Football News

Las Vegas—In a heartfelt message posted Saturday, defensive end Maxx Crosby bid an emotional goodbye to Raider Nation after learning his tenure with the franchise has come to an end. “I can’t believe that this is a real thing,” Crosby said. “It’s been seven years being with the nation. Raider Nation has given me everything.” During that span, Crosby earned five consecutive Pro Bowl selections while wearing the silver and black. Yet the absence of a championship lingered. “Having ultimately fallen short of my goal of bringing a Lombardi trophy back to the Raiders, I feel like I let the fans down,” he admitted. Crosby singled out the 2021 campaign—his lone playoff appearance with the club—as “the most fun I’ve ever had playing football.” Now bound for the Baltimore Ravens, the pass-rusher emphasized he carries “zero ill will” toward the Raiders organization. “The whole city of Baltimore … I’m coming in guns blazing,” Crosby declared. “I’m going to be myself and give everything I have in my heart and soul to be the best player I can possibly be, to help be the best leader, best example, on a daily basis.” The trade closes one chapter and opens another for a player who leaves Las Vegas with gratitude, accolades, and unfinished championship aspirations.

Glasgow, Scotland – Police Scotland has opened a comprehensive investigation after a mass pitch invasion marred the conclusion of Sunday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox Stadium, where Celtic defeated Rangers on penalties following a tense 0-0 draw. Chief Superintendent Kate Stephen confirmed that “a number” of arrests have already been made and revealed that both officers and members of the public sustained injuries during what she described as a “despicable display” of violence. The disorder began moments after substitute Tomáš Čvančara converted the decisive spot-kick in front of the Rangers support, sparking a surge of Celtic supporters from the opposite end of the ground onto the pitch. Video footage captured some away fans embracing players and attempting selfies, while a larger contingent of home supporters, several wearing blue masks, soon followed. Pyrotechnics were hurled in both directions: first from Rangers fans on the pitch toward the Broomloan Road Stand housing Celtic supporters, then back onto the field from the away section. Police and stewards formed a human barrier along the edge of the penalty area to keep the rival groups apart before the Rangers fans retreated into the stands after a few chaotic minutes. Stephen said officers faced “extreme hostility and violence over a sustained period,” adding that individuals had “armed themselves with items clearly intended to cause harm.” The probe will also examine how a section of Celtic supporters gained entry to the Broomloan Road Stand without tickets, forcing temporary closure of turnstiles and delaying security operations before kick-off. The Scottish Football Association immediately condemned the scenes and announced an investigation under its Judicial Panel Protocol. Celtic had been granted the entire Broomloan Road Stand for the first time since 2018, a move that had already prompted the club to issue a pre-match safety notice reiterating a ban on all pyrotechnics. Rangers head coach Danny Rohl told Premier Sports he was unaware of the disturbance, having already entered the tunnel. Celtic counterpart Martin O’Neill labelled the episode “unfortunate” but suggested such flashpoints are part of what makes the Old Firm fixture “one of the best derbies in the world.” Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, whose save had helped set up Čvančara’s winning penalty, insisted the result would not be overshadowed: “We’ve come here, beat them and we’re into the next round of the cup. That’s the main thing we can focus on.” Police Scotland pledged to work with both clubs and the governing body to ensure a “robust” follow-up, emphasising that the behaviour “must be condemned by everyone involved in football and wider society.” SEO keywords:

Los Angeles—What began as a podcast disagreement between WWE star Logan Paul and seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady has snowballed into a coast-to-coast call-out of NFL talent and a proposed seven-figure boxing spectacle. The fuse was lit during Brady’s recent appearance on Paul’s “ImPaulsive” show, where the pair sparred verbally over whether WWE performers qualify as elite athletes. Brady, who will captain Paul on his roster at the upcoming Fanatics Flag Football Classic, praised Paul’s effort but labeled professional wrestling “cute” compared with NFL competition. Paul fired back that football itself is “cute” and boasted that he is “more athletic” than Brady in most sports. Within days Paul escalated the feud, issuing an open, $1-million challenge on the podcast: “Not a single football player could beat me in a boxing match. A million dollars. You come to the gym, we put on boxing gloves, we’ll see how it goes.” He name-checked Brady, Myles Garrett, Rob Gronkowski, Sam Darnold and Rams receiver Puka Nacua, adding, “doesn’t matter.” The dare drew immediate attention across locker rooms and social media. Former Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell, already 2-1 as a pro boxer, posted on X: “STOP DUCKING … let’s set it up bro … NFL draft weekend in Pittsburgh.” Paul initially dismissed Bell as “not a draw,” but by March 6 the two had verbally agreed to meet in Puerto Rico—10-ounce gloves, no headgear, three-minute rounds, $1 million on the line—though no contracts have been signed. Other players expressed interest in private messages revealed by Paul. Chiefs tackle Kingsley Suamataia, Cowboys center Brock Hoffman and Stallions linebacker Tae Crowder each explored terms, but Paul says they ultimately sought “a streamer, venue, press conferences,” a production scale WWE is unwilling to sanction. Company officials, Paul disclosed, called to remind him that outside boxing bouts conflict with his exclusive performer agreement. “End of the day, I’m a WWE superstar … I got to honor my job,” he conceded. Still, Paul refuses to rescind the bounty. “If any player wants to actually put up $1M and fight at my gym with official referees and judges, show yourselves,” he posted, prompting Cowboys pass-rusher Micah Parsons to throw his hat in the ring. The challenge’s most eye-to-eye matchup would pit Paul—listed at 6-2, 205 pounds by ESPN’s WWE database—against Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who stands 6-4, 272. Paul claims he would “throttle” the All-Pro, but no negotiations with Garrett are known to have occurred. Paul’s combat résumé includes two 2018-19 bouts with YouTuber KSI (a draw and a split-decision loss), a 2021 exhibition with Floyd Mayweather that produced no official winner, and a 2023 disqualification victory over MMA fighter Dillon Danis. His focus since 2021 has shifted primarily to WWE, where he has become a featured attraction. Whether Bell or another NFL athlete ultimately steps through the ropes, the episode underscores the increasingly blurred line between internet celebrity and mainstream sport—and how a single podcast jab at Tom Brady can ricochet into a million-dollar dare heard league-wide.

Kansas City, Mo. – Moments after fans stormed the Desert Financial Arena floor for the second time this season, Arizona State seniors Moe Odum, Anthony “Pig” Johnson and Allen Mukeba sat shoulder-to-shoulder in a packed media room, eyes still red from the tears they had shared before toppling No. 14 Kansas. The scene captured everything about these Sun Devils: bonded by late-arriving chemistry, fueled by slights and suddenly carrying the weight of a program that was picked dead last in the 16-team Big 12 last October. On Sunday that same chip-on-the-shoulder mindset followed ASU (16-15, 7-11) to the Midwest, where the 12th-seeded Sun Devils open the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship against No. 13 Baylor (16-15, 6-12) at 9:30 a.m. CT Tuesday inside T-Mobile Center. The winner draws fifth-seeded Iowa State, which throttled ASU by 20 just six days ago, in Wednesday’s second round. “We were picked dead last in the Big 12 by everybody, and no one thought we could win any games, basically,” coach Bobby Hurley said. “I think we’ve proven a lot of people wrong.” The proof sits in the record book: victories over ranked foes Texas Tech and Kansas, a three-game improvement over last season’s win total and a roster Hurley admits is “fun to watch” precisely because it is imperfect. Turnovers pile up, rebounds slip away, yet the Sun Devils keep arriving early for practice and playing through pain. Mukeba has been a game-time decision for three straight games with an undisclosed injury; two would-be rotation players are already done for the year, trimming Hurley’s bench to eight bodies. No one on the roster was a five-star recruit. Odum, at his third Division I stop after Pacific and Pepperdine, calls ASU his “dream school.” Johnson arrived from NAIA Cumberlands without a single scholarship offer. Mukeba, Trouet and Ford have logged minutes while hurt because, Hurley says, “they’re trying to help the team win.” That collective biography feeds the underdog narrative Hurley embraced last summer when he mined the international and transfer markets to replace a locker room fractured by character issues the previous season. One newcomer never saw the floor for conduct reasons; others learned quickly that emotional outbursts would not be tolerated. “We prioritized high character more than ever this year,” Hurley said. “A lot of them are underdogs, like I always was, and that’s why I could relate.” The approach produced cohesion rare for a patchwork roster. Odum and Johnson cried together before the Kansas game because they realized their shared time is almost over. After the win Odum said he would spend another year at ASU “in a heartbeat” if eligibility allowed. “I want to be remembered … as a person somebody can say is respectful,” Odum said. “Somebody who came here every day willing to work.” Work now means navigating a path that almost certainly requires four wins in four days to capture the league’s automatic NCAA bid. First up is Baylor, which beat ASU 73-68 in Waco on Jan. 25 when the Sun Devils faltered in the final two minutes. A rematch victory would likely bring Iowa State and its press that forced 23 ASU turnovers last week. Hurley, whose team has already exceeded external expectations, welcomes the scenario. “They’ve never given up,” he said. “They’re fighters. It starts with Moe Odum and goes right down the line.” For a program picked 16th in October, the chance to keep fighting is all the motivation required.

Cleveland is expected to explore the possibility of adding Tampa Bay’s pending free-agent wide receiver Mike Evans, a move that would address one of the roster’s most visible needs. Evans, set to hit the open market after a decorated tenure with the Buccaneers, offers a rare blend of size, contested-catch skill and red-zone production that aligns with the Browns’ desire to surround their quarterback with proven playmakers. The fit is straightforward: Cleveland’s offense lacked consistent vertical and scoring threats last season, and Evans has posted double-digit touchdowns in four separate campaigns while averaging more than 1,000 receiving yards per year since entering the league. Plugging a 6-foot-5, 231-pound target into the lineup would immediately expand the passing script, stress opposing secondaries and open running lanes for the club’s top-five ground attack. Equally important, Evans’ résumé suggests he can elevate teammates. His presence demands safety help over the top, creating one-on-one opportunities for fellow wideouts and favorable matchups for tight ends out of 12-personnel sets. For a franchise that has cycled through mid-tier free agents and late-round draft picks at the position, acquiring a bona-fide No. 1 would represent a philosophical shift toward surrounding the quarterback with elite, established talent rather than developmental projects. Front-office logistics also point in Cleveland’s favor. The Browns project to carry north of $40 million in effective cap space once the league year begins, enough to absorb a competitive offer without gutting the rest of the depth chart. Because Evans turns 31 in August, the deal length and guarantees can be structured to mitigate risk while still landing the perennial Pro Bowl candidate. Finally, the cultural component cannot be overlooked. Evans has never been tagged as a diva; teammates laud his work ethic, durability and willingness to block in the run game—traits that mesh with head coach Kevin Stefanski’s emphasis on physical, complementary football. Pairing that mindset with Cleveland’s ascending defense could position the Browns as legitimate contenders in a conference whose power structure remains fluid. While negotiations cannot commence until the new league year opens, all signs indicate Cleveland will be among the first suitors to contact Evans’ representatives. On paper, the pairing addresses personnel, schematic and financial considerations, making it one of the most logical potential marriages of the upcoming free-agency cycle.

Waller, Texas — Tristin Gaines, the dual-threat quarterback who lit up Texas high-school fields for 1,267 passing yards, 12 touchdowns through the air, and another 10 on the ground this fall, told Vols on SI that the University of Tennessee has secured one of his first spring visits. The 2028 signal-caller, fresh off an appearance at The Sevens showcase in Atlanta, said the trip to Knoxville is locked in for either March 21 or 23, a development that vaults the Volunteers into the thick of his early recruitment. “It’s going really good,” Gaines said of the attention flooding in since his season ended. “Lots of recruitments picking up right now, and it is just a blessing.” While Tennessee is squarely in focus, Gaines stressed that his recruitment remains open. Texas Tech, Houston, SMU, and Baylor round out the current top five, and additional visits are already on the calendar. Besides Tennessee, Gaines has scheduled stops at Houston, Texas Tech, and Florida, with more potentially on the way. Culture and quarterback development sit at the top of his checklist. “What I’m looking to see is the culture at these schools, also how they coach the quarterbacks—how they develop them and get them to the next level,” Gaines explained. “My big thing is I want to go to the league, so how they develop quarterbacks is the main thing for me.” Although no commitment timeline has been set, Gaines indicated he could start trimming his list sooner rather than later. Until then, coaches from the Volunteers and the rest of his top tier will be jockeying for the attention of one of the Lone Star State’s most promising 2028 prospects.

Arsenal have emerged as frontrunners to secure the signature of Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka on a free transfer this summer, with sources close to the player indicating that the Gunners are currently leading the race ahead of Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur. The 28-year-old Germany international, who has amassed 48 goals for the Bavarian giants since joining from Schalke, will be out of contract at the Allianz Arena at the end of June after Bayern confirmed earlier this year that no extension would be offered. That development has triggered a three-way battle for a player whose blend of physicality, technique and goal threat has long been admired across Europe. Arsenal first registered their interest in January, sounding out Goretzka about a mid-season switch. The midfielder declined, having given Bayern his word that he would see out the campaign, but the north-London club kept the dialogue warm and are now positioned to strike when the window reopens. No formal bid was lodged in winter; instead, sporting officials conveyed their awareness of Goretzka’s desire for a new challenge and outlined the project Mikel Arteta is building at the Emirates. Inter Milan, currently topping Serie A, retain strong interest and can offer a title tilt in Italy, while Tottenham remain in the shadows. Spurs’ hopes hinge on qualifying for Europe; without continental football, those close to Goretzka believe their pitch would carry little weight compared with Arsenal’s promise of Champions League football and a squad ascending in both quality and ambition. Christian Falk, head of football for BILD and reliable chronicler of Bayern affairs, has told CFBayern that Arsenal are “leading” the race. The player’s camp corroborate that verdict: Goretzka loves the Premier League, feels his direct, box-to-box style is tailor-made for English football, and regards Arsenal as an enticing destination. Atletico Madrid held very concrete discussions—sporting director Andrea Berta even travelled to Munich for talks—but the midfielder’s priority is a move to England, with the Gunners sitting at the front of the queue. While Goretzka is not fixated on a single club and will weigh any formal offer that materialises, those close to him describe an emotional pull toward Arsenal. The club’s upward trajectory, youthful squad and guaranteed Champions League nights align with his ambition to lift European club football’s biggest prize again, this time in new colours. Whether Edu and Arteta convert that advantage into a definitive proposal remains the next critical step in a saga that promises to dominate early-summer headlines.

Tuscaloosa, AL — Alabama football provided its first official measurements for the program’s incoming talent on Sunday, publishing the heights and weights of every freshman signee and transfer addition ahead of the start of spring practice. The release offers the initial verified numbers for the newcomers, giving fans and analysts a baseline as the team begins its off-season development. The athletic department did not accompany the data with commentary or projected positions, but the disclosure is traditionally one of the first concrete glimpses into the physical profiles of players who will be expected to compete for early playing time in 2024. Rosters across college football often fluctuate during winter workouts, making the pre-spring figures a snapshot rather than a final assessment. Alabama will open spring drills later this month, where the listed measurements will be tested against the demands of the collegiate game and the team’s conditioning program.

Frisco, TX — Just weeks before a planned destination ceremony in Italy, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and fiancée Sarah Jane Ramos have officially ended their engagement, turning what was meant to be a celebratory offseason into a period of personal upheaval. According to a TMZ report, the breakup occurred during the couple’s joint bachelor-bachelorette getaway in the Bahamas. Sources say an argument escalated to the point that Ramos decided to call off the wedding, which had been scheduled for next month. Social-media evidence of the split surfaced quickly: Ramos’s Instagram posts declaring “Can’t wait to marry the love of my life” and photos from the Bahamas celebration were deleted within hours. The relationship moved rapidly after the pair went public in autumn 2023. Prescott proposed in October 2024, hiding the engagement ring inside a fake golf ball during the Cowboys’ bye week. “I dropped it and she almost hit it,” Prescott joked afterward. “Just glad she said yeah.” Two months later he signed a four-year, $240 million contract extension with Dallas, underscoring a year of professional and personal milestones. The couple share two young daughters: Margaret Rose Jane, born February 2024, and Aurora Rayne, born May 2025. Despite the split, TMZ notes that both parents are committed to amicably co-parenting and placing their children’s well-being ahead of any lingering discord. For Prescott, the development adds an unexpected layer of drama to an offseason in which owner Jerry Jones has already promised an aggressive push in free agency. While Cowboys brass focus on roster upgrades, the 31-year-old quarterback must now balance fatherhood with the demands of preparing for the 2026 campaign. Public reaction has blended sympathy with the inevitable social-media quips about Prescott’s pursuit of “a ring,” but teammates and fans alike have largely expressed support for the four-time Pro Bowler. Having previously overcome season-ending ankle and calf injuries, Prescott now faces a challenge no playbook can address—rebuilding family life while maintaining his on-field standard. No formal statements have been released by either Prescott or Ramos. For now, the only certainty is that the Italian wedding venue will sit empty next month, and two parents will focus on raising their daughters half a world away from the spotlight that follows America’s Team. SEO keywords:

Elland Road is the stage for a compelling FA Cup fifth-round tie this afternoon as Leeds United welcome Norwich City, pitting Whites boss Daniel Farke against the club he guided to two Championship titles. The subplot is heightened by the fact that Farke will be watching from the stands, having accepted an FA charge following his confrontation with the referee after Leeds’ narrow Premier League loss to Manchester City at the end of February. A one-match touchline ban means the German coach must rely on deputy instructions from the technical area. Global viewers can follow every kick through a variety of broadcast partners. In the United Kingdom, TNT Sports 1 holds the rights, with subscribers also able to stream the contest via Discovery+. Discovery+ is available as a standalone at £30.99 per month and carries the Champions League as well as select Premier League fixtures. Stateside audiences can find the match on ESPN Select, either through a standalone plan ($12.99 monthly or $129.99 annually) or bundled within the wider Disney Plus/Hulu/ESPN offering from $19.99. Australian supporters can access the tie on Stan Sport, which, when added to the base Stan plan, costs AU$32 a month and includes every FA Cup fixture plus Premier League and Champions League action. Geo-restrictions may hamper travelling supporters, but a reputable VPN can restore access to home streaming services provided users comply with broadcaster terms. TechRadar’s current top recommendation is NordVPN, praised for speed, security and reliability in unblocking Discovery+, ESPN+ and Stan Sport. Form and momentum favour the Premier League hosts, yet Norwich arrive with renewed belief. Since New Year’s Day the Canaries have recorded ten wins in all competitions against only three defeats, with Middlesbrough the lone side to beat them on the road. Victories at Walsall and West Bromwich Albion have carried the East Anglians into the last 16, but a trip to West Yorkshire represents a sizeable step up in class. Leeds, chasing a first FA Cup triumph since 1972 and their first final appearance since 1973, have navigated past Derby County and Birmingham City—via a penalty shoot-out—to set up their first home tie of the campaign. Sitting comfortably in the top flight, Farke’s squad can afford to target a prolonged cup run, and the club’s supporters will hope the sight of their manager in the stands is a temporary inconvenience en route to a quarter-final place. Kick-off approaches, the broadcast windows are open, and a place in the last eight awaits the winner.

Indianapolis — When Curt Cignetti packed his bags for Bloomington in 2024, he didn’t just bring a playbook; he imported momentum. Among the James Madison transplants who followed him was wide receiver Omar Cooper, and 27 Indiana victories later, Cooper’s draft arrow is pointing straight up. Mock drafts across the league have converged on a new reality: Cooper is no longer a fringe candidate. He is penciled into the first round in nearly every projection, with several listings placing him inside the top 20. The rise is remarkable for a program that, according to Ratings.org, owns the most losses in FBS history at 717. Yet the Hoosiers just authored a 16-0 season, their first unbeaten campaign since Yale’s 16-0 mark in 1894, and claimed the Big Ten title for the first time since 1967. Cooper’s portfolio is built on more than narrative. Scouts cite nuanced route-running, reliable hands, deceptive speed and a knack for yards-after-catch that keeps offensive drives alive. While not a pure vertical burner, the 6-foot target wins at every level of the field and has become indispensable on third down, drawing comparisons to chain-movers like Wes Welker and Julian Edelman. His signature moment arrived in Week 10 at Penn State, when Cooper skied for a contested touchdown, tapped both toes in the back of the end zone and preserved Indiana’s perfect season. NFL evaluators in attendance flagged the play as proof he can deliver under the brightest lights. The postseason only amplified his value. During Indiana’s historic College Football Playoff push, Cooper’s consistency against top competition elevated his grade from mid-round curiosity to premium prospect. Analysts now mention him alongside Malik Nabers, D.J. Moore and Luther Burden when discussing explosive, versatile wideouts who can win from the slot or outside. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, is already viewed as a lock to go first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. With Cooper’s surge, Indiana appears poised to join the exclusive club of programs that produce multiple first-round selections in a single April. Fellow receiver Elijah “Waffle House” Sarratt could hear his name called on Day 2, but it is Cooper whose stock is skyrocketing like a late-1990s tech IPO. Come draft night, the Hoosiers’ 27-2 record under Cignetti may be measured in more than wins. It could be counted in first-round draft hats.

Seattle’s championship afterglow lasted less than a month. Five weeks after Kenneth Walker III became the first running back in 28 years to capture Super Bowl MVP—rumbling for 135 yards on 27 carries in a 29-13 rout of New England—the Seahawks declined to use their franchise tag, allowing the 24-year-old star to hit unrestricted free agency ahead of the March 11 deadline. The decision clears Walker to negotiate with the rest of the league beginning March 9, and it signals the start of what could be the most dramatic roster teardown ever endured by a defending champion. Walker’s exit is only the headline. Seattle now confronts a perfect storm of expiring contracts and record-setting extension demands that threaten to strip the Lombardi Trophy winners of their core before the banner is even raised. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, fresh off an NFL-best 1,793 receiving yards and AP Offensive Player of the Year honors, is extension-eligible and expected to seek a deal that meets or exceeds Ja’Marr Chase’s four-year, $161 million benchmark. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon, dominant in the Super Bowl, is in line for $30-plus million annually, a figure that would top Sauce Gardner’s market-high cornerback contract. Combined, those two extensions alone would commit roughly $70 million in new money per season. The arithmetic is brutal. The 2026 salary cap sits at a record $301.2 million, yet quarterback Sam Darnold’s recently signed three-year pact already consumes about $100 million of that space. Add in projected new deals for edge rusher Boye Mafe (around $18 million per year) and right tackle Abraham Lucas (potentially $20 million-plus), and Seattle’s brain trust must fit more than $120 million in fresh annual commitments under a hard ceiling. Richard Sherman, the former Seahawks cornerback and current podcast host, summarized the dilemma bluntly: “Money is going to be an issue.” Sherman said Seattle’s internal offer to Walker sits “in the single digits,” while the open market could push the running back’s price to $10 million or higher. The franchise tag would have cost $14.3 million—too steep for a club juggling so many other priorities. Instead, the front office told Walker to test the market and circle back, a gambit that rarely reels elite talent home. The defensive exodus may be even more jarring. Seattle’s secondary, which did not commit a single turnover during the entire postseason, could lose three of four starters in one week. Josh Jobe, who led the NFL allowing only a 49% completion rate into his coverage (per PFF), Coby Bryant, who closed the regular season with four interceptions, and 6-4 corner Tariq Woolen—projected by Sherman to command $18 million or more annually—are all unrestricted free agents. Retaining the trio could surpass $50 million per year, a price the Seahawks have shown no inclination to meet. Speedster Rashid Shaheed, acquired at the trade deadline for fourth- and fifth-round picks to provide vertical juice for the playoff push, also hits the open market. The rental produced: Shaheed’s field-stretching ability helped Seattle finish its 10-game winning streak and secure the title. But general manager John Schneider has indicated he will not enter a bidding war to keep him, meaning the Seahawks effectively mortgaged two draft choices for a half-season cameo and a ring. The ripple effects extend across the depth chart. Six impact starters—Walker, Shaheed, Jobe, Bryant, Woolen and Mafe—are either unrestricted or extension-eligible. It represents the largest single-offseason talent drain for a reigning champion in recent memory. Seattle’s brass understood the risk; Schneider admitted the day after the Super Bowl that Walker’s future “will play out in two weeks.” Two weeks have become one, and the clock now shows five days until the legal negotiating window opens. Championships raise market value for every player in the locker room, yet the salary cap offers no loyalty bonus. The Seahawks, who held New England scoreless through three quarters in February, must now decide which heroes they can afford and which ones they will watch sign elsewhere. Kansas City, cited by Sherman as “desperate for a game-changing running back,” looms as a logical suitor for Walker, while suitors with cap space will line up for Woolen, Jobe and Bryant. Seattle went 14-3, authored history on both sides of the ball, and delivered the city its first title since the 2013 season. The bill has arrived. With a March 11 deadline and a $161 million extension for Smith-Njigba hanging overhead, the franchise faces an unforgiving choice: mortgage the future to keep the band together, or begin an unprecedented fire sale just weeks after the confetti fell.

Port Vale’s improbable FA Cup journey rolls on this evening when League One’s bottom club welcomes Premier League Sunderland to a frost-monitored Vale Park for a fifth-round tie that neither side knew would be staged in the Potteries until 48 hours before kick-off. A water-logged surface in Bristol forced the competition’s organisers to relocate the fixture, turning what had been an away trip for the Black Cats into a short hop to Staffordshire and giving the Valiants an unexpected home advantage in the last-16. Jon Brady’s hosts arrive buoyed by the memory of Ben Waine’s extra-time winner against Bristol City, a result that sealed Port Vale’s first appearance in the fifth round since 1996 and maintained the competition’s tradition of lower-league upsets. The prize on offer tonight is a quarter-final berth and, more immediately, the chance to measure themselves against top-flight opposition for the first time this season. Sunderland, managed by Regis Le Bris, have settled comfortably into mid-table after last season’s promotion and are expected to rotate without weakening their hand excessively. Captain Granit Xhaka’s return to fitness offers the French coach the option of reinforcing a midfield that saw off Oxford United in round four, while the visitors’ recent 2-1 victory at Leeds United pushed them past the 40-point mark and all but ended any relegation concerns. For supporters, the match is the final FA Cup fixture to be carried live on TNT Sports before the broadcaster’s football portfolio transitions to HBO Max later this month. UK viewers can watch on TNT Sports 1 or stream via Discovery+, which is available as a standalone service at £30.99 per month and includes Champions League coverage. American audiences can follow the tie on ESPN Select, priced at $12.99 monthly or $129.99 annually, while Australian viewers can access the game through Stan Sport for AU$32 per month when bundled with the base Stan plan. Geo-restricted subscribers travelling abroad can regain access through a reputable VPN, allowing them to appear in their home country and stream the match as normal. Port Vale, eight points adrift of safety in League One with games in hand, have prioritised survival, yet the FA Cup has offered a welcome distraction and a rare opportunity to claim a Premier League scalp. Sunderland, by contrast, can play with freedom, knowing a quarter-final place would cap an already encouraging campaign. Expect a tight contest: Vale have already tasted extra-time success once this week; the visitors, fresher and deeper, may just edge it should the tie go the distance again.

Manchester United’s search for the next generation of talent has zeroed in on Gambian international Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh, and the club have been handed a timely endorsement from the president of the Mawade Wade Academy, Malick Diop, who insists the 19-year-old is ready for a marquee move. Kinteh, currently plying his trade in the Norwegian top flight, has surged onto the radar of Europe’s heavyweights after a rapid ascent that began when he left the Wade Academy last March. Diop, the man who oversaw the defender’s formative years, told Africa Foot via SportWitness that the time has come for his protégé to test himself at the summit of the game. “He’s a very athletic lad who anticipates challenges,” Diop explained. “Being athletic is one thing but knowing how to anticipate challenges puts you at ease. These qualities inevitably make him a difficult defender to handle. It’s time for him to leave. There was already interest from clubs during the winter transfer window, but it wasn’t the ideal time for a young player, as there’s already an established squad and it’s not easy to break into the first team… However, the best time is the summer. He’ll have time to adapt and establish himself.” Those words will be music to the ears of United chiefs Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, who are preparing to travel to Norway for an in-person assessment of the teenager. The club’s hierarchy view Kinteh as a potential cornerstone of a long-term rebuild designed to restore sustained success at Old Trafford, and they are determined to steal a march on rival suitors by wrapping up a deal before the market heats up. Winter enquiries for the defender were rebuffed on developmental grounds, but with a full pre-season on the horizon, Diop believes the upcoming window represents the perfect launchpad for Kinteh to integrate into a top-tier dressing room and acclimatise to the demands of elite European football. United’s interest forms part of a wider strategy to blend youthful promise with immediate impact, and the club’s willingness to send senior decision-makers on scouting missions underlines the seriousness of their pursuit. Should negotiations progress, the 19-year-old could find himself catapulted from the Norwegian league to one of world football’s grandest stages inside a single summer transfer swoop.

Las Vegas – UFC CEO Dana White left no room for interpretation when asked whether Jon Jones was ever in consideration to headline the promotion’s historic White House card: “Never, ever, ever.” Speaking after UFC 326, White reiterated that the former two-division champion was never a viable option for the 5 July event, despite public claims from Jones that negotiations were underway. The slot ultimately went to a lightweight title-unification bout between reigning champion Ilia Topuria and interim title-holder Justin Gaethje. White said persistent reliability issues and Jones’s deteriorating hip health made the 37-year-old an impossible sell for an occasion he views as among the most significant in UFC history. “First of all, I’ve told you why I wouldn’t do it,” White said, referencing past withdrawals and delays that have plagued Jones’s recent career. “No. 2, some guy with Meta glasses on filmed him talking about his hips, that his hips are so bad … doctors say he should have hip replacements.” Jones, who captured the heavyweight belt in March 2023 before vacating it amid injury complications, announced his retirement earlier this year when the promotion attempted to book him against interim champion Tom Aspinall. He briefly reopened the door to a comeback in hopes of securing the White House main event, but White shut that possibility down with a blunt text message to Jones’s attorney: “Never going to happen, ever.” Although both Jones and current two-division title-holder Alex Pereira expressed interest in facing each other, White insists the pairing never advanced past casual discussion. “I’m not saying they weren’t talking to Jon Jones and Jon Jones wasn’t interested in the fight,” he clarified. “I’m saying when it came to the White House card, he was never in the conversation.” With the historic card now official and Jones absent from the lineup, White believes the future is clear. “Yes, very fair [to say he’s retired],” White concluded. Jones has yet to respond publicly, and no formal retirement announcement has surfaced since the White House bout sheet was revealed.

Manchester United’s renaissance under returning coach Michael Carrick has coincided with the resurgence of Casemiro, the Brazilian whose performances during the 2025/26 campaign have silenced critics who once wrote him off as finished. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher famously urged the 32-year-old to “leave football before football left him,” yet the defensive midfielder now looms as the pivotal figure in United’s push to re-establish themselves as Champions League regulars. With Bruno Fernandes redeployed in an advanced role following Carrick’s appointment, Casemiro has become United’s standout pure midfielder, his presence transforming the team’s balance. Statistics aside, the eye-test is stark: the side’s structure, tempo and defensive security improve markedly when he starts, while the continued developmental struggles of Kobbie Mainoo only magnify the veteran’s influence. That gap underlines a pressing reality for the club’s recruitment department. Even if Casemiro stays, United require at least one elite midfield addition; given the Brazilian will turn 33 before next season and speculation over his long-term future refuses to fade, the priority becomes two marquee signings—one ready-made starter and an heir apparent. Names already circulating around Old Trafford include Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson, as well as Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and Crystal Palace prodigy Adam Wharton. Whichever combination of targets football director John Murtough and his analytics team pursue, the brief is unambiguous: secure two top-tier operators capable of restoring competitiveness to an area of the pitch where Casemiro’s excellence currently masks widespread shortcomings. In short, the player once urged to retire has become the reference point for how much work remains in the engine room. Casemiro’s re-emergence is both a blessing and a clarion call—proof that quality transforms fortunes, and a reminder that United can no longer rely on a solitary veteran to carry the midfield load. SEO keywords:

BOULDER, Colo. — An hour before tip-off on Saturday, March 7, 2026, the CU Events Center felt more like a Tucson annex than a Pac-12-turned-Big 12 outpost. Arizona red and navy dominated the concourses, lower bowl and even the upper rows, where William Murphy of Tucson, Art Loya of Dallas and Chandler couple George and Wendy Mendoza reunited for the regular-season finale. “We just threw a dart on the calendar,” Loya shrugged, explaining the group’s decision to converge in Boulder. By game time an estimated third of the announced crowd wore Wildcats colors, continuing Arizona’s season-long trend of commandeering road arenas. The evening began on a somber note. Colorado observed a moment of silence for Buffaloes quarterback Dominiq Ponder, the walk-on killed in a car crash six days earlier. Coach Deion Sanders said he left the decision to practice to the team; players voted to continue, chanting “Life’s gotta move on” in Ponder’s honor. “We don’t send kids to college not to come back,” Sanders told reporters Friday. “That’s the most painful thing I’m dealing with.” Once the basketball began, the spotlight shifted to Colorado’s lone senior, Elijah Malone. The 6-foot-9 center actually graduated from NAIA Grace College in 2024, parlayed a COVID-year waiver into a fifth season, then gained an additional season after a court ruling for non-Division I athletes. A lingering shoulder issue limited him to 4.2 points and 2.7 rebounds a night, but coach Tad Boyle started him on Senior Day anyway. “You’re not going to have a higher-character kid in your program,” Boyle said. Boyle, who faced Arizona for the 15th time in 13 Pac-12 years and two Big 12 campaigns, called Tommy Lloyd’s current roster “the best Arizona team I’ve competed against.” He reserved special praise for forward Tobe Awaka, a former USA U19 pupil: “He could start for any team in the Big 12.” Colorado played without sophomore forward Sebastian Rancik, sidelined for a second straight game. Boyle compared Rancik’s upside to that of 2024 NBA first-rounder Tristan da Silva, noting the sophomore’s per-minute production already exceeds da Silva’s at the same stage. Off the court, the arena’s beverage policy drew notice. While standard 24-ounce cans of Coors Light, Modelo or Juice Drop Hazy IPA fetched $13-$14, students could purchase 12-ounce alcoholic or non-alcoholic cans for $2.99—if they queued at a single stand above the student section before tip-off. The discounted drinks disappeared once the ball went up. The building itself no longer carries the Coors name—the $5 million sponsorship ended in 2018—but local brews remain plentiful. Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd learned of the name change during his Thursday radio show, now staged outdoors at St. Philips Plaza. The program will conclude March 15, Selection Sunday, minutes before the NCAA bracket is revealed. Arizona entered the night with a program-record 29 regular-season victories, eclipsing the 28-win campaigns of 1987-88, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2021-22. Whether the Wildcats can convert that balance into a deep March run remains the next question, but in Boulder they left behind memories of overwhelming fan support, a community’s shared grief and students toasting bargain beers.

Clarks Summit Elementary first-grader Carmen Forgione pinned his way to the NEL League Youth Wrestling title on Jan. 24, posting a 5-0 record at the West Scranton High School mats. School officials credit his unbeaten season to disciplined preparation, sharp conditioning and an unwavering competitive focus. “We are proud of the discipline and determination he demonstrated throughout the season,” they said. Third-grader Roman Forgione, Carmen’s older brother, spent the winter on a different kind of stage, performing in a piano recital at Hillside Haven Community Church under instructor Debbie Pyne. Educators praised his dedication and musical growth in front of family and community guests. Across the district, the arts continue to flourish. Blue Ridge sophomore Clarissa Laude stepped into the role of Briar Rose in the theater department’s weekend production of “Happily Ever Before,” marking her seventh time in the spotlight. Among her favorite past roles are Alice Beneike in “The Addams Family,” Hippolyta in “Hercules” and Alice in “Bye Bye Birdie.” Clarissa values theater for its escape and camaraderie. “You get to step into someone else’s life and not worry about your own problems for a bit,” she said. When not rehearsing, she shoots with the Susky Ridge Youth Shooting Sports Archery Club, volunteers with the Tioga Lions Club and dreams of teaching cosmetology. Senior Julian Fedorchak earned WVIA Artist of the Week honors after claiming first-chair percussion at the 2025 Marywood Wind Celebration Honors Band and performing with PMEA District 9 ensembles. A member of the Northeastern Youth Wind Ensemble and Marywood University’s Orchestra and Symphonic Band, Julian will head to Kutztown University to major in music education with a percussion focus. Mid Valley senior Michael Keller, enrolled in the Career Technology Center’s HVAC program, dominated the SkillsUSA district competition and will represent the school at the April state conference in Hershey. Already OSHA-10, EPA 608 Universal, RLS and Trac Pipe certified, Keller plans to enter the HVAC trade after graduation. Freshman Gabriella Baker balanced four honors core classes plus an AP course en route to October student-of-the-month recognition. She credits the demanding schedule with widening her social circle and strengthening team relationships while managing duties as field-hockey and girls-basketball manager. The district’s Bucks Scholars luncheon honored high-achieving students from every grade for the second quarter, listing more than 80 names across grades 7-12. Seventh grader Makayla Allen will star as the jester Touchstone in Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” March 13-14, promising laughs and comic relief. She also plays school and Little League softball and hopes to study English at Binghamton University. Seniors Jeremiah Requena and Gia Novobilski turned service into senior projects. Requena collected toys and prepared 25-plus hours of meals for Salvation Army families, while Novobilski organized a teddy-bear toss at a basketball game that sent hundreds of stuffed animals to the Children’s Advocacy Center. Gia, a cheerleader and yearbook staffer, will study psychology at Rutgers-New Brunswick. North Pocono senior James Eckmeder, a CTC smart-systems student, holds CompTIA A+ and multiple TestOut certifications and works IT support for Geisinger Wyoming Valley. He has twice won SkillsUSA district gold and once claimed state gold, advancing to nationals in Georgia last year. He will study computer information technology at Johnson College. Junior Lourdes Atarigua Nanaula’s 100-word “Stranger Saga” earned publication and she has applied for Geisinger’s competitive summer program as she eyes a future in nursing. William Prescott Elementary honored 12 January Students of the Month for perseverance, while EverGreen first grader Kevanie Dominique earned praise for creativity, leadership and academic enthusiasm. In the sciences, freshmen Adithi Velaga and Tyler Durst captured perfect scores and excellence awards at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science regional meet at Wilkes University, qualifying for the May state finals at Penn State. Tyler, president of the engineering club, plans to study nuclear engineering; Adithi, active in tennis, music and art, aspires to neurosurgery. Seventh-grade artist Isla Corrigan’s graphic-design billboard promoting Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month currently towers over local traffic, and her origami tree will anchor the Wayne County Arts Alliance student gallery. She will represent the district at the upcoming Middle Grade Music and Art Festival. Senior Jamie Raider, named English student of the month, balances student-council leadership, National Honor Society, cross-country, track and cheer while coaching junior Cougars. She will double-major in psychology and criminal justice. From the mats to the stage, from robotics labs to recital halls, students across the region continue to turn classroom lessons into championship moments and community impact.

LONDON — Chelsea survived a FA Cup scare on Saturday, edging League One side Wrexham 4-2 to reach the quarter-finals, yet the victory felt more like a reprieve than a triumph. The defensive frailties that have stalked the Blues all season were laid bare again, and no player embodied the unease more starkly than Tosin Adarabioyo. Tasked with anchoring a makeshift back line, the summer free-transfer from Fulham turned in another performance that supporters and analysts alike are calling “catastrophic.” Mis-timed clearances, sluggish reactions and a seeming inability to track runners nearly allowed the Welsh underdogs to stage a historic upset. By the final whistle, the 26-year-old had become the focal point of fan frustration and, increasingly, a symbol of Chelsea’s wider recruitment missteps. Signed without a transfer fee last July, Adarabioyo arrived billed as low-risk depth. Seven months on, the cost of that “free” acquisition is being tallied in points dropped and defensive chaos. Manager Liam Rosenior, already hamstrung by injuries to senior centre-backs, continues to list Adarabioyo in his starting XI only because alternatives are scarce. The result is a vicious cycle: the more minutes he accumulates, the more vulnerable the entire defensive unit appears. Partnerships have suffered. Benoît Badiashile, himself under scrutiny for inconsistency, has looked increasingly exposed when paired with Adarabioyo, whose lack of pace and positional sense force teammates into reactive, rather than anticipatory, roles. Against Wrexham, the pair were repeatedly split by simple diagonal runs, and only last-ditch interventions from midfielders spared greater embarrassment. Rosenior’s post-match tone was terse. While praising the team’s attacking response, he conceded that “individual errors are costing us momentum,” a comment widely interpreted as a public indictment of his centre-back corps. Privately, club sources indicate the coaching staff have exhausted tactical tweaks designed to shield Adarabioyo, from deeper midfield screens to a more conservative full-back alignment. None have masked the fundamental issue: a centre back ill-equipped for Premier League speed and physicality. With cup progression secured but defensive credibility eroding, Chelsea now confront a stark reality. The transfer window is closed, youth options are raw, and recovery timelines for injured defenders remain uncertain. That leaves one pragmatic resolution: remove Adarabioyo from the firing line. Whether that means promoting academy prospect Levi Colwill—himself only recently returned to fitness—or repurposing a naturally defensive midfielder, Rosenior must break the cycle of selection loyalty that is actively undermining results. Until reinforcements arrive, the message around Cobham is unambiguous: avoid starting Tosin Adarabioyo at all costs. Anything less, and the Blues risk turning every fixture into a shoot-out they cannot guarantee winning.

WOOSTER—Avon’s athletic dominance over Medina Highland now spans two sports. Forty-eight hours after the Eagles’ football program reminded everyone of its recent playoff mastery over the Hornets, Avon’s 10th-seeded boys basketball team carved out its own piece of history, capturing a second straight Division II Northeast 5 District championship with a 49-42 victory at Wooster High School on Saturday night. The win books Avon (now 19-6) a return ticket to the D-II Region 5 semifinals, where it will face Massillon at the College of Wooster on March 10. Avon set the tone early, racing to a 17-10 lead by the close of the first quarter and never surrendering the advantage. The Eagles’ offense came by committee: five players—Gavyn Kittleberger, Holden Krugman, Dean Abdul, Joey Ziegler and Brooks Good—finished with at least six points apiece. Kittleberger, held scoreless in the opening period, recovered to pace Avon with 10 total points. The Eagles connected on just one three-pointer but compensated with steady interior scoring and clutch foul shooting, sinking 6-of-8 free throws down the stretch. Medina Highland (20-5) answered every surge but could not climb all the way back. Junior guard Jake Weber kept the Hornets within striking distance, pouring in a game-high 15 points, while senior forward Joshua Butcher added eight. The triumph extends Avon’s recent run of success against Highland. The schools have met in three consecutive football regional finals, all won by the Eagles on their way to back-to-back Division II state titles. Saturday night’s basketball final adds another chapter to the burgeoning rivalry and keeps Avon’s repeat hopes alive in 2024.

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Chargers have secured the services of veteran linebacker Khalil Mack for at least one more season, agreeing to a fully guaranteed $18 million, one-year contract, according to a person with knowledge of the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on Saturday night on condition of anonymity because the agreement has not yet been finalized. The 35-year-old edge rusher, who has spent the past four seasons with the Chargers, is coming off a 2025 campaign in which he recorded 5 ½ sacks. Over his 12-year career, Mack has amassed 113 sacks, establishing himself as one of the league’s most consistent pass rushers. Mack’s résumé includes the 2016 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award and nine Pro Bowl selections, three of which have come during his tenure with the Chargers. Originally drafted by the Raiders, Mack also spent four seasons with the Chicago Bears before arriving in Los Angeles. The Chargers finished the 2025 season with an 11-6 record, earning a playoff berth before falling to the New England Patriots 16-3 in an AFC wild-card matchup. Retaining Mack’s experience and production figures to bolster a defense that will look to build on last year’s postseason appearance.

College Station—Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed did not simply watch the transfer-portal wires when former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton became available; he orchestrated the pursuit himself. Appearing on the Glory Dayz Podcast alongside Heisman-winner Johnny Manziel, Reed revealed a childhood bond with Horton that dates back to pee-wee football and continued through rival high-school careers. That shared history, Reed said, turned into a recruiting edge the moment Horton entered the portal after the 2025 season. “I saw him enter the transfer portal, and I was like, ‘Woah,’” Reed told Manziel. “I hit him up, and he said, ‘The only way I’m hitting the portal is if I’m coming to A&M.’ I said, ‘Say no more.’” Within hours Reed was on the phone with receivers coach Coach Wiggins, launching a full-court press that included flying Horton’s family to campus. Reed cut short an off-season trip in Nashville, drove more than 750 miles back to College Station, and sat down with the Hortons to seal the commitment. “That guy is a hard worker, and I was really excited to get him,” Reed said. “I feel like we have dreamed about this, and now it’s finally happening.” Horton arrives in College Station with eye-catching credentials: 42 receptions, 511 yards and eight touchdowns in his lone season at Alabama. Pairing that production with a quarterback he has known since childhood could accelerate both players’ development and add immediate firepower to the Aggies’ 2026 offense. For Reed, the move is the latest example of on-field command extending into roster management. Rather than waiting on staff decisions, the fourth-year signal-caller identified a game-changing target, sold him on a vision, and helped close the deal—an effort that could pay dividends when the season kicks off. Texas A&M now boasts a 6-foot-3, physical wideout who already trusts his quarterback, and a quarterback who proved willing to log highway miles to make his team better.

Madrid—With the Copa del Rey final circled on every calendar in red and white, Atlético Madrid used Sunday’s La Liga meeting with Real Sociedad as a dress rehearsal for the stars who rarely stand beneath the spotlight. The result was a breathless 3–2 victory at the Metropolitano that hinged on the industry of a bench brigade led by Nico González, whose two second-half goals lifted the hosts to a win that keeps third place within comfortable reach. Diego Simeone made seven changes from the side that booked its European place in midweek, and the early exchanges suggested the shuffle might backfire. Alexander Sørloth pounced inside five minutes, only for La Real to answer almost instantly. The pattern repeated after the restart: Nico González struck in the 66th minute, and 16 seconds later Mikel Oyarzabal had the visitors level again at 2–2. Rather than wilt, the rotated lineup responded. González, on for just 32 minutes, fired five shots—second-most in the match—and buried his second in the 82nd to decide it. Between his brace, centre-back and club captain José María Giménez delivered a rare assist, floating a diagonal that set up the go-ahead goal and reminding the squad that leadership can come from any quadrant of the pitch. The win keeps Atlético eight points clear of fifth-placed Villarreal with ten league fixtures remaining, safeguarding a top-four finish that has become a matter of institutional pride under Simeone. Only once in the last decade have the Rojiblancos finished outside the top three, and avoiding a repeat is now largely procedural. Attention, however, already tilts toward Tuesday’s Champions League round-of-16 first leg against Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs arrive in Spain on a five-match losing streak and just a point above the Premier League relegation zone, presenting Atlético with a gilt-edged chance to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2017. Beyond Europe, a daunting domestic gauntlet awaits: back-to-back league clashes with Real Madrid and FC Barcelona precede the April 18 cup final against the same Real Sociedad side that pushed Atlético to the limit on Sunday. The compressed calendar means every rotated minute must yield dividends, and Simeone’s fringe players answered the brief emphatically. If the squad can replicate Sunday’s urgency and clinical edge, the coming month—European progression, league prestige, and a shot at domestic silverware—could yet define a campaign that has quietly evolved into one of the club’s most consequential under the Argentine coach.

Stillwater, Okla. — When Caleb Hawkins steps into Boone Pickens Stadium this fall, the Oklahoma State offense will look strikingly different from the unit that staggered to a 1-11 finish in 2025. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound All-American arrives in Stillwater as the headliner of a transfer haul designed to restore relevance in a wide-open Big 12, and early returns suggest the Cowboys may have landed the most explosive runner in the conference. Hawkins, who followed offensive coordinator Sean Brophy and head coach Eric Morris from North Texas, brings credentials rarely seen from a sophomore. In his lone season with the Mean Green, he rushed for 1,434 yards and 25 touchdowns while adding 32 receptions for 370 yards and four more scores. The performance earned him AAC Rookie of the Year and first-team all-league honors, numbers that translate into immediate expectations in Stillwater. “He’s so talented,” one Group of Six assistant told The Athletic in an anonymous survey of 14 staffers. “He’s going to come in and be one of the best running backs in the Big 12 on Day 1.” The endorsement carries weight in a league no longer dominated by Oklahoma and Texas. The Sooners and Longhorns exited for the SEC in 2024, and the resulting parity has turned every Saturday into a de facto elimination game. Texas Tech, the reigning champion, visits Stillwater in mid-November in a matchup that could decide the conference title. Oklahoma State’s path is navigable. The Cowboys draw West Virginia, UCF, Colorado and Kansas—four of the five Big 12 programs that finished 2025 with losing records—and avoid preseason favorites Houston and Arizona State in the regular-season rotation. Road trips to Iowa State and Kansas State loom, but both programs opted out of the 2025 postseason amid coaching transitions, leaving lingering questions about roster stability. Inside the building, optimism centers on continuity. Brophy will coordinate the same up-tempo spread he deployed at North Texas, now quarterbacked by FBS passing leader Drew Mestemaker and flanked by veteran wideouts Wyatt Young and Miles Coleman. Add Hawkins to the backfield, and the Cowboys believe they possess the league’s most balanced attack. “We’re not rebuilding,” Morris said during spring ball. “We’re reloading with guys who know exactly what we want to do.” For Hawkins, the opportunity is simple: three seasons of eligibility, a conference ripe for the taking, and an offense tailored to his dual-threat skill set. If the freshman film translates, the Big 12’s next superstar won’t be hard to find—he’ll be the one carrying the ball 20 times a game in orange and black.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts’ acquisition of defensive tackle Colby Wooden via trade shores up one line of defense, but it simultaneously exposes a gaping hole at linebacker after the departure of Zaire Franklin. Even before Franklin was moved, general manager Chris Ballard identified the linebacker corps as an offseason priority, telling reporters at the NFL Combine, “The draft we think it’s good on the defensive side of the football, especially in the front seven. But it’s a definite area that we need to address.” That need has now become critical. The roster currently lists Carlies as the most seasoned linebacker, with only 242 career defensive snaps to his credit. Behind him, Versuk and Vaughn have yet to log a single NFL snap, leaving Indianapolis perilously thin on both experience and proven production. Ballard has repeatedly emphasized a desire to get younger and faster on defense; the post-Franklin linebacker room offers him a blank canvas. Beyond sheer athleticism, the Colts are also searching for coverage specialists who can impact the 2026 season. With the draft regarded as deep along the defensive front seven, Indianapolis is positioned to remake the position group almost entirely, but the urgency to find immediate contributors has never been higher. Colts Wire

Arsenal and Manchester City have kept alive the dream of an unprecedented English quadruple by advancing through their FA Cup fifth-round ties, setting the stage for a spring pursuit of football’s most elusive clean sweep. With both clubs still alive in the Premier League title race, booked for the Carabao Cup final on 22 March, and through to the Champions League last-16, the conversation has shifted from theory to possibility: could 2025 finally be the year football’s holy grail is claimed? First, the parameters. A quadruple is defined here as a single-season haul of a club’s four major competitions: the domestic league, the primary domestic cup, the secondary domestic cup and the continent’s premier tournament. In England that list is precise – Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Champions League. Super cups, community shields and world championships are deliberately excluded; purists argue they are curtain-raisers rather than core targets. By that narrow definition, no men’s team in the modern era has managed it. Liverpool came within touching distance in 2021-22, lifting both domestic cups only to be pipped to the league by City’s dramatic final-day comeback against Aston Villa and then edged 1-0 by Real Madrid in the Champions League final. City themselves replicated Manchester United’s 1999 treble of league, FA Cup and Champions League last season, but their League Cup campaign ended at St Mary’s against a Southampton side ultimately relegated from the top flight. United’s own 1999 charge was halted in the League Cup quarter-finals by Spurs, while City’s 2018-19 domestic treble was soured by a Champions League quarter-final exit, again to Spurs. Elsewhere the pathway barely exists. France’s now-defunct Coupe de la Ligue offered a brief window, yet no Ligue 1 side lifted the Champions League during its 25-season lifespan. Paris Saint-Germain collected four domestic trebles in that period, adding the Trophee des Champions each time, but never broke through on the European stage. Portugal’s Taca da Liga provides the only other current two-cup system in Europe; Porto’s 2010-11 collection of league, primary cup and Europa League plus the season-opening Supertaca remains the closest Iberian analogue, still one trophy shy of the mark. That leaves Celtic’s 1966-67 side as the sole men’s team to meet the strict criteria. Jock Stein’s “Lisbon Lions” swept the Scottish First Division, Scottish FA Cup, Scottish League Cup and, in their defining act, overturned Inter Milan to claim the European Cup, completing a clean sweep in an era when Scottish football could legitimately face its continental peers on equal terms. The women’s game offers a parallel landmark. Arsenal’s 2006-07 squad were English and European champions while also securing the FA Cup and League Cup, giving the club a place in history as the first to achieve a European quadruple. As the 2024-25 campaign enters its decisive months, City and Arsenal know the margin for error is non-existent. A single draw, one off-night in Europe, or a shock at Wembley could shatter the fantasy. Yet the very fact the conversation endures into March illustrates how rare, and how precious, the pursuit remains. Forty-four years after Celtic’s unique feat, the quadruple remains the one prize even the most lavish squads have failed to capture. Guardiola, Mikel Arteta and their star-laden squads now carry the baton, chasing immortality one fixture at a time.

Celtic are preparing to test Hibernian’s resolve for 21-year-old Zambia international Miguel Chaiwa as part of a planned summer overhaul designed to free up funds for the club’s incoming manager, according to a recent report in The Herald. Chaiwa, who arrived at Easter Road only last August in an €800,000 switch from Swiss champions BSC Young Boys, has quickly emerged as a key cog in David Gray’s 3-4-1-2 system, racking up 24 appearances across all competitions after returning from January’s Africa Cup of Nations. Operating primarily as a deep-lying playmaker, the Lusaka-born midfielder has showcased the stamina, ball-carrying ability and interception instincts that first caught the eye of scouts at Shamuel Academy and later convinced Young Boys to bring him to Europe. His path to Scotland was hardly conventional. Spotted by Young Boys while playing for Atletico Lusaka, Chaiwa spent the second half of the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Swiss second-tier side Schaffhausen after finding first-team minutes hard to come by in Bern. Despite being pencilled in for a squad role last summer, the Swiss club ultimately cashed in when Hibernian tabled an offer, allowing the player to seek regular football in the Scottish Premiership. Hibs moved swiftly to secure his future, tying him to a deal through 2028 with the option of an additional 12 months, but sources close to the Leith outfit concede they would entertain a significant bid that maximises profit on their initial outlay. Celtic, flush with central-midfield options yet conscious of succession planning, appear ready to oblige. Callum McGregor remains the beating heart of the champions’ engine room, but the Scotland international will turn 33 in June and the Parkhead hierarchy accept they must identify a long-term successor capable of anchoring midfield. Reo Hatate’s form has dipped, Paulo Bernardo has slipped down the pecking order and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s future hinges on whether the club trigger a one-year extension. Arne Engels, the subject of a rejected £25 million approach from Nottingham Forest in January, could yet attract further Premier League attention, while Benjamin Nygren and Luke McCowan are viewed more as advanced operators than genuine holding players. That vacancy could pave the way for Chaiwa, whose high-energy, box-to-box style is complemented by a 6ft frame that allows him to ride Scottish Premiership challenges and recycle possession efficiently. Analysts inside Celtic have been impressed by his concentration levels and tactical flexibility, traits they believe would ease a transition into the relentless schedule demanded at Parkhead. Negotiations are yet to reach an advanced stage, yet the groundwork is being laid. With the board promising funds for a squad refresh under a new boss, the champions are expected to intensify their interest over the coming weeks as they weigh up a move that could ultimately hand the baton from McGregor to a player almost 12 years his junior.

Maxx Crosby’s voice is finally front and center after the blockbuster deal that sent him from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Baltimore Ravens, and the star edge rusher is wasting no time setting the record straight. In a candid video posted to his social-media channels, Crosby acknowledged the shock of leaving the only NFL home he has ever known, while insisting that no bitterness lingers. “I have no ill will toward this organization,” Crosby said, referring to the Raiders. He described the final sequence of events as “very quick and emotional,” adding that he never anticipated wearing another jersey when the 2023 season ended. The trade, which netted Las Vegas two first-round draft picks, concludes a decorated five-year run that began when the Raiders selected Crosby in the fourth round of the 2019 draft. During his tenure he recorded five Pro Bowl selections and established himself as one of the league’s most feared quarterback hunters. Yet, despite his personal accolades, team success proved elusive; the Raiders made only one playoff appearance in that span. Tension reportedly started building in December when the Raiders shut Crosby down for the final two games while he nursed a knee injury. Several months of speculation followed, culminating in the Ravens’ aggressive push to acquire the 26-year-old pass-rusher. Baltimore finished last season with just 30 sacks, and the front office believes Crosby’s arrival can transform a dormant pass rush into a disruptive force. Crosby embraced that expectation in his message to Ravens fans, pledging to “put my heart and soul” into the pursuit of a championship. He also took time to thank Raiders owner Mark Davis, former head coach Jon Gruden, and ex-general manager Mike Mayock for their guidance during his development. For Crosby, the move is less a fracture than a natural pivot: the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. As he heads east, the narrative shifts from individual milestones to the collective goal of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in a city famous for its defensive tradition.

Liverpool have entered the race to sign Bayern Munich’s electrifying winger Michael Olise and are prepared to go head-to-head with Manchester City for the Frenchman’s signature this summer, according to journalist Christian Falk. Olise, 24, has been one of the standout performers in Europe this season, registering 13 goals and 25 assists in 36 appearances for the Bavarian giants across all competitions. His explosive displays on the right flank have marked him as one of the continent’s most coveted attackers and alerted the Premier League’s heavy hitters. With a contract at the Allianz Arena that runs until 2029, Bayern are under no immediate pressure to sell, meaning any suitor will have to table a premium offer to prise the wideman away from Germany. That is unlikely to deter Liverpool, who view Olise as a potential marquee reinforcement for Arne Slot’s squad and a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah. The London-born France international is no stranger to English football, a factor Liverpool believe would accelerate his adaptation to life at Anfield. Renowned for his close control, incisive dribbling and vision, Olise can torment full-backs in one-on-one situations while also crafting chances for team-mates. Equally comfortable cutting inside to unleash a powerful strike or drifting into central pockets as an attacking midfielder, his versatility adds another layer of appeal. Securing Olise would significantly bolster the Reds’ attacking options and, at 24, he offers both immediate impact and long-term value. With Manchester City also circling, Liverpool’s hierarchy may need to act decisively to land a player who could help propel the club back into contention for domestic and European silverware. Keywords:

Orchard Park, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills delivered quarterback Josh Allen an early victory before the league’s free-agency window even opens, locking up one of his most reliable bodyguards on Saturday. Center Connor McGovern agreed to a four-year, $52 million contract that includes $32 million guaranteed, ensuring the heart of the NFL’s sixth-ranked offensive line will remain intact for 2025 and beyond. McGovern, who earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2024, was the only member of Buffalo’s starting five not to allow a sack last season while surrendering just 18 total pressures on 1,166 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. The 6-foot-5, 318-pound pivot’s return gives new head coach Joe Brady four of five starters from a unit that helped the Bills finish among the league’s elite in protecting their franchise quarterback. Buffalo’s urgency has been palpable this winter. After parting ways with Sean McDermott—whose 98-50 tenure featured eight postseason berths, five AFC East crowns, and two trips to the conference title game—the club elevated Brady from offensive coordinator and promptly swung a trade for former 1,000-yard receiver DJ Moore. Retaining McGovern continues an all-in approach designed to maximize the championship window surrounding the 28-year-old Allen. With McGovern off the market, only offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark and guard David Edwards remain among Bills linemen on expiring deals. Buffalo now turns its attention to the rest of the roster with the formal start of free agency just days away.

Berea, Ohio — With the NFL’s 2026 league year set to open and the salary-cap clock ticking, the Cleveland Browns have found a timely lifeline from one of their cornerstone players. Cornerback Denzel Ward has agreed to restructure his contract, a maneuver that immediately frees 2026 cap space and moves the club closer to compliance, according to reports confirmed Saturday. The restructure converts $2.5 million of Ward’s base salary into a signing bonus, allowing the Browns to spread that cap hit over the life of the deal while handing the 28-year-old his money up front. For a franchise already forced to rework the contract of a high-profile trade acquisition earlier this offseason, the savings created by Ward’s gesture are considered critical. Ward, the fourth overall pick in 2018, has developed into an elite coverage defender and an unquestioned locker-room leader. His willingness to adjust his deal underscores both his commitment to the organization and the respect he commands inside the building. The move also reinforces that Ward is not part of any roster shake-up; he remains a fan favorite and a central piece of the team’s long-term plans. While the extra cap room will not position Cleveland for headline-grabbing free-agent splurges, it does give general manager Andrew Berry flexibility to round out the roster and absorb in-season expenses. The Browns enter 2026 facing significant questions on multiple fronts, most notably at quarterback and on the defensive side after the departure of coordinator Jim Schwartz. Ward’s selfless cap maneuver at least provides some breathing room as the front office attempts to navigate those uncertainties. Cleveland opens training camp in late July with Ward anchoring the secondary and, now, helping to steady the books.

Celtic goalkeeping coach Joe Hart has underlined that Kasper Schmeichel remains a pivotal figure at the club despite the veteran keeper losing his starting place to Viljami Sinisalo. A run of high-profile errors – a costly mistake at Kilmarnock followed by two concessions against VfB Stuttgart in the UEFA Europa League knockout play-off first leg – preceded Schmeichel’s withdrawal from the side through illness. The 39-year-old watched from the sidelines as Sinisalo produced a string of eye-catching displays in the return leg in Stuttgart, the 1-1 draw at Ibrox and last Wednesday’s vital 2-1 defeat of Aberdeen. With Schmeichel now back in training, speculation has mounted over manager Martin O’Neill’s selection for the weekend, yet all indications suggest Sinisalo will retain the gloves when the team sheet is posted tomorrow morning, relegating Schmeichel to the substitutes’ bench. Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, Hart insisted the Denmark international’s influence will not diminish: “That’s life, that’s football. He’ll have been in it before. No one has a perfect career but I think it’s important now that he’s still a massive part of the squad. He still has a huge influence on the team, no getting away from it, whether he’s on the field or not.” Hart, himself a former Celtic No.1, believes Schmeichel’s experience will be critical during the club’s looming title and cup run-ins. “I still think he’ll have an important role to play in this title run-in and cup run-in. At the moment he’s got a massive role to play for his football club. Sometimes I’ve done it as well. Sometimes it’s not on the pitch. Like I say, I still think he’ll get some important game time.” The goalkeeping coach was quick to praise Sinisalo’s recent form: “Sinisalo was excellent, he was excellent in Stuttgart. I thought he had a really good, competent game on Sunday. They’ve got a really strong goalkeeping department, so I look forward to seeing how this one plays out.” As the season enters its decisive phase, Celtic’s goalkeeping conundrum offers both a headache and a luxury: two accomplished keepers vying for one jersey, with Hart adamant the competition can only benefit the squad’s pursuit of silverware.

College Station, Texas — Change arrived early in Texas A&M’s 2026 offseason. On Friday the program confirmed it will open five spring practices to credentialed media, a sharp increase from the restricted windows of previous years and the most visible sign yet of Mike Elko’s evolving approach to running the Aggies. The sessions will take place before the annual Maroon & White Game and will allow reporters to observe drills, conduct interviews and file real-time updates across social platforms. In an age when every clip can ricochet through message boards and recruiting channels within minutes, the decision is designed to amplify both coverage and conversation around Elko’s third team. Carter Karels of GigEm247 quickly endorsed the move, noting that responsible access benefits every stakeholder. “When done right, it helps everybody: the media learns more about the team, produces better content, and the program gets more accurate exposure,” Karels said. Athletic department officials framed the shift as part of a broader balancing act between Aggieland tradition and the modern demands of name, image and likeness opportunities, transfer-portal turnover and an insatiable content cycle. Elko, described by staffers as a culture-builder comfortable with both heritage and innovation, approved the openness after internal discussions that stretched through the winter. While five open practices alone will not determine wins and losses in the fall, the gesture signals confidence in the roster’s development and a belief that daily work can withstand outside scrutiny. For supporters tracking position battles, newcomer assimilation and schematic tweaks, the spring will deliver more information than any cycle in recent memory. Follow-up coverage will continue on the AggiesWire social channels throughout the spring.

Cae Ras, Wrexham – Chelsea twice came from behind and finished with an extra-time victory over ten-man Wrexham to squeeze into the FA Cup quarter-finals, but only after the Welsh side pushed them to the brink of a seismic upset. The tie delivered everything the competition promises: six goals, a dismissal, VAR drama and a Premier League giant staggering away relieved. Wrexham led in normal time through well-worked moves that had the Racecourse Ground roaring, yet each advantage was wiped out by Chelsea’s persistence. When captain George Dobson saw yellow upgraded to red in the 90th minute for a studs-up challenge on Alejandro Garnacho, the momentum appeared to swing decisively. Extra-time turned into a test of nerve. Wrexham, down to ten, refused to retreat and almost levelled when James McClean’s cut-back found Elliot Lee, whose curling effort skimmed the far post. Moments later a Paul Mullin header was deflected over, and from the resulting corner a close-range Sam Bowen effort was ruled out by VAR for offside. Chelsea finally punished the hosts on 105+3. João Félix released Garnacho down the left, and the Argentine’s precise cross was met first-time by Enzo Fernández, whose crisp volley flew beyond Arthur Okonkwo. The goal survived a brief offside check, and the visitors protected the lead through a flurry of late blocks. João Pedro sealed the outcome in the 120th minute, sprinting from halfway and drilling low inside the post to make it 3-2. Wrexham departed to a standing ovation from co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, applause that echoed the pride of a side that pushed elite opponents to the limit. Chelsea, bruised but alive, move into the last eight, aware they have survived a tie that will live long in FA Cup folklore.

Orchard Park, N.Y. — As the Buffalo Bills brace for the possibility of veteran cornerback Tre’Davious White entering free agency, one SEC standout has emerged in league circles as a potential heir to his boundary throne. South Carolina’s Brandon Cisse, a 6-foot, 189-pound senior, is gaining traction among draft analysts as a logical fit for a Bills secondary that could be reshaped this spring. A recent FOX Sports Research mock draft slotted Cisse to Buffalo, citing the corner’s physicality and production against the pass. “Cisse is a tough corner who isn’t afraid to tackle and has 10 passes defended over the past two seasons, and he gave up just 18 receptions and one TD in 2025,” the report noted. “He’d be a good replacement to a 31-year-old Tre’Davious White in Buffalo’s secondary.” The Gamecock’s résumé extends beyond coverage numbers. NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein praised Cisse’s willingness in run support, writing that the defender “supports the run like a box safety” and “beats blockers with quickness and meets runners at or near the line.” That mentality aligns with the vision new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard is expected to implement—an aggressive, attack-oriented approach that values sure tacklers on the perimeter. Should White depart, the Bills would lean on Christian Benford and 2025 breakout Maxwell Hairston as their starting tandem, leaving a need for reliable depth and competition. Cisse’s combination of length, athleticism, and downhill aggression could slot him immediately into the rotation while he develops the nuances of man and zone concepts at the pro level. Retaining White remains an option after the nine-year pro delivered one of his most efficient seasons in 2025. According to Next Gen Stats, White surrendered only 0.6 yards per coverage snap—third-lowest among outside corners—while recording 10 passes defensed and limiting opponents to a 66.3 passer rating when targeted, his best mark since 2021. Still, age and contract economics could push the front office toward a younger, cost-controlled alternative. If the Bills choose to move on, Cisse’s “tough-as-nails” profile offers both immediate special-teams value and long-term upside as a potential starter opposite Benford. Buffalo owns eight draft picks this April, providing ample capital to add competition at cornerback. Whether it is Cisse or another prospect, the franchise’s decision at the position will set the tone for Leonhard’s first secondary rebuild in Western New York.

FRISCO, Texas — For a few breathless hours, the Dallas Cowboys believed they had finally located the cornerstone their defense has lacked since the departure of Micah Parsons. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the club tendered a 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick to Las Vegas for five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby, hoping to plug a gaping hole on a unit that finished 30th in the league last season. The Raiders listened, nodded, and waited. When the Baltimore Ravens crashed the discussion with two first-round selections—No. 14 overall in 2026 and another first-rounder in 2027—Las Vegas wasted little time closing the deal. Crosby is now bound for Baltimore, and the Cowboys are left to explain how a roster that surrendered big play after big play came within one escalated bid of landing the sport’s most disruptive pass-rusher. Inside the Star, the pitch made perfect sense. Crosby posted 10.0 sacks and 73 total tackles in 2025, giving him 69.5 sacks, 133 tackles for loss, and 164 quarterback hits since 2019—numbers that alter offensive game plans and, potentially, franchise trajectories. Pairing him with a still-potent offense that ranked second in total yards a year ago could have nudged Dallas from a 7-9-1 also-ran back into legitimate contention. But the cost-control ledger told a different story. The Cowboys currently hold the 12th and 20th overall selections in the upcoming draft and do not possess a second-rounder in 2026, meaning the reported offer would have stripped premium capital across multiple seasons while leaving gaping wounds at cornerback, linebacker, and safety. Management determined that matching Baltimore’s price would have equated to rebuilding the defense with one star and a collection of minimum-salary placeholders, a risk the front office ultimately deemed unsustainable. Still, the aggressive pursuit signals an unmistakable win-now mindset inside Jerry Jones’ war room. The same willingness to part with high-value picks is expected to pivot toward Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson, identified by league sources earlier this week as Dallas’ contingency plan should Crosby negotiations collapse. Minnesota’s Jonathan Greenard has surfaced as another fallback option with free agency in full swing. Whoever the next target, the mandate is clear: find a quarterback hunter capable of transforming a last-place defense before another offensive prime is squandered. The Cowboys have cap space, a double-digit draft haul, and a front office unafraid to swing big. They proved as much with their run at Maxx Crosby. Now they must prove they can land the next name on the board—and finally give Dak Prescott and Co. the complementary defense championship rosters require.

Cleveland, Tenn. — A single tackle ended Claude Climer’s promising football career, yet it proved to be the opening play of a far longer, more durable run in public service. The broken leg he sustained on the field never healed his desire to contribute, and Climer went on to serve 36 consecutive years as Bradley County Clerk, quietly becoming one of the most familiar faces in local government. Friends and co-workers say the former athlete never dwelt on the injury that sidelined him decades ago. Instead, he credits a larger plan. “God has taken care of me well,” Climer remarked, summing up both the abrupt end of his sports chapter and the steady arc that followed. During his tenure, Climer oversaw elections, managed vital records, and modernized office operations, earning bipartisan respect for accuracy and fairness. Even after retiring, he remained a fixture at community events, a reminder that resilience can outlast physical setbacks. From Friday-night lights to the clerk’s office, Climer’s story illustrates how one chapter’s close can become another’s kickoff.

Lincoln, Neb. — When ESPN’s Bill Connelly released his annual ranking of every projected starting quarterback across the 68 Power-4 programs, Nebraska’s Anthony Colandrea landed squarely in the middle of the pack at No. 30. The placement positions the first-year Husker signal-caller as a mid-tier commodity among college football’s most influential position groups, yet it also hints at the upside that encouraged Matt Rhule’s staff to bring the Florida native to Memorial Stadium. Colandrea arrives in the Big Ten fresh off a decorated 2025 campaign at UNLV, where he earned Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year honors. Operating the Rebels’ up-tempo attack, he completed 65.9 percent of his passes for 3,459 yards and 23 touchdowns against nine interceptions, numbers that helped him emerge as one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the transfer portal. The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder began his college career at Virginia, appearing in 19 games and compiling 4,083 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions over two seasons. Connelly’s evaluation suggests that Colandrea’s penchant for improvisation and aggressive down-field looks will translate to Nebraska’s offense, noting that “no one plays with their hair on fire” quite like the St. Petersburg product. While acknowledging occasional volatility, Connelly praised the quarterback’s ability to generate explosive plays and avoid sacks at a higher rate than former Husker starter Dylan Raiola, who transferred to Oregon earlier in the offseason. Nebraska enters 2026 searching for stability under center after Raiola’s departure. The quarterback room now features Colandrea, sophomore T.J. Lateef—who started the team’s bowl game—and ex-Virginia teammate Daniel Kaelin. With fall camp on the horizon, Rhule and offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield must decide whether Colandrea’s big-play flair can elevate an offense that finished in the bottom half of the Big Ten in scoring last season. For now, the ESPN projection frames Nebraska’s new QB1 as a work in progress: talented enough to keep the Huskers competitive, but still with something to prove against the nation’s elite defenses. If Colandrea can tighten his decision-making while maintaining his fearless approach, the middle-of-the-pack label could look conservative by season’s end.

Tottenham Hotspur’s season is teetering on the brink after Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace left the club hovering one point above the relegation zone, and the north-London outfit are already mapping out a potential change in the dugout before the campaign reaches its climax. Sources tell the Telegraph that Spurs have opened formal discussions with Roberto de Zerbi, the former Brighton & Hove Albion coach, while the possibility of a romantic return for Mauricio Pochettino has also been placed on the table. Yet with interim boss Igor Tudor losing all three of his matches since taking temporary charge, Tottenham are weighing an even earlier shake-up. TeamTalk adds that Ferencvárosi TC manager and ex-Spurs striker Robbie Keane has been floated as a stop-gap option, while club icon Glenn Hoddle has publicly offered his services, according to the Daily Mail. Off the pitch, Barcelona have identified 19-year-old centre-back Luka Vuskovic as a prime target despite the teenager currently plying his trade on loan at Hamburg. Sky Germany reports that while Hamburg are lobbying for another season-long stay, Tottenham intend to fast-track the Croatian into Ange Postecoglou’s first-team squad next season. Barcelona, however, have added Vuskovic to their shortlist of defensive reinforcements. Elsewhere, Trabzonspor are balking at Manchester United’s £40 million valuation of goalkeeper André Onana, the Manchester Evening News reveals. Onana has made 21 league appearances during his loan in Turkey, but unless the Super Lig side dramatically alter their stance, the Cameroon international will head back to Old Trafford this summer. Juventus remain in a holding pattern over RB Leipzig midfielder Xaver Schlager, Fabrizio Romano notes, with no progress made since January talks. The Bianconeri continue to survey a crowded midfield market that also features Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali. Arsenal and Manchester United are among a cluster of elite clubs tracking 16-year-old Hertha Berlin prodigy Kennet Eichhorn, whose release clause could be triggered for under €10 million. Bayern Munich and a host of Bundesliga rivals are also circling the midfielder, whose calm distribution and progressive passing have already drawn comparisons to Toni Kroos. Napoli will attempt to tie down Scott McTominay to a lucrative new deal amid persistent Premier League interest, Goal reports, while Juventus scouts have watched Brentford right-back Michael Kayode in each of his last two outings, per Nicolo Schira. Aston Villa are monitoring Cagliari goalkeeper Elia Caprile, Greuther Fürth defender Reno Münz is attracting Bundesliga suitors, and Arsenal lead the chase for Bayern’s Leon Goretzka despite Atletico Madrid’s earlier advances. Antoine Griezmann has opted to remain at Atletico for another season, Manchester City plan to extend Phil Foden’s stay beyond 2025, and Manchester United’s Mason Mount has no desire to push for an exit. Finally, Villa and United are keeping tabs on Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson.

Since the Premier League replaced the old First Division in 1992, England’s top flight has showcased a procession of lethal finishers. Thirty-four players have reached the 100-goal milestone, 11 have surpassed 150, and only three have breached the 200-mark. Yet one name still towers above the rest: Alan Shearer. The former Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United striker amassed 260 goals in 441 Premier League appearances, a benchmark no challenger has matched in three decades of competition. Shearer’s overall tally in England’s top tier stands at 283, but 23 of those came with Southampton before the breakaway league was formed. Among the current generation, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is the closest pursuer, yet even the Egyptian forward faces a steep climb to overhaul the record. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who signed a nine-and-a-half-year contract extension in January 2025, is viewed as a theoretical threat to Shearer’s mark if he maintains his present scoring rate and remains at the Etihad Stadium through the duration of the deal. Still, with seasons of consistency required, the record remains a distant target. When the lens widens to include the pre-1992 First Division era, Shearer slips to fifth on the all-time list. Above him sit legends led by Jimmy Greaves, whose 357 goals for Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham between 1957 and 1971 remain the gold standard across England’s entire top-flight history. Salah, the most prolific active player, has yet to enter that ranking’s top 20. Statistics are updated through Saturday, March 7, 2026, with active Premier League players highlighted in bold by compilers at The Sporting News.

Liverpool Football Club’s company directors were paid £4.2 million in the year ending 31 May 2025, comfortably outstripping the £3.1 million wage bill for the club’s entire Women’s Super League squad and back-room staff, newly filed accounts show. The disclosure underlines the vast gulf between the resources devoted to the women’s operation and the remuneration enjoyed by Anfield’s boardroom, even as the Reds posted record investment levels off the pitch. The women’s set-up, which finished seventh in the WSL and reached the FA Cup semi-finals, saw turnover climb 25% to £6.1 million, driven by a 26% jump in commercial income and match-day revenue that more than doubled to £340,000 after the team relocated home fixtures to St Helens. Yet the combined salaries of the 49 players and non-playing staff amounted to less than 0.75% of the club’s overall payroll, reported in February at £428 million including pension costs. Pre-tax pay for the women’s workforce rose 20% to £2.7 million, but the highest-paid director alone collected £2.3 million, up 7% on the previous year, while the total board package increased 9%. Operating costs for the women’s arm rose 36%, leaving a pre-tax profit of £165,000, down from £645,000 a year earlier. The accounts acknowledge a continuing reliance on the parent company for funding, a pattern mirrored across the WSL where most sides depend on their male counterparts. Arsenal, the only other top-flight club to have published 2024-25 figures, spent £9.9 million on wages before national-insurance and pension costs—more than triple Liverpool’s outlay—and went on to lift the Champions League. Directors warned that “principal risks and uncertainties” centre on salary levels, pledging to “manage these costs within financial restraints, whilst remaining as competitive as possible.”

Saturday’s lunchtime FA Cup fifth-round tie at Field Mill pits League One strugglers Mansfield Town against the Premier League pacesetters, Arsenal, and viewers around the globe have a range of options to follow the action live. United Kingdom audiences can watch the game on TNT Sports 1, with simultaneous streaming available through Discovery+ at £30.99 per month, a package that also carries Champions League fixtures. The current Discovery+ arrangement will end before the quarter-finals, when TNT Sports content transitions to the new HBO Max platform in the UK. United States viewers can find the match on ESPN’s linear channels and via ESPN Select streaming. A standalone ESPN Select subscription is priced at $12.99 monthly or $129.99 annually, while the ESPN Unlimited bundle or the Disney+/Hulu/ESPN bundle, starting at $19.99, offers broader coverage. Australian supporters can access every FA Cup game, plus Premier League and Champions League matches, through Stan Sport for AU$32 per month when added to the base Stan plan. Geo-restrictions may apply for subscribers travelling abroad; a reputable VPN can restore access to domestic streaming services by masking location data. Nigel Clough’s Mansfield, 16th in League One and winless in nine league outings, have already accounted for Championship club Sheffield United and top-flight Burnley en route to the fifth round. A victory over Arsenal would send the Stags to their first quarter-final since the 1968-69 campaign. Arsenal, seven points clear atop the Premier League and record 14-time FA Cup winners, have dispatched Portsmouth and Wigan Athletic to reach this stage and will expect to extend their run with a professional performance at a ground where cup shocks have already been staged this winter. Kick-off is scheduled for Saturday’s early-afternoon slot, ensuring prime-time exposure across TNT Sports, ESPN, and Stan Sport’s international footprint.

LAS VEGAS — One week after the Los Angeles Rams saw their 2025 season end in a 31-27 heart-breaker to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship, All-Pro receiver Puka Nacua traded shoulder pads for sweat suits and touched down in his hometown for UFC 326. Nacua, 23, confirmed his arrival Friday with a simple Instagram post: “UFC weekend!!!!” The accompanying photo showed the league’s second-leading receiver lounging in a luxury Strip hotel bathroom, dressed head-to-toe in Rams-blue sweats and ready for Sunday morning’s championship card at T-Mobile Arena. The Pro Bowl wideout finished the 2025 campaign with 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns, numbers that placed him second in the NFL in receiving yardage and tied for sixth in touchdown catches. His rookie season a year earlier was equally historic—105 catches for 1,486 yards broke a 63-year-old league record once held by Bill Groman. While Nacua will be a spectator this weekend, the main event carries personal resonance. Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira meet in a long-awaited rematch that harkens back to their 99-second 2015 bout, which ended abruptly when Oliveira suffered a freak esophagus injury. Holloway enters on the heels of a unanimous-decision victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 318. For Nacua, the trip is more than an off-season diversion—it’s a homecoming. Born in Las Vegas on May 29, 2001, he first made waves in the Nevada Youth Football League before starring for the Little Cowboys, a powerhouse program bankrolled by UFC CEO Dana White and former co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta. White’s son, Dana White III, played in the same backfield, forging a friendship that still links the two families. “My kids grew up with Puka. He grew up in our house,” White told reporters. “To see Puka doing what he’s doing now…it could not happen to a better human being.” The Little Cowboys squad that featured Nacua and White III showcased its dominance in Las Vegas before advancing to the Pop Warner Super Bowl in Orlando, providing an NFL-caliber environment that helped shape the receiver’s competitive edge. With the Rams set to open the 2026 regular season in historic fashion against an opponent to be determined at Australia’s Melbourne Cricket Ground—the first NFL game ever staged there—Nacua will eventually shift his focus back to football. For now, he is savoring an off-season respite in the city where his athletic journey began, taking in championship-level mixed-martial-arts action just a few blocks from his childhood fields.

INDIANAPOLIS — The moment the NFL scouting combine ended, the Las Vegas Raiders detonated the first charge of what promises to be a franchise-altering reconstruction, shipping four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens for first-round picks in 2026 and 2027. The deal, finalized late Friday night, instantly converts the Raiders into the league’s most asset-rich rebuilding project and crystallizes an unmistakable mandate: every brick laid from this point forward must protect and propel presumed No. 1 overall selection Fernando Mendoza. Multiple league sources confirmed Baltimore outbid the Dallas Cowboys, who had offered a comparable package, to secure Crosby for the final two guaranteed seasons of Lamar Jackson’s contract. Yet the seismic tremors radiating across the league are centered not on the Ravens’ Super Bowl push, but on the Raiders’ sudden surplus of ammunition. Las Vegas now owns four selections among the top 67 in April’s draft (Nos. 1, 14, 36 and 67) and projects to have three more inside the top 64 in 2027, plus well over $100 million in cumulative cap space the next two offseasons. The calculus is blunt: surround Indiana’s tough-minded quarterback with a fortress before he ever takes a snap. An AFC executive who spent the week dissecting the 2026 quarterback class summarized the Raiders’ imperative succinctly: “They have to keep the kid upright. If they repeat what they did to the last few guys, none of this matters.” Mendoza, praised inside the combine for his resilience and clutch throws, also carries evaluative question marks—limited middle-of-field production, heavy shotgun usage, and the benefit of an offense stocked with future early-round receivers and a veteran-laden line. Those concerns only amplify the urgency to construct a cleaner runway than the one that derailed recent Raiders quarterbacks. Already the teardown has accelerated. Veteran bridge starter Geno Smith will be released, freeing $25 million in cap room. Guard Alex Cappa, a 2024 free-agent disappointment, is expected to follow, trimming additional dead weight. The Crosby trade, meanwhile, removes the roster’s most marketable defensive cornerstone, a concession that the timeline has shifted from win-now to develop-now. Head coach Klint Kubiak, hired for his offensive ingenuity, now inherits the league’s most scrutinized incubation chamber. He will lean on second-year tight end Brock Bowers and rookie sensation Ashton Jeanty—two ascending skill-position talents who, alongside the incoming offensive-line reinforcements, form the nucleus designed to accelerate Mendoza’s acclimation. “Pressure?” an NFC talent evaluator said late Friday. “They’ve got a war chest. Now we see if they can draft.” The Raiders have not advanced beyond the wild-card round since the 2002 season. By mortgaging their present pass rush, they have declared, unequivocally, that the drought ends only when Mendoza is fortified. Friday’s cannon shot was heard league-wide; the reconstruction, formally, has begun.

A social-media-fueled thought experiment pitting Cleveland Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett against YouTube-turned-boxer Logan Paul has drawn a blunt verdict from former NFL running back Le’Veon Bell. Responding to online chatter about whether an NFL athlete could test Paul in the ring, Bell posted on X: “ima football player, that would beat the dog sh*t outta Logan ..” Bell, who earned three Pro Bowl nods during a career highlighted by patient running and dual-threat versatility, has stayed in the combat-sports spotlight since stepping away from football. His willingness to trade shoulder pads for boxing gloves has made his opinion a talking point among fans tracking cross-discipline athlete transitions. Garrett, widely viewed as one of the league’s most explosive defenders, has not publicly campaigned for a boxing match, yet his rare combination of size, speed and power keeps his name in speculative fantasy bouts. Paul, meanwhile, has parlayed internet fame into lucrative exhibition fights, attracting audiences well beyond the traditional boxing base. While no negotiations or offers exist, Bell’s confident dismissal of Paul’s chances adds another layer to the ongoing fascination with crossover contests between professional athletes and entertainment figures.

Minneapolis — With the NFL’s legal tampering window set to open Monday, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves at the center of three converging storylines that could reshape their 2026 roster. Kyler Murray to Minnesota? Sportsbooks say it’s practically a done deal. DraftKings has installed the Vikings as the -110 favorite to sign the former No. 1 overall pick once the Cardinals release him next week, well ahead of the Jets (+175), Dolphins (+320) and Browns (+450). The same lopsided odds appear on prediction market Kalshi, where Minnesota is the overwhelming choice among bettors. League insiders expect a one-year, prove-it contract at the veteran minimum to materialize quickly after Murray hits the open market. While the quarterback carousel spins, Minnesota’s front office is bracing for a bidding war over wide receiver Jalen Nailor. The Athletic’s Alec Lewis reports that more than 10 clubs have already expressed interest in the 27-year-old, who has logged just 69 career receptions and never cracked 450 yards in a season. Evaluators point to Nailor’s vertical speed, route nuance and willingness as a run blocker as indicators of an 80-catch ceiling. That optimism projects a three-year deal worth $12-15 million annually, a price tag the cap-strapped Vikings are unlikely to match. Minnesota entered the weekend more than $40 million over the 2026 salary cap and has prioritized other needs. The tight-end room could look dramatically different as well. T.J. Hockenson, once viewed as a trade or release candidate, is now negotiating a straight pay cut to lower his cap number, according to Lewis. Hockenson is open to the reduction, leaving the final number to negotiators. If the two sides tear up and restructure the pact as expected, Minnesota would still need a contingency plan; Josh Oliver, Gavin Bartholomew, Ben Yurosek and Bryson Nesbit are under contract through 2026, but none profiles as a clear-cut TE1. Free-agent veterans Isaiah Likely, Darren Waller or Cade Otton, along with early-round draft prospects Kenyon Sadiq of Oregon and Eli Stowers of Vanderbilt, remain on the club’s radar. With free agency officially opening in days, the Vikings are positioned to make headlines at quarterback, wide receiver and tight end—whether by addition or subtraction.

Former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore has accepted a plea deal, bringing a legal matter involving the ex-Wolverines assistant to a close. Details of the charges or the specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed in the announcement, but the resolution signals the end of any pending litigation against Moore. Moore, who served as Michigan’s offensive coordinator and offensive line coach under head coach Jim Harbaugh, was not retained after the 2023 season. His departure from the program had already marked a significant shift for the Wolverines’ coaching staff prior to the emergence of the legal case. With the plea now entered, Moore avoids the uncertainty of a trial and can begin to move forward personally and professionally. Neither Michigan athletics nor Moore’s representatives have issued additional statements regarding the plea or his future plans.

Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump announced Friday that he intends to sign an executive order within the next seven days designed to confront mounting challenges facing collegiate athletics, capping an extraordinary White House gathering that brought together some of the most influential voices in college sports. The closed-door meeting, described by attendees as both urgent and cordial, centered on safeguarding the long-term viability of college athletics amid seismic shifts in athlete compensation, conference realignment, and regulatory uncertainty. While the White House released no formal agenda, participants said the discussion focused on preserving competitive balance, protecting non-revenue sports, and ensuring that athletic departments remain integral to the educational mission of universities. Trump told reporters after the session that the forthcoming order will “address the very real concerns raised by commissioners, athletic directors, and student-athlete representatives who want to see college sports thrive for generations to come.” He offered no specifics on the order’s provisions but pledged that it would be “bold, comprehensive, and done very quickly.” The meeting underscores growing anxiety among campus leaders that legislative gridlock and patchwork state laws are eroding the collegiate model. By invoking executive authority, the president appears poised to chart a federal course that could supersede divergent state measures and provide uniform guidelines for name, image, and likeness rules, revenue sharing, and athlete employment status.

Bishop Feehan’s postseason magic continued Friday night as the 14th-seeded Shamrocks knocked off No. 6 Bridgewater-Raynham, 65-60, in double overtime to reach the Division 1 boys’ semifinals for the first time in 11 years. The victory came just 48 hours after Feehan upset No. 3 Needham, making the Spartans the lowest-seeded squad still alive in any MIAA basketball or hockey bracket. Senior forward Brody Bumila, a 6-foot-9 Texas baseball commit, authored the latest chapter of the tournament’s most compelling storyline. After averaging 39 points and 17 rebounds through Feehan’s first two playoff games, Bumila delivered 36 points and 18 rebounds against the Trojans, scoring 18 of his team’s 22 points in the fourth quarter and both overtime periods. He has now amassed 117 points and 55 rebounds across three contests that have included six extra periods. The Shamrocks trailed by seven midway through the fourth before rallying to force overtime, then survived a second extra frame to secure the program’s first state semifinal berth since 2014. Feehan’s upset was one of only two on a boys’ bracket that saw 23 teams advance to the semifinals. In Division 3, No. 6 Lynn Classical rode 29 points from senior DJ Reynolds and lock-down defense from Shyheim Babb and Deshawn Rucker to topple No. 3 Tewksbury, 68-59. While the boys’ brackets produced drama, the girls’ quarterfinals followed form: all 13 higher seeds advanced. Top-seeded Medfield rolled past No. 8 Norwood, 66-46, behind sophomore Abby Broderick’s 31 points and five rebounds. Millis senior Grace Higgins anchored the paint with eight blocks, nine points and nine rebounds in a win that sets up a semifinal date with undefeated Norton. Whitman-Hanson senior Dylan Hurley turned her milestone moment into a victory, scoring the 2 points she needed for 1,000 in the game’s first eight minutes and finishing with 17 in a 51-47 Division 2 decision over Oliver Ames. Hurley, a Saint Anselm commit, now sits fourth on the Panthers’ all-time scoring list with 1,015 career points. Masconomet senior captain Jimmy Farrell stuffed the stat sheet in a 61-25 Division 1 rout of Burlington, posting 17 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks to pace the top-seeded Chieftains. With 13 more basketball quarterfinals on Saturday’s slate and five hockey semifinals set for the weekend, the MIAA tournament field will shrink to its final four in every division by Sunday night.

In a stunning pre-free-agency blockbuster, the Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to ship five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for two first-round draft picks, including the No. 14 overall selection in next month’s NFL draft, according to multiple reports. Crosby, 28, has been the Raiders’ most consistent defensive force since entering the league in 2019. He recorded 10 sacks last season—his fourth campaign with double-digit sacks in seven years—and leaves Las Vegas with 52 career sacks, cementing himself as one of the league’s premier pass-rushers. The deal marks a dramatic pivot for both franchises. Las Vegas, which owns the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft and is widely expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, continues to stockpile premium capital after posting a 7-27 combined record over the past two seasons. The Raiders last reached the postseason in 2021 and now accelerate a roster reset under a new regime. Baltimore, meanwhile, ushers in a new era after parting ways with longtime head coach John Harbaugh and promoting former Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to the top job. Adding Crosby gives Minter an elite edge presence around which to mold an already formidable defense. Crosby was in New Orleans ahead of Super Bowl LIX when news of the trade broke. Neither team has commented officially, but the swap is expected to be finalized when the new league year opens.