up, he went to Mitchell Parker. While Parker got out of the inning, I would have preferred to see Butera stick with his starter.
It was another shaky game for Butera today. He stuck with Mitchell Parker for a bit too long and Cionel Perez almost gave me a heart attack. However, I do like that he went to Brad Lord for a single inning high leverage spot in the 10th inning. Lord is more than a long man, and should be treated as such.
It was a gritty win for the Nats. They drew 10 walks, and consistently had guys on base. The floodgates did not truly open until the 10th inning, but the Nats pressure eventually paid off. It was a nice win, and now they will go for the series win tomorrow.
Being drafted has its advantages, but the path to making a team’s 53-man active roster is never guaranteed for any player. Going undrafted can actually give a player more flexibility to choose the team that offers the best chance to make a roster, and even if the player doesn’t make the active roster, he can still impress enough to earn a practice squad spot.
Most players signed as undrafted free agents have one or two specific traits that teams value — such as exceptional speed, size, or special teams ability — with the belief that they can develop those players into productive contributors.
Several intriguing options remain available for teams looking to add undrafted free agents.
Here are the 10 best undrafted free agents still available:
Vanderbilt was one of the biggest surprises in college football last season, largely because of Pavia, a runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. Pavia completed 70.6% of his passes for 3,539 yards, 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions while also rushing for 862 yards and 10 touchdowns.
His mobility, ability to improvise when plays break down, and demonstrated accuracy and timing to anticipate throws make him a good developmental option in a “Shanahan” offense.
Questions surrounding Pavia include his height (5 feet 10 inches) and whether he will be an off-field distraction, having being involved in social media incidents. As a backup player, he may draw more attention than the role typically requires.
RB Jaydn Ott, Oklahoma — SIGNED: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Oklahoma’s run game is predicated on zone blocking, requiring patience and one cut before going upfield. Ott showed flashes in his limited time on the field, and he is not afraid to pass protect, a valuable trait for a running back. Ott could sneak onto a roster and become a viable third-down back.
DT Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati
With the emergence of the “Tush Push” and teams running more against two-high safeties, having a player who can demand double teams near the goal line is valuable. At 340 pounds, Corleone can fit that role. He also showed some capability as a pass rusher, finishing with 9.5 career sacks. However, he did not record a sack in 2024.
Reid’s size (5 feet 6 inches, 174 pounds) may have played a role in his not being selected, but a good offensive coordinator could use him in multiple positions. He could be effective running the ball to the edge and in the passing game if matched up against linebackers.
In 2025, he rushed for 278 yards and two touchdowns on 60 carries and added another 317 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. He can also help in the punt return game; he averaged 21 yards per return on five attempts, including one touchdown return.
Edge rusher Michael Heldman, Central Michigan — SIGNED: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Heldman’s 10.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss are numbers teams cannot ignore. He is a little bigger than the typical outside rusher, but he is still able to engage offensive linemen with his hands and make blocking uncomfortable for them.
Edge rusher Vincent Anthony Jr., Duke — SIGNED: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Like Heldman, his numbers are hard to ignore, finishing with 13.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He still needs work against the run but could develop into a quality situational pass rusher.
At 228 pounds, Lawson is a tweener between a traditional off-ball linebacker and a safety. He is able to track down ball carriers and is a decent tackler. He could be a candidate to be trained to play safety and used in “big nickel” situations when the threat of the run is present and teams try to spread the defense out with four-wide receiver sets.
WR Jeff Caldwell, Cincinnati — SIGNED: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
A 6-foot-5 receiver who can run a 4.3-second 40-yard dash is still available? It is true. Caldwell caught 32 passes for 478 yards and six touchdowns in his first and only year of FBS football. With the right coaching, Caldwell could surprise some people in training camp.
S Bishop Fitzgerald, USC — SIGNED: TENNESSEE TITANS
Fitzgerald can fight for the ball at its highest point and will contest catches. He also takes good angles to the ball and makes smart decisions on when to gamble for interceptions. The biggest area of concern is his tackling, as he tends to go high too often. However, that can be cleaned up.
OT Diego Pounds, Ole Miss — SIGNED: BALTIMORE RAVENS
Despite having a great name for a lineman, Pounds is very athletic on the edge but has been inconsistent with his blocking. He also tends to stop driving his feet while blocking. His athleticism alone is enough to land him on a practice squad.
The NFL's biggest story of the month — which has crossed over to national news, morning shows, and late-night TV — had a fairly big development on Saturday, when Patriots coach Mike Vrabel skipped the third day of the draft to attend counseling.
On Thursday, Patriots V.P. of player personnel Eliot Wolf explained that the draft room would be missing Vrabel's "leadership" and "presence," along with his skills as a "tremendous recruiter" of undrafted free agents.
During Saturday's draft coverage on ESPN, Peter Schrager said this: "I've been told, from Patriot sources, that they are in constant contact with Vrabel throughout the day."
That was a surprising nugget, to say the least. If Vrabel is skipping the third day of the draft for counseling, being in "constant contact" with the Patriots would undermine the basic purpose of being away from the team.
Later, Schrager retracted the report. Even if he didn't call it a retraction.
"Following up on the Vrabel report, it was my understanding that Coach Vrabel was going to be in contact with the staff via phone/text, but I've learned that in the end, both Vrabel and the team ultimately chose not to interrupt him and his family during Day 3 of the Draft," Schrager tweeted.
It's a huge difference to go from "they are in constant contact" to "they are having no contact whatsoever." So either the report was wrong — or it was right and the Patriots realized that it was the latest example of piss-poor P.R. and scrambled to clean it up.
Either way, here's what Wolf told reporters on Saturday, from the transcript distributed by the team.
Q: "Were you in contact with Mike at all today, and if so, how often were you guys in contact?"
A: "So, last night we kind of talked through things and made the decision that the time away really needs to be time away, so we were not in contact with Mike today other than some just, ‘Hope everything's going OK’ kind of texts early this morning."
Q: "And just to follow up, when you talked to him last night when Day 2 ended, what kind of message did he leave you guys with headed into today?"
EW: "Just words of encouragement. He knows our process, and again, we talked about what kind of players we needed to add. We knew what kind of players that he liked, and obviously we drafted some of the guys that he had an affinity for today."
So it sounds like the claim that the Patriots "are in constant contact" with Vrabel was not accurate. Given the overall size and sensitivity of the story, that's a pretty significant mistake for ESPN to make, to say the least.
Oct 6, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Myers (98) reacts to a defensive stop in the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
With the 2026 NFL Draft weekend upon us, teams will introduce their latest rookie class to the league in hopes of having them become part of the next Super Bowl puzzle. The draft also means finalizing past trades that included future draft picks. That includes a deal made in April 2024, which sent defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers from the New York Jets to the Denver Broncos.
Original terms of the John Franklin-Myers trade to the Broncos
Broncos receive: John Franklin-Myers
Jets receive: 2026 sixth-round pick
How was John Franklin-Myers’ performance for the Broncos?
Franklin-Myers was a key piece of the Broncos’ defensive line over the last two seasons. He started 31 of 33 games for the team and recorded 14.5 sacks and 65 tackles. Franklin-Myers also started both playoff games for the Broncos this past season. He ultimately signed a three-year, $60 million deal with the Tennessee Titans ahead of the 2026 campaign, reuniting him with former Jets head coach Robert Saleh.
What did the Jets do with the pick from the John Franklin-Myers trade?
The Jets flipped the pick acquired for Franklin-Myers to the Minnesota Vikings for defensive tackle Harrison Phillips in August 2025.
Who won the John Franklin-Myers trade?
While the Jets got Phillips in the deal involving the pick from the Franklin-Myers trade, the Broncos are clear winners here. Even though Franklin-Myers is no longer on the roster, the Broncos got two years of his prime and will likely get a 2027 compensatory pick for losing him in free agency.
The pick that the Jets sent to the Vikings for Phillips was sent to the Philadelphia Eagles for quarterback Sam Howell. The Eagles then traded that pick to the Baltimore Ravens for Jaire Alexander.
METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Perhaps in coming years, the Saints will reminisce about three pillars of a passing game that arrived in New Orleans over the span of two NFL drafts.
Decisions to bring in a highly rated receiver and tight end with two of their first three draft choices this week could be a considerable boon to the development of second-year Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, who applauded both picks in social media posts.
Shough's new receiver, Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State, was the second receiver drafted overall when the Saints took him with the eighth pick of the first round. Oscar Delp, who played at Georgia, was selected 73rd overall.
Tyson, Delp and Shough, a 2025 second-rounder, comprise the highest-drafted offensive skill players since coach Kellen Moore — who designs and calls the offense — arrived in New Orleans in February 2025, shortly after winning a Super Bowl as a coordinator with Philadelphia.
“Certainly, we're trying to build a group that hopefully has some continuity and works together for a number of years,” Moore said. “There's a lot of time that needs to be invested in this, but we've got the right kind of guys to work together on that.”
The 6-foot-2 Tyson, whose brother, Jaylon, plays in the NBA for the Cleveland Cavaliers, was prolific — when healthy — at Arizona State. In 33 games across four seasons — the first with Colorado — he caught 158 passes for 2,282 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Last season, the Saints completed 33 passes of 20 or more yards, which ranked second to last in the NFL, better than only the New York Jets. So, New Orleans had a glaring need for a player such as Tyson, who should complement four-year veteran receiver Chris Olave.
“It’s like a match made in heaven,” Tyson said. “And we're the Saints.”
Moore mentioned watching highlights of Tyson “making plays downfield,” adding, "The thing that I was really excited about, when we had a chance to evaluate, was the biggest games, he came up in those big-time moments.”
Delp did not have gaudy receiving stats at Georgia, but Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart and his offensive staff clearly trusted the tight end, playing him in 55 games over four seasons.
The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Delp caught 70 passes for 854 yards and nine TDs during his college career, but Moore said the quality of Delp’s touches in Georgia’s offense stood out.
“We recognize the athleticism that he provides. He does a great job out in space. He’s got some juice and some speed — vertical speed. He's a very willing, physical run player. That's an important aspect."
Moore added that Delp would be prepared to do some “dirty work” as a blocker on the perimeter — and Delp agreed.
“The most important thing you can do as a tight end is to be able to block,” Delp said. “I love being able to dominate another man, and in a successful offense, you have to have a tight end that can dominate the perimeter.”
The Saints didn't necessarily need a tight end. Veterans Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant — the latter acquired this offseason in free agency — are already on the roster. But Moore saw in Delp a good fit for his offense.
“For him to still be available for us in the third round was a nice luxury for us,” Moore said. “People know the way this league trending with the ability to play in multiple tight end sets and that’s a valuable asset.”
A low-risk deal
During the draft’s final rounds, the Saints traded for edge rusher Tyree Wilson, who has yet to fulfill the promise the Raiders thought he had when they drafted him seventh overall in 2023.
Wilson has just 12 sacks in three seasons, but the Saints only had to give up a fifth-round pick to get him and now will see if their staff and locker room can help him realize more of his potential.
Health matters
The Saints' brass had to have a bit of faith in both Tyson's maturity and their own training staff in order to draft the star receiver.
Tyson had several injuries in college, including torn knee ligaments, a broken collarbone, and injuries to both hamstrings and hips.
The 21-year-old receiver insisted that he has learned from every injury setback and has a workout and nutrition plan aimed at maximizing his availability.
Moore sounded convinced.
“This guy’s a really tough football player,” Moore said. “He’s battled some things, and I think all that’s positive. He worked out through this whole process, kind of recovered and he’s in a great place.”
Late-round decisions
Having bolstered their defensive line with Georgia tackle Christen Miller in Friday’s second round, the Saints started the draft’s final day by taking two more offensive players in the fourth round: Auburn guard Jeremiah Wright and North Dakota receiver Bryce Lance. New Orleans rounded out its 2026 draft class with Ohio State safety Lorenzo Styles Jr. in the fifth round; LSU receiver Barion Brown in the sixth round and Iowa cornerback TJ Hall in the seventh round.
PITTSBURGH — Another offensive lineman is making the jump from Illinois to the NFL.
Offensive lineman Josh Gesky is moving on to the next level, getting signed as an Undrafted Free Agent by the Green Bay Packers.
Gesky joins fellow OL J.C. Davis en route to the NFL, marking the first time two Illini offensive linemen have made it to the pros the same year since 1988.
In each of the past three seasons, Gesky was named an All-Big Ten honorable mention by both the coaches and media of the conference.
During his time with the Illini, he played a vast majority of his snaps at left guard, starting 28 games in that slot.
However, at Illinois’s Pro Day back in March, he clocked in at 310 pounds, which is 25 pounds lighter than what he played his senior season at — something that he said he wanted to serve as a message to NFL teams that he’s comfortable playing at any weight or position.
So now, Gesky will look to bring some versatility to the Packers’ offensive line group in 2026 and beyond.
The 2026 NFL Draft came to an end on Saturday evening with the Patriots putting a bow on their most recent draft class.
In the first three rounds, the Patriots hammered their major draft needs by selecting tackle Caleb Lomu, edge rusher Gabe Jacas and tight end Eli Raridon. Eliot Wolf didn’t sit back and wait. Instead, he used multiple Day 3 picks to trade up to draft Jacas and Raridon.
Those deals left the Patriots without a fourth-round pick on Saturday. In the end, the team drafted six players in the final three rounds: cornerback Karon Prunty, tackle Dametrious Crownover, linebacker Namdi Obiazor, quarterback Behren Morton, running backj Jam Miller and edge rusher Quintayvious Hutchins
Now, the fun starts with the post-draft process as the Patriots and other teams sign undrafted free agents. This has been an important team-building step for the Patriots in years past.
Last year, several undrafted rookies finished the season on Mike Vrabel’s 53-man roster: receiver Efton Chism III, edge rusher Elijah Ponder and tight end C.J. Dippre. The Patriots franchise has a long history of successful undrafted free agents, notably David Andrews, Jonathan Jones, Malcolm Butler, Jakobi Meyers and J.C. Jackson.
Here’s a full rundown of all the Patriots 2026 undrafted free agent signings (note - until the team announces it, some of these might be rookie minicamp invites):
Jacob Rizy, guard, Florida State
Rizy is a 6-foot-5, 310-pound offensive lineman with local ties. He started his collegiate career at Harvard. He transferred to Florida State in 2024. Rizy made starts at left guard, right guard, center and right tackle. (Source)
Kyle Dixon, receiver, Cluver-Stockton
A small-school prospect, Dixon is a 6-foot-2, 215 pound outside receiver. He caught 83 passes for 1,282 yards with 12 touchdowns last season. Dixon finished with 143 receptions, 2,394 yards and 24 touchdowns over the last two seasons at the NAIA level. (Source)
Channing Canada, cornerback, TCU
A 6-foot-1 cornerback, Canada started every game for TCU last season. He finished with 30 tackles with an interception and pass breakup. He earned First-Team Academic All-Big 12 honors in 2023. (Source)
Nick DeGennaro, receiver, James Madison
DeGennaro is a 6-foot, 190-pound receiver who caught 28 passes for 500 yards with five touchdowns last season. He started his career at Maryland. In 2024, he transferred to Richmond, where he caught 40 passes for 576 yards and four touchdowns. He ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at his Pro Day. (Source)
Myles Montgomery, running back, Central Florida
Montgomery is a 5-foot-11 running back who was productive last season for Central Florida. A team captain, he ran for 705 yards with four touchdowns. He also added 17 catches for 182 yards. (Source)
Cameron Dorner, receiver, North Texas
Dorner is a 6-foot-1, 195-pound receiver who finished with 50 catches, 845 yards and six touchdowns. He earned Third Team All-American Conference honors. Dorner spent his first three seasons at Division II Shepard University. (Source)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 13: Illinois Football DL James Thompson Jr. (90) during a college football game between the Western Michigan Broncos and Illinois Fighting Illini on September 13, 2025 at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign, IL (Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The 2026 NFL Draft is a wrap. Now it’s time to see what the 49ers will fill the remaining spots in their roster with. While attention goes to the undrafted players, the 49ers have had success with undrafted free agents in the past. Jordan Mason and Matt Breida both became crucial starters. There’s also Emmanuel Moseley, who grew as a solid cornerback. Raheem Mostert did not come to the 49ers as a fresh UDFA, but he did begin his career as such, starting with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The point is, there’s still some talent the 49ers can find. Is there a gem in this draft cycle? It seems like the draft itself was a lot thinner this year than in previous years, as college players decided not to declare. There still could be someone the 49ers have their eyes on.
We’ll use this post to update you on UDFA signings. Keep checking back as more names are added to the list.
Pat’s update, 4:53 p.m. PT: 49ers have signed edge rusher Mikail Kamara per Aaron Wilson. Kamara had 10 sacks two seasons ago and was a star during the Hoosiers National Championship run. More people to go get the quarterback.
Kyle’s update, 4:40 p.m. PT: The 49ers gave former Illinois DT James Thompson $280,000 guaranteed, per Tom Pelissero. Thompson is 6’5 5/8″ and 308 pounds. The six-year senior was actually third in this class among all defensive tackles in quick pressure percentage. That’s a number to pay attention to as opposed to his two sacks. He spent the previous five seasons with the Wisconsin Badgers. Thompson didn’t play much in 2024, but had three years of playing experience. He was primarily a nose tackle in the seasons where he played the most.
The 49ers are also signing former Notre Dame wide receiver Will Pauling. He had 26 receptions last season for the Irish for 381 yards and six touchdowns. Pauling measured at 5’9 and 183 pounds at Notre Dame’s Pro Day. He had a 42″ vertical and ran a 4.37 40-yard dash.
The third player is Penn State tight end Khalil Dinkins on a deal that is worth $275,000. Dinkins is 6’4 1/4, and 251 pounds. He ran a 4.72 40-yard dash. One of his athletic comparisons is Cameron Latu. Dinkins was only targeted 14 times last season. During his four-year career with the Nittany Lions, he was targeted 46 times.
Utah players, including Utah defensive end Logan Fano (0) celebrate after Utah defeats UCLA in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Pasadena, Calif.
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Mark J. Terrill
Editor’s note: This story will be updated as more player signings are announced.
The 2026 NFL draft has wrapped following three days, seven rounds and 257 picks.
Here’s where every Utah connection is headed, whether via the draft, free agency or on a mini-camp invite (as designated):
Pittsburgh overtook the Motor City's titles Thursday, April 23 and again Saturday, April 25.
An estimated 320,000 fans were in attendance for Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday at the Acrisure Stadium grounds in Pittsburgh, according to USA TODAY.
Over 600,000 people attended the Pittsburgh draft over the first two days, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Saturday as he challenged the city to beat Detroit – needing only 176,000 attendees on Day 3 to do so.
On Day 3, Pittsburgh also broke the all-time record with 805,000 fans attending the draft over three days, the league announced on Saturday night.
Pittsburgh overtook the Motor City's titles Thursday, April 23 and again Saturday, April 25.
An estimated 320,000 fans were in attendance for Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday at the Acrisure Stadium grounds in Pittsburgh, according to USA TODAY.
Over 600,000 people attended the Pittsburgh draft over the first two days, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Saturday as he challenged the city to beat Detroit – needing only 176,000 attendees on Day 3 to do so.
On Day 3, Pittsburgh also broke the all-time record with 805,000 fans attending the draft over three days, the league announced on Saturday night.
Allen Park — If you’re asking general manager Brad Holmes whether he’d like to keep running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell in Detroit through 2027, the answer is an obvious and resounding yes.
But whether the Detroit Lions can afford to pick up the fifth-year option for Campbell, specifically? Well, that’s a different question entirely. With the deadline to pick up their fifth-year options (March 1) less than a week away, Holmes said the Lions' front office is weighing its choices.
Holmes has previously said that he'd like to work out extensions for all four of their top picks in the 2023 draft, which includes Campbell, Gibbs, tight end Sam LaPorta and safety Brian Branch.
“We’re still having those discussions and trying to see what we’re going to do. But we’re having open dialogue,” Holmes said Saturday after Day 3 of the NFL Draft. “Once we get them executed, you guys will be the first ones to know.”
The holdup presumably has to do with Detroit trying to work out contract extensions to reduce his cap hit in his fifth season. Detroit could, in theory, build the fifth-year option into a contract extension to lessen the cap hit in his fifth season, as it did with offensive tackle Penei Sewell. But it appears the two sides have yet to hammer out the details of such a move, and frankly, the Lions are not exactly negotiating from a place of leverage. Campbell can ride out the remainder of his rookie deal and hit free agency next offseason if Detroit doesn't pick it up.
Fifth-year option cap hits are calculated based on the highest salaries for players at their position and their accolades in the league. The problem is that off-ball linebackers like Campbell are not differentiated from pass-rushing on-ball, outside linebackers — edge defenders in a 3-4 defense — like Joshua Hines-Allen ($28.3 million average annual cap hit), Brian Burns ($28.2 million) and Odafe Oweh ($24 million).
So, whereas the league’s current highest-paid off-ball linebacker (Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers) makes $21 million annually, Campbell’s fifth-year option as a linebacker will instantly reset the market at $21.9 million, because it's averaged by the salaries of players like Hines-Allen, Burns, Oweh and others. Hence, why some believe it's a low-reward strategy to draft off-ball linebackers in Round 1.
Gibbs would be due $14.3 million on his option, which would tie him for the fifth-highest-paid running back in the league.
Campbell’s ascent to First-Team All-Pro in 2025 was a great development for the Lions’ defense, but it will cost the Lions millions in cap space. Had he not made All-Pro or a Pro Bowl in 2025, the cap hit for his fifth-year option would have been around $15.1 million.
The 2026 NFL Draft has not officially concluded, with 257 players hearing their names called to play for one of the 32 teams.
Long before these players were heading towards the league, they were standouts at a high school from anywhere around the country. As football continues to grow, it shouldn't come as a shock that nearly every state had a player taken at some point in the draft.
Here's a look at each of the top picks for every state who had a players or players selected:
Notre Dame football lands priority defensive back target a few hours after the annual Blue & Gold game.
Notre Dame secured a major recruiting victory on Saturday evening when top safety Zayden Gamble announced his commitment to the Irish over Ohio State, Florida, and Miami. Gamble's decision comes after a quick update this past week where Gamble decided he was going to wrap up his recruitment.
Gamble, a Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas product, is rated as one of the top safety prospects in the 2027, No. 176 overall in the 247Sports Composite. His recruitment drew national attention because of both the caliber of the schools involved.
Not only does this give head coach Marcus Freeman another key win from the Sunshine state, but Gamble's commitment carries added weight because it continues the positive momentum built by new defensive backs coach Aaron Henry as he attempts to build on the historic run of development in the backfield department.
Gamble’s choice also came on a day when Notre Dame had already made a public football showcase of its own. The Blue & Gold Game took place Saturday afternoon at Notre Dame Stadium, with the offense edging the defense 41-40 on a walk-off field goal, adding to the day’s recruiting spotlight for the Irish.
BREAKING: Four-Star Safety Zayden Gamble has Committed to Notre Dame, he tells me for @Rivals⁰ The 6’0 190 S chose the Fighting Irish over Miami, Florida, and Ohio State
For Notre Dame, the offseason momentum continues as they build up towards what could be one of the most meaningful seasons in recent memory. The Irish are already considered one of the betting favorites for the upcoming season, but with acquisitions like Gamble, they keep the pipeline filled with high-end talent.
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Despite not having a first-round pick, the Green Bay Packers made the most of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Green Bay added seven players to its roster in this year's draft, with the headline player being South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse, who the team took with the No. 52 overall pick in Round 2.
The Packers also selected Missouri defensive tackle Chris McClellan (Round 3), Penn State edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton (Round 4), Kentucky OL Jager Burton (Round 5), Alabama cornerback Domani Jackson (Round 6), and Florida kicker Trey Smack (Round 6)
With all that said, the job isn't finished yet in Green Bay. The Packers still need to find some undrafted free agents.
Follow our tracker below to see all the undrafted free agents the Packers sign.
DES MOINES — Ames-area high school girls and boys track and field runners had a productive final day at the Drake Relays on April 25 at Drake Stadium.
Ames placed in four different events during the final day.
"Really positive Relays from our whole squad," said Ames coach Erica Lynn-Douglas. "Lots of season and personal bests, a new school record and many top performances. A great weekend to check where we are at and where we need to focus to finish a strong season. We picked up a lot of momentum this weekend."
Here are the Ames-area athletes who stood out on the final day of the Relays.
Angelica Attinger and TJ Douglas shine in the 400 hurdles
Ames seniors Angelica Attinger and TJ Douglas both medaled in the 400-meter hurdles during Drake on April 25.
Attinger ran the opening heat of the girls 400 hurdles. She won in one minute, 2.43 seconds, and that time was fast enough to outlast all but one runner in the second heat to give her a silver medal.
She did so despite limited time running the event during the season.
"I only had two races before this, and I didn't feel very prepared," said Attinger. "Because I haven't raced a lot of those girls before it kind of gave me a new perspective. I felt more confident in myself and I think that helped push me throughout the race."
Attinger placed fourth in the 400 hurdles at Drake last season, and she ended up taking second at state in Class 4A during the 2025 season. She is hoping to build off her Drake performance to make a run at a state title in her final trip to the blue oval as a high school athlete in a few weeks.
"I think our training is structured so that we do try and peak at state," Attinger said. "Although it is nice to win big meets like this, state is the ultimate goal."
Douglas ran an outstanding time of 52.66 in the boys 400 hurdles. He had the ninth-fastest time in the state going into the Relays according to Varsity Bound, but he raised the bar in a big way on the blue oval.
Douglas cut 1.31 seconds off his peak time entering the meet to put himself in position to make a run at the event title. He ended up trailing only Waukee's Jayden Jeter, who placed first overall in 52.25, and Bettendorf's Gage Tucker, who won the first heat in 52.60.
"TJ ran great, especially from Lane 1," Lynn-Douglas said. "He's been on track to run a 52 and it was great to see it all come together. He's really just getting started on his senior season. Lots of opportunities ahead."
Brenna Van Cleave placed 14th in the girls 400 hurdles for Ames with a time of 1:05.55.
Gilbert boys finish third in the 4x100
The Gilbert boys 4x100 relay team made a statement by earning a bronze medal at Drake.
The Tigers returned two runners from their 2025 3A state championship 4x100 team in Paul Marpe and Gabe Fierce. But how they were going to replace talented runners in leadoff man Braydon Howard and anchor Will Hawthorne was a big question mark.
That question was answered in a big way at Drake. Aidan Rash was excellent in the leadoff spot and South Hamilton transfer Tanner Twedt was brilliant closing things out for the Tigers.
Gilbert ran a 41.456 in the finals to just lose out to Cedar Rapids Prairie's 41.454 for the runner-up spot behind Dowling Catholic's 41.34.
"We need to give a shoutout to our coach (Nathan Graham)," said Fierce. "It's the same training, we've just been blessed by with the ability to run."
The Tigers' time broke the school record of 41.76 they just ran in the prelims earlier in the day.
"Honestly, we're in a great place right now," said Rash. "Two, three weeks before state and we're dropping down crazy times."
Brandon Johnson places fourth in the boys discus
Brandon Johnson only had one throw that counted during the boys discus at Drake on April 25.
But it was a doozy.
Johnson provided the highlight performance by the Ames boys track and field program at Drake with his fourth-place throw of 173 feet, four inches in the boys discus.
Johnson scratched on his next five throws — the final two of the second flight and all three in the championship round. But that opening toss, a career-best, was good enough to put him in first place after the first two flights and it held up well enough in the finals to earn him a spot in the top four.
"You only need one," said Johnson. "One is going to get you where you need to go."
Johnson entered his senior season of track and field having only thrown the discus once as a freshman. But the UNI football recruit had gained a lot of size and strength since then.
"I just got big," Johnson said. "They kind of needed me, so Coach convinced me."
Johnson is hoping to build momentum off his peak throw at break. If he can find some consistency so more of his throws stay in bounds, Johnson could make a lot of noise in the 4A competition at state in a few weeks.
"I know I can do better...I know I will do better," Johnson said. "I scratch a lot in practice, and it gets to the meet, so I'm going to keep working in practice. I know I have more in me."
Cedar Rapids Kennedy's Jackson Rhinehart won the event with a throw of 176-5.
Area distance runners perform well on final day of the Relays
Gilbert junior Logan Bleich ran a top-five time in the boys elite mile on April 25.
Bleich took fourth with a time of 4:09.62. Western Dubuque's Quentin Nauman won in 4:05.18, Sioux City North's Kuma Gutema was second in 4:07.12 and Pella's Canaan Dunham took third in 4:08.74.
Bleich also took sixth in the boys 3,200 on April 23 with a time of 9:07.05.
The Ames girls 4x800 relay team placed seventh and set a new school record.
The Little Cyclone team of Leah Kincaid, Van Cleave, Naya Nakama and Emma Stanley clocked in at 9:20.10. Stanely also ran in the girls elite mile, finishing the race in 5:13.35 to place ninth.
Ballard's Jace Ortner finished eighth in the boys 800 on April 24 with a time of 49.40.
HOUSTON — Nelly Korda tied the 54-hole scoring record at The Chevron Championship on Saturday. She had a five-shot lead going into the final round, the largest of her career. A victory would take her back to No. 1 in the women’s world ranking.
And she headed straight for the putting green.
For so much that had gone right for Korda, who stretched her lead to eight shots at one point at Memorial Park, there was part of her game she needed to polish. She missed three 4-foot putts over the final 11 holes and had to settle for a 2-under 70 in an otherwise exquisite performance.
“On the back nine I learned that I needed to stay in it and not to focus so much on my mis-hits with my putts,” she said. “So I just needed to keep giving myself opportunities, which I was. I don’t want it to bleed into the other parts of my game where then I start to get so frustrated that it affects my driver, affects my irons. Just didn’t want that at all. I wanted to continue giving myself opportunities even if I want holing them.
“I was still trying my best, and at the end of the day that’s all I can control,” she said. “I can’t be frustrated with anything but that.”
Korda looked close to unbeatable for so long with another clinic controlling her irons on the heavily sloped greens. And then the gap began to shrink as her contenders did just enough to stay in range.
“I played really solid on the front and then just kind of ... not may have lost concentration, but the wind started picking up and then I just put myself into great positions (and) didn’t kind of execute really well,” Korda said.
The heat and humidity also took a toll, and Korda often walked the fairways with an umbrella to shield her from the sun.
Patty Tavatanakit, who went 48 holes without a bogey before making one on the 13th, bounced back with a pair of birdies over the last five holes for a 69 to get within five shots. It was a remarkable scrambling performance for Tavatanakit, who won this major as a rookie in 2021. She got up-and-down seven out of eight times.
Ruoning Yin of China, a Women’s PGA champion and former No. 1 in the world, shot 66 and was six shots behind along with Pauline Roussin-Bouchard of France, who had a 67.
Korda was at 16-under 200 to tie the tournament record set by Jennifer Kupcho in 2022, the last year the major was at Mission Hills in the California desert.
For seven holes, this was the best player in women’s golf in full flight.
A long bunker shot to 4 feet gave her a birdie on the par-5 opening hole. She hit 8-iron to 3 feet of a dangerous front pin on the par-3 second, hit a gap wedge to 6 feet for birdie on the fifth, and holed a 10-foot birdie putt on the next hole to reach 18 under.
Korda didn’t miss a green until a lob wedge to the par-5 eighth was slightly strong and just rolled over the green into a shaved area. She chipped that to 4 feet and missed for her first bogey.
That turned out to be the start of the doldrums. Korda had a 12-foot birdie putt on the 13th that narrowly missed, and then she missed the 4-footer coming back and made bogey. She was just over the green in two on the par-5 14th, chipped that to 4 feet and missed the birdie putt.
She took on another front pin at the par-3 15th in a narrow part of the green. That settled 8 feet behind the pin. The birdie putt never had a chance.
Korda missed only two greens but took 32 putts. The short misses have been noticeable even this year when she was runner-up twice to Hyo Joo Kim in consecutive weeks.
Even so, the American star is right where she wants to be. Korda will be in the final group for all five tournaments she has played this year, including her weather-shortened win to start the year at the Tournament of Champions in Florida.
“I’m just going to focus on myself, kind of work on my process, really dial into that, make sure that I have tunnel vision, and not really focus on the exterior noise,” Korda said.
Tavatanakit one-putted every green through six holes and tried to stay in the game, even when falling eight shots behind. She took on the pin at No. 4 and went down a hill, only to hit a superb flop shot to 2 feet for par. It was like that for so much of the day.
“You just do what you got to do,” she said. “It’s a major championship. It’s playing tough. You’re not going to always have your best, but you just got figure out what’s in front of you.”
Farah O’Keefe, the 20-year-old junior at Texas, had a 72 and remained the low amateur at 7-under 209, putting her in a tie for sixth place and nine shots behind.
When Nevada transfer offensive tackle Isaiah World entered the transfer portal last offseason, he did so with his NFL future in mind. His decision to join the Oregon Ducks, who've churned out several NFL offensive linemen in recent years, was made to further bolster his draft stock.
As the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2025 transfer portal, expectations were very high for World with some early mock drafts having him going in the first- or second-round of the 2026 NFL Draft. While he didn't necessarily perform to that level last fall with the Ducks, he put himself in position to have an NFL future despite a torn ACL that he suffered against the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff Semifinal.
The injury caused his draft stock to take a significant hit, as he's expected to miss all of training camp and potentially his entire rookie season. As a result, he went undrafted, but the Los Angeles Chargers are taking a chance on World's overall body of work and high talent level, as their expected to sign him as an undrafted free agent.
World was the starting left tackle at Oregon in 2025, protecting quarterback Dante Moore's blindside. In the pros, he's seen as a player who could operate on both sides at tackle, and potentially be moved inside to guard if need be. On the Chargers, he could potentially block for former Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert.
World was among three NFL draft hopefuls along the offensive line this year for the Ducks, as left guard Emmanuel Pregnon was selected in the third round while right tackle Alex Harkey was selected in the sixth round.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
Philadelphia talked about swinging the pendulum towards the offense, and the Eagles finished Saturday with five offensive players, with their first five picks going to offensive players who'll play key roles in the future. Of the five, only Makai Lemon and Eli Stowers appear set for Day 1 roles. Markel Bell, Micah Morris, and others may not seed the field until 2027 at the earliest. On defense, the Eagles added Texas Tech safety Cole Wisniewski and New Mexico pass rusher Keyshawn James-Newby, with an intriguing International Pathway Program participant, Uar Bernard, sandwiched in between.
Eagles' eight-player draft class
1st round-20th overall: Makai Lemon, WR, Southern Cal
The last time Philadelphia traded up for a wide receiver, they landed Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith. Smith was a Biletnikoff Award winner, and the Eagles landed another one after GM Howie Roseman traded picks No. 23, 114 & 137 to Dallas for pick 20 and a 7th round pick to select USC wide receiver Makai Lemon. With the move, the expectation is that A.J. Brown will be traded after June 1, when his dead cap hit drops significantly.
2d-54: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
In his first season at Vanderbilt, he recorded 638 yards and five touchdowns, earning first-team All-SEC honors. In 2025, Stowers had a standout season with 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns, once again receiving first-team All-SEC honors for the second consecutive year. Additionally, he was named a unanimous All-American, won the Mackey Award, and received the Campbell Trophy.
3d-68: Markel Bell, T, Miami
At Miami, Bell showed flashes of strong pass-protection ability and physicality in the run game, traits that align with what the Eagles prioritize at the offensive line. While he may not be expected to start immediately, his addition provides valuable depth and competition behind the starters.
At 6'9", ~346 pounds, Markel Bell is a massive offensive tackle for the Miami Hurricanes and a developing NFL Draft prospect known for his rare size and power. He earned Third-Team All-ACC honors in 2025.
5th-178: Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
From Carson Wentz to Trey Lance, North Dakota State produces solid prospects. A 2025 Walter Payton Award finalist (3rd), Payton led the Bison to a 12-1 record, including an 8-0 record in the Missouri Valley Football Conference in his first year as a starter. Payton Set NDSU single-season records for pass efficiency. After missing the final eight games of the 2024 season with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder, he bounced back in 2025, finishing with 3,188 passing yards, 29 total TDs (16 passing, 13 rushing), and four interceptions.
6th-207: Micah Morris, G, Georgia
Morris played in and started all 14 games during the season, contributing to an offense that averaged 32.1 points, 182.1 rushing yards, and 220.3 passing yards per game. He was also part of a Georgia offense that ranked third in the NCAA for first downs with 316 and was first nationally in fourth-down conversions at 76.5% during the regular season.
7th-244: Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech
Wisniewski was named one of 15 semifinalists for the Comeback Player of the Year award after missing the entire 2024 season. He became a key player in the Red Raider defense, playing safety and starting all 14 games during his only season at Texas Tech. He finished as the third-leading tackler on the team with 78 total tackles (38 solo), leading all defensive backs and trailing only linebackers Jacob Rodriguez (128) and Ben Roberts (90). Wisniewski was one of four Red Raiders to record 70 or more tackles, marking a first for the team since 2015. Along with Arizona, Texas Tech was one of only two Big 12 programs to have four players with 70-plus tackles that season.
7th-251: Uar Bernard, DT, Nigeria
The Philadelphia Eagles used another pick in the 2026 NFL Draft with one of the most intriguing selections of the weekend, taking defensive tackle Uar Bernard with the No. 251 overall pick through the International Pathway Program. Bernard, a native of Nigeria, brings a rare blend of size and athleticism, measuring in at 6-foot-4½ and 306 pounds with 36-inch arms, 11-inch hands, a 39-inch vertical, and a reported 4.63 40-yard dash.
7th-252: Keyshawn James-Newby, Edge, New Mexico
The Philadelphia Eagles select New Mexico outside linebacker Keyshawn James-Newby in Round 7 of the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 252 overall pick (via a trade with the Los Angeles Rams). An undersized edge rusher, James-Newby, 6-foot-2, 245 pounds, started his college career at Montana Tech Junior College in Butte, Montana, where he had 4.0 sacks as a freshman and 9.0 in his second year. He transferred to Idaho after the 2022 season and had five sacks in 2023 and 10.5 in 2024 before finishing one season in Albuquerque.
So in five seasons at three colleges at three different levels, he had 37 ½ sacks.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Justin Joly #TE09 of North Carolina participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Justin Joly and Brandon Cleveland had to wait a while to hear their names called during the NFL Draft, but finally found their landing spots on Saturday afternoon.
Joly was taken by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round, at No. 152 overall. I was surprised he ended up falling that far into the field, though the Broncos did ultimately trade up 18 spots to grab him, which is encouraging. Denver didn’t get much from its tight ends last season, so he should have an opportunity to make an early impact. Broncos fans seem to like the choice.
Cleveland had to wait until the seventh round before he was chosen by Las Vegas at No. 229, but on the bright side, he was the only defensive tackle that the Raiders took in the draft, which hopefully will improve his odds of making the roster. His reception from Raiders fans also has been positive. And now that they have Fernando Mendoza on board, perhaps the team won’t be quite so terrible this year! For Brandon’s sake, I’ll hope for the best.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 15: Evan Beerntsen #60 of the Northwestern Wildcats lines up on the line of scrimmage prior to the snap during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Wrigley Field on November 15, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hirschuber/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Baltimore Ravens selected Northwestern offensive lineman Evan Beerntsen with their final pick (seventh round, No. 253 overall) in the 2026 NFL Draft, completing an 11-player draft class full of big, physical athletes.
Well, that was educational. Day after day, pick by pick, you learned plenty about this new Miami Dolphins regime over this NFL draft, if you watched closely enough.
So, put down the popcorn with the draft wrapped up and go down a list of what you saw:
1. General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan follows convictions, even unpopular ones. How else to explain the Dolphins drafting tackle Kadyn Proctor with their first pick rather than local favorite Reuben Bain Jr. You can disagree with the pick. But that’s the point. The Dolphins’ front office had a weather-vane philosophy the past decade. Whoever pushed harder pointed the direction. Now the leader is the leader. Sullivan aggressively signed quarterback Malik Willis in free agency, raising eyebrows at the price. His first pick was the less-popular Proctor, who he deemed a better fit.
Question: Was any draft decision of this team’s past quarter-century applauded more than Tua Tagovailoa over Justin Herbert? Was that good?
2. Production is king. Everyone says they only take playmakers, right? So, explain edge rusher Chop Robinson having a scant 15 tackles his final Penn State season being the Dolphins’ top pick in 2024. Go down this draft. It’s not an All-NFL combine team of shuttle times and bench-press repetitions. Proctor allowed two sacks in 527 pass attempts as a senior. Cornerback Chris Johnson, the 27th pick, didn’t allow a touchdown and led the nation in pass-ratings-against last season. Second-round pick Jacob Rodriguez led the nation in tackles. Will Kacmarek graded as the top blocking tight end. Chris Bell’s third straight ACC game over 100 yards receiving last season was for 136 yards and two touchdowns against Miami.
3. Size matters again. For years, the Dolphins front office wavered between being a big, physical team built around the draft to a small, fast team built in free agency. No more wavering. They’re back to Bill Parcells’ days of size mattering when making big investments. Proctor is massive (6 foot 7, 352 pounds). Johnson (6 foot, 193) and Rodriguez (6-1, 231) are more average sized at their positions. Caleb Douglas (6-4, 206) and Bell is (6-2, 222) bring length to the receiving room.
“It’s important to me that this team looks a certain way and moves a certain way,” Sullivan said. “I believe it’s a big man’s game. That’s not to say that there’s not really good players in the league that are on the smaller side … but yeah, we want to build this team big, physical at all positions and have a size advantage.”
4. Health and durability count. Another no-duh idea, right? But previous GM Chris Grier said he wasn’t concerned with injury history and it showed in big draft investments (first-rounders DeVante Parker, Tagovailoa …) and free-agent buys (Bradley Chubb, James Daniels …). Bell is recovering from knee surgery this offseason. But he was a measured third-round pick because of that. Look at the top investments. Proctor started 40 of 42 games at Alabama. Johnson started 47 games in college. Rodriguez started the final 28 games of his Texas Tech career.
5. There are no absolutes. Yeah, there’s some wiggle room as each player is his own story. Sullivan went into the draft saying it was better to hit a double off the wall than swing for a home run. He then drafted Proctor, who has some boom-or-bust to him. He had weight issues through a senior season in which he started at 390 pounds and was noticeably out of shape. That’s something to follow. It was Parcells who said, “If you make an exception, you soon have a team of exceptions.”
6. They’re drafting a team, not just good players. Muted, perhaps, in the noise over the Proctor pick was the desire to get Willis help. Look what Proctor and Kacmarek bring just to the run game’s power and versatility. Consider what De’Von Achane’s 5.7-yard average might be with even better blocking. Now wrap your head around a team that’s had trouble winning in the cold or just windy north might fare in those conditions when it grows up.
7. Accountability is back. It’s been gone for too long around the Dolphins. When’s the last time anyone stood up and took ownership of a failed decision, much less a botched, multi-year plan? Sullivan articulated what needed to be said publicly around this franchise for years.
“At the end of the day, the buck stops with me,” he said. “I take responsibility for every player we pick. Whether it turns out the way you want it to or whether it goes south, it stops with me. I’m not hiding from it.”
The personnel guy is usually most important figure in any organization. Sometimes that’s the coach, other times someone behind the scene. Here it’s Sullivan. The Dolphins past couple of struggling decades show a franchise goes nowhere if it doesn’t draft well.
Sullivan sounds like he has a good plan and developed ideas. That represents a change around this team. You should’ve seen that at work this first draft.
But put your feet up on the table and rest a bit. The real answers of his decisions won’t start coming until these draft picks become NFL players.
Brigham Young University Cougars tight end Carsen Ryan (20) catches a pass for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.
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Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
If any member of the 2025 BYU football team is ready to rock and roll in Cleveland, it is tight end Carsen Ryan.
The 6-foot-4, 250-pound senior from Orem was taken in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL draft Saturday by the Browns, the 248th player selected. Only nine players were drafted after Ryan, who began his career at UCLA and then played at Utah for one season before transferring to BYU.
Better late than never, right?
Well, when it comes to the NFL draft, sometimes it is better to go undrafted than to go in one of the later rounds, because prospects who become priority free agents often get guaranteed money and sometimes have options regarding where they will go.
Ryan’s agent, Carter Chow of Red Envelope Sports, told the Deseret News earlier this week that Ryan would land in a great spot, whether via the draft or free agency. He said similar things about another of his clients, BYU receiver Chase Roberts, who went undrafted Saturday.
Ryan, 22, has prototypical size for an NFL tight end, but what makes him special is his versatility and adaptability. BYU tight ends coach Kevin Gilbride says Ryan is not only an outstanding route runner and pass-catcher, he is an above average blocker. Ryan’s blocking is one of the reasons why BYU RB LJ Martin was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2025.
Ryan isn’t one of those vocal, rah-rah guys, but he’s as determined and competitive as any player on Kalani Sitake’s roster in 2025.
“Carsen Ryan is a complete tight end,” Sitake said in a statement. “He is both a good receiver who can catch with the athleticism to get open and a tough-nosed player who can block.
“He is an offensive coordinator’s dream because he can use him in so many different ways. I think he’s going to fit perfectly in the NFL.”
So Ryan is off to the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Whether he can find a permanent home there remains to be seen. It won’t be easy to make the roster on the shores of Lake Erie.
The Browns drafted Cincinnati tight end Joe Royer in the fifth round, and already have one of the better tight ends in the league in Harold Fannin Jr.
Fannin led the club in receptions, 72, last season. Cleveland signed Sal Cannella and Caden Prieskorn to reserve/futures contracts after the 2025 season, and also picked up Jack Stoll and Blake Whiteheart in free agency.
In Cleveland, Ryan will be reunited with his former Utah teammate, offensive tackle Spencer Fano, who was taken in the first round by the Browns. Fano’s brother, edge rusher Logan Fano — a former BYU signee — is also headed to Cleveland as a free agent, reported Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports.
Cleveland hasn’t won an NFL playoff game since 2020.
The Browns drafted former BYU linebacker Sione Takitaki in the third round of the 2019 draft, and Takitaki had a productive five years there.
At BYU, Ryan was largely responsible for helping true freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier enjoy an outstanding 2025 season, and the Cougars went 12-2 and won the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Ryan played well in that bowl game, catching a career-high eight passes for a career-high 120 yards.
In all, Ryan appeared in all 14 games for BYU and caught 45 passes for 620 yards and three touchdowns. He finished his college career with 74 catches for 1,020 yards and seven TDs.
In a pre-draft interview with the Deseret News, Ryan said the Lions, Jaguars, Vikings and Patriots seemed to be the most interested in him. He did not mention the Browns, but said his favorite NFL team growing up is located in Ohio — the Cincinnati Bengals.
The former Timpview and American Fork high school product is getting married on June 26, he said.
gotta love the enthusiasm on our last pick of the day!
Sunrisers Hyderabad wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan played a composed yet aggressive hand in their thrilling five-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals, as he reflected on leadership, batting freedom and chasing a massive target of 229.
Speaking after being named Player of the Match for his 31-ball 74, Kishan made it clear that captaincy had not changed his approach. “No, I think as a wicket-keeper also you've got to do the same job. So I was just keeping it simple because I felt that it's a very good wicket to bat on and we just tried to restrict them under 230 and we were able to do that,” he said.
On handing back leadership duties to Pat Cummins, Kishan was full of respect for the Australian captain. “It was quite fun leading the side for seven games and Pat coming in, giving us that extra bowling power. So I was really happy when he was coming in the team anyway because he's such a tremendous captain anyway. So I was just thinking about my batting and wicket-keeping more than leadership,” he added.
Reflecting on SRH’s aggressive batting approach against the Rajasthan attack, Kishan said confidence and clarity were key. “You just have to keep on watching the ball and play your shots. You can't get into a zone where you have fear of failure. You just have to keep it simple and play your game.”
He also spoke about the challenge of facing a rising total early in the innings, highlighting the importance of a strong powerplay. “When you're chasing a total like 228, you need a good powerplay. Having Head and Abhishek as openers makes the job easier even if they bat for four overs. I was just communicating with Abhishek. He knew exactly what was happening with the game and the run rate.”
Kishan stitched a vital 132-run partnership with Abhishek Sharma, who smashed 57 off 29 balls, after SRH were set a daunting 229. Heinrich Klaasen (29) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (36) then ensured the chase was completed with nine balls to spare in what became the fourth-highest successful run chase in IPL history.
Earlier in the day, Rajasthan Royals had posted a massive 228 for 6, powered by a sensational 103 from 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Despite the onslaught, SRH held their nerve in the chase, with Kishan and Abhishek setting the platform for a commanding win.
Kishan also reflected on his mindset at the crease. “Calmness is about skill set. You have to watch the ball and not be predetermined. It was a big ground, so there were gaps. Just bat and enjoy it.”
When asked if this was the best phase of his batting career, he was quick to downplay it. “No, I think my best is yet to come.”
Taylor Twellman (match analyst) and Jake Zivin (play-by-play announcer) interview before an MLS match on Apple TV.
LOS ANGELES, CALIF. —LAFC took on the San Jose Earthquakes during an MLS soccer match at BMO Stadium on Sunday, April 19, 2026, and photographer Amber Douglas-Rodriguez was there to capture the following behind-the-scenes images.
Brad Merte (producer) and Jim Dadonna (director) are interviewed before an MLS match broadcast on Apple TV.
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
Brad Merte (Producer, MLS on Apple TV) and Jim Dadonna (Director, MLS on Apple TV) are interviewed before an MLS match broadcast on Apple TV.
Brad Merte (producer) and Jim Dadonna (director) are interviewed before an MLS match broadcast on Apple TV.
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
Brad Merte (Producer, MLS on Apple TV) and Jim Dadonna (Director, MLS on Apple TV) are interviewed before an MLS match broadcast on Apple TV.
Brad Merte (producer) and Jim Dadonna (director) prepare for a MLS match broadcast on Apple TV.
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
Brad Merte (Producer, MLS on Apple TV) and Jim Dadonna (Director, MLS on Apple TV) prepare for a MLS match broadcast on Apple TV.
Jason Saghini (vice president of live productions, MLS) is interviewed before an MLS match broadcast on Apple TV.
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
Jason Saghini (Vice President of Live Productions, MLS) is interviewed before an MLS match broadcast on Apple TV.
Production Meeting
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
A production meeting takes place prior to an MLS match broadcast on Apple TV.
Production Meeting
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
A production meeting takes place prior to an MLS match broadcast on Apple TV.
A production meeting takes place prior to an MLS match broadcast on Apple TV.
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
A production meeting takes place prior to an MLS match broadcast on Apple TV.
Production Meeting
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
A production meeting takes place prior to an MLS match broadcast on Apple TV.
Production Meeting Celebration
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
A production meeting takes place prior to an MLS match broadcast on Apple TV.
Interview with TV host
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
Jillian Sakovits, host and sideline reporter for MLS on Apple TV, is interviewed before an MLS match broadcast.
Interview with TV host
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
Antonella González, host and sideline reporter for MLS on Apple TV, is interviewed before an MLS match broadcast.
Interview with TV hosts
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
Jillian Sakovits (left) and Antonella González (right), hosts and sideline reporters for MLS on Apple TV, are interviewed before an MLS match broadcast.
Jillian Sakovits (left) and Antonella González (right), hosts and sideline reporters for MLS on Apple TV.
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
Jillian Sakovits (left) and Antonella González (right), hosts and sideline reporters for MLS on Apple TV.
Jillian Sakovits (host and sideline reporter) interviews Andy Rose during halftime of an MLS soccer match between LAFC and the San Jose Earthquakes, Sunday, April 19, 2026, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
Jillian Sakovits (host and sideline reporter) interviews LAFC assistant coach Andy Rose during halftime of an MLS soccer match between LAFC and the San Jose Earthquakes, Sunday, April 19, 2026, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jillian Sakovits (host and sideline reporter) speaks with San Jose Earthquakes head coach Bruce Arena during halftime of an MLS soccer match between LAFC and the San Jose Earthquakes, Sunday, April 19, 2026, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
Jillian Sakovits (host and sideline reporter) speaks with San Jose Earthquakes head coach Bruce Arena during halftime of an MLS soccer match between LAFC and the San Jose Earthquakes, Sunday, April 19, 2026, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Diego Valeri, Spanish-language match analyst, is interviewed before an MLS match on Apple TV.
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
Diego Valeri, Spanish-language match analyst, is interviewed before an MLS match on Apple TV.
Sammy Sadovnik, Spanish-language play-by-play announcer, is interviewed before an MLS match on Apple TV.
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
Sammy Sadovnik, Spanish-language play-by-play announcer, is interviewed before an MLS match on Apple TV.
Spanish TV analyst
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
Sammy Sadovnik (Spanish-language play-by-play announcer) during an MLS match on Apple TV.
Diego Valeri (Spanish-language match analyst) and Sammy Sadovnik (Spanish-language play-by-play announcer) during an MLS match on Apple TV.
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
Sammy Sadovnik (Spanish-language play-by-play announcer) and Diego Valeri (Spanish-language match analyst) during an MLS match on Apple TV.
Jake Zivin (play-by-play announcer) and Taylor Twellman (match analyst) interview before an MLS match on Apple TV.
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
Taylor Twellman (match analyst) and Jake Zivin (play-by-play announcer) are interviewed before an MLS match on Apple TV.
Interview with TV analyst
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
Taylor Twellman (match analyst) is interviewed before an MLS match on Apple TV.
Interview with TV analyst
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
Jake Zivin (play-by-play announcer) and Taylor Twellman (match analyst) are interviewed before an MLS match on Apple TV.
Jake Zivin (play-by-play announcer) and Taylor Twellman (match analyst) call an MLS match on Apple TV.
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
Taylor Twellman (match analyst) and Jake Zivin (play-by-play announcer) call an MLS match on Apple TV.
Jake Zivin (play-by-play announcer) and Taylor Twellman (match analyst) call an MLS match on Apple TV.
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
Taylor Twellman (match analyst) and Jake Zivin (play-by-play announcer) call an MLS match on Apple TV.
The Denver Broncos seemed to agree with their fanbase about every one of the team's positional needs heading into the draft. Last year, the team was unpredictable in its selections but this year, they checked each one of those needs off.
Safety was a position that could have used some added depth behind starters Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones. In the seventh round, the Broncos added one, selecting Illinois safety Miles Scott. Behind Hufanga and Jones, the only safeties on the roster were JL Skinner, Tycen Anderson and Devon Key.
The Broncos saw Jones go down with a pectoral injury late last season and his absence had an effect on the team's postseason run as it had to turn to P.J. Locke, who signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent this offseason.
How does Scott fit into the team's plans?
Analysis and grade of Miles Scott selection
A converted wide receiver, Scott played in 55 college games, registering 131 tackles, one sack and seven interceptions. His NFL.com scouting report shows a player who didn't even get a grade from their scouts and "likely needs time in a developmental league".
Those remarks are generally indicative of a player who went undrafted, but the Broncos felt he was worth a dart throw with one of their final picks. He is 5-foot-11 and plays around 200 pounds. It's difficult to give any seventh-round pick a bad grade, but it does seem like Scott will be shooting for a spot on the practice squad as a rookie.
If he can become a factor on special teams in the preseason, that will certainly help his cause. Skinner and Key are solid on special teams and Anderson was signed as a free agent almost specifically for that role, so the Broncos are likely set at safety despite the lack of depth on the roster.
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Kaelon Black (8) rushes the ball against the Miami Hurricanes in the second half during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Indiana football landed its second No. 1 overall pick in program history when Fernando Mendoza had his name called by the Oakland Raiders Thursday night. Omar Cooper Jr. was also a first round selection, going No. 30 to the New York Jets.
By Saturday night, a total of eight Hoosiers had been selected breaking the program record for number of players drafted in a single draft. Though it won’t come as a surprise to anyone who watched Indiana’s historic 16-0 run, it’s yet another reminder of how special last year’s team was.
Here’s where the Hoosiers are headed:
D’Angelo Ponds, Rd. 2 – Pick 18 (50th overall) , New York Jets
D’Angelo Ponds, who many thought could have been a first-rounder, instead will join his Indiana teammate Omar Cooper in New York. The Jets became the first team in NFL history last year to finish the season without an interception, so it makes sense for them to draft the guy who intercepted five passes over the course of his two years in Bloomington. As we saw last year though, he is capable of forcing turnovers in other ways as well, blocking punts and forcing fumbles with big hits that seem impossible for somebody of his stature.
Kaelon Black, Rd. 3 – Pick 26 (90th overall), San Francisco 49ers
One of two Indiana running backs last season to break the 1000 yard mark, Kaelon Black really solidified his status as an NFL prospect down the stretch against some of the best competition the Hoosiers saw all year. Black scored three touchdowns in the College Football Playoff, including two against Oregon, which showed off his power in the red zone. He also averaged over six yards per carry on plenty of action against Alabama, and led Indiana with 79 rushing yards against Miami in the National Championship game. He’s a guy who can go in and immediately alleviate Christian McCaffrey’s load in the backfield.
Elijah Sarratt was one of Indiana’s most valuable wide receivers in each of the last two seasons, becoming a go-to guy for Mendoza and leading the Championship team with 15 receiving touchdowns. While he wasn’t as explosive as Cooper Jr., Sarratt was elite at making contested catches and getting open even without truly getting separation. Despite sharing targets with Cooper Jr., Sarratt still had two games with over 12o receiving yards, demonstrating an ability to punish teams that didn’t pay him enough attention in coverage.
Riley Nowakowski, a formerly of Wisconsin, was another player whose stock drastically improved during his time in Bloomington. Prior to last season, he had caught 18 total passes over two seasons at tight end in Madison, never for more than 8.1 yards per catch on a season. Then he emerged as one of many receiving threats for Mendoza in Bloomington, catching 32 passes for 387 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 12.1 yards per reception. He also had two carries for two touchdowns last year, showcasing his potential as a fullback, given his strong blocking abilities and comfort in the backfield.
Everyone’s fun Pat Coogan fact – which is undeniably cool – is that he was the first offensive lineman to win Rose Bowl MVP since 1944. He was also penalized just twice in over 1,000 snaps as the Hoosiers’ starting center and leader of the offensive line. Coogan also played in consecutive National Championship games, part of the Notre Dame squad that fell to Ohio State the year before Indiana’s Championship run.
Aiden Fisher, like Ponds, Sarratt, and Black, followed Curt Cignetti from James Madison and ends up in the NFL, with Fisher becoming the eighth player from this draft class to hear his name called in Pittsburgh, breaking the program record. Fisher was a key part of both Indiana’s College Football playoff experiences, finishing first and second, respectively on the team in total tackles. Last year, he showed development as a pass rusher, tallying 4.5 sacks, including two in the College Football Playoffs, to go along with his good instincts and ability in pass coverage. He also had interceptions in back-to-back games last year, returning one for a touchdown against UCLA.
Quarterback Luke Altmyer didn't get drafted this weekend, but he has found a spot in the NFL.
According to multiple reports, Altmyer has agreed to terms with the Lions.
Altmyer spent two seasons at Ole Miss before transferring to Illinois. He was a three-year starter at Illinois and wrapped up his college career as the school's all-time completion percentage leader. He completed 67.4 percent of his passes for 3,007 yards, 22 touchdowns and five interceptions during the 2025 season.
Jared Goff remains the starter in Detroit and the Lions brought Teddy Bridgewater back in free agency to serve as their No. 2 quarterback.
Broncos Country, it is finally time to meet the 2026 draft class!
The Denver Broncos began the selection marathon with seven picks and ended up with seven fantastic players, all of whom could be potential weapons going into 2026 and beyond.
Despite being the last franchise to make their first pick, the Broncos were able to address some key areas of need, including defensive line, running back and tight end. They even addressed the offensive line along the way. To cap it all off, the Broncos added an NCAA-record holder in forced fumbles with their "Mr. Irrelevant" selection.
Now, without further ado, here is your Broncos draft class of 2026!
Round 4 (108th overall): Washington RB Jonah Coleman
Round 4 (111th overall): Boise State OL Kage Casey
Round 5 (152nd overall): NC State TE Justin Joly
Round 7 (246th overall): Illinois S Miles Scott
Round 7 (256th overall): Utah TE Dallen Bentley
Round 7 (257th overall, 'Mr. Irrelevant'): Buffalo LB Red Murdock
Denver will now fill out the 90-man offseason roster by signing undrafted free agents. We are tracking all of the team's UDFA signings on Broncos Wire.
PITTSBURGH — Another Illini quarterback is moving on to the NFL.
Luke Altmyer has officially been signed by the Detroit Lions, looking to compete for a spot on the roster.
The Starkville, Mississippi-native will be joining a QB room comprised of Jared Goff and Teddy Bridgewater, and will likely look to make a name for himself during rookie camp and Organized Team Activities (OTAs).
Altmyer started his college career in Oxford, playing for the University of Mississippi Rebels.
At Ole Miss, he spent time backing up former NFL third-rounder Matt Corral as a freshman before losing a QB battle to current Giants starter Jaxson Dart, pushing him to transfer to Illinois.
Once he made it to Champaign, that’s when things started to click.
During his time with Illinois, he became a three-year starter under head coach Bret Bielema, winning 23 games and throwing for 7,607 yards and 57 touchdowns, while rushing for 741 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Evernu provides clinician-led digital healthcare across the UK, delivering prescriptions and personalized treatment plans for weight loss, low testosterone, menopause, hair loss, ED, and health tests. You complete a quick assessment, consult UK-registered clinicians, and receive clinically proven medication with free next-day delivery. Evernu pairs care with lifestyle support including meal plans, guided workouts, hydration reminders, and progress tracking to help you stay on track and see measurable results.
Gaming on smartphones has been a thing for a long time, and now there is also a 3D game for various Amazfit smartwatches. Of course, it is not (yet) an especially elaborate gaming experience, but it is an interesting piece of software.
Leaked schematics from a case manufacturer detail the possible dimensions of the upcoming iPhone Fold. The leak suggests a folded thickness of 9.23mm - notably thinner than previous 11mm rumors. The drawings outline a 167.59mm x 120.59mm footprint, a significant 13mm camera plateau, and Touch ID on the side.
Samsung is yet to release the Galaxy Book 6 Edge, but a retailer has put up the listing for the device. The listing includes images, specs, and pricing for the Snapdragon-powered notebook.
Xavi Simons was unable to finish Tottenham’s match due to a knee injury and could miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Netherlands.
As the weeks go by, more and more global soccer stars are suffering injuries that put their participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in doubt. In this case, concern surrounds Netherlands following the injury sustained by Xavi Simons while playing for Tottenham.
The Spurs secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton on Saturday, giving them a boost in their fight to avoid relegation in the Premier League. However, it was not all good news for the London club.
Simons was forced off in the 63rd minute and replaced by Lucas Bergvall after suffering an issue with his right knee that prevented him from continuing. The Dutch midfielder’s visible discomfort, along with Roberto De Zerbi’s comments after the match, do not bode well regarding the nature of the injury.
“I would like to know more about Xavi though because you know the knee, it’s always different to the muscles… We go to see in the next few days,” said the Italian coach when asked about Simons’ situation.
Simons suffered a knee injury while playing for Tottenham.
“Unfortunately, no one saw this coming. Xavi was fit and fully motivated before the game, ready to give everything to help the team win,” De Zerbi added. “He will be treated immediately by our medical team and we are confident he will come back even stronger. We all wish him a full and speedy recovery.”
Xavi Simons’ World Cup hopes in serious danger
While still awaiting official confirmation from Tottenham, early reports suggested a possible ACL injury for Xavi Simons. If that diagnosis is confirmed, both his club season and the 2026 World Cup would effectively be over.
That would represent a major blow not only for the player, but also for Netherlands. Simons has been a regular call-up under Ronald Koeman throughout the build-up to North America 2026, and he featured in both national team matches during the March international break against Norway and Ecuador.
Tottenham aim to avoid relegation
Beyond concerns over Xavi Simons’ fitness, Tottenham have reasons to celebrate this weekend. The win over Wolverhampton snapped a three-match winless streak in the Premier League and put them back in the fight for survival in the top flight.
With four matches remaining in the season, the Spurs currently sit in the relegation zone in 18th place with 34 points. However, West Ham United are only two points ahead, with 12 still available. Tottenham’s remaining fixtures are against Aston Villa, Leeds United, Chelsea and Everton.
Endrick's father criticized Real Madrid as he praised Lyon.
Real Madrid went through a roller-coaster season that ended without a trophy, a rare outcome for the club. With what seemed like an overload of forwards, they loaned Endrickto Lyon at the end of last year, a major move for the player.
Endrick has returned to the version of himself he was before joining Real Madrid, making the most of the minutes he did not get in Spain to show his talent in Lyon. About that decision, the Brazilian’s father, Douglas Sousa, spoke to ESPN in his country.
Sousa said: “Endrick has a saying: his fun park is the soccer field. What he wanted was to play, but they took away his fun park. He found happiness again in Lyon. He’s happy. His whole family is happy.”
Sousa on Endrick’s World Cup chances
The main effect of getting more minutes in Lyon has been the chance of returning to Brazil for the World Cup. His dream was fading at Real Madrid because he was not playing regularly, but he now has a real shot at being called up by Carlo Ancelotti.
Endrick has played well for Brazil (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
A few injuries also gave him a place in the national team lineup in recent friendlies, especially against Croatia, where he made a difference. He now looks like a very interesting option for the Italian manager.
Sousa said: “The expectations are high, and after the match against Paris Saint-Germain, Ancelotti has more reasons to consider him. Endrick keeps his feet on the ground. He thinks he could be in the World Cup if he plays well in the next four matches with Lyon.”
Endrick’s spell in Lyon
Endrick agreed to join Lyon on loan last December and made his debut for the club in January. He has played 12 matches and scored four goals in Ligue 1, helping the team stay in third place. The forward also added three matches and two goals in the French Cup, and he has two Europa League matches and one goal as part of his overall record.
Club America play against Atlas on Matchday 17 of the Liga MX Clausura 2026. Here’s everything you need to know about this matchup, including kickoff times and complete TV and streaming broadcast details in the USA.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Club America vs Atlas on US television and via legal streaming:
With the postseason on the line, this matchup carries massive implications for both sides. Riding the momentum of a 3-2 win over Leon, Club America have put itself in strong position to lock in a top-eight berth, but the margin for error remains razor-thin—anything short of at least a draw could spell elimination.
Atlasenter with an even tighter grip on survival; while they currently sit in a qualifying spot, only a victory guarantees their place, as any dropped points could see them fall out of contention, setting the stage for a high-pressure, winner-take-all showdown you won’t want to miss.
More details on how to watch
With Fubo, you can watch Club America vs Atlas and tons more Liga MX games with a 7-day trial. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC (in select cities), CNBC, USA, FOX (in select cities), FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Universo and Galavision.
Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
More resources
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To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Türk sporuna damga vuran ve "Zıt kardeşler" olarak adlandırılan Galatasaray ile Fenerbahçe'nin 117 yıla ulaşan rekabetinde birçok ilginç olaya tanık olundu.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasında Galatasaray'a konuk olacak Fenerbahçe, derbi karşılaşmasına hafta boyunca nasıl hazırlandı? Samandıra'da neler oldu? İşte yaşananlar...
Şampiyonluk yarışında puan farkını 1'e indirerek kaderini yeniden eline almak isteyen Fenerbahçe, RAMS Park'taki dev randevudan mutlak zaferle ayrılmanın formüllerini arıyor. İşte sarı-lacivertlilerin derbiyi kazanması için izleyebileceği stratejik yol haritası:
Galatasaray, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasında sahasında Fenerbahçe ile karşı karşıya gelecek. İşte Galatasaray'ın derbide kazanması için yapması gerekenler...
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasında Galatasaray ile Fenerbahçe, RAMS Park'ta karşı karşıya gelecek. Türkiye ve Avrupa'nın büyük ilgi gösterdiği bu derbide sahne alacak 10 yıldız ismi sizin için derledik.
Eddie Howe is hopeful Newcastle United have turned a corner after their recent struggles, insisting there was a “big step forward” during their defeat at Arsenal. Newcastle suffered their fifth straight loss in all competitions, after Eberechi Eze’s early strike sealed a 1-0 win for the title-chasing hosts at the Emirates Stadium. The Magpies have […]
In a recent experiment, Anthropic created a classified marketplace where AI agents represented both buyers and sellers, striking real deals for real goods and real money.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 25: A view of New England Patriots helmets on the bench before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the 2026 NFL Draft winding down, teams began turning their attention to rookie free agency. The New England Patriots were no exception, and they will once again be quite busy: the team of head coach Mike Vrabel and quasi-general manager Eliot Wolf has several open spots on its 90-man roster available to be filled.
Even though Vrabel will not be part of the process this weekend for personal reasons, the Patriots remain an attractive landing spot for UDFAs. Just last year, for example, two of their rookie free agent signings — WR Efton Chism and ED Elijah Ponder — were given an opportunity to receive quality snaps in training camp and preseason, and both eventually ended up on the initial roster.
Every year is different, of course, but the Patriots under Vrabel and his predecessor Bill Belichick nonetheless remain an organization willing to give unheralded players a fair shot. Who will get that shot in 2026 will be seen, but we will track all of the signings as well as additional news and rumors right here.
Welcome to the 2026 edition of our Patriots Undrafted Free Agency Tracker.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) heads for the locker room after the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 14 game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. The Bills overcame a halftime deficit to win 39-34. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Following the massive trade for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, the Cincinnati Bengals had just six draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, with none in the first or fifth rounds. Cincinnati just lost the No. 10 pick in the draft for Lawrence, while their fifth-round pick was traded in a swap for quarterback Joe Flacco and additional capital this past season.
That Flacco trade was more of a last-ditch effort to save the Bengals season following Joe Burrow’s injury, but Cincinnati’s slide continued and they remained out of the playoffs this season.
With the 2026 NFL Draft here, let’s revisit that Flacco trade and see how it fared for the Bengals.
Original terms for the Joe Flacco trade from the Brwons to the Bengals
After being traded to Cincinnati, Flacco started six more games, going 1-5 in those games, while throwing for 1,636 yards (272.7 yards per game), 13 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. He also lost a fumble.
In those six games, the offense averaged over 27 points a contest and lost two games to the Jets and the Bears because of ugly defensive miscues. Flacco did have some big games, including a 342-yard and three-touchdown performance in a 33-31 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He also had 470 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions in the 47-42 last-minute loss to the Chicago Bears. But Cincinnati fell to 3-8 after his six starts, making it an uphill climb from there upon Joe Burrow’s return.
What did the Bengals do with the selection from their Joe Flacco pick swap?
The Browns sent over a sixth-round pick they received from the Detroit Lions in a previous trade to the Bengals in this deal. The Bengals traded 110 and 199 for 128 and 140. At pick 128, they selected Connor Lew, the Auburn center. Pick 140 was Georgia WR Colbie Young.
What did the Browns do with the pick from the Joe Flacco trade?
Meanwhile, the Browns got Cincinnati’s fifth-round pick, which was near the top of the fifth round. At pick 149, they took linebacker Justin Jefferson from Alabama.
How did the Bengals fare in the Joe Flacco trade?
Well, Cincinnati was looking to make the playoffs last season after some major contracts were doled out, which is why they made the deal for Flacco.
Did Flacco play poorly in Cincinnati? Not necessarily. It was primarily the defensive woes that cost the Bengals and prompted the 3-8 slide. But Flacco wasn’t the answer either, as the Bengals looked for a better backup than Jake Browning.
The cost wasn’t high, as Cincinnati gave up a fifth-round pick and got a sixth-rounder back in return. But there also wasn’t much of a reward in trading for Flacco.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 18: Islam Makhachev of Russia reacts after a submission victory against Renato Moicano of Brazil in the UFC lightweight championship fight during the UFC 311 event at Intuit Dome on January 18, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
According to MMA journalist Alvaro Colmenero, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) matchmakers are working towards a matchup between UFC welterweight champion, Islam Makhachev, and No. 2-ranked contender, Ian Machado Garry, for UFC 330 on Aug. 15 from inside Xfinity Center in the “City of Brotherly Love.”
Lo dije hace tiempo, pero la pelea que se negocia es la de Islam Makhachev contra Ian Garry, según mis fuentes.
Morales ya está descartado de este title shot.
Presumiblemente será en agosto en Filadelfia, en UFC 330, aunque Islam ya ha señalado hacia la IFW en algún mensaje. pic.twitter.com/fmZleqj8Aw
While some may have been holding out hope for a title fight matchup between Makhachev and streaking finisher Michael Morales it appears Makhachev’s first official UFC title defense will be against “The Future.” It’s not even close to as big as Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor, but fight fans would still get to see the Dagestan vs. Ireland feud play out in the ultimate proving ground.
Garry, who is 10-1 inside of the Octagon, has certainly earned his chance at UFC gold even if he’s a boring fighter. The Irish contender has only lost to Shavkat Rakhmonov in his professional career and has shown the ability to defend adequately off his back when taken down. He may pose more problems for Makhachev than some might think, especially with a five-inch height advantage.
Makhachev, who has bigger fish to fry in 2026, will likely be a large betting favorite if this welterweight matchup is finalized. The former UFC lightweight champion just made a successful jump to 170 pounds to claim the welterweight strap off Jack Della Maddalena last November. If Makhachev can secure a few title defenses in his new weight class he could go down as the greatest fighter of all time.
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Browns fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The Cleveland Browns’ 2026 NFL Draft is now complete, and now we want you, the fans, to give an overall grade for the draft class.
The first two days were filled with prominent names who can contribute immediately: LT Spencer Fano, WR KC Concepcion, WR Denzel Boston, and S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. All four of them could be starters, or key rotational players, right out of the gate to build off of last year’s impressive draft class.
The remaining picks for the Browns were based on depth and potential. OT Austin Barber gives some depth at tackle, C Parker Brailsford could compete for the center job, TE Joe Royer gives some receiving potential at tight end besides Harold Fannin, LB Justin Jefferson accounts for the departure of Mohamoud Diabate, and QB Taylen Green is a fast guy who the team may have other plans for with respect to his usage. TE Carsen Ryan closed out the team’s draft with the eighth offensive player, out of 10 picks in total.
In addition to all of that, GM Andrew Berry added a pair of fourth-round draft picks in the 2027 draft, via all the maneuvering he did this year. Try to base your grade below off of the entire Browns’ draft class, but obviously, you should give more weight to the earlier rounds as opposed to the later rounds.
The Cleveland Browns have selected their tenth, and presumably last, player of the 2026 NFL Draft. Adding a second tight end to the roster on Day 3 of the draft, the Browns have selected BYU tight end Carsen Ryan.
A 6-foot-3 and 255-pound tight end, Ryan racked up 620 yards and three touchdowns this past season at BYU. A good lateral mover as well, Ryan ran a three-cone and short shuttle both in the 91st percentile of tight ends all-time as well. His 40-yard dash time was 4.71, but the 10-yard split again came in at the 91st percentile. The explosive jumps came in at the 70th percentile (33.5-inch vertical jump) and 59th percentile (9-foot-7 broad jump), respectively.
A heavy-handed blocker as well, Ryan fills a role for the Browns as they round out their 2026 class.
Apr 24, 2026; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns first round draft picks Spencer Fano, left, and KC Concepcion talk to the media during an introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The NFL Draft in Pittsburgh is now finished after Saturday’s picks came in, and we have a complete Cleveland Browns draft class for 2026. Here is the full class:
Day 1
On Day 1, GM Andrew Berry worked a trade to move back three spots and pick up additional assets. He still was able to select their top offensive tackle on the board in Spencer Fano. With their other first-round pick, they drafted the speedy receiver KC Concepcion.
The second day of the draft got off to a great start too, with draft experts saying the Browns were killing the draft by landing both wide receiver Denzel Boston and safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. To wrap things up, they also added more depth to the offensive line with tackle Austin Barber.
The Browns started the final day of the draft by taking back-to-back Alabama players in center Parker Brailsford and linebacker Justin Jefferson. They also nabbed a dual-threat quarterback in Taylen Green.
After the Browns’ draft class, they are 250/1 odds to win the Super Bowl, according to FanDuel. Were there additions enough to make you think they could have an underrated run at one?
CLEMSON, SC - AUGUST 30: DeMonte Capehart #19 of the Clemson Tigers pursues a play on defense while blocked by Coen Echols #78 of the LSU Tigers during a college football game on August 30, 2025 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Buccaneers continued with their defensive line makeover, using their first of two fifth-round picks to select Clemson defensive tackle Demonte Capehart.
He’ll serve as vital depth upgrade with his overall size and on-field attitude, possibly getting snaps at 5-technique and nose tackle in the second line behind Calijah Kancey, Vita Vea, and A’Shawn Robinson. He’s a six-year college player, but the physical traits suggest there’s more potential yet to be unearthed.
Let’s learn more.
Demonte Capehart Career Stats
A Hartsville, SC native, Capeheart dominated from the get-go in high school thanks to his size and athleticism. His dominance earned him a transfer to the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida, where he led the team with 16 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks during his senior season.
Capehart fielded his pick of schools as a four-star recruit and No. 5 defensive tackle of the 2020 class (34th overall). He decided to stay close to home and enrolled with Clemson, and stuck there all 6 years because of his close bond with the defensive line coach Nick Eason — even turning down significant NIL money to transfer.
As part of a stacked defensive line throughout his time with the Tigers, Capehart never even started a game until his redshirt senior season in 2024, but he did consistently rotate in during the years prior. He played 57 total games (12 starts), totaling 72 total tackles (13.5 for loss), 3 sacks, 5 passes defensed, and 1 forced fumble.
Albeit he's inconsistent, the flashes from Clemson DT DeMonte Capehart are compelling. Definitely worth a Day 3 swing given his athletic profile pic.twitter.com/39oxKdHHtq
A team leader praised for his leadership and positive influence, Capehart earned 2 degrees and a certification during his time at Clemson — a bachelor’s in sports communication, a master’s in athletic leadership, and a graduate certificate in athletic leadership.
Athletic Testing
Capehart is another elite athlete added into the fold by the Buccaneers — the third straight one in the draft class.
He is a massive, well-built human at nearly 6-foot-5, 312 pounds with 34 1/2” arms and 10 1/4” hands. He’s unnaturally skilled as a mover at that size, posting an eye-popping 4.85 40-yard dash (1.71 10-yard split). He posted explosive jumps as well with a 33 1/2” vertical and 8-foot-11 broad.
His Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.96 is No. 9 for defensive tackles in the last 40 years.
DeMonte Capehart was drafted in round 5 with pick 155 in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 9.96 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 9 out of 2278 DT from 1987 to 2026.https://t.co/KMwgRQbHUppic.twitter.com/hln4tad5Pq
Clemson DT Demonte Capehart is an older prospect who is frustratingly inconsistent
He also has some of the most impressive high end reps against the run of any DT in this draft class. Size, length, violence, and elite athleticism. I'll take that bet #BuildingTheBoardpic.twitter.com/saloPgohSq
Capehart has very much been the promise of something more without the consistent actualization of it.
He is long and very strong with heavy hands and a good anchor, making him a valuable asset versus the run. He can power through some guards while holding the line versus better ones, which will get him snaps on a defensive line that was light in the pants the last couple years.
This is no disrespect to Peter Woods and even though he’ll get drafted higher, Demonte Capehart was the best defensive lineman for Clemson this year. He is an ass kicker and a man mover. All I see on tape is belt to ass on the interior. Look at how he plays with his hands. pic.twitter.com/7Lw5RlpNOV
He’s not stationary, however, as he syncs up his hand and feet movements to sift through traffic and get off his man to make plays. His huge wingspan lets him collect quarterbacks and runners who try to escape his grasp in the backfield.
His pass rush is a lot less defined, as he’s pretty much a straight-ahead power pusher who wants to collapse the pocket. He’ll need to develop more primary moves and counters if he ever hopes to see feasible snaps on passing downs.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Capehart is an older prospect (24 years old) with limited production but sky-high athleticism and effort to work with, so he’s far from a lost cause. Simultaneously, expectations of him ever becoming a starter should likely be tempered.
Clemson DL DeMonte Capehart (6-5, 315) is a run-defending brick w/some position versatility
🐅18 starts & lot of rotation work show a crushing bull rush, heavy-handed two-gapper. Immovable @ snap, stacks/sheds w/physicality
He will fill a needed role as space-eating, run stuffer depth, and hopefully the coaching staff can coax a little more out of his unique athletic profile.
What do you think, Bucs Nation? Let us know in the comments below.
Nov 8, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Kendrick Law (1) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Florida Gators at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
A couple of former Kentucky Football wide receivers heard their names called on Day 3 of the NFL Draft.
Kendrick Law was drafted 168th overall by the Detroit Lions. Detroit traded up to take the former Kentucky wide receiver in Round 5.
In his one year in Lexington, Law led Kentucky in receiving yards with 540 while catching 53 passes with three receiving touchdowns.
Law impressed teams during the pre-draft process, running a 4.45 40-yard dash and earning a 9.60 RAS score, one of the highest among receivers in this year’s draft class.
I would expect the Lions to see Law as an early contributor on special teams with the ability to grow in the receiver room.
Another former Kentucky wide receiver heard his name called in the sixth round. Former Wildcat Barion Brown was drafted 190th overall by the New Orleans Saints.
Brown spent three seasons in Lexington, recording 122 catches for over 1,500 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, not to mention five kick returns for touchdowns.
Brown transferred to LSU last season, where he caught 53 passes for 532 yards and one score.
This is likely another scenario where the Saints see a lot of value in Brown on special teams. Brown ran a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash and has shown he’s a threat on kick returns.
Good luck to these former Wildcats with their new teams!
Polzin on defeat to Hoffenheim: "We just had to be better in both boxes"
After congratulating Christian Ilzer and TSG Hoffenheim on their 2-1 win this evening which ensured European football for the Sinsheimers next season, Merlin Polzin choose to take the positives from what he felt was a respectable performance.
“For us as HSV, it was important to put in a performance that reflected our approach to this season and our aims,” the HSV head coach said in the mixed zone afterwards.
"That meant we wanted to defend aggressively and make life difficult for the opponent by closing the spaces and remaining alert. We wanted to lift the stadium and make it hard for a Champions League-chasing side like Hoffenheim to take the points.
We definitely managed that. Our team never gave up until the end and played with a lot of versatility – and all that against a team who are having an incredible season. This performance has definitely left me feeling confident for the weeks ahead," he added.
The 35-year-old gaffer also gave some time to offer constructive criticism to his squad. He felt his side could have done more to keep their opposition out while also offering more threat in attack.
"Despite the improved performance, we have to be critical of the fact that, at the end of the day, we just had to be better in both boxes. We shouldn’t sugarcoat things when we’ve come away empty-handed.
"Whatever the quality of the opponent, we needed to defend better for both goals. At the same time, you have to take the clearcut chances you create, because you’re probably unlikely to get too many.
“That’s part of our process, though. We’ll carry on with that process, because it’s brought us this far. We now need to shake off our disappointment, put this result behind us and prepare to face Frankfurt,” he added.
Michigan defensive lineman Rayshaun Benny (26) gets ready for a play against Central Michigan during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Michigan defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny spent four years waiting for his opportunity to start on one of the nation’s best defenses. In those years, he was coached by NFL minds like Mike Macdonald, Jesse Minter and Wink Martindale. He played alongside Kris Jenkins, Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, and provided strong run support in a rotational role to help his team win a national championship in 2023.
A former four-star recruit from Detroit as a member of the 2021 class, Benny has played in five college football seasons and has shown steady improvement throughout his career. He has 107 career tackles, starting 16 games and playing in 53. He is projected to be a 3-technique at the next level and should have no problem getting drafted, as he is currently projected to go in the fifth round.
Michigan DT Rayshaun Benny deserves more love. He’s been an elite run defender for 2.5 years now, and while the pass rush production hasn’t always been consistent, the flashes are there. He was nearly unblockable at the Senior Bowl 6'3 298 lbs 33 3/8" arms #BuildingTheBoardpic.twitter.com/h1tb7xn4ZR
Career stats: 53 games (16 starts), 107 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four sacks, one forced fumble, five passes defended
Strengths
Possesses the strength and length to quickly shed blocks.
Plays with active hands to be able to get from blocker to blocker.
Effective two-gapper who locks out, gets his head around, and finds the runner.
Decent quickness and agility for his size, useful when slanting or working laterally down the line.
Reliable tackler in space with a low missed tackle rate across his career.
Weaknesses
Limited pass-rush moves beyond a bull rush; lacks counters when his initial move stalls.
Pad level rises too often, especially on lateral movement and during extended drives.
Narrow base and wide hand placement expose his chest to double teams and combo blocks.
Block recognition needs work; gets caught off guard by trap blocks and down blocks.
Limited starts with only one season as a full-time starter despite five years in the program.
Broken fibula in 2023, knee surgery in high school from a car accident.
Summary
Benny can be a strong addition for a team in need of a run-first 3-technique. With five years of experience, he has a strong build for the next level, standing at 6-foot-3 and 298 pounds. With an arm length of 33 ⅜ inches, he can hold his gap, shed blocks with his length and make stops at or near the line of scrimmage. On early run downs, his experience in Michigan’s pro-style system means he understands responsibility-based defense at a high level. If Benny is asked to eat blocks and keep linebackers clean, he could really thrive in a rotation at the next level.
Benny also comes with some major concerns. He was the top defensive tackle for the Wolverines this past season, providing opportunities for him to play on both run and pass downs. However, while his run-defense was strong for the most part, he struggled on passing downs. He played more than 1,200 snaps in college, and only had five sacks and 12 total tackles for loss.
He also has a medical history that could give NFL teams pause. Benny had two major injuries in high school and college, raising questions about his durability and his longevity when he gets to the NFL. He will likely not see the field in a starting capacity in the NFL, but if a team can use him in a rotation alongside starting-caliber 3-techs, he could eat up snaps and provide a strong floor.
In a deep defensive tackle class, Benny’s experience and run-stopping ability should get him drafted, though he will have a long way to go to be more than a depth piece at the next level.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 05: Za'Darius Smith #99 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on January 05, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the 2026 NFL Draft weekend upon us, teams will introduce their latest rookie class to the league in hopes of having them become part of the next Super Bowl puzzle. The draft also means finalizing past trades that included future draft picks. That includes a deal made in November 2024, which sent Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns to the Detroit Lions.
What did the Lions do with the pick from the Za’Darius Smith trade?
The Lions selected Tennessee DT Tyre West at 222 overall.
How was Za’Darius Smith’s performance for the Lions?
Smith performed well for the Lions down the stretch of the 2024 season, making seven starts and eight appearances and recording four sacks. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles for the 2025 campaign but only played in five games and announced his retirement in October during the season.
What did the Browns do with the picks from the Za’Darius Smith trade?
The Browns traded the sixth-round pick acquired in the Smith deal to the Cincinnati Bengals in the trade that moved quarterback Joe Flacco to the AFC North rival.
The fifth-round pick they acquired in the deal was also traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in the trade that swapped backup quarterbacks Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Kenny Pickett.
That pick was then dealt to the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers in two separate trades. The pick was ultimately used on Iowa defensive tackle Yahya Black, who recorded 28 tackles in his rookie season.
Nov 9, 2024; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles defensive end Quintayvious Hutchins (15) reacts after a sack against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images | Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
The New England Patriots went with some home-grown talent to close out their 2026 NFL Draft. Quintayvious Hutchins, the edge rusher out of Boston College, was selected by the team in the seventh round.
Let’s grade the pick.
Instant grades: Patriots draft ED Quintayvious Hutchins 247th overall
Matt St. Jean: Hutchins is an undersized edge who will make the short drive down from Chestnut Hill. He was a team captain last year at Boston College who brings special teams experience in addition to 16 starts at edge. He plays with more power than his size suggests, which Mike Vrabel got to test out in person at his Pro Day. | Grade: B
Pat Lane: Hutchins doesn’t have elite measurables, but he played bigger and stronger than his size would suggest. He also doesn’t have elite burst off the line, but he is able to get to quarterback anyway. Time will tell if that will translate to the NFL, but they’re awfully familiar with him as they have a ton of ties to BC, so they’re awfully familiar obviously like his character. | Grade: C+
Andrew Guindon: Hutchins is a smaller-framed edge rusher, but he’s incredibly aggressive and plays with more power than you’d expect. He’s a sound tackler and also brings special teams experience, which will help him make a push for the roster this summer. The Patriots brass is very familiar with Hutchins, who’s a Boston College product. | Grade: B-
With the final selection in the books, the Patriots’ 2026 draft class is now complete.
What do you think about this draft pick, though? Do you like it? Do you not? Please participate in our poll and head to the comment section to discuss.
PROVO, UTAH - NOVEMBER 29: Carsen Ryan #20 of the BYU Cougars celebrates during the first half of the game between UCF Knights and Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Bryan Byerly/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images
With the 248th pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected tight end Carsen Ryan (6-foot-3 and 255 pounds) from BYU. It’s (hopefully) the final pick the Browns made on Day 3 of the draft, coming in the 7th round. Ryan is also the second tight end that Cleveland selected, as they also added Cincinnati’s Joe Royer in the fifth round.
Ryan Scouting Report
Here is a scouting report from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, who had Ryan as the 18th-ranked tight end prospect on his board in this year’s draft class:
A one-year starter at BYU (and a starter for two-and-a-half years overall), Ryan was a Y tight end (59.6 percent of career snaps inline) in offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick’s scheme. After stops at UCLA and Utah, he transferred to Provo to become more involved as a pass catcher in his final year of eligibility — and that is exactly what happened. He finished third on the team in targets in 2025 and tied for sixth-most receiving yards (620) among FBS tight ends (ironically, tied with Utah’s Dallen Bentley).
A surprising NFL combine snub, Ryan stands out in both phases as a receiver and blocker. He is an urgent, controlled route runner who feasts underneath against zone coverage, with reliable hands and some creativity after the catch. He is limited by some body stiffness and needs to do a better job with body position to win a crowd. As a blocker, he is both quick and physical with his inline duties to reach, cut off or get outside defenders.
Ryan is more coordinated than explosive and offers an appealing mix of pass-catching talent and blocking toughness. Regardless of where he is drafted, he has the type of talent that sticks on a roster and becomes valuable for an NFL offense.
Carsen Ryan is a TE prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 9.28 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 107 out of 1471 TE from 1987 to 2026.https://t.co/JeNF4iLgLbpic.twitter.com/QKHusYHvOb
Ryan bounced around during his college days, beginning as a running back at UCLA (2022 and 2023), before transitioning to tight end at Utah (2024) and finishing up at BYU. Unsurprisingly, he saw his numbers go up, and he became more accustomed to the position, and had a tidy 45 receptions for 620 yards and three touchdowns in his final season with the Cougars.
He apparently can catch and block, always a nice combination in a tight end, and he should have an opportunity to show what he can do this summer as the Browns are not exactly flush at the position after starter Harold Fannin Jr.
React to the Ryan pick
What do you think, Browns fans? Let us know in the comments sections below.
It wouldn't be a Houston Texans draft without a defensive back from USC landing in Nick Caserio's lap.
In 2024, Pro Bowl safety Calen Bullock back off the board in the round. Last season. Jaylin Smith joined the crew as a late Day 2 pick.
Safety Kamari Ramsey to many was considered one of the draft's top Day 2 safeties, so consider it a steal in the fifth-round for Houston.
At pick No. 141, the Texans landed Ramsey, who excelled over his final two years with the Trojans' defense. The 6-foot, 202-pound defensive back ran a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine and can play both as a nickel corner and safety.
A UCLA transfer, Ramsey joined the Trojans in 2024, where he broke out with 60 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, six pass breakups, two forced fumbles and an interception. Last season, his season was cut short due to a knee injury suffered against Iowa on Nov. 15. He finished the year with 27 total tackles and two pass deflections.
Some scouts have compared the rangy defender to longtime Tennessee Titans All-Pro Kevin Byrard, though his tackling is more refined. His willingness to play anywhere on the defense creates value, as he can line up and play deep or move in the box to take on a slot receiver.
On Houston's depth chart, expect him to begin seeing reps at strong safety behind newly-added veteran Reed Blakenship while rotating in with Jaylen Reed as a big nickel defender. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Ramsey was the highest-rated player left on the board by the NGS overall score.
He’s one of four safeties in this class with 75-plus NGS production and athleticism scores, joining Caleb Downs, Dillon Thieneman and A.J. Haulcy.
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 22, 2025: Rayshaun Benny #26 of the Michigan Wolverines looks on during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium on November 22, 2025 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
With the No. 250 pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens selected Michigan defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny.
For the last five seasons, Benny has slowly been improving, sitting behind some of the best to come through Ann Arbor lately in Kris Jenkins, Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. At 6-foot-3 and 298 pounds, Benny played in 53 career games with the Wolverines (16 starts), totaling 107 tackles, five passes deflected and one forced fumble.
Benny’s value has always been rooted in the trenches. With 33⅜-inch arms and active hands, he has the length to shed blocks quickly and the strength to anchor against the run. As an effective two-gapper, he understands how to lock out, get his head around, and find the ball carrier — skills that will translate to the NFL.
Benny has held many roles during his time at Michigan, going from a reliable depth and rotational run-stopping piece to an every-down starter in his last season.
Michigan DT Rayshaun Benny deserves more love. He’s been an elite run defender for 2.5 years now, and while the pass rush production hasn’t always been consistent, the flashes are there. He was nearly unblockable at the Senior Bowl 6'3 298 lbs 33 3/8" arms #BuildingTheBoardpic.twitter.com/h1tb7xn4ZR
Michigan IDL, Rayshaun Benny made popped off the Senior Bowl game tape a couple times!
Benny's a great mixture of strength, balance and can get off the line quick, vertically or horizontally… Benny can develop in to a great interior player in the NFL! pic.twitter.com/VvgAXL0MkI
Perhaps the most telling measure of Benny’s readiness for the next level is his durability and experience: more than 1,200 snaps across five college seasons, giving him a seasoned floor that a lot of other defensive tackles simply don’t have.
Benny does come with some unpolished pieces to his game, being called a “tricky evaluation” by NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, mainly pointing to his physique and struggle with double-teams as the main downsides when paired with the positives of his length and 1-on-1 reps. But he should still be a serviceable player early in his career since he’s always been a solid all-around player.
Maize n Brew Scouting Report
“Rayshaun Benny can be a strong pickup for a team who is needing a run-first 3-technique on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. With five years of experience, Benny has a strong build for the next level, standing at 6-foot-3 and 298 pounds. With an arm length of 33 ⅜ inches, Benny can hold his gap, shed blocks with his length and make stops at or near the line of scrimmage. On early run downs, his experience in Michigan’s Pro-style system means he understands responsibility-based defense at a high level, especially if he goes to a team that replicates Michigan’s 3-4 defense. If Benny is asked to eat blocks and keep linebackers clean, he could really thrive in a rotation at the next level.”
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Mansoor Delane of LSU poses for a photo after being selected sixth overall by the Kansas City Chiefs during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 NFL Draft came to a close on Saturday in Pittsburgh. With all 257 picks determined, the Kansas City Chiefs’ draft class is complete with seven selections:
DAY 1
On Day 1, the Chiefs were part of the first trade of the weekend, sending Picks 9, 74, and 148 to the Cleveland Browns for Pick 6.General manager Brett Veach went and got their guy.
With no more third-round pick, all eyes were on the Chiefs to trade down and regain some of the draft capital lost the previous night. Instead, the team stayed put and was bold in choosing an unorthodox, but high-potential fit at defensive end.
Round 2 | No. 40 | Oklahoma edge rusher R Mason Thomas
DAY 3
The Chiefs went through three picks and two days of the draft without addressing the offense with a selection, and the organization picked up where it left off on Saturday morning by taking a second cornerback, Jadon Canady, although he has experience playing all over the secondary
It does feel like Veach deserves a hat tip for bolstering the defense as much as possible, then finishing the class with a couple of intriguing playmakers and a suddenly underrated quarterback in Garrett Nussmeier.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Shane McClanahan turned in five scoreless innings to get his first win at Tropicana Field in nearly three years as the Tampa Bay Rays blanked the Minnesota Twins 6-0 on Saturday.
The left-hander, returning from two surgeries that cost him the 2024 and 2025 seasons, scattered three hits and struck out seven.
It was the Rays' first shutout of the season with Kevin Kelly, Hunter Bigge and Trevor Martin finishing up for McClanahan (2-2).
Jake Fraley provided the early run support, connecting for a two-run home run in the fourth inning, his second of the season. The Rays added four more runs late, capped by a Ben Williamson RBI double in the eighth.
Williamson finished with a single, double and triple.
Bailey Ober (2-1) was solid for Minnesota, allowing two runs on three hits over six innings, but it was not enough against a dominant Rays offense that has won six straight games when out-homering its opponent.
The win was the third straight for the Rays, who are 3-1 against Minnesota in the season series. The Twins have lost four straight and eight of their last nine.
McClanahan had not won at Tropicana Field since June 11, 2023.
His elbow gave out that August, requiring his second Tommy John surgery. A nerve issue during rehabilitation required additional surgery, wiping out the following two seasons entirely. He took a no-decision April 6 against the Cubs in his only other home appearance this season.
Up next
The Twins will send Simeon Woods Richardson (0-3, 5.96) to the mound Sunday while Tampa Bay counters with Jesse Scholtens (1-1, 2.93 ERA).
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: A screen shows Keylan Rutledge of Georgia Tech after being selected 26th overall by the Houston Texans during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Th-th-th-th-that’s all folks. For the Houston Texans, their 2026 NFL Draft has come to an end.
If you haven’t watched all seven rounds of the draft, like a lunatic or a football blogger, then allow me to show you who the Texans came away from the Draft with along with a brief rundown on each player.
Day One
Round 1 (26) – Keylan Rutledge; OL Georgia Tech
Overview
Rutledge is a burly, experienced right guard with excellent contact pop and a rugged field demeanor that will appeal to offensive line coaches. He excels as a drive/combo blocker, where he displaces defenders, but he has the athleticism to operate in all run-blocking concepts. He understands technique but suffers from occasional rough patches due to inconsistent balance and body control. His pass protection range is average, and edge leakage could be a concern against NFL athletes. Rutledge has the toughness to earn a role as a good backup with starting potential.
Day Two
Round 2 (36) – Kayden McDonald; DT Ohio State
Overview
A talented run defender, McDonald plays with natural leverage and rattles pads with his initial contact. He’s quick to locate ball-carriers, play off of blocks and rally to the action. His technique is a bit underdeveloped and he’s not a natural drain-clogger against double teams, but he still managed an unusually high tackle rate as an interior defender. Quicker hand strikes should allow for more efficient reps and earlier wins at the point. He offers limited rush value, so his money will be made by giving grief to centers and guards as an even-front nose tackle with starting potential.
Round 2 (59) – Marlin Klein; TE Michigan
Overview
German-born prospect with average athleticism in space but above-average grit at the point. Klein’s tape shouldn’t be viewed as a finished product considering his relative lack of game experience in the sport. He needs to block with inside hands but displays a sturdy core and strong hands to do his job in-line. He builds speed with long strides and will catch what is provided. More muscle mass is needed, but Klein has a chance to become a Day 3 pick as a backup “Y” tight end.
Day Three
Round 4 (106) – Febechi Nwaiwu; G Oklahoma
Overview
Nwaiwu is reliably active with good length. After a bumpy first season with the Sooners in 2024, he displayed improvement in both phases. He centers opponents in front of him to stay connected and uses good technique to displace down-block targets. However, he is inconsistent finding his foe on move blocks. Chronic leaning and slow initial hand strikes can render his massive wingspan useless against two-gappers and in pass protection. Nwaiwu’s snaps at center offer a peek into what might be his best spot, but his position flexibility is a positive regardless.
Round 4 (123) – Wade Woodaz; LB Clemson
Overview
Two-year starter who punches in and goes to work but fails to stamp games with high-level impact. Woodaz has adequate size and diagnose quickness. However, he lacks base strength and take-on pop to keep himself clean through contact. He displays good awareness in zone drops and has enough man-cover talent to match with some pass-catching tight ends underneath. Woodaz needs to add strength, play faster and become more forceful in everything he does. He has a chance to develop into an average backup Will linebacker, but his work on special teams is what will get him on the field early on.
Round 5 (141) – Kamari Ramsey; S USC
Overview
Versatile safety prospect with solid size. Ramsey saw a heavier workload at nickelback in 2025 after splitting time at all three safety spots in 2024. He plays with average eyes in space and good break anticipation when matched up in man. He was adequate covering the slot in college but might not have enough short-area burst and athleticism to do the same in the pros. He needs to close downhill in run support with greater urgency when playing from depth. His tackle-finishing saw a massive improvement in 2025, but with multiple games missed in consecutive seasons, Ramsey’s draft stock could take a hit due to durability concerns.
Round 6 (204) – Lewis Bond; WR Boston College
Overview
Hard-hat possession receiver who has delivered with consistency for three consecutive seasons. Bond shines with natural ball skills highlighted by plus catch focus and sure hands to routinely win contested catch battles. Finding separation as a pro will be a challenge. He’s not shifty enough to beat a pro press and doesn’t have the speed or suddenness to break free from sticky man coverage. He might need pre-snap motion or bunch formations to get rolling. Bond will find his best chance with teams who covet pro-caliber ball skills over separation traits.
Round 7 (243) – Aiden Fisher; LB Indiana
Overview
Fisher is a Mike linebacker who can run the defense as an extension of his coordinator. He’s well-built with leadership and football character that are praised by teammates and coaches. Fisher has the instincts and feel of an NFL player but lacks the needed quickness and athletic ability. He reads play designs and gets to the action at a high rate, but a lack of range, cover talent and plus open-field tackling will make the NFL jump challenging.
And there you have it. Three days and seven picks turned into eight new Texans.
So what do you think? Is this the class that’s going to put the Texans over the top? What was your favorite/least favorite pick on the day? Let us know in the comments section!
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 15: Miles Scott #10 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts during the second half of the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Gies Memorial Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Harry Figiel/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images
With the 246th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos opted to add another defensive back to their secondary. With Brandon Jones, J.L. Skinner and Tycen Anderson being in the last year of their deals, the franchise needed another depth piece to compete and perhaps make an impact in the future.
They opted to take Illinois safety Miles Scott at the selection. Scott started his five-year career at Illinois as a wide receiver. However, he made the switch to safety during his red-shirt sophomore campaign. Over the last three seasons, he racked up 182 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and seven interceptions. It appears his former wide receiver skills have given him the talent and ability to make plays on the ball. That’s a lot of forced turnovers!
Team Captain at Illinois, really good ball production, very strong tackler with 182 tackles in his collegiate career. Has the tools to be a really good 3rd safety and core special teamer. pic.twitter.com/DfjOfjtVe5
According to several scouting reports, Scott was a team captain and green dot communicator for the Illini defense. He was also a 30 visit with the team, making him the third player the Broncos drafted today who came in for one of those visits. We will see if he makes the final roster.
I don’t have a problem with this selection at all. However, I thought that Bishop Fitzgerald would have been a fit considering his connection to defensive backs coach Doug Belk. Nevertheless, Scott reunited with teammate Pat Bryant after being the first of Denver’s three seventh round selections. Welcome to the Broncos, Miles Scott!
At about this time last year, when NFL Draft analysts put out their way-too-early mock drafts for 2026, Garrett Nussmeier’s name appeared early in practically every one. He entered last season with the expectation that he’d be selected highly in the first round.
It’s a reminder, when we hear the hype about the 2027 draft class at quarterback, that not everything works out as expected for draft prospects.
Nussmeier had an injury-filled final season at LSU, his numbers fell dramatically from 2024 and so did his draft stock.
The Kansas City Chiefs drafted Nussmeier with the 249th overall pick in the seventh round, just a handful of picks before the end of the draft.
It wasn’t just the drop in production that caused Nussmeier to slide in the draft. His size, at 6-1 5/8 and 203 pounds, is not ideal for an NFL quarterback. Combine that with inconsistency in his play and too many turnovers — in his strong 2024 season he still threw 12 interceptions — and teams had reasons to pass on him.
Nussmeier will try to show that 2024 was his actual level, and 2025 was a season tanked by an abdominal injury that affected him all season. In 2024 he threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns. That fell to 1,927 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, and Nussmeier played in just nine games.
There were reasons Nussmeier was highly regarded in the draft community a year ago. By the time NFL teams got to pick him, his draft cost was much less than anticipated. Now he has a chance to show that he was worth the hypes from a year ago.
Why did LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier fall all the way to the Kansas City Chiefs in the seventh round during the 2026 NFL Draft?
Well, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer gave a succinct answer as to why the former Tigers quarterback went from being one of the more ballyhooed prospects in this class some time ago to a seventh-round pick.
"Nussmeier dealt with oblique pain last year, as a result of a nerve problem," he shared on social media. "A cyst was found in his back, and that’s at least part of this. His tape not being great last year is the other obvious factor."
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero shared more about Nussmeier's health earlier in the month.
"Nussmeier underwent tests at the NFL combine that revealed a cyst on his spine — the root cause of the persistent oblique pain that derailed his 2025 season, sources say," he reported on social media.
"The cyst was pressing on a nerve, causing discomfort in Nussmeier’s oblique. He has been asymptomatic since just prior to the Senior Bowl and all throughout the draft process; if that changes down the road, Nussmeier could undergo a minimally invasive procedure and miss just 2-3 weeks while stitches heal. Either way, doctors say, there is no short- or long-term risk for Nussmeier, who is projected a mid-round pick in this week’s NFL Draft."
Well, his draft fall was pretty shocking, but landing in Kansas City isn't a bad way for this process to end.
Stay up to date right here with who the Indianapolis Colts have signed in undrafted free agency.
The Colts ended up making eight picks in this year's NFL draft.
List of Colts' 2026 draft picks
Round 2: LB CJ Allen, Georgia
Round 3: S AJ Haulcy, LSU
Round 4: G Jalen Farmer, Kentucky
Round 4: LB Bryce Boettcher, Oregon
Round 5: DE George Gumbs Jr., Florida
Round 6: DE Caden Curry, Ohio State
Round 7: RB Seth McGowan, Kentucky
Round 7: TBD
Very quickly, once the final pick is in, the undrafted free agent frenzy begins for all 32 NFL teams. Those who went undrafted begin fielding calls from organizations and decide where they want to sign. In some instances, teams will offer a signing bonus for the more high-end UDFA prospects.
Colts reported undrafted free agent signings after 2026 NFL draft
(This article will be updated as reports come in.)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - NOVEMBER 30: Boston College Eagles defensive end Quintayvious Hutchins (15) in action during the college football game between Pittsburgh Panthers and Boston College Eagles on November 30, 2024, at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, MA. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Through a series of trades, the New England Patriots ended up in possession of both the 245th and the 247th pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The second of those selections was spent on an edge rusher.
At No. 247 and with their final pick in the draft, the Patriots acquired Boston College edge Quintayvious Hutchins.
Following up an NBA championship with a 64-win regular season is the stuff of dynasties, and the Oklahoma City Thunder are hoping to continue down that path in the 2026 playoffs.
Their road to a repeat title starts against the Phoenix Suns, who clinched the last spot in the first round by beating Golden State in the final Play-In Tournament game. The Thunder went 3-2 against the Suns during the regular season, including a 49-point victory in an NBA Cup game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looks to continue his MVP ways after averaging 31.1 points and 6.6 assists per game during the regular season, but the Thunder win with defense. They held opponents to a league-low 43.7% shooting from the field and were second only to the Celtics in limiting the opposition to 107.9 points per game.
Devin Booker leads the Suns as always, coming off a 26.1 ppg regular season. First-year head coach Jordan Ott — the team's fourth coach in as many seasons — is looking for a deep playoff run five years after Phoenix reached the Finals.
Here's what you need to know to watch Thunder vs. Suns, including broadcast information and start times.
The Thunder vs. Suns series will air across multiple platforms thanks to the NBA's expanded broadcast deal, which will see games split among the ESPN networks, NBC and Peacock.
Games on ABC, ESPN networks and NBC can be streamed live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users.
Fans can also turn to the streaming homes for each broadcast partner — Peacock or the ESPN app — for games on those platforms.
Corey Day Wins Tallladega as First Full-Time Hendrick Driver in O'Reilly's SeriesSean Gardner - Getty Images
The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series drivers survived Talladega with just one first-lap and one last-lap incident in an extremely clean Super Speedway race Saturday afternoon.
With a slew of clean race cars late, rows of three wide racing brought the racing to the final lap as Sheldon Creed, Sam Mayer, and Corey Day raced up front. Creed was chasing his second career win after finally ridding himself of the ‘bridesmaid’ banner with his first win this February at Atlanta, following 15 second-place finishes in his O’Reilly’s career. Mayer was looking for his first of the year, and Day was looking for the first of his career.
The three battled close with Mayer on the bottom, Creed up top, and Day in the middle. Coming to the backstretch, Mayer was turned from behind, crashing out and sliding up track, collecting Jeb Burton, Harrison Burton, and Ryan Sieg, ending his chance of a win.
Day was running ahead at the time of the caution light and cleanly made it back to the checkers for his first victory.
Day in the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet with support of JRM brought the company their first win with a full-time driver since Kyle Busch’s rookie year with the team in 2004.
The No. 17 team had an unexpected winger this weekend as former Philadelphia Eagle Offensive Lineman Jason Kelce suited up to get a taste of what it's like to compete on a NASCAR pit crew.
This was Day’s second win of the week, winning a High Limit Racing feature at Eagle Raceway (NE) on Tuesday night.
Day has long been seen as the successor to Hendrick’s Kyle Larson, a bold, successful sprint car kid from California. With this win, it helps cement his place in Hendrick’s feeder system.
Day also podiumed the Knoxville 410 Sprint Car Nationals in the summer of 2024, when Larson won his second.
CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 03: Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Deven Eastern (91) during the Duke Mayo Bowl college football game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Virginia Tech Hokies on January 3, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive tackle Deven Eastern was selected by the Seattle Seahawks with pick 242 in the 7th round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday. With the selection of Eastern, the Gophers and PJ Fleck have now had at least one player drafted in each of the last eight NFL Drafts. Eastern will join former Gopher teammate Nick Kallerup on the reigning Super Bowl Champions!
The pick is in. With the 242nd pick, we've selected NT Deven Eastern.
Eastern will head to camp fighting for one of the backup spots on the Seahawk’s defensive line. Leonard Williams will start at 3 technique for the Seahawks 4-3 front, but Eastern had a good chance to compete with second year player Rylie Mills for the backup spot.
This has been the most surprising series of the first round.
Rather than being about what it lacks — no Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves for the Lakers, Kevin Durant has played in just one of the three games — it has been about guys stepping up in the biggest moments... or not stepping up.
LeBron James has turned back the clock, taken on the role of the Lakers' primary shot creator and scorer again, and has thrived. Marcus Smart has played like the Defensive Player of the Year version of himself from four years ago. Luke Kennard is showing everyone he is the best shooter in the NBA not named Curry, plus he can do more than just shoot. JJ Redick has silenced his coaching critics, and the Lakers' role players are all being put in good positions and then stepping up.
It's been the opposite in Houston, where, as a team, they are shooting under 40%, their offense just looks clunky, and a frustrated Ime Udoka is calling out his team.
Can the Rockets turn things around at home and extend their season? We're going to find out.
See below for additional information on the Knicks-Hawks game and how to watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs on NBC and Peacock.
How to watch Lakers vs. Rockets, Game 4:
When: Sunday, April 26 Where: Toyota Center, Houston Time: 9:30 p.m. ET Announcing team: Noah Eagle (play by play), Grant Hill (analyst), Ashley ShahAhmadi (courtside reporter) TV: NBC Live Stream: Peacock Series: Lakers lead 3-0
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets game preview
Losing Game 3 was a gut punch for Houston — back at home, they were up six with 28 seconds to play. Then a series of mistakes — two sloppy turnovers and Tari Eason fouling Marcus Smart on a 3-pointer — erased that lead and forced overtime. Where the Rockets lost.
"Horrendous mistakes," was how a frustrated Rockets coach Ime Udoka described it postgame. "I don't know if you want to say youth or scared of the moment, or whatever the case. You have a six-point lead with 20 or 30 seconds to go, get a rebound, you just have to hold the ball and get fouled."
How will the Rockets respond to that ugly loss? Like a fighter who just gets mad after taking a punch, or will they fold? The answer to that question will not only impact whether there's a Game 5 in this series, but it could also impact the Houston offseason.
Alperen Sengun leads the Rockets with 24 points and 11.7 rebounds a game, although he has had his struggles on both ends of the court. Amen Thompson is averaging 19.7 points per game, while Jabari Smith Jr. is adding 19.3.
There are a lot of things that have the Lakers holding a commanding 3-0 series lead, but the biggest is that to a man they have fully bought into their coach's system, they are trusting one another and executing, and with that the role players are stepping up.
It also helps to have the timeless LeBron James. At age 41, the guy in the GOAT conversation is adding to his legacy in this series. With the Lakers' two leading scorers and primary shot creators — Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves — out, LeBron has stepped up into that role and thrived. He's averaging 25.1 points, 9.7 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game. He's lifting everyone else up around him, and despite all the quality individual defenders the Rockets have, they have no answers for LeBron.
Luke Kennard is thriving at 21.3 points per game while shooting 52.9% from 3-point range, and Marcus Smart is adding 20.3 points and 8.3 assists a night.
One big question for Game 4 is health: Kevin Durant remains questionable with a left ankle sprain. He was listed as questionable up until the last minute before Game 3, when he was ruled out. For the Lakers, Austin Reaves also is listed as questionable, but it is less likely he returns for this game.
How to watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock:
NBC Sports will present up to 23 games in the First Round and 11 games in the Conference Semifinals across either NBC and Peacock, or Peacock and NBCSN. Playoff programming concludes with exclusive coverage of the Western Conference Finals on NBC and Peacock.
Which playoff rounds will be available on Peacock?
Peacock's NBA Playoffs coverage spans multiple rounds, including Round 1, the Conference Semifinals, and the Western Conference Finals, with coverage evolving as the postseason progresses.
Will Peacock show both Eastern and Western Conference playoff games?
Yes. During earlier rounds, such as Round 1 and the Conference Semifinals, Peacock will carry a mix of Eastern and Western Conference playoff games.
How to sign up for Peacock:
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BYU tight end Carsen Ryan (20) points downfield after gaining a first down as BYU and Utah play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
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Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
For the first time in 16 years, a BYU tight end was taken in the NFL draft.
Carsen Ryan was the latest to do so, as he was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round with the No. 248 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft Saturday.
The last time a BYU tight end had been drafted was 2010, when Dennis Pitta went to the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round.
“Ryan is more coordinated than explosive and offers an appealing mix of pass-catching talent and blocking toughness,” The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote of Ryan in his “The Beast” draft preview. “Regardless of where he is drafted, he has the type of talent that sticks on a roster and becomes valuable for an NFL offense.”
Ryan (6-foot-3, 255 pounds) took advantage of his lone season in Provo, following a college career that saw the American Fork High product play at UCLA and Utah prior to landing with the Cougars.
While Ryan had established himself as a solid blocking tight end, he made the most of his opportunities to shine as a pass catcher for BYU in 2025.
He finished the year with 45 catches for 620 yards and three touchdowns and played a pivotal role in helping freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier build his confidence during a 12-2 campaign.
“Ryan profiles as a combination tight end with good size, adequate strength and plenty of aggression. He centers his blocks and works with inside hands, although he’s substantially more effective versus LBs/DBs in space than he is at duking it out in-line,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein said of Ryan’s pro prospects.
“He could use more polish as a route-runner to help create cleaner throwing windows, but he has the foot quickness to improve in that area. His hands are OK, but he needs to do a better job of securing catches through contact at the next level. Ryan has average speed but pretty good flow with the ball in his hands.”
EAGAN, MN. - APRIL 2024: The Minnesota Vikings introduce their first-round draft pick, Caleb Banks, University of Florida defensive lineman, at the TCO Performance Center during a press conference at Eagan, Minn. on Friday, April 24, 2026. Left to right are owner Mark Wilf, executive vice president of football operations/interim general manager Rob Brzezinski, Caleb Banks, head coach Kevin O'Connell, owner Zygi Wilf. (Photo by Elizabeth Flores/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images) | Star Tribune via Getty Images
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The Minnesota Vikings have made their final selection. . .barring something weird. . .in the 2026 NFL Draft. Nine college players have heard their names called by the purple to join the Vikings and help them on their quest to win that elusive Super Bowl championship.
We know that it’s almost impossible to grade a Draft class before they even set foot onto an NFL field, but we want to know how you think the Vikings did this weekend with their selections. It looks like a pretty defense-heavy draft on the surface, but we’ll see what the Vikings have in mind as they head into the post-Draft signing frenzy and how they want to construct the rest of their roster going forward.
So what do you think, folks? Did interim GM Rob Brzezinski, Kevin O’Connell, Brian Flores, and whoever else had input on what the Vikings did this weekend do a solid enough job for your tastes? Feel free to vote in our poll here (or over in the feed) and let us know what you think in the comments. Also, feel free to keep hanging out here with us, as our Undrafted Free Agency tracker is going to be hitting the site here any moment!
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 27: Eli Heidenreich #22 of the Navy Midshipmen carries the ball during the second half against the Memphis Tigers at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on November 27, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Mike Nicastro: This pick is much more than just a feel good story. It’s not a hand out. Heidenreich is a better prospect than the Steelers fourth round pick, Wetjen, and I candidly thought he’d been long gone by now. He holds the most receiving yards and receiving TDS in Navy history – and can play both wideout and running back. Of course he’ll play a factor on special teams as well. If I were a betting man, I would bet on this guy finding a way to make the team – because that’s just what he’s always done. Grade: A++
Ryland Bickley: Look, the Christian McCaffrey comparisons are always going to be rich, but there’s no denying the upside of Eli Heidenreich. He’s uber athletic and managed over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in 2025 — including 971 receiving yards in Navy’s offense! Seventh-round picks, especially in this year’s thin draft, are essentially priority undrafted free agents, and Heidenreich is the type of guy you want to bring into camp as a dart throw. He’s a weapon, and you can figure out his place in an NFL offense now that he’s on the roster. – Grade: A
Joey Bray: What an exclamation point for the Steelers to end their selections in their city. Ryland and Mike said it best but I have to say it again, the upside is truly unlimited with this kid. He played running back and slot receiver in college and holds the record for the most receicing touchdowns in a single season at the Naval Academy with. Heindenreich said at the combine that he believes people discount his initial burst once he gets the ball, and I couldn’t agree more. This guy is pure lightning in a bottle with the ball in his hands. Even if he ends up being nothing more than a gadget guy, it’s impressive to get someone with his upside this late in the draft. Grade: A
Ryan Parish: Love this pick as a late round flier. Pittsburgh kid with similar athletic measurables and versatility. I prefer Heidenreich as a running back as I think he doesn’t necessarily separate consistently as a slot receiver, but he has good hands an tracking skills. His kick return versatility makes the Wetjen pick feel even more superfluous. Excited to get him to Latrobe and see what Mike McCarthy can cook up for him. Grade: A
Jarrett Bailey: What a moment, but it’s not just about the moment – Heidenreich can play. Wherever the Steelers decide to put him, he is incredibly versatile, playing both running back and wide receiver in college. He was perhaps the most athletic player remaining on the board, and I’ll say right now that he’ll make the 53-man roster. Grade: A
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
The Boston Red Sox got a fresh look at one of the team's top prospects when rookie Payton Tolle made his season debut Thursday against the New York Yankees.
Boston elected to call up Tolle to fill the starting rotation spot vacated by Sonny Gray after being placed on the 15-day injured list earlier this week. The 22-year-old hurler was dominant in his start against the Yankees, allowing only one run and three hits across six innings while striking out 11 batters.
Welcome back to the bigs, Payton Tolle!
MLB's No. 15 prospect (@RedSox) racks up 18 swings-and-misses and becomes the first rookie to notch 11 K's in a start this season: pic.twitter.com/aFRNMeyYIL
Though the Red Sox ultimately lost to the Yankees 4-2 on Thursday, Tolle's electric outing was one of the best pitching performances that a starter has made for the team this season. With Gray reportedly "on track" to be activated off the injured list as soon as he's eligible, potentially pitching as soon as May 6, could the Red Sox shake things up with their starting rotation?
Boston's pitching staff ranked in the top five in the league last season in team ERA, but has not fared as well this season, ranking in the bottom third with a 4.61 team ERA. Though multiple starters have been inconsistent early on this season, Brayan Bello has struggled the most, posting a 9.00 ERA across five starts.
Bello had a rough night in his most recent start on Friday against the Baltimore Orioles, allowing eight runs on 13 hits before being pulled early in the fourth inning.
The Red Sox are flush with talented pitching despite their early struggles. Over the next few weeks, if Tolle can maintain his high level of play, could the Red Sox give him an extended look in the rotation?
The Chicago Bears took a big step forward last season. Now, they're eyeing title contention.
Caleb Williams' growth, one of the NFL's best run games and strong fourth-quarter play all contributed to the Bears winning the NFC North under first-year head coach Ben Johnson.
Heading into 2026, Chicago added safety Coby Bryant and linebacker Devin Bush, prioritizing its defense in free agency. But with the No. 25 pick in the draft and plenty more, the team was able to continuing addressing its needs, from safety to the offensive line.
The Sporting News tracked the Bears' selections at the 2026 NFL Draft, along with a breakdown of Chicago's positional needs and pre-draft predictions. Here's the latest on the newest members of the Bears.
Round 6, Pick No. 213 (from Bills): Jordan Van den Berg, DT, Georgia Tech
Bears NFL Draft needs
Safety: The Bears had one of the NFL's better safety rooms in 2025, with Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Jonathan Owens and C.J. Gardner-Johnson all contributing. None of those players are returning. Chicago partially addressed safety by signing former Seahawk Coby Bryant, but Ben Johnson still needs another playmaker alongside him.
EDGE: The Bears could use some help for Montez Sweat, who posted 10.0 sacks in 2025 to lead the team. Only one other EDGE had more than 1.5, which was Austin Booker with 4.5 sacks. Adding another pass rusher opposite of Sweat could help elevate a Chicago defense that put up just 35 as a team last year.
Offensive Tackle: The Bears' offensive line saw some changes this offseason, with Drew Dalman's retirement being the most surprising. However, with Ozzy Trapilo recovering from an injury, the Bears are currently set to have a LT competition including Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet. They could certainly pursue a rookie to lead that competition — or finding a longer-term center option than Garrett Bradbury would also be wise.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Dillon Thieneman of Oregon poses for a photo after being selected 25th overall by the Chicago Bears during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 NFL Draft has concluded, and the Chicago Bears have the following seven new players.
First Round: 25 Overall – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon Second Round: 57 Overall – Logan Jones, C, Iowa Third Round: 69 Overall (from Tennessee) – Sam Roush, TE, Stanford Third Round: 89 Overall – Zavion Thomas, WR, LSU Fourth Round: 124 Overall (from Carolina) – Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas Fifth Round: 166 Overall (from Carolina) – Keyshaun Elliott, LB, Arizona State Sixth Round: 213 Overall (from Buffalo) – Jordan van den Berg, DT, Georgia Tech
On Friday, the Bears traded their 60th overall selection (second-round), which they acquired from the Buffalo Bills in the DJ Moore trade, to the Tennessee Titans for picks 69 and 144.
On Saturday, the Bears sent pick 129 (fourth round) and 144 (fifth round) to the Carolina Panthers for picks 124 (fourth round) and 166 (fifth round). They also traded both seventh-round picks (239 and 241) to the Bills for pick 213.
Our partners at FanDuel Sportsbook currently have the Bears at +310 to win the NFC North, which is behind the Detroit Lions (+150) and the Green Bay Packers (+230), but ahead of the Minnesota Vikings (+600).
What do you think, did the Bears draft a class that will keep them on top of the division?
The Pittsburgh Steelers went into the 2026 NFL Draft with 12 picks and when the dust finally settled, they made 10 of them. The front office when offense early with offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, wide receiver Germie Bernard, quarterback Drew Allar and guard Gennings Dunker. But by the time it was all said and done, Pittsburgh did a great job addressing needs and filling out the depth chart on both sides of the football.
Here is your Steelers 2026 NFL draft class.
First round - OT Max Iheanachor - Arizona State
Second round - WR Germie Bernard - Alabama
Third round - QB Drew Allar - Penn State
Third round - CB Daylen Everett - Georgia
Third round - OL Gennings Dunker - Iowa
Fourth round - WR Kaden Wetjen - Iowa
Fifth round - FB/TE Riley Nowakowski - Indiana
Sixth round - DT Gabriel Rubio - Notre Dame
Seventh round - S Robert Spears-Jennings - Oklahoma
With the 245th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select Alabama RB Jam Miller.
A 5-foot-10, 210-pound Miller has really strong athleticism, but missed some time during the 2025 season due to an injury. Specifically, he was out for the first three games due to a collarbone injury, returning on Sept. 27 and playing in the rest of the games except for the SEC championship game.
Apr 25, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pinch hitter Jonny DeLuca (21) reacts after hitting a double in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
The Twins were drubbed 6-1, nearly taking in their first shutout loss of 2026, but regardless marking their eighth loss in the last nine ballgames, and exacerbating the absolute morale tailspin that Minnesota has found themselves in during the back half of April.
A bizarre first inning opened with a ghost-timeout that required something akin to a crew chief review, and ended with an outfield assist at home plate from Austin Martin, the fourth of his career.
From there, an early pitching duel developed, with an embattled Shane McClanahan trading zeroes with a velocity-challenged Bailey Ober (Tampa Bay’s starter logged a changeup that came in hotter than Bailey’s hardest fastball of the day.) A scoreless tie held for an hour and change, until a two-out solo shot from Jake Fraley, 401 feet into right field, cracked open a 2-0 lead for Tampa Bay.
But while the Rays had eventually broken through, the Twins would not produce an offensive highlight today. (Their lone run came with two outs in the ninth, when a snapped-bat single from Royce Lewis would bring in Luke Keaschall from second base.) And even the homer would not tarnish much of starter Bailey Ober’s linescore; he went six innings and gave up only three hits. While the swing-and-miss stuff was not present, Ober drove his ERA down below 4.00 in his first loss of the season.
McClanahan’s outing was quicker, but better. In five innings, he too allowed just three hits, but kept Minnesota off the board and struck out seven to only two walks.
The loss was cemented by another poor bullpen performance, which is becoming as dependable (and predictably dependable) of a theme as you might imagine. Taylor Rogers couldn’t get an out in the seventh, allowing an RBI triple off the bat of Ben Williamson, as well as a run-scoring single to Nick Fortes; he was also charged for the run when a sac fly from Richie Palacios scored known thorn Cedric Mullins.
Tampa Bay tacked on a sixth and final run off Garrett Acton (a Ben Williamson RBI double.)
The Twins have now dropped eight of nine, effectively erasing their astonishing stretch where they went 8-1 in nine games against numerous Cy Young-caliber starters and potential playoff hopefuls. The Rays win also delivers the first win at Tropicana Field for McClanahan in, per the telecast, over a thousand days. The Twins will attempt to avoid another sweep tomorrow afternoon.
BLOOMINGTON — The Houston Texans drafted Indiana football linebacker Aiden Fisher with the No. 243rd pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday afternoon.
Fisher leaves the Hoosiers as the program’s first defender to earn multiple All-America nods. He’s only the second player in team history to earn first-team All-Big Ten honors (Van Waiters). He’s the first IU linebacker drafted since the New York Giants selected Micah McFadden in the fifth round of the 2022 draft.
Indiana football linebacker Aiden Fisher highlights
Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti leaned on Fisher to transfer over the culture they brought from James Madison into IU’s locker room. He also anchored defensive coordinator Bryant Haines’ complex scheme. He wore the green dot helmet — the designated player on the defense who can hear play calls from coaches — in each of his two seasons in Bloomington and was a game captain for each game in 2025.
Fisher, who developed a well-earned reputation for calling out plays at the line of scrimmage, was a consistent playmaker as well. He flew around the field during a win over Oregon in Eugene with 13 tackles, returned an interception for a touchdown against UCLA and had multiple sacks in the CFP.
Indiana football linebacker Aiden Fisher NFL combine results
Fisher received an NFL combine invite, but waited to do his testing until IU’s Pro Day. The linebacker posted a 4.76-second 40-yard dash, 37.5-inch vertical jump, 10-foot, 3-inch broad jump and 4.51-second shuttle run. He had a 6.30 Relative Athletic Score, a metric that evaluates NFL prospects by comparing their athletic ability to historical data for their specific position. The score ranked 1,288 out of 3,408 running backs tested going back to 1987.
Indiana football linebacker Aiden Fisher stats
Fisher finished second on IU with 97 tackles (46), his third straight season with more than 95 tackles. He filled up the box score on a weekly basis with 10.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and one forced fumble. He also had 21 quarterback pressures.
Indiana football linebacker Aiden Fisher scouting report
Athletic limitations aside, Fisher is a player NFL teams will want in their locker rooms. He’s a hard-worker that’s as dedicated of a film junkie as Curt Cignetti. Those traits help him make up for a slim build and lack of explosiveness. He replaces a quick first step with pre-snap knowledge of knowing where the ball is going. Fisher’s leadership qualities are second-to-none as well.
Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on X @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here.
The Flyers hold a commanding 3-0 lead against the Penguins in the latest edition of the Battle of Pennsylvania. If Pittsburgh wants to mount a comeback, it will have to steal Game 4 on the road.
The Flyers have outscored the Penguins, 11-4, through the first three games of the series and shut down Pittsburgh's power play unit. Dan Vladar has been a brick wall between the pipes, and rookie Porter Martone leads Philly in playoff goals (two) and plus-minus (plus-4).
The Pens' stars must step up in order to keep the team's Stanley Cup dream alive. While Evgeni Malkin has two goals and one assist in the series, Sidney Crosby, Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang have combined to total just three points.
Here is everything you need to know about Penguins vs. Flyers, including TV and streaming options for Game 4 of the first-round series.
Game 4 in the Flyers vs. Penguins series will air on TBS and truTV, with Kenny Albert and Brian Boucher on the call. Fans can stream the game live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users.
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Flyers vs. Penguins start time
Date: Saturday, April 25
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Flyers vs. Penguins Game 4 is scheduled to start Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. The game will be played at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.
PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 19: Endrick of Lyon looks on during the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Olympique Lyonnais at Parc des Princes on April 19, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Federico Pestellini/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Endrick’s father, Douglas Sousa, has offered insight into his son’s current mindset, recent move, and ambitions for the future in comments to ESPN Brazil.
Sousa revealed that the young forward remains focused on earning a place at the upcoming World Cup, with performance over the next stretch of matches seen as key:
“Endrick believes that if he performs well in the upcoming matches, he could go to the World Cup,”
He also spoke candidly about Endrick’s time at Real Madrid, suggesting that a lack of opportunities affected his enjoyment of the game:
“Endrick has a saying that his playground is the football pitch. And at Real Madrid, in a way, they took that playground away from him. What he wants is to play football,”
“Endrick has a saying that his playground is the football pitch. And at Real Madrid, in a way, they took that playground away from him."
Sousa contrasted that period with Endrick’s current situation following his move to Lyon, emphasizing a return to happiness both on and off the pitch:
“Now he’s found that happiness. My daughter-in-law was instrumental in Endrick’s move to Lyon, and he’s happy. We’re all happy, that’s the most important thing,”
How do you follow up an AFC championship? The Patriots have the tall task of trying to beat a dream season in 2026, and that quest continued at the NFL Draft.
The Patriots started in the trenches, trading up for Utah tackle Caleb Lomu, and they added some help at edge rusher and tight end on Day 2 before making a slew of Day 3 picks.
New England is hoping to put coach Mike Vrabel's saga with Dianna Russini out of mind and the focus back on the season. With Lomu and eight other rookies in tow, the Patriots are looking ahead to the chance to defend their AFC crown.
The Sporting News tracked every Patriots selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, from the first round to the seventh.
Round 7, Pick No. 247: Quintayvious Hutchins, EDGE, Boston College
Patriots NFL Draft needs
Edge rusher: The Patriots lost K'Lavon Chaisson to free agency after his surprisingly strong season and are relying on veterans Harold Landry III and Dre'Mont Jones in 2026. There are worse duos, but if New England wants to round its defense into one of the NFL's truly elite units, a long-term upgrade is needed. Fortunately, there will be plenty of options in the late first and second rounds.
Wide receiver: The potential acquisition of Brown would make wide receiver less of a need for the Patriots, particularly after signing Romeo Doubs, but it wouldn't hurt to add fresh young talent to the unit with Kayshon Boutte a trade candidate. If the Patriots aren't completely confident they can get Brown, wide receiver is a must.
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 15: Ar'maj Reed-Adams #55 of the Texas A&M Aggies lines up for a play in the second half of a game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Kyle Field on November 15, 2025 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Joe Buvid/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images
After a weekend full of trades back and all around the 2026 NFL Draft board, the Buffalo Bills closed out their portion of the process by adding offensive guard Ar’Maj Reed-Adams with pick 241 in Round 7. A massive lineman, Reed-Adams measured in at 6’5 3/4” and 314 pounds during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
A base Mac mini was ordered by an Apple customer in the middle of March, and given that these compact machines were already scarce to begin with, it was estimated to reach the owner within four weeks. Unfortunately, bad luck can find anyone at a terrible place and time; the person expecting the Mac mini was disappointed to find that FedEx didn’t leave the product at the door but instead in a public area, where it was waiting to be picked up. However, while the thief was swift in depriving a customer of one of the most difficult computers to […]
OK VIKI is an AI-powered CRM built for Spanish SMBs who are tired of overly complex and expensive tools like Salesforce or Odoo. It combines CRM, projects, marketing, finance, and HR in a single platform with an AI layer that thinks and acts for your business. Unlike traditional CRMs, OK VIKI's AI detects risks, surfaces opportunities, and suggests actions using data and metrics. It includes a Spanish-language voice assistant, Smart Office integrations, and full GDPR compliance with data hosted on European infrastructure. Built in Málaga, Spain, designed for 3 million SMBs across Spain and LATAM.
Airpult is a weather and air quality app covering millions of locations worldwide. It offers hourly forecasts, real-time air quality with pollutant breakdowns, pollen alerts, precipitation nowcasting, climate history going back years, live webcams, and notifications via the app. Users can vote on how well forecasts match reality to help flag local issues for fixing. The core app is free. A subscription unlocks more air quality data, deeper historical records, sub-hour forecasts, and more saved locations.
Japan Unveils a Seamless Travel Revolution: Tourist PASMO Card with 28-Day Validity Transforms Cashless Mobility for Global VisitorsJapan launches Tourist...
An insider believes that Valve will soon make a final decision on the Steam Machine price. That could mean an abrupt end to the release date uncertainty caused by the memory shortage. The Steam Controller MSRP also leaked, indicating that news on the other new hardware is near.
Introduction and unboxing
Samsung owns Harman, which is the parent company of several high-profile audio brands, many of which make headphones. Yet you will find very few Samsung-branded headphones outside of the Galaxy Buds series. The company hasn’t even released over-ear headphones in years – in short, Samsung is betting that the Galaxy TWS buds are the only headphones that most people need.
We have the new Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro in our ears right now – they are the best of the three-tier structure that Samsung settled on (FE, vanilla and Pro). We think these are a notable...
Barcelona prefer not to sign Marcos Senesi as the Bournemouth player reportedly chooses Tottenham.
Barcelona are not winning everything this season, mainly because of their defense, so they need reinforcements there.. The defensive side of the team is precisely the reason why they will not, so they need reinforcements there. However, Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi reportedly will not join them.
The appeal of signing Senesi was his left-footed profile as a center back, which is the position they are looking to strengthen. His Premier League performances caught the club’s attention, as did his contract situation.
Senesi was expected to arrive on a free transfer when his contract with the English club expires in June. The player waited for an offer from Barcelona, but his agent was told the club had decided to go in a different direction, according to Sport. Reports from Sky Germany suggest Tottenham have reached a precontract agreement.
The main condition for Senesi’s move to Tottenham
The German outlet confirmed Tottenham are the club Senesi has decided to join once his contract expires. They also reported it would be a three-year deal, but noted the obvious condition attached to the move.
Senesi established himself as a reliable defender in the Premier League (Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Senesi will only accept that offer if Tottenham avoid relegation this season. That is no surprise, considering many clubs would value the stability and experience the defender could bring.
Tottenham are with their backs against the wall in 18th place, the third relegation spot. Even though they beat Wolverhampton, they are still two points behind West Ham with four matches left.
Senesi’s destination if Tottenham are relegated
It will not be easy for Tottenham to stay in the Premier League, so the 28-year-old Senesi must consider other options for his future. There are no other known clubs close to reaching a deal with the Argentine defender, but this report says Italy could be the country where he ends up. A move to Serie A would depend on the English club’s results over the next few weeks.
could be confronted with a path of considerable resistance if he attempts to become a three-time undisputed champion at 168lbs. The 35-year-old has not fought since last September, when he lost his four major super-middleweight titles following a unanimous decision defeat to Terence Crawford. Based on his performance, though, the Mexican is still capable of […]
Eczacıbaşı Dynavit Kadın Voleybol Takımı'nda kaptan Simge Aköz ile 2 yıllık yeni sözleşme imzalandı.
Kulüpten yapılan açıklamada, uzun yıllardan bu yana turuncu-beyazlı ekipte forma giyen 35 yaşındaki milli liberonun sözleşmesinin 2027-2028 sezonu sonuna kadar uzatıldığı belirtildi.
Milli futbolcu Merih Demiral'ın da formasını giydiği Suudi Arabistan kulübü Al Ahli, Asya Şampiyonlar Ligi finalinde Japon ekibi Machida Zelvia'yı 1-0 yenerek şampiyon oldu.
Suudi Arabistan'ın Cidde kentindeki Kral Abdullah Spor Şehri Stadyumu'nda oynanan ve uzatmalara giden finalde şampiyonluğu getiren gol, 96. dakikada Firas Albirakan'dan geldi.
Al Ahli'de 68. dakikada Hawsawi, rakibine kafa atarak kırmızı kart gördü ve takımını 10 kişi bıraktı.
Merih Demiral, Asya Şampiyonlar Ligi finalinde ilk 11'de başladığı maçta 90 dakika sahada kaldı. Geçen sezon da final oynayan Demiral, Asya Şampiyonlar Ligi finaline çıkan ve kupayı kaldıran ilk Türk futbolcu olma başarısını elde etmişti.
Milli oyuncu, Asya Şampiyonlar Ligi'nde Al Ahli formasıyla üst üste ikinci kez şampiyonluğa ulaştı.
İngiltere Premier Lig'de şampiyonluk mücadelesi veren Arsenal konuk ettiği Newcastle United'ı 1-0 yendi.
Premier Lig'in 34. haftasındaki maçın tek golü, 9. dakikada Eberechi Eze'den geldi.
Bu sonuçla, Arsenal, 73 puanla liderlik koltuğunda yer aldı. Bir maçı eksik Manchester City'nin ise 70 puanı bulunuyor.
Ligde 34. hafta maçları öncesinde puanları eşit olan Arsenal ve Manchester City'nin, son haftalarda puan kaybı yaşamaması durumunda Premier Lig'de şampiyonluğun averajla belirlenebileceği ifade ediliyor.
Osimhen bu akşam Fenerbahçe karşısına "çelikten 5 kat daha sert" karbon fiber atel ve dış yüzeyi 3 ila 5 mm kalınlığında yüksek yoğunluklu neopren ile kaplanan "zırh" ile çıkacak. TFF ve FIFA'nın onayladığı "zırh" yapısı sayesinde Osimhen'in kolunu darbelere karşı %100 koruyacak. Havacılıkta kullanılan karbon fiber atel ve dalış için kullanılan neopren sayesinde Galatasaray golcüsünü derbide sahaya sürebilecek.
Victor Osimhen bu akşam Fenerbahçe derbisine kolundaki atelle çıkacak. Rakip oyuncular için risk oluşturmaması ve sağlığını koruması için Nijeryalı "Neopren Teknolojisin"nden yararlanacak.
Havacılık sektöründe kullanılan ve "çelikten 5 kat daha sert" olan karbon fiber atelin, IFAB Kural-4 üzerinden sahada çıplak halde bulunması yasak.
DALIŞ KIYAFETLERİNDEN TANIYORUZ
Bu noktada devreye dalış kıyafetlerinde de kullanılan neopren girdi. Osimhen'in kullanacağı karbon fiber atelin dış yüzeyi 3 ila 5 mm kalınlığında yüksek yoğunluklu neopren ile kaplandı.
Bu sayede atel ikili mücadelelerde rakip oyunculara zarar verebilecek "sert bir cisim" olmaktan çıktı, "yastıklanmış bir korumaya" dönüştü.
TEHLİKE OLUŞTURMAYACAK
Osimhen'in idmanlarda girdiği ikili mücadelelerde herhangi bir Galatasaraylı oyuncudan şikayet gelmedi. TFF ve FIFA'nın onayladığı "zırh", dışarıdan bakıldığında yumuşak bir bandaj gibi görünüyor. Ancak içindeki karbon yapı Osimhen’in kolunu darbelere karşı %100 koruyor.
Neoprenle kaplı atel yapısı sayesinde terleme anında Nijeryalının kolundan kaymayacak. Rakip ve kendisi için bir tehlike oluşturmayacak.
Dün "Galatasaray tarihinin en çok yalan söyleyen başkanıdır" dediği Dursun Özbek'ten "yönetime gir. Asbaşkan ol. Basın sözcülüğü görevini üstlen" teklifini alan Fatih Altaylı 180 derece döndü. "Ağzından çıkan hiçbir şeye inanmam" diyerek başkanı yerden yere vuran Altaylı, "kendisinden ricam bu projeyi bitirene kadar görevde kalması" diyerek Özbek'in yönetimine girmeye hevesli olduğunu gösterdi.
Siyasete girmek istediği iddia edilen Fatih Altaylı'nın Galatasaray Başkanı Dursun Özbek'in yaptığı iddia edilen "yönetime gir" teklifine sıcak bakacağı tahmin ediliyor.
Geçen hafta yapılan Divan Kurulu toplantısı öncesinde Başkan Dursun Özbek, camianın iki ağır topu; Fatih Altaylı ve Ahmet Yüce ile bir araya geldi. O toplantıda Özbek'in Altaylı'ya Metin Öztürk'ün yerine asbaşkanlık teklif ettiği iddiası gündeme geldi.
Aslında siyasete girmeye hazırlandığı konuşulan Altaylı'nın Özbek'in bu teklifini düşünmeye aldığı, özellikle "kulüp sözcülüğünün" de kendisinde olacağı bir senaryoya oldukça sıcak baktığı konuşulmaya başlandı. Altaylı'nın dün yaptığı açıklamalar ise "bu iş tamam" dedirtti.
Zamanında Dursun Özbek aleyhine, "Dursun Özbek’in ağzından çıkan hiçbir şeye inanmam", "Galatasaray tarihinin en çok yalan söyleyen başkanıdır" ve "genel kurulun gözünün içine baka baka doğruları saklıyor" ifadelerini kullanan Altaylı adeta 180 derece döndü:
İŞTE ALTAYLI'NIN O AÇIKLAMASI
- Bunları bu kadar kısa sürede yapmak gerçekten büyük başarı. Başkanı eleştirebiliriz ama bu yapılan iş kolay bir iş değil. Bu yapılan projeler, çok ciddi iş. Dursun başkandan ricam, bir dönem için seçildiğini biliyorum ama kendisinden ricam bu projeyi bitirene kadar görevde kalması. Bu yaptığı işlerin rakiplerde yarattığı moral bozukluğunu da hep beraber izliyoruz. Bu işin devam etmesi lazım.
117 yıl 3 ay ve 9 günlük Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derbilerinin ilk yıllarına ait arşivlerin tozlu raflarında unutulan bazı notları gazetemiz olarak hatırlamak istedik. Tarihe geçen ve unutulmak istenen maç ise 23 Şubat 1934'te oynandı. Çıkan kavga sonrasında devlet Fenerbahçe ve Galatasaray'ı kapattı. 17 futbolcuya ömür boyu men cezası verildi.
Galatasaray bu gece Fenerbahçe'yi Rams Park'ta yenerek üst üste 4'üncü toplamda da 26'ncı kez Süper Lig şampiyonluğu yolunda dev bir adım atmak istiyor. Sami Yen'e konuk olacak sarı-lacivertliler ise 12 yıllık hasreti dindirmek için az olan umutlarını tamamen kaybetmemek adına derbiyi kazanmayı planlıyor.
Gazetemiz, 17 Ocak 1909'da başlayan ve 117 yıl 3 ay 9 gündür devam eden derbi tarihinin unutulan bazı detaylarını tozlu arşivlerden çıkardı.
İLK 12 MAÇTA GALATASARAY EZDİ GEÇTİ
İki ezeli rakibin 1915 yılına kadar oynadığı ilk 12 karşılaşma Union Club sahasında yani bugünkü Saracoğlu stadının olduğu yerde oynandı. İki takım arasında oynanan ilk 8 maçın tamamını Galatasaray kazandı. Sarı-kırmızılılar bu süreçte kalesinde hiç gol görmedi. 8 maçlık seride Fenerbahçe ağlarını 30 kez havalandırdı. Hiç gol yemedi. 7-0 ve 6-0'lık galibiyetler aldı.
EBEDİ DOSTLUK NE ZAMAN BİTTİ?
23 Şubat 1934'te oynanan İstanbul Ligi maçı derbi tarihine "utanç" olarak geçti. Maç devam ederken çıkan kavga sonunda saha savaş alanına döndü. O kavga sonrasında devlet Fenerbahçe ve Galatasaray'ı geçici olarak kapattı. 17 futbolcuya ömür boyu men cezası verildi. Bu olay, iki kulüp arasındaki "ezeli dostluk" döneminin bitip "ezeli rekabetin" başladığı nokta kabul edilir.
18 GÜN SÜREN MAÇ GALATASARAY'IN
1944 yılındaki derbi, Galatasaraylı taraftarların "aslan", Fenerbahçelilerin "kanarya" sembollerini kullanmaya başladığı ve lakapların oturduğu derbi olarak akıllara yerleşti.
Milli Lig kurulmadan hemen önce 1958 Başbakanlık Kupası'nda da ilginç bir olay yaşandı. 30 Mart'ta oynanan maç 1-1 devam ederken havanın kararması nedeniyle hakem maçı durdurdu. Kalan süre 18 gün sonra, 17 Nisan'da oynandı. Galatasaray derbiyi 3-2 kazandı.
Önce Rizespor sonra da Konyaspor karşısında yaşananlar Fenerbahçe'yi derinden sarstı. Bu akşam derbide Galatasaray'a konuk olacak sarı-lacivertlilerde Domenico Tedesco şoku üzerinden en çabuk atan oldu. Olmak da zorundaydı. Bu akşam oynanacak derbi öncesinde Alman teknik adam "ilk 5 saniye" kuralı üzerinde durdu. Ayrıca psikolojik seanslarla oyuncularını motive etti.
Fenerbahçe bu akşam Rams Park'tan 1 puanla bile değil, 3 puanla dönmek zorunda. Galatasaray'la 4 puan olan farkın 1'e indirmek için bu gece galibiyet şart oğlu şart. Bu sezon derbilerde iyi olan Tedesco, kariyerinin en büyük maçlarından birine hazır. Schalke, Leipzig ve Belçika dönemindeki "büyük maç" tecrübelerini derledi. 4 maddelik bir zafer planı yaptı.
KANAT-BEK MODELİNİ İŞLETECEK
- Günlerdir evinde uyumuyor. Samandıra'ya kapandı. Analiz odasında Galatasaray'ın hücum varyasyonlarını masaya yatırdı. Rakibin merkez orta sahadaki yaratıcılığını kırmak için neler yapmaları gerektiğini kararlaştırdı.
Galatasaray'ın hızlı kanat akınlarına karşı beklerini "kanat-bek" modelinde oynaması gerektiğine karar verdi. Alan daraltma konusunda oyuncularına özel notlar hazırladı.
TOPA SAHİP OLMAK İSTEMİYOR
- Daha önce bir röportajında söylediği "topa %80 sahip olup kaybetmektense, pragmatik olup kazanmayı tercih ederim" felsefesini bugün Fenerbahçe'ye mihmandar tayin etti.
Takımı oyunun belli bölümlerinde topu Galatasaray'a bırakacak. Rakibin savunma arkasında bırakacağı boşlukları kullanmaya çalışacak. Mesajı ise çok net: Top kaybından sonraki ilk 5 saniyede yapılacak şok baskıyla rakibin düzenini bozun.
ZAFER HER ZAMAN ZİHİNDE BAŞLAR
- Psikolojik olarak da takımını derbiye hazırladı. Rizespor ve Konyaspor yıkımlarını üzerinden atan Alman, Rams Park'daki derbi atmosferinin oyuncularını "paralize etmemesi" için Konyaspor hezimetinden sonra bireysel görüşmelere ağırlık verdi. "Ayaklarınız titrerse topu kontrol edemezsiniz. Kazanmak önce zihinde başlar" diyerek baskıyı motivasyona dönüştürme seansları düzenledi.
MAÇI KANAT BEKLERİ ÇÖZECEK
- Maçın başlama düdüğüyle birlikte en büyük sürprizi diziliş esnekliği olacak. Hücumda 3-4-3’e evrilen, savunmada ise 5-3-2 ile kaleyi kapatan dinamik bir yapı kurguladı. Kanat beklerinin (Brown, Levent ile Mert Müldür ve semedo) performansı, Tedesco’nun galibiyet planın merkezinde yer alacak.
Galatasaray'ın diyetisyenleri maç günü "mönüsünü" hazırladı. Okan Buruk onay verdi. "Glikojen" depoları fullenecek. "Sindirim sistemi" rahat olacak. Menüsü "beyaz" olacak. Maçtan hemen önce dayanıklılığı artıran pancar suyu içilecek. Maçtan hemen sonra kas yıkımını durdurmak için karbonhidrat tüketilecek. Kutlama niyetine kebap yenecek.
4 puan gerisinde yer alan Fenerbahçe'yi Rams Park'ta yenerek "sezonu bitirmeyi" planlayan Galatasaray'da teknik direktör Okan Buruk ve futbolcular hazırlıklarını tamamladı. Derbi stratejisi bir kez daha yüksek yoğunluklu ön alan baskısı üzerine kurulu. Son antrenmanlarda Lemina, Torreira ve Sara'nın dinamizmi üzerine kurulu geçiş oyunları çalışıldı. Buruk ezeli rakiplerinin oyun kurmasını engellemek için Barış Alper'e özel bir görev yükledi.
TOK AMA DOLU OLMAYAN MİDE
Galatasaray derbiye sadece taktik olarak değil "tok ama dolu olamayan" bir mideyle gidecek. Sarı-kırmızılı oyuncular bugün, "glikojen" depolarını fulleyecek. "Sindirim sistemi" rahat olacak. Maç günü menüsü "beyaz ve sade" yiyeceklerden oluşacak. İsteğe göre ya spagetti ya da basmati pirinç yenilecek. Krema ya da acı olmayacak. Zeytinyağına ağırlık verilecek.
5 ÇAYINDA YAPILACAKLAR
Haşlanmış veya ızgara tavuk göğsü ya da balık protein kaynağı olacak. Kan şekerini dengede tutması ve kolay sindirilen karbonhidrat olması nedeniyle haşlanmış patates de unutulmayacak. İsteyen oyuncular için elma veya çekirdeksiz üzüm kompostosu da menüye eklenecek. Maçtan 1-2 saat önce potasyum desteği ve hızlı enerji için muz başrolü alacak.
Maça 3 saat kala "5 çayı" içilecek. Yağsız galeta, bal, reçel ve fındık ezmesi gibi enerji veren ama mideyi yormayan atıştırmalıklar eşlik edecek.
SADE KAHVE UNUTULMAYACAK
Maçtan yaklaşık bir saat ya da 45 dakika önce odaklanmayı ve hızı artırmak için yabancılara espresso, yerlilere de sade kahve ikram edilecek.
Nitrat içeriği sayesinde dayanıklılığı artıran pancar suyunun içilmesi ise zorunlu. Maçtan hemen sonra kas yıkımını durdurmak için karbonhidrat tüketilecek. Kutlama niyetine kebap yenecek.
Tedesco'nun Samandıra'da idman yaptıkları tesisleri gören evlerin balkon ve çatılarında gördüğü profesyonel kameralardan rahatsızlık duyduğu iddia edildi. Bu şekilde Fenerbahçe aleyhine casusluk yapılabileceğini iddia etti. Alman teknik adam bu yüzden Cuma günü yapılacak son ve ana taktik idmanın Saracoğlu'na alınmasını istedi. Başkan Saran ise "gereksiz kuruntu" olarak gördüğü için bu talebi reddetti. İşte camiada konuşulan bu iddiaların detayları...
Galatasaray yarın akşam Fenerbahçe'yi ağırlayacak. Bu dev maç öncesi sarı-lacivertlilerde olağanüstü gelişmeler yaşanıyor. Perşembe günü sarı-lacivertliler için sürpriz kararların alındığı bir gün oldu. İlk etapta Tedesco'nun "nizami sahada idman" talebiyle Saracoğlu'nda bir antrenman yapılması düşünüldü. Sonra Alman teknik adamın idmana taraftar almak istememesi nedeniyle Başkan Sadettin Saran'ın bu fikrin üstünü çizdiği haberleri gündeme geldi.
SARACOĞLU İDMANININ SIRRI
Saracoğlu'nda idman yapılmaya karar verilip sonra vazgeçilmesinin arkasında ise Türk futbolunda daha önce duyulmamış bir "casusluk" iddiası yatıyor. İddiaya göre Galatasaray'ın Türkiye Kupası'nda Gençlerbirliği'ne elenmesinin ardından Fenerbahçe'nin Samandıra tesislerini gören evlerin balkon ve çatılarında profesyonel kameralı insanlar ortaya çıktı.
BAŞKAN SARAN TEHDİT ALGLAMADI
Tedesco bu kişilerin taktik idmanlarını kaydettiğini savunarak Cuma günü yapılacak son ve ana taktik idmanının Saracoğlu'na alınmasını istedi. Ancak yine iddialara göre Başkan Sadettin Saran bir araştırma yaptırdı. Çatı ve balkonlardan görüntü alan kişilerin sıradan insanlar olduğunu, rakiplerin buralara casus gönderdiğine dair bir emare olmadığına kanaat getirdi. Stattaki idman iptal oldu.
DAHA ÖNCE BUNLAR YAPILIYORDU
Türkiye'de daha önceki yıllarda derbi haftalarında "tesislerin çevresinde dolaşan yabancılar" veya "yakınlardaki binaların balkonlarından dürbünle izleyenler" sıkça haber olurdu. Bu yüzden kulüpler antrenman sahalarının etrafını yüksek brandalarla çevirir, tesislerin çevresindeki ağaçlık alanlarda güvenlik önlemlerini artırır ve taktik idmanları basına ve taraftara tamamen kapalı gerçekleştirilirdi. Ancak uzun yıllar sonra ilk kez böyle ciddi bir "casusluk" krizi yaşandı.
Babası Türk, annesi Kamerun asıllı Fransız, doğum yeri ise Almanya... gelecek sezon Augsburg'ta forma giyecek 2008 doğumlu Faik Gazi Jonas Sakar, 4 milli takımı da seçebilir. Hali hazırda Almanya U-19 Milli Takımı'nın formasını terleten 18 yaşındaki Faik Sakar, TFF'nin Türk U-21 Milli Takımı'nda oynaması için yaptığı teklife olumsuz cevap verdi.
Türk Milli Takımı yetkilileri U-21 takımında oynaması için Leipzig U-19 takımında forma giyen Faik Gazi Jonas Sakar'a teklif yaptı. Gelecek sezon FC Augsburg'un a takımında forma giymeye hazırlanan 2008 doğumlu sol kanat şimdilik Almanya U-17 takımında oynamaktan memnun olduğu bilgisini verdi.
ABİSİ DE FUTBOLCU
Faik, Almanya ve Türkiye'nin dışında Fransa ve Kamerun Milli Takımları'nı da tercih edebilir. 4 milli takımı seçme hakkı olan Faik'in 28 yaşındaki abisi Can Sakar ise hali hazırda Almanya Ligi alt küme takımlarından Empor Berlin forması giyiyor.
4 MİLLİ TAKIMI DA SEÇEBİLİR
Babası Türk, annesi ise Kamerun asıllı Fransız kökenli. 2008 yılında Berlin'de doğdu. Futbol karakterini ve disiplinini tamamen Alman altyapı sistemi içerisinde kazandı.
Hocalarına göre Faik Sakar, sahada bu dört kökünün de özelliklerini barındıran "küresel" bir futbolcu portresi çiziyor:
- Alman disiplin ve taktiksel eğitimi ile gelişiyor.
- Türk duygusal bağ ve kültürel mirasına sahip çıkıyor.
- Fransız estetiği ve teknik becerisini unutmuyor.
- Kamerunlu gibi atlet ve fiziksel güce sahip
Temel olarak sol kanat oyuncusu olsa da, 10 numara ve forvet arkası pozisyonlarında da görev yapabiliyor. Sağ ayaklı ancak sol kanatta "ters ayaklı kanat" olarak etkili olabiliyor.
Bu gün futbol üzrə Fransa çempionatında (Liqa 1) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 31-ci turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ikinci oyun günündə üç qarşılaşma baş tutub.
Dörd qolun qeydə alındığı “Tuluza” – “Monako” matçında qalib müəyyənləşməyib. Lion “Olimpik”i doğma meydanda “Oser” üzərində çətin qələbəyə sevinib. “Anje”nin qonağı olmuş lider PSJ isə 3 xalı 3 cavabsız qolla qazanıb.
31-ci turun qalan görüşləri bazar gününə təsadüf edəcək.
Bu gün futbol üzrə İspaniya çempionatında (La Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 32-ci turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ikinci oyun günündə 4 qarşılaşma baş tutub.
“Alaves” doğma meydanda “Malyorka”ya, “Valensiya” “Jirona”ya, “Atletiko” isə “Atletik”ə qalib gəlib. Səfərdə “Xetafe” ilə üz-üzə gəlmiş “Barselona” da turu inamlı qələbə ilə bitirib və çempionluğa bir addım da yaxınlaşıb.
32-ci turun qalan görüşləri aprelin 26-da və 27-də keçiriləcək.
İspaniya, La Liqa 32-ci tur 24 aprel
Betis – Real 1:1 Qollar: Belyerin, 90+4 – Vinisius, 17.
Bu gün futbol üzrə İtaliya çempionatında (A Seriyası) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 34-cü turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ikinci oyun günündə 3 qarşılaşma baş tutub.
“Verona” – “Leççe” matçında qapılara qol vurulmayıb. “Parma” doğma meydanda “Piza”nı tək qolla üstələyib. “Bolonya”nın qonağı olmuş “Roma” isə turu inamlı qələbə ilə başa vurub.
34-cü turun qalan görüşləri aprelin 26-da və 27-də keçiriləcək.
İtaliya, A Seriyası 34-cü tur 24 aprel
Napoli – Kremoneze 4:0 Qollar: Maktominey, 3. Höylund, 45. De Bröyne, 45+3. A.Santos, 52.
25 aprel
Parma – Piza 1:0 Qol: Elfeqe, 82.
Bolonya – Roma 0:2 Qollar: Malen, 7. El-Aynaui, 45+1.
Verona – Leççe 0:0
26 aprel
14:30. Fiorentina – Sassuolo 17:00. Cenoa – Komo 20:00. Torino – İnter 22:45. Milan – Yuventus
Lecce and Verona played out a tense but goalless encounter, with both sides struggling to turn promising moments into clear-cut chances in a match short on quality in the final third.
The hosts made the brighter start, enjoying long spells of possession and probing patiently for openings. Lameck Banda was central to their early attacking intent, twice testing the Verona defence, but his efforts were either blocked or drifted off target. Verona, meanwhile, looked to respond on the break, with Tomas Suslov forcing a routine save from Wladimiro Falcone midway through the first half.
Despite decent build-up play from both teams, clear opportunities remained limited before the interval. Lecce’s Nikola Stulic came closest before the break, heading wide from a set-piece, while Verona struggled to make the most of their crossing opportunities.
APRIL 25: Santiago Pierotti of US Lecce controls the ball whilst under pressure from Sandi Lovric during the Serie A match at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 25, 2026 (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Verona 0-0 Lecce – Nothing between the teams
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Lecce carrying the greater attacking threat. Banda was again involved, drawing a sharp save from Lorenzo Montipò with a powerful strike, while Walid Cheddira headed well wide when well placed from a corner.
Verona made several changes in an attempt to shift momentum, but their best opening came when Rafik Belghali broke into the area, only to be denied by Falcone’s quick reactions.
As the game wore on, frustrations grew. A series of fouls and bookings disrupted the flow, with both sides lacking the composure needed to find a breakthrough. Late substitutions, including the introduction of young forward Francesco Camarda, failed to change the outcome.
Late on, Lecce had a final chance to snatch victory, but Camarda’s cross drifted harmlessly beyond the far post.
Then, Verona had a goal ruled out. A free kick floated into the box found Andrias Edmundsson who rose to power a header home.
However, VAR intervened due to a foul in the build-up and ruled out the goal.
In the end, neither side did enough to claim all three points, settling for a draw that reflects a match defined more by effort than cutting edge.
Gianluca Rocchi has decided to step aside from his role as head of referees in Serie A and Serie B after being placed under investigation for alleged sporting fraud.
The development follows a formal notice issued by prosecutors in Milan, which has triggered a major controversy within Italian football.
Rocchi, who currently oversees referee appointments through the Italian Referees Association, has chosen to suspend himself while awaiting further clarity.
AIA chief Gianluca Rocchi (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Rocchi suspends himself as referee designator
According to reports from CalcioMercato, the decision was made in agreement with the referees’ association and ahead of a ruling from its national committee.
Rocchi addressed the situation directly, expressing confidence in the outcome of the investigation.
“I am certain I will emerge unscathed and stronger than before.”
The move is intended to protect the integrity of the refereeing system during what is becoming a sensitive and high-profile case. His temporary step back allows the governing bodies to proceed with their review without additional pressure.
The situation remains ongoing, with further developments expected as the investigation continues.
Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for the Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba at the end of the season.
The 22-year-old has been excellent for the Seagulls, and Manchester United have been monitoring him for quite some time. According to Fabrizio Romano, they have a verbal agreement with the player on a summer move, and he is keen to join the Old Trafford outfit.
“There are still several factors to consider, including the appointment of a permanent manager, budget decisions, and Brighton’s stance.
“However, what I can confirm is that the verbal agreement between Baleba and Manchester United from 2025 remains valid for 2026.
“The player is still very keen on a move to Manchester United.”
It is no secret that Manchester United need more quality in the middle of the park. Baleba will help out defensively, and he is excellent at driving the team forward. He could form a solid partnership with Kobbie Mainoo.
Baleba has consistently shown his quality in the Premier League, and he is ready for the next step in his career. Joining one of the biggest clubs in the country would be ideal for him. Manchester United could groom him into a star. He would also get to play in the UEFA Champions League with them.
The fact that Manchester United already have an agreement with the player will be a huge boost for the club. It will be interesting to see if they can negotiate a deal with his club now. They are likely to demand a premium, and Manchester United will have to break the Bank for him.
The 22-year-old is a young player with a bright future, and he could justify the investment in the long-term.
Aston Villa and Newcastle United are interested in signing the German International midfielder Julian Brandt.
According to a report from FussballDaten, the two Premier League clubs are preparing the most aggressive offers to sign the 29-year-old playmaker in the summer.
They want to add more creativity in the final third, and the German could be ideal for them. He is available on a free transfer, and signing him could prove to be a bargain.
Brandt is on the radar of multiple clubs, and it will be interesting to see if the two Premier League clubs can convince him to move to England.
The player has 14 goal contributions for Borussia Dortmund this season, and he has the quality to succeed in the Premier League as well. He can operate in the number ten role, as well as in the flanks. His versatility would be a bonus for Aston Villa and Newcastle.
The West Midlands club is chasing Champions League qualification, and they could be an attractive destination. They need more quality if they want to sustain their current level. Brandt will add unpredictability and technical ability in the final third for them. He will help them create more chances and score more goals.
Similarly, Newcastle need more service for Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa. It will be interesting to see if they can convince the German international to join the club.
Aston Villa is likely to be a more attractive destination for the player because of their likelihood of competing in the UEFA Champions League next season. However, Newcastle are among the wealthiest clubs in the world, and they could offer him a lucrative contract.
According to reports from Spain, Manchester United are looking to improve their attacking unit and have identified the England International as a target. They have already submitted a significant offer for the player, and it remains to be seen whether Newcastle will sanction his departure.
The report claims that Newcastle could be tempted to sell if an offer of around €100 million is made. The report does not mention how much Manchester United have offered for the England attacker.
However, they claim Manchester United have taken the lead in the race to sign the Newcastle star. He has been linked with multiple clubs in recent months, including the German champions by Munich.
It could be an intense transfer race to secure the services of Gordon in the summer, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up.
Joining Manchester United might be a more attractive option for the player. He would get to continue in the Premier League and compete in the UEFA Champions League as well. Furthermore, Manchester United are among the biggest clubs in the country. They could provide him with the platform to fight for trophies next season.
He is a versatile attacker who can operate on either flank as well as a centre forward. Manchester United need a dynamic attacker like him, and he could prove to be the ideal fit for them.
Arsenal edged back ahead in the Premier League title race, with Eberechi Eze’s early goal earning a 1-0 win over Newcastle United. The Gunners were knocked off top spot in midweek after Manchester City beat Burnley, but they returned to the summit after grinding out a narrow victory over Eddie Howe’s out-of-form side. An open […]
Liverpool boss Arne Slot bemoaned the injury suffered by Mohamed Salah during Saturday’s victory over Crystal Palace, dubbing it “the story of our season”. The Reds consolidated their top-five place on Saturday, leapfrogging Aston Villa to fourth following a 3-1 win at Anfield. However, the victory was marred by the forced departure of Salah, who […]
Daizen Maeda was back to his sensational, nuisance best as title-chasing Celtic dispatched Falkirk. Fans may well be wondering where this version of the Japan forward has been all season.
Prior to his first-minute opener against St Mirren in the Scottish Cup semi-final last week, Maeda had not scored since the start of January against Dundee United.
He has now netted three goals and assisted twice in six days, showing his worth to a Celtic side who are targeting a fifth successive league title.
Hearts and Rangers will play their latest part in the engrossing race on Sunday, but for now Celtic sit level on points with Derek McInnes' men and a point clear of Danny Rohl's.
Maeda was the catalyst for Martin O'Neill's side stepping up when it counted and piling pressure on the other two in the first post-split round of fixtures.
'It was the Maeda show'
After the season of his life last year, scoring 33 goals for Celtic, Maeda has failed to match that form, only crossing the double-figure threshold with his double against Falkirk in Saturday's 3-1 win.
In both his interim stints as manager this season, O'Neill has struggled to find a solution to the striker conundrum that has left Celtic void of a clinical edge up front.
Maeda's contribution against the Bairns, though, could be timely, with Celtic in the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline next month and trying to pip Hearts and Rangers, who both boast a superior goal difference, in a sprint finish to the league.
"I thought we saw it through and Maeda was fantastic," said O'Neill.
"He got us a goal last week out of nothing in the first minute of the game, he scores two today, he's been fantastic.
"He's really coming back to form and it's a good time for us at this minute. He was outstanding today."
A game-high five shots, three on target, and 0.75 xG (expected goals), Maeda was a nuisance for Falkirk all game.
Celtic's opening two goals came from his tenacity and pressing. First, he caught Keelan Adams dwelling on the ball to steal in and fire past Nicky Hogarth from range for his first league goal in 13 games.
Then he robbed Ben Broggio of possession, quickly exchange of passes with James Forrest, and slid in Kieran Tierney for a thumping goal.
Maeda's second, Celtic's third, was instinctive striker play as he dropped off his marker to swing around in the box and convert a driven Sebastian Tounekti cross.
He seemed certain to bag a hat-trick in the dying minutes but pushed his shot wide, although replays show he was offside, saving him from a scolding in the changing room.
"I was pleased the one that he missed was actually offside, otherwise I'd have killed him," added O'Neill. "No, you couldn't have done that today to him."
At the interval, with the hosts two up, BBC Sportsound pundit Andy Halliday was full of praise for the energetic forward.
"The difference has been Maeda," the Motherwell midfielder said. "His energy levels are remarkable. He plays with such enthusiasm. It's been the Daizen Maeda show."
Following his stellar campaign last year, Maeda's prospective move to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg collapsed as Celtic were unable to bring in a replacement.
"It may well have been that move to the Bundesliga may have affected him at the time," added O'Neill.
"Maybe he thought he was all set up. I think he had maybe done his job here and felt 'Well, maybe I deserve to go to the Bundesliga'.
"And when it didn't happen, and apparently it may have been at the 11th hour, there will be a natural disappointment.
"But he's come roaring back. He deserves any accolades that have been bestowed on him over the past few weeks."
Where does Celtic win leave title race?
O'Neill admitted he will be keeping a keen eye on Sunday's matches, with Hearts in derby action at Hibernian and Rangers hosting a slick Motherwell side.
After roaring into a two-goal lead at the interval, many in a bouncing Celtic Park hoped for a rare 90-minute performance and spree of goals.
St Mirren fought back from two down last weekend to force extra time and Celtic have toiled after the break in many games this season.
Falkirk grew in momentum and threatened a comeback when Kyrell Wilson's brilliant angled finish halved the arrears, only for Maeda to restore calm.
"You've got a two-goal lead, you're in decent mode at that stage in the game, you think you're okay, but you're never okay," said O'Neill.
"When Falkirk got the goal, the momentum starts to swing against you. And they're in control then for a while and of course then they started to play some little balls through us as well too, so we had to gather in again, which we did."
Having won 13 of the past 14 league titles, Celtic have experience and nous on their side. However, the pressure of a three-horse race poses a different challenge to a team more accustomed to winning it with time to spare.
"There are certain players at Celtic that know what it takes," former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner said on BBC Radio Scotland.
"But they haven't been under this pressure, that's the difference. It's all about mentality, it's psychological."
An in-form Maeda will be crucial if Celtic are to emerge from a chaotic season with one of their most remarkable title triumphs.
Tries: O'Tighearnaigh, van der Flier, Gibson-Park, Frawley Cons: Byrne 2. Prendergast
Leinster passed up an opportunity to improve on the fourth place they currently occupy in the United Rugby Championship table as they suffered a dramatic last-gasp 29-26 comeback defeat away to Benetton.
The Italian side trailed by 14 points early in the second half but battled back to draw level with eight minutes remaining, before Jacob Umaga's penalty in the final minute secured a bonus-point victory.
With both sides scoring four tries, Leinster had the consolation of leaving with two bonus points.
Tommy O'Brien won an early foot race to the line to deny Benetton a try but soon after Alessandro Garbisi went over in the corner after accepting an off-load.
Conor O'Tighearnaigh rumbled over from close range, Harry Byrne converting, to edge Leo Cullen's charges 7-5 ahead.
Leinster continued to put on the pressure and were denied a second score when Ciaran Frawley dotted down under the posts but after a consultation with the Television Match Official [TMO] the try was chalked off for a forward pass by Jack Conan in the build-up.
Josh van der Flier then marked his return to action after injury by burrowing over the whitewash shortly before half-time.
Five minutes after the restart, Jamison Gibson-Park got in on the try-scoring action.
Dan Sheehan broke clear and passed to the scrum-half, who weaved his way through the home defence and ran in behind the posts.
Benetton responded with two converted scores to draw level at 19 apiece.
First, Ignacio Mendy picked up a loose ball and sprinted into the corner, dodging an attempted tackle by Gibson-Park in the process, then Nicholas Gasperini barged over after emerging from the back of a maul.
The see-saw nature of the game continued as Ciaran Frawley scored after collecting a long pass to the wing after Leinster had gone through the phases.
Cian Prendergast added the extras to push Leinster's advantage to seven but back came the home side again as Gasperini claimed his second converted try to level the scores once again, repeating the play in much the same fashion as his first touchdown.
Umaga's penalty in the final minute proved decisive for the Italian side.
After their Champions Cup semi-final against Toulon next weekend, Leinster host the Lions and the Ospreys in their concluding games of the regular URC season, with Benetton heading on their travels to South Africa to face the Sharks and the Bulls.
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 3: Bronze medalist Jade Carey of Team United States celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Vault Final on day eight of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at the Bercy Arena on August 3, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tom Weller/VOIGT/GettyImages)
Getty Images
One of USA Gymnastics’ 'Golden Girls’ is returning to the elite gymnastics stage. Jade Carey announced her intent to return to competition in a social media post, shared Saturday evening.
Carey is a three-time Olympic medalist, most recently helping Team USA to Olympic gold in Paris, where she also won an individual bronze medal on the vault. At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Carey won a surprise gold medal on the floor exercise.
“Gymnastics has always been at the center of my life, and I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting," the 25-year-old said, reading aloud to her fans.
“Gymnastics has taught me so many lessons about growth, resilience and passion. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been unforgettable. I wouldn’t be able to do this without the love and support from you all. So thank you," she continued.
"With that being said, I still have more to give, and I'm not done yet.”
Carey concluded her storied NCAA gymnastics career with the Oregon State Beavers in 2025 and has since served as the Student Assistant Coach for the program. While tending to her coaching duties, the Olympian regularly posted gym training videos, sparking significant speculation from fans.
Saturday’s announcement validated months of online speculation.
Jade Carey’s Impact
Carey’s impact on the U.S. National team could be significant. The American team struggled at the most recent world championships, producing the lowest medal count since 2001.
Carey owns seven world championship medals, including three gold.
With the 2026 World Championships six months away in Rotterdam, Carey’s abilities and veteran experience could be integral to the American medal hopes in the all-important team final. She could also vie for more individual accolades.
Though Carey will turn 26 in May, age is no longer more than a number in women’s gymnastics. Simone Biles was 27 when she won four medals in the Paris Olympics, and Brazilian gymnastics star Rebeca Andrade was 25.
In Paris, Biles became the oldest American to win an Olympic medal in gymnastics in 76 years. If Carey could do the same in Los Angeles, she would eclipse the record set by her longtime teammate and close friend.
The Los Angeles Olympics are over two years away, but Carey looks up to the task. Could her two-time Olympic teammate, Jordan Chiles, join her in the journey to Los Angeles? Time will tell.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 1: Micah Morris #56 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up before the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Caesars Superdome on January 1, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the No. 207 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft , the Philadelphia Eagles select … Micah Morris, guard, Georgia!
Howie Roseman couldn’t help but add yet another Bulldog to the roster.
Morris, who turns 23 in August, has experience at left guard (14 starts) right guard (five starts). He’s a big blocker (6′ 5″, 334 pounds) with long arms and some good athletic testing numbers.
So, why did he fall this far? The profile is attractive but he clearly didn’t play well enough warrant being drafted higher. The Eagles will try to develop him into a credible option.
Philly doesn’t necessarily have an immediate need for offensive line help with Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, and Tyler Steen currently projected to start in 2026. But Dickerson and Jurgens have had injury issues that leave their long-term outlooks in question and Steen is a free agent after this upcoming season. The Eagles also lost their top two backup interior options (Brett Toth and Matt Pryor) to free agency earlier this offseason, so, more interior depth was needed.
There’s no guarantee that Morris makes the roster but he’ll get a chance to compete for a spot.
Morris has a rare blend of intelligence, power and movement talent, but the profile is a little too uneven. He plays with a sky-high pad level and outside hands. He’s very strong in his upper body and is relatively light on his feet as a move blocker. His broad frame can be tough to get around in protection, but his inconsistent base width could lead to leakage against athletic rushers. Playing at a lighter weight would make him quicker/more efficient and could be the key to making it in the league.
Snap counts by position via Pro Football Focus:
2021 — LG 6, LT 6 2022 — LG 14, LT 3 2023 — LG 393, LT 19, RG 2 (fullback 4) 2024 — RG 331, LG 98 (fullback 3) 2025 — LG 802, RG 1
It’s been a busy first two days of the NFL Draft for the New England Patriots. In addition to adding three players to the roster, a pair of trade ups now leave the team with just five draft picks on Day 3 — where head coach Mike Vrabel will not be present.
Time per pick: 5 minutes (Rounds 4-6) | 4 minutes (Round 7)
Pats Pulpit will have you covered with plenty of coverage over the next three days and beyond, so make sure to regularly check back for all the latest news, rumors and analysis. Please also head down to the comment section to use this as your open thread for the day.
Live tracker
4:40 p.m. ET: The Patriots moved down again, trading pick 198 to Minnesota for No. 234 and a 2027 sixth-rounder
4:20 p.m. ET: To start the sixth-round the Patriots dealt pick No. 191 to the Jacksonville Jaguars for picks 196 and 245
11 a.m. ET: Before we get started, a recap of the Patriots’ capital heading into the second and third rounds.
101 Las Vegas Raiders: CB Jermod McCoy (Tennessee) 102 Buffalo Bills: OT Jude Bowry (Boston College) 103 New York Jets: DT Darrell Jackson Jr. (Florida State) 104 Arizona Cardinals: DT Kaleb Proctor (Southeastern Louisiana) 105 Los Angeles Chargers: WR Brenen Thompson (Mississippi State) 106 Houston Texans: G Febechi Nwaiwu (Oklahoma) 107 San Francisco 49ers: DT Gracen Halton (Oklahoma) 108 Denver Broncos: RB Jonah Coleman (Washington) 109 Kansas City Chiefs: CB Jadon Canady (Oregon) 110 New York Jets: QB Cade Klubnik (Clemson) 111 Denver Broncos: OT Kage Casey (Boise State) 112 Dallas Cowboys: OT Drew Shelton (Penn State) 113 Indianapolis Colts: G Jalen Farmer (Kentucky) 114 Dallas Cowboys: CB Devin Moore (Florida) 115 Baltimore Ravens: WR Elijah Sarratt (Indiana) 116 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Keionte Scott (Miami) 117 Los Angeles Chargers: OT Travis Burke (Memphis) 118 Detroit Lions: LB Jimmy Rolder (LB Michigan) 119 Carolina Panthers: Edge Wasley Williams (Duke) 120 Green Bay Packers: Edge Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State) 121 Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Kaden Wetjen (Iowa) 122 Las Vegas Raiders: RB Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas) 123 Houston Texans: LB Wade Woodaz (Clemson) 124 Chicago Bears: CB Malik Muhammad (Texas) 125 Buffalo Bills: WR Skyler Bell (Connecticut) 126 Buffalo Bills: LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr (TCU) 127 San Francisco 49ers: OT Carver Willis (Washington) 128 Cincinnati Bengals: C Conor Lew (Auburn) 129 Carolina Panthers: CB Will Lee III (Texas A&M) 130 Miami Dolphins: Edge Trey Moore (Texas) 131 Los Angeles Chargers: S Genesis Smith (Arizona) 132 New Orleans Saints: G Jeremiah Wright (Auburn) 133 Baltimore Ravens: TE Matthew Hibner (SMU) 134 Atlanta Falcons: LB Kendal Daniels (Oklahoma) 135 Indianapolis Colts: LB Bryce Boettcher (Oregon) 136 New Orleans Saints: WR Bryce Lance (North Dakota State) 137 Dallas Cowboys: Edge LT Overton (Alabama) 138 Miami Dolphins: LB Kyle Louis (Pittsburgh) 139 San Francisco 49ers: CB Ephesians Prysock (Washington) 140 Cincinnati Bengals: WR Colbie Young (Georgia) — 141 Houston Texans: S Kamari Ramsey (USC) 142 Tennessee Titans: G Fernando Carmona (Arkansas) 143 Arizona Cardinals: WR Reggie Virgil (Texas Tech) 144 Carolina Panthers: C Sam Hecht (Kansas State) 145 Los Angeles Chargers: DT Nick Barrett (South Carolina) 146 Cleveland Browns: C Parker Brailsford (Alabama) 147 Washington Commanders: Edge Joshua Josephs (Tennessee) 148 Seattle Seahawks: G Beau Stephens (Iowa) 149 Cleveland Browns: LB Justin Jefferson (Alabama) 150 Las Vegas Raiders: S Dalton Johnson (Arizona) 151 Miami Dolphins: S Zakee Wheatley (Penn State) 152 Cleveland Browns: TE Justin Joly (NC State) 153 Green Bay Packers: C Jager Burton (Kentucky) 154 San Fransisco 49ers: LB Jaden Dugger (Louisiana) 155 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DT DeMonte Capehart (Clemson) 156 Indianapolis Colts: Edge George Gumbs Jr. (Florida) 157 Detroit Lions: CB Keith Abney II (Arizona State) 158 Miami Dolphins: S Michael Taaffe (Texas) 159 Minnesota Vikings: FB Max Bredeson (Michigan) 160 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: G Billy Schrauth (Notre Dame) 161 Kansas City Chiefs: RB Emmett Johnson (Nebraska) 162 Baltimore Ravens: CB Chandler Rivers (Duke) 163 Minnesota Vikings: CB Charles Demmings (Stephen F. Austin) 164 Jacksonville Jaguars: TE Tanner Koziol (Houston) 165 Tennessee Titans: RB Nicholas Singleton (Penn State) 166 Chicago Bears: LB Keyshaun Elliott (Arizona State) 167 Buffalo Bills: S Jalen Kilgore (South Carolina) 168 Detroit Lions: WR Kendrick Law (Kentucky) 169 Pittsburgh Steelers: TE Riley Nowakowski (Indiana) 170 Cleveland Browns: TE Joe Royer (Cincinnati) 171 New England Patriots:CB Karon Prunty (Wake Forest) 172 New Orleans Saints: S Lorenzo Styles Jr. (Ohio State) 173 Baltimore Ravens: TE Josh Cuevas (Alabama) 174 Baltimore Ravens: RB Adam Randall (Clemson) 175 Las Vegas Raiders: CB Hezekiah Masses (California) 176 Kansas City Chiefs: WR Cyrus Allen (Cincinnati) 177 Miami Dolphins: WR Kevin Coleman Jr. (Missouri) 178 Philadelphia Eagles: QB Cole Payton (North Dakota State) 179 San Fransisco 49ers: OT Enrique Cruz Jr. (Kansas) 180 Miami Dolphins: TE Seydou Traore (Mississippi State) 181 Buffalo Bills: DT Zane Durant (Penn State) — 182 Cleveland Browns: QB Taylen Green (Arkansas) 183 Arizona Cardinals: LB Karson Sharar (Iowa) 184 Tennessee Titans: DT Jackie Marshall (Baylor) 185 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: TE Bauer Sharp (LSU) 186 New York Giants: DT Bobby Jamison-Travis (DT) 187 Washington Commanders: RB Kaytron Allen (Penn State) 188 New York Jets: G Anez Cooper (Miami) 189 Cincinnati Bengals: G Brian Parker II (Duke) 190 New Orleans Saints: WR Barion Brown (LSU) 191 Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Josh Cameron (Baylor) 192 New York Giants: OT J.C. Davis (Illinois) 193 New York Giants: LB Jack Kelly (BYU) 194 Tennessee Titans: C Pat Coogan (Indiana) 195 Las Vegas Raiders: WR Malik Benson (Oregon) 196 New England Patriots: OT Dametrious Crownover (Texas A&M) 197 Los Angeles Rams: WR CJ Daniels (Miami) 198 Minnesota Vikings: RB Demond Claiborne (Wake Forest) 199 Seattle Seahawks: WR Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (Kansas) 200 Miami Dolphins: G DJ Campbell (Texas) 201 Green Bay Packers: CB Domani Jackson (Alabama) 202 Los Angeles Chargers: OL Logan Taylor (Boston College) 203 Jacksonville Jaguars: WR CJ Williams (Stanford) 204 Houston Texans: WR Lewis Bond (Boston College) 205 Detroit Lions: DT Skyler Gill-Howard (Texas Tech) 206 Los Angeles Chargers: G Alex Harkey (Oregon) 207 Philadelphia Eagles: G Micah Morris (Georgia) 208 Atlanta Falcons: DT Anterio Thompson (Washington) 209 Washington Commanders: C Matt Gulbin (Michigan State) 210 Pittsburgh Steelers: DT Gabriel Rubio (Notre Dame) 211 Baltimore Ravens: P Ryan Eckley (Michigan State) 212 New England Patriots: LB Namdi Obiazor (TCU) 213 Chicago Bears: DT Jordan Van Den Berg (Georgia Tech) 214 Indianapolis Colts: EDGE Caden Curry (Ohio State) 215 Atlanta Falcons: LB Harold Perkins Jr. (LSU) 216 Seattle Seahawks: K Trey Smack (Florida) — 217 Arizona Cardinals: OT Jayden Williams (Mississippi) 218 Dallas Cowboys: WR Anthony Smith (East Carolina) 219 New Orleans Saints: CB TJ Hall (Iowa) 220 Buffalo Bills: CB Toriano Pride Jr. (Missouri) 221 Cincinnati Bengals: TE Jack Endries (Texas) 222 Detroit Lions: Edge Tyre West (Tennessee) 223 Washington Commanders: QB Athan Kaliakmanis (Rutgers) 224 Pittsburgh Steelers: S Robert Spears-Jennings (Oklahoma) 225 Tennessee Titans: TE Jaren Kanak (Oklahoma) 226 Cincinnati Bengals: DT Landon Robinson (Navy) 227 Carolina Panthers: LB Jackson Kuwatch (Miami OH) 228 New York Jets: S VJ Payne (Kansas State) 229 Las Vegas Raiders: DT Brandon Cleveland (NC State) 230 Pittsburgh Steelers: RB Eli Heidenreich (Navy) 231 Atlanta Falcons: OT Ethan Onianwa (Ohio State) 232 Los Angeles Rams: DL Tim Keenan III (Alabama) 233: Jacksonville Jaguars: Edge Zach Durfee (Washington) 234: New England Patriots: QB Behren Morton (Texas Tech)
11 a.m. ET: Welcome to today’s live tracker, and thanks for joining us. As always, you will find updates and the eventual draft results above, and the comment section below. Please make yourselves at home and thanks for again spending your draft day with us!
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - NOVEMBER 29: Kendrick Law #1 of the Kentucky Wildcats runs on a kick return in the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In the first surprise of the 2026 NFL Draft for the Detroit Lions, the team traded up in the fifth round and took wide receiver Kendrick Law from Kentucky. The Lions didn’t give up much, trading away one of their sixth-round picks (213) to move up from 181 to 168. This is the first time of the draft where the Lions did an audible and took something that nobody expected.
The focus so far has been on the defense with their last three picks, and when it came to the offensive side of the ball, wide receiver wasn’t on anybody’s radar at this point in the draft. I would’ve thought tight end would have had a bigger need than wide receiver, but we know that the Lions like to do best player available sometimes. Was this trade-up worth it, or did general manager Brad Holmes take another risk on a pick the team could’ve used better?
Roster impact
The Lions have some interesting competition outside of the top three wide receivers. The team signed Greg Dortch in free agency to be the replacement for Kalif Raymond, and they have a seventh-round pick from 2025, Dominic Lovett, looking to get a chance to hit the field in 2026. Law comes to compete with Dortch and Lovett to be the WR4 on this team. He’s not likely to wrangle the punt returner job from Dortch, but he has experience returning kicks. So if he can’t win a job on offense, that could be his role on the team.
Best-case here is that Law plays WR4 and becomes the team’s main kick returner, but worst case, he might get cut. The Lions might not have room to keep six wide receivers, so if he can’t beat out Dortch and Lovett, the practice squad would be calling his name.
If you're looking for a gadget WR, I think the best value in the 2026 class is Kendrick Law. – Top-tier athlete with decent size & a ton of juice after the catch – Instantly erases pursuit angles & tightropes the sideline for extra yards – 3.4% career drop rate – Competitive run… pic.twitter.com/luvC97ByQf
Law started his college career at Alabama for three years before transferring to Kentucky. He played in 34 games, starting eight at Alabama, and played 12 games with eight starts at Kentucky. At Alabama, he was used mostly as a kick returner in 2023 before seeing that role diminish in 2024, with little movement on the offensive side. In Kentucky, he still played some kick returner but had a bigger impact on the offense. He finished his college career with 86 catches for 883 yards and four touchdowns, returning 31 kicks for 710 yards.
there's a dozen of these types of WRs in this class
Branch, Burks, etc.
but Kentucky's Kendrick Law can really scoot and is a tough tackle. Wouldn't be surprised if he outperforms a few of the names ranked above him pic.twitter.com/32cRUpl2bV
The biggest strength for Law is that he has solid hands, dropping only three catches in four years of playing. We saw the Lions receivers struggle with drops last season, so bringing in someone who doesn’t have that issue is helpful. He can be shifty with a 9.45 RAS, running a 4.45 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Combine.
Where he struggles is his route running, as he averaged 1.84 yards per route last season. The Lions expanded the route tree of Jameson Williams, so perhaps they could work with Law on giving him more opportunities and chances to do damage on catches that aren’t screen passes or quick slants. His pass-blocking skills could use some work. He only has 16 games of starting experience over four years of college, so he’ll need more time than others to improve his game, which he might not have in Detroit.
Kendrick Law (5’11 203) Kentucky
+ Athleticism (9.45 RAS) + Vision and elusiveness once the ball is in his hands + Competitive as a blocker + Just one drop in 2025 + Well-built frame + Lateral agility + Special teams’ experience
Overall, I think this is the first miss for Holmes in this draft. While you could say he’s reached for the first two picks, this was certainly the biggest reach of them all. Giving up a sixth-round pick doesn’t bother me, but drafting a wide receiver this early seems like this year’s edition of Giovanni Manu. While it wasn’t a fourth-round pick, the team could have used a project player like this in the sixth or seventh round.
I know Holmes doesn’t draft based on need, but there are other holes on this team that they could have addressed with better talent. The tight end room needs someone who is under contract beyond 2026, the running back room could use competition at RB3, and the defense could still use some help at multiple spots. A fifth-round pick for someone who most likely will be a kick returner is a bit rich. If Law had better returning stats, I would feel better about this, but hopefully he can prove me wrong and maybe be WR5 this season.
KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 28: TCU Horned Frogs linebacker Namdi Obiazor (4) in the first quarter of a Big 12 football game between the TCU Horned Frogs and Kansas Jayhawks on September 28, 2024 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The New England Patriots had a quiet start to Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, but they have since picked up the pace. With their third selection on Saturday, and sixth overall this weekend, they have picked linebacker Namdi Obiazor out of TCU.
The Atlanta Falcons selected Washington defensive tackle Anterio Thompson with the first of two sixth-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. This was the pick that the Falcons acquired in their Day 3 trade with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Falcons weren't able to add a defensive tackle early in the draft, and now Thompson gives them a quality depth piece who can play nose tackle and the 3-tech. Last season, Thompson recorded 30 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks for the Huskies.
"Thompson is a slightly undersized but explosive interior defender with the potential to take snaps as both a 1- and 3-technique in a one-gapping scheme," wrote NFL.com's Lance Zierlein. "He lacks a track record of production and is more of a projection-based prospect. A lack of response quickness post-snap diminishes his effectiveness in the first phase of the rep, so getting his actions timed up to the snap will be critical in unlocking his disruption."
Falcons 2026 NFL Draft picks
The Falcons have now made four total picks the 2026 NFL Draft. As you can see below, the team still has two picks remaining on Day 3.
France remain on track for a Grand Slam showdown with England after they battled past Ireland 26-7 in a breathless Women's Six Nations game in Clermont.
Ireland were targeting a first win on French soil, and a first win over their opponents since 2017.
Their last meeting ended in a 18-13 win for France in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals in October, and Ireland's players had been open about using that game as motivation.
The visitors had three tries ruled out by the Television Match Official in a pulsating first half as the sides went in level 7-7 at the break.
Cliodhna Maloney-MacDonald, who also had two tries chalked off, put Ireland ahead but Ambre Mwayembe hit back for France.
But France's hold over Ireland stretched to nine matches when Carla Arbez converted her own try to put the hosts ahead for the first time, and scores from Anais Grando and Lea Champon put the hosts out of reach.
After an off-week in the Six Nations, Ireland will look to bounce back at home to Wales in Belfast while France visit Scotland, before a final-day showdown with the all-conquering Red Roses.
Ireland chances unrewarded
Ireland's players had talked a big game in build-up, with Aoife Wafer saying they "owed" France one and Stacey Flood went as far to say that the hosts should be "worried, if I was them".
It was Wafer who set the tone for a breathless opening 40 minutes with a thundering carry straight from kick-off, and Ireland kicked on from there.
As Ireland sent the ball wide in the third minute, Pauline Barrat's stray hand knocked the ball forward and the French wing was sent to the bin.
Maloney-MacDonald thought she had crossed for the opening score but referee Clara Munarini ruled the ball had been held up, and Brittany Hogan had a try ruled out for a double movement.
It was a third time lucky for Scott Bemand's side as Maloney-MacDonald got the try her first-half performance deserved when she rounded off a rolling maul, and Dannah O'Brien added the conversion.
But France are title contenders for a reason and they hit back when Mwayembe scored her first international try. There was some controversy as Wafer felt she had held the ball up but the grounding was not looked at again by match officials.
Arbez converted, and the French fly-half produced a crucial tackle to stop a near-certain score as Fiona Tuite charged towards the line, and Grando raced across from her wing to get her body under the ball before the Irish second row could ground it.
Another chance to retake the lead went abegging when France gave away their eighth penalty of the half and Maloney-MacDonald powered over the line, but that score was ruled out for a knock-on by Emily Lane in the build-up.
The second half started with the same ferocity and two vital Wafer contributions stopped France in the Irish 22, while Aoife Dalton tackled Aubane Rousset into touch just five metres out.
But Ireland found themselves behind 10 minutes after the restart when Arbez jinked around two green jerseys to score, and the fly-half converted her own try.
It was a clinical score as France had 14 points from six visits to the Irish 22, compared to just seven points from double the amount of visits for Ireland.
Ireland were punished further when O'Brien missed a long-distance penalty with 22 minutes left, and replacement Anna McGann just did enough to stop a French crossfield kick reaching Grando in the in-goal area.
But Grando scored her fourth try of the tournament with 13 minutes left as she finished off a flowing move out wide, and Champon secured the bonus point with two minutes remaining.
Ireland's revenge over France will have to wait another 12 months, but it was a test passed for France as they look to set up a title-decider with England on the final weekend.
Line-ups
France: Barrat; Grando, Rousset, T Feleu, Murie; Arbez, Bourdon Sansus; Mwayembe, Lazarko, Khalfaoui, Zago, Fall Raclot, Berthoumieu, M Feleu (capt), Champon.
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 15, 2025: Zack Wheeler #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies prepares to pitch during the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Zack Wheeler is back, but can he bring the mojo back to the team as they look to avoid an 11th loss in a row? Time will tell! Will anyone be watching this game with the Flyers Game 4 starting at 8:00pm? Time will tell!
The Seattle Seahawks completed a trade with the New York Jets to move back further in the sixth round, and the fruit of their labors resulted in selecting Kansas wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. Each of us here at Seahawks Wire have assigned a grade to every Seahawks draft pick made this year, and Henderson is up next for us.
Kole Musgrove - Seahawks Wire Managing Editor: B-
Seattle recouped some draft picks in their trade with the Jets, which is praiseworthy by itself. Seattle picked a depth player for their wide receiver corps. and a full-time special teamer. No one paid more on special teams than the Seahawks in 2025, and their unit was truly the difference maker between them and the rest of the league. So for that, I'm boosting the pick up to a B-minus since they are staying true to what made them great.
Dom Skene - Seahawks Wire Contributor: C+
It's hard to be critical of a sixth round pick in which the team trades back to acquire capital, but Henderson isn't a well-known value or addressing a position of need. Hopefully, he makes an impact on special teams, and the executive of the year must have a good reason for liking him. The obvious need still unaddressed is at EDGE.
Randy Elkins - Seahawks Wire Guest Draft Specialist: B-
Speedster with real big play potential after the catch, but will be down a ways on the depth chart. Should be just as much of a contributor on special teams, if not even more. Between him and Rashid Shaheed, kickers are never getting a break! Good depth/special teams pick, which is a good spot in the sixth round.
The Florida State Seminoles are still looking for their first wide receiver commit in the 2027 recruiting class, and their board just got a little smaller. Four-star target Anthony Jennings committed to the Florida Gators on Saturday, picking them over the Seminoles, Auburn Tigers, Syracuse Orange, and Maryland Terrapins.
Jennings is from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and has elite speed, making him a good fit for FSU's passing attack. The Seminoles have been recruiting Jennings since January 2025, when they offered him a scholarship and were set to host him on an official visit this summer, something that is now in doubt.
He is ranked as the No. 273 overall player and No. 34 wide receiver in the 247Sports composite. He is also the No. 25 player from Florida.
He had a strong junior season at Dillard High School, showcasing the speed that made so many schools covet him. He finished the year with 34 receptions for 823 yards and 11 touchdowns, leading them in all three areas and averaging 24.2 yards per catch.
It has been a struggle for FSU wide receivers coach Tim Harris Jr. in the 2027 cycle, with several blue-chip targets committing elsewhere. However, they are in the mix for several other top targets, including four-star prospects Jamarin Simmons, Sean Green, Jabari Watkins, and Cam Wade.
BREAKING: Four-Star WR Anthony Jennings has Committed to Florida, he tells me for @Rivals⁰ The 6’1 175 WR chose the Gators over Syracuse and Auburn
Sep 20, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies tight end Benji Gosnell (82) hugs running back Braydon Bennett (24) after he scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Wofford Terriers at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images | Brian Bishop-Imagn Images
It’s been another good week for the Virginia Tech Hokies and head coach James Franklin. After landing running back Kelvin Morrison out of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, over the likes of Miami, Ohio State, Penn State, and Tennessee, the Hokies picked up another big offensive commitment for 2027. Athlete Braxton Salster announced his commitment to Virginia Tech for the class of 2027.
Salster is a 6-foot-5, 220-pound athlete from Pleasant Valley High School in Jacksonville, Alabama. He is listed as an athlete, but is projected to play tight end at the next level. Salster chose the Hokies over offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Ole Miss and others.
Salster should have plenty more offers coming his way, and the Hokies were smart to get in early here. Count this as another win for offensive coordinator Ty Howle, who is considered the top tight end coach in the country. The Hokies struggled at tight end last season, despite having quality players, because the previous offense did not use the position. That changes under Howle, and Tech’s roster reflects it. The Hokies have Luke Reynolds, Benji Gosnell, Matt Henderson and Ja’Ricous Hairston in the tight ends room for 2026.
Salster is an exciting addition because of his potential. He has the frame to add more size without sacrificing any speed. It’s also an opportunity for Howle to continue stacking the tight end position once Gosnell and, potentially, Reynolds, depart after this season.
Salster is the sixth addition to Tech’s 2027 class, and the second on offense, following Morrison.
🎥 Puskás for him? Ajax striker scores an Ibra-style stunner
Mika Godts, 20, has been one of Ajax’s standout players this season.
And the Belgian forward reinforced that status this Saturday (25) by scoring a Puskas-worthy goal in an Eredivisie clash.
After helping Gloukh open the scoring away against Nac Breda in the 20th minute, he produced a masterpiece to make it 2-0 at the Rat Verlegh Stadion.
On a counterattack, Godts received the ball from Weghorst, got past Raul Paula and Jensen, went by Leemans, then beat the same duo who had tried to stop him at first before rounding goalkeeper Bielica.
There were opposing players left just watching in admiration...
📸 OLAF KRAAK
ESPN Netherlands compared the goal to one of the finest of then-young Zlatan Ibrahimović’s career in 2004.
With the 2026 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans are doing more than just building up their roster. They're reuniting long-separated friends.
The Titans picked center Pat Coogan with the No. 194 pick in the sixth round of the NFL draft on April 25, potentially finding a new anchor to line up in front of QB Cam Ward. But it's not Coogan's connection with Ward that's notable. It's his connection with first-round pick Carnell Tate.
"Me and Carnell, we go way back," Coogan said in an interview with local media after the Titans drafted him. "Marist High School, we would drive to morning workouts together at 5:45 in the morning. I'm super proud of Carnell. He earned it. He really did. It's a great connection.
"There's a saying here in the south side of Chicago where me and him are both from: South side, there's nothing like it. There are connections everywhere, and it's funny how far that travels right now to the NFL."
Coogan was a couple of years older than Tate in high school, and Tate left Marist and Chicago in general early in his high school tenure to transfer to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida But the two forged enough of an early connection that Coogan, who started his college career at Notre Dame before transferring to Indiana and winning a national championship in 2025, was trying to recruit Tate to follow him to college back when Tate was still a young player.
"He is an unbelievable football player," Coogan said. "I remember talking to him early, really early, when he was a freshman and I was a junior. I had just gotten an offer from Notre Dame. I believe I was committed. He was still super young and green but you could see the talent right away. I remember talking to him and trying to get him to go to Notre Dame with me. But he was like 'No, I'm going to Ohio State. Ohio State's my dream.' It came to fruition."
The Titans drafted Tate with the No. 4 pick in the first round on April 23. Tate and Coogan are among the four offensive players who the Titans have selected through six rounds of the NFL draft, joined by fifth-round offensive lineman Fernando Carmona and fifth-round running back Nicholas Singleton.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 22: A general view of the Buffalo Bills sign in the tunnel during the NFL football draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 22, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Buffalo Bills are back at it, with the 2026 NFL Draft in full swing a few hours south in Pittsburgh, PA. A somewhat confounding current class left most analysts and NFL executives scrambling for the right answers in the pre-draft process. That’s already played out to a degree in reality, where more than one surprising pick was made in Round 1.
The Bills’ move to trade back three times and out of Round 1 was perhaps the least surprising reaction to a board that experts and the front office itself seemingly agreed was flawed per their roster. As such, Buffalo looks to get the party re-started early in Round 2, where they’re now slated to make the team’s first pick at 35 overall (third pick of Round 2). If one thing’s true with president of football operations/general manager Brandon Beane, it’s that he values draft capital and he’s always game for a trade or three.
It’s quite possible the Bills could be courted again to move back, and it would surprise no one if they do exactly that. At some point, however, Buffalo should decide to make a pick — and hopefully that player can come in and fill one of the team’s obvious voids on defense or offense. This team needs a significant infusion of talent in many places, not just depth players and those with developmental upside.
It’s a make or break weekend for everyone in Pittsburgh, which includes Beane and a front office that really needs to hit on a draft that isn’t rich with elite talent. Throughout draft weekend, we’ll have plenty of coverage of the Bills’ moves, from additions to trades, and everything else in-between and beyond.
This article will serve as a catch-all of our Bills-centric 2026 NFL Draft coverage, giving you a one-stop-shop to stay up to date on all the moves and articles we’re publishing during the big weekend.
Buffalo Bills 2026 NFL Draft Round 1 results
The Bills can work with nine total selections entering Round 2:
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Cyrus Allen (4) gestures for a first down as Arizona Wildcats linebacker Jabari Mann (11) and Arizona Wildcats defensive back Treydan Stukes (2) react in the third quarter of the NCAA football game at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Nov. 15, 2025. | Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Following soon behind the Kansas City Chiefs’ pick of Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson, the front office kept the offense in mind and selected a wide receiver.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked Allen 27th among the receivers in this class, grading him as a fifth-to-sixth-round prospect in his draft guide, “The Beast.”
The 23-year-old receiver measured in at 5 feet 11 inches tall and 183 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine and posted the following numbers:
40-yard dash: 4.49 seconds
10-yard split: 1.56 seconds
Vertical leap: 36 inches
Broad jump: 11 feet
Cyrus Allen was drafted in round 5 with pick 176 in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 8.69 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 551 out of 4196 WR from 1987 to 2026.https://t.co/FjXdVEYFsFpic.twitter.com/1WyGk5781K
Before his lone season with the Bearcats in 2025, Allen made his mark over two seasons at Louisiana Tech, transferring to Texas A&M in 2024 for a low-output, injury-shortened season that ended with arm surgery.
He enrolled at the University of Cincinnati before the 2025 season and went on to have a breakout campaign, finishing with 13 touchdown catches, the most in the Big 12 last season, and earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors.
New Chiefs WR Cyrus Allen, I’m a big fan of his game!
Awesome route runner who posted stellar success rates vs. man and zone coverage scores in the small sample Rookie Roundup:
– 75% success rate vs man – 83.7% success rate vs zone
With the Bearcats, Allen lined up nearly exclusively in the slot (92% of pass snaps) and was an efficient playmaker, considering how many times he scored while only catching 49 passes. At previous stops, he was nowhere near as predominantly aligned in the slot.
Looking ahead to his fit with the Chiefs, he will enter the realm that last year’s fourth-round pick and wide receiver Jalen Royals is hoping he is in the clear of. He won’t have a clean path to being any higher than fourth or fifth on the depth chart, and history says he would have to go above and beyond to earn playing time as a sixth-round rookie for head coach Andy Reid’s offense.
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 15: Matt Gulbin #51 of the Michigan State Spartans before a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium on November 15, 2025 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s Day 3 of the NFL Draft, and the Washington Commanders have made their third pick of the weekend! They went with Ohio State LB Sonny Styles in the first round and Clemson WR Antonio Williams in the third round yesterday. Washington’s first pick of the day was Tennessee EDGE Joshua Josephs, they selected RB Kaytron Allen and now they made the second of their two sixth-round picks.
The Commanders drafted Michigan State center matt Gulbin, ended some anxiety about whether Washington would add to the position. They released former starter Tyler Biadasz, and didn’t sign a replacement in free agency. Nick Allegretti filled in for the season finale, and could keep that job to start the season. Gulbin played five years of college football with his last season at Michigan State.
The Green Bay Packers took another cornerback off the board, selecting Alabama's Domani Jackson with the No. 201 overall pick in the sixth round of the 2026 draft. Jackson joins Brandon Cisse as the pair of corners picked by the Packers in this draft class.
Jackson was a top five recruit coming out of high school. He transferred from USC to Alabama after two seasons, and he ended up starting 23 games for the Crimson Tide. A former track star, Jackson ran 4.41 in the 40-yard dash at 6-1 and 194 pounds.
Instant reactions to the Packers taking Jackson at No. 201:
Zach Kruse
The Packers needed numbers at cornerback, so double dipping with Jackson on Day 3 makes sense in terms of building out the depth long-term. He checks boxes for the Packers in terms of size (6-1) and speed (4.41). Despite his status as a top recruit, Jackson was never a big-time playmaker at the collegiate level, and he finished his career with only 14 pass breakups and two picks over 46 games. An odd senior season included a mid-season benching and only one pass breakup, but he returned to the starting lineup late in the year and played well. Jackson has limited special teams experience, so he'll need to establish a role on the third phase to stick around as a developmental corner. There is some upside here as a zone heavy corner with speed, but Jackson must become more consistent in all areas, including tackling and run defense.
Brennen Rupp
Domani Jackson is a great athlete. Former track standout. He had nine pass deflections and two interceptions a year ago. He lost his starting job this past season and got it back at end of year. At this point in the draft, why not? Roll the dice on it all coming together for him, but right now he's a better athlete than football player. But in the sixth round he's worth the gamble.
Mark Oldacres
Domani Jackson has great athleticism and went to a premier college program, so the fact he was available at pick 201 tells you there are some flaws. While he has the movement skills he needs and uses his size and physicality well, he relies on grabbing receivers too often and his technique in terms of his footwork is a work in progress. A worthwhile flier to take at this stage of the draft.
Illinois high school sports has held the spotlight for decades, creating origin stories for legends like Olympians Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Bonnie Blair as well as NFL Hall of Famer Dick Butkus.
To this day, from the greater Chicago area and beyond, Illinois has produced top-tier schools and athletes. That next wave of greats who are creating a new chapter for high school athletics across the Prairie State.
Which Illinois high schools are considered the best for athletes in 2026?
According to one study conducted by Niche, which accounts for survey feedback from students and parents—accounting for "reviews of athletics, number of state championships, student participation in athletics, and the number of sports offered at the school"—and data from the U.S. Department of Education, these are the top 25.
25. Lake Zurich High School
Total number of sports: 22
24. Libertyville High School
Total number of sports: 31
23. Sacred Heart-Griffin High School (Springfield)
STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 8: Zane Durant #28 of the Penn State Nittany Lionsreacts after a play against the Indiana Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium on November 8, 2025 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Buffalo Bills are in a very new era of defense under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. The selection of Penn State defensive tackle Zane Durant is a perfect reflection of that. The 6’1” 290-pound Durant is the kind of player you pick to spice up the explosive elements of your team on the front.
Durant plays bigger than his size suggests and he has massive hands for a player of his size (10 5/8”), which actually help him significantly. This is a player to put on the field in passing downs and turn him up. There’s a lot to like about his athleticism, and he tested as such at the NFL Scouting Combine with a ridiculous 4.75 40-yard dash.
Penn State DT Zane Durant (Rd 3-4):
+ First-step explosiveness + Low center of gravity + Bend and flexibility on stunts + Quick and active hands + 4.75 40, 1.66 10 – 6’1”, 290 lbs – Shorter arms – Washed out vs. double teams – Won’t be trusted to two-gap pic.twitter.com/R706gNimtO
The downside with Durant is the size. He gets washed out in the run game routinely and he has problems holding up against the point of attack. He’s also a bit slow to react to where blocks are coming from in that vantage point. As of right now, he has no ability to play all three downs. Durant will need to be schemed up and kept clean as much as possible so he can work.
Durant is one of the rare designated pass rushers who is a defensive tackle and will be a fascinating departure from history. It’s a completely new day for Bills defensive football, and Durant will fill a role as a potential rotation player on passing downs.
Manchester City beat Arsenal at the weekend to set up a fascinating last month of the title race, cutting the Gunners’ lead to just three points before taking top spot with victory over Burnley.
Arsenal have regained the edge but City are yet to have a chance to respond, with their FA Cup semi-final commitments meaning they now once again have a game in hand.
City denied Arsenal the title in both 2023 and 2024, and now the Gunners will feel they need four wins from their remaining four games in order to win the league for the first time since 2004.
However, City will likely feel the same, and with just a few games left of their campaign, here’s how the crucial run-in is shaping up.
Arsenal
Played: 34 | Points: 73 | GD: 34
Remaining fixtures:
2 May - Fulham (H)
10 May - West Ham (A)
17 May - Burnley (H)
24 May - Crystal Palace (A)
Toughest game? With the trip to Manchester City out of the way, there’s one fixture that stands out with just four more league games to go. Fulham are in a good vein of form and overcame Champions League-chasing Aston Villa on the weekend to show their European credentials. Indeed, it may prove that the game against relegation-threatened West Ham proves more difficult.
Final straight? While the loss to City is damaging, Arsenal can only try and win all of their final four games now, and bounced back successfully against the Magpies. In May, they will play Fulham and Burnley at home. Mid-table Fulham will likely be in ‘nothing to play for’ territory, as will 19th-placed Burnley, who have already been condemned to the drop. Crystal Palace could be preparing for a Europa Conference League final by the time they head to Selhurst Park for the final game of the season. West Ham, though, will be fighting for their lives.
Toughest game? Pep Guardiola’s side have hit their purple patch and the win over Burnley means they are ahead of Arsenal on goals scored with both sides having played 33 games. Though Arsenal returned to the summit with victory over Newcastle, City will once again have a game in hand after this weekend.
Overall, City have a potentially far more difficult run-in than Arsenal, and a final-day game at home to Aston Villa could be a tough end to the season if everything isn’t already decided by then.
Final straight? On paper, much tougher than Arsenal’s. Brentford and Bournemouth are in the mix for European qualification over the final weeks of the season and City have to play them both in their final three games. Then, they host Aston Villa on the final weekend of the season. Unai Emery’s side could have Champions League qualification wrapped up by then, though, and there is a chance they could still be celebrating victory in the Europa League final if they advance past Nottingham Forest to get there.
Verdict?
Arsenal’s fixtures look more favourable than City’s, particularly in their final stretch, but the result at the Etihad means momentum has swung in City’s favour, and Pep Guardiola’s side look in ominous form. The Gunners have returned to the top of the table for now, but will they have enough to stay there in the next few weeks?
The newest Washington Commanders' draft pick knows franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels quite well. Joshua Josephs, an edge rusher from the University of Tennessee, was Washington's fifth-round pick on Saturday, at No. 147 overall. After being selected by the Commanders, Josephs revealed a connection to his new team, specifically his new quarterback.
The date was October 8, 2022, Josephs was a freshman edge rusher for the Volunteers in a game against the LSU Tigers, led by Daniels. That wasn't a good day for the Vols, as Daniels passed for 300 yards and a touchdown, leading the Tigers to an easy 40-13 win over Tennessee. Daniels was sacked once on that day.
By now, you've probably realized it was Josephs who sacked Daniels. It was his first career sack, which proved quite memorable, considering Daniels would win the Heisman Trophy in 2023 and go on to be the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
After Washington selected Josephs, he joined the local media on a Zoom call, where he reminisced about that sack.
WHO DID COMMANDERS 5TH PICK JOSHUA JOSEPHS SACK ON HIS FIRST CAREER SACK…? NONE OTHER THAN JAYDEN DANIELS!!!
Here is video of his 1st college sack when he took down JD5 in a Tennessee win over LSU in 2022. Now the two are teammates. Credit @BenStandig with the great question. pic.twitter.com/3s7891MN6I
Atletico Madrid suffer major injury blow before Arsenal semi-final clash
Atletico Madrid will be fearing the worst after one of their key midfielders went off during their clash with Athletic Club. Pablo Barrios, who was only returning from injury this week, is now a major doubt for Los Colchoneros as they prepare for their Champions League semi-final with Arsenal on Wednesday evening.
Barrios missed nine games in February and March through a hamstring problem that sidelined him for a month, before returning in the Champions League Round of 16 against Tottenham Hotspur. He then relapsed after playing 21 minutes in the first leg, a 5-2 win over Spurs. That kept him out for a further six weeks, before he played 28 minutes off the bench on Wednesday against Elche, making his return.
Barrios limps off during Athletic Club clash
Starting to get his rhythm back in his first start since the 5th of February, Barrios pulled up in the 58th minute, clearly feeling something was not quite right. He then went to the floor, and was comforted by his teammates before being taken off by Diego Simeone. Barrios took his shirt off as he went down the tunnel, cutting a frustrated figure. If it is a muscle injury, the likelihood is that he will miss at least the first leg of the semi-final, if not both.
Barrios alternatives for Diego Simeone
A key player and a guaranteed starter when fit these days, Barrios has played 34 times for Atletico this year, contributing a goal and three assists. Given his injury issues over the past three months, Simeone has been forced to find alternatives though, with Johnny Cardoso often partnering Koke Resurreccion. The USMNT ball-winner also missed games in April though, and for Atletico’s Champions League quarter-final win over Barcelona, it was Marcos Llorente who was trusted in the middle.
Youngsters Obed Vargas and Rodrigo Mendoza are unlikely to be given a start in such a high stakes game. Simeone is also sweating on the fitness of David Hancko and Ademola Lookman ahead of the first leg, neither making the squad to face Athletic.
Atletico Madrid finally return to winning ways before Arsenal against miffed Athletic Club
Atletico Madrid 3-2 Athletic Club
Atletico Madrid prepared for their Champions League semi-final against Arsenal with a victory over Athletic Club, in a bid to wash off the disappointment of their Copa del Rey final defeat. They left behind a miffed Athletic Club side, who will be trying to work out how they let the match escape them.
One of the question marks over their European semi-final is whether usual starter Jan Oblak will be in goal on Wednesday, or if the in-form Juan Musso would begin, but the Slovenian was up to the task early on. After a beautifully disguised cross from Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta to the back post found Gorka Guruzeta, Oblak was neatly across to block an accurate effort across goal. Los Colchoneros were seeking to find Griezmann inside with the chance to spring Alexander Sorloth and Giuliano Simeone loose into the space, and on a couple of occasions did so, but without end results.
Neither side looked especially firm in their defensive duties in the opening 20 minutes, with Inaki Williams crafting a second excellent cross for Unai Gomez this time, but cursed his inability to control on the run. It was Athletic that struck first though. A corner from the right was powered home by Aitor Paredes, breathing fresh confidence into Los Leones. Moments later, a brilliant flick Guruzeta opened up the Atletico backline, but with a two-on-one, Gomez could not get the pass in front of Inaki Williams. As he tried to set himself for the shot, Marc Pubill crunched into an excellent challenge. There was little arguing that Athletic were the more comfortable of the two, without necessarily dominating.
Struggling for rhythm, a Giuliano Simeone cross ten minutes before the break woke the crowd up, picking out Alexander Sorloth in the box. Despite the space he found, he was always struggling to generate the necessary power to beat Unai Simon – to that point untested. Apart from the general flow of the game consisting mainly of Atletico attacks breaking down and Athletic breaking forward, it was symbolic of the fact it was all a little too comfortable for the visiting side.
Alex Baena and Alexander Sorloth find their groove
Diego Simeone did get a reaction from his side after the break though. Baena picked up the ball on the left side, and his ball across wrongfooted Dani Vivian at the near post. Griezmann could barely believe his luck when he was able to prod home inside the six-yard box. Having watched a rather stodgy first half, the Metropolitano could barely believe they were in front ten minutes into the second period.
Pablo Barrios, on his first start in over a month, robbed Ruiz de Galarreta in the middle of the pitch, driving forward and laying it left to Sorloth. A neat one-two with Baena around right-back Andoni Gorosabel allowed Sorloth in on goal, and he did not hesitate to slot home Baena’s second assist in six minutes. Barrios was beginning to impose himself in midfield, when he pulled up short in the 58th minute. It was his first start in over six weeks, and came to a premature end again.
The positive for Atletico was that they were attacking with far more purpose and precision than in the first period, and Athletic Club’s threat had become almost null. Ernesto Valverde’s side recompose though, following something of a lull in the game. Entering the final 20 minutes, Los Leones were the side spending time in the right areas, but without much of the same edge they displayed in the first half.
Atletico, probably thinking about their Champions League duties again after a host of changes from Simeone, were happy to let the game drift towards the final whistle. Valverde’s side seemed to be lacking the craft to break down their opponents, and the ball was swept out to Robert Navarro time and again in the hope he would conjure a magical cross.
That hope was a translation for desperation. In stoppage time, Sorloth had time to race clear of the Athletic defence one final time, and with plenty of time, passed it into the corner one-on-one with Unai Simon. That looked to be the final word, but a set-piece deep into stoppage time saw Paredes grab his second of the night. By the time he did, the final minute of stoppage time had passed though, and even with one bonus minute, Athletic knew their second would do little to the result.
Finally returning to winning ways in La Liga, the ultras gave their side a bone-shaking reception at the final whistle, their first chance to do so since the Copa del Rey final defeat. While Atletico’s focus has been elsewhere, it snaps a four-game losing streak and gives Los Rojiblancos a first La Liga win since the 14th of March.
Valverde’s glare at the final whistle was certainly justified. Athletic had a major opportunity to restore their self-confidence of yesteryear with a big result, but saw it slip from their grasp almost imperceptably. Without being under pressure for any significant spell, Athletic return to Bilbao without points, and El Txingurri maintains, still with some fear of relegation.
“They’ll be happy” Les Ferdinand says Arsenal will not be worried about their performance
Les Ferdinand says Arsenal’s performance in their match against Newcastle United was not convincing, but the Gunners will not mind because they secured all three points. At this stage of the season, results often carry greater importance than displays, particularly in a closely contested title race.
Arsenal produced an uninspiring performance against the Magpies, yet still managed to win the match. Newcastle also had opportunities of their own, but failed to make them count, allowing the home side to preserve their advantage and take a valuable victory.
Ferdinand Questions Arsenal Display
Arsenal entered the fixture behind Manchester City in the league table and knew they had to win, with the need for points outweighing the desire for an impressive performance. The pressure surrounding the occasion was clear throughout the contest.
The Gunners were made to work hard for the victory and struggled during several phases of the match. Newcastle caused problems and came close to scoring, meaning Arsenal were unable to enjoy a comfortable afternoon despite taking the lead.
Ferdinand offered his assessment of the tense encounter. As quoted by Premier League Productions, he said: “Very uncomfortable [for the fans]. If you’re Arsenal, you do whatever it takes to get it across the line, the fans, you can feel the anxiousness within the crowd, I’m sure that’s what’s causing the players to play in the manner they’re playing. It’s not convincing, but they’ll be happy because it’s three points and they’re back on top.”
Three Points the Priority in Title Race
His comments reflected the reality of Arsenal’s situation. While the performance lacked fluency and confidence, the outcome was ultimately the most important factor. In a title race, narrow wins can prove just as significant as dominant ones.
Arsenal may recognise that improvements are required in future matches, especially if they are to maintain their challenge until the end of the campaign. Stronger displays could ease the pressure on both players and supporters alike.
However, they will take satisfaction from returning to the top of the table and keeping momentum alive. With the season entering its decisive period, Arsenal know that continuing to collect victories is the only reliable route to lifting the league crown this term.
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…
“That’s the most important thing” Paul Merson admits Arsenal were nervous
Paul Merson watched Arsenal struggle to beat Newcastle United in the Premier League today, and he admits he is not surprised because he senses nerves around the squad. The Gunners secured the result they required, but the performance again suggested the pressure of the title race is beginning to show.
Manchester City have reduced the gap between the two clubs in recent weeks, and momentum appears to be building with the reigning champions. Although Arsenal spent much of the season leading the table, the closing stages of the campaign are proving far more demanding.
Merson Detects Tension Around Arsenal
At this decisive point of the season, the men at the Emirates are finding it difficult to reproduce the level of form they showed earlier in the campaign. Matches that once looked manageable are now becoming tense and hard-fought contests.
Mikel Arteta continues to push his side towards victories regardless of the circumstances, but it remains uncertain whether Arsenal can maintain that approach through all of their remaining fixtures. Every match now carries enormous importance.
Arsenal also lack recent experience of winning the league title, with the club having gone more than 20 years without lifting the crown. Nevertheless, they remain in a strong position and still have an excellent opportunity to change that record this season.
Three Points Matter More Than Style
Merson shared his verdict after the match. As quoted by Sky Sports, he said: “A bag of nerves. But they’ve got the result they need. That’s the most important thing.
“I said before, ‘they just have to win the next two games to put pressure on Man City before they play’. That’s one game ticked off. Another one to come.
“Saka and Odegaard work as a real good pair. Saka occupies defenders, they don’t want to bomb forward. I thought he looked sharp when he came on.”
His comments highlighted the current reality for Arsenal. While the football may not be flowing as freely as earlier in the season, the ability to grind out victories could still prove decisive in the title race.
The Gunners will know they must improve their composure and performances in the coming weeks. However, if they continue collecting points, they will remain firmly in contention for the Premier League trophy.
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…
Caitlin Clark returned to a WNBA court for the first time since last July for the Indiana Fever’s preseason opener versus the New York Liberty on Saturday. She scored seven points in Indiana’s 109-91 victory.
Clark quickly established herself, scoring the game’s first basket on a floater in the lane. Two possessions later, she drilled a long 3-pointer from 29 feet.
BACK LIKE SHE NEVER LEFT 🎯
Caitlin Clark splashes the three in her return to preseason action!
The Fever led 32-24 after the opening 10 minutes, but quickly lost that advantage when the Liberty scored 10 unanswered points to begin the second quarter — all of them from Breanna Stewart.
New York went on top 39-34 after a layup by Han Xu, returning to the WNBA after playing last season in Australia. However, Indiana rallied to finish the first half with a 53-48 lead, powered by Kelsey Mitchell scoring 10 straight points.
Indiana maintained a 74-68 lead going into the fourth quarter, then went on a 21-4 surge to put the game out of reach. Free-agent addition Shatori Walker-Kimbrough scored nine points for the Fever during the run.
After winning WNBA Rookie of the Year honors in 2024, Clark was limited to 13 games last season due to quad, groin and ankle injuries. As the Fever opened training camp last week, head coach Stephanie White said that the star guard would likely see fewer practice reps and that approach presumably translated to preseason games as well.
Clark played 17 minutes on Saturday, all in the first half.
Mitchell and Walker-Kimbrough led the Fever with 18 points. Sophie Cunningham was the third Indiana player in double figures, tallying 13 points and shooting 3-for-6 on 3-pointers.
Xu scored 20 points to top the Liberty, while Stewart added 16 with five rebounds in 12 minutes. Rookie Anneli Maley notched 13 points with six rebounds and three assists, and Rebekah Gardner scored 11.
The Fever played their preseason opener without Aliyah Boston, still recovering from the lower leg injury she sustained in March during the Unrivaled playoffs. Lexie Hull also sat out the game with a hamstring injury, while new addition Ty Harris was sidelined due to a knee issue.
For the Liberty, Satou Sabally was out for “reconditioning,” according to the injury report. New Liberty head coach Chris DeMarco told reporters on Friday that “she’s not at 100 percent” while continuing to recover from symptoms for a concussion sustained during last year’s WNBA Finals and caused Sabally to miss the 2026 Unrivaled season.
Clark is coming off an injury-shortened season. She appeared in 13 games in 2025, the last one on July 15, in which she suffered a groin injury. She returned to competition with Team USA in World Cup qualifying in March, where she earned tournament MVP honors.
Here's how Clark fared against the Liberty.
Caitlin Clark stats today: How many points did Caitlin Clark score tonight?
Minutes: 17
Points: 7
Field goal shooting: 2-10
3-point shooting: 1-5
Free throw shooting: 2-2
Assists: 4
Rebounds: 3
Steals: 0
Turnovers: 0
Caitlin Clark highlights today vs. Liberty
Clark scores Indiana's first basket and adds a 3-pointer soon after.
College: In four years (2020-24) at Iowa, Clark scored an NCAA-record 3,951 points, leading the Hawkeyes to two national championship games and earning two National Player of the Year honors.
How much does Caitlin Clark make? Caitlin Clark salary, contract
Clark's WNBA salary cap hit for 2026 is $528,846, according to Spotrac. The Fever hold an option for $597,596 in 2027. She will be a restricted free agent in 2028.
In 2025, under the previous collective bargaining agreement, she made $78,066.
Does Caitlin Clark have a relationship? Who is Caitlin Clark's partner, boyfriend?
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Atletico forward Alexander Sorloth tucked away his team's second goal in the clash against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday in La Liga (Oscar DEL POZO)
Alexander Sorloth struck twice as Atletico Madrid built confidence for their Champions League semi-final clash against Arsenal with a 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday in La Liga.
However Diego Simeone's side were also left sweating on the fitness of midfielder Pablo Barrios, who walked off injured midway through the second half.
Atletico have little to play for in La Liga, sitting fourth and now 10 points clear of Real Betis in fifth.
Their hopes of silverware this season are pinned to European success and a potential first ever Champions League triumph.
Losing energetic midfielder Barrios could be a blow for the Rojiblancos, with the first leg clash against the Premier League leaders approaching on Wednesday at Atletico's Metropolitano stadium.
The Spaniard had only just returned from a thigh injury after missing both legs of their quarter-final win over Barcelona.
"We all know Pablo is a hugely important player for us... and he's a friend and it hurts to see him like that," said Atletico playmaker Alex Baena.
"He's a player and a person who looks after himself 100 percent, and these things happen in football, we don't know why, no matter how much care you take.
"So I hope it's just as minor as possible."
Before facing Ernesto Valverde's Athletic Bilbao, Atletico had lost seven of their last eight games, including the Copa del Rey final last weekend.
The visiting mid-table Basques took the lead after 23 minutes through Aitor Paredes's powerful header from Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta's corner.
French forward Antoine Griezmann, who is leaving at the end of the season to join MLS side Orlando City, pulled hosts Atletico level in the 49th minute.
The 35-year-old club talisman reacted quickly to a deflected cross to prod home from six yards out.
Sorloth put Atletico ahead five minutes later after combining well with his former Villarreal team-mate Baena.
However Atletico's cheer turned to worry when Barrios had to be substituted, after he pulled up hurt while dribbling, before walking off the pitch frustrated, pulling his undershirt up over his head.
Simeone took off his son Giuliano, Griezmann, Marcos Llorente and Koke to preserve them before facing Arsenal, but it was too late for Barrios.
Sorloth extended Atletico's lead in stoppage time which secured their win, as Gorka Guruzeta grabbed one back at the death.
Atletico celebrated with their fans at the end, trying to soak up the affection and inspiration ahead of the date with Arsenal.
"I'm expecting the best Metropolitano (atmosphere) of the season, we know it's the most important game of the season, what's at stake for us, we know we can go all the way," added Baena.
"It's true that Arsenal are a great side and will make it very difficult for us, but I really believe in this team, this club, this stadium and I'm sure everything will turn out well."
The Steelers used Day 2 of the NFL Draft to show their hometown fans they weren't afraid to be aggressive. After standing pat in the first round to land Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor, GM Omar Khan got active on Friday, moving up in the second round to secure a key playmaker for the offense.
Pittsburgh struck a deal with the Indianapolis Colts to jump from No. 53 to No. 47, parting with a fourth-round compensatory pick and a seventh-rounder to select Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard. The move was a clear response to a first round where several top receivers flew off the board, ensuring the Steelers landed a polished target to join DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. in the wideout room.
The aggressive streak continued into the third round, where the Steelers turned their attention to the most important position in football by selecting Penn State quarterback Drew Allar with the No. 76 overall pick. With three total selections on Day 2, Pittsburgh successfully addressed high-priority needs at receiver and developmental quarterback while still maintaining a healthy slate of picks for the final day.
As the draft heads into its final act, the buzz in the Steel City remains high. Follow along right here for the latest Steelers picks, trades, updates, and analysis as Pittsburgh looks to put the finishing touches on its 2026 rookie class.
Steelers NFL Draft picks 2026
Round
Pick
Player
Position
School
1
21
Max Iheanachor
OT
Arizona State
2
47
Germie Bernard
WR
Alabama
3
76
Drew Allar
QB
Penn State
85
Daylen Everette
CB
Georgia
99
Gennings Dunker
OT
Iowa
4
121
Kaden Wetjen
WR
Iowa
5
169
Riley Nowakowski
TE
Indiana
6
210
Gabriel Rubio
DT
Notre Dame
7
224
230
NFL Draft trade details 2026
Saturday, April 25
2:51 p.m.: The Steelers and Chiefs have made a trade, with Kansas City moving up to pick 161. The Steelers sent picks 161 and 249 for 169 and 210.
Friday, April 24
10:55 p.m.: The Steelers have traded up to pick 96, sending 99 and 216 to the Seattle Seahawks.
8:04 p.m.: The Pittsburgh Steelers have traded up into the 47th picks, sending 53 135 and 237 for 47 and 249.
How to watch NFL Draft 2026: TV channel, live stream
The 2026 NFL Draft will air live on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network. Viewers looking to stream the NFL Draft can watch every round 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.)
NFL Draft 2026 dates, start times
Date: Thursday, April 23 | Friday, April 24 | Saturday, April 25
Time: 8 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. ET | Noon ET
The 2026 NFL Draft will begin with Round 1 at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 23. The event will continue with Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday, April 24, and conclude with Rounds 4-7 on Saturday, April 25.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 14: New England Patriots players huddle during the first half of the game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Fresh off a berth in Super Bowl LX, the New England Patriots are in the process of retooling their roster. They already made some moves in NFL free agency to improve the foundation, and will add some long-term perspective and developmental potential via the upcoming draft.
This, of course, means that plenty of roster movements is set to come up. So, in order not to get lost, here is our handy up-to-date Patriots roster and depth chart.
Patriots updated roster: 76 players
Quarterback (2): Drake Maye (10), Tommy DeVito (16)
Running back (5): Rhamondre Stevenson (38), TreVeyon Henderson (32), Terrell Jennings (26), Lan Larison (34), Elijah Mitchell (30)
Wide receiver (8): Romeo Doubs (87), Kayshon Boutte (9), Mack Hollins (13), Kyle Williams (18), DeMario Douglas (3), Efton Chism III (86), Jeremiah Webb (29), John Jiles (83)
Tight end (5): Hunter Henry (85), Julian Hill (80), Eli Raridon (— | unsigned draft pick), C.J. Dippre (81), Marshall Lang (84)
Offensive tackle (8): Will Campbell (66 | LT), Morgan Moses (76 | RT), Caleb Lomu (— | unsigned draft pick), Dametrious Crownover (— | unsigned draft pick), James Hudson III (68), Marcus Bryant (52), Sebastian Gutierrez (61), Lorenz Metz (72 | international exemption)
Interior offensive line (7): Alijah Vera-Tucker (75 | LG), Jared Wilson (58 | C), Mike Onwenu (71 | RG), Ben Brown (77), Caedan Wallace (70), Andrew Rupcich (67), Mehki Butler (63)
Interior defensive line (7): Milton Williams (97), Christian Barmore (90), Cory Durden (94), Joshua Farmer (92), Leonard Taylor III (93), Eric Gregory (55), Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (98)
Defensive edge (6): Harold Landry III (2), Dre’Mont Jones (5), Gabe Jacas (— | unsigned draft pick), Elijah Ponder (91), Bradyn Swinson (43), Jesse Luketa (42)
Linebacker (6): Robert Spillane (14), Christian Elliss (53), K.J. Britt (35), Chad Muma (49), Otis Reese (54), Amari Gainer (99)
Cornerback (9): Christian Gonzalez (0), Carlton Davis III (7), Marcus Jones (25 | PR), Charles Woods (22), Kindle Vildor (28), Kobee Minor (19), Marcellas Dial Jr. (27), Brandon Crossley (39), Kalen Prunty (— | unsigned draft pick)
Safety (6): Kevin Byard (31), Craig Woodson (4), Dell Pettus (24), Brenden Schooler (41), John Saunders Jr. (23), Mike Brown (33)
Kicker (1): Andy Borregales (36)
Punter (1): Bryce Baringer (17 | H)
Long snapper (2): Julian Ashby (47), Niko Lalos (62)
Patriots free agents: 5 players
Unrestricted free agents (1): OT Thayer Munford Jr.
Restricted free agents (2): OT Yasir Durant, DT Jaquelin Roy
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever opened their 2026 WNBA preseason schedule with a 109-91 win over the New York Liberty on Saturday, April 25, in New York.
Clark, a former Iowa women's basketball star, and the Fever have two more preseason games before opening the regular season on May 9 vs. Dallas.
Here's a look at how Clark fared in Saturday's exhibition:
Caitlin Clark stats vs. New York Liberty in April 25 preseason game
Minutes: 17
Points: 7
Rebounds: 3
Assists: 4
Blocks: 1
Steals: 0
Turnovers: 0
FG shooting: 2-for-10
3-point shooting: 1-for-5
Free throws: 2-for-2
Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever upcoming games
Thursday, April 30: vs. Dallas Wings, 6 p.m. CT, ION and WNBA League Pass
May 2: vs. Nigeria Women's National Team, 6 p.m. CT, WNBA League Pass
The seventh former Oregon Ducks player to be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft is offensive tackle Alex Harkey. The Los Angeles Chargers picked Harkey with the No. 206 pick in the sixth round, putting him in powder blue in front of former Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert.
Harkey, a 6-foot-6, 308-pound anchor for the Ducks, was announced as a guard after playing right tackle in his lone season in Eugene. He transferred to the Ducks from Texas State last offseason and started all but one game on the right side. Although Harkey occasionally struggled with penalties and speed rushers, the Ducks found him useful in outside zone runs and as a lead blocker in space on screen passes.
As a redshirt senior, Harkey earned All-Big Ten honorable mention status with the Ducks. He started all 35 games of his college career at tackle, but many NFL draft experts project the Chargers to move him inside to guard, as he was announced. He joins Emmanuel Pregnon, who was drafted No. 88 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars, as the only Oregon offensive linemen selected this year. Isaiah Worlds, the Ducks' left tackle last season, is still waiting to hear his name called.
Harkey impressed teams with his strength as a run blocker and a key figure on Oregon's offensive line, which was a finalist for the Joe Moore Award. He allowed just two sacks from the right side and helped the Ducks rush for 200 yards or more in seven games last season.
The Chargers have needed help along the offensive line due to injuries and a rough season protecting Herbert in 2025. While Harkey will have to earn his spot on the Chargers' roster, he fits as a depth piece that can move around a bit under coach Jim Harbaugh.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
Reigning college football national champion Indiana is scoring big in the NFL draft.
Six Hoosiers were selected through five rounds, making the 2026 draft one of the program’s most successful.
Riley Nowakowski is part of the reason why. The tight end who played his high school ball at Marquette was the sixth Indiana player selected Saturday, April 25.
USA TODAY gave the selection a B-. CBS Sports liked it a little better, giving it a B.
Where did Riley Nowakowski play in college?
Nowakowski was a key cog for Indiana’s national championship team, but he played his first five seasons at Wisconsin.
Riley Nowakowski highlights
Nowakowski began his career as a walk-on outside linebacker who shifted to fullback before finding a home at tight end. He played two seasons at that position at Wisconsin but blossomed at Indiana. He was a second-team all-Big Ten selection by the media and a third-team choice on the coaches’ team.
Riley Nowakowski’s height, weight
Nowakowski measured at 6-1 ¼ and 250 pounds at the NFL Combine.
Riley Nowakowski’s stats
He caught 32 passes for 387 yards and two touchdowns in 2025. In the national championship game, he caught two passes for 17 yards and ran for a 1-yard touchdown.
How did Riley Nowakowski do at the NFL Combine?
Nowakowski posted times of 4.66 and 1.7 seconds in the 40-yard dash and 10-yard split. He also had a vertical jump of 33.5 inches and a broad jump of 9-11.
🚨 Breaking | Gervasoni also stands down, AIA calls meeting!
Italian football is going through a real earthquake triggered by the Milan Prosecutor’s investigation, which has put Gianluca Rocchi, the CAN refereeing appointor who has suspended himself, under investigation for sports fraud, along with Andrea Gervasoni, VAR supervisor.
Gervasoni suspends himself. The AIA calls a meeting
Andrea Gervasoni, ANSA reports, has suspended himself just like Rocchi, and the AIA, in total chaos, has called an emergency meeting since the body that appoints referees is now without an appointor. The statement is below.
"The AIA is urgently convening a National Committee to decide who will take Gianluca ROCCHI’s place, the Serie A and B refereeing appointor who suspended himself after being investigated by the Milan Prosecutor’s Office for aiding and abetting sports fraud.
In a statement, the Association said that this evening ROCCHI informed the deputy vice-president, Francesco Massini, of his decision, and that Andrea Gervasoni has also suspended himself from his role: he is VAR supervisor for Serie A and B CAN, and he too is under investigation as part of the Milan inquiry. For this reason, the AIA states, "the National Committee will be convened immediately to take the necessary measures."
OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Gwyneth Philips stopped 41 shots as the Ottawa Charge defeated the Toronto Sceptres 3-0 on Saturday to capture the final Professional Women’s Hockey League playoff berth.
Fanuza Kadirova, Sarah Wozniewicz and Alexa Vasko scored for Ottawa, which will make its second playoff appearance.
Raygan Kirk had 28 saves for Toronto.
Ottawa will now wait to find out if it will play either the Boston Fleet or Montreal Victoire in the playoffs.
The Sceptres came into the game needing a regulation win to leapfrog the Charge for the final playoff spot but came up short for the second straight year.
Leading 1-0, Ottawa extended its advantage just 1:03 into the third when Toronto’s Kali Flanagan turned the puck over at her own blue line. That allowed Charge captain Brianne Jenner to find Wozniewicz all alone and beat Kirk off her backhand.
Vasko added an empty-net goal with just over four minutes remaining to seal the victory.
The Charge opened the scoring early in the second.
With a battle in front for the puck Michela Cava made a cross-crease pass to Kadirova, who took the pass off her skate to her stick to beat Kirk to the short side.
The goal changed the momentum of the game. Toronto dominated play early in the contest but the Charge fed off the energy of the goal and had sustained pressure numerous times throughout the period.
Ottawa thought it had opened the scoring near the seven-minute mark when Brooke McQuigge fired a shot that initially looked like a goal. But the review showed the puck hit the crossbar and never crossed the goal line.
Up next
Charge: Playoff game against a yet to be determined opponent.
The Los Angeles Rams' newest wide receiver has quite the highlight-reel play on his resume. Former Miami wideout CJ Daniels made one of the best catches you'll ever see last season against Notre Dame, doing an excellent Odell Beckham Jr. impression just before the end of the first half.
It's a catch you have to see to believe, as Daniels stuck out his right arm while falling to the ground and somehow held on for a touchdown. Not only did it put six points on the board for Miami, but it prevented what would've been a sure interception by the Irish.
Here's a look at the spectacular grab from last August in what was a huge game for the Hurricanes and Irish.
That's probably the closest thing we've ever seen to OBJ's iconic one-handed grab against the Cowboys. Daniels may not have used only three fingers like Beckham, but his catch was every bit as good.
It's an example of the hands he displays at wide receiver, as well as his ability to elevate to make difficult catches.
49ers General Manager John Lynch said before the draft that he's had discussions with teams about a potential trade involving wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and that he believes there's "a chance" that a deal comes together.
The Commanders reportedly hope that's not the case. Lynch said after the season that it was safe to say Aiyuk has played his final snap for the Niners and Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the Commanders have "significant interest" in signing Aiyuk if the 49ers release him.
The 49ers are less likely to do that as long as they think the Commanders might pivot to making an offer and they voided the remaining guarantees on Aiyuk's contract, so there's no particular time pressure for them to make a move at this point in the calendar.
Washington has frequently been mentioned as a possible landing spot for Aiyuk. He and quarterback Jayden Daniels were teammates at Arizona State and the team has space for a complement to Terry McLaurin in their receiving corps. They drafted wideout Antonio Williams in the third round on Friday and also have Treylon Burks, Luke McCaffrey, Dyami Brown, Van Jefferson, and Jaylin Lane at the moment.
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - NOVEMBER 15: Lewis Bond #11 of the Boston College Eagles smiles after a catch against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the game at Alumni Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Houston Texans’ WR room will have a non-Iowa State player in it not named Nico Collins.
In the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Texans took Lewis Bond, a wide receiver from Boston College.
Wait…Boston College, isn’t that where Bill O’Brien is coaching now? So you mean to tell me we drafted a Bill O’Brien-coached player?
That’s just too funny.
Anyway, let’s get to the stats on Bond and a quick recap from Houston sports radio’s own Lance Zierlein.
Overview
Hard-hat possession receiver who has delivered with consistency for three consecutive seasons. Bond shines with natural ball skills highlighted by plus catch focus and sure hands to routinely win contested catch battles. Finding separation as a pro will be a challenge. He’s not shifty enough to beat a pro press and doesn’t have the speed or suddenness to break free from sticky man coverage. He might need pre-snap motion or bunch formations to get rolling. Bond will find his best chance with teams who covet pro-caliber ball skills over separation traits.
Strengths
Team captain with steady catch production in his last three seasons.
Smooth in his transitions on vertical routes.
Consistent to make the tough catch when challenged.
Tracks the ball and makes adjustments like a pro.
Good feel for utilizing space properly against zone coverage.
Uses sudden, strong hands to quickly pluck and tuck.
Weaknesses
Sluggish takeoff could doom him against NFL press corners.
Unable to back cornerbacks off with the threat of his long speed.
Lacks route burst to unstick from sticky man coverage.
Fails to hit a noticeable second gear to run under deep throws.
The New Orleans Saints have made a ton of selections during the 2026 NFL Draft to improve the offensive side of the ball, with Jordyn Tyson are wide receiver, kicking off the draft in Round 1.
But that wasn't all the Saints went with on the offensive side of the ball. They also went out and added tight end Oscar Delp, wide receiver Bryce Lance, and, as the Saints announced, WR Barion Brown.
Brown is a very unique player for the Saints, and a fun selection to bolster the New Orleans offense. But, there's more reason why the LSU star receiver is a good pick; he's a record-breaker in a key statistic that is something they're missing right now.
Saints draft Barion Brown to replace Rashid Shaheed
At the 190th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Saints drafted Brown, the LSU WR and kick returner.
While Lance has elite speed and might take over some of the Shaheed work in the receiving game, Brown might take over Shaheed's role on special teams.
New Orleans got elite production from Shaheed in the return game, and now, they're adding Brown, who, in his collegiate career, returned six kickoffs for touchdowns.
That's an SEC record, and it's a very fun statistic to believe in. He ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash and has great straight-line speed.
The 5-foot-11, 177-pound receiver is not as likely to factor into the receiving game with Tyler Shough as he is likely to be a potential star in the return game.
This past season for LSU, he returned 15 kickoffs for 445 yards and one touchdown. He had one touchdown in 2024 with Kentucky, three kickoff touchdowns in 2023, and one touchdown in his collegiate debut back in 2022.
As a receiver, he caught 53 passes for 532 yards and one touchdown. Brown isn't likely to be a WR for the Saints, but he might be a key returner for the Saints in 2026, as the record-breaker has the traits to be a great returner.
The Seattle Seahawks selected Kansas wide receiver Emmanuel Wilson Jr. with the No. 199 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Henderson projects to be a depth pick at wide receiver, and mainly a special teams starter. However, that doesn't mean he doesn't come with plenty of explosive highlights as a pass catcher.
Here at Seahawks Wire, we once again share with you the highlights of the newest Seattle draft pick:
Despite being the NFL's biggest brand, the Cowboys haven't made much of a dent on the league standings in recent years.
Dallas missed the postseason for the second straight year in 2025, seeing its playoff hopes crumble as injuries, poor performance and a husk-like defense reared their ugly heads.
The Cowboys found some answers at some key positions during head coach Brian Schottenheimer's first season in charge. Dak Prescott re-established himself as one of the league's best passers after an injury-plagued 2024 season, while George Pickens made himself indispensable, tallying more than 1,400 receiving yards.
Still, that defense was dire, taking the ignominious title of football's worst. Reinforcements could be on the way -- the Cowboys hold two first-round selections in the 2026 draft. Only time will tell if they'll stop the rot, however.
The Sporting News is tracking every Cowboys selection in the 2026 NFL draft, from the first round to the seventh. Follow along below as Dallas makes its picks.
Round 4, Pick No. 112: OT Drew Shelton, Penn State
Round 4, Pick No. 114: CB Devin Moore, Florida
Round 5, Pick No. 137: EDGE LT Overton, Alabama
Round 7, Pick No. 218:
Cowboys NFL Draft needs
Defensive back: The Cowboys were football's worst defense in 2025, conceding more points, yards and third down conversions than any other side in the land. Dallas has a lot of holes across its defense. Few loom as large as in the secondary, however -- the Cowboys routinely gave up big plays at untimely moments.
EDGE: Despite posting an above-average pressure rate, Dallas' pass rush proved fairly toothless after trading Micah Parsons, recording just 35 sacks in 2025 -- the joint-seventh-worst mark in football. The Cowboys will seek a remedy for its impotence in the pocket.
Linebacker: Dallas' defense was lackluster in all aspects. Adding a quality reinforcement in the linebacker spot could go a long way in pushing the front seven forward under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
Brighton & Hove Albion record impressive victory against league leaders Manchester City
Brighton & Hove Albion caused an upset as they recorded an impressive 3-2 victory over Barclays Women’s Super League leaders Manchester City at Broadfield Stadium this afternoon.
The hosts took the win thanks to a brace from Madison Haley along with a goal from Kiko Seike.
Early pressure from Manchester City resulted in them going close in the opening minutes through Aoba Fujino. Her shot from the centre of the box went just wide of Chiamaka Nnadozie’s goal.
Kerolin opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a right-footed shot into the top left corner of the Brighton & Hove Albion net.
Khadija Shaw then hit the post as Manchester City looked to extend their early lead while Brighton & Hove Albion’s first shot of the game came when Fran Kirby’s effort was saved by Ayaka Yamashita.
Just before the break, Kerolin’s shot from the centre of the box was saved by Nnadozie.
Brighton & Hove Albion equalised in added time through Haley’s right-footed shot from the centre of the box. She was assisted by Kirby.
Just moments after the break, Seike put the hosts ahead as her shot from a difficult angle found the top corner.
At the other end, Nnadozie made another crucial save to deny Fujino and keep her side ahead.
Brighton & Hove Albion then added a third goal through Haley as her close-range shot beat Yamashita after her first chance was saved.
Towards the end of regular time, Shaw got one back for the visitors as her right-footed shot went past Nnadozie but it was too little, too late as Manchester City’s title hopes suffered a blow.
Brighton & Hove Albion are back in action when they travel to face Manchester United next Saturday while Manchester City host Liverpool the following day.
It's not over: Liverpool won't give up on deal for Marcos Senesi
Last week it was claimed that Tottenham had reached an agreement to sign Marcos Senesi.
The 28-year-old is due to leave Bournemouth this summer when his contract expires - having signed for the Cherries back in 2022.
The Argentina centre-back left Arne Slot’s Feyenoord for Bournemouth - whose technical director at the time was Richard Hughes.
With Hughes and Slot now in tandem at Liverpool the aggressive left-footer has been mooted as a potential transfer target.
The Premier League champions need cover and competition at centre-back - while a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk will be uppermost in the club’s thoughts.
The crisis-torn London club cannot be sure of their Premier League status right now and as such will be leaving recruitment decisions until the end of the season.
“It may be that Senesi is leaning towards Spurs if they stay up, but my understanding is that other clubs like Liverpool remain in the race for his signature,” the report reads.
“The Reds are exploring the centre-backs market as they’re really keen to add depth even if Ibrahima Konate stays and signs a new contract.
“I previously mentioned the likes of Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and Chelsea also being keen on Senesi, but it now seems their interest has cooled. Meanwhile, the player is understood to have rejected offers from Juventus and Borussia Dortmund as they didn’t meet his demands.”
You don't need to spend upwards of $1,500 to build and RTX 5070 system anymore as Skytech has two great prebuilts ready for you. Whether you're rocking a stealthy black setup or a minimal white one, the Shadow 5 and Archangel 5 are both ready to level it up.
Conversa delivers voice-first language practice with AI partners that listen, respond naturally, and adapt to your level. It tracks every word by difficulty, estimates your CEFR proficiency, and gives daily focus words so you know exactly what to practice. Speak naturally with live transcripts and tap any message for instant translation. Choose from engaging characters across nine languages and watch your progress over time without drills or multiple choice.
ITA Airways has announced an expansion of its connections with India and Thailand during the peak of the 2026 summer season, responding to the growing demand for direct connections between Italy and Asia and reaffirming […]
Ryanair will close its Berlin base from 24 October 2026 and cut its Berlin winter schedule by 50%, blaming persistently high operating costs and additional fee increases imposed by Berlin Brandenburg Airport. The airline will […]
Air Canada has taken delivery in Hamburg of its first Airbus A321XLR, a next-generation single-aisle aircraft designed to fly longer routes efficiently and with greater passenger comfort. The arrival of this aircraft marks an important […]
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series has been on discount since it went on sale in early March. And it looks like there’s no stopping the price cuts. Meanwhile, the recently launched Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37 are available with free gifts.
Notably, a couple of Pixel phones, the OnePlus 15R, and a few Xiaomi devices have also received price cuts on Amazon UK.
Samsung’s Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra are all available with £170 off, plus users are eligible to save another £100 at checkout.
Samsung Galaxy S26...
Jon Martín release clause may keep Barcelona and Real Madrid away from the Real Sociedad player.
There is still time before the transfer window opens, but Barcelona and Real Madrid cannot afford to slow down in their search for players. One defender on both clubs’ radar is Jon Martín, whose release clause at Real Sociedad could keep him there for a while.
Martín’s release clause at Real Sociedad is 50 million euros. Despite a strong season with the club that included a Copa del Rey title, that price could put the giants off. He is also far from the end of his contract, as he recently extended it until 2031, so a free transfer is not close.
Both clubs see center back as an area to improve. Real Madrid dealt with plenty of injuries in that position and did not get strong performances there, while Barcelona’s back line was one of the main reasons for their struggles against top teams.
Barcelona have contacted Martín’s agent
Center back could be Barcelona’s top priority in the market, along with a striker. Pau Cubarsí looks set to hold down his spot in the lineup for many years, but his partner is the area Hansi Flick still needs to strengthen.
Cubarsí is just 19 years old (Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The Real Sociedad defender could be a smart investment for the club, considering he is only 20 years old. A potential pairing of Cubarsí and Martín would give Barcelona stability for a long time, so they have already taken the first step.
Sporting director Deco has already made informal contact with Martín’s agent, according to Sport. That suggests Barcelona are trying to find out how much he would cost, with his value around 20 million euros. While he may not be the top priority, he is a player worth watching closely.
Alessandro Bastoni’s name is tempting
Martín could be a strong addition for any club. Barcelona need a center back, but Alessandro Bastoni appears to be their preferred option. His left-footed profile and all the experience he has in Italy make him the most attractive candidate. The biggest challenge may be the 70 million euros Inter could demand for the defender.
With Alexander Sorloth, Leon Goretzka, and Robert Lewandowski all linked in recent reports, the Italian giant appears determined to reshape the squad before next season begins.
Christian Pulisic will be paying close attention to what happens next at Milan, as the club prepares for a crucial summer rebuild. With Alexander Sorloth, Leon Goretzka, and Robert Lewandowski all linked in recent reports, the Italian giant appears determined to reshape the squad before next season begins.
After an uneven campaign, Milan is said to be targeting proven experience and immediate quality. According to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the search for a striker remains central, while midfield reinforcement is also high on the agenda as the club plans for a likely return to European competition.
The report adds that Milan’s leadership wants to hand coach Massimiliano Allegri a more traditional centre-forward, a profile the squad has lacked in recent seasons. Attempts to use other attacking players in central roles have not fully solved the issue, leaving the club eager to act decisively this summer.
Several names have surfaced, but the message is clear: the Rossoneri want a striker who can score consistently and lead the line immediately. Lewandowski and Dusan Vlahovic were mentioned among possible options, though salary demands could complicate either move.
Alexander Sorloth of Atletico Madrid
Lewandowski’s reputation remains enormous, but La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests his financial expectations sit above Milan’s preferred structure. That has encouraged the club to explore alternatives that may offer stronger overall value.
The mystery decision revealed
The most significant development in La Gazzetta dello Sport’s latest reporting is that both Alexander Sorloth and Leon Goretzka have both given their approval to a potential summer move to Milan. While neither deal is complete, the signals are said to be positive.
For Massimiliano Allegri’s side, that would represent a major early statement in the transfer market. Landing two established internationals before pre-season would instantly strengthen both the attack and midfield.
Leon Goretzka of FC Bayern Munich in action during the UEFA Champions League.
Sorloth is reportedly open to requesting a move from Atletico Madrid once the season ends. Goretzka, meanwhile, is said to be interested in the project but intends to wait until the campaign concludes before making a final choice.
Why Sorloth appeals to Milan
The Norwegian striker has become one of the most discussed names on the Serie A giant’s shortlist. He has scored regularly despite not always being a guaranteed starter, which has made him an attractive option for a club seeking efficiency and experience. This season, he has reportedly produced 17 goals in 48 appearances, a strong return considering his rotational role.
As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan believes he could become a regular focal point in Serie A rather than a squad option. What’s more, Atletico Madrid could ask for around $47 million, though the Italian outfit hopes that figure may drop closer to $23-30 million plus bonuses depending on circumstances later in the summer.
Goretzka seen as midfield upgrade
Milan is also believed to be pushing for Leon Goretzka, who would bring experience, leadership, and Champions League pedigree. The German midfielder has long been admired and could arrive as a free transfer if he leaves Bayern Munich. The report states Milan has offered a three-year contract with an option for an additional season.
That structure suggests the club sees him as an important part of the next cycle rather than a short-term gamble. At 31, the German international may still attract other offers, and that is why no final agreement is expected yet. Still, his reported approval gives Milan reason for optimism.
Alexander Sorloth (left), Christian Pulisic (center), and Leon Goretzka (right)
Mohamed Salah has become the focus of fresh concern after Liverpool’s latest victory, with the Egyptian star suffering an injury just 46 days before the 2026 World Cup.
Mohamed Salah has become the focus of fresh concern after Liverpool’s latest victory, with the Egyptian star suffering an injury just 46 days before the 2026 World Cup. Manager Arne Slot now faces an anxious wait, as both Liverpool and Egypt hope the forward avoids a serious setback at a critical stage of the season.
Liverpool defeated Crystal Palace 3-1 at Anfield to strengthen its push for UEFA Champions League qualification, but the result was overshadowed by Salah’s second-half substitution. With only a handful of matches left in his Anfield career, the timing could hardly be worse.
The Reds took an important three points thanks to goals from Alexander Isak, Andy Robertson, and Florian Wirtz. The victory moved the club into the top four and improved its chances of returning to Europe’s elite competition next season.
Yet much of the post-match discussion centered on Salah. The 33-year-old went down near the hour mark, immediately grabbing the back of his left leg before being replaced by Jeremie Frimpong.
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool looks dejected during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match.
Supporters inside Anfield gave him a standing ovation as he walked off, and Salah applauded all sides of the stadium. Given his confirmed summer departure, many instantly feared it may have been an emotional farewell.
What happened to Salah?
Early reports from The Independent indicate Salah may have suffered a hamstring injury in his left leg. He is expected to undergo scans and medical tests to determine the extent of the damage. The moment appeared serious because Salah rarely leaves matches voluntarily.
That fact alone increased concern among Liverpool staff and fans. His body language also drew attention, with several outlets reporting he looked distressed as he made his way to the sideline. For a player known for durability, it was an unusual sight.
Slot did little to calm fears after the final whistle, admitting there is genuine uncertainty around the player’s condition. The Dutch coach stressed that tests are still needed before any timeline can be confirmed. “Another win and another injury. It’s the story of our season,” the Dutch manager said.
“It’s too early to say but we all know Mo and how hard it is for him to leave the pitch. For Mo to leave the pitch, it shows you something but we have to wait and see how bad it is.” Later, he added: “We don’t know, that is the best answer I can give… We simply don’t know but what we do know is that the season in four weeks is over.”
Slot also tried to offer hope by pointing to Salah’s professionalism. “What I do know about Mo is he has taken such good care of his body all these years that he will have the minimum time required to recover from an injury.”
What does the injury mean for Egypt?
The injury concern extends far beyond Liverpool. Egypt is set to return to the World Cup, and Salah remains the national side’s captain, leader, and biggest star. The African nation has already qualified and will open its campaign on June 15 against Belgium in Seattle.
Mohamed Salah of Egypt
Group matches against Iran and New Zealand follow, meaning preparation time is now limited. If the hamstring issue proves significant, Salah could arrive at the tournament lacking rhythm or even facing a race to be fit. That would be a major blow for a team built around his influence.
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool reacts with Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, after being substituted off
Inter Miami receive New England Revolution in a 2026 MLS regular season matchup. Check here for full game details, including date, location, and how to watch this clash live in the USA.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Inter Miami vs New England Revolution on US television and via legal streaming:
With the Eastern Conference race tightening by the week, New England Revolution have a prime opportunity to shake up the standings as they prepare to square off against Inter Miami, a side coming in with momentum but very little room for mistakes.
Miami, led by Lionel Messi, are riding high after grinding out a tough win over Real Salt Lake, a result that kept them within one point of Nashville SC at the top despite having played an extra match. Sitting third in the East, New England can both close the gap and slow down a direct rival with a statement performance.
Details on how to watch
Apple TV is the home for Major League Soccer – where you can watch Inter Miami vs New England Revolution and every MLS game. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple TV, smartphone, tablet, Roku, and other smart streaming devices.
Apple TV will stream every MLS game – including MLS Cup Playoffs and Leagues Cup – with no blackouts.
Apple TV is available via the Apple TV app on all Apple iOS devices, Mac, PC, Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick, Android TV, Google TV, LG smart TVs, Panasonic smart TVs, Playstation 4 & 5, Roku streaming devices and smart TVs, Samsung smart TVs, Sony smart TVs, Vizio smart TVs, and Xbox One, One S, Series X and Series S. In addition, you can AirPlay or cast from your phone or computer to any compatible screen.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
TFF 1. Lige misafir olup ait olduğu Süper Lige dönmenin planlarını yapan Bursaspor, "yaratıcı on numara" boşluğunu SC Verl forması giyen Berkan Taz ile doldurmak için harekete geçti. Bundesliga III'te 34 maçta 16 gol ve 17 asistle harikalar yaratan 27 yaşındaki Berkan'ı Bursaspor yönetimi efsane oyuncuları Pablo Batalla'ya benzetiyor.
TFF 1. Ligin yeni takımı Bursaspor yönetimi kendisini burada "misafir" olarak görüyor. Yeşil Timsahların ana hedefi önce Süper Lige çıkmak, sonra kalıcı olmak. Sonunda da yeniden şampiyonluğa oynayacak bir "dev" haline gelmek. İşte bu kapsamda Bursaspor yönetimi ilk etapta 1. Lig'de şampiyonluğa oynayacak takım kurmak için kolları sıvadı.
34 MAÇTA 16 GOL 17 ASİST
Teklif yapılan ve prensip anlaşmasına varılan ilk isim Bundesliga III'te forma giyen 27 yaşındaki Türk asıllı 10 numara Berkan Taz oldu. 34 maçta 16 gol ve 17 asistle oynayan Berkan Taz, serbest vuruşlar ve kornerlerde oldukça etkili bir isim. Dar alanda top kontrolü yüksek. Adam eksiltme becerisine sahip. Üçüncü bölgede kilit pas denemeyi seven, arkadaşlarına pozisyon hazırlayan bir yapıda. Sadece hazırlayıcı değil, ceza sahası dışından attığı şutlarla skor yüküne de katkı sağlıyor.
İÇ FORVET OLARAK OYNAYABİLİR
Bursaspor’un Batalla ekolünden gelen geleneksel "yaratıcı on numara" boşluğunu doldurması düşünülen Berkan Taz, topu ayağına aldığında tribünleri ayağa kaldıracak teknik beceriye sahip.
Sadece merkezde değil, sol kanatta "iç forvet" gibi oynayarak Bursaspor'un hücum hattını çeşitlendirebilecek bir isim. Özellikle ters kanattan yapılan ortalarda arka direkte bitirici vuruşlarıyla 1. Lig'de şampiyonluk için çok büyük işler başarabilir.
Mertens sonrası 10 numara eksiğini gideremeyen Galatasaray'da teknik direktör Okan Buruk aradığı cevheri Rusya'da bulmuş olabilir. Yaser Asprilla ile devam edilmeyeceğinin netleştiği ortamda sarı-kırmızılılar Lokomotif Moskova formasıyla 13 gol ve 9 asistle harika bir sezon geçiren Rus futbolunun yeni cevheri Aleksey Batrakov için operasyon başlattı.
Galatasaraybir kaç sezon önce Arsen Zakharyan'ı kadrosuna katmak için uğraştı ancak Ermeni asıllı oyuncunun transferi gerçekleşmedi. O dönemde Zakharyan'a sarı-kırmızılı formayı giydirmek için uzun süre çalışan menajer Vadim Shpinev yeniden ortaya çıktı. Bu kez çok daha güçlü bir hamle yaptı. Türkiye'de beraber çalıştığı Fazıl Özdemir'le beraber Galatasaray'ın antrenörlerinden birisi ve scout ekibinden bir ismi Moskova'da ağırladı. Lokomotif Moskova'nın 10 numarası Aleksey Batrakov'u izlettirdi.
13 GOL VE 9 ASİST YAPAN BİR MAKİNE
Aslında Shpinev'in çok da aktif olarak çalışmasına gerek yok. Çünkü 20 yaşındaki Rus oyuncu 13 gol atan ve 9 da asist yapan ciddi anlamda potansiyeli olan bir 10 numara. Mertens'in ayrılmasından sonra Yaser Asprilla'nın boşluğu dolduramadığı ortamda Okan Buruk'un aradığı orta sahada oyun aklı olacak ideal bir isim olarak öne çıkıyor.
MERTENS'E BENZER ÖZELLİKLERİ VAR
Batrakov, fiziksel olarak Mertens kadar sert değil belki ama Belçikalıyı andıracak çevikliğe sahip. Mertens gibi rakip savunma hatları arasında "hayalet" gibi süzülebiliyor. Savunma katkısı olarak modern futbolun gerektirdiği pres disiplinine sahip.
Mertens'in Napoli'deki ilk dönemlerini andıran açlığa sahip. Mertens'in 30'lu yaşlarda kazandığı "oyunu okuma" yetisine Batrakov daha 19 yaşında sahip gibi duruyor.
Fenerbahçe taraftarı 12 milyon Euro maaş almasına rağmen koca sezonda bir maç bile kurtaramayan Ederson'un yerine artık "maç alan" bir kalecinin transfer edilmesini istiyor. Başkan Sadettin Saran'ın talimatıyla harekete geçen Devin Özek'in listesine eklediği ve ön görüşmeleri yaptığı isim PSG'den Lucas Chevalier oldu.
Çok büyük bir sürpriz olmazsa Fenerbahçe,Ederson'la yollarını ayıracak. Akıllardaki ilk isim Berke Özer. Beşiktaş'ın ilgisi, daha önceki denenmişliği ve başarısızlığı göz önüne alındığında milli kaleciye bir mesafede söz konusu. Tüm bu şartlar altında Sadettin Saran, Devin Özek'ten kaleye daha makul bir takviye istedi.
DONNARRUMA'NIN YEDEĞİNİ KESEMEDİ
Özek'in takip aldığına aldığı isimlerin başında Okan Buruk'un sezon başında Uğurcan Çakır'dan da önce Galatasaray'ın kalesinde görmek istediği Lucas Chevalier'in olduğu öğrenildi. 24 yaşındaki Fransız kaleci Donnarruma'nın ayrılması sürecinde 40 milyon Euro bonservis bedeli karşılığında Lille'den alınmıştı.
LILLE YERİNE BERKE ÖZER'İ ALDI
Lille, Chevalier'in yerine Berke Özer'i transfer etti. Chevalier ise yıllarca Donnarruma'nın arkasında yedek bekleyen Safanov'un arkasında kalarak yedek kulübesine hapsoldu.
Devin Özek, Başkan Saran'dan aldığı yetkiyi Fenerbahçe adına avantaja çevirmek adına Chevalier için hem PSG hem de oyuncunun menajeri ile temaslar kurmaya başladı.
EDERSON'DAN DAHA İYİ ÖZELLİKLERİ VAR
Fransız kalecinin en güçlü yanı saf kalecilik yetenekleri. Olağanüstü refleksleri ve bire bir pozisyonlardaki hızıyla fark yaratan bir isim. Genç yaşına rağmen kritik anlarda yaptığı kurtarışlar kendisine PSG yolunu açtı. Geleneksel "kurtarıcı" özellikleri Ederson'a göre daha ön planda.
Ederson'dan daha çevik. Yan toplarda ve hava hakimiyetinde gelişmeye açık ancak çizgi üzerindeki esnekliği Fenerbahçe taraftarının ihtiyacı olan "maç kurtaran kaleci" tanımına uyuyor.
Ocak ayında yasaklı madde kullanmaktan tutuklanan Ümit Karan, "etkin pişmanlık" yasasından yararlanmak için sosyal çevresinde yasaklı madde kullanan veya temin eden isimleri açıkladığı iddia edildi. Karan'ın itiraflarının ardından aralarında aktif futbolcuların da yer aldığı yeni bir operasyonun başlatılacağına dair güçlü iddialar ortaya atıldı.
Türkiye gündemini sallayan aralarında magazin ünlülerinin de bulunduğu geniş kapsamlı yasaklı madde soruşturması kısa süre içinde futbola da sıçrayacak gibi duruyor. Ocak ayında tutuklanan eski futbolcu Ümit Karan’ın savcılığa yaptığı iddia edilen itirafların Türk futbolu için bahis sürecinden sonra yeni bir hukuki krize neden olacağı konuşuluyor.
ÜMİT KARAN OYUNU DEĞİŞTİRDİ
İddialara göre Ümit Karan, TCK'nin "etkin pişmanlık" hükümlerinden faydalanabilmek için savcılığa başvurdu. İtiraflarda bulundu. Bu itiraflar emniyet birimleri tarafından değerlendiriliyor.
Bazı hukukçular Karan'ın itiraflarının aktif futbolcuları da kapsayacak "zincirleme bir operasyon" başlatabileceğini savunuyor. Karan’ın, sosyal çevresinde yasaklı madde kullanan veya temin eden isimleri açıkladığı iddia edilen ifadesi futbol çevresinde büyük paniğe yol açacak gibi duruyor.
SOMUT VERİLER TELEFONLARDA
Gelen haberlere göre Emniyetin elindeki somut veriler, tutuklanan tedarikçilerin ve aracıların cep telefonlarında yapılan incelemelerden elde edildi. Bazı aktif futbolcuların da bu yasaklı maddelerin teminiyle suçlanan isimlerle ortak iletişim gruplarında yer aldığı iddiası ise çok ciddi.
Bebek ve Nişantaşı'nda futbolcuların sıkça gittiği bazı mekanlara yapılan baskınlar, soruşturmanın fiziksel takibinin devamının da göstergesi.
HENÜZ BİR GÖZALTI KARARI YOK
Şu an için resmi bir gözaltı yok... ancak birçok takımda şu an için "iç soruşturma" yapıldığına dair iddialar geliyor. İddialara göre savcılığın takip listesinde ciddi sayıda aktif futbolcu var. Bu isimlerin İstanbul’daki "riskli" çevrelerle temas kurdukları yönünde bilgilerin emniyet güçleri tarafından değerlendirildiği de iddialar arasında.
Menajerler Ali Barat ve Diomansy Kamara'yı İstanbul'da konuk eden sarı-lacivertli başkan Sadettin Saran, Bayern'den ayrılıp Chelsea'ye dönmeye hazırlanan Nicolas Jackson için operasyonu avuçlarının içine aldı. İngiltere, İspanya ve İtalya'dan da bazı kulüplerin istediği 24 yaşındaki Senegalli golcü için Saran ve Fenerbahçe'nin nasıl bir yol izleyeceği ilerleyen dönemde netleşecek.
Sezon başında AC Milan'ın elinden kapıp Archie Brown'u Fenerbahçe'ye getiren Ali Barat ortaya çıktı. Bir kaç gün önce İstanbul'a gelen ve Başkan Sadettin Saran'la görüşen Barat'ın, İngiliz oyuncuyu Premier Lige götürmek için Başkan Saran'dan fiyat bilgisi aldığı iddia edildi. Ancak Eskişehirspor'un eski yıldızı ve ortağı menajer Diomansy Kamara ile İstanbul'a gelen Barat'ın Başkan Saran'la Nicolas Jackson için de bir görüşme yaptığı iddia edildi.
ALİ BARAT İYİ PARA KAZANABİLİR
Sky Sport Almanya'ya göre Bayern'in hocası Vincent Kompany'nin profesyonelliğine duyduğu saygıya rağmen satın alma opsiyonunu kullanmamaya karar verdiği Jackson, Chelsea'ye dönmeye hazırlanıyor. Ancak İngiliz devi de Senegalli golcüyü geri istemiyor. Yine Sky Sport'a göre İngiltere, İspanya ve İtalya'daki birçok kulüp Jackson'u istiyor. Barat ise bu takımların hepsinden daha fazla Fenerbahçe'den yüksek danışmanlık ücreti koparabileceği için Fenerbahçe'ye transferi için Saran'ı iknaya çalışıyor.
BAYERN'DE AZ ZAMANDA İYİ İŞ ÇIKARDI
Nicolas Jackson, sadece klasik bir pivot santrfor değil... hızı ve kanatlara deplase olabilme yeteneğiyle Tedesco'nun istediği "akışkan hücum" hattına cuk diye oturacak isim.
Bayern Münih’teki kiralık döneminde Şampiyonlar Ligi’nde az sürede (302 dakika) 3 gol ve 2 asistlik katkı vermesi yüksek seviyede skor verebileceğinin en iyi kanıtı.
Premier Lig tecrübesiyle fizik gücü yüksek Jackson, Süper Lig’in sertliğine adapte olabilir.
Bu akşam Süper Lig'de dananın kuyruğu tamamen kopabilir. Galatasaray ve Fenerbahçe arasında oynanacak derbide hakem krizi ise git gide büyüyor. Son olarak sarı-kırmızılıların yaptığı iddia edilen hamle ortamı iyice gerdi. Bu iddiaya göre; Yasin Kol'un derbiyi yönetme kabiliyeti olmadığına inanan Galatasaray cephesi, UEFA'nın kapısını çaldı. Derbinin hakeminin gözetlenmesi için UEFA'nın görevlendireceği bir gözlemci talep etti. UEFA, TFF'ye bir yazı yazdı. İstenmesi durumunda Galatasaray'ın talebine olumlu cevap verebileceklerini iletti. Ancak TFF; UEFA'ya olumsuz cevar verdi. Yabancı gözlemcisi veto etti. İşte ortamı geren o iddialar...
Süper Lig’de şampiyonluk düğümünün çözecek Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derbisi öncesi Yasin Kol krizi pik yaptı. Yasin Kol atamasından sonra Galatasaray apar topar, TFF ile iletişimini askıya aldı. Bununla da yetinmedi. İddialara göre Yasin Kol’un derbi performansını ölçmek için UEFA'ya özel bir "denetleyici" görevlendirmesi için "acil" olarak talepte bulundu.
OLUMSUZ YANIT VERİLDİ
Sarı-kırmızılı yönetimin baskısı üzerine UEFA, TFF ile iletişime geçti. Yapılan görüşmeler neticesinde, derbiye yerel gözlemcilerin yanı sıra istenmesi durumunda kendilerinin belirlediği tecrübeli bir yabancı gözlemcinin de atanabileceği iletildi. Gelen bilgilere göre ise TFF, Galatasaray'ın talebi ve UEFA'nın tavsiyesine rağmen yabancı gözlemci kararına olumlu yanıt vermedi.
UEFA İLE PAYLAŞILACAKTI
Eğer TFF yabancı gözlemci talebini kabul etmiş olsaydı, bu gözlemcinin hazırlayacağı rapor yalnızca TFF'ye bağlı MHK ile paylaşılmayacak; aynı zamanda UEFA Hakem Konvansiyonu standartları gereği merkez sistemine de işlenecekti. Bu durum, derbideki hakem yönetiminin ve TFF'nin atama kriterlerini de doğrudan etkileyeceği anlamına geliyordu.
TFF NEDEN KABUL ETMEDİ?
Galatasaray'ın talebiyle UEFA'dan bir denetçinin gelmesi, TFF tarafından kendi ligini yönetme kabiliyetinin sorgulanması olarak yorumlandı. TFF'nin talebe olumsuz yanıt verirken,"hakemimi kendim denetlerim" mesajı vererek kurumsal otoritesini korumaya çalıştığı iddia edildi.
Eğer bugün Galatasaray’ın talebiyle yabancı gözlemci gelirse, yarın diğer kulüplerin de benzer taleplerle TFF’nin kapısını çalmasından çekinildiği de belirtildi.
MHK'nin derbiye Galatasaray'ın tüm isyanına rağmen Yasin Kol'u atamasının krizi devam ederken sürpriz bir atama ile derbi günü ortalığın karışacağı iddia edildi. İddialara göre Fenerbahçe lehine "hissiyat" penaltısı veren ve Trabzon'da Barış Alper'i attırmak isteyen Erkan Engin'in derbide VAR'da oturacağı konuşulmaya başlandı.
Galatasaray cephesi derbi gündemini Perşembe'den beri Yasin Kol üzerinden yürütüyor. Trabzon bölgesi hakemi sayesinde sarı-kırmızılıların sahasında Gençlerbirliği'ne 2-0 yenilerek Türkiye Kupası'na çeyrek finalde veda etmesi bile unutuldu. Galatasaray cephesi o maç sanki hiç yaşanmamış gibi davranırken Yasin Kol üzerinden yürütülen propagandanın bugün sabah saatlerde açıklanması beklenen VAR ve AVAR hakemlerinden sonra yeni bir krize neden olacağı konuşuluyor.
EĞER BU ATAMA DA GERÇEKLEŞİRSE
Çünkü bazı Galatasaraylı sosyal medya hesapları uzun süredir Yasin Kol'un derbide görev almaması için uğraşıyordu. Aynı hesaplar bir kaç gündür VAR koltuğunda da Erkan Engin'e görev verilmemesi için adeta savaş veriyor. Ancak gelen bilgilere göre derbinin VAR hakemi olarak Erkan Engin ismi ön plana çıkmış durumda. Eğer iddia edildiği gibi bu atama gerçekleşirse Galatasaray camiası çıldırabilir.
FENERBAHÇE PENALTISI UNUTULMADI
Erkan Engin'in Galatasaray'dan tepki almasının çıkış noktası 2024'deki hakem eğitim toplantısında Fenerbahçe lehine verdiği penaltı için "O anki hissiyatım öyleydi" sözleri. Ayrıca Engin, Galatasaray'ın bir kaç hafta önce kaybettiği Trabzonspor maçında ortaya çıktı. Barış Alper'e Cihan Aydın sarı kart vermişken "kırmızı kart" göstermesini istedi. Aydın kararında kaldı.
Avrupa Ampute Futbol Federasyonu (EAFF) tarafından ilk kez düzenlenen ve Ankara'nın ev sahipliği yaptığı Ampute Futbol Avrupa Ligi'nin şampiyonu, finalde Polonya temsilcisi Slask Wroclaw'ı 2-1 yenen Başkent Ampute Futbol Gücü oldu.
Ampute Futbol Avrupa Ligi'nin finalinde Başkent Ampute Futbol Gücü ile Slask Wroclaw, Etimesgut Belediyesi Atatürk Stadı'nda karşılaştı.
Başkent Ampute Futbol Gücü, finalin 4. dakikasında Ömer Güleryüz'le 1-0 öne geçti. Slask Wroclaw, bu golden sadece bir dakika sonra Lukasz Mazurowski ile skora dengeyi getirdi: 1-1.
Maçın 19. dakikasında bir kez daha fileleri havalandıran Ömer Güleryüz, karşılaşmanın skorunu belirledi: 2-1.
Müsabakayı 2-1 kazanan Başkent Ampute Futbol Gücü, Ampute Futbol Avrupa Ligi'nde şampiyonluğa ulaştı.
Hakemin bitiş düdüğünün ardından başkent ekibinin futbolcuları büyük sevinç yaşadı, taraftarlar da bu sevince ortak oldu.
Şampiyon, törenle kupasına kavuştu
Başkent Ampute Futbol Gücü, maçın ardından düzenlenen törenle şampiyonluk kupasına kavuştu.
Başkent Ampute Futbol Gücü Teknik Direktörü Rahmi Özcan, maçın ardından AA muhabirine yaptığı açıklamada, "Çok mutluyuz. Önemli olan ilk defa düzenlenen organizasyona ev sahipliği yapıp kupanın ülkemizde kalmasını sağlamaktı. Müthiş bir mücadele oldu, daha iyi oynayan taraf bizdik. Destek veren herkese teşekkür ediyorum. Başkent Ampute Futbol Gücü olarak Şampiyonlar Ligi ve Avrupa Ligi Kupası'na sahip olan tek takımız. Kupaları almaya, ülkemizi ve şehrimizi gururlandırmaya devam edeceğiz. Bu sezon aldığımız üçüncü kupa, nasip inşallah Türkiye Kupası ve Süper Kupa'ya da diyelim." değerlendirmesinde bulundu.
Finalde takımının gollerini kaydeden Ömer Güleryüz ise "Mutluyuz, zorlu bir karşılaşma oldu. Biraz zorlu geçeceğini biliyorduk ama dünyanın en iyi oyuncularından oluşan bir takım var bence, o da Başkent Ampute Futbol Gücü. Herkese güzel bir hatırlatma olduğunu sanıyorum. Karşımızda Dünya Kupası'nın favori ülkelerinden Fas'ın 4-5 oyuncusunun olduğu bir takım vardı. Hem Türkiye'ye hem de dünyaya güzel bir mesaj verdik. Kupalara alışığız ama kupa almaya da doyamıyoruz, inşallah böyle devam edeceğiz." şeklinde konuştu.
Çaykur Rizespor Teknik Direktörü Recep Uçar da Kayserispor'un telafisi olmayan bir durumun içinde bulunması ve stattaki taraftar ambiyansının maçın zorluk derecesini arttırdığını ifade etti.
Müsabakada kendileri açısından 2 kırılma anının olduğuna değinen Uçar, bunların deplasmandan puan almadan dönmelerine sebep olduğunu dile getirdi.
Ligde geride kalan 3 maça odaklandıklarını belirten Uçar, şunları aktardı:
"Çaykur Rizespor olarak artık 3 maçımız var. Soyunma odasında da oyuncularıma söyledim, aynı kararlılıkla devam ederek önümüzdeki 3 maçtan maksimum puanı alıp yolumuza devam etmeye çalışacağız. Genel olarak özellikle final noktasında kendi standartlarımızın altında kaldık. Kayserispor'un da bundan önceki birçok maçını analiz ettim. Kayserispor birçok dış faktörün de etkisiyle hem mücadele hem de oyun anlamında son maçlardaki standartlarının çok üstüne çıktı. Oyuncu değişikliklerinden maksimum verim aldılar. Maçtan puan alamadan dönmemizin bence ana sebepleri bunlardı. Alacağımız dersleri alacağız. Dediğimiz gibi hedefimizde bir değişiklik yok. İnşallah kalan maçlarda en çok puanı alıp ligi arzuladığımız yerde, ilk 8'de bitirmek istiyoruz."
Kayserispor tarafından bugün güzel karşılandığını ifade eden Uçar, hem oyuncularına hem de sarı-kırmızılı ekibe başarı temennisinde bulundu.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasında konuk ettiği Çaykur Rizespor'u 2-0 yenen Zecorner Kayserispor'da teknik direktör Erling Moe, "Önümüzdeki hafta çok çok önemli bir maç oynayacağız. Aynı şekilde devam edeceğimize inanıyorum." dedi.
Moe, RHG Enertürk Enerji Stadı'nda yapılan karşılaşmanın ardından düzenlenen basın toplantısında, zor bir durumda iyi bir maç oynadıklarını söyledi.
Takımın zor bir durumda olduğunu ve kendilerini baskı altında hissettiklerini belirten Moe, kaliteli ve öz güvenli bir oyun ortaya koyduklarını ifade etti.
Oyuncularının müsabakada ciddi bir karakter gösterdiğini dile getiren Moe, şunları kaydetti:
"Özellikle ilk yarı oyunun içinde kaldıktan sonra ikinci yarı kazanabileceğimize olan inancımız daha da arttı. Oyuna sonradan giren oyuncular, ciddi bir karakter gösterdi, performans ortaya koydu. Bundan dolayı çok mutluyum. Benim için bu karşılaşma, takımın karakter gösterme konusunda kanıt niteliğinde bir maç oldu. İki ay sonra gösterdiğimiz bu gelişimden çok memnunum. Önümüzdeki hafta çok çok önemli bir maç oynayacağız. Aynı şekilde devam edeceğimize inanıyorum."
Geldiğinden beri takıma iyi futbol oynamayı aşılamaya çalıştığını vurgulayan Moe, "Kasımpaşa maçındaki gibi topu uzun oynayıp peşinde koşmak, bu takımın karakterinde ve oyuncu yapısında olan bir şey değil. Biz oynamak istiyoruz, oyun içinde kalmak istiyoruz. Bunu yaptığımız sürece bu takımın başarılı olabileceğini inanıyoruz ve bu yapıyı inşa etmeye çalışıyoruz. Bugün bunu yaparak kazanmamız bizi daha da mutlu etti." diye konuştu.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasında yarın Galatasaray'a konuk olacak Fenerbahçe, hazırlıklarını tamamladı.
Sarı-lacivertli kulüpten yapılan açıklamaya göre Fenerbahçe Can Bartu Tesisleri'nde teknik direktör Domenico Tedesco yönetiminde gerçekleştirilen antrenman; ısınma, çabukluk ve koordinasyon hareketleriyle başladı.
Pas çalışmalarıyla devam eden idman, taktiksel ve bireysel organizasyonlarla noktalandı.
Fenerbahçe Kulübü Başkanı Sadettin Saran ile yönetim kurulu üyeleri, antrenmandan önce futbolcularla bir araya geldi. Başkan Saran ve yöneticiler, idmanın bir bölümünü de takip etti.
RAMS Park'ta oynanacak Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derbisi, yarın saat 20.00'de başlayacak.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasında yarın sahasında ezeli rakibi Fenerbahçe'yi konuk edecek olan Galatasaray, bu dev mücadelenin hazırlıklarını bugün yaptığı antrenmanla noktaladı. Florya Metin Oktay Tesisleri'nde gerçekleştirilen idmanda, oyuncuların moral ve motivasyonunun yüksek olduğu gözlendi.
Sarı-kırmızılı kulüpten yapılan açıklamaya göre Kemerburgaz Metin Oktay Tesisleri'nde teknik direktör Okan Buruk yönetiminde gerçekleştirilen antrenman, dinamik ısınmayla başladı.
İki grup halinde 8'e 2 pas çalışmasıyla devam eden idman, taktik organizasyonlarla sona erdi.
RAMS Park'ta oynanacak Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe maçı, saat 20.00'de başlayacak.
Almanya Bundesliga'nın 31. haftasında Mainz'a konuk olan ve devre arasına 3-0 geride giren Bayern Münih, mücadeleyi 4-3 kazandı.
Almanya Bundesliga'nın 31. haftasında Bayern Münih, deplasmanda Mainz ile karşı karşıya geldi. Geçtiğimiz hafta şampiyonluğunu ilan eden Münih temsilcisi, devre arasına 3-0 geride girdiği maçı 4-3 kazandı. Bayern Münih'te galibiyeti getiren golleri Nicolas Jackson, Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala ve Harry Kane kaydetti.
La Liga'nın 33. haftasında Barcelona, deplasmanda Getafe'yi 2-0 mağlup ederek 3 puanı hanesine yazdırdı.
İspanya La Liga'nın 33. haftasında Barcelona, deplasmanda Getafe'ye konuk oldu. Katalan ekibi, rakibini 2-0 mağlup ederek 3 puanın sahibi oldu.
Barcelona'ya galibiyeti getiren golleri 45+1. dakikada Fermin Lopez ve 74. dakikada Marcus Rashford kaydetti.
Katalan ekibi bu sonuçla puanını 74'e yükselterek bitime 5 hafta kala en yakın takipçisi Real Madrid ile olan puan farkını 11'e yükseltti. Bu sezonki 15. yenilgisini alan Getafe ise 44 puanda kaldı.
Trendyol Süper Lig'de haftanın dikkati çeken maçlarından birinde Göztepe ile Antalyaspor, İzmir'de karşılaştı. Göztepe, karşılaşmayı ilk yarıda bulduğu gollerle 2-0 kazanmayı başardı.
Trendyol Süper Lig'de 31. hafta maçlarının heyecanı sürüyor. Ligde haftanın dikkati çeken maçlarından birinde Göztepe ile Hesap.com Antalyaspor, İzmir'de ISONEM Park Gürsel Aksel Stadı'nda karşı karşıya geldi. Mücadeleyi en sahibi Göztepe 2-0 kazandı.
MAÇTAN DAKİKALAR
1. dakikada Göztepe öne geçti. Antunes'in sağ kanattan getirip ceza sahası içerisine çevirdiği topla buluşan Juan'ın şutu, kaleci Julian'dan döndü. Juan, kaleciden dönen meşin yuvarlağı bu kez filelerle buluşturdu. 1-0
22. dakikada Göztepe farkı 2'ye çıkardı. Arda Okan Kurtulan'ın sağ kanattan yaptığı ortada Antunes'in röveşata vuruşunda top altıpas içerisinde yükseklik kazandı. Defans oyuncularından seken topu önünde bulan Arda Okan Kurtulan, meşin yuvarlağı filelere gönderdi. 2-0
36. dakikadaki Antalyaspor gole yaklaştı. Sağ kanatta Doğukan Sinik, topu ceza sahası önündeki Storm'a aktardı. Defansın araya girmesinin ardından meşin yuvarlağı önünde bulan Van de Streek'in yerden şutunda kaleci Lis, topu kontrol etti.
Karşılaşmanın ilk yarısı Göztepe'nin 2-0 üstünlüğüyle sona erdi.
47. dakikada Göztepe gole yaklaştı. Sağ kanattan topla ceza sahasına giren Arda Okan Kurtulan'ın şutu, defans oyuncularına çarpıp kornere çıktı.
55. dakikada Antalyaspor gole yaklaştı. Safuri'nin ceza sahası önünde buluşup defans oyuncularına çalımladıktan sonra uzak köşeye gönderdiği meşin yuvarlak, direğin yanından auta çıktı.
67. dakikada Göztepe atağında, Antunes'in sağ kanattan kullandığı serbest vuruşta defanstan seken topu önünde bulan Juan'ın şutun meşin yuvarlak üstten dışarı çıktı.
77. dakikada Antalyaspor gole yaklaştı. Doğukan Sinik'in ceza sahası sol çizgisinden ortasında altıpas üzerinde topla buluşan Abdülkadir Ömür'ün kafa vuruşunda meşin yuvarlak, direğin yanından dışarı çıktı.
80. dakikada Göztepe gole yaklaştı. Antunes'in ara pasında ceza sahası içerisinde topla buluşan Janderson'un şutunu kaleci Julian, kornere çeldi.
86. dakikada Antalyaspor bir kez daha gole yaklaştı. Boli'nin sol kanattan çevirdiği topla altıpas üzerinde buluşan Bünyamin Balcı'nın şutunu kaleci Lis, güçlükle çeldi.
İngiltere Ulusal Ligi'nde York City, son hafta maçında Rochdale karşısında 90+13'te bulduğu golle 1-1 beraberliği sağladı ve şampiyon olarak bir üst lige çıkma başarısı gösterdi.
İngiltere Ulusal Ligi'ndeki son hafta maçında lider York, ikinci sıradaki Rochdale karşısında uzatmaların 13. dakikasında 1-1'lik beraberliği yakalayarak Lig 2'ye çıktı.
York, bu sonuçla Ulusal Ligi lider bitirerek İngiltere'de 4. seviye futbol ligi olan Lig 2'ye yükseldi. Şampiyon takımın futbolcuları ve taraftarları maçın ardından büyük sevinç yaşadı.
Ulusal Lig'in en iyi iki takımı, son hafta maçında karşılaşırken maç öncesinde lider York'un 107, ikinci sıradaki Rochdale'in ise 105 puanı vardı. York'un üst lige çıkabilmesi için maçı kaybetmemesi gerekiyordu.
Rochdale, 90+5'te Dieseruvwe'nin golüyle 1-0 öne geçti. York ise 90+13'te Stones'un golüyle beraberliği yakaladı. Maç 1-1 tamamlanınca York, bir üst lige adını yazdırdı.
Sezonu 2. sırada tamamlayan Rochdale ise Lig 2'ye yükselmek için play-off turunda mücadele edecek.
Muğla'nın Marmaris ilçesinde 17'ncisi düzenlenen Marmaris MIYC Kış Trofesi Yat Yarışları'nda 6. ayak mücadelesi başladı.
Marmaris Uluslararası Yat Spor Kulübünün (MIYC) düzenlediği kış trofesinin 6. ayak yarışlarına, Türkiye'nin yanı sıra Almanya, Azerbaycan, Belarus, Estonya, Fransa, İspanya, İsviçre, Letonya, Moldova, Romanya, Rusya ve Ukrayna'dan 46 yelkenli yat ile yaklaşık 400 sporcu katıldı.
Yelkenciler, başhakem Ezgi Kalaycı'nın bilgilendirmesiyle hazırlıklarını tamamladı.
Bağlı bulundukları Netsel Marina'dan ayrılan yatlar, ilk yarışa başlamadan önce bir süre antrenman turu attı.
Kalaycı'nın rüzgarın yönü ve şiddetine göre uygun parkur belirlemesinin ardından ORC-A, ORC-B, ORC-C, ORC-D, ORC-E, ORC-F ve ORC-G sınıflarında koy içinden start alan yatlar, rüzgar yardımıyla rakiplerini geçerek finişe ulaşmaya çalıştı.
Organizasyonun ilk gününde tek yarış gerçekleştirildi.
MIYC Başkanı Bülent Çelik, kış trofesinin altıncı ayak yarışlarına 46 yelkenli ve yaklaşık 400 yelkenciyle başladıklarını kaydetti.
Trofenin son ayağı, yarın koy içi ve koy dışında gerçekleştirilecek yarışla tamamlanacak.
Antalya'da bir haftadır devam eden Hülya Avşar Cup tenis turnuvası sona erdi.
20- 25 Nisan tarihlerinde Antalya Megasaray Club Belek'te düzenlenen turnuvaya masters kategorisinde 300'ün üzerinde sporcu katıldı.
Farklı yaş kategorilerinden sporcuların mücadele ettiği turnuvada, hafta boyunca oynanan karşılaşmaların ardından dereceye giren sporculara ödülleri takdim edildi.
Turnuvanın ödül töreninde konuşan Şahinler Holding Yönetim Kurulu Başkanı Kemal Şahin, "Megasaray Tenis Akademi olarak vizyonumuz, Türk tenisinin gelişmesi, yaygınlaşması, yetenekli oyuncular keşfetmek ve yetiştirmek. Bu turnuvaya 27 farklı yaş kategorisinde 300'ün üzerinde tenisçi katıldı. Mücadele eden herkesi kutluyorum." dedi.
Turnuvaya adını veren sanatçı Hülya Avşar ise şunları söyledi:
"2001 yılından bu yana düzenlediğimiz Hülya Avşar Cup yalnızca bir spor etkinliği olmanın ötesinde, genç yeteneklere destek olan güçlü bir sosyal sorumluluk platformu. Her yıl yüzlerce sporcuyu bir araya getiriyoruz. Farklı yaş kategorilerinden geniş bir katılımcı profiliyle, rekabetin, centilmenliğin ve spor kültürünün en güçlü örneklerini kortlara taşıyoruz. Bu organizasyonun en anlamlı tarafı ise elde edilen gelirlerin sosyal faydaya dönüşmesi. Sizlerin de katkılarıyla bugüne kadar çok sayıda başarılı ancak maddi imkanları sınırlı öğrenciye eğitim desteği ve spor bursu sağladık. Bunu sadece ben değil hep birlikte yaptık. 25. yılımızda da hem Türk tenisinin gelişimine katkı sunmaya hem de geleceğin sporcularına destek olmaya devam edeceğiz."
Nesine 2. Lig Beyaz Grup'ta normal sezonu zirvede tamamlayan ve Trendyol 1. Lig'e yükselen Batman Petrolspor, şampiyonluk kupasını düzenlenen törenle aldı.
Grubun 38. ve son haftasında Batman Stadı'nda Kepez Belediyespor'u konuk eden kırmızı-beyazlı ekip, rakibini 6-0 yendi.
Şampiyonluğunu daha önce ilan eden Batman Petrolspor, karşılaşmanın ardından düzenlenen törenle kupasına kavuştu.
Törenin ardından futbolcular, Trendyol 1. Lig'e yükselmenin sevincini taraftarlarıyla birlikte yaşadı.
Kupa töreninde Batman Petrolspor Kulübü Yönetim Kurulu üyeleri, teknik heyet, futbolcular ve kulübe destek veren isimlere Hazine ve Maliye Bakan Yardımcısı Zekeriya Kaya, Vali Ekrem Canalp, AK Parti Batman Milletvekili Ferhat Nasıroğlu ve protokol üyeleri tarafından madalya verildi.
Futbolcular, şampiyonluk kupasını protokol üyeleriyle birlikte kaldırdı.
Galatasaray Kulübü Başkanı Dursun Özbek, sarı-kırmızılı kulübün resmi YouTube kanalında açıklamalarda bulundu. Özbek, Süper Lig'in 31. haftasında pazar günü oynanacak Fenerbahçe derbisi hakkında görüşlerini dile getirdi.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasında Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe'yi konuk edecek.
Derbi öncesinde sarı-kırmızılılarda düzenlenen bütçe toplantısının ardından Başkan Dursun Özbek açıklamalarda bulundu.
"PROVOKE EDİCİ OLAYLAR OLABİLİR"
GS YouTube kanalından taraftara çağrıda bulunan Dursun Özbek, "Fenerbahçe maçı çok önemli bir maç. Belki her zamankinden daha yoğun şekilde oyuncularımızı desteklemek durumundayız. Bunu yapacağımızdan eminim. Tabii her zamanki itidali korumak zorundayız. Son haftalardaki gelişmelere baktığımız zaman, provoke edici olaylar olabilir. Bunların hiçbirine gelmemeliyiz. Taraftarlarımızın takımımızı sportif anlamda desteklemelerini bekliyorum" ifadelerini kullandı.
Trendyol 1. Lig'de sezonun son virajına girilirken Ümraniyespor, deplasmanda konuk olduğu Adana Demirspor karşısında geriye düşmesine rağmen sahadan 3-1’lik galibiyetle ayrılmayı başardı.
Stat: Yeni Adana
Hakemler: Melek Dakan, Seyfettin Ünal, Serdar Osman Akarsu
Adana Demirspor: Murat Uğur Eser, Enes Demirtaş, Ahmet Bolat (Dk. 81 Eymen Namlı), Gökdeniz Tunç (Dk. 90+3 Aykut Sarıkaya), Yusuf Buğra Demirkıran, Yücel Gürol (Dk. 34 Kürşat Türkeş Küçük), Ali Fidan, Osman Kaynak, Seyfi Efe Irga (Dk. 46 Ahmet Yılmaz), Kayra Saygan (Dk. 90+3 Demir Yavuz), Toprak Bayar
Eminevim Ümraniyespor: Onur Yıldırım, Batuhan Çelik (Doruk Ertuğrul), Kosoko, Yusuf Kocatürk, Hoti (Dk. 46 Bardhi), Atalay Babacan (Dk. 62 Orhan Uğur), Yusuf Deniz Şaş, Yunus Emre Yılmaz, Oğuz Yıldırım, Talha Bartu Özdemir (Dk. 81 Barış Ekincier), Yusuf Saitoğlu (Dk. 46 Şirin Cengiz)
MotoGP Dünya Şampiyonası'nın 4. etabı olan İspanya Grand Prix sprint yarışında Prima Pramac Yamaha takımının milli sporcusu Toprak Razgatlıoğlu kaza yaparak yarışı bıraktı.
Jerez de la Frontera kentindeki 4,4 kilometrelik Jerez Pisti'nde gerçekleştirlecek yarışın sprint turunda 21:25.651'lik derece elde eden Ducati Lenovo takımının İspanyol sürücüsü Marc Marquez, birinci sırayı aldı.
Sprint yarışını Red Bull sporcusu Toprak, viraja girdiğinde rakibine temas sonrasında pistten çıkarak yarışa veda etti.
İspanya Grand Prix'si, yarın TSİ 15.00'de koşulacak.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasında konuk ettiği Gaziantep FK'yi 3-0 yenen ikas Eyüpspor'un teknik direktörü Atila Gerin maçın ardından açıklama yaptı.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasında konuk ettiği Gaziantep FK'yi 3-0 yenen ikas Eyüpspor'un teknik direktörü Atila Gerin, hak ettikleri bir galibiyet aldıklarını söyledi.
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadı'nda oynanan karşılaşmanın ardından düzenlenen basın toplantısında açıklamada bulunan Gerin, galibiyetten dolayı oyuncularını kutladı.
Çok önemli bir süreçte olduklarını vurgulayan Gerin, şöyle konuştu:
"Maçtan önce '4 tane final maçımız var.' demiştik. Bu maç onun ilk ayağıydı. Geçen hafta 3 gollü galibiyetle gelen bir rakibimiz vardı. Her maç zor. Psikolojik olarak bu maçlar daha da zor ama biz de ona göre hazırlanıyoruz. Oyunu ne kadar sabırlı tutabilirsek her zamanın bize avantaj olacağını düşündük ve bu planımız işledi. İkinci yarı belli süreden sonra pozisyonlara girdik. Maçı hak ettik. Bu dakikadan sonra puan ve puanlar çok önemli. Kümede kalmak için her şeyi yapıyoruz. Çocuklara çok teşekkür ediyorum, sınırlarını zorladılar. Kolay değil Gaziantep FK gibi bir takıma karşı 3 gol atmak ve gol yememek. Bunlardan ayrıca mutluyum. Önümüzde çok önemli bir Kayserispor maçı var. Kümede kalmak için her şeyi yapacağız."
Milli voleybolcu Hande Baladın, Formula 1 pilotu Yuki Tsunoda ile bir araya geldi.
Milli voleybolcu Hande Baladın, Red Bull Racing'in test ve yedek pilotu Yuki Tsunoda ile İstanbul'da bir araya geldi.
Oracle Red Bull Racing aracının 5 yıl aradan sonra Türkiye'ye dönüşüne özel İstanbul'da bulunan Tsunoda, Haydarpaşa Limanı ve Kız Kulesi gibi şehrin önemli kültürel alanlarını turladı.
Japon pilot, daha sonra Red Bull sporcusu Hande Baladın ile İstanbul Park'ta buluştu.
Yuki Tsunoda, İstanbul'da bulunmaktan dolayı mutlu olduğunu belirterek, "Yeniden İstanbul'da olmak şahane bir duygu. Geçen sefer fazla gezme fırsatım olmamıştı. Bu sefer hem şehri gezdim hem de çok güzel yemekler yedim. İstanbul Park, harika bir pist. Burada sürüş yapmak çok keyifli." ifadelerini kullandı.
Hande Baladın ise Japon yarış pilotu ile 5 yıl aradan sonra bir araya gelmelerinin mutluluğunu yaşadığının altını çizerek, "Oracle Red Bull Racing aracını yakından deneyimlemek ve aracın direksiyonunu tutmak oldukça heyecan vericiydi. Yuki ile 2021'de yine İstanbul'da bir araya gelmiştik. Bir Red Bull sporcusu olarak Oracle Red Bull Racing ekibini Türkiye'de görmekten dolayı mutluyum, önümüzdeki sene yarışları yakından takip edeceğim." diye konuştu.
İstanbul'un farklı noktalarında gerçekleştirilen tanıtım sürüşleriyle şehir, Formula 1 atmosferini yeniden hissetti. Tanıtım, Türk kültürünün geleneksel uğurlamalarından birine de sahne oldu. Oracle Red Bull Racing aracının "sağ salim gidip, yeniden gelmesi" dileğiyle arkasından su döküldü.
Cumhurbaşkanı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Dolmabahçe Çalışma Ofisi'nde dün düzenlediği basın toplantısında, Formula 1 yarışlarının 2027 yılında yeniden İstanbul'da düzenleneceğini duyurdu.
Milli tenisçi Zeynep Sönmez, Madrid Açık'a çiftlerde veda etti.
Milli sporcu Zeynep Sönmez, İspanya'da düzenlenen Madrid Açık Tenis Turnuvası'nda Filipinli partneri Alexandra Eala ile çiftlerde son 16 turunda elendi.
Başkent Madrid'deki organizasyonda Zeynep Sönmez-Alexandra Eala ikilisi, son 16 turunda ABD'li Taylor Townsend ve Çek Katerina Siniakova çifti ile karşılaştı.
Sönmez-Eala ikilisi, toprak zemindeki maçta rakiplerine 6-1 ve 7-5'lik setlerle 2-0 mağlup oldu.
Sarı-kırmızılı kulübün yıllık olağan bütçe toplantısı, Haliç Kongre Merkezi'nde devam ediyor.
Haziran 2026-Mayıs 2027 dönemi için yapılan bütçe, üyelerin oylamasına sunuldu. Bütçe, oy çokluğuyla kabul edildi.
2026-2027 dönemi bütçesinde 4 milyar 165 milyon liralık gelir, 3 milyar 803 milyon liralık gider olması ve 362 milyon liralık kar bekleniyor.
Faiz giderleri ve kur farkları ile diğer kalemlerin eklenmesiyle 6 milyar 978 milyon lira gelir, 8 milyar 884 milyon liralık giderle 1 milyar 905 milyon liralık zarar öngörülüyor.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasında Zecorner Kayserispor, Çaykur Rizespor'u 2-0 yendi. Kayserispor kümede kalma umutlarını tazeledi.
Zecorner Kayserispor,Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasındaÇaykur Rizespor'u 2-0 yendi.
Kayserispor'un gollerini 79. dakikadaFedor Chalov ve 88. dakikadaLaszlo Benes attı.
Bu maç ile Kayserispor 26 puana yükseldi. Çaykur Rizespor ise 37 puanda.
Kayserispor gelecek hafta 2 puan üzerindeki Eyüpspor'u sahasında ağırlayacak. Rizespor ise Konyaspor ile karşılaşacak.
MAÇTAN DAKİKALAR
2. dakikada orta sahanın sağ tarafından aldığı topla içe kateden Makarov'un pasında ceza sahası içinde topla buluşan Furkan Soyalp'in vuruşunda savunma oyuncularına çarpan meşin yuvarlak kornere çıktı.
15. dakikada Cardoso'nun sol kanattan kullandığı serbest atışta ceza sahası içinde topla buluşan Bennasser'in şutunda meşin yuvarlak, kaleci Fofana'da kaldı.
20. dakikada Cardoso'nun pasında ceza sahası önünde topla buluşan Onugkha'nın sert şutunda, kaleci Fofana meşin yuvarlağa sahip oldu.
26. dakikada sağ çaprazda topla buluşan Mebude'nin uzaktan sert şutunda kaleci Bilal Bayazıt uzanarak meşin yuvarlağı kornere gönderdi.
34. dakikada Çaykur Rizespor'un attığı gol, VAR incelemesinin ardından iptal oldu. Laçi'den aldığı pasla sağ çaprazdan içe kateden Mihaila'nın şutunda meşin yuvarlak filelere gitti. Gol, VAR incelemesinin ardından faul gerekçesiyle iptal edildi.
Karşılaşmanın ilk yarısı golsüz sona erdi.
70. dakikada Onugkha'nın pasında sağ kanatta aldığı topla içe kateden Makarov'un ceza yayı üzerinden şutunda, meşin yuvarlak auta çıktı.
76. dakikada Benes'in ceza sahası dışından kaleye gönderdiği topu kaleci Fofana çıkardı.
79. dakikada Kayserispor öne geçti. Onugkha'nın ara pasıyla ceza sahasına giren Chalov, kaleci Fofana'yı geçerek topu ağlara gönderdi: 1-0.
88. dakikada ev sahibi ekip, farkı 2'ye çıkardı. Chalov'un pasında topu kontrol eden Benes, ceza sahası çizgisi üzerinden sert bir vuruşla meşin yuvarlağı filelerle buluşturdu: 2-0.
Karşılaşma, Kayserispor'un 2-0 üstünlüğüyle sona erdi.
Stat: RHG Enertürk Enerji
Hakemler: Gürcan Hasova, Süleyman Özay, Esat Sancaktar
Hakemler: Alpaslan Şen, Hüseyin Kıvanç Durmaz, Yusuf Susuz
İmaj Altyapı Vanspor FK: Alperen Uysal, Medeni Bingöl, Muhammet Ensar Çavuşoğlu (Dk. 46 Mehmet Özcan), Erdi Dikmen, Batuhan İşçiler, Erdem Seçgin, Jefferson, Regis (Dk. 63 Muhammed Çoksu), Bekir Can Kara (Dk. 80 Traore), Hostikka (Dk. 80 Anıl Yıldırım), Oğulcan Çağlayan (Dk. 63 Emir Bars)
İstanbulspor: Alp Tutar, Yusuf Ali Özer (Dk. 74 Deniz Turan Tuncer), Emrecan Uzunhan, Duran Şahin, Duhaney, Vorobjovas (Dk. 91 İsa Dayaklı), Özcan Şahan (Dk. 74 Vefa Temel), Abdullah Dijlan Aydın (Dk. 74 Muhammed Mert), Cham, Ömer Faruk Duymaz, Araujo (Dk. 85 Mustafa Sol)
Goller: Dk. 27 Erdi Dikmen (İmaj Altyapı Vanspor FK), Dk. 36 Ömer Faruk Duymaz, Dk. 59 Araujo, Dk. 73 Vefa Temel (İstanbulspor)
Sarı kartlar: Dk. 22 Araujo, Dk. 72 Emrecan Uzunhan, Dk. 92 Mustafa Sol (İstanbulspor), Dk. 34 Erdi Dikmen (İmaj Altyapı Vanspor FK)
Trendyol Süper Lig ekiplerinden Samsunspor'un kulüp basın sözcüsü Suat Çakır, PFDK kararları hakkında açıklamalarda bulundu.
Trendyol Süper Lig ekiplerinden Samsunspor'un kulüp basın sözcüsü Suat Çakır, Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu (TFF) Profesyonel Futbol Disiplin Kuruluna (PFDK) sevk edilmelerine ilişkin kararın haksız olduğunu öne sürdü.
Çakır, Nuri Asan Tesisleri'nde düzenlediği basın toplantısında, Ziraat Türkiye Kupası çeyrek finalinde Trabzonspor ile yaptıkları karşılaşmanın Avrupa'ya gitmek için çok önemli bir maç olduğunu ancak elendiklerini söyledi.
Kırmızı-beyazlı kulüp ile başkan Yüksel Yıldırım'ın, yapılan açıklamalar ve taraftarların gösterdiği tepkiler nedeniyle TFF tarafından PFDK'ye sevk edildiğini dile getiren Çakır, "Çaykur Rizespor maçından sonra federasyona, bu hakemle ilgili Trabzonspor maçı açıklanınca yazı yazdık. 'Bu hakemi alın.' dedik. Sanki bugünleri bilecekmiş gibi bu yazıyı federasyonun yönetim kuruluna gönderdik." ifadelerini kullandı.
Yazının Çaykur Rizespor maçı sonrası Samsunspor Teknik Direktörü Thorsten Fink'e 3 müsabakadan men cezası ve hakem atamalarını içeren süreç hakkında olduğunu anlatan Çakır, "Bu kadar itirazlarımıza rağmen Atilla Karaoğlan yine bizim maça verilip, Trabzonspor maçında olayların olmasına neden olmuştur. Evet, ceza kuruluna verildik. Haksız nedenlerle verildik. Trabzonspor maçı sonrası kulübümüz sosyal medyada bir resim paylaştı ve iki de cümle vardı. Bizi ceza kuruluna verdiler. Hak ve adalet arıyoruz. Verdiğimiz her tepki ifade özgürlüğü sınırları içinde. Söz konusu paylaşım anayasal bir hak olan ifade özgürlüğü ve eleştiri hakkı kapsamında kalmaktadır." diye konuştu.
Somut bir suç işlemediklerini belirten Çakır, şöyle devam etti:
"Bu dosya üzerinden kulübümüze bir ceza verilmesi durumunda bizlere ne yazık ki 'Artık eleştiride bulunmayın' demek isteniyor. Federasyonun artık eleştiriye hiç tahammülü kalmadığı görülüyor. Bu da Avrupa İnsan Hakları Mahkemesinin içtihatlarına ve hukuk devleti ilkelerine açıkça aykırılık teşkil etmektedir. Hiçbir demokratik eleştiri hakkımız olmayacak. Yüksel Yıldırım bu kulübün sahibidir, bütün her şeyi Sayın Yüksel Yıldırım kendinden karşılamaktadır ve bu ülkeye hizmet etmektedir. Avrupa'da yaşadıklarımız, bu ülkeye bir hizmettir."
"Beşincilik şansımız az da olsa devam ediyor"
Suat Çakır, Trabzonspor maçında Emre Kılınç'ın ısınma sırasında sakatlandığını ve tedavisinin sürdüğünü, Celil Yüksel'in sakatlığı sebebiyle sezonu kapattığını, Jaures Assoumou'nun ise sakatlığının devam ettiğini aktararak, "Beşincilik şansımız az da olsa devam ediyor. O yüzden aynı ciddiyetle, aynı kararlılıkla devam edeceğiz. Pazartesi günü Alanyaspor maçını oynuyoruz. İnşallah oradan galip dönerek beşincilik şansımızın devam etmesini sağlayacağız." dedi.
Çakır, Trabzonspor ile aralarında sorun bulunmadığını da sözlerine ekledi.
Milan'dan yaz döneminde ayrılması beklenen Rafael Leao'yla Galatasaray ilgileniyordu. Ancak İngiliz basınında, oyuncunun talipleri açıklandı. Ve ortalık fena halde karışacak gibi gözüküyor.
Milan'da problemler yaşayan Rafael Leao'nun sezon sonunda satılması bekleniyor. Galatasaray, Portekizli sol kanat oyuncusuyla ilgileniyordu. Bu konuda bazı sponsorların da desteğiyle ciddi adımlar atılabileceği konuşuluyordu. Ancak İngiltere'den gelen haberler, Aslan'ın canını sıkacak cinsten...
DEV TAKIMLAR SIRADA
Mail Sport'un haberine göre; Rafael Leao ile ilgilenen kulüpler şöyle sıralanıyor:
Manchester United
Manchester City
Liverpool
Real Madrid
Milan Yönetimi, gelecek resmi tekliflere göre hareket edecek. Elbette en yüksek kazancı sağlamayı hedefliyorlar... Galatasaray haricinde 4 talibin de maddi gücü yüksek...
ZORA GİRMİŞ DURUMDA
26 yaşındaki futbolcunun Milan'la 30 Haziran 2028 tarihine kadar sözleşmesi var. Şu andaki tahmini piyasa değeri 65 milyon euro seviyesinde... Ancak taliplerin nasıl rakamlar önereceği henüz bilinmiyor. Kesin olan tek bir nokta var. O da Galatasaray'ın bu transferde işinin bir hayli zora girdiği...
Galatasaray Kulübü Üyesi Fatih Altaylı, kulübün olağanüstü bütçe toplantısında dikkat çeken açıklamalara yer verdi.
Galatasaray Kulübü’nün olağanüstü bütçe toplantısında konuşan Fatih Altaylı, yönetimi eleştiren açıklamalarda bulundu.
Fatih Altaylı'nın açıklamaları şöyle:
-4. kez şampiyonluğa gidiyoruz, bu dönemde nelerle karşı karşıya olduğumuzu beraber yaşıyoruz. Galatasaray - Fenerbahçe derbisine atanan hakem (Yasin Kol) bile nelerle karşı karşıya olduğumuzun göstergesi!
-Galatasaray'ın kendisine yapılan haksızlıklar konusunda sessiz kalması konusunda bu yönetime gerçekten eleştiri getirmek istiyorum. Yaptıkları çok muazzam işler var, rakiplerin dengesini bozan, Türkiye'nin en iyi yöneticisi olduğunu zannedenlerin kulüplerini bırakıp kaçmalarını ya da devrilmelerine sebep olan başarılar elde ettiler ama ne yazık ki kulübümüzün kendisine karşı haksızlıklarla mücadelesinde aynı kararlığı göstermediklerini üzülerek izliyorum.
-Yapı yapı deyip duruyorlar. O yapı burası arkadaşlar. Galatasaray'ın buradan başka hiçbir yapısı, herhangi bir arkasında bir şeyi yok! Biz burada gerekirse en sert eleştirileri yaparak, gerekirse başkanlarımızı düşürerek, gerekirse yeni başkanlar seçerek, gerekirse eskileri tekrar getirerek, bu yapı denilen şey Galatasaray'ın tarihi ve bu tarihi oluşturan sizlersiniz.
-Kendileri yapı içinde yaşayanlar, kendileri yapılara borçlu olanlar her şeylerini, kalkıp bize de 'Bu kadar başarının arkasında yapı vardır' diyorlar. Yapıyı görmek istiyorlarsa gelsinler, şu salona buradan baksınlar, yapıyı göreceklerdir!
-Bunları bu kadar kısa sürede yapmak gerçekten büyük başarı. Başkanı eleştirebiliriz ama bu yapılan iş kolay bir iş değil. Bu yapılan projeler, çok ciddi iş. Dursun başkandan ricam, bir dönem için seçildiğini biliyorum ama kendisinden ricam bu projeyi bitirene kadar görevde kalması. Bu yaptığı işlerin rakiplerde yarattığı moral bozukluğunu da hep beraber izliyoruz. Bu işin devam etmesi lazım.
Başakşehir sezon başında 2.8 milyon euroluk opsiyonla Eldor Shomurodov'u Roma'dan kiralamıştı (3 milyon euroluk kiralama bedeli de ödendi). Opsiyon devreye girdi. Özbek forvet satış listesinde değil. Buna rağmen isteyeni olursa, çok yüksek bir bonservis bedeli talep edilecek.
Başakşehir sezon başında sessiz sedasız en önemli transferlerden birini gerçekleştirdi. İstanbul ekibi, 3 milyon euroluk kiralama bedeliyle birlikte Eldor Shomurodov'u Roma'dan getirdi. Özbek forvetin sözleşmesinde, "Matematiksel olarak küme düşme ihtimali ortadan kalktığında 2.8 milyon euroluk satın alma opsiyonu devreye girer" şartı da bulunuyordu.
2029'A KADAR SÖZLEŞME
Şu anda 30 yaşındaki yıldız, 30 Haziran 2029'a kadar resmen Başakşehir'in oyuncusu... Ve inanılmaz bir sezon geçiriyor. 1.90 boyundaki santrfor, 31 lig sınavında görev yaptı. Sahada 2.674 dakika kaldı. 20 gol ve 4 asist üretti. Eldor Shomurodov'un adı Fenerbahçe ve Beşiktaş'la anılıyor.
HİÇ KOLAY DEĞİL
Başakşehir'in satış listesinde Shomurodov yok... Ancak talipleri çıkarsa, çok yüksek bonservis bedelleri talep edilecek. Aksi halde tecrübeli golcü takımda tutulacak. Roma'nın sonraki satıştan %10'luk pay hakkı var. Başakşehir, önümüzdeki sezon zirveyi zorlayacak bir takım kurmak istiyor.
Fenerbahçeli yönetici İlker Alkun yarın akşam oynanacak Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derbisi için sosyal medya hesabından bir açıklama yayınladı.
Süper Lig'de bu hafta kritik bir mücadele yaşanacak. Dev derbide Galatasaray yarın akşam Fenerbahçe'yi ağırlayacak. Fenerbahçeli yönetici İlker Alkun'dan derbi öncesi sosyal medya hesabından dikkat çeken bir paylaşım geldi.
İlker Aksun'un açıklaması şöyle:
-Yarın akşam sadece bir maç oynanmayacak; emeğin, hakkın ve adaletin sınandığı çok önemli bir gece yaşanacak.
-Günlerdir konuşulan her şey yarın akşam sahada anlam bulacak. Tribünde, sahada, ekran başında milyonlar aynı duyguda buluşacak. Fenerbahçe en güçlü olduğu anları, herkes aynı yürekte buluştuğunda yaşadı.
-Bu camia kendisine son haftalarda yaşananları unutmadı. Denizli’de kaybedilen şampiyonluk yalnızca sportif bir kayıp değil; emek, hak ve adalet adına hafızalara kazınmış önemli bir derstir.
-Bu yüzden beklentimiz nettir: Ayrıcalık değil, eşitlik. Çünkü bu lig sadece zirve yarışı değildir. Bir yanda şampiyonluk mücadelesi veren kulüpler, diğer yanda ligde kalabilmek için var olma savaşı veren camialar var.
-Küme düşme hattındaki her puan;
bir kulübün geleceği, bir şehrin umudu, bir ailenin emeği, bir çocuğun yarına dair beklentisi demek.
Bu nedenle bu mücadele yalnız zirveyi değil, ligin tamamını ilgilendiriyor.
Bugün yalnız tribünlerin değil, tüm Türkiye’nin gözü bu karşılaşmada olacak.
-Futbol kamuoyu kadar, karar verici makamların ve ülkemizin tüm sorumlu paydaşlarının da böylesine kritik bir müsabakada ortaya konacak yönetim hassasiyetini dikkatle takip edeceğine inanıyoruz.
-Çünkü yarın gece çalınacak her düdük,
verilecek her karar, sadece skoru değil;
emeği, hakkı, adalet duygusunu ve kamu vicdanını etkileyecek.
-Bu nedenle hata kaldırmayan bir eşikteyiz.Tartışmaya açık değil,
güven veren bir yönetim anlayışı beklenmektedir.
Hakeminden , VAR’ına , Federasyonuna kadar oyunu yöneten herkes için bugün tek taraf vardır: Hak ve adalet.
-Çünkü emek tartışmalı bırakılırsa güven zedelenir. Hak gölgelenirse rekabet yara alır. Adalet hissedilmezse futbol kaybeder.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasında ikas Eyüpspor ile Gaziantep FK karşı karşıya geldi. Eyüpspor mücadeleyi 3-0 kazandı. Gaziantep FK teknik direktörü Mirel Radoi takımla ilk maçında mağlubiyeti yaşamış oldu.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 31. haftasında ikas Eyüpspor ile Gaziantep FK karşı karşıya geldi. ikas Eyüpspor evindeki mücadeleyi 3-0 kazandı.
MAÇTAN DAKİKALAR
38. dakikada Gaziantep FK gole çok yaklaştı. Savunmada Bedirhan'ın hatalı pasında araya giren Kozlowski ceza sahası içindeki Maxim'i gördü. Maxim'in pasında müsait durumda altıpasta topla buluşan Lungoyi'nin gelişine şutunda, kaleye giden meşin yuvarlağı Calegari son anda yatarak uzaklaştırdı.
43. dakikada sağdan Calegari'nin etkili ortasında penaltı noktası civarında Umut Bozok'un röveşatasında, kaleci meşin yuvarlağı kornere çeldi.
62. dakikada ikas Eyüpspor öne geçti. Sağ kanattan Radu'nun savunmanın arkasına pasında penaltı noktasında topla buluşan Umut Bozok'un vuruşunda, meşin yuvarlak kaleci Zafer Görgen'in solundan ağlara gitti. 1-0
65. dakikada ev sahibi 2. golünü buldu. Gaziantep FK atağında savunmada araya giren Calegari'nin müdahalesi sonrası topu önünde bulan Umut Bozok, ceza yayı gerisine kadar ilerledikten sonra pasını Yao'ya aktardı. Bu oyuncunun ceza sahası içi sol çaprazdan yaptığı vuruşta, meşin yuvarlak uzak köşeden ağlarla buluştu: 2-0
78. dakikada ikas Eyüpspor farkı 3'e çıkardı. Savunmanın hatasının ardından ceza sahası içinde topla buluşan Umut Bozok, meşin yuvarlağı solda müsait durumda bulunan Metehan Altunbaş'a aktardı. Bu oyuncunun gelişine uzak direğe plasesinde top filelere gitti: 3-0
Bu gün futbol üzrə İngiltərə çempionatında (Premyer Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 34-cü turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, dördüncü oyun günündə 5 qarşılaşma baş tutub.
“Liverpul” doğma meydanda “Kristal Pelas”a, “Fulhem” “Aston Villa”ya, “Vest Hem” “Everton”a qalib gəlib. “Vulverhempton”un qonağı olmuş “Tottenhem” uzun müddətdən sonra qələbə sevinci yaşayıb. Bu, London təmsilçisinin 2026-cı ildəki ilk qələbəsi olub. Çempionluq uğrunda mübarizə aparan “Arsenal” da “Nyukasl”la ev oyununda tək qolla 3 xal qazanıb.
34-cü tura aprelin 27-də keçiriləcək “Mançester Yunayted” – “Brentford” görüşü ilə yekun vurulacaq.
Bu gün futbol üzrə Almaniya çempionatında (Bundesliqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 31-ci turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ikinci oyun günündə 6 qarşılaşma baş tutub.
“Volfsburq” – “Borussiya” (Mönhenqladbax) matçında qapılara qol vurulmayıb. “Auqsburq” – “Ayntraxt” görüşündə də tərəflər hərəyə 1 qol və 1 xalla kifayətləniblər.
“Hamburq” doğma meydanda “Hoffenhaym”a, “Köln” isə “Bayer”ə uduzub. “Haydenhaym” “Sankt Pauli”ni 2 cavabsız qolla üstələyib.
Artıq çempionluğu təmin etmiş “Bayern” isə bu turda “Maynts”ın qonağı olub. İlk hissədə qapısından 3 top buraxmış Münhen təmsilçisi fasilədən sonra 4 qol vurmaqla əzmkar qələbə qazanıb.
31-ci turun qalan görüşləri bazar gününə təsadüf edəcək.
Almaniya, Bundesliqa 31-ci tur 24 aprel
Leypsiq – Union Berlin 3:1 Qollar: Finkarqafe, 22. R.Kardozo, 25. Baku, 63 – Doexi, 78.
Albaniyanın paytaxtı Tirana şəhərində böyüklər arasında təşkil edilmiş güləş üzrə Avropa çempionatı sona yaxınlaşır.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, beşinci yarış günündə sərbəst güləş üzrə 61, 74, 86, 92 və 125 kq-da mübarizəyə start verilib.
Nürəddin Novruzov (61 kq) ilk görüşdə moldovalı Leomid Kolesniklə üz-üzə gəlib. İlk dəqiqədə 0:6 hesabıyla geri düşən həmyerlimiz möhtəşəm geridönüş edərək vaxtından əvvəl qələbəni təmin edib – 17:6. Novruzov yarımfinalda albaniyalı dünya çempionu Zəlimxan Abakarovla bacarmayıb – 3:14. Nürəddin sabah bürünc medal görüşünə çıxacaq. Rəqib Simyone Piroddu (İtaliya) – Niklas Steşele (Almaniya) qarşılaşmasının qalibi olacaq.
Turan Bayramov (74 kq) startda çətinliklə də olsa, neytral atlet statusuyla Avropa çempionatına qatılan Fərhad Nurixorjestana minimal fərqlə (3:2) qalib gəlib. Güləşçimiz 1/4 finalda belaruslu Nikita Mayevskiyə heç bir şans tanımayıb – 8:0. Yarımfinalda gürcüstanlı Giorgi Elbakidzeni (2:1) üstələyən Bayramov finala yüksəlib. Turan sabah həlledici görüşdə slovakiyalı Taymuraz Salkazanov qarşılaşacaq.
Arseniy Djioyev (86 kq) əvvəlcə ukraynalı Denis Bikova (10:0), daha sonra moldovalı Yevgeni Mihaelkana (11:0) tam üstünlüklə qalib gələrək yarımfinala vəsiqə qazanıb. Bu mərhələdə isə latviyalı İvars Samusonok vaxtından əvvəl xalçanı məyus tərk edib – 12:2. Arseniy sabah finalda rusiyalı İbrahim Kadiyevlə üz-üzə gələcək.
Ali Tsokayev (92 kq) belaruslu Yaraslav Yadkovskiyə tam üstünlüklə (10:0) qalib gəldikdən sonra gürcüstanlı dünya və Avropa mükafatçısı Miriani Maysuradzeyə gücünü göstərib – 5:0. Tsokayev yarımfinalda isə isveçrəli Samuel Şerrerə gücünü göstərib – 6:0. Ali finalda bolqarıstanlı Ahmed Batayevlə güləşəcək.
Georgi Meşvildişvili (125 kq) yarışa 1/4 finaldan qoşulub. Təmsilçimiz ermənistanlı Xaçatur Xaçatryanla görüşdə son saniyələrdə uğurlu fənd işlədib və sonuncu xal prinsipinə əsasən (5:5) adını yarımfinala yazdırıb. Türkiyəli Hakan Büyükçınqılı 3:1 hesabıyla üstələyən millinin ən təcrübəli üzvü finalda macarıstanlı Vladislav Baytsayevlə güləşəcək.
Qeyd edək ki, Avropa çempionatı sabah – aprelin 26-da başa çatacaq.
Bu gün futbol üzrə İngiltərə Federasiya Kubokunda 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün yarımfinal mərhələsinə start verilib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ilk oyun günündə bir qarşılaşma baş tutub.
Mərhələnin açılış oyununda “Mançester Siti” doğma meydanda “Sauthempton”la üz-üzə gəlib. Üç qolun qeydə alındığı oyunda “şəhərlilər” əzmkar qələbə qazanmaqla finala yüksəliblər.
İngiltərə Federasiya Kubokunda digər finalçının sabah keçiriləcək “Çelsi” – “Lids” matçında müəyyənləşəcək.
Qeyd edək ki, 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün final qarşılaşması may ayının 16-da baş tutacaq.
Fenerbahçe Kulübü Başkanı Sadettin Saran ile yönetim kurulu üyeleri, antrenmandan önce futbolcularla bir araya geldi. Başkan Saran ve yöneticiler, idmanın bir bölümünü de takip etti.
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“Neftçi” Misli Premyer Liqasının 29-cu turunda “Qarabağ”la qarşılaşacaq.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “ağ-qaralar”ın oyun üçün hazırlığı bu gün başa çatıb. Komandanın üzvləri “Palms Sports” Futbol Mərkəzində oyunöncəsi son məşqə çıxıblar.
Futbolçu Breno Almeyda cəzalı olduğu üçün bu görüşü buraxacaq. Eyni səbəbdən baş məşqçi Yuri Vernidub və köməkçisi Dmitro Kara-Mustafa texniki zonada olmayacaqlar.
Qeyd edək ki, aprelin 26-da “Palms Sports Arena”da keçiriləcək “Neftçi” – “Qarabağ” matçı saat 19:00-da başlanacaq.
Sumqayıt Olimpiya İdman Kompleksində kişi idman gimnastikası üzrə 31-ci, qadın idman gimnastikası üzrə isə 10-cu ölkə birinciliyi baş tutub.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, yarışda “Ocaq Sport” Klubu, Bakı Gimnastika Məktəbi və “Ocaq Sport” Klubunun Sumqayıt bölməsindən gimnastlar mübarizə aparıblar.
İdmançılar kiçiklər, balacalar, uşaqlar, yeniyetmələr və gənclər yaş kateqoriyaları üzrə müxtəlif gimnastika alətlərində öz proqramlarını təqdim ediblər. Yekun nəticələrə əsasən, “Ocaq Sport” Klubu ən yüksək nəticə göstərərək yarışın qalibi olub.
Qeyd edək ki, turnirdə ümumilikdə 50-yə yaxın gimnast iştirak edib.
Frattesi joined Inter from Sassuolo in 2023 and was made a permanent addition to the squad the following year.
However, despite his contributions, he has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under Cristian Chivu.
The Italy international is still considered a useful option in rotation, but not a key part of the long-term project.
As a result, both the player and his representatives have been working for some time to find a solution that would offer him more consistent playing time at a high level, according to the latest reports from CalcioMercato.
VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Davide Frattesi during the Serie A match at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 02, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Frattesi heads for Inter exit after near-miss Nottingham Forest move
A potential exit was already explored during the January transfer window, with Premier League side Nottingham Forest reportedly close to a move but no deal materialised in the end.
Now, a summer departure appears increasingly likely, with several clubs ready to move.
Napoli and Roma are currently among the most attentive suitors, both looking to strengthen their midfield options ahead of next season.
For Frattesi, meanwhile, the priority remains clear: to find a club where he can play regularly while maintaining a competitive level similar to that of Inter.
Vincenzo Italiano explains his tactical experiment against Roma and admits Bologna fans ‘were right to jeer, but I never implied that we had nothing to play for.’
The Rossoblu had eliminated Roma from the Europa League last month, drawing 1-1 at home and 3-3 at the Stadio Olimpico, eventually emerging victorious 4-3 in extra time.
However, the Giallorossi got the better of their rivals this time thanks to first half goals by Donyell Malen and Neil El Aynaoui, while Riccardo Orsolini’s strike thumped the underside of the crossbar.
Italiano insists Bologna still fighting
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 25: Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna FC reacts during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
“This team has not given up, we are here trying to sort out all the situations in a complicated match, but when you concede at the start and end of the half, those are the crucial moments where you cannot make a mistake,” Italiano told DAZN Italia.
“Goals in those moments really change the game. Then we hit the woodwork yet again too, I think we had a decent second half, but have conceded too many goals this season due to distractions and superficiality.
“Roma were not dominating us by any means, but they will make you pay for those errors. We had a negative spell in Serie A, then had four or five victories in a row. We never really had long periods of consistent results, and that was the difference from last season, losing so many home matches.
“Unfortunately, that has been the trend this term. We were unable to give our home fans this victory, they were quite right to jeer us, so we’ve got to roll our sleeves up against Cagliari and try to turn the tide.”
There was some controversy around the comments made by Italiano after the defeat to Juventus, where it was assumed he said the season was already over.
“That was only part of what I said, you need to have the whole thing,” replied the coach. “What I actually said was that we were out of the running for the Europa League and Champions League places, but we can lock down eighth place, that is what the club asked us for, and we are not giving up.
“You can win or lose, but we do have objectives and we won’t give in. I never like to lose, so evidently I was misunderstood, but I never implied that we had nothing to play for.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 25: Santiago Castro of Bologna FC competes for the ball with Evan Ndicka of AS Roma during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Italiano had pulled a surprise by starting Bologna with a 3-4-3 formation, something he had experimented with during matches, but not from the opening whistle.
Despite the struggle to make much impact in this game, he did not change that formation.
“We tried something a bit different to ensure Roma could not take control of the match, and I saw some positives. Roma often force you to get behind the line with their midfielders, but I feel we did well off the ball, we just allowed chances on the break when we misplaced passes. Roma were perhaps much more focused than they were in the other games against us, we did better in the second half, but we did the damage especially with that goal before half-time.
“Now in the last four games, we’ll see if we can reduce the malcontent that we felt today in the stadium.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 25: Neil El Aynaoui of AS Roma competes for the ball with Lewis Ferguson of Bologna FC during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Bologna had been unbeaten at home to Roma since 2020, but they were jeered off the field by their fans at the Stadio Dall’Ara this evening.
Even seventh place looks very unlikely now, and even that would only guarantee Conference League qualification if Lazio don’t win the Coppa Italia Final.
Julian Brandt will leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season, and Arsenal are interested in securing his signature.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal are looking to submit a formal offer for the 29-year-old playmaker. He has 57 goals and 69 assists in over 300 appearances for Dortmund, and he could prove to be a very useful acquisition for the North London club.
They need more creativity in the final third, and the 29-year-old can operate centrally as well as on the flanks. Martin Odegaard has not been at his best this season, and more competition for places would be ideal. The German international could compete with the Arsenal captain for the starting spot. His ability to slot into multiple attacking roles will be a bonus.
He will be a free agent in the summer, and securing his services on a bargain could prove to be a masterstroke for Arsenal. They need a deeper squad with higher quality to do well across multiple competitions. Brandt has 11 goals and three assists this season.
Meanwhile, the opportunity to play for Arsenal will be exciting for Brandt as well. He is at the peak of his career, and this is the right time for him to seek a new challenge. Arsenal is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and they have a formidable team.
They have been pushing for the league title and the UEFA Champions League in recent seasons. He will want to join them and fight for major trophies. He has the technical attributes for English football, and he could be a star for Arsenal.
Other English clubs are monitoring his situation as well, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up eventually.
Manchester United are interested in signing the Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni at the end of the season.
According to a report from The Guardian, they are looking to bring in two quality midfielders at the end of the season.
The French International could be an exceptional acquisition. He has been a key player for Real Madrid, and he has shown his quality for his country as well. The report claims that he could cost around £70 million. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United come forward with an official offer to get the deal done.
Apart from his quality as a defensive midfielder, his winning experience could prove invaluable. He knows what it takes to compete at the highest level and fight for major trophies. He could help Manchester United improve and compete at the highest level next season.
Casemiro will leave the club in the summer, and Manchester United need an upgrade on Manuel Ugarte as well. It is no surprise that they are looking to bring in a couple of quality midfielders in the summer.
They have the financial resources to pay £70 million for the French international, and he has the quality to succeed in the Premier League as well. He is at the peak of his career, and it remains to be seen whether he is prepared to take on a new challenge.
He is an important player for Real Madrid, and he is enjoying his football at the Spanish club. Leaving them might not be an option for him right now. Manchester United will need to make an attractive offer to convince him.
Pau Cubarsi says Barcelona will not delay sealing the LaLiga title to celebrate against Real Madrid in their upcoming Clasico meeting on May 10. Hansi Flick’s side moved one step closer towards defending their league title with a 2-0 win over Getafe on Saturday, with goals from Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford securing victory at […]
Barcelona took a decisive step towards defending their LaLiga title with a 2-0 win at Getafe, courtesy of goals from Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford. Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Real Betis on Friday only strengthened the Blaugrana’s position at the top of the table, and they have now moved 11 points clear of their […]
Oliver Glasner had no qualms with the manner of Daniel Munoz’s goal in Crystal Palace’s 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday. Trailing 2-0 to first-half goals from Alexander Isak and Andrew Robertson, Munoz lifted into an unguarded goal in the 71st minute when Reds goalkeeper Freddie Woodman was down hurt after making a […]
Andy Robertson believes that Liverpool have taken a “big step” towards qualifying for the Champions League next season following their 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace. Liverpool moved up to fourth in the Premier League after Saturday’s win at Anfield, capitalising on Aston Villa’s 1-0 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage earlier in the day. Alexander […]
Liverpool racked up a third consecutive Premier League victory as they overcame Crystal Palace 3-1 at Anfield on Saturday. Alexander Isak and Andrew Robertson were on target in the first half, before Florian Wirtz made sure in second-half injury time after Daniel Munoz had replied for the visitors. Liverpool had seen a penalty awarded to […]
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had their offensive line take a beating over the last two seasons. They know they need some depth, and general manager Jason Licht once again let the board fall his way to get another great value for the Bucs, this time in Round 5.
With the 160th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bucs selected Notre Dame guard Billy Schrauth.
Schrauth could become a starter for this team at left guard and provides a tremendous insurance policy for Cody Mauch, who is coming off a significant knee injury. With this selection, the Bucs will be able to properly assess his knee as he rehabs and works his way back in camp. If things are not progressing as they should, Schrauth could play meaningful snaps as a rookie.
He was a team captain at Notre Dame and proved to be a leader on a team chock-full of them. He will be as good a locker room addition as he is a depth one for the Bucs.
Sep 12, 2020; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks cornerback Karon Prunty (9) wears a Black Lives Matter shirt during warmups before a game against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
The New England Patriots waited almost 80 picks between their third and fourth selections in the draft. When they were on the clock, they opted to go for a player who they had shown interest in for a while: Wake Forest cornerback Karon Prunty was selected with pick No. 171 in the fifth round.
Bernd Buchmasser: The Patriots did their homework on Prunty, inviting him for a 30 visit and having other points of contact throughout the pre-draft process. They also were a lot higher on him than plenty of other people: he is ranked 512th on the consensus board. Does this make it a bad pick, though? Not necessarily because he has some tools to work with as a long, speedy defender. | Grade: C-
Pat Lane: The Patriots met with Prunty on a 30 visit, and also at his pro day. Clearly, they were higher than consensus on him. He was PFF’s 24th-rated cover corner in coverage last year, and he has good size, so maybe there is some upside here, but it sure feels like he would’ve been available later. Corner is definitely a need for the Patriots, so that’s good. I believe there were much better corners on the board, but I’m going to choose to trust that the Patriots know what they’re doing here. Let’s hope they’re right, because I feel like the grades from most people are going to be pretty low. | Grade: D
Matt St. Jean: In what was seen as a weak class, the Patriots take CB57 on Dane Brugler’s board at pick 171. Karon Prunty is an older prospect who finished his career at Wake Forest. A tall corner at 6-foot-1 who played outside, Prunty posted a great three-cone drill for his height with a 4.45 40-time. He got strong coverage grades from PFF all throughout his career (84.8 coverage grade in 2025) and drew interest from multiple NFL teams who brought him in for 30 visits, including the Patriots. Depth at outside corner is a long-term need for the team, so this fills a need. It is similar to the selection of Kobee Minor last year with the team taking a corner from well off the consensus boards, which speaks to the lack of depth in this class and the team’s willingness to trade both 4th-round picks. | Grade: C-
Andrew Guindon: The Patriots needed young and cheap cornerback depth since they will likely be near or at the top of the league in spending at the position, assuming they extend Christian Gonzalez. Prunty (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) tested well at his pro day and ran a 4.45 40-yard dash. He has a knack for creating turnovers, recording eight interceptions in college. There was an extensive list of higher-profile corners available, but the pick still fills a need. | Grade: C
The Patriots’ next draft pick is set to come at No. 191 in the sixth round. The top needs left to be addressed include linebacker and defensive tackle.
What do you think about this draft pick, though? Do you like it? Do you not? Please participate in our poll and head to the comment section to discuss.
The Tartan Army says it is "taking back control" over soaring World Cup prices with a fan-run ticket swap website for supporters.
Ticket Exchange, set up by Edinburgh fan Carey McEvoy, says Scotland fans can swap and sell World Cup briefs without "obnoxious" resale mark-ups.
The 54-year-old ran a similar operation during Euro 2024, but says the high costs involved in the US tournament have made this "very different".
The cheapest recent tickets for Scotland's opening match against Haiti in Boston were $380 - the most expensive more than $2,000.
There have been various Fifa ticket sales with some using a dynamic pricing model - where prices are adjusted in real-time based on demand.
McEvoy, who is taking his 17-year-old son to his first World Cup, said he set up the group to help "desperate" fans who had paid for travel but had little hope of tickets.
Fans pay a £5 fee to register, which is donated to the Tartan Army Sunshine charity.
Thousands of Scottish fans are due to travel to the US for the World Cup [PA Media]
"The cost and the resale fees from Fifa are obnoxious," McEvoy told BBC Scotland News.
"At first 100 people signed up and were all quite happy to donate a fiver because it was for charity.
"I guess they thought, I have already spent thousands going to America - what's an extra fiver?"
There are about 600 people in the Ticket Exchange group and currently about 80 with tickets to swap or sell.
'Happy to chip in'
McEvoy runs the exchange with fellow fans Gill Taggart and Gordon Forbes, who help facilitate transactions to make sure "no one gets scammed".
Despite struggling to find enough tickets to go round, McEvoy said the experience has been positive for Tartan Army fans.
McEvoy said: "We ran something similar during the Euros which was brilliant, but it was very different then.
"There were a lot of people across Europe with tickets to swap. It was much more straightforward."
"Scotland fans will always find tickets one way or another, we are just happy to chip in."
The Tartan Army's Hamish Husband said fans were taking back control from Fifa [BBC]
Thousands of Scottish fans are expected to travel to the US to cheer on Steve Clarke's side, after the men's national team qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 30 years.
Tartan Army veteran Hamish Husband praised the exchange and said its showed that Scotland fans "look after each other".
He said: "We are aware of something called dynamic pricing - Oasis and Taylor Swift fans will be familiar with this.
"We were expecting it at the World Cup but not at this level. The cost for a family to go must be extraordinary.
"The Tartan Army is taking back control from Fifa and our hosts in the USA who are raking in money from football fans."
Scotland's games in June are in Boston and Miami [BBC]
Husband also criticised Fifa for allowing tournament prices to spike.
He added: "There have been various ticket selling sites facilitated by Fifa where a ticket for Scotland Haiti or Morocco costs about $1000.
"This site has enabled Scotland fans to swap and buy tickets from each other for face value prices - if you did this through Fifa they take up to 15%."
Fifa insists it is focused on ensuring fair access to the tournament for fans.
A spokesperson said: "Fifa's pricing strategy spans a broad range of price points and categories, reflecting market demand for each match.
"Unlike the entities behind profit-driven third-party ticket marketplaces, Fifa is a not-for-profit organisation.
"Revenue generated is reinvested to support the development of men's, women's and youth football across all Fifa 211 member associations."
Arne Slot points finger at referee over controversial Munoz goal
Arne Slot believes referee Andy Madley was to blame for a controversial goal conceded by Liverpool against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Reds took a two-goal lead through Alexander Isak and Andy Robertson at Anfield, but the Eagles pulled one back after the break through Daniel Munoz.
The full-back chipped the ball into an empty net while Freddie Woodman was down injured on the pitch. The goalkeeper hit his knee off the turf after stopping Ismaila Sarr’s shot.
The incident had no impact on the end result, though, as Florian Wirtz went on to score and secure a 3-1 win for the hosts.
“It was a lot more nervy because of the goal,” Slot told BBC Match of the Day after the final whistle.
“I don’t think we deserved to concede it in that fashion. Palace were much more in the game than the 2-0 showed. Is there a game we play where there isn’t talk about the referee?”
Arne Slot points finger at referee over controversial Munoz goal
Slot added that he couldn’t fault Munoz for taking his opportunity on goal, but thinks Madley should have blown the whistle when Woodman went down.
“The number of times I’ve played against a team and then a player is on the floor and the referee blows the whistle. It happened against Manchester United when (Alexis) Mac Allister was on the floor, they played on and Macca needed five stitches afterwards. I don’t blame them, by the way, the referee should stop the game.
“It’s going to become a tactic to pretend you’re injured so the referee stops the play. He did it about four times today. Munoz, I think it’s 50-50 because some players wouldn’t have taken the shot. Some players would stop and some would score. I don’t blame him as much as I blame the referee.
The result sees Liverpool move into fourth place in the Premier League table, but it came at a cost as Mo Salah was forced off with an injury.
“Another win and another injury,” Slot said. “It’s the story of our season. It’s too early to say but we all know Mo and how hard it is for him to leave the pitch. For Mo to leave the pitch, it shows you something but we have to wait and see how bad it is.”
Guardiola plays down treble talk after Man City reach FA Cup final
Pep Guardiola has played down talk of Manchester City winning a domestic treble despite reaching the final of the FA Cup by beating Southampton.
City came from behind to win at Wembley thanks to goals from Jeremy Doku and Nico Gonzalez.
But having already won the Carabao Cup and currently sitting three points behind Arsenal in the Premier League with a game in hand, Guardiola says it is still too early to talk about a treble.
“It’s too far away,” he said. “Before the final, before the Aston Villa game, I would tell you it was a chance. Now it’s far, far away.
“Now it’s important we have three days off for the players. I told them, don’t think about football, rest. Now we start a season for five games plus the final, the FA Cup. Premier League, I would say it’s almost gone. Now we’re back second. We’ll see how we arrive.
“Six games, like every game we win, we’ll be there, we lose, it’s over.
“People say how many Champions Leagues and how many this and that. What defines that club is when you win five Carabaos and you play four finals in a row in the FA Cup. That defines it.
“Always you have a bad afternoon, we say many times. A bad day, injures, you cannot be there.
“Always we were there. That’s what I said to the players. Imagine now we start next season and only one team for the next four years will arrive four times in the final of the FA Cup. Apparently it’s not easy.
“So we did it. We did it again. We are in the final again, we have time to prepare with our fans, with Chelsea v Leeds. Now it’s easy, rest mentally, physically because it has been a tough, tough week. A lot of emotions, and go for these five games.”
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Odegaard vows to ‘fight every day’ as Arsenal go top again
Martin Odegaard says that Arsenal need to “fight every single day” for the Premier League title after returning to the top of the table on Saturday.
The Gunners secured a narrow win over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium thanks to a stunning finish from outside the box by Eberechi Eze.
The result sends Arsenal back into first place ahead of Manchester City, who did not play in the league this weekend as they faced and defeated Southampton in the FA Cup semi-finals.
“It was tough, very intense, very physical,” Odegaard told Sky Sports. “We did everything we could and we got the win, the most important thing was to bounce back with a win and get over the line with the three points.”
Arsenal have become known for packing the six-yard box on corners, but they instead tried a new short routine involving Odegaard to catch Newcastle off guard. They had two failed attempts before succeeding with the third as Kai Havertz found Eze in acres of space on the edge of the area.
“We practice it all,” the captain said. “That’s our quality. We can score in many different ways. We did it brilliant today.
“I think the stadium was a bit annoyed that we took it short again but it paid off in the end and it was a great finish.”
Odegaard vows to ‘fight every day’ as Arsenal go top again
Asked about the physical demands of the run-in with a Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid on the horizon, Odegaard responded: “This schedule is crazy. We just have to keep going. It is the end of the season, just leave everything out that we have inside, fight every single game and we just have to keep going.
“That’s where we want to be but it is going to go all the way to the end. We are ready for it and we will fight every single day.”
The Cleveland Browns' offensive line play in 2025 was among the worst in the NFL, and it is clear that Andrew Berry knew this and focused on fixing it in free agency and the draft. After adding a tackle in the first and third rounds, the Browns continue to add to the group, selecting Alabama center Parker Brailsford with the 146th pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
What stands out most about Brailsford is his athleticism and movement skills, which allow him to move well laterally and change direction quickly. He's a high-IQ player who handles stunts and loopers well and can help quarterbacks change protection at the line of scrimmage. Brailsford played in 42 games between his two years at Alabama and one year in Washington.
The biggest concern is his power profile and size, coming in at 289 pounds, although he plays with a nasty temperament and doesn't shy away from the dirty work in the run game. If he could add more functional strength without losing athleticism, he could become a starter in the NFL.
Larne striker Andy Ryan said he was pleased that they got over the line and won a third Irish Premiership title in four years after a "turbulent" season.
The Inver men wrestled back the Gibson Cup from Linfield with a thumping 8-0 win over Dungannon Swifts on the final day.
It caps a fine end to a chaotic season for Larne, whose manager Nathan Rooney left after the first game of the season with Kenny Bruce also selling his 50% stake in the Irish Premiership club to American firm Redball.
And Ryan, who missed the first half of the season with a knee injury, praised the resilience of players and staff alike to win the title.
"We did half the job at the oval last week and we knew we had to do the other half today. There was a lot of noise from the outside about what could happen but we did what we did all season focused on ourselves and it was a real professional performance," he told BBC Sport NI.
"It's been a turbulent season from the start losing the manager and Kenny leaving but we're a close-knit group and we stuck together like we did today and got it over the line.
"It's not just the forward players it's the whole squad [that helped win the league], look at the clean sheets as well. Teams win games but squads win leagues and that's what's done us good this year."
The 31-year-old is out of contract in the summer and said after the title celebrations that he was unsure if he would extend his successful three and a half year association with the club.
"I don't know, it's been a turbulent season for me," he added.
"My sole focus was to get myself back fit and after that it was to get today over the line.
"Whether I'm here next year or not I wanted to make sure this club got another trophy. I'll have a few weeks with my family and see what the future brings."
'They underestimated what we have as a group' - Haveron
Gary Haveron stepped in to take on the role as interim manager from Rooney in August but such was Larne's success under the 45-year-old he was named permanent boss on a three-year deal in October.
Named Manager of the Year at the Northern Ireland Football League's awards, Haveron said it was "really special" to lead his local team to a league title.
"I'm born and bred in this town and you know what it means to me," he said.
"These players and staff are exceptional. Everyone was talking about us falling away, but they underestimated what we have as a group and a community. More fool them.
"It was gritty and resilient. There were injuries to key people and suspensions at the start of the season, but we knew if we could be competitive then we could finish strong.
!The 18 games unbeaten were the backbone. We just crept up to get to the top and then you are there to be shot at."
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Bryce Lance of the North Dakota State Bison participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the NFL Draft in its final day, many players with Mountain West ties of some sort are hearing their names called.
North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance, younger brother of former Bison and NFL QB Trey Lance, was taken in the fourth round (136th pick overall), going to the New Orleans Saints.
Lance was a key part of the Bison offense during his tenure, starting in 2024 and 2025. He had back-to-back 1000-yard receiving seasons, totaling 2157 overall, and averaged 17 yards per catch. Bryce also found the end zone often, scoring 27 touchdowns over two seasons, including an eye-popping 18 in 2024.
Standing at 6’3” and weighing about 204 pounds, Lance has an NFL WR body and despite playing at the FCS level, he should be able to translate well to the NFL game due to his size and speed. At the NFL Combine, he posted a 4.34 forty-time with a 41.5” vertical.
Following the Saints trade of Rashid Shaheed, Lance is in a great position to come in and compete for a starting role immediately. This seems like a good fit for both sides.
Law, a 6-foot, 203-pound wide receiver, reeled in 53 catches for 540 yards with three scores. In his college career, Law caught 86 passes for 883 yards and four touchdowns.
After its trade with the Bills, the Lions now have just two remaining picks in the 2026 NFL draft: picks No. 205 overall (sixth round) and No. 222 overall (seventh round).
"All my doctors that did my surgery told me that I’m good. I feel like I’m good," McCoy said on April 25. "But if the team wants me to do something for the longevity of my career, I’m willing to do that. I’m going to listen to the team because I feel like they have my best interests in mind."
McCoy, a Tennessee Vols star, was considered the top cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft. But he dropped to the fourth round, where the Raiders took him with the 101st pick, because of concerns over his long-term health.
It was tragic fall, but McCoy took it in stride.
"It’s definitely difficult. But I know God has a plan for me," McCoy said. "I am just truly blessed that a team took me anyways because this is an achievement to get here in the first place."
Did Jermod McCoy expect to fall in NFL draft?
McCoy was a 2024 All-American and then suffered a torn ACL during a training session in January 2025. He did not play during Tennessee’s 2025 season but showed progress during individual drills at practice in August.
On March 31, McCoy ran the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds at Tennessee’s pro day. That would've tied for the second-fastest time among cornerbacks at the NFL scouting combine. He recorded a 38-inch vertical jump and 10 feet, 7 inches in the broad jump.
It seemed to solidify him as an elite prospect, but reports early in the draft cast doubt. NFL teams were not concerned about his ACL, according to multiple reports, but they believed that surgery revealed potential degenerative problems in his knee, specifically in regards to a bone plug.
"I was prepared for whatever happened. But I thought I would go a little higher for sure because I had a good pro day, ran some good times and did some good things," McCoy said. "But I was prepared for whatever happened because it’s not in my control. All of it is just motivation fueling me."
Why Jermod McCoy says 'this is still a blessing'
When McCoy was passed over in the first round and second and third, he could've turned off the draft. Instead, he said he kept watching it and hoping for an opportunity. The Raiders took him with the first pick on Day 3.
"I was watching for sure. This something you can't take this for granted. This is everyone’s dream," McCoy said. "You can’t just say, ‘I didn’t get drafted, so I’m not fixing to watch the draft anymore.’ This is still a blessing to get drafted. I was watching it. I got the call, and I’m super excited to get to work."
If healthy, the Raiders got a massive steal.
McCoy, 6-foot-1, 188-pounder, has elite athleticism, ideal size, speed, technique, instincts, competitive drive and performance. He excelled at Oregon State. Then he transferred to Tennessee, where he became an All-American and semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the best defensive back in college football.
But McCoy hasn't played in a game since Dec. 21, 2024, a loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff.
"Something I learned about myself (while sitting out the 2025 season) is that I’m super mentally strong," McCoy said. "I’ve been through a lot, and I’ve got a story that I’m still telling."
Northampton Saints confirmed their status as the Prem team to beat with a last-minute penalty from Fin Smith securing a breathless 41-38 victory over title-rivals Bath at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens.
League-leaders Saints edged a highly competitive first half against the team in second, scoring tries through Smith, Ollie Sleightholme and a double for Tommy Freeman, with Bath responding through Louie Hennessey and Arthur Green.
The seesaw nature of the contest continued in the second half, with Tom Carr-Smith and Sleightholme exchanging tries, before Tom de Glanville and Archie Griffin levelled the scores.
With time running down, Freeman secured his hat-trick before Kepu Tuipulotu restored parity, but there was still time for Smith to keep his cool and slot the winning points.
Saints got off to a fast start in front of an expectant home crowd, with Fraser Dingwall making a nuisance of himself in midfield before feeding Smith to exploit a gap to run in and score.
But they were pegged back soon after.
With Tom Litchfield in the sin-bin for not rolling away following Bernard van der Linde's midfield break, the ball eventually found its way to Hennessey on the wing and he crossed to score.
With Bath reduced to 14 men following a deliberate knock-on from Will Muir, the Saints restored their lead with Alex Mitchell finding Tommy Freeman to go over in the corner.
Saints soon added a third through Sleightholme, who powered down the wing untouched following quick interplay between Freeman and George Hendy in midfield.
But Bath were not to be held off for long. Off the back of a scrum, Hennessey did well to draw multiple defenders before freeing his arms to feed Will Butt, who offloaded to Green to go over for a well-worked second.
With Bath knocking on the door again, the Saints snaffled the ball in their own 22 with Sleightholme leading a breathless counter-attack into the visitors' half.
Having been tackled by Josh Bayliss, the ball was recycled and eventually ended up in the hands of Freeman, who went over for the Saints' bonus-point score.
The pace of the game was unrelenting - barely had referee Luke Pearce blown the whistle to start the second half and Bath were back in contention.
Ciaran Donoghue, in his first appearance of the season after recovering from a knee injury, threw the perfect miss pass in the Saints 22, releasing Hennessey down the wing, who fed back inside for Carr-Smith to score.
Sleightholme then restored Saints' lead from close range before De Glanville dotted down after Frost and was halted metres short of the Saints line.
Bath's power game came to the fore as Griffin forced his way over following a period of sustained pressure in the Saints' 22 to level things up before the match swung again.
Finding open space down the wing, Litchfield fed Freeman for his hat-trick before Tuipulotu went over from close range to set up a tense finish.
But with Bath penalised for a high-tackle on Henry Pollock with the clock in the red, it fell to Smith to deliver the final blow in yet another high-scoring match between the two teams and a carbon copy of the Saints' nail-biting win in January 2025.
'Third gear performance' - reaction
Northampton Saints head coach Sam Vesty told BBC Radio Northampton:
"It was a good game, great for the neutral, but frustrating from our point of view. I don't think we played very well there. Great to come away with five points, but lots for us to work on.
"None of it was really a Saints performance. We weren't sharp to move, we weren't connected, we weren't working together. It felt like a third gear performance from us, which is massively disappointing."
[On defensive lapses] "It's too easy to get into our 22, and when they get in there, we're not good enough at holding out"
Bath head coach Johann van Graan told BBC Radio Bristol:
"I'm gutted to lose like that but, equally, what a game of rugby once again between two amazing clubs. I'm so proud of this group to deliver that comeback once again.
"We know who we are, we are tough to beat, we don't know how to give up.
"We take it week by week. We pitched up physically, but we came up against a very good side - it's not great to lose it that way."
[On Ciaran Donoghue's return from injury] "It's amazing, after nine months out, to come and play 80 minutes. But it's not about individuals. Our club is about the team, and respect, and the values of the game, and I think we showed that today."
After making a trade with the Carolina Panthers to move up in the fourth round, the Chicago Bears waited to make their pick in the fifth round and brought in another defensive playmaker, selecting linebacker Keyshaun Elliott out of Arizona State with the 166th overall pick.
This is the third selection on defense that the Bears have made in this year’s draft, including safety Dillon Thieneman (first round), cornerback Malik Muhammad (fourth round), who the team traded up to get at pick No. 124, and now Elliott.
Elliott will join the Bears linebacker room that is filled with veterans, led by T.J. Edwards, Devin Bush, D’Marco Jackson, and Jack Sanborn. It is the second straight year in which the Bears have drafted a linebacker, after they selected Ruben Hyppolite II in the fourth round last year. The Arizona State product will likely see his first opportunities to make an impact on special teams, while also having plenty of veteran leaders to learn from.
Here’s how the NFL world reacted to the Bears’ selection of Keyshaun Elliott:
NFL world reacts to Bears selecting LB Keyshaun Elliott in 2026 NFL Draft
Linebacker depth is a little scarce for Chicago, so the Keyshaun Elliott selection makes sense. Not some super athletic guy, but a solid run stopper who also showed an ability to get after the QB last season with 7 sacks.
The #Bears add some value on special teams with Arizona State linebacker Keyshaun Elliott at No. 176 overall
Physical LB with impressive blitzing ability. Don't know how high the athletic ceiling or coverage skills are, but he'll be a good third-phase type of guy
Keyshaun Elliot was a top 10 LB for me and a 4th round grade. Highest rated LB on the board. 134th on the consensus board. Good value https://t.co/1qaE4VgiBs
The ceiling on Keyshaun Elliot is somewhere along the lines of run down starter or used specifically in sub-packages on blitzes. The coverage skills are a major work in progress. High end special teams add. #Bears
I missed it when it happened but Keyshaun Elliott to the Bears is sick. He fills gaps with urgency and avoids blockers well. Not as much of a coverage guy right now, but I like his game
Bears select LB Keyshaun Elliott from ASU 6'1" 233 lbs, 22 yrs old 4.58 40, 38" vert, 10'5" broad jump 8.74 RAS 38 starts in college between New Mexico St/Arizona St Green dot LB, who shows good instincts, character, team captain Needs to improve on coverage, but a solid LB… pic.twitter.com/7Um3oOV0hf
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 1: Wide receiver Colbie Young #8 of the Georgia Bulldogs run against cornerback Jaylon Braxton #2 of the Ole Miss Rebels during second half of the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Caesars Superdome on January 1, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the 140th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals selected Georgia wide receiver Colbie Young.
After trading 10th overall for Dexter Lawrence and spending Day 2 adding to the defense, the Bengals go offense twice in the fourth round. After selecting Connor Lew to be their center of the future, they added to the wide receiver room with Young.
At 6-foot-4, 218 pounds, it is easy to like the prospect of Young in the Bengals’ offense, but a broken leg last season cost Young significant time. He was able to make it back for the College Football Playoff. He started his college career at Miami before transferring to Georgia.
Young missed time in 2024 following an arrest and suspension, but he was later placed on probation and fined before being welcomed back to the football team.
What Colbie Young brings to the Bengals
Size: His 6-foot-4 frame is something the Bengals have historically valued in a receiver, and he could be a contributor in the red zone. Young is the same height as Tee Higgins, and a red zone package with Higgins, Mike Gesicki, and Young could be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Run After Catch: Young is flat-out hard to bring down. He consistently beats individual tacklers and requires multiple players to get him to the ground. As the defense focuses on Ja’Marr Chase and Higgins, Young could be the weapon the Bengals were hoping Germaine Burton could be against single coverage.
High-point Specialist: Young is great at using his body to shield defenders, while his large hands help him excel in contested catch situations. Young is going to come down with the 50/50 balls more often than not when he’s on the field.
Why the Bengals picked Colbie Young
Germaine Burton’s Departure: Burton was supposed to be yet another explosive addition to the wide receiver room, but he was never able to put it together. While the Bengals like Andrei Iosivas, he doesn’t have some of the physical traits the Bengals covet. After releasing Burton last season, the Bengals are taking another risk to replace him.
Iosivas Contract: Iosivas is also scheduled to be a free agent after the 2026 season, so there is no guarantee he is in the building beyond this year. The Bengals have been known to draft the replacement for a player they plan to move on from, so that could be the case here.
Big Play Ability: They already have two big play wideouts in Chase and Higgins, but Young panning out would bring yet another dynamic to an already explosive offense. With all of the attention directed at the top two receivers, the Bengals are hoping they have found a true, big-time threat that can make a defense pay.
Young is certainly a risk given his off-field issues and injury history, but he has all the traits to become a very underrated pick. This feels very similar to drafting Burton, so we will all hope for better results.
Sean Lynn is in charge of his second Six Nations campaign with Wales [Huw Evans Picture Agency]
Head coach Sean Lynn has praised Wales' never say die attitude, but admits there is still plenty to work on if they are to close the gap on the world's best teams.
Wales' 24 points at Ashton Gate was also the most they have ever scored against the Red Roses in 24 Six Nations meetings.
"Twelve months ago we would've flopped and fallen away, but to show that character to come back and score two tries and get a bonus point, I cant fault the character," said Lynn.
"Obviously we're disappointed we leaked 62 points, but that's a very good Red Roses side who were clinical today."
Few predicted any other result than a convincing England win, but Lynn said the performance was always going to be about them.
Wales showed variation in set piece attack, with two training ground lineout moves catching England cold for Keira Bevan and Kelsey Jones' first-half tries.
"We've got to be a little bit more clever now in those red zones, so it was lovely to see the first one come off and then the second. We've always got to be asking questions of the defence," said Lynn.
But a lack of clinical edge in promising positions continues to be Wales' downfall, with England thriving on the counter attack.
"We just didn't keep the ball and then they score from those opportunities when we're in really good areas, those were the big frustrations from us as a coaching team," said Lynn.
Wales' discipline was improved, with only six penalties conceded, although Kayleigh Powell's 52nd minute yellow card proved costly.
There were also 40 missed tackles which England duly punished, while Wales' loose kicking game needs serious attention.
Despite Wales' shortcomings, England captain, Wales-born Meg Jones, said she knew she had been in a Test match after the final whistle.
"They love coming to the breakdown, they hit really hard, that's something they'll always have," said Jones.
"I said to the girls, there is going to be so much emotion out there, they are not going to lay over for us and their continuity in attack has definitely developed, including their set piece.
"It was definitely the Test match that we wanted."
Jones' acknowledgment of Wales' progress were echoed by England head coach John Mitchell, who said "they're definitely more organised".
Wales - and the rest of the world - have been attempting to close the gap on England for years, and while the scoreline may be similar, Lynn believes they are making strides.
"We will definitely be moving that goalpost for us and we could catch them," he said.
"I couldn't give you an answer [on how long]. It's just making sure we focus on us and control what we can.
"That's the big thing for me, we've got individuals, somebody like Freya Bell coming off the bench today who's looking strong, Jenna De Vera getting her second start, Jorja Aiono, Seren Lockwood - the adaptability she's showing going onto the wing and playing in front of 28,000 people.
"This experience is just going to help our youngsters and the senior players have been outstanding."
Wales now have two weeks to reflect before heading to Ireland for the penulatimate round, but Lynn is facing a mini injury crisis with Catherine Richards the latest casualty.
Wales were without captain Kate Williams, Hannah Dallavalle and Carys Cox for the England game, while Lisa Neumann has already been ruled out of the rest of the championship.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Lorenzo Styles Jr. #3 of the Ohio State Buckeyes breaks up a pass intended for Omar Cooper Jr. #3 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the first quarter in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the No. 172 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints have selected Ohio State DB Lorenzo Styles Jr.
The Pickerington, OH native played two seasons at WR for Notre Dame before transferring to Ohio State in 2023 and transitioning to cornerback,
This is a developing story so stay tuned to CSC for a full breakdown, analysis and draft grades on Styles.
Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs after a catch for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field.
El SEGUNDO, Calif. -- The Chargers made multiple moves on Friday night to go from two picks to seven on Day 3 of the draft.
There were several additions to the Chargers roster, as they held a top-five pick in the fourth round.
Here is a breakdown of each draft pick and what they told the media (Will be updated as picks are made):
Thompson felt like a Mike McDaniel pick right off the bat, especially after running a 4.26 40-yard dash at the combine.
He stands at 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds, but the speed he brings is a staple of a McDaniel offense—and Thompson agreed.
“I think it's a perfect fit,” Thompson said. “I think the fan base and this team got exactly what they needed. I'm ready just to get to get in and work with Daniel and just get to work, man.”
With his speed and playmaking ability, the Chargers could look to use him as a kick and punt returner, but Thompson said that had not been discussed.
“Wherever they need, I'll show up,” Thompson said. “I’m ready to play. I'm ready to go. Just looking forward to taking it on.”
The Chargers’ receiver group is shaping up to have a little bit of everything, especially after adding an explosive, home-run threat like Thompson.
Travis Burke, OT, Memphis, 4th round, 117th pick
The Chargers traded up later in the fourth round, sending pick No. 123 (fourth round) and pick No. 204 (sixth round) to move up to No. 117.
General manager Joe Hortiz selected Travis Burke, a 6-foot-9, 325-pound right tackle out of Memphis.
Burke projects as a swing tackle for the Chargers. He is known for his aggressive play style and was described as “a violent finisher” during his college career.
He was coached at Memphis by former NFL Super Bowl champion David Diehl, who served as an assistant offensive line coach.
Oct 25, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Tigers offensive lineman Travis Burke (78) gestures toward the South Florida Bulls defense on the line of scrimmage during the second half at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
Oct 25, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Tigers offensive lineman Travis Burke (78) gestures toward the South Florida Bulls defense on the line of scrimmage during the second half at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
Genesis Smith, S, Arizona, 4th round, 131st pick
While this was the NFL Draft, when the Chargers selected Smith, it looked like they drafted a center fielder. He was all over the field making plays at Arizona.
"Any position in the secondary, I feel pretty comfortable with ... but I do feel like I have a knack for the ball and centerfield. I feel pretty comfortable back there."
According to PFF, he allowed just 193 yards on 382 coverage snaps in 2025. He consistently made plays and broke up passes during his time at Arizona.
"I feel like I'm a playmaker. Just my mindset, it separates me from a lot of people," Smith said.
Smith also expressed excitement about joining a secondary that includes safety Derwin James, one of the best at the position.
Nov 1, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive back Genesis Smith (12) returns an interception in the second half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Nov 1, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive back Genesis Smith (12) returns an interception in the second half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field.
“That's a great opportunity.,” Smith said..”Not everybody has the opportunity to go in and soak up everything from a seasoned vet. So, I feel like that's a blessing.”
He added that he wants to be a sponge, and he joins a secondary room that includes James, Elijah Molden, Tony Jefferson, and RJ Mickens.
Smith will need to improve his tackling after missing 34 tackles last season, an area that will be important in a defense that relies on sure tackling.
Nick Barrett, DT, South Carolina, 5th round, 145th pick
The Chargers looked to bolster their defensive line by selecting Nick Barrett out of South Carolina.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper called him “a sleeper pick” during the broadcast and highlighted his ability as a run-stopping defensive tackle.
“A run stopper,” Barrett said. “Push the pocket, stuff like that. I do good with anchoring and taking on double teams. I'm very strong at the point of attack.”
Oct 25, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive lineman Nick Barrett (93) reacts to a stop against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium.
Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Oct 25, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive lineman Nick Barrett (93) reacts to a stop against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium.
The South Carolina product recorded 25 run stops in 2025 and was a key piece of their defensive front.
He joins a room that includes Teair Tart, Dalvin Tomlinson, Justin Eboigbe, and Jamaree Caldwell, where he will compete and continue to develop.
Barrett also has some familiarity in Los Angeles, as Chargers pass rusher Kyle Kennard and receiver Dalevon Campbell are former teammates of his at South Carolina.
D1Baseball has Florida listed as the No. 8 seed and a regional host in its NCAA Tournament field-of-64 projections as of April 21.
The Gators are grouped with No. 25 Southern California (USC), UCF and Yale. Florida's No. 10 RPI ranking and third-toughest strength of schedule anchor the case for the Gators. The Gators have a nation-leading 13 wins against Quadrant teams, including a 12-4 record against top-25 teams as of Saturday.
Florida just took Game 1 of a weekend series against Texas A&M, proving it can compete with the best teams in the country and that Kevin O'Sullivan has once again constructed a roster capable of making a deep run to Omaha. O'Sullivan recently described the final stretch as a 12-game season to get right before the playoffs. A recent 1-4 run led to a loss of team identity, but the Florida skipper feels like Friday's win got them back on track.
D1Baseball’s projection is not an official bracket, but it offers a snapshot of where teams stand entering the final weeks. It is assembled by Mark Etheridge, Kendall Rogers and Aaron Fitt, who have a combined 60 years of experience covering college baseball.
Florida’s path is clear: win series, remove doubt.
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 15: Josh Cuevas #80 of the Alabama Crimson Tide carries the ball in for a touchdown against the Oklahoma Sooners during the second quarter of a football game at Bryant Denny Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Baltimore Ravens have selected Alabama tight end Josh Cuevas in the fifth round (No. 173 overall) in the 2026 NFL Draft, their second pick at the position after trading up for SMU’s Matthew Hibner at No. 133.
This is a breaking story that will be updated with more information.
There's a bit of a local flair to the Detroit Lions' 2026 NFL draft so far, and that's thrilling for one college team, and potentially very upsetting for another, depending how settled into the rivalry lore fans of said school might be.
The state of Michigan's NFL team didn't just draft two former Michigan football players with two of its top three picks, it went even a bit further, adding insult to injury if you're a diehard Michigan State fan. Naturally, MSU fans aren't exactly genteel about their in-state rival, so for the Lions' social media team to celebrate the picks of edge rusher Derrick Moore (second round) and linebacker Jimmy Rolder (fourth round) with this:
. . . it's likely not terribly good for Spartan morale. However, the maize and blue faithful, of course, are all about it.
Still, such open hostility (jestfully) wasn't going to go unnoticed by the official Michigan State football social media account, showing just how much openly embracing all things Wolverines upsets those over in East Lansing. Thus, MSU's retort was to show Lions head coach Dan Campbell shaking hands with Pat Fitzgerald, the new head coach of the Spartans, in the Breslin Center.
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) April 25, 2026
It's all fun and games, at least for the social media administrators. (For the rival fans, it's probably not as fun.)
There's even a bit of internal strife within Allen Park with all of the Michigan selections, and the posters united under 'one pride' are having a bit of open warfare.
It's always great to see rivalries expressed all in good fun, not fully encumbered by vitriol and lashing out, as we often see among the Michigan-MSU-Ohio State of it all.
ANGERS, France (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain boosted its hopes of retaining the Ligue 1 title after it eased to a 3-0 win at Angers on Saturday.
The result moved PSG champion six points above second-placed Lens, which was forced to rescue a dramatic 3-3 draw at Brest on Friday.
PSG hosts Bayern Munich on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal.
Lee Kang-in got PSG going early when he fired in a rebound in the seventh minute after Achraf Hakimi’s attempt was parried by Angers goalkeeper Hervé Koffi.
Senny Mayulu finished off a counterattack shortly before halftime to double the advantage and Lucas Beraldo headed home Lee’s corner shortly after the break.
PSG defender Gonçalo Ramos was sent off in the 74th following a second yellow card.
Champions League boost
Lyon enhanced its chances of qualifying for the Champions League with a 3-2 win over relegation-threatened Auxerre.
Lyon moved three points above fourth-placed Lille, with Rennes and Marseille also close behind. Those three were playing on Sunday.
Roman Yaremchuk scored twice for Lyon, and Corentin Tolisso also got on the scoresheet. Sinaly Diomandé ensured the first half ended 1-1, while Bryan Okoh reduced the deficit in the 87th to set up a nervy finale.
Auxerre remained in 16th place, which is the promotion-relegation playoff spot.
The latest NFL tight end from the University of Cincinnati is Joe Royer, who was selected by the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, April 25 in the 5th round of the NFL draft.
The 6-foot-5, 247-pound former Elder Panther played two seasons for the Cincinnati Bearcats after starting his career at Ohio State.
His best season was 2024, when he surpassed the school record for touchdowns by a tight end previously held by Travis Kelce, a future NFL Hall of Famer with the Kansas City Chiefs. Royer had 50 catches and three touchdowns that season and had 29 catches with four touchdowns last season.
Royer now joins a notorious list of NFL tight ends from UC that includes two Super Bowl champions in Kelse and Brent Celek (La Salle High School). Another La Salle/UC product, Josh Whyle, is also in the NFL, along with former Bearcat Josiah Deguara. Leonard Taylor, Adrien Robinson and Rod Monroe are other former UC tight ends who had NFL experience.
Royer is also the latest NFL tight end from Elder High School, joining Kyle Rudolph on that list. In Royer's senior season for the Panthers, he led the Greater Catholic League-South with 70 catches for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 27: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys speaks with Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles after an NFL game at AT&T Stadium on September 27, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dallas Cowboys caught some people by surprise on Thursday night when they made a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. Sometimes division rivals can help each other, though.
After the Cowboys took Caleb Downs (which required a trade itself) they were clearly looking to move back from the 20th overall pick. Philadelphia was the proper taker and moved up from 23 to go get the wide receiver they wanted in Makai Lemon. Dallas took Malachi Lawrence, but they had two fourth-round picks from Philly that were to be determined.
With the fourth round now in the rearview mirror we know full well who the Cowboys wound up with as a result.
To be clear the Eagles also received a 2027 7th in the deal, but obviously we won’t know the result of that until a year from now at the earliest.
Who do you think won the trade? That is always an interesting question to try and answer in situations like this, but give it your best shot.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 02: Robbie Ray #38 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the New York Mets in the top of the first inning at Oracle Park on April 02, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s time for the second game of the series between the San Francisco Giants and the Miami Marlins, and we’re all hoping it goes better than the first one.
The Giants are sending veteran lefty Robbie Ray to the mound for his sixth start of the year. The 2021 American League Cy Young Award winner is 2-3 on the year, with a 2.86 ERA, a 4.42 FIP, and 31 strikeouts against 11 walks in 28.1 innings. In his last game, Ray gave up three runs in six innings against the Washington Nationals.
He’s up against young right-handed Eury Pérez, who just turned 23 years old. He is also making his sixth start this season, and is 2-1 on the year, with a 4.15 ERA, a 4.68 FIP, and 27 strikeouts against 12 walks in 26 innings. His last start was his best, as he allowed just one unearned run in six innings against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Rafael Jodar’s impressive start to life on the ATP Tour carried on with a fine win over Alex de Minaur.
The Spaniard is already building a reputation as one of the most consistent players on clay, winning 10 of his first 11 matches on the surface.
The Spanish teenager took care of De Minaur in straight sets and will now face Joao Fonseca in round three.
There was already plenty of hype surrounding Jodar before he made his mark at the senior level, but there has been even more excitement after he stepped up and won three consecutive matches at Masters 1000 tournaments while still only 18 years old.
Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images
Rafael Jodar matches Jannik Sinner’s milestone with latest win
Rafael Jodar is participating in the Madrid Open as a wildcard, but given his recent performances, it’s unlikely he’ll need many more of those opportunities in the near future.
The 18-year-old is already ranked number 36 in the world, and his latest win as a wildcard has drawn comparisons to an early achievement by Jannik Sinner on the ATP Tour.
As noted by OptaAce, Jodar is now the youngest wildcard to beat a top 10 player at a Masters 1000 event since Sinner did so back in 2020. That year, Sinner was still 19 when he upset Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Italian Open.
Sinner also defeated Benoit Paire at that tournament before losing a three-set match to Grigor Dimitrov in the third round.
How Rafael Jodar’s Madrid Open run could go even further
Jodar was handed a favourable draw at the Madrid Open, and after seeing off de Minaur, he’s now in a strong position to push on for a quarter-final spot.
The Spaniard will need to be at his best to defeat Fonseca in the third round, in what will be their first-ever match on the ATP Tour.
If he gets past the talented Brazilian teenager, his likely next opponent will be 22nd seed Arthur Rinderknech.
That means Jodar won’t face another top-20 opponent before reaching the quarters—a clear path to deeper progress in Madrid.
Having already beaten de Minaur, there is every chance Jodar could make more history at one of his home tournaments.
If he does reach the quarter-finals, though, it would set up a meeting with Sinner — another significant test.
Gonzalez’s late strike against Southampton sends Man City to the FA Cup final
Manchester City claimed a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
Omar Marmoush almost opened the scoring five minutes into the game after he got onto Tijjani Reijnders’ pass, but his effort struck the post.
At the other end, Leo Scienza thought he had given Southampton the lead after he finished past James Trafford, but he was denied by the offside flag before Ross Stewart headed his cross wide moments later.
In the 35th minute, Marmoush went close to breaking the deadlock after he was found by Mateo Kovacic, but his effort from a tight angle was beaten away by Daniel Peretz.
Shortly after the restart, Nathan Wood made two huge blocks to deny Rayan Cherki and Matheus Nunes the opener.
On the hour mark, Reijnders saw his curling effort float just wide before Marmoush miscued his finish from close-range as City searched for the breakthrough.
Moments later, Savinho tried his luck from distance, but his fierce strike was parried away by Peretz.
Peretz was called into action again minutes later as he kept out Nico Gonzalez’s powerful effort before Reijnders fired the rebound narrowly wide.
In the 79th minute, Finn Azaz finally broke the deadlock after he found the top corner in extraordinary fashion.
Three minutes later, Jeremy Doku drew City level after his deflected strike nestled into the bottom corner.
Minutes later, the Saints could’ve retaken the lead, but Kuryu Matsuki’s powerful strike was palmed away by Trafford.
Gonzalez completed the turnaround in the 87th minute, unleashing a screamer into the top corner.
In the closing stages of the game, Savinho could’ve got City’s third after he was found by Doku on the break, but his effort was cleared off the line by Matsuki.
Manchester City will face either Chelsea or Leeds United in the FA Cup final on May 16.
The New England Patriots made an interesting decision in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. While the thought was the team might look towards either a receiver or a linebacker, instead they added to the secondary.
With the 171st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select CB Karon Prunty. He did have a pre-draft visit with the team.
A 6-foot-2, 190 pound defense back, Prunty ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash and finished last season with an interception and eight pass breakups.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 24: Trea Turner #7 of the Philadelphia Phillies rounds first base as he hits a two-run homer in the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on April 24, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For those of you who wanted change, you are far more likely to get it than at any point up until now.
Depending on how things finish up this weekend in Atlanta, it’s hard to see how the 2026 season ends with the ultimate goal of a World Series parade taking place. The NL East is already lost, and the Phillies appear to be on their way to becoming the best team in history to lose 90+ games.
Whether you loved or hated the off-season, almost everyone believed this team was going to play October baseball. Sure, not all of you, but most. They were another year older, but still appeared talented enough to grind their way through another 162 games and return to the postseason. But they have dug themselves such a large hole in the first month of the season that it will likely take the next five just to put themselves in a wild card position.
You don’t lose 10 games in a row simply because of bad luck. A championship caliber club doesn’t lose 10 in a row because they suddenly became terrible baseball players overnight.
No, the 2026 Phillies have been the worst team in baseball coming into Saturday night’s second game against the Braves in Atlanta in large part because of Dave Dombrowski’s underestimation of the importance of what goes on inside a player’s ears.
The Phillies appear psychologically broken, and it’s understandable why that may be. I talked about it numerous times over the winter as Dombrowski and the front office stood pat with the same core of players that had come up torturously short the last three Octobers.
Asking this same group of players to come back, with all the baggage they’ve acquired, all the same doubts about their abilities, all the same disappointments and frustrations, and expect everything to work out was wishful thinking more than a solid plan.
Sure, every team goes through slumps. Some of them occur at the beginning of the season. But when you watch these Phillies, you can see something is off. This play from Friday night is just the tip of the iceberg, but it encapsulates how much things have gotten into their heads.
A simple ground ball to the shortstop with two outs and runners on 1st and 2nd… it doesn’t get any easier than this. But Turner failed to notice Ronald Acuna Jr. get a good jump off of 1st and beat Bryson Stott to the bag at 2nd. He then got freaked out and sailed his throw to 1st as a result. There were multiple mental and physical errors on that play alone, and it’s not the first time something like this has happened in the season’s first month.
The players have acknowledged that the only metric for success with this team is a World Series championship. So you can understand if, subconsciously, the regular season doesn’t hold as much interest for them as it once did. You can understand if they didn’t enter this season, with 162 games ahead of them, with fire in their bellies. For this group, it’s all about getting to October, and then performing better than they have the previous three.
To a man, they will absolutely deny this. But human nature is what it is.
The Phillies are trapped inside a bubble of frustration, and the danger of not jettisoning some of the existing core and replacing them with new people was failing to pop that bubble. When Orion Kerkering threw that ball to the backstop at the end of Game 4 of the NLDS in Los Angeles, everyone felt big changes had to happen.
Sure, maybe the talent on the field didn’t mix terribly well, but it worked well enough to win the division by 13 games and return to the playoffs for a fourth straight time. But bringing people from the outside would have helped pop the bubble. Bringing in people whose mindset was not solely “World Series-or-bust” could have helped the rest of the group realize there was still a reason to get up for the regular season.
Or, it simply could have shaken people out of their doldrums.
Instead, as this season has unfolded, the Phils have thus far found themselves unable to pull out of their initial tailspin. As a result, the division is already lost before the calendar has even turned to May. All that’s in play now is a wild card, and that becomes more of a longshot with each passing day.
The psychology of the Phillies needed to change, and it was going to be impossible for that to happen without bringing in players from outside the organization (and no, the additions of Adolis Garcia, Andrew Painter and Justin Crawford weren’t going to move the needle). Sure, the Phils needed another middle-of-the-order bat, and failing to acquire one has resulted in the team yet again playing without a true cleanup hitter, but beyond the sheer baseball of it all, it would have helped in the locker room, too.
Would a new manager’s voice have helped change the team’s perspective? Would moving players like Alec Bohm and/or Stott and or Brandon Marsh have shaken things up in a good way? Would acquiring a big bat like Eugenio Suarez, landing Bo Bichette, or inking one of the Japanese stars, helped?
It’s obviously impossible to say, but it seemed obvious to me, from the moment the Phils slumped off the Dodgers Stadium field last October, they needed a mental reset. Someone to come in there and convince them they weren’t destined to always fall short. Someone to give them a jolt of energy.
Perhaps that will soon happen. Dombrowski and John Middleton will obviously look at every aspect of this team in an attempt fo salvage the season. After all, there is no rebuild coming, not with Bryce Harper, Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo all signed to long-term extensions. If anything, there will be a re-tooling, not a rebuild.
A managerial change or other coaching change is more likely with each passing day and each succeeding loss. Change is coming.
Psychologically, for this group, that is almost certainly for the best.
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 04: Jimmy Rolder #30 of the Michigan Wolverines plays against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With their fourth-round pick the Detroit Lions continued to tick away at their biggest needs. With the 118th pick, the Lions selected Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder.
Here are five things you need to know about the Lions’ newest linebacker.
1. He’s only a one-year starter, but showed great instincts in 2025
Rolder was with the Michigan Wolverines for four years, but he was only a starter in 2025. That lack of experience could lead some players to make mental mistakes. And while Rolder was no exception, he has pretty much been universally praised for the instincts he showed last year.
“Impressive instincts given the limited on-field experience, especially against gap run schemes, as he’s quick to recognize them and put himself in a position to shoot gaps and make tackles at or near the line of scrimmage.”
2. He rarely misses tackles
Rolder had a missed tackle rate of just 4.7% as a starter last year, and 3.3% as a rotational player in 2024. Combine that with a pretty impressive athletic profile, and Rolder is in some rare company.
Check out this list of NFL Draft prospects who have an RAS of at least 8.40 and finished with a missed tackle rate below 5.0% for at least one season. He’s one of six since 2015.
The only P4 linebackers since 2015 with an RAS > 8.40 and a missed tackle rate < 5.0% in at least one college season..
🔘 Sonny Styles, Ohio State 🔘 Payton Wilson, North Carolina State 🔘 Anthony Hill Jr, Texas 🔘 Quay Walker, Georgia 🔘 Jimmy Rolder, Michigan 🔘 Devin Bush,… pic.twitter.com/33kZKFmg72
3. He had one of the most dominant special teams plays I’ve ever seen
This may not have a ton of relevance to his NFL career now that the old kickoff is dead and gone, but just watch his effort, strength, hustle, and finish on this kickoff coverage rep from Rolder:
— Linebackers University™ (@Linebackers_U) March 23, 2026
Given Rolder’s role will likely be on special teams early, let’s hope he brings this kind of intensity to the new kickoff and punt coverage.
4. He was the most dominant player on the field during Michigan vs. Michigan State in 2025
It was an ugly win for the Wolverines over the Spartans, but Rolder put on an absolute showcase. He posted 10 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, a fumble recovery, and an 82.1 PFF grade against Sparty. Just look at these highlights:
Rolder was heavily recruited by Iowa, and when he was, he jumped in a Zoom call with then-Hawkeyes linebacker Jack Campbell.
“When I was getting recruited out of high school I talked to him on Zoom,” Rolder said. “[…] So, just reconvening with him, playing with him at the next level, it’s going to be awesome.”
Details about the Kansas City Chiefs' latest trade in the 2026 NFL Draft have finally been revealed.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach saw an opportunity to land a premium prospect in Round 5 and pounced — striking a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers that landed Kansas City the No. 161 selection.
With that pick, the Chiefs took Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Emmett Johnson.
But, of course, the trade didn't come without a cost. In the end, the Chiefs sent Pittsburgh the No. 169 and 210 selections in exchange for No. 161 and 249.
Veteran sports anchor Harold R. Kuntz of FOX 4 confirmed the trade details shortly after Johnson's selection on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft:
Johnson should be expected to compete for snaps behind reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III in Kansas City's new-look offense. His selection marked the first time that the Chiefs' front office targeted an offensive player in the 2026 NFL Draft, and could be a sign that Veach is shifting gears as he readies to make Kansas City's final picks.
Apr 25, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter Andruw Monasterio (32) hits a double during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images | Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Recap
The second inning showcased what Sox fans have been waiting for all season: hits in the air, a stolen base, a couple of walks, everyone keeping the line moving. The Sox sent nine batters to the plate and scored three runs, breaking the spell and waking us, and themselves, from the stupor of this heavy 2026 season.
But that was nothing compared to what was to come: another three-run inning in the fifth, courtesy of a three-run double by Connor Wong.
But wait, there’s more! Wong’s hit was the play of the game until the ninth inning—which was a ten-hit, ten-run inning, by the way—highlighted by a grand slam by Andruw Monasterio. It was glorious. Both Ceddanne Rafaela and Willson Contreras had two singles and two bigger hits (a triple and homer, respectively) and crossed the plate twice in the inning. The Orioles eventually brought in a position player to pitch but the damage was done well before that.
With runners in scoring position, the Sox were 8-15 today.
There were a number of firsts today, individually and for the team:
First individual home runs of the season for Caleb Durbin and Monasterio (his slam)
First Red Sox triple of the season by Ceddanne Rafaela
First Red Sox grand slam of the season, courtesy of Andruw Monasterio
It was a huge game with good vibes to spare.
Studs
Garrett Crochet
This is the pitcher we know and love. He was dominant and in control the whole way. 6.0 IP, 7 SO, 3H, 2 BB.
Small Ball
Five walks, capitalizing on errors, and two stolen bases. The hitters kept the line moving.
Big Offense
The Sox scored plenty of runs, logged big hits, and hit at the right time. Wong’s double scored three. Rafaela’s triple led off the huge ninth. Homers by Durbin and Contreras, and of course Monasterio’s slam capped it all off for the offense. Lots of fun.
Duds
Pelvic Thrust Hit Celebration
I will keep saying this until it is dead and gone. Some Sox hitters are still using it and yuck.
Play of the Game
How about that? Andruw Monasterio, hired for his defense, not his hitting, whales a grand slam.
METAIRIE, La. (AP) — The New Orleans Saints acquired pass rusher Tyree Wilson from the Las Vegas Raiders during Saturday's final rounds of the 2026 draft.
The Saints, who also received a seventh-round pick (219th overall) from the Raiders for a fifth-rounder (150th overall), will be hoping the 6-foo-5, 263-pound Wilson blossoms in what will be his fourth NFL season since Las Vegas drafted him seventh overall out of Texas Tech in 2023.
Wilson had four sacks in 2025. He has 12 in his career and has started just seven games.
In New Orleans, he would join a group of edge rushers that include Chase Young and Carl Granderson. Cameron Jordan, a 15-year veteran who had 10 1/2 sacks last season, is a free agent.
Jordan, the Saints' all-time leader in sacks with 132, has expressed interest in playing again this season — preferably for New Orleans.
___
AP Sports Writer Mark Anderson in Henderson, Nevada, contributed.
The Boston Bruins are making their first line changes this series.
At practice on Saturday, Lukas Reichel was wearing a gold sweater, which has been worn by bottom-six forwards at practice recently. James Hagens was on the other end of that deal, and he wore a maroon/merlot sweater, typically reserved for the forward scratches.
“So far, [James Hagens has] been really good,” said Marco Sturm on Friday. “He gives us everything he has. He made more mistakes last game than he’s done in the past, so we’ll see.”
After practice, Sturm reiterated that Hagens did not play his way out of the lineup, and added that he “did more than even I thought coming in.” Sturm believes it is the right thing to do so everyone can refocus.
He did add that he is going to use Hagens again. Reichel and Hagens split duties on the second power play unit at practice on Saturday.
The Bruins acquired Reichel at the trade deadline for a sixth-round pick. He played in 10 games after the deadline, and he scored in his first game as a Boston Bruin.
He was brought in at the deadline for his speed, and Marco Sturm will deploy him on Sunday for the same reason.
“Lukas has something we don’t really have,” Marco Sturm said after practice on Saturday. “That’s high-end skill and speed, and that’s what we’re hoping for from him. I mean, he has to dig deep. He has to compete, but those things we can’t teach, and we’re hoping to obviously get more into forecheck and get some pucks back, and that’s why we feel good about him. And also on the power play.”
“Yeah, I hope so,” Reichel said when asked if his speed could counter Buffalo’s two high defensemen. “I think you saw it with [Viktor Arvidsson], he has probably like a breakaway every game. That’s playing good defensively, and then you try to create rushes off the turnovers from there.”
“We will see tomorrow, we have to make some decisions tomorrow,” Sturm added. “A few guys are banged up, so we’ll see.”
However, Sturm followed up by saying Lohrei was not hurt.
“No, he’s fine. He’s fine. It’s a lot for him too,” he said. “I still see him as a young kid, and there’s a lot of things he needs to learn, too. For me personally, he made a tremendous jump this season. I was really, really, really, really happy [with] the way he developed.”
“Sometimes it’s good to take a breather, kind of refocus, and go from there.”
Harris is a native of Haverhill, MA. He grew up watching the Bruins, and now, he is a game-time decision to put the Spoked-B on and play in the playoffs.
“Absolutely. It’s what I grew up watching. It’s every kid from Massachusetts’s dream to be able to get out there, and seeing the crowd that we had the other day, just really makes it that much more exciting.”
He added that he is extremely grateful for his family and friends, and his fiancée, Codie, helps out with the logistics of getting people to the arena. Harris is “sure a lot of them will be in attendance” if he gets into the lineup.
Harris played only eight games this season, missing a large portion due to a right ankle fracture that happened in October. He returned to play in Providence on a conditioning stint. After four games in Providence, he played in three games with Boston, with the most recent coming on April 12 in Columbus.
Reichel is being praised for his speed; Marco Sturm opted to praise Harris’ puck-moving ability, as well as his skating.
“He played some solid games,” Sturm said about Harris. “Just going back to the Columbus game, he can skate. He can move pucks, he can skate. He’s closing pretty good, so he’s very, very reliable in that point. So if he draws in, I’m not worried about him just playing in a big game in big moments. He’s a pretty calm kid, but yeah, his skating ability, I think, will be helpful.”
It would be the first NHL playoff game for both Reichel and Harris if they are in the lineup.
The Bruins have an opportunity to even their first-round series at the TD Garden, a place where they have been dominant throughout the season. They will play the Buffalo Sabres in Game 4 on Sunday at 2:00 PM.
The Seahawks have their depth option at interior offensive line to push Anthony Bradford.
How much did they want Beau Stephens?
The Super Bowl champions surprisingly got into the fifth round Saturday morning by tapping into their haul of a dozen picks in the stronger 2027 NFL draft with a trade to select Iowa All-America guard Beau Stephens with the 148th-overall selection of this draft.
The 6-foot-5 1/2, 315-pound Stephens’ mode?
“I’ve always had an edge to me,” the 23-year-old from Blue Spring, Missouri, said Saturday morning on the phone from his home in Iowa City.
“I try to go hit people as hard as possible.
“You are going to get a mauler in the run game, technical in the pass game. One who loves to hit.”
It was surprising not just to general manager John Schneider. He was wondering through Seahawks’ headquarters an hour or so earlier Saturday morning idling seemingly without a pick until two in the sixth round after noon.
It was a surprise to Stephens, too.
“I was actually scrolling on my phone...and I was, like, ‘Wow, I don’t see Seattle or I don’t see anybody that’s been really high on me coming soon. So I was honestly not expecting it,” Stephens said.
“I was scrolling on my phone saying, ‘Why am I getting a call from Washington right now?’”
Seattle traded one of their 12 picks in next year’s draft, a fourth-round choice in 2027, to Cleveland for the Browns’ 148th-overall pick eight spots in Saturday’s round five.
But Stephens didn’t know that when the Seahawks called him Saturday morning, early Saturday afternoon where he was at his home in Iowa City.
“I was unaware of that — until they told me on the phone,” he said.
“I was like, ‘Are you serious right now? That you guys are going to trade up for me right now?’
“They said, ‘Yeah, you were staring at us on the board, so we had to do something.’
“That must mean they believe in me. And that’s all I could ever ask for, just to believe in me and give me an opportunity to show what I can do, and the kind of person that I can be.
“And I’m going to be forever grateful for that.”
Stephens started his 2022 college season at right guard, then the last two seasons at left guard on Iowa’s Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line as major college football’s best.
“I think it’s just preference in blocks, honestly,” he said. “If I’m on the left side I have a preference for backside blocks. If I am on the right, I have a preference for frontside blocks.
“Overall, it’s not too much of a difference.”
He said the Seahawks haven’t told him which side guard spot he will begin playing for them. They have Grey Zabel, their rookie stud first-round pick from last year, entrenched for years as the starting left guard.
Right guard Bradford is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The three-year starter has been a lightning rod for fans who post video cut-ups online of his missed blocks at right guard.
Coach Mike Macdonald has said this offseason he and his staff are pleased with Bradford’s overall play. The coach says anyone can cherry-pick certain and amplify plays a well-paid defender beats an offensive lineman.
Yet the fact’s been the Seahawks haven’t had what coaches see as a worthy option to challenge Bradford for his job. They drafted Christian Haynes in the third round in 2024 from Connecticut to do that. But Haynes has failed multiple times to win the right-guard job, including last summer in training camp. Seattle’s coaches have tried backup center Olu Oluwatimi at right guard in practices. That hasn’t impressed them, either.
Jalen Sundell was challenging Bradford in training camp last year — until Sundell proved better than Oluwatimi and won the starting-center job for good.
Also last year, the Seahawks drafted guard Bryce Cabledue in the sixth round out of Kansas. He played just 5% of the offensive snaps last season as a backup.
Seahawks coaches apparently like Stephens to be the next potential challenger, or successor, to Bradford.
Stephens said his pre-draft visit with the Seahawks was outstanding because of one man: John Benton, the team’s transformational offensive line coach who refocused that unit from a liability into the Super Bowl in his first season with Seattle this past year.
He calls Benton “a person coach” who cares about the player far beyond the field.
This is the second consecutive year Seattle has drafted an offensive lineman from Iowa, a factory for NFL blue-collar blockers under long-time head coach Kirk Ferentz. The Seahawks selected Mason Richman, primarily a tackle, in the seventh round in 2025.
Stephens calls Richman a “big brother” and a “friend for life.” Richman is going to be in Stephens’ wedding July 4, when the newest Seahawks offensive lineman marries his college sweetheart Emily Kuba.
The Detroit Lions made their second trade of the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday, April 25, moving up 13 spots in the fifth round to take Kentucky receiver Kendrick Law.
The Lions traded their second of two fifth-round picks to the Buffalo Bills in the deal, No. 181, and a sixth-round choice (No. 213.
Law caught 53 passes for 540 yards at Kentucky last year after spending his first three college seasons at Alabama. He ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine.
The Lions return their top three receivers in Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Isaac TeSlaa, but have roster spots up for grabs elsewhere on their receiving corps. They signed Greg Dortch in free agency and return Tom Kennedy, Dominic Lovett and Jackson Meeks from last year.
Law is the third receiver the Lions have taken in the past two drafts. Last year, the Lions traded up to draft TeSlaa in the third round and added Lovett in Round 7.
The Lions opened Day 3 of the draft Saturday by taking Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder in the fourth round and added Arizona State cornerback Keith Abney earlier in Round 5.
FC Barcelona beat Getafe 2-0 in the Coliseum on Saturday to go 11 points clear in La Liga.
Getty Images
FC Barcelona did something on Saturday that the men’s first team hadn’t managed since September 2019.
That was beating Getafe 2-0 in the Coliseum, i.e. one of Barca’s least preferred venues known for tight 1-1 draws and even defeats.
It’d been an age since the Blaugrana had even scored more than one goal in the southern reaches of Madrid’s vast urban sprawl.
So when Fermin Lopez latched onto a ridiculous Pedri through ball after Pau Cubarsi won it in the centre of the park on the typically high defensive line, and put Barca 1-0 ahead, Culers could be forgiven for cliched Catalan pessimism creeping in and suspecting doom might be around the corner.
That almost came had it not been for a Cubarsi goal line clearance. Around a quarter of an hour from the finish line, however, a Marcus Rashford that has fallen down the pecking order and lost the left wing berth to midfielder Fermin struck in another one-on-one.
At full time, a landmark victory brought with it confirmation of an 11 point lead in La Liga as Barca close in on a second consecutive Spanish top flight title in the Hansi Flick era.
Mission accomplished without FC Barcelona’s two best forwards
But what’s even more impressive is that this was done without Lamine - out for the rest of the season with a hamstring knock - and a Raphinha who’s set to return to the fold against Osasuna next weekend thanks to his own problems in that part of his leg.
Though continental glory continues to elude it, there can be no doubt that FC Barcelona is the king of Spain that has sealed a domestic treble last term and what looks set to be a double this one - which also contains a second straight Super Cup won at Real Madrid’s expense.
This team is young but it has character. And although the summer transfer window could do with being raided for reinforcements, Flick has exactly the right blend of La Masia youth and gritty experience to dominate for the rest of the decade.
Whether he’ll be here beyond a reported 2028 extension remains to be seen. But he’s already said that he wants to stay until delivery of the Champions League, which remains an 11-year elusive Holy Grail for Culers and FC Barcelona.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; New York Jets offensive tackle Morgan Moses (78) during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The 2026 NFL Draft will award compensatory picks to teams that lost top free agents from last year’s class. That includes the New York Jets, who allowed Morgan Moses to sign a four-year, $24 million contract with the AFC East rival New England Patriots.
How did the Jets get a compensatory pick for Morgan Moses?
The Jets received a fifth-round pick for letting Moses walk. That is now the number 179 overall pick in the draft.
What did the Jets do with the compensatory pick from Morgan Moses?
The Jets traded the pick as part of their first-round trade up for Omar Cooper at 30 overall.
How was Morgan Moses’ performance for the Patriots in 2025?
In his twelfth NFL season, Moses arguably had his best year yet with the Patriots. He started all 17 games for the Patriots, leading them to an appearance in Super Bowl LX, where they lost to the Seattle Seahawks and their “Dark Side” defense.
Should the Jets have re-signed Moses?
While the Jets have a new fifth-round pick to work with, this may have been a move the team ends up regretting. Not only did the Jets let a strong veteran player walk, but they gave him to a division rival that needed him to get to the next level. Moses still has two years left on his contract, and even though he turned 35 last month, he still has potential for some strong football ahead of him with the Patriots.
What is a compensatory pick?
Compensatory picks are awarded to teams that suffer a net loss of qualifying free agents during the previous year’s free agency period. So 2026 NFL Draft compensatory picks are awarded due to free agents lost in 2025.
Then those players are ranked on the amount of salary, playing time, and a bunch of other criteria and slotted into the end of rounds three through seven.
The Cleveland Browns have selected Cincinnati tight end Joe Royer with their third pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The former Ohio State-to-Cincinnati tight end now addresses another need on the roster after the departure of long-timer David Njoku.
Throughout his college career, Royer racked up 962 yards and seven touchdowns on 83 catches. Nearly all of that production came after Royer transferred from Ohio State, where he did not see playing time, to Cincinnati. His 2024 season was more productive, but he finished with 416 yards and four touchdowns this past season for the Bearcats.
With Harold Fannin Jr. being more of a flex tight end, Royer has a real chance to be the day one starting in-line tight end for the Browns. Barring a move for a veteran, which could be on the table given how late the Browns added a tight end in the NFL Draft, that could very much be on the table.
If the Browns do not add an established veteran, however, Royer could see a massive role as a rookie.
Liverpool forward Alexander Isak celebrates scoring against Crystal Palace (Paul ELLIS)
Eberechi Eze fired Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League on Saturday as relegation-threatened Tottenham won for the first time in 2026 to give themselves renewed hope.
The Gunners were nine points clear of Manchester City just two weeks ago before defeats against Bournemouth and City allowed their rivals to edge ahead of them.
Saturday's home game against Newcastle was a must-win for Arsenal, with Pep Guardiola's team involved in an FA Cup semi-final against Southampton, which they won to stay on track for a domestic treble.
Before the Gunners kicked off on Saturday, the two title contenders were locked on 70 points each, with an identical goal difference. City topped the table on goals scored.
England midfielder Eze eased the pressure on Arsenal with an early goal, arrowing home from outside the box after being teed up by Kai Havertz and the game finished 1-0.
It was a 16th league defeat of a dispiriting season for Newcastle.
"We had the necessity to win the game, the margins are very short, and we got through it," Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports.
"There were moments in the first half and second. We certainly had discipline, courage and great habits defensively, but with the ball, there are habits we have to do much better if we want to be more dominant in the game."
Arsenal could increase their advantage over City to six points before the Blues play again, when they face Fulham next week.
The Gunners are desperate to shed their reputation as perpetual runners-up as they chase a first Premier League title since 2004.
But they are up against a City juggernaut relentlessly hunting a seventh league title in nine seasons.
- Relegation dogfight -
Earlier, the focus was on the other end of the table, where Spurs and West Ham are locked in a dramatic relegation battle, with Wolves and Burnley already down.
Spurs looked set to escape the bottom three after Joao Palhinha's late goal at Wolves and Everton's equaliser at the London Stadium.
But West Ham substitute Callum Wilson scored a 92nd-minute winner to seal a 2-1 victory and restore his side's two-point cushion, with just four games to go.
Roberto De Zerbi celebrated his first triumph as Tottenham head coach after replacing interim boss Igor Tudor earlier this month.
"We have to believe and to stay up and to win the games because we have the quality to win the games," he told Sky Sports after his side's 1-0 victory.
"The players are very good players and these three points, I think and I hope they can become important for the head, for the mentality, for the enthusiasm to prepare the next games."
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo told the BBC he expected the relegation battle to go to the wire.
"It is going to be until the end -- keep fighting, keep believing," he said. "Tough one but we are in our path."
Nottingham Forest hammered Sunderland 5-0 on Friday to ease their relegation fears.
Liverpool beat Crystal Palace 3-1 on Saturday, getting the better of their opponents for the first time in four meetings this season to climb into fourth place above Aston Villa, who had earlier lost 1-0 at Fulham.
Alexander Isak, who has recently returned to action after fracturing his fibula, scored the opener, with Liverpool's other goals coming from Andy Robertson and Florian Wirtz.
Mohamed Salah limped off in the second half at Anfield holding his hamstring with less than a month of his glittering career with the Reds remaining.
Arne Slot's men are now near-certainties to qualify for next season's Champions League, which would be some consolation after a miserable title defence.
They are level on 58 points with Villa and Manchester United -- with all three teams eight points clear of Brighton.
Fulham's win against Villa, courtesy of a goal from Ryan Sessegnon, kept the London club's hopes of qualification for Europe alive.
The offense, and specifically the passing game, is getting on the right track for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2026 Blue-Gold spring game.
Reserve quarterback Blake Hebert found wide receiver Elijah Burress from about 8 yards out, and Burress had an athletic toe-tap catch for the touchdown.
Notre Dame's passing game looked shaky early, but it has improved as this spring game has gone on.
Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes and opinions.
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 27: Houston Cougars tight end Tanner Koziol (9) carries the ball for a first down in the second quarter during the Kinder's Texas Bowl between the LSU Tigers and Houston Cougars on December 27,2025 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
One of the best pass-catching tight ends in college football is officially NFL bound.
Houston tight end Tanner Koziol was selected as the 164th overall selection of the 2026 draft by the Jacksonville Jagurs. The fifth rounder became the first Houston draft selection of the Willie Fritz era and the first Cougar tight end picked since Feni Onobun in 2010.
Koziol is the 13th tight end off the board in 2026. As a senior in 2025, he ranked first among all FBS tight ends in 2025 with 74 receptions and second to Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers with 726 receiving yards. Koziol’s totals were the highest for a Cougar tight end since Mark Hafner secured 86 receptions for 907 yards in 2008, and his presence redefined a Houston offense which skyrocketed from 133rd to 55th in scoring offense from 2024 to 2025.
Koziol produced his lone 100-yard game at Houston in a signature road win at Arizona State — a victory which vaulted the Cougars into the rankings for the first time since 2022. He then concluded his college career with a gritty Texas Bowl performance, totaling a season-high nine receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown in a triumph over LSU — securing a key contested fourth down reception in the winning effort.
Prior to his one year at Houston, Koziol suited up at Ball State from 2022-24. In 2024, he ranked sixth in the FBS and second among all FBS tight ends with 94 catches, converting them into 839 yards and eight touchdowns. The focal point of Ball State’s offense, the star tight end accumulated at least nine receptions in seven of his 12 outings.
Koziol was one of two Cougars to receive an invite to the 2026 NFL Combine where he logged a 4.70-second 40-yard dash, a 36.5-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot-2-inch broad jump. Measuring between 6’6” and 6’7”, tight end presents impressive size, and perhaps his greatest trait is his catch radius — frequently extending his arms to secure receptions rather than relying on his body. As evidenced by his statistics, receiving is his specialty, and he looks to thrive as a walking mismatch at the next level.
Koziol heads to a Jacksonville Jaguars team fresh off an AFC South championship. The Jaguars retain starting tight end Brenton Strange who produced 46 receptions and 540 yards in 2025. However, addressing the tight end position was a priority for Jacksonville in this draft. The Jaguars selected Texas A&M tight end Nate Boerkircher at pick No. 56 in the second round before adding Koziol in the fifth round.
OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - NOVEMBER 1: Jalon Kilgore #24 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on November 1, 2025 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Randy J. Williams/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With their first pick in Round 5 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills selected safety Jalon Kilgore out of the University of South Carolina. One Bills Drive did plenty of work on scouting Kilgore ahead of the draft, conducting a private workout with him in addition to an earlier meeting at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
Kilgore was twice named Second-Team All-SEC (2024, 2025), and he was also named to the 2023 SEC All-Freshman Team.
Kilgore carried a projected third-round grade throughout the pre-draft process, so Buffalo landing him in Round 5 should be seen as a solid, plus-move addition. At the combine, Kilgore measured in at 6’ 1 3/8” and 210 pounds, with 32 7/8” arms and 9 3/8” hands. He finished with an Athletic Score of 79, ranking him fourth among safeties at this year’s combine, per NFL.com.
Kilgore’s agility tests at the combine revealed his explosive potential, with a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, 1.56-second 10-yard split, 4.32-second 20-yard shuttle, 37” vertical jump, 10’10” broad jump, and 16 reps on the bench press.
Analyst Lance Zierlein had this to say of Jalon Kilgore:
“Kilgore is a big, long defensive back with nickelback or down safety value depending on scheme fit. He’s played an overhang “Star” role, covering slot receivers and supporting the run, but he’ll be at his best in the pros covering tight ends and containing run games near the box. He could see split-field safety snaps if a staff trusts him on the back end, but he will be better off paired with a rangy single-high safety. Missed tackles need to be cleaned up but his wingspan, agility and play strength should keep his tackle totals high from year to year. Kilgore has the traits, ball production and versatility to counter the burgeoning tight end craze, making him a likely Day 2 pick with early starting potential.”
TORONTO (AP) — Alexey Miranchuk and Tristan Muyumba scored second-half goals and Atlanta United held on for a 2-1 victory over Toronto FC on Saturday.
Neither team found the net until Miranchuk scored unassisted off a free kick three minutes into the second half. It was his fifth goal this season after scoring nine times in 42 appearances over his first two seasons with the club.
Muyumba gave Atlanta United a two-goal lead in the 67th minute, scoring for the first time this season — with assists from Fafà Picault and 18-year-old rookie Cooper Sanchez. Muyumba has three goals in 74 career appearances. Picault picked up his first assist of the campaign and Sanchez his second.
Twenty-year-old rookie Emilio Aristizábal scored his first career goal — on a long-distance header — to get Toronto within a goal in the 71st minute. Defender Kobe Franklin collected his first assist this season and his third in 71 career matches, while Alonso Coello notched his career-high third of the season after totaling four through his first 77 appearances.
Lucas Hoyos saved one shot for Atlanta United (2-7-1).
Luka Gavran did not have a save for Toronto (3-3-4).
It was the first road win of the season for Atlanta United, which began the day in last place in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta United lost 2-1 at home to the New England Revolution on Wednesday.
Toronto suffers its first loss at home, falling to 2-1-4. The club was coming off a 3-3 draw with the visiting Philadelphia Union in its midweek match.
Up next
Atlanta: Hosts CF Montreal on Saturday..
Toronto: Hosts the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday.
We may have learned the planned launch date for Star Wars Galactic Racer, the upcoming racing game in development at Fuse Games, with Secret Mode set to publish. The "leak" comes from the game's own Steam page, which was briefly updated with the October 6, 2026 release date. The page also included pre-order and edition details: All pre-orders include a platform-exclusive livery (with distinct variants for PS5, Xbox, and PC) and a player banner, with the livery applicable to all speeder classes. The Digital Deluxe Edition adds a digital art book, three exclusive repulsorcraft, a Deluxe Livery (also applicable to […]
There are millions of apps, but most people only use a handful daily. Vibe coding tools make this worse by helping you build more standalone apps that rarely get used.
Embeddy takes a different approach: don't build another app. Build for the apps you already love. Describe complex functionality in plain language, and Embeddy generates the backend, database, API calls, and syncing. Then it lets you embed it directly into Notion, Shopify, WordPress, or any platform where you spend your time. No new tabs, logins, or app fatigue — just new capabilities where you already are.
Tasquo is a lightweight lawncare CRM that helps you manage clients, send quotes and invoices, and get paid online with built-in Stripe. It centralizes customer details, tracks balances, and lets you convert approved quotes to invoices in one click. Tasquo keeps operations simple with focused features and no bloat, so you spend less time on admin and more time in the field. Online payments shorten cash cycles and send instant notifications when payments arrive.
Lagardère Travel Retail has opened nine foodservice concepts across ten locations and six new RELAY stores at Frankfurt Airport’s new Terminal 3, marking the company’s largest single expansion in Germany. The new terminal, which opened […]
Building on the success of their previous collections, ‘New Envol’ and ‘Allure’, Air France and DELSEY PARIS are proud to present ‘Elegance’, a new comprehensive range of suitcases. Featuring clean lines, meticulous finishes and thoughtful […]
easyJet is launching nine new routes from UK airports this winter, connecting passengers to destinations including Rome, Ljubljana, Budapest, Agadir, and Reykjavik. The new services take off from Birmingham, Belfast International, London Luton, London Southend, […]
Seattle, Vancouver, Whittier Launch Holland America 2026 Alaska Season Boosting Tourism: What You Need to KnowSeattle, Vancouver, Whittier homeport Holland...
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Samsung’s 10th One UI 8.5 Beta for Galaxy S25 series is impressive enough, but there are still some features that separate it from the Galaxy S26 series.
Over the past couple of weeks, Samsung has brought various new features from the Galaxy S26 series to the Galaxy S25 series. It includes AirDrop connection, Call Screening, Creative Studio as well as enhanced Audio Eraser and Photo Assist.
Meanwhile, some of the best features are still absent, and there’s no scope for an imminent rollout anytime soon.
Now Nudge
AI-powered Now Nudge is what shows how Samsung is pushing into proactive AI in a serious way. Your phone starts suggesting actions before you even think about them. Not always perfect, but when it works, it feels one step ahead.
AI-enhanced notifications
Galaxy S26’s new Prioritise notifications and Summarise notifications fix something that’s been broken for years. When enabled, the Galaxy phone decides what matters and cleans up the rest in the notification panel.
24MP camera mode
The 24MP camera mode is a quiet upgrade that actually makes sense. Not everyone wants 200MP shots eating storage. This sits right in the middle of the full 200-megapixel resolution and the cropped 12-megapixel.
Shots taken with 24MP mode occupy less storage in the phone’s memory, while preserving details equivalent to the 50MP mode. Bringing it to the native camera app will benefit Galaxy users, especially those who shoot more often.
The Galaxy S25 hasn’t been ignored entirely
Call Screening is genuinely useful, especially in markets where spam calls are a daily headache. Creative Studio pushes AI editing beyond gimmicks. The AirDrop-style sharing is long overdue and works well.
Additionally, the recent expansion of Samsung’s enhanced Audio Eraser and Photo Assist shows that Samsung isn’t holding everything back. However, the core Galaxy S26 experience is currently limited to only those models.
Everything so far suggests Samsung is keeping those headline AI features exclusive, at least for now. If they ever land on the Galaxy S25, it’s more likely with One UI 9, and even that’s a maybe.
Samsung is expected to wrap up One UI 8.5 Beta for the Galaxy S25 series, and prolong for older models such as the Galaxy S24 series.
The Korean company commenced the One UI 8.5 Beta Program in December 2025. The Galaxy S25 series was the first to join the Beta testing. March and April marked the testing activity’s expansion to more Galaxy lineups.
Samsung is said to start the One UI 8.5 rollout on April 30 in South Korea and on May 4 in the Global markets. Users of the Galaxy S25 series will shift to Stable version, while the testing will continue for older models.
Over the past couple of days, new Beta builds surfaced on the internet. The updates will be rolled out to the users of the Galaxy S24 series and the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7.
Beyond that, Samsung would also release new Beta updates for the Galaxy S23 series and mid-range phones that have joined the Beta Program in April 2026.
Samsung will be busy with the Galaxy S25 series in May 2026. However, we may see the update rolling out for select older flagships too, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7.
Once the stability of the firmware is verified through the Galaxy S25 series, expansion should progress swiftly. The end of May and the beginning of June will be important for users who are awaiting the One UI 8.5 update.
When configured with the same CPU and OLED display, the Lenovo system retails for only $1630 compared to $1960 for the new Dell which comes with just 16 GB of RAM in comparison.
Two of the world’s best-known tech YouTubers have teamed up to shine a light on the increasingly opaque and sometimes seemingly deliberately misleading information that marketing departments at major tech companies like Apple and Samsung regularly bombard consumers with. Strictly speaking, it may actually be fair to call them lies in many cases.
A new docking solution promises to drive up to three high-resolution monitors while also offering fast data transfers. Memory cards are supported as well, and the 12-in-1 docking station is still available at a discount for anyone who is not a risk-averse customer.
Samsung introduced a feature with the Galaxy S26 series, which is coming to some older Galaxy smartphones eligible for One UI 8.5. We are talking about the improved document scanning feature, called Document Scan.
Previously, when you clicked multiple pictures of documents, they weren't saved as a single PDF document. Samsung made it possible with Document Scan, which is available to Samsung Galaxy S26 users.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Additionally, Samsung also made it easier to access Document Scan by allowing users to add its shortcut to their phone's homescreen. Just open the...
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami are facing New England Revolution in Major League Soccer.
Matchday 10 of the 2026 Major League Soccer season is underway, and Inter Miami will face New England Revolution this Saturday at Nu Stadium. Lionel Messi will start, looking to lead his team to a third consecutive victory.
Since the unexpected resignation of Javier Mascherano, the Herons have won both matches they have played under interim head coach Guillermo Hoyos. They secured road wins over Colorado Rapids and Real Salt Lake, which allowed them to climb the Eastern Conference standings, where they now sit in second place, one point behind Nashville SC.
This Saturday, Inter Miami face a double challenge. On one hand, they will go up against a team that has also enjoyed a strong start to the season, with five wins in eight matches, placing them third in the standings, just three points behind the Herons.
In addition to that sporting challenge against a competitive opponent, Messi’s team will also be looking to secure their first win at their new home. Since the opening of Nu Stadium, they have played two matches there — against Austin FC and New York Red Bulls — and drew both.
With that in mind, Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup is: Dayne St. Clair; Facundo Mura, Gonzalo Lujan, Maximiliano Falcon, Micael, Noah Allen; David Ruiz, Rodrigo De Paul; Lionel Messi; Luis Suarez, German Berterame.
Confirmed New England Revolution lineup
Marko Mitrovic’s side are unbeaten in their last five matches and have won four of them, a run that has lifted them to third place in the Eastern Conference standings. However, they now face a tough test against the reigning MLS champions at Nu Stadium.
New England Revolution’s confirmed lineup is: Matt Turner; Ilay Feingold, Ethan Kohler, Mamadou Fofana, Will Sands; Alhassan Yusuf, Brooklyn Raines, Peyton Miller, Carles Gil, Griffin Yow; Dor Turgeman.
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to prepare for Portugal duty, while James Rodriguez finds himself under intense scrutiny after a troubling spell in Minnesota that has raised serious concerns within the Colombia camp.
With just 47 days remaining before the 2026 World Cup, attention is beginning to shift toward the stars expected to define the tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to prepare for Portugal duty, while James Rodriguez finds himself under intense scrutiny after a troubling spell in Minnesota that has raised serious concerns within the Colombia camp.
For Colombia, the situation feels especially delicate because James Rodriguez remains the symbolic leader of the national team. Yet while excitement builds for a major group-stage showdown involving Portugal and Colombia, the veteran playmaker’s current form has become one of the most worrying stories of the buildup.
The 2026 World Cup has already generated extraordinary global demand, with FIFA confirming more than five million ticket sales as of late April. One of the most sought-after fixtures is the group-stage clash between Portugal and Colombia, a meeting that naturally places Ronaldo and James Rodriguez back into the spotlight.
That matchup carries huge appeal because it represents two soccer identities built around iconic figures. Ronaldo remains Portugal’s global face, while James still holds immense emotional value for Colombia despite his difficult club situation.
James Rodriguez #10 of the Minnesota United.
Colombia’s main concern with James Rodriguez
Behind the excitement, Colombia faces a much harsher reality involving its captain. James Rodriguez did not even enter Minnesota United’s recent victory against FC Dallas on April 23, and his lack of involvement at club level is causing increasing alarm ahead of the World Cup.
The numbers are stark. He played only one minute against the Portland Timbers, has not reached 120 total club minutes this year, and still has no goals or assists. For a player expected to guide Los Cafeteros on the world stage, that lack of rhythm is deeply concerning.
Spanish newspaperMarca suggests that national team coach Nestor Lorenzo is taking direct action by planning visits to several potential World Cup squad members, with Minnesota expected to be an early stop. The purpose is to assess James personally and understand why his role has become so limited.
EL TÉCNICO DE MINNESOTA HUMILLÓ A JAMES RODRÍGUEZ METIÉNDOLO AL MINUTO 90.
Hoy, James Rodríguez entró al minuto 90 en la victoria del Minnesota United 2 a 0 ante los Timbers en la MLS. El partido estaba ganado y el técnico tomó la decisión de meter a James Rodríguez al minuto… pic.twitter.com/VoBkkdZTpS
While Colombia worries about match fitness, Portugal enters the tournament with a clearer picture of Cristiano Ronaldo’s role and leadership. Even at this stage of his career, the 41-year-old superstar remains central to planning, preparation, and expectation. That contrast only increases the spotlight on James. Colombia still needs him, but right now his club circumstances are raising more questions than answers.
There is still time for the veteran midfielder to reshape the narrative. Minnesota has seven matches left before the tournament begins, giving the 34-year-old a valuable window to earn minutes and rebuild momentum.
April 25 against LAFC
April 28 against San Jose Earthquakes
May 2 against Columbus Crew
May 10 against Austin FC
May 13 against Colorado
May 16 against New England
May 23 against Real Salt Lake
Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and James Rodriguez (right)
Sərbəst güləş üzrə Azərbaycan milli komandasının üzvü İslam Bazarqanov Albaniyanın paytaxtı Tiranada Avropa çempionu olub.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, Avropa çempionatının altıncı günündə Azərbaycan millisinin 2 sərbəst güləşçisi fəxri kürsüyə qalxıb.
İslam Bazarqanov (57 kq) finalda rusiyalı Musa Mextixanovla qarşılaşıb. Təmsilçimiz ötən il dünya çempionatındakı məğlubiyyətin revanşını alıb. Görüşə yaxşı başlayan Bazarqanov ilk hissəni 8:0 hesablı üstünlüklə başa vurub. İkinci hissədə rəqib fərqi azaltsa da, yekunda qələbə qazanan İslam olub – 8:6. Beləliklə, Tiranada himnimizi səsləndirən İslam ilk dəfə böyüklər arasında Avropa çempionu olub.
Cəbrayıl Hacıyev (79 kq) də karyerasının ən böyük uğuruna imza atıb. Şimali Makedoniyanı təmsil edən Rasul Şapiyevə şans tanımayan (8:0) Cəbrayıl Avropa çempionatının bürünc medalını boynundan asıb.
Rəşid Babazadə təsəlliverici görüşdə belçikalı Ayub Musayevi 4:2 hesabıyla üstələsə də, bürünc medal görüşündə ermənistanlı Avropa çempionu Vazgen Tevanyana 0:7 hesabıyla məğlub olub və debüt etdiyi yarışı 5-ci pillədə başa vurub.
“Qəbələ”nin baş məşqçisi Kaxaber Sxadadze Premyer Liqanın 29-cu turunda “Araz-Naxçıvan”a qarşı keçirdikləri oyunu şərh edib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komandaların bu gün Qəbələdə baş tutmuş görüşündə qalib müəyyənləşməyib – 1:1.
Kaxaber Sxadadze matçdan sonra təşkil edilmiş mətbuat konfransında bunları söyləyib:
“İkinci hissədəki oyunumuza baxanda deyə bilərəm ki, bu gün 2 xal itirdik. Birinci hissə bir qədər əsəbi keçdi. Bizim oyunlarda həmişə belə olur. Turnir cədvəlindəki yerimizə baxanda bizim üçün normaldır. Futbolçularda gərginlik var. İkinci hissədə biz yaxşı oynadıq, qol vəziyyətləri yaratdıq. Son nöqtəni qoymaqda çətinlik çəkirik. Bu da stress və ustalıqla bağlıdır. Futbolçularıma təşəkkür edirəm. Xarakter göstərdilər. Bundan sonra bizim üçün bütün oyunlar final kimi olacaq. Azarkeşlərimizə təşəkkür edirəm. Onlardan xahiş edirəm ki, sona qədər komandanın yanında olsunlar.
Hər oyunda mübarizə aparmaq lazımdır. Hər matç çətin keçəcək. Sona qədər mübarizə aparmalıyıq. Bu gün çoxları “Araz-Naxçıvan”ın rahat qələbə qazanacağını düşünürdü. Amma biz göstərdik ki, turnir cədvəlində olduğumuz yerə layiq deyilik”.
“Araz-Naxçıvan”ın baş məşqçisi Andrey Demçenko Premyer Liqanın 29-cu turunda “Qəbələ”yə qarşı keçirdikləri oyunu şərh edib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komandaların bu gün Qəbələdə baş tutmuş görüşündə qalib müəyyənləşməyib – 1:1.
Andrey Demçenko matçdan sonra təşkil edilmiş mətbuat konfransında bunları söyləyib:
“Bu gün oyunumuz alındı. Birildik ki, rəqibimiz sürətli əks-hücumlara çıxır. Futbolda qayda var ki, qol vurmasan, sənə qol vuracaqlar. Bu da başımıza gəldi. Rəqib əks-hücumda fərqləndi. Böyük futbol xırda detallardan ibarətdir. Oyunun sonunda qələbə qolunu vurmağa imkanımız oldu, amma alınmadı. Son dəqiqələrdə həm qalib gələ, həm də məğlub ola bilərdik.
Biz bura gələndə əvvəlcə müasir futbolu tətbiq etmək istədik. Topla daha yaxşı davranan komanda qurmağa çalışırıq. Bəzən texniki olaraq zəifsənsə, nələrisə yaxşı edə bilmirsən. Bəzi üstünlüklərimiz ola bilər. Amma texniki cəhətdən çatışmazlıqlar var.
Avrokublara getmək şansımız azdır. Turnir cədvəli göstərir ki, o qədər də yaxşı yerdə deyilik. Amma hər oyun bizə müəyyən şans verir. Komanda futbol oynayanda xallar özü gəlir. Hələlik, bu, bizdə alınmır. Qarşıma avrokuboklara vəsiqə qazanmaq hədəfi qoyulub. Bunun üçün mübarizə aparırıq”.
Misli Premyer Liqasının XXIX turunun “Qəbələ” – “Araz-Naxçıvan” oyunundan (1:1) sonra meydan sahibi komandanın baş məşqçisi Kaxaber Sxadadze jurnalistlərin suallarını cavablandırıb.
Futbolpress.azxəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis əvvəlcə görüşlə bağlı fikirlərini bölüşüb:
– Ümumi baxsaq, iki xal itirdik. Oyunlarımızda tez-tez belə hallar yaşanır. Turnir cədvəlində elə yerdəyik ki, futbolçular əsəbi davranır. Bu da normaldır. İlk hissədə hücumların təşkilində çətinliklərimiz oldu. İkinci hissədə daha aqressiv oynadıq. Qol vəziyyətləri yaratdıq, amma sonluğu tamamlamaqda çətinlik çəkdik. Bu da futbolçuların gərginliyi və tələskənliyi ilə bağlıdır. Baxmayaraq ki, oyunçularım xarakter göstərdi. Qarşıdakı hər oyun həlledici olacaq. Azarkeşlərə dəstəklərinə görə təşəkkür edirəm. Çətin anlarda da yanımızda olurlar. Arzum budur ki, sona qədər bizimlə qalsınlar.
– Turan Manafov və Quimbila haradadır? – Bu sualı klub rəhbərliyinə versəniz, yaxşı olar.
– Qarşıda dörd çətin oyun var. Neçə xal toplayacağınızı düşünürsünüz? – Hər oyunda döyüşmək lazımdır. Sona qədər mübarizəmizi davam etdirəcəyik. Bu gün bəlkə də, düşünürdülər ki, “Araz-Naxçıvan” rahat qələbə qazanacaq. Bu, turnir cədvəlindəki mövqeyimizlə bağlıdır. Lakin göstərdik ki, layiq olduğumuz yerdə deyilik.
– Oyunun sonlarında Prins Ovusunu əvəzlədiniz. Qələbənin vacib olduğu matçda onu əvəzləmək nə dərəcədə doğru idi?
– Yorulduğu üçün dəyişdik. Matçın sonlarına doğru rəqib əvəzetmələrlə fiziki baxımdan güclənmişdi. Belə anda tək hücumu yox, müdafiəni də düşünməli idik.
Misli Premyer Liqasının XXIX turunun “Qəbələ” – “Araz-Naxçıvan” oyunundan (1:1) sonra qonaq komandanın baş məşqçisi Andrey Demçenko jurnalistlərin suallarını cavablandırıb.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis əvvəlcə görüşlə bağlı fikirlərini bölüşüb:
– Oyunumuz alındı. Rəqibin sürətli əks-hücumlara üstünlük verdiyini bilirdik. İlk hissədə onları dəf etməyi bacardıq, şanslar da yaratdıq, amma qola çevirə bilmədik. Futbolda qayda budur ki, sən qol vura bilməsən, rəqib fərqlənir. Belə də oldu. Daha sonra hesabı bərabərləşdirə bildik. Futbolçuların texnikası oyunun taktikasını da qurur. Böyük futbol xırda detallardan ibarətdir və bu məqamlarda zəif olduq. Oyunun sonunda qələbə qolunu da vura bilərdik, amma alınmadı. Hücuma çıxanda müdafiədə boşluqlar yaranır. Matçın sonunda qalib gələ və ya uduza bilərdik.
– Komandada nələri dəyişə bilmisiniz?
– İlk olaraq, müasir futbolu aşılamaq istəyirdik – yəni, topla daha düzgün davranmağı bacaran komanda formalaşdırmağa çalışdıq. Texnikalı və kompakt futbol lazımdır, bu da özünəinam yaradır. Amma ümumi baxanda, bəzi məqamlarda texniki bacarıqların kifayət etmədiyini görürük.
– Hansı mövqelərdə çatışmazlıqlar var?
– Komandanı mən qurmamışam. Bu heyətlə işləməyə çalışırıq.
– Avrokuboklara vəsiqə şanslarınızı necə dəyərləndirirsiniz?
– Turnir cədvəli göstərir ki, o qədər də yaxşı mövqedə deyilik. Amma hər oyun bizə yeni bir şans verir. Komanda futbol oynayanda xallar da gəlir, lakin, bu, hələ bizdə tam alınmır.
– Mövsümün bitməsinə bir neçə tur qalıb. Yay transferləri üçün planlarınızı qurmusunuz?
– Bu haqda danışmaq tezdir. Müqaviləm yayda başa çatır. Qarşımıza avrokuboklara vəsiqə qazanmaq hədəfi qoyulub. Hələ işləməliyik.
– Komanda avrokuboklara vəsiqə qazana bilməzsə, məsuliyyətin nə qədərini özünüzə götürürsünüz?
– Məsuliyyəti üzərimə götürürəm. Gəmidəyəm və kapitan mənəm – istiqaməti də mən müəyyənləşdirirəm. Ancaq işə təsir edən başqa amillər də var. Ümumilikdə isə bütün nəticələrə görə məşqçi məsuliyyət daşıyır.
Gian Piero Gasperini insists he is not the centre of the Roma project, but rather ‘the club and fans’ must be the focus, while he sees improvement in the 2-0 victory over Bologna.
This was a very different experience, as Donyell Malen broke the scoring in the opening minutes, with Neil El Aynaoui adding the second on the stroke of half-time.
Gasperini sees Roma improvement
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 25: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
“We must believe that we can win every game. Now we are getting important players back to fitness, so we can regularly repeat the first half performance,” Gasperini told DAZN Italia.
“There were some issues in the second half, but we need to keep improving and be ready for the next game.”
There is also tension with director of sport Frederic Massara and he is widely expected to leave Roma before the summer too. Was it hard for him to protect the squad from this media storm?
“No, it was not at all hard, because these lads have trained hard since the start of the season, they followed me from the first day, and I have been thanking them for months. They are eager, and when we manage to get a few more players back from injury, it is obvious we are competitive.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 25: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma talks with Paulo Dybala of AS Roma during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
There was more good news, as Paulo Dybala made his comeback off the bench after three months out of action, and it was Roma’s first away victory since January.
“Malen has certainly raised our level by a lot, it is unfortunate that we were also without Matias Soulé and Dybala for long spells. What we were unable to have during those months, we hope to enjoy in these remaining games,” said Gasperini.
El Aynaoui not only scored a goal, but also provided the assist for Malen’s opening goal, so he is finally starting to deliver.
“He did very well in the first half of the season, until December when he went to the Africa Cup of Nations. That experience, Morocco in that controversial Final that is to a degree still going, it took a lot out of him. We had to wait a little longer for him to fully recover, but he had a great game today.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 25: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
The win means that Roma stay in the hunt for the top four, and must now hope that Juventus slip up in the showdown with Milan on Sunday evening.
Gasperini was asked if he feels that he is at the centre of the Roma project now that the Friedkin family confirmed their backing.
“The club and the fans are at the centre of Roma. I am a professional coach, so I deal with the technical aspects, and I thank the club for giving me that trust from the very first day, allowing me to work the way I want to.
“I hope to give my contribution along with those who work in the club. So the centre of Roma are simply the club and fans,” replied the coach.
Roberto De Zerbi picked up his first win as Tottenham Hotspur coach, but the result was not enough to significantly improve their fight for Premier League survival.
The Italian coach had called for a turning point ahead of the clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers, and his side delivered a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a late goal from Joao Palhinha.
It marks a first success after three weeks in charge for De Zerbi, who was brought in to try and pull off a difficult escape from the relegation zone. However, the situation remains complicated.
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – APRIL 12: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, shakes hands with Richarlison after the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on April 12, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
De Zerbi still two points off of safety despite first Spurs win
Despite the win, Spurs stay third from bottom on 34 points, as results elsewhere went against them. West Ham United secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Everton, keeping themselves above the drop zone and maintaining a two-point gap over Tottenham.
For De Zerbi, the performance offers a sign of life and a potential foundation to build on, but with only a handful of games remaining, time is running out to close the gap and avoid relegation.
The coach said when he arrived that he would be coach next season, no matter what, and the prospect of one of Italy’s best coaches managing in England’s second tier is a very real possibility.
Roma gained some revenge for their Europa League exit by beating Bologna 2-0 with Donyell Malen and Neil El Aynaoui goals, plus the return of Paulo Dybala.
These sides met only last month in the Europa League Round of 16, the first leg ending 1-1 at the Dall’Ara, then 3-3 at the Olimpico, Bologna eventually winning 4-3 in extra time.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 25: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
This was the first Giallorossi match since special advisor Claudio Ranieri was sacked for a public row with Gian Piero Gasperini, and while Wesley and Devyne Rensch were available again plus Paulo Dybala on the bench after three months out, they still missed Manu Koné, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson.
The Rossoblu were without Federico Bernardeschi, Lukasz Skorupski, Thijs Dallinga and Nicolò Casale, but surprisingly opted for a three-man defence.
It took under seven minutes to break the deadlock, as Wesley sparked the move, Neil El Aynaoui threaded through and Malen beat the on-rushing Federico Ravaglia to put Roma in front.
Malen came close again with a dinked finish inches wide on Wesley’s assist, while the first real Bologna chance on 32 minutes saw Mile Svilar use his legs to deny Riccardo Orsolini’s angled drive at the near post.
Eivind Helland made a crucial block on Malen’s strike, but just as Bologna were pushing for an equaliser on a corner, they were caught napping for 2-0 on the counter-attack. Wesley’s pass was over-hit for Malen, but the striker chased it down and put the cross back in from the right for El Aynaoui’s cushioned volley from six yards.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 25: Neil El Aynaoui of AS Roma competes for the ball with Lewis Ferguson of Bologna FC during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
After the restart, Orsolini fired over on the counter, and a ferocious Jens Odgaard strike was charged down, but Orsolini came so close on the hour mark with a screamer that smashed against the underside of the crossbar and bounced out.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 25: Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna FC reacts during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Joao Mario went off with a muscular injury, but Dybala made his return after three months out of action.
Bologna had a good chance in stoppages when Odgaard pulled back from the by-line for unmarked Lorenzo De Silvestri, but Svilar got a fingertip to it, pushing the ball away from the veteran.
Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi warns ‘there can be no avoiding consequences’ over the Gianluca Rocchi scandal after the refereeing designator was placed under investigation for sporting fraud.
More details are slowly emerging, but he is generally accused of over-stepping the boundaries of the refereeing designator role by influencing the VAR officials during a game, and of assigning referees who were ‘preferred’ by Inter to Serie A matches.
Abodi takes stand on Rocchi scandal
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: (L-R) Italy Minister of Sport Andrea Abodi, President of CONI Luciano Buonfiglio and President of FIGC Gabriele Gravina look on prior the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
“There is only one way of safeguarding the sporting system in all its facets and respect the fans, those passionate and in love with sport, starting with football.
“That is transparency, timely and equal treatment when faced with the failure to observe sporting norms, especially when these have possible criminal implications. And to do so always and with everyone!
“Like all of you, I am reading the reports that are emerging on an investigation by the Prosecutor in Milan, starting from the accusation made by a former member of the Italian Association of Referees,” continued Abodi.
“While leaving it to the judicial authorities to carry out their work and without wishing to delve into the merits of the actions of the refereeing designator Rocchi, the most serious aspect that emerges is the way in which the complaint itself was handled within the football system.
“So far, no public response, just as we do not know who received the complaint and which body was tasked with the matter to verify its validity.
“I therefore expect to receive formally from CONI, as soon as possible, information regarding the affair. In the event that responsibilities are ascertained, there can be no avoiding consequences.”
ROME, ITALY – JUNE 03: Minister of Sport Andrea Abodi attends during the 1st SS Lazio conference: bullying and cyberbullying in schools and sports at the Olimpic stadium on June 03, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
What Abodi is referring to here is the fact that these events all happened towards the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
It started when former assistant referee Domenico Rocca wrote a letter denouncing the behaviour of Rocchi, particularly with regards to influencing those in the VAR booth.
If there was an internal investigation by the FIGC, then nothing came of it, and it was shelved.
Now it’s reported Rocchi will give testimony to investigators on April 30.
AIA chief Gianluca Rocchi (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
If no action was taken against Rocchi, then there were at least some changes, as it’s reported this season he is not on the other side of the VAR booth wall.
This is where he banged on the glass to encourage them to change a decision that was in the process of being made.
All the VAR booths now are in the Lissone centre, rather than in the individual stadiums where the games are being played.
With clarity finally restored around the club’s direction after Claudio Ranieri’s departure, La Gazzetta dello Sport report that the Roma management can begin making key decisions on who stays, who leaves and where reinforcements are needed. Gasperini has made it clear he does not want a full rebuild, but rather to strengthen an already solid core.
“This team has an important base. It doesn’t need rebuilding, it needs improving,” he has indicated in recent days.
That core is now likely to remain largely intact, with several players seeing their futures improve under the new coach.
Lorenzo Pellegrini is one of them, with growing optimism over a contract renewal despite his current deal nearing expiry. Gasperini is a strong admirer of the Roma captain, even describing him as the most technically gifted player in the squad behind Paulo Dybala.
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Gianluca Mancini of AS Roma competes for the ball with Martin Ismael Payero of US Cremonese during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Cremonese at Stadio Olimpico on February 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Roma prepare to offer Mancini & Cristante new deals
Trusted figures such as Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante are also expected to stay, with potential contract extensions back on track after previously being paused. Mario Hermoso could also remain, with the club holding an option to extend his deal.
However, several departures are already planned. Stephan El Shaarawy, Kostas Tsimikas and Evan Ferguson are among those expected to move on, while Artem Dovbyk could also leave after failing to convince Gasperini.
Others remain uncertain, including Angelino, Evan Ndicka and Manu Kone, with potential sales also linked to financial considerations before the end of June.
Roma’s summer is shaping up to be one of significant change, but with a clear direction under Gasperini.
Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in signing the Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta at the end of the season.
According to Ben Jacobs, Arsenal are keeping tabs on the player, and he could cost around €50 million. Meanwhile, Manchester United have already contacted the player’s representatives regarding a move.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal can get a deal done. They need more quality and depth in the middle of the park, and the 26-year-old central midfielder would be a superb acquisition.
He has shown his quality consistently at a high level, and he has the physicality and technical attributes for Premier League football as well. He will help Arsenal control games better and tighten up defensively as well. He is a complete central midfielder and at the peak of his career. Joining a club like Arsenal would be the ideal next step for him.
The €50 million asking price seems reasonable for a player of his quality. If he adapts quickly to English football, he could justify the investment.
Manchester United have already initiated contact for the transfer, and it remains to be seen whether they submit an official proposal to get the deal done. Beating Arsenal to the signing will not be easy.
Arsenal have a formidable team and consistently fight for major trophies. The Brazilian could be attracted to the idea of joining the London club. Both clubs have the finances to pay €50 million for him, and it remains to be seen where he ends up.
Ederson will want to fight for trophies, and Arsenal are certainly better-placed to compete at the highest level regularly.
Liverpool are looking to add more depth to the defensive unit by signing Denzel Dumfries at the end of the season.
The player has a £21 million release clause in his contract, and he could prove to be a useful acquisition for the Premier League club.
They need more depth in the right back department, and signing the 30-year-old Netherlands International for a nominal fee would be ideal. He has the quality and the experience to help Liverpool improve.
Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley have struggled with injury problems this season, and Liverpool needs more depth in the full-back areas. According to The Times, Liverpool are aware of the defender’s release clause.
It remains to be seen whether they decide to come forward with an offer to get the deal done.
According to the report, Liverpool were interested in signing the Netherlands defender during the January window as well.
Dumfries has proven himself in Italy and for his country. He also has the technical attributes for Premier League football. He will help Liverpool at both ends of the pitch. At 30, this could be his final opportunity to play in the Premier League for an elite club. He will be attracted to the idea of joining Liverpool.
Meanwhile, the Premier League giants have the financial muscle to get the deal done as well. The experienced Netherlands international could prove a bargain at the reported fee. If he manages to hit the ground running in the Premier League, the deal could look like a masterstroke.
Liverpool have a strong Dutch contingent at the club, and that could be an added incentive for Dumfries to join them.
Manchester United are interested in signing Ederson from Atalanta at the end of the season.
Casemiro will leave the club at the end of the season, and they have identified the Brazilian midfielder as his replacement.
The 26-year-old could cost around £35-45 million in the summer. He has been a reliable performer in Italy with Atalanta, and he has the quality to succeed in the Premier League as well.
According to a report from The Guardian, Manchester United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, is an admirer of Ederson. He believes that the 26-year-old could be a quality acquisition for the club.
Manchester United have shown improvement under Michael Carrick, and they are likely to secure Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign. They will be an attractive destination for the Brazilian midfielder, and they have the financial resources to afford him. The 26-year-old is at the peak of his career, and he could justify the reported asking price.
The opportunity to move to Manchester United will be ideal for him at this stage of his career. He has shown his quality consistently in Italian football, and he would like to take the next step. The opportunity to prove himself in the Premier League will be hard to turn down.
Ederson can operate as both a central and a box-to-box midfielder. He will add creativity, composure, drive and defensive cover to the team. He is at the peak of his career, and this is the right time for Manchester United to secure his signature as well. He could be a key player for the club in the coming seasons.
In a letter to the residents of Tumbler Ridge, Canada, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said he is “deeply sorry” that his company failed to alert law enforcement about the suspect in a recent mass shooting.
Nov 8, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama defensive lineman LT Overton (22) chases and sacks LSU quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. (11) for a loss at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 20-9. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images | Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
LT Overton has been selected by the Dallas Cowboys at the back end of the 4th round. Overton was originally a top-ten recruit that went to Texas A&M and bounced around positions. After transferring to Alabama for the 2024 season, Overton moved permanently to the defensive end spot and could move inside on passing downs for rushing the passer.
While the stats never quite matched his impact, Overton was highly disruptive in 2024, with many thinking he could be a 2nd round pick. His senior season was quieter, so he definitely dropped down the rankings a bit.
For their part, the Cowboys are getting a guy who can be a good rotational piece and versatile guy that can play all over the line of scrimmage.
Had the ball kicked out of his hands by Rotherham’s forward in the 76th minute and won a free kick from this, after using his footwork and body well to cut out the danger from the forward sniffing at a chance on the left of Reading’s box.
Quite literally I have no other notes for his day today. Everything he had to do was very routine otherwise, and he was not at fault for the goal.
Ryan Nyambe: 4
Went totally missing for the Rotherham opening goal, being caught out of position. Took a poor touch when receiving the ball in space, up the field on the right in the 30th minute and conceded a throw in and a good attacking opportunity with it.
Poor over-hit cross in the 49th minute. Not entirely sure how he was allowed to stay on the pitch for the entire game. This was comfortably his worst showing in a Reading shirt, and has visibly regressed under Richardson’s coaching – worrying so, given he is one of “Richardson’s boys”.
Finley Burns: 5
Unlucky to concede a foul and a free kick In the 22nd minute but it led to nothing. Caught flat footed by the through-ball that led to Rotherham’s opener but he was not helped by the open midfield in front of him and Nyambe going missing.
Had a header at the Rotherham goal near the end of the first half from a Wing free kick but was unable to direct it on target. In the second half, seemed to go missing when Rotherham’s effort hit the bar in the 65th minute.
Seems to be the shell of the player we had on our hands at the start of the season, and probably needs to go somewhere else now where he feels loved and trusted by a manager who would rather do without his services and isn’t shy about showing it.
Paudie O’Connor: 5
Some smart early touches and passes into the midfield. However, his lack of pace was exposed for the Rotherham counter that led to the goal and he was unable to get back to prevent the goal.
In the second half, he seemed to go missing when Rotherham’s effort hit the bar in the 65th minute. It was far from his worst day today but, given the quality of the opposition, he needed to assert his dominance far more.
Jeriel Dorsett: 5
Formed part of a good passing triangle with Lane and Roberts on the left in the 36th minute that led to a Kyerewaa shot that was well saved. Struggled to deal with the Rotherham winger in the 42nd minute.
He was the catalyst for the attacking move in 47th minute that led to Reading’s equaliser, collecting the ball on the left and passing the ball up the pitch to find Lane in space.
Gave the ball away in the 72nd minute on the left, which led to Rotherham intercepting it and getting a shot away. Seemed to pick up an unpleasant knee injury in the 83rd minute, by pure bad luck. Subbed off for Matt Ritchie, pushing Roberts into left back.
Like O’Connor, it was far from his worst day today but, given the quality of the opposition, he needed to assert his dominance far more.
Haydon Roberts: 6
Not a great free kick delivery in the 14th minute from deep. Good link up play with Lane that led to Lane’s shot in the 31st minute. Formed part of a good passing triangle with Lane and Dorsett on the left in the 36th minute that led to a Kyerewaa shot that was well saved.
Great pass to set Lane free down the left in the 38th minute. Great run through the middle in the 43rd minute to get the ball much further up the pitch, but was unable to find Kyerewaa with the pass.
Moved to left back after Dorsett went off injured. Shortly after, went down injured himself and received attention off the pitch, then picked up a yellow card by bringing himself back on without consent from the ref. Subbed off for Kelvin Abrefa in the 88th minute, likely linked to the injury break.
Generally seemed like one of the only Reading players willing to pick up the ball and run with it and put Rotherham under any kind of direct pressure.
Daniel Kyerewaa: 6
Got off a good shot in the 36th minute after receiving a pass in the box from Roberts, which was well saved by the Rotherham goalkeeper.
Timed his run well into the Rotherham box to find space and meet Lane’s cross to convert the ball smartly, with his weaker left foot, to level the scores. Generally started the second half looking a lot more lively, likely helped by the change in shape which saw him play wider than in the first half.
Good cross in the 53rd minute which the keeper had to do well to catch, but no Reading player was there in the box to challenge for it unfortunately.
Made a great run down the right and cut inside in the 60th minute but made the wrong choice to shoot rather than put in a cross that led a corner.
His impact fizzled out in the second half of the second half, possibly owing to the fact that Reading just didn’t seem to want to be competitive today. However, overall, was probably Reading’s best on the day. This is possibly also damning by faint praise.
Lewis Wing: 4
Passing was a mixed bag in the early stages of the game. Went missing as Rotherham were given too much time in midfield to launch a counter attack for their opening goal. Overall, had a very subdued first half.
Shockingly bad looped pass out to Nyambe on the right which drifted out for a throw in in the 53rd minute. Poor free kick in the 74th minute, although from deep, he struggled to get it past the first man.
Played a decent looking pass through the lines to try and find Kyerewaa which caught out Rotherham’s back line, but he misjudged the angle and it went harmlessly through to the goal keeper.
The game just completely passed him by today. A very disappointing showing and you do wonder if the lethargy shown by those around him is reflects badly on his ability to motivate those around him as captain.
Liam Fraser: 5
Some tidy passes around the back line in the first half. Needed to do more to move the ball further up the pitch, but whenever he had the ball, he rarely seemed to have options in front of him to pass to in the first half.
A frustrating game because you wanted to see him take more risks with his passing to get the ball up the pitch or try to carry the ball further up himself rather than sitting deep. Overall, he didn’t do much wrong. However, nor did he do much at all. And therein lies the problem.
Paddy Lane: 5
Good cross from the right after a free kick delivery in the 16th minute, but Reading were unable to make the most of it.
Made a breakthrough to run at the goal in the 27th minute after receiving a through-ball. However, looked off balance and out of confidence, with a stuttering run and went down far too easily under pressure to try and win a penalty, which was correctly not awarded.
Had a shot, possibly a mishit cross, in the 31st minute from the left of the Rotherham box that fizzed wide. Formed part of a good passing triangle with Dorsett and Roberts on the left in the 36th minute that led to a Kyerewaa shot that was well saved.
Poor cross in the 38th minute after being found in space down the left. Needed to do better.
Great touch, movement and pass to get the ball into the box to find Kyerewaa for the equaliser. Good shot from the right in the 61st minute which the goalkeeper saved comfortably, but seemed to look more comfortable playing as a number 10 in the second half.
Subbed off for Emmanuel Osho in the 82nd minute. Overall, he was very poor in the first half but after the shape change in the second half to bring him into the number 10 role in a 4-2-3-1, he seemed a different player – all to the good for Reading.
So much so, it was somewhat surprising to see him go off, given that there were more glaring problems on the pitch in the second half than his contributions.
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan: 4
Put himself about, being physical. However, seemed to be off his game today. Great through ball to Lane in the 27th minute which deserved better. Generally had a very quiet first half, mostly due to the lack of service. Which will shock nobody.
Got more service in the second half but wasn’t able to capitalise on any of it. Received a great lofted pass from Wing in the 59th minute through the middle and on the inside edge of the Rotherham box. However, his first touch was poor/non-existent and the chance died. Held up play well in the 64th minute but miscued the ball forward to Kyerewaa which he wasn’t able to reach.
Unfortunate double whammy in the 77th minute when caught offside by a Lane pass and mishitting his own pass back to Roberts out of play. Subbed off for Sean Patton in the 88th minute and should have come off far sooner, quite frankly.
Subs
Emmanuel Osho: N/A
Subbbed on for Paddy Lane in the 82nd minute, far too late to be given any time to make any impact. Won a free kick in the 90th minute on the right wing by being a nuisance whilst up against three Rotherham players and still managing to break away and get his shirt pulled.
Not given much time to make an impact but looked energetic. Should have been brought on earlier, and probably offered the most from of the substitutions made but that’s not exactly saying much.
Matt Ritchie: N/A
Subbed on for the injured Dorsett in the 84th minute, moving to the left wing with Haydon Roberts going to left back. There will be question marks about why he wasn’t brought on sooner to change the game.
Contributed a free kick delivery and that’s about all he had time to be able to do.
Sean Patton: N/A
Subbed on for Kelvin Ehibatiomhan in the 88th minute, around 30 minutes too late. But hey, Richardson gives youth a chance because look! He gave Patton two minutes to make an impact. Sigh.
Kelvin Abrefa: N/A
Subbed on for Haydon Roberts in the 88th minute and took up a position as a left back.
Average: 5/10
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Former Alabama defensive lineman LT Overton has been drafted by the Dallas Cowboys.
Overton was selected with the No. 137 pick in the fourth round, as the talented big man will look to shine throughout his rookie campaign in Dallas.
The former Crimson Tide star spent the first two years of his college career at Texas A&M prior to transferring to Alabama in 2024, as Overton quickly established himself as a focal point on the Tide’s defensive line. Overton recorded 42 total tackles, six TFL and four sacks during his final season on the college level, as the athletic lineman could quickly become a difference maker in the NFL following a strong collegiate career.
At 6-foot-5, 278 pounds, Overton was one of the top remaining overall players on the board prior to the Cowboys drafting him at No. 137. The talented lineman has excellent athleticism and size, as Overton will look to make an impact on the Dallas defensive line in 2026.
‘Unbelievable and unacceptable’ – Hull City boss slams players after loss to Charlton
Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic slammed his side’s “unacceptable” defending for Charlton’s second goal in their 2-1 defeat.
Hull’s play-off hopes are out of their hands heading into the final day after their defeat.
“The second goal, it’s unbelievable, it’s unacceptable that this guy is alone,” Jakirovic said.
“He’s dribbled through three players – I think it’s too far away from me – of course, he scored the goal, and then we tried everything, but this is football; we missed our opportunities, our chances. Congratulations to Charlton.”
Reflecting on his side’s promotion hopes, he said: “I think that every team in this league has had this moment in the season. Unfortunately, we have now this moment. If you can’t win one game from seven, then everything is very clear.
“We must be satisfied with this season and the end, of course, now it’s frustrating, but after the season, when you look back, it will be a very good season for us.
“Now we will see what will happen today, tomorrow, and then we will see if we need something in the last round, but now it’s not in our hands, so we will see.”
Ian
Garry isn’t giving up on his title shot aspirations any time
soon.
Garry is considered among the frontrunners for a
UFC welterweight title shot against Islam
Makhachev. “The Future” has aimed multiple shots at Makhachev
since the Dagestani star became the champion last year. Garry
continues to callout Makhachev at regular intervals, while also
slamming him for inactivity. Garry recently called out the champion
for “princess” behavior while rallying for a title shot.
“First you say you have a hand injury, Dana said August, you’re
saying July - I’ve been ready since you last turned me down in
May,” Garry wrote on Instagram. “We’re all waiting on you
princess.”
Makhachev is seemingly open to defending his title against Garry.
The champion hinted that he is healthy and waiting for a
contract.
“Don’t worry about my injuries,” Makhachev responded. “I’m ready at
any time. I’m waiting for the contract.”
Don’t worry about my
injuries.
I’m ready at any time.
I’m waiting for the contract https://t.co/KSopvXw3L2— Makhachev
Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA)
April 24, 2026
Makhachev (28-1) won the title with a dominant unanimous decision
over Jack
Della Maddalena at UFC 322 this past November. While rumors
suggest that Makhachev was initially being considered to defend his
title against Ilia
Topuria at the White House in June, that didn’t materialize.
While Dana White said that Makhachev is out with a hand injury, the
champion never confirmed the report. Meanwhile, Makhachev suggested
that he would likely defend his title in July. However, White said
that it would likely be in August.
Garry (17-1) is not the only contender chasing a title shot against
Makhachev. Undefeated Ecuadorian Michael
Morales also considers himself a frontrunner for the next title
shot against Makhachev. Meanwhile, surging knockout artist Carlos
Prates is scheduled to fight Maddalena at UFC Perth on May 2,
with the winner definitely in a spot to make a case for the next
title shot.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 24: A detailed view of the Fan Fest is seen during Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 24, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We are moving into Round 5 of the 2026 NFL Draft from Pittsburgh, and it’s time for the Minnesota Vikings to (probably) get involved again!
The purple are slated to have two picks in this fifth round, and they’ll come in relatively quick succession. They’re first scheduled to select at #159 overall, and then they will pick again at #163 overall. Both of those picks were acquired via trades. The pick at #159 came from the trade that they made with the Carolina Panthers on Friday night, while the pick at #163 came from the trade they made during the 2025 preseason when they sent quarterback Sam Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles.
After the Vikings make these two picks. . .assuming that they do, in fact, make both of them. . .they are not scheduled to get back on the board again until Round 7. But we will have a thread for Round 6 regardless.
With that, Round 5 is officially underway, ladies and gentlemen, and you can hang out here and talk about all of it with your fellow Vikings fans! Have at it, everyone!
Bayern Munich's English forward #09 Harry Kane celebrates with team mates after scoring his team's fourth goal 3:4 during the German first division Bundesliga football match between 1 FSV Mainz 05 and FC Bayern Munich in Mainz, western Germany on April 25, 2026. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP via Getty Images) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO | AFP via Getty Images
There was no doubt that Bayern Munich needed some motivation in the locker room after falling into a three-goal deficit to Mainz 05 by halftime.
Heck, some would have suggested that the Bavarians needed a swift kick in the behind to help the squad regain focus.
It appears that head coach Vincent Kompany might have taken both tactics per midfielder Leon Goretzka.
“We got a real dressing down at halftime, but then we focused on what makes us strong. I think you can experience setbacks in life, and you can fall behind in a football match. But it always comes down to how you react. Fortunately, we were able to prove again today that we have a very special team,” said Goretzka (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
Bayern Munich, of course, responded in a big way by claiming a shocking 4-3 victory. Sometimes, a team just needs to be reminded of how it got to this position in the season in the first place — and Kompany was there to ensure no one forgot.
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…
Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans offensive tackle Tytus Howard (71) reacts after a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The Houston Texans began their offensive line overhaul by trading versatile offensive lineman Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns for a Day 3 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Both teams were looking to upgrade their offensive lines, with the Browns needing bodies after having six free agent offensive linemen, while the Texans were looking for improvement after an inconsistent 2025 season up front.
The move freed up cap space for Houston, allowing them to have an eventful offseason and address the offensive line in different ways.
Original terms for the Tytus Howard trade between the Browns and Texans
Who did the Texans select with the pick from the Tytus Howard trade?
We will update when pick 139 is made.
How did Tytus Howard play in 2025?
Howard was a part of the inconsistent Texans offensive line, seeing action at left guard (402 snaps), right guard (132 snaps), and right tackle (628 snaps). In 2025, he ranked in the 24th percentile in pass block win rate and the 31st percentile in run block win rate at tackle last year, according to ESPN.
The year before? The results weren’t much better.
At this stage, Howard’s biggest key is his availability (he’s played in 16 games the last two years) and versatility (seeing snaps at both guard and tackle). He’s just been below average when on the field over the past few seasons.
Who won the Tytus Howard trade between the Browns and Texans?
Looking back at the trade, getting a fifth-round pick for a below-average tackle is a good deal for the Texans, especially considering how they went about the rest of their offseason.
Houston improved with the signing of right tackle Braden Smith, who earned a two-year, $25 million deal. That’s $20 million less than what Cleveland gave Howard upon trading for him (two year, $45 million extension) for arguably the better player in 2025.
Injuries will be key there, but Houston upgraded for cheaper at right tackle. The Texans also had the cap space to add Evan Brown and Wyatt Teller in free agency, revamping their offensive line.
Overall, they upgraded at right tackle and got a draft pick out of it. Pretty good move.
BEREA, OHIO - APRIL 21: Tytus Howard #71 of the Cleveland Browns runs a drill during a voluntary veteran minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on April 21, 2026 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Looking to upgrade their offensive line this offseason, the Cleveland Browns made the interesting move to trade for Houston Texans offensive lineman Tytus Howard, sending a Day 3 draft pick back in return.
Cleveland’s offensive line was going to see quite the overhaul this offseason with six free agents. Jack Conklin, Wyatt Teller, Joel Bitonio, Cam Robinson, Ethan Pocic, and Cornelius Lucas are all out the door.
In return, the Browns made a couple of free agency signings, landing Elgton Jenkins and Teven Jenkins, but their most notable move was acquiring Howard, who received a two-year, $45 million extension as a part of the trade.
With the 2026 NFL Draft here, let’s evaluate the trade and see what both sides got.
Original terms for the Tytus Howard trade between the Browns and Texans
Howard was a part of the inconsistent Texans offensive line, seeing action at left guard (402 snaps), right guard (132 snaps), and right tackle (628 snaps). In 2025, he ranked in the 24th percentile in pass block win rate and the 31st percentile in run block win rate at tackle last year, according to ESPN.
The year before? The results weren’t much better.
At this stage, Howard’s biggest key is his availability (he’s played in 16 games the last two years) and versatility (seeing snaps at both guard and tackle). He’s just been below average when on the field over the past few seasons.
Who won the Tytus Howard trade?
At the time, this one was a bit of a headscratcher from the Browns. They needed offensive line depth, but I’m not sure Howard was the answer.
Not only are they taking on the $17.5 million he’s owed in 2025, but they also gave him a two-year, $45 million extension on top of that. That’s quite a lot of money for a player who hasn’t been that good over the past few seasons.
The Texans offensive line hasn’t been great, and they were willing to part ways with Howard in need of better blockers. To get a fifth-round pick in return is a solid deal for them.
The Browns need bodies and they have ample draft capital, so the loss of a fifth-rounder doesn’t hurt them too bad. But still, this trade is a questionable one, given the player they’re acquiring.
Who did the Texans select with the pick from the Tytus Howard trade?
The Lake Mary championship football season ended in such dramatic fashion in 2025, that Logan Malmberg, director of the school’s TV production program, decided it made a great subject for a documentary.
“Why not?” Malmberg said. “We’re in a unique position because our TV production program has followed the football team and recorded every single snap,” Malmberg said, “so we had a ton of footage on the season before they even got to the state championship game.
“I was blessed to be able to be on the sideline to record the state championship game against Vero.”
What transpired was shocking. Not many people in Pit Bull Stadium figured Lake Mary was going to leave Miami with the Class 7A state championship trophy when Vero Beach went into victory formation last December. But as the minutes trickled down to seconds, and Vero Beach made decisions that played right into Lake Mary’s hands, “Lake Hail Mary,” the name of the video production, was born.
To recap, with eight seconds left in the game, and Lake Mary trailing 27-21, senior quarterback Noah Grubbs rolled to his right and unleashed a deep pass. Senior receiver Barrett Schulz caught the ball after it had ricocheted off several Vero defenders at the 3-yard line. As Schulz tried to push his way into the end zone, he realized he was not going to make it and gave the ball to sophomore teammate Tavarius ‘TJ’ Brundidge Jr., who finished the Hail Mary miracle by carrying the ball into the end zone.
“I just threw it up and then TJ and Barrett just did what they did,” Grubbs said. “I don’t know how Barrett handed the ball off, but he did.”
Lucas Parker added the extra point to seal the victory and the Rams gave head coach Scott Perry his first state football crown in 21 years at Lake Mary, 28-27.
“The dramatics of the way the ending played out, it even became a national story, and that’s really when it kicked it, ‘Hey, let’s capitalize on this national spotlight and make a documentary on the season,” Malmberg said. “We knew we had plenty of footage and we knew we had the story.
“We really wanted to jump on that as a memory and preserve it forever.”
So Malmberg and his student crew went into production, and after four months of gathering film, doing interviews with players and coaches, piecing everything together, they had a public unveiling this past Thursday at the Oviedo Mall.
The production was shown in two separate, 200-seat theaters and every seat was taken for the premiere. It’s the only showing currently available to the public, as Malmberg and staff are now trying to work a deal with a network like Netflix or Amazon or ESPN to air the documentary in a streaming medium.
“When we started the production, I said, let’s try to make this as professional as possible and shoot for the stars and maybe if we do it the right way, people will be interested and want to put it out on a platform of some sort,” Malmberg said. “When we finished, I thought, ‘Well, let’s see if people like it first.”
People loved it.
“Over the last week, people have seen it and been praising it and kind of encouraging us, so now I think that dream is back on the table and we’re gonna try,” Malmberg said. “It’s a long shot, a very long shot, to get it picked up by anybody, but I think it’s definitely worth the try.
“If all of that falls through, then we’ll put it on YouTube. We’re not trying to gatekeep this from anybody.”
Seeing the documentary in the theatre, with the surround-sound and giant screen, was thrilling for everyone, but especially the players and coaches who lived the moment.
“It’s one thing to watch the final sequence of plays by yourself, and my heart still pounds when I watch it,” Coach Perry said, “but when you are sitting in a theater with 200 other people, the hairs on the back of my neck are standing up, everybody erupts in applause and it was that feel-good moment all over again.
“The film was so true to the moment and it really did capture what it was like in that state championship game, and pretty much the whole season.”
Brundidge was one of the stars of the moment and he said the film almost made him feel like a movie star.
“It was awesome, seeing all of the struggles that we went through during the season and then seeing what we accomplished,” Brundidge said.
Of course, everyone enjoyed re-watching the final play surrounded by people in a sold-out theater.
“Man, it was awesome. It was like we were reliving the moment. Everybody in there was yelling and calling my name and stuff,” Brundidge said. “At some points it was like sad, and then happy. It was just awesome.”
“The documentary was pretty good and they did a good job like mixing everything in there,” he said. “It’s crazy, because you would not think that your classmates would be making movies on their own time and in their periods and stuff.”
Several people were involved on the making of “Lake Hail Mary.” The executive producer was Lake Mary alumni Jaffa Martin Frye, who currently is a filmmaker living in Atlanta, and he would help piece together the film through digital communications with Malmberg.
The main student editors were seniors Maddison Spalding and Sarah Pascazio and juniors Abigail Unger, Ricardo Gomez, Manendra Gor and Justin Glener. The movie poster was designed by junior Charlie Davenport. Photographers were seniors Francisco Fonesca and Tanner Dean.
Malmberg said the premiere was a great way to close the production.
“That was a special, pretty cool moment,” he said. “I got emotional even before the movie played. It was just cool to see that many people there for something that our program made.
“And when you’ve got the professional speakers and you hear the bass and the rumble and the full sound in the bigger theater, and with community experience of the people cheering … it’s awesome. You get a lot of validation when the audience loves it the way you were hoping and planning for.”
Jamarion Coleman, a junior linebacker on this year’s team who is in his first year at Lake Mary High after coming over from Orange City University High, has enjoyed quite a ride as one of 30 newcomers the Lake Mary football team welcomed to campus last fall.
“It was amazing. I loved it. It gave me chills, honestly,” Coleman said. “It’s very crazy. It’s still so unreal. It says a lot about the coaches and how they were able to bring us together.”
The documentary went through the entire 2025 season, even rehashing Lake Mary’s three losses.
“Some of the games, like the ones we lost, I was still mad. It shouldn’t have gone like that,” Coleman said. “But then we ramped it up it really still gave me chills.”
Patrick Ryan, a senior linebacker who will walk-on to play at UCF this year, was equally thrilled by the production.
“It was awesome just reliving the moment and getting to see through a film basically everything we went through throughout the year and getting to re-feel everything,” Ryan said. “It’s still hard to believe that we had such a crazy ending like that, but it was really cool to relive that moment again.”
Ryan admitted that on that night of Dec. 13, 2025, as the Vero Beach quarterback started to take a knee to run down the clock, he figured his Lake Mary career was going to end with a second straight Class 7A runner-up medal.
“Yeah, for sure. I didn’t know we had timeouts. I didn’t even think about anything like that. I was just assuming it was over,” Ryan said. “I was on the field crying, and then they took that safety and I said, ‘OK, wipe your tears and get back on the field.’
“It was definitely a crazy outcome. I didn’t even know we had a chance to get the ball back, but when that happened. … It’s pretty cool and we’re still riding on that high that we ended the year with.”
BEREA, OHIO - JULY 26: Quarterback Kenny Pickett #8 of the Cleveland Browns passes during training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on July 26, 2025 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Oft-traded former first-round pick Kenny Pickett signed with the Carolina Panthers this offseason, but last offseason, he spent with the Cleveland Browns after being traded here. Fast forward to August, and he was shipped to the Las Vegas Raiders.
How did the Raiders do in the deal? Let’s dive in.
Original compensation for the Kenny Pickett trade
Las Vegas Raiders receive: Kenny Pickett
Cleveland Browns: 2026 fifth-round pick
Who did the Browns take with the pick from the Kenny Pickett trade?
The fifth-round pick ended up being 141 overall. We will update when they pick.
How did Kenny Pickett play for the Raiders in 2025?
Kenny Pickett started two games for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025, playing in six total. He completed 62% of his passes but only threw for 188 combined yards and one touchdown with two interceptions.
Did the Browns win the Kenny Pickett trade?
The Browns had a glut of quarterbacks after the 2025 NFL Draft, and they needed to trade someone. Getting a firth-rounder for a guy they were going to cut is a win. cleveland wins this trade.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 04: Kenny Pickett #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks to make a pass in the first quarter of their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 14-12. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Kenny Pickett was a first-round pick in 2022, but since then, he’s been traded more than any player in the NFL. He was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, the Cleveland Browns in 2025, then the Las Vegas Raiders later in 2025.
How did Kenny Pickett play for the Raiders in 2025?
Kenny Pickett started two games for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025, playing in six total. He completed 62% of his passes but only threw for 188 combined yards and one touchdown with two interceptions.
Did the Raiders win the Kenny Pickett trade?
It was definitely a worthwhile risk for the Raiders to trade for Pickett in 2025. He was always going to be the backup, so perhaps the fifth-round pick was high and maybe the $2.6 million was more than they wanted to spend on a backup, but with an aging Geno Smith, getting Pickett in to see if he had a chance to be the long-term guy was a smart move.
Who did the Browns take with the pick from the Kenny Pickett trade?
The fifth-round pick ended up being 141 overall. We will update when they pick.
Arsenal and England forward Eberechi Eze walked off the Emirates Stadium pitch in the 53rd minute of their Premier League game with Newcastle on Saturday.
Eze, who had scored a wonderful goal in the first half, looked to be getting treatment on his left leg on the pitch and Gabriel Martinelli was quickly readied to take his place.
The 27-year-old didn't appear to be in distress while walking off the pitch and had a quick talk with manager Mikel Arteta before taking his place on the bench.
We'll see what Arteta has to say about Saturday's injuries to Eze and Kai Havertz after the game in North London.
Eberechi Eze injury news — Arsenal, England forward hurts leg versus Newcastle
Arteta hasn't always used Eze but he's been pretty darn available during his first season with the Gunners.
In fact, Eze has been pretty durable over the past two seasons after three multi-week injury absences for Crystal Palace during the 2023-24 campaign.
He missed four games last year including one against Arsenal, with three coming during a November hamstring ailment.
This season, he missed two games with a calf injury and both saw Arsenal exit cup competitions — the FA Cup quarterfinal at Southampton and the League Cup Final versus Man City.
MILAN (AP) — Roma put a turbulent week behind it to win at Bologna 2-0 in Serie A on Saturday and continue its push for the Champions League.
The in-form Donyell Malen scored one and set up the other to help Roma close to within two points of fourth-placed Juventus, which visits AC Milan on Sunday.
However, it put issues off the field to one side and took the lead after less than seven minutes. Malen took one touch to control Neil El Aynaoui’s through ball before firing past the onrushing goalkeeper and into the bottom right corner.
It was Malen’s 12th goal for Roma in 16 matches since joining on loan from Aston Villa in January.
Malen repaid the favor in first-half stoppage time by crossing the ball into the area for El Aynaoui to volley in from close range.
Pisa and Verona could be down
Pisa will be mathematically relegated if Lecce manages to win at Hellas Verona later Saturday, which would also consign the home side to Serie B.
Pisa lost at Parma 1-0 to leave it level with Verona at the bottom of Serie A, 10 points from 17th-placed Lecce and safety.
Subsitute Nesta Elphege got the only goal eight minutes from time, controlling a header with his back to goal and turning to sweep in from close range.
That made Parma mathematically safe, setting off a party atmosphere on a sunny afternoon at Stadio Ennio Tardini.
🚨Atleti-Athletic: A clash with subplots and confirmed line-ups
The Cívitas Metropolitano hosts a clash of contrasting realities in LaLiga tonight. Atlético de Madrid come into it mired in a results crisis after losing the Copa final and falling to Elche. With their minds on the Champions League semi-finals, Diego Simeone is planning a hybrid lineup of starters and backups to manage the workload, although he confirmed Jan Oblak will be in goal despite fitness concerns.
Meanwhile, Ernesto Valverde's Athletic Club arrive in the capital with renewed confidence after beating Osasuna. The "Lions" will look to take advantage of the hosts' European distraction to conquer Madrid with their strongest XI, led by the pace of the Williams brothers. While Atleti urgently need to heal their domestic wound, Athletic dream of making a statement in their battle to cement the European places.
The best day of spring is finally here in Eugene, with the Oregon Ducks hosting their annual spring game inside Autzen Stadium. It will be the Combat Ducks vs. the Fighting Ducks, giving fans a chance to see the new iteration of the roster going into the 2026 season.
While there are a ton of veteran players from the 2025 season returning for another year — guys like Dante Moore, Iapani Laloulu, Matayo Uiagalelei, Teitum Tuioti, and several more — Saturday will present an opportunity for the young guys and new transfers to shine on the big stage inside a packed stadium.
The Oregon roster has been split into two teams, giving us a good mix of starters playing against starters, and veterans playing alongside young guys. While the score at the end of the day won't matter, we are getting set to learn a lot about this new team and which players will have a chance to make an early impact in their careers in Eugene.
Throughout the day, we will be covering all of the action while keeping an eye on the 2026 NFL Draft, as well, where several former Ducks have already heard their names called. Follow along below for our live updates, highlights, and analysis:
Be early. Be loud.
Bring your non-perishable food items for @foodforlc.
The Oregon Ducks spring game will be broadcast nationally on the Big Ten Network. Guy Haberman and Yogi Roth will call the game from the booth at Autzen Stadium.
Oregon Ducks Spring Game time today
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Start time: 1:05 p.m. PT
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
As you can imagine, the Tar Heels paid a pretty penny to land both coaches. Belichick and Malone make a combined $18,330,000, the second-highest figure amongst collegiate football and men's basketball programs?
Alabama, which pays Nate Oats (men's basketball) and Kalen DeBoer (football) a combined $19,750,000, has the highest combined figure behind these money-making programs. Indiana (third), LSU, Georgia, Texas, USC (Southern Cal.), Clemson, Kansas and Tennessee round out the Top 10.
North Carolina hired Belichick in December 2024, hoping his eight Super Bowls and 333 wins translated seamlessly to the collegiate level. UNC laid a massive dud in Belichick's first season, struggling to a 4-8 finish, the program's worst mark since Larry Fedora's final season in 2018.
The Tar Heels fired Hubert Davis five days after their 19-point collapse against VCU in both teams' NCAA Tournament opener. Going an unconventional route for their program, North Carolina landed Malone, who turned the NBA's Denver Nuggets into a Western Conference contender and 2023 NBA Champion.
Alabama is now spending more than any school in the country on their football and men's basketball head coach salaries pic.twitter.com/QcKHzdzbGs
Malone currently faces a tall task, essentially rebuilding UNC's entire roster from scratch. The Tar Heels landed a pair of top-ranked transfers in Terrence Brown and Neoklis Avdalas, while also getting promising guys in Matt Able and Maxim Logue. Henri Veesaar recently declared for the NBA Draft, leaving North Carolina in desperate need of a starting center.
If the UNC football program's offseason activity is any indication of its 2026 success, signs are pointing in the right direction. ESPN's Bill Connelly praised the Tar Heels for landing several, high-profile transfers, such as quarterback Billy Edwards and linebacker Derek McDonald.
Money talks, but results matter. North Carolina needs results on the field and court this fall, with fans desperately craving championship-level success.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
Through the 2024-25 season, the Los Angeles Lakers have had a total of 506 players suit up for them, going back to their days in Minneapolis. Some were forgettable, some were serviceable, some were good and a select few were flat-out legendary.
During the Lakers' 80th season of existence (they were founded back in 1946 as the Detroit Gems in the National Basketball League), LeBron Wire is taking a look at each player who has worn their jersey, whether it has been a purple and gold one or the ones they donned back in the Midwest during their early years.
Following a four-year stint at Indiana University, Ray Tolbert was taken with the No. 18 pick in the 1981 NBA Draft by the New Jersey Nets. In his first three seasons in the NBA, the 6-foot-9 forward played for three different teams, and he spent the next three years playing in Italy and the Continental Basketball Association (CBA). The New York Knicks signed him just prior to the 1987-88 season, and after he was waived in early December, the Lakers picked him up.
Tolbert appeared in 14 games that season with the Lakers and averaged three points and 1.4 rebounds in 5.9 minutes a game. He played his final season in the NBA the following campaign with the Atlanta Hawks before wrapping up his playing career overseas and with the Fort Wayne Fury of the CBA.
He ended up averaging 3.6 points and 2.3 rebounds in 10.7 minutes a game across five NBA seasons.
Marcus Buchecha and Ryan Spann meet in the UFC Fight Night 274 main card opener Saturday at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Last event's results: 3-2
UFC main cards, 2026: 36-19
Marcus Buchecha vs. Ryan Spann UFC Fight Night 274 preview
Buchecha (5-2-1 MMA, 0-1-1 UFC) will look for his first UFC win after a decision loss and a draw in his first two appearances. The high-level grappler's last win came by submission against Amir Aliakbari at ONE 169 in November 2024.
Spann (23-11 MMA, 9-6 UFC) continues his heavyweight journey, looking to build upon a first-round submission of Lukasz Brzeski at UFC 318 last July. He's 1-1 at heavyweight so far, with his first appearance being a second-round loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta last March.
Marcus Buchecha vs. Ryan Spann UFC Fight Night 274 expert pick, prediction
Despite having a decent selection of lighter-weight action fights to choose from, it wouldn't be an Apex Fight Night if Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby didn't force-feed us big guy circus bouts on the main card.
Luckily for the matchmakers, this fight will likely be wild for as long as it lasts.
Buchecha, who was initially slated to face Max Gimenis, will now face a short-notice replacement in Spann.
Spann is coming off his first win up at heavyweight, but I'm not sure that this move up will benefit a fighter who is notorious for not taking training as seriously as he should.
It's a tricky fight to call given that Spann will be incredibly live to win early. However, between the smaller cage and shorter notice for Spann, I have to side with the superior submission grappler in Buchecha.
The pick is for Buchecha to secure a submission by the end of Round 1.
Marcus Buchecha vs. Ryan Spann UFC Fight Night 274 odds
The oddsmakers and the public favor the Brazilian fighter, listing Buchecha -136 and Spann +116 via FanDuel.
Marcus Buchecha vs. Ryan Spann UFC Fight Night 274 start time, how to watch
As the main card opener, Buchecha and Spann are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 8:10 p.m. ET. The fight streams live on Paramount+.
Symptoms of climate change, including rising global temperatures, are increasing the frequency of extreme heat and negatively affecting the game of golf.
Climate change is affecting golf in many ways, according to various sources, including the Environmental Protection Agency.
Extreme weather events, including thunderstorms, high winds, and torrential rainfall, are increasing the frequency of tournament delays and schedule changes.
Changing temperature and precipitation patterns can alter how championship courses play and appear.
Increased rainfall can damage bunkers, wash out fairways, and leave greens unplayable for days or weeks.
At the elite level, these changes can affect competitive outcomes by reducing predictability in course setup.
Climate-driven pest and disease pressure is also increasing turf maintenance challenges, raising costs and altering course aesthetics.
Professional golf relies on water-intensive course maintenance, making the sport especially vulnerable to drought and tightening water regulations. Research shows climate change-driven water scarcity has already forced golf courses, particularly in arid and semiarid regions, to reduce irrigated acreage, experiment with drought-resistant turf, or accept less visually pristine playing conditions, according to the United States Golf Association.
Storm-related disruptions also reduce tournament revenue by limiting spectator attendance and forcing cancellations or shortened events, increasing financial risk for tour operators and host clubs.
Extreme heat during professional tournaments can pose health risks for players, caddies, officials and spectators, according to the International Golf Federation.
Heat stress, dehydration, and heat illness are growing concerns, particularly during multiday events that require hours of walking and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, according to the CDC. Heat-related illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, rhabdomyolysis, heat syncope, heat cramps, and heat rash.
In response to a changing climate, professional golf organizations are adopting adaptation strategies, including redesigned courses, climate-resilient turfgrasses, improved drainage, smarter irrigation systems and revised tournament scheduling, according to the the USGA.
This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.
Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.
Michael Longo/For USA Today Network-PA / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
On Friday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers offered Aaron Rodgers the opportunity to fix his legacy in what should be his final season in the NFL.
Rodgers will go down as one of the greatest players to ever strap on a helmet and take to the field in an NFL game. Over his 21 legendary seasons, he went to the Pro Bowl 10 times, earned All-Pro honors on four occasions, and was a four-time NFL MVP. And in 2011, he reached the mountaintop when he led the Green Bay Packers to their last Super Bowl.
His reputation as a football player is untouchable. However, it’s the off-the-field stuff that has made him a divisive figure among many fans. Be it his almost yearly retirement threats late in his run with the Packers. Getting Mike McCarthy pushed out as head coach. His views about the world, or his interest in psychedelics.
There was also his disastrous run with the New York Jets and taking months to put pen to paper on a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year. Yet another standout was how he handled the Packers’ preparation for life after him when they drafted Jordan Love in Round 1 of the 2020 NFL Draft.
While he wasn’t outwardly miserable about it, he didn’t embrace the future despite getting similar treatment from Brett Favre 15 years before. It was one of many instances during his career where he seemed to be in his feelings and me-first, instead of team-first.
Well, he has a chance to change a lot of opinions about him if he returns to the Steelers this season. On Friday night, Pittsburgh moved in the direction of the future when they made Penn State quarterback Drew Allar the 76th selection in this year’s draft.
Aaron Rodgers should embrace greybeard mentorship in final NFL season
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Allar had first-round hype heading into the 2025 college football season. But a bad start from the Nittany Lions and a serious ankle injury ended his year after a few weeks. He has good size for the position and a big arm that can make all the throws in the NFL. But he needs a lot of work and is a total project. So he is no threat to Rodgers starting in 2026.
It’s why the NFL legend should embrace mentoring Allar, since NFL.com’s scouting reports claim improving his “confidence, poise, and recognition must be the foundation of any rebound.”
Barring a stunning run to the Super Bowl, this is definitely the 42-year-old’s swan song. His place in Canton is set. However, changing his narrative a bit by playing a key role in developing his replacement and a potential long-term starter would be the perfect close to an iconic career. It would prove once and for all that he is the better player and man than Brett Favre.
EDITOR’S NOTE: A version of this article ran here at BCB 10 years ago on the 40th anniversary of this event. Lightly edited, and with some new information added, I thought you’d like to read it again on the 50th anniversary.
It was a Sunday that began as any other baseball day at Dodger Stadium. The Cubs, who would wind up with their second straight 87-loss season that year, entered that afternoon with a 6-7 record. The Dodgers, who eventually finished second in the NL West with 92 wins, were 4-9.
The game between the Dodgers and Cubs had no baseball out of the ordinary. The Cubs came from behind in the eighth inning to tie the contest only to lose in extra innings, 5-4.
But it was what happened in the Dodger Stadium outfield in the fourth inning that day that will make this particular game forever remembered. Richard Dozer, recapping that day’s game in the Tribune, described Monday’s save:
Monday explained his role in the chase for the flag with more clarity than anything else discussed in the clubhouse.
”I saw these clowns come out on the field, and I didn’t know what they were doing. I thought they were just out there to prance around,” he recalled.
”But then they spread the flag out like a picnic blanket. I was just going to run them over until I saw them with the can of lighter fluid. I could see they were going to try to burn it.”
After Monday raced in front of left fielder [José] Cardenal and grabbed the flag, he gave it to a security man. The demonstrators were taken to a nearby police station. It was reported they were American Indians, and one of them said something about “squatters” taking over the country. This could not be verified.
One was identified as William Thomas, 37. He gave Eldon, Mo. as his hometown. The other was not identified because police said he was a juvenile, but was reportedly Thomas’ 11-year-old son.
A few days later, the Los Angeles Times reported that Thomas had done this to call attention to what he claimed was his wife’s “imprisonment” in a Missouri mental institution. Here’s a 2016 article from Vice that gives more detail on Thomas and his family, along with a lot of detail about the incident and its aftermath.
Here’s some video of what happened, with the call of the legendary Vin Scully:
The actual flag that was saved is shown in the photo at the top of this post. That photo was taken at an event Monday attended in 2006 on the 30th anniversary of the occasion. In 2013, the Dodgers issued a bobblehead commemorating this event, complete with cloth flag:
I wasn’t in Los Angeles for this giveaway, but as many of you know, I collect bobbleheads. I had to have that one, so I bought one via eBay. The photo above is of my actual bobblehead. Meanwhile, the original flag is headed to Cooperstown this summer:
The flag that Rick Monday rescued 50 years ago today is headed to Cooperstown!
OTD in 1976, Monday, a Cubs outfielder and veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, grabbed an American flag from two protesters who had run onto the field at Dodger Stadium and attempted to burn it.… pic.twitter.com/nnmY8MvkuG
Monday, who played eight years for the Dodgers after the Cubs sent him there in the deal that brought Bill Buckner to the Cubs and hit a famous home run that put the Dodgers into the 1981 World Series, has been a Dodgers broadcaster for the last 31 years.
A final note on this: I am posting this today simply to note the 50th anniversary of this event, a notable event in Cubs and baseball history. It obviously can have political implications. I make no comment on that and remind everyone here of the site rules prohibiting political commentary. Thanks in advance for keeping the comments here related to baseball.
Rick Monday saved an American flag from burning 50 years ago today, Sunday, April 25, 1976.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 04: Lucas Brennan looks on before fighting against Dimitre Ivy during PFL 2024 week 1 at the Boeing Center at Tech Port on April 4, 2024 in San Antonio. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Lucas Brennan really did live by the philosophy that he would stay ready so he wouldn’t have to get ready.
With UFC Vegas 116 fast approaching, the 25-year-old prospect got a call just a few days ago offering him a fight against Francis Marshall at the card taking place at the Meta APEX. It didn’t take long for Brennan to accept because he’s actually gone through all of this numerous times before.
It turns out since his most recent win in October 2025, Brennan has been training full-time at Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas just hoping that he would eventually get a call to join the UFC roster. While he’s just now about to make his debut, this isn’t the first time the UFC has offered him an opportunity like this.
“I didn’t know until Monday,” Brennan told MMA Fighting. “But since I won in October, I’ve more or less been staying out here and tried to get on every card that’s happened since October. 145 [pounds], 155, I’ve taken a couple of calls on the day of weigh-ins. This is the eighth time that I’ve been called to replace somebody and it’s actually gone through.
“So all of my frustrations on the whole situation have now gone away. We’re both [featherweights] but they booked it at 155 so pretty smooth sailing on the weight cut. So a couple days’ notice at 155, I was like I can easily do that on a couple of days. 145 on a couple of days’ [notice], I could do it but it’s hard. This is ideal. Short notice is kind of crazy but it’s what I was expecting. Monday during practice we got the call.”
Accepting eight short notice fights probably sounds crazy but Brennan was willing to jump on any chance to sign with the UFC.
If too much more time passed without being signed, Brennan was likely gunning for a spot on the next season of Dana White’s Contender Series but then he got word that the UFC wanted to add another fight to Saturday’s card. Much like the other seven times in the past, Brennan accepted and he was very happy to learn that Marshall did the same.
“I get people don’t want to take short notice fights,” Brennan said. “Totally understandable. I don’t blame other people for not taking them but it sucks when you’re the other person trying to get the fight. After a while, it’s like come on, how much do you want money? So I am excited this one actually came through and Francis is a tough dude so it will be fun regardless. I’m excited.”
During a three-month span to close out 2026, Brennan received the most offers to accept a short notice fight and he never turned anyone. He admits it was getting a little disheartening that he kept saying yes but the fights didn’t happen.
Thankfully, Brennan stayed the course and got back into training just in case the UFC came calling again.
“I had several [offers] but just between October and December was the most,” Brennan said. “I went home because I believe the last card was Dec. 10 last year. After that, I went home to Texas. Stayed there until mid-February and I’ve been back out here since February just training. We are working with Gina Carano right now on [the Ronda Rousey fight] so we’re out here training full time, working with her. My brother’s making his pro debut in June. So we’ve got a lot going on.
“I’ve been in shape and training and just getting calls and I’ve been saying yes to everything. I’ve been saying yes to fights I probably shouldn’t have been saying yes to. But they’d come back and be like ‘he said no.’ This guy said no, stylistically they don’t like this, and it’s like f*ck! I get it. If I was the other guy and on 12 hours’ notice and you’ve been training for three months for a striker and you get a call ‘we’ve got this other guy who’s ready today,’ I’d probably also be like yeah, I’m cool. It’s a frustrating situation but it is what it is. I didn’t want to wait until August for Contender Series. Things worked out.”
The vast majority of the offers would have put Brennan in a tough spot because he would be accepting a short notice fight while his potential opponents almost certainly just went through a full training camp.
That didn’t stop him from saying yes but this time around Brennan is on equal footing because until the matchup got booked, Marshall was sitting on the same sideline just waiting to receive an offer. Now they’re both taking the fight on four days’ notice and Brennan is ecstatic his UFC debut is finally happening.
“He just fought recently against Erick Silva and I believe that was at the end of February,” Brennan said about Marshall. “So not that long ago and I guess he was reaching out, trying to get a fight but didn’t have anybody. Didn’t have anything booked. Didn’t have an opponent, which I think is why this worked. Because almost every time, I’ve been replacing another person so sometimes stylistically it’s like you don’t replace this person quite as well as this other guy would. I get it but that’s annoying.
“But I think for this because he didn’t have anybody and he just wanted to fight, it worked perfectly. He had already turned down one of my other teammates from Syndicate MMA and then it got offered to me and I got it. No complaints. Crazy the way everything came about and I’m happy it happened.”
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 20: Bryce Elder #55 of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 20, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With a game 1 win in the books, the Braves maintain the top record and run differential in MLB so far this season. They will now have two chances to secure a series win over Philadelphia and the Phillies have now lost 10 straight. This is an important game for the Phillies, as their ace of the last handful of years is returning in the mound from an injury dating back to last season in Zack Wheeler.
Bryce Elder has had an encouraging start to the season and while he has cooled off a bit from what were two brilliant starts to kick off 2026, he has still been effective as a back of the rotation starter outside of the bad but not catastrophic Cleveland game. Bryce has crucially kept the walks down, but is also currently running a career high strikeout rate. He’s also been mixing his sinker and four-seamer more instead of being sinker-focused and has added a cutter to keep hitters less keyed in on his preferred fastball shape. This has been a version of Bryce Elder that can be a rotation regular as a 4th or 5th starter in MLB.
We all know how good Zack Wheeler has been for the Phillies in recent years, but coming back from injury firing on all cylinders is no guarantee, especially without a normal Spring Training. He also had a pretty rough final rehab start, giving up 4 runs and 2 homers over 4.0 innings, sitting lower 90s with his fastball. Wheeler seemed to acknowledge the lower 90s as the new reality for his fastball after the game, at least in the near term, discussing the need for him to be “craftier” for a while upon his return. This may not be the dominant version of Zack Wheeler we’ve come to expect and while it would be a shame for Wheeler’s career to be derailed by this injury, it would be fine with me if the Braves capitalized on him not being fully up to his best on the day today. Wheeler has been a fastball-focused pitcher with his upper 90s velocity, throwing the four-seam fastball 40% of the time, but did throw a sinker, cutter, sweeper, splitter, and curveball all meaningful percentages last season, so he should still have a deep arsenal even if the velocity has taken a hit.
Fight fans witnessed a gnarly finish early Saturday (April 25, 2026) after a kickboxer sparked GLORY 107’s DAZN undercard with a spectacular knockout stoppage.
GLORY’s Saturday event from inside RTM Stage Rotterdam in Rotterdam, Netherlands, featured a ton of fun matchups, but the best moment may have come on the opening bout of the day. It was a welterweight clash between Italian finisher Michael Samperi and Moroccan fighter Said Kabil. The 170-pound fight wasn’t some super matchup on paper, but it delivered on arrival.
After a fun first round, Samperi found a home for the finish many expected him to produce. During an exchange along the ropes Samperi unloaded a perfectly-timed (and placed) left hook. It connected flush and instantly sent Kabil into the shadow realm. Surprisingly, Kabil didn’t fall to the canvas. He was out on his feet and it helped produce one of the most memorable GLORY finishes of the year.
Samperi, 25, was making his GLORY kickboxing debut and couldn’t have looked any better. The finish is easily the best of his career and a win that now pushes Samperi’s professional record to 37-3.
Marcus Smart delivered one of the defining performances of the playoffs, and it did not go unnoticed by his head coach.
In a game where the Los Angeles Lakers needed composure, toughness, and timely execution, Smart checked every box.
His Game 3 showing against the Houston Rockets not only swung the series, but also earned him praise usually reserved for the game’s biggest superstars.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images
JJ Redick compares Marcus Smart to Steph Curry after Game 3
Speaking in the postgame interview, the Lakers head coach highlighted what makes Smart so impactful on the biggest stage.
“I mean, he’s a winner. He makes winning plays. We’ve talked a lot about guys like LuKa or Steph or LeBron being on the stage and being a showman,” Redick said.
He added, “I think there’s an element with Smart of that as well. And I think it’s the competitive stage that he really craves and really thrives in.”
It is not a comparison that gets thrown around lightly. Redick grouped Smart with names like Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James, not because of style, but because of how he embraces pressure moments.
For the Lakers, that mentality has become invaluable, especially in a postseason environment where execution under pressure defines outcomes.
Marcus Smart’s Game 3 heroics show exactly why the LA Lakers trust him
Smart’s performance was not just impactful; it was historic in terms of all-around production and late-game influence.
He finished with 21 points, 10 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks, becoming the first player since Michael Jordan to hit those marks in a playoff game. But the numbers only tell part of the story.
With under 30 seconds left and the Lakers trailing by six, Smart flipped the game. He came up with a steal, drew a foul on a three-point attempt, and calmly knocked down all three free throws to spark the comeback.
In overtime, he completely took over. Smart scored eight of the Lakers’ 11 points in the extra period, including a clutch three-pointer to set the tone and key free throws to seal the win.
Defensively, he was just as dominant, recording five steals for the second straight game and disrupting Houston’s rhythm throughout the night.
It is exactly the type of performance Redick was referring to. Not flashy for the sake of it, but built on timing, instinct, and an ability to rise when everything is on the line.
De Zerbi earns first Spurs win but survival hopes remain tense after West Ham victory
Roberto De Zerbi picked up his first win as Tottenham Hotspur coach, but the result was not enough to significantly improve their fight for Premier League survival.
The Italian coach had called for a turning point ahead of the clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers, and his side delivered a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a late goal from Joao Palhinha.
It marks a first success after three weeks in charge for De Zerbi, who was brought in to try and pull off a difficult escape from the relegation zone. However, the situation remains complicated.
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – APRIL 12: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, shakes hands with Richarlison after the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on April 12, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
De Zerbi still two points off of safety despite first Spurs win
Despite the win, Spurs stay third from bottom on 34 points, as results elsewhere went against them. West Ham United secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Everton, keeping themselves above the drop zone and maintaining a two-point gap over Tottenham.
For De Zerbi, the performance offers a sign of life and a potential foundation to build on, but with only a handful of games remaining, time is running out to close the gap and avoid relegation.
The coach said when he arrived that he would be coach next season, no matter what, and the prospect of one of Italy’s best coaches managing in England’s second tier is a very real possibility.
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