Football News

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The reunion of two former Alabama standouts has already become the most-watched subplot of Broncos training camp. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and cornerback Pat Surtain II, teammates during their championship days in Tuscaloosa, are now lining up on opposite sides of the ball, turning each practice rep into a high-stakes chess match. Coaches and teammates say the daily collisions between the explosive Waddle and the technically polished Surtain have produced instant fireworks. Every route, every press look, every downfield challenge is freighted with the kind of competitive tension that can sharpen an entire roster. Their shared history adds an extra layer of intrigue: the pair spent seasons perfecting their craft together in the SEC, giving each an intimate knowledge of the other’s tendencies. Now, separated by only a stripe of paint on the Broncos’ practice fields, they are using that familiarity to push one another toward mid-season form before the first preseason snap. While Denver’s staff has declined to detail specific practice statistics, observers note that the matchups have been refreshingly even, a testament to both players’ rapid adjustment to the professional environment. With each rep, Waddle tests Surtain’s hip fluidity and press technique; Surtain counters by trying to disrupt Waddle’s lightning release and top-end speed. The outcome of these camp battles may foreshadow how Denver’s receiving corps and secondary evolve in the coming months, but for now the focus remains on the daily grind and the electric atmosphere generated whenever Alabama’s former stars realign under the Colorado sun.

DAYTON, Ohio — SMU just wanted to put the narratives to bed. In football, the shadow of the death penalty stretched more than 30 years. In basketball, it was a decade-long NCAA Tournament drought and a reputation for falling short. Now, with the Mustangs back on the national stage, the program is determined to show the past no longer defines them. The long-awaited return has been framed as both a breakthrough and a referendum: can SMU finally turn appearances into staying power? For a university whose football legacy was derailed by sanctions in the 1980s and whose basketball team spent ten years absent from March Madness, the moment carries weight far beyond the box score. Athletes, coaches, and alumni alike see the current spotlight as an overdue chance to rewrite the storyline. Each possession, each game, is an opportunity to chip away at decades of skepticism. The Mustangs know perception won’t change overnight, but sustained success on this stage could finally quiet doubts that have lingered since the program’s darkest days. Whether SMU can seize the opportunity remains to be seen, yet the very fact they are here—playing meaningful games under the bright lights—signals a new chapter. The narrative is no longer about the drought; it is about what the Mustangs do now that the drought is over.

12Sports’ Cameron Cox and recruiting influencer Chilly return for the 29th installment of their popular podcast, Dropping Dimes with Cam and Chilly, delivering another round of insight on Arizona and Valley sports. The episode continues the duo’s season-long examination of the region’s high school, college, and professional storylines, offering listeners a concise but informed rundown of the latest developments. Cox, a veteran 12Sports reporter, and Chilly, a well-connected recruiting analyst, combine on-the-ground reporting with insider perspective. Their conversation spotlights key matchups, emerging prospects, and community-level trends shaping the state’s athletic landscape. Episode 29 maintains the show’s fast-paced format, balancing quick-hit news updates with deeper discussion on the storylines most relevant to Arizona fans. Listeners can stream the episode on the 12Sports digital platforms, where previous shows remain available for on-demand playback.

Frankfurt, Germany – Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann used Thursday’s DFB press conference to explain his decision to omit three Eintracht Frankfurt players from the latest national squad and to voice personal support for recently dismissed Frankfurt coach Dino Toppmöller, his former assistant and “very good friend.” Fielding a question from Hessen broadcaster FFH roughly one third of the way through the briefing, Nagelsmann confirmed he had spoken individually with Robin Koch, Jonathan Burkardt, and rising star Nathaniel “Nene” Brown about their absence from the team sheet. While he declined to elaborate on Koch’s omission—widely linked to a dip in form—or on Burkardt’s, attributing the Mainz forward’s non-selection to a combination of injury rehabilitation and the strong recent performances of Stuttgart’s Deniz Undav, Nagelsmann offered an extended endorsement of Brown. “I’ve had relatively positive exchanges with all three players,” Nagelsmann said. “I explained to all of them the whys of their selection and non-selections.” Turning to Frankfurt’s turbulent season, the 36-year-old tactician praised the club’s willingness to embrace new tactical concepts under the incoming coaching staff. “Frankfurt haven’t had an easy season. They’re stabilizing a bit now. There’s a lot of new ideas from the new head coach,” he noted, before adding a warm tribute to Toppmöller, who was relieved of his duties earlier this month. “I found their previous head coach to be a very good one as well,” Nagelsmann continued. “He is a very good friend of mine. It’s always a shame when your friends lose their job.” Nagelsmann suggested that the coaching change should be viewed not as a verdict on quality but as a shift in philosophy. “Right now they are experimenting with different ideas. That doesn’t mean better or worse ideas, just different ones,” he said. “Players are playing in different positions, which I’m in favor of.” The Germany boss singled out Brown, 19, as the standout performer in an inconsistent Frankfurt side. “Nene is very fast, creative, and very composed on the ball. I think that Nene has delivered the most consistent performances of all Eintracht players,” Nagelsmann stated. “He does have strong competitors in the form of Maxi Mittelstädt and David Raum, but we expect a lot of him and his time will come soon.” While Nagelsmann stopped short of guaranteeing Brown an imminent call-up, his comments indicate the teenager is firmly on the German setup’s radar as the team prepares for upcoming international fixtures.

Columbia, Mo. — Kristen White’s hustle set the tone. The Alabama outfielder sprinted to first and slid safely under the tag on the opening day of the Crimson Tide’s three-game Southeastern Conference set at Missouri, a moment that underscored the visitors’ aggressive style despite limited familiarity with Taylor Stadium. Only four Alabama players—Larissa Preuitt, White, Marlie Giles and Abby Duchscherer—had previously competed in Columbia, making Friday’s 5 p.m. first pitch a learning experience for the rest of the roster. Head coach Patrick Murphy emphasized the challenge of SEC road play, noting that a brief Thursday-evening practice on the Tigers’ diamond would be his team’s lone chance to gauge sightlines and outfield hops before game action. “Anytime it’s SEC on the road, it’s going to be a big series,” Murphy said. “Only four girls have seen their field. So when we get up there Thursday night, you know, we get to practice on their field. So it’s not much, but it’s at least an opportunity to see it, feel it, see how the ball goes.” Alabama enters the weekend at 27-1 overall and 5-1 in league play, while Missouri carries a 14-16 mark and an 0-3 SEC record. All three contests will stream exclusively on SEC Network+, with Saturday’s start scheduled for 2 p.m. and Sunday’s series finale set for noon.

Columbia, Mo.—Less than a year after his last snap in Oxford, Austin Simmons has already secured the most coveted job on Missouri’s campus. Head coach Eliah Drinkwitz confirmed Tuesday that the redshirt-sophomore transfer from Ole Miss will open 2026 as the Tigers’ starting quarterback, ending a spring competition that began when Simmons arrived in January. The announcement marks the latest twist in a career that has moved at breakneck speed. A former top-ranked high-school passer, Simmons sat out 2023 as a redshirt, then appeared in nine games for the Rebels in 2024. When Jaxson Dart moved on, Simmons was anointed Ole Miss’ QB1 heading into 2025. An ankle injury in Week 2 sidelined him for multiple games, however, and backup Trinidad Chambliss seized the role, leaving Simmons to finish the year 45-of-75 for 744 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions across six appearances. Now healthy and immersed in Missouri’s system, Simmons has convinced coaches he can replicate the ball-security emphasis that Lane Kiffin preached at Ole Miss last August. “We continue to emphasize … taking care of the football at that position,” Kiffin said at the time, noting that discipline had fueled the Rebels’ recent success. Simmons will be expected to bring that same mindset to an SEC East program looking to rebound in 2026. While Simmons settles into his new starting role, Ole Miss continues re-tooling its quarterback room. Chambliss is set to return, joined by former five-star Auburn transfer Deuce Knight and Walker Howard, who previously played at UL-Lafayette. The Rebels open spring practice later this week under a retooled staff hoping to recreate the stability Simmons was once projected to provide. For Simmons, the focus is now on translating offseason reps into Saturday production—this time in black and gold.

Memphis (Tenn.) White Station edge rusher Antwan Jackson, a 6-foot-6, 225-pound rising senior, will arrive in Oxford this Friday for an unofficial visit with Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding and the Rebels staff, intensifying one of the offseason’s most closely watched SEC recruiting battles. Jackson’s breakout 2025 campaign—46 tackles, 13 for loss, 5.5 sacks, seven pressures, three forced fumbles and an interception—vaulted him into the national spotlight and onto the boards of every heavyweight in the region. What was once a quiet recruitment exploded this winter when Alabama, LSU, Georgia and Ole Miss all extended offers, placing the 2027 prospect inside the Top-30 at his position. The Crimson Tide, led by Kalen DeBoer, are currently surging; industry projections now list Alabama as the team to beat for Jackson’s eventual commitment. Jackson toured Tuscaloosa on a recent unofficial visit, and the staff’s pitch has clearly resonated. Still, Golding and the Rebels refuse to concede ground. Beyond Friday’s stopover, Ole Miss has locked in Jackson for an official visit June 5-7, giving the Rebels a second high-level opportunity to showcase Oxford’s gameday atmosphere and the program’s developmental track record along the defensive line. With LSU and Georgia also maintaining contact, Jackson’s recruitment is shaping up as a marquee spring and summer showdown—one that could swing the balance of defensive talent in the SEC when the fast-rising Tennessee native finally signs.

Wembley’s EFL Cup final could finish all-square, Wigan can tighten the survival screw on fellow strugglers Exeter and Juventus prodigy Kenan Yildiz is tipped to score at any time as The Racing Post’s James Milton delivers his weekend betting dossier. Milton’s headline selection is the draw in Sunday’s showpiece between Arsenal and Manchester City, priced 23-10 with Coral and Ladbrokes. Pep Guardiola took a conservative approach when the sides shared a 1-1 league stalemate at the Emirates in September, and with City still digesting a 5-1 aggregate Champions League exit to Real Madrid—compounded by Bernardo Silva’s early red card in the second leg—Guardiola may again favour pragmatism over adventure. Arsenal, meanwhile, laboured to narrow league wins over Chelsea, Brighton and Everton and were unconvincing in the first-leg draw with Bayer Leverkusen. Four of the last six meetings have finished level, and Milton believes the trend can continue for a 2-point wager. Saturday’s Premier League action sees Everton hosting Chelsea in the teatime slot. The Toffees, unbeaten in their previous two against Newcastle and Burnley, defended manfully for 88 minutes at Arsenal despite missing centre-backs Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski. Both could return, so Milton nicks Everton with the draw-no-bet safety net at 8-5 with BoyleSports, staking 1 point. In League One, Wigan and Exeter sit just a point above the drop zone, but form favours the Latics. Exeter have lost five of six since January 24, whereas Wigan have beaten promotion-chasing trios Luton, Huddersfield and Bradford to nil at the DW. Milton marks Wigan to win at 21-20 with Coral, Hills and Ladbrokes, putting 2 points on Shaun Maloney’s side. Juventus teenager Kenan Yildiz is the anytime goal banker. The Turkey international fired five shots on target in January’s 3-0 win at Sassuolo without scoring; back on home soil, where he has six goals from 42 attempts in his last ten league appearances, he is offered at 13-10 with Paddy Power for a 2-point strike. Milton’s other shouts include Oldham at 13-20, Athletic Bilbao at 23-20, Aston Villa at 4-6, Southampton at 8-11 and Watford at 8-11, all forming part of his weekend accumulator portfolio.

Flushing, N.Y.—The New York Mets hoped to ride the wave of baseball’s most notorious eating dare when they unveiled a ballpark version of the viral 9-9-9 challenge at Citi Field this week. Instead, the club has found itself on the receiving end of a full-count roasting from fans who say the promotion is more gimmick than gluttony. The original 9-9-9 gauntlet is straightforward: nine hot dogs, nine beers, nine innings. Streamers and in-stadium thrill-seekers have chased the feat for years, with former NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt polishing off his attempt in a brisk five-and-a-half frames last July. When the Mets teased their own packaged version ahead of Thursday’s 2026 season opener, social-media timelines filled with images of the offering—only to reveal what critics are calling “kids-meal” portions. Concession signage shows bite-sized franks and visibly smaller beer cups bundled into a single nine-and-nine box, prompting skeptics to question whether the club understands the spirit—or the stomach capacity—of the challenge. “The mini hot dogs and smaller beers are being marketed to the 12-and-under crowd, correct?” one fan posted. “No self-respecting adult would accept a 9-9-9 Challenge without regulation-sized beers and hot dogs.” Others worried about game-time logistics. “Warm beers and stale hot dogs… yum,” another commenter quipped, noting that anyone purchasing the entire allotment at once faces tepid refreshments by the middle innings. A different post suggested the Mets scrap the boxed set in favor of an inning-by-inning delivery system to keep the fare fresh. Despite the backlash, the promotion has generated buzz as the Mets look to turn the page on a 2025 season that fell short of expectations after the high-profile addition of Juan Soto. With oddsmakers listing them among the top World Series contenders—trailing only the Dodgers, Mariners, and Yankees—New York begins its 162-game slate on March 26. Whether fans will be raising miniature dogs—or torches—remains to be seen.

Anfield rediscovered its voice and, with it, Liverpool rediscovered something resembling their old selves. On a Champions League night stripped of away supporters, the ground still crackled, the players still surged, and for 90 minutes the uneasy compromise between Arne Slot’s measured blueprint and the club’s visceral past blurred into something far more familiar. The backdrop had been uneasy. Three days earlier a draw that felt like defeat to Tottenham was soundtracked by boos and the sight of thousands heading for the exits early. Slot, who had once insisted the crowd would embrace control if the football was right, admitted this week that “our fans will be like they always are, especially on European nights.” It sounded like a plea. From the first whistle against Galatasaray it was answered. The Kop roared, the team snapped into tackles, and the ball was funnelled forward at pace. Mohamed Salah, stationed centrally and far closer to goal than in recent weeks, slammed home a stunning opener, provided a sumptuous assist and still found time to rattle the woodwork and miss a penalty. By full-time he had registered seven attempts, six on target, 13 touches inside the opposition box and a performance that felt like a personal rebuke to the season’s earlier inertia. Florian Wirtz, liberated on the floating left, created more chances than any Liverpool player in a Champions League fixture since Opta records began, allowing Dominik Szoboszlai to orchestrate centrally while Cody Gakpo watched from the bench. Width came from full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, freeing the forwards to wreak havoc inside. The result was a breathless five-minute spell that yielded three goals – one disallowed – and a decibel level not heard on L4 since the days of heavy-metal football. Slot’s post-match demeanour was that of a man who had stumbled across a winning formula. The high press, the direct running, the refusal to sit on a lead: all hallmarks of the previous regime, all exactly what the crowd had craved. Whether this was a tactical epiphany or simply the perfect opponent remains to be seen, but the symbiosis between stands and pitch was unmistakable. The Dutchman now faces a quarter-final date with PSG, the side that eliminated Liverpool last season. If he is to avenge that exit he will need the same Anfield roar, the same intensity, the same identity. Wednesday night offered a tantalising reminder that when Liverpool marry urgency with quality, the outcome can still be thunderous. Anfield, it seems, still knows how to remind its team of who they are.

Alex Scott’s name is etched into European football folklore for one swing of her right boot. In second-half stoppage time of the 2006-07 UEFA Women’s Cup final first leg in Sweden, the Arsenal right-back carried the ball 30 yards and lashed a rising shot under the bar to defeat Swedish giants Umeå. A goalless second leg in north London delivered the trophy—the first continental crown ever won by an English women’s side. “That goal is stuff you can’t write,” Scott told The Athletic’s Full Time podcast this week. “To fly top corner, the whole team jumping on me, and to put my name down in history with the club … it’s special.” Yet the strike was only part of the story. Scott’s primary assignment across both legs was nullifying Umeå’s Brazilian superstar Marta, then FIFA World Player of the Year. “I was having sleepless nights,” Scott recalled. “How do you stop the best player in the world?” She answered her own question by keeping Marta scoreless over 180 minutes, a defensive performance she remembers as vividly as the goal that clinched silverware. Arsenal entered that final as underdogs. Training twice a week and still semi-professional, the squad coached by Vic Akers shocked the Swedish champions, then guided by Andrée Jeglertz—now leading a title-chasing Manchester City. On the bench for Arsenal was assistant Emma Hayes, whose tactical briefings helped convince Scott she could become “the best right back in the world.” Hayes later crossed London to build a dynasty at Chelsea, collecting 16 trophies but never the Champions League. Her 2021 final defeat to Barcelona remains the closest the Blues have come. “She left Arsenal to create her own magic,” Scott said. “A few ex-Arsenal players followed, and the rivalry has been there ever since.” That rivalry resumes next week when Chelsea and Arsenal meet in the 2025 Women’s Champions League quarter-finals. Arsenal, defending champions after upsetting Barcelona 1-0 in last season’s final, host the first leg at Emirates Stadium on 24 March before the return at Stamford Bridge eight days later. They remain the only English club to have lifted the trophy. Scott, now an ESPN presenter for live Champions League coverage on Disney+, will watch from the touchline rather than the back line. “To have won it and now present it—that’s stuff I haven’t wrapped my head around,” she said. Since 2016 she has helped normalise former women’s players in mainstream broadcasting, inspiring colleagues such as ex-teammate Karen Carney. From a fairytale strike in Sweden to fronting global television coverage, Scott’s journey mirrors the growth of the women’s game itself. “Ten years in, having presented World Cups and Euros, male and female, it’s still a pinch-me moment,” she said. The next chapter unfolds in north and west London over the next fortnight, with Scott’s voice guiding viewers through a rivalry she helped ignite.

Madison College’s Mitby Theater buzzed with more than pre-game energy Saturday morning as 41 local students in grades three through eight stepped onto the stage for a community spelling bee that put academics in the spotlight. The competition, styled as a “tailgate” event, served as an early-season celebration of learning ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers’ home opener at American Family Field. After several rounds of increasingly challenging words, Casey Barnhill clinched the title of star speller by correctly spelling “Ecuador,” earning applause from families, teachers and fellow contestants. Organizers said the tailgate theme was chosen to pair the excitement of sports season with a tribute to classroom achievement, underscoring that scholarly success merits the same community enthusiasm usually reserved for athletics. The event comes at a time when education advocates are calling for greater public support for academic programs. While the University of Wisconsin athletic department faces scrutiny over its football coaching contract—reportedly requiring more than $20 million to terminate—the spelling bee offered a reminder that taxpayer investment in young minds can yield victories measured in knowledge rather than scoreboards. With the Madison Public Market poised to open after decades of planning, local leaders hope collaborations like the tailgate spelling bee will continue to spotlight youth achievement and strengthen community pride beyond the playing field.

Liverpool and Manchester United are poised for a transfer tug-of-war over 19-year-old goalkeeper Kit Margetson, according to a Daily Mail report that has set North Wales buzzing. United scout Tony Coton, the man who recommended Senne Lammens to Old Trafford, was tracked in Flintshire last week watching Swansea City’s on-loan youngster during his spell with Connah’s Quay Nomads in the 2025/26 Cymru Premier campaign. Crystal Palace have also registered interest, but the presence of Coton on United’s behalf has intensified speculation that Margetson could soon be trading the Welsh top flight for the Premier League. The teenager, son of former Manchester City keeper Martyn Margetson, has come through the Swansea academy and is already a Wales age-group international. His performances for the Nomads have drawn admiring glances from Anfield and beyond, with Liverpool’s under-21 set-up—currently led by ex-Wales senior boss Rob Page—viewed as a potential next step. Page and Martyn Margetson share a long-standing connection, having first shared a Wales U21 dressing room in the early 1990s before later turning out together for Cardiff City. Although Margetson senior served as Wales’ goalkeeping coach, he was not part of Page’s national-team staff between 2020 and 2024. With two of English football’s most decorated clubs now circling, Margetson’s immediate future promises to be one of the winter window’s most intriguing sub-plots.

When the Saint Louis Billikens stepped onto the NCAA Tournament stage in 2026 for the first time since 2019, television screens lit up with more than just buzzer-beaters and bracket-busting drama. Viewers across the country found themselves asking the same question: “What exactly is that light-grey, blue-clad creature cheering on the Billikens?” The figure—equal parts impish charm and good-luck talisman—has represented Saint Louis University for more than a century, yet its backstory remains one of college sports’ quirkiest origin tales. The journey begins with the school’s 1910 and 1911 football squads. John Bender, SLU’s coach at the time, reportedly bore such a striking resemblance to a popular good-luck figurine called a Billiken that Charles McNamara, a law student and cartoonist, sketched the coach re-imagined as the sprite-like character. McNamara placed the drawing in a local drugstore window, and passers-by quickly dubbed the team “Bender’s Billikens.” The nickname stuck, migrating from the gridiron to every SLU sport. So what is a Billiken? In 1908, Missouri art teacher and illustrator Florence Pretz patented the design after, legend says, the figure appeared to her in a dream. Part Buddha, part elf, the Billiken was marketed nationwide as the “god of things as they ought to be.” Manufacturers cranked out Billiken dolls, marshmallow candies, metal banks, hatpins, pickle forks, belt buckles, auto-hood ornaments, even salt-and-pepper shakers. Ownership rules were simple: buy one for good luck, but receive one as a gift for even better fortune. Similar icons surfaced well beyond St. Louis. Alaska’s ivory carvers modeled “Happy Jack” figurines after an Inuit deity of prosperity, while Osaka, Japan, enshrined its own Billiken as a harbinger of good luck. Chinese folklore also features a comparable god of wealth, underscoring the symbol’s universal appeal. Today, Saint Louis’ modern mascot keeps the tradition alive: a light-grey Billiken sporting the university’s blue and white, rallying fans at Chaifetz Arena and, as of 2026, on college basketball’s biggest stage. Whether viewed as a troll, an elf, or simply a lucky charm, the Billiken endures as one of the most distinctive—and storied—nicknames in NCAA history.

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – March 18, 2026) – Jackpot Digital Inc. (TSXV: JJ) (OTCQB: JJPF) has officially launched its gaming technology at the Monte Carlo Gaming Lounge in Jamaica, marking the company’s latest expansion into the Caribbean market. The deployment, announced today, positions the Vancouver-based supplier inside one of the island’s most recognized gaming venues and represents a strategic milestone for the firm as it broadens its international footprint. The Monte Carlo Gaming Lounge, known for its upscale atmosphere and prime location, becomes the first Jamaican property to feature Jackpot Digital’s proprietary electronic table games. Patrons will now have access to the company’s signature multiplayer poker and progressive jackpot offerings, which are designed to deliver a fast-paced, social experience while maintaining regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Jake Kalpakian, CEO of Jackpot Digital, said the installation underscores the company’s commitment to growth in emerging markets. “Jamaica’s vibrant tourism sector and strong local gaming culture make it an ideal environment for our products,” Kalpakian noted in the release. “We are confident that our technology will enhance the Monte Carlo experience and drive incremental revenue for the property.” The rollout follows a series of recent installations throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, where electronic table games continue to gain traction among operators seeking lower labor costs and higher game velocity. Jackpot Digital’s platform is engineered for rapid deployment, allowing venues to convert under-utilized floor space into revenue-generating hubs within days. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but the company indicated that the Jamaican debut is expected to generate recurring service revenue and open additional opportunities across the region. Investors responded positively to the news, sending shares of Jackpot Digital up modestly in early trading on the TSX Venture Exchange. With the Monte Carlo Gaming Lounge now live, Jackpot Digital has set its sights on further Caribbean penetration, targeting properties in the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and Trinidad & Tobago for future installations.

The draw is official: Bayern Munich will meet Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, setting up a titanic clash between two of Europe’s most decorated clubs. Real Madrid, 15-time winners of the competition, advanced by ousting Manchester City 5-1 on aggregate, while Bayern swept Atalanta aside 10-2 over two legs, scoring six in Bergamo and four at home. Vincent Kompany’s side arrive in the last eight with momentum, having produced the kind of commanding aggregate scoreline that has become a hallmark of Bayern’s European pedigree. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have reaffirmed their perennial contender status with a statement victory over the English champions, and Vinícius Júnior has already stoked the flames by praising Bayern as one of Europe’s most in-form teams. Kompany labeled the tie “special,” promising a spectacle for supporters worldwide. With both clubs eyeing a path to the final, the quarterfinal pairing feels almost premature, yet it guarantees elite drama over 180 minutes of high-stakes football. May the best team advance.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Arkansas’ frontcourt depth, already considered a concern, may be tested further in the Razorbacks’ NCAA Tournament opener. The No. 4 seed Razorbacks (26-8) listed starting center Nick Pringle as questionable for Thursday’s first-round matchup against No. 13 Hawaii, according to an availability report released Wednesday night. Pringle did not take part in Arkansas’ open practice at the Moda Center, instead observing from the sideline with a sleeve covering his right leg. He performed light ball-handling work, collected rebounds and fed teammates during portions of the session visible to reporters. Should Pringle be unavailable, the burden inside will fall primarily on forwards Trevon Brazile and Malique Ewin, the only other frontcourt players who consistently log minutes. Freshman Elmir Dzafic, who has appeared in seven games this season, joined Brazile and Ewin during Wednesday’s practice. Pringle averages 4.6 points and 3.9 rebounds in 19 minutes per contest. His potential absence would be magnified against a Hawaii front line anchored by 7-foot center Isaac Johnson, the Big West Player of the Year, who posts 14.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Arkansas will also be without guard Karter Knox, who remains out after undergoing meniscus surgery in mid-February.

WEST UNION, W.Va. — Experience is shaping up as the early storyline for the 2026 Doddridge County baseball team. The Bulldogs will bring back a wealth of familiar faces, and the roster will be bolstered further by the return of a key player who sat out the entire 2025 campaign. That combination of seasoned veterans and a healthy reinforcement has heightened expectations inside the program as preseason workouts intensify. Doddridge County’s coaching staff believes the continuity developed over previous seasons will translate into sharper defense, more consistent at-bats, and a deeper pitching staff. With so many positions anchored by upper-class athletes who have logged significant innings, the Bulldogs are aiming to turn last year’s lessons into this year’s victories. The reintegration of the previously injured player adds another layer of promise. His presence is expected to strengthen both the lineup and the clubhouse dynamic, giving the Bulldogs additional flexibility when constructing batting orders and defensive alignments. As the team opens fall practice sessions, the prevailing mood is unmistakable: optimism is high on the ridge, and Doddridge County is eager to channel its collective experience into a competitive 2026 season.

Las Vegas entered the 2026 league year determined to escape the AFC West cellar, and the Raiders’ front office wasted no time writing some of the biggest checks of free agency. While additions of linebackers Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker plus wide receiver Jalen Nailor drew modest applause, the transaction that has the NFL buzzing is the three-year, $81 million pact—$60 million guaranteed—handed to former Baltimore standout center Tyler Linderbaum. The deal instantly reset the market at a position that rarely sees headline-grabbing numbers. Linderbaum’s $27 million average annual value eclipses the previous high-water mark held by Kansas City’s Creed Humphrey by roughly $9 million a season, a leap that has many cap analysts shaking their heads. Ethan Woodie of NFL Trade Rumors labeled the contract one of the six worst bargains struck in the opening wave of free agency. “As the cap grows over time and the league makes more and more money, player contracts get larger. That’s not a surprise,” Woodie wrote. “But Linderbaum making $27 million a year is still an absurd jump for the center position. Were the Raiders forced to pay him that much to make sure he didn’t sign elsewhere? That’s possible, even likely, but while the Raiders can afford a bloated contract on their books right now, that doesn’t make it a good one.” Las Vegas clearly saw an on-field problem that needed fixing. Jordan Meredith, the team’s primary center in 2025, graded 32nd out of 40 qualifiers by Pro Football Focus. Linderbaum, who logged more than 1,000 snaps last season, posted an 80.2 mark—good for fifth best at the position. The Raiders are gambling that the upgrade will ripple across an offensive line that struggled to protect and create lanes for a moribund rushing attack. Yet the structure of the contract leaves little margin for error. With two-thirds of the total value guaranteed, Linderbaum must not only stay healthy but also deliver All-Pro production to justify the outlay. Critics contend that sinking premium dollars into a non-premium position could hamstring the club’s ability to address gaping needs elsewhere on the roster. For a franchise coming off a tie for the league’s worst record, bold moves were expected. Whether this particular gamble accelerates the rebuild or becomes an albatross will be one of the dominant storylines surrounding the Silver and Black in the seasons ahead.

Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady will return to the field this Saturday when he captains the Founders FFC squad in the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. PST, with national coverage beginning at 4 p.m. EST on FOX Sports, FOX One, and Tubi, and a simultaneous stream available on Fanatics’ YouTube channel. Brady, who officially retired from the NFL in February 2023 after a brief 2022 un-retirement with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, headlines a star-studded exhibition that also features Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts as his fellow Founders FFC captain. Opposing them will be the Wildcats FFC, led by Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Washington Commanders rookie Jayden Daniels, as well as the U.S. men’s national flag football team. Fanatics founder and CEO Michael Rubin stoked speculation about Brady’s future during a Wednesday appearance on FS1’s First Things First, telling host Nick Wright that the 48-year-old remains “at an elite level.” Rubin declined to speak for Brady regarding a potential run at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics but noted, “I see him practice. He’s been sending me videos. He’s still at an elite level. He’s in great shape.” Saturday’s four-and-a-half-hour broadcast window will give fans their first live look at Brady in competitive action since he walked away as the league’s all-time passing leader, offering an early gauge of whether the greatest quarterback of all time still holds that title—even on a flag football field.

By [Staff Writer] Lake Forest, Ill. – The Chicago Bears continued their offseason raid on familiar NFC North faces Wednesday, agreeing to terms on a one-year contract with former Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle James Lynch. The move reunites the 2020 fourth-round pick with the division he once called home and gives the Bears another experienced body along an interior line that has seen heavy turnover. Lynch, 28, arrives after two seasons in Tennessee in which he appeared in all 34 regular-season games for the Titans, logging 45 tackles and 1.5 sacks while playing roughly 30 percent of the defensive snaps. His durability in Nashville marked a stark contrast to his injury-marred tenure in Minnesota, where knee and ankle issues limited him to 37 games and three starts across three-and-a-half seasons. “He’s a depth piece who knows the division and has shown he can stay on the field,” an NFC North scout said. “If Chicago doesn’t double-dip at tackle in the draft, Lynch has a real shot to stick.” Indeed, Lynch’s roster fate may hinge on how aggressively general manager Ryan Poles addresses the position later this month. The Bears have already added veterans Kentavius Street and Neville Gallimore this spring, and the room currently lists Lynch alongside returning second-year pro Zacch Pickens and 2024 starter Andrew Billings. One or two early-to-mid-round draft picks could push Lynch to the bubble of the 53-man roster—or even the practice squad. For Minnesota, the signing is the latest reminder that rival clubs have mined the Vikings’ recent past for depth. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, tight end Tyler Conklin and edge rusher D.J. Wonnum all joined the Detroit Lions within the past week, while center Garrett Bradbury was shipped to Chicago via trade earlier this offseason. Lynch will now face his original organization twice in 2026 as part of a Bears defense retooling under head coach Ben Johnson. Drafted 130th overall by then-Vikings GM Rick Spielman, Lynch never blossomed into the three-technique disruptor Minnesota envisioned, managing only 53 tackles and two sacks in purple. His Pro Football Focus grade bottomed out at 53.0 last fall, reinforcing the perception that his value lies in rotational reps rather than starter-level impact. Still, the Bears see upside in a 6-foot-4, 295-pound lineman who has proved he can absorb double-teams and hold the point of attack. “Many Bears fans would prefer to have a starting-caliber defensive tackle join the team,” Bear Goggles On analyst Anthony Miller noted, “but Lynch at least gives Chicago more depth at a position that saw multiple players leave.” Lynch will turn 28 during the 2027 playoffs, placing him in the prime window for a defensive lineman whose game relies on technique and leverage. If he survives August cuts, the former Baylor standout will bring 61 career games—including three postseason appearances—to a Bears front that ranked 25th against the run a year ago. Training camp opens in late July, and the battle for the final interior spots figures to be one of Chicago’s most competitive. For Lynch, the stakes are simple: prove the best days of a once-injury-riddled career are still ahead, or risk becoming a footnote in another team’s rebuild.

Oklahoma State’s softball squad is set to open a Big 12 conference series on its home field this weekend, welcoming BYU for a three-game set. The Cowgirls will look to capitalize on the familiar surroundings of the Cowgirl Stadium as they continue league play. The series marks the first meeting between the two programs in Stillwater since BYU joined the conference, adding a fresh layer of intrigue to the matchup. Oklahoma State enters the weekend aiming to build momentum within the Big 12 standings, while the Cougars hope to secure a pivotal road victory. First pitch for the opening game is scheduled for Friday evening, with a doubleheader slated for Saturday afternoon. Both teams are expected to lean heavily on their pitching staffs to navigate the condensed schedule. Cowgirl Stadium is anticipated to draw a lively crowd for the conference clash, with OSU athletic officials encouraging fans to arrive early and wear orange to create a unified home-field advantage.

Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis – Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad, known throughout draft circles as DB23, used the NFL Scouting Combine as a springboard to reinforce his rising stock, clocking a 4.42-second 40-yard dash and drawing formal attention from a handful of clubs, among them the Buffalo Bills. Speaking with NFL Draft OnSI’s Justin Melo, Muhammad confirmed he sat down with Buffalo’s decision-makers during the week-long evaluation period. “I met with the New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills,” he said while rattling off a list of visits that also included the Falcons, Cowboys, Commanders and Panthers. “Those are off the top of my head.” The 6-foot, 180-pound cover man logged 41 games for the Longhorns, finishing his collegiate career with 97 tackles, 16 passes defensed and three interceptions. His 2025 senior tape featured personal bests in interceptions (2), tackles for loss (2.5) and sacks (1), while Pro Football Focus charted a stingy 57.8 passer rating when quarterbacks tested him. Although Muhammad believes his natural home is on the outside—“I’m an outside cornerback. There’s no doubt about that,” he asserted—he stressed that versatility is part of the package. “Teams see that I can play every position in the defensive backfield, though. I can play corner, nickel, and sometimes I can even play the deep side of the field as a safety.” That Swiss-army skill set meshes with the vision new Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard has outlined for an odd-front scheme that prizes “positionless” athletes. Buffalo parted ways with nickel Taron Johnson and boundary corner Dane Jackson this offseason, leaving a clear path for a rookie to compete for snaps behind recently signed veteran Dee Alford. With the draft roughly one month away, Muhammad’s itinerary remains busy: a two-day visit to Dallas is on the docket, and a second virtual meeting with Carolina is scheduled. Yet after turning heads in Indianapolis, the Texas product has already left an impression on a Bills secondary in transition.

STATE COLLEGE — Penn State’s 2026 Pro Day drew a larger crowd of prospects and scouts than a year ago, as 20 Nittany Lions took over Holuba Hall for four hours of measurements, drills and position work. Eight more athletes participated than in 2025, and the afternoon delivered a familiar blend of soaring moments and disappointing hiccups as the NFL Draft inches closer. Quarterback Drew Allar commanded the largest gallery of evaluators. Working with receivers Kyron Hudson, Trebor Pena, Devonte Ross and Liam Clifford, plus running back Kaytron Allen, Allar flashed the arm strength that has kept him in early-round conversations. He layered short and intermediate throws with confidence, hitting Hudson on a highlight-reel sideline fade that ended with a toe-tapping catch. Deep accuracy remained inconsistent; two long shots to Pena and Ross sailed beyond reach. Allar, who broke his ankle against Northwestern last October and is currently rated QB5 by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., said the script was designed to show pro-style concepts. “My game plan was to showcase play-action from under center, driving the ball and putting it in tight windows you see on Sundays,” Allar said. “I feel good about the variety we put on tape.” Defensive back Jaylen Wheatley, fresh off February’s NFL Scouting Combine, skipped only the bench press and proceeded to top all Nittany Lions with a 6.89-second 3-cone and a 4.11-second pro shuttle, tying receiver Trebor Pena for the fastest shuttle time. Wheatley is listed as the No. 8 safety in Kiper’s positional rankings and viewed the workout as validation of his short-area burst. Guard Diego Ioane, Penn State’s lone first-round projection, elected to test only in position drills. The 6-4, 320-pound mauler showed quick feet and violent punch in one-on-ones, rebounding from a middling combine that saw him finish 33rd among linemen in the broad jump (8-8) and 19th in the vertical (31.50). “Knowing I put my best foot forward feels good,” Ioane said. Specialists seized the spotlight early. Punters Gabe Nwosu and Riley Thompson each launched balls beyond 60 yards and pinned directional kicks inside the numbers. Long snapper Tyler Duzansky snapped with rifle-like speed and pressed 20 bench-press reps, fifth-best among his teammates. “Once the first punt leaves your foot, it feels like you’re home again,” Thompson said. Not every Nittany Lion left satisfied. Center Nick Dawkins, a two-year captain, clocked a 5.16-second 40 and admitted lingering injuries hampered change-of-direction work. “I really wish I could have shown more athleticism,” Dawkins said. “You train for months and it doesn’t come together—disappointing.” Tackle Nolan Rucci recorded a 4.87-second pro shuttle he called “a little frustrating,” while receiver Devonte Ross dropped two potential catches during Allar’s session. “I’ve got to finish those,” Ross said. Receiver Kyron Hudson shrugged off average testing numbers, saying, “I’m blessed to be here; a lot of people dream of this chance.” With private visits on the horizon for several prospects, Penn State’s 2026 Pro Day offered another data point in an under-the-microscope draft cycle. For some, the afternoon cemented rising stock; for others, it provided a harsh reminder of how slim the margin is when every rep counts.

T.Y. Hilton, the former Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys wide receiver, has officially ended his 11-year NFL career, announcing his retirement Wednesday with heartfelt messages to the two franchises that defined his professional journey. Selected 92nd overall by the Colts in the 2012 NFL Draft, Hilton quickly emerged as one of the league’s most explosive playmakers. His breakout arrived in 2014, when he recorded 1,345 receiving yards and seven touchdowns—numbers that earned the first of four consecutive Pro Bowl nods. Two seasons later, Hilton led the NFL with a career-best 1,448 receiving yards, cementing his reputation as one of the game’s premier deep threats. Across five separate campaigns, he surpassed the 1,000-yard mark. While his yardage totals dipped after 2018, Hilton remained a valued contributor in Indianapolis through 2021. He closed his playing days in 2022, suiting up for three games with the Dallas Cowboys and tallying 121 yards. “After an incredible journey, it’s time for me to retire from the game of football and begin a new chapter,” Hilton wrote in his retirement statement. He reserved special gratitude for the Colts organization, singling out late owner Jim Irsay. “Thank you to Mr. Irsay, his family and the entire Colts organization for believing in a kid from Miami and giving me the opportunity to live out,” Hilton said. He also acknowledged his lone season in Dallas: “I also want to thank the Cowboys organization for giving me the opportunity to continue playing the game I love.” Hilton, 36, concluded his message by thanking fans, teammates, family, and friends, signing off with the declaration, “Forever a Colt.” His retirement adds to a growing list of Pro Bowl veterans stepping away this offseason, including former Colts cornerback Xavien Howard and six-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay.

TAMPA — When the NFL’s negotiating window opened in March, many around One Buc Place expected fireworks at edge rusher. Instead, the Buccaneers lit a carefully placed series of camp-fire style signings, a method that has drawn a B grade from Pro Football Focus in its comprehensive audit of every team’s 2026 free-agency haul. PFF’s evaluation slots Tampa Bay in the middle of the league-wide pack, praising the franchise for avoiding the first-wave sticker shock that has crippled cap sheets in recent seasons. League analysts note that the richest deals signed within the first 48 hours of free agency historically return the least value per dollar, a pitfall the Bucs largely sidestepped. Rather than courting a marquee pass rusher, general manager Jason Licht pivoted to a value-first script. The club re-upped tight end Cade Otton, imported linebacker Alex Anzalone—lauded by PFF for his diagnostic skills in coverage—and paired second-year back Bucky Irving with veteran Kenneth Gainwell after the departure of Rachaad White to Washington. Perhaps the most eye-catching addition is former Detroit edge defender Al-Quadin Muhammad, whose 11-sack 2025 campaign came at a comparatively modest $6 million price tag. The restrained approach did not escape critique. PFF’s report highlights that Tampa Bay still lacks a proven, top-tier edge presence, a void that has persisted despite multiple draft investments. That unresolved need prevented the grade from climbing into the A range. Still, the site commends the organization for preserving future flexibility and targeting scheme-specific fits. With the draft and additional cap maneuvering ahead, the Buccaneers retain avenues to further bolster their pass rush. For now, the B mark reflects a front office that prioritized fiscal discipline and roster depth over splashy headlines—an outcome that, while perhaps underwhelming to fans craving an instant difference-maker, positions the team to continue building sustainably.

Baton Rouge, La. – LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson has been named to the 2024-25 U.S. Basketball Writers Association All-America Third Team, the organization announced Tuesday, giving the Tigers a national award-winner to anchor their NCAA Tournament push inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The distinction is the second in as many seasons for the 5-foot-10 junior from Savannah, Ga., who becomes only the second player in program history to earn back-to-back USBWA Third-Team nods. Johnson heads into postseason play averaging 13.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game while scoring in double figures in 24 of 32 contests. Johnson’s relentless two-way effort has helped propel seventh-ranked LSU to 27 wins and a closing 7-0 surge through Southeastern Conference competition that included a 70-65 statement victory over then-No. 2 Texas on Jan. 11. She was a unanimous All-SEC First Team selection for the second straight year and eclipsed the 2,000-career-point threshold during the SEC Tournament against Oklahoma, joining an elite club that features Joyce Walker, Seimone Augustus, Julie Gross, Cornelia Gayden and Sylvia Fowles. Head coach Kim Mulkey praised Johnson’s tireless work ethic on Senior Night, calling her “one of the hardest workers I’ve ever coached.” “Can you imagine telling a kid who loves to work to put the ball down?” Mulkey said. “That’s what I’ve had to do with Flau’jae. It’s become routine for her to be in the gym in the wee hours of the morning.” The Tigers (27-4) will open NCAA Tournament play Friday as the No. 2 seed in the Baton Rouge regional, hosting No. 15 Jacksonville. A win would advance LSU to Sunday’s second-round matchup against the winner of No. 7 Texas Tech and No. 10 Villanova, with both games set for the PMAC. Tip times will be announced later this week.

The brackets are set, the buzz is building, and office printers across the country are warming up for their annual workout. With the 2026 NCAA Tournament fields now public for both men and women, commissioners everywhere have roughly 72 hours to transform casual fans into pool-participating zealots. CBS Sports has streamlined the process, offering free, customizable bracket games on CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports app that can be launched in minutes and scale from a handful of friends to an entire company. Men’s first-round action tips Thursday; the women’s chase for the trophy begins Friday. Duke sits atop the men’s bracket as the No. 1 overall seed, while undefeated UConn heads the women’s draw—two programs sure to dominate pick percentages in every office pool. Commissioners can capitalize on that popularity by creating separate men’s and women’s pools or running a combined competition. Setting up a men’s pool requires a single visit to the Create Men’s Bracket Pool page. Commissioners name the group, decide between an invite-only or open format, confirm scoring rules, and receive a shareable link. The workflow is identical for the women’s tournament, starting instead at the Create Women’s Bracket Pool page. Both versions support unlimited entries, real-time scoring updates, and mobile push notifications, eliminating the traditional spreadsheet headache. Prize hunters can aim higher. The CBS Sports Bracket Challenge awards trips to the 2027 Final Fours in both divisions. Men’s entrants click Join Now after Sunday’s selection show, fill out a bracket, and lock it before Thursday’s opening tip. Women’s hopefuls follow the same path following the Monday-night reveal. Existing pool brackets can be imported into the national contest with one click, sparing players from duplicate data entry. Duke enters as the men’s favorite after cruising through the ACC. Freshman star Cameron Boozer averages 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds and headlines a roster that reached last season’s Final Four. Houston, the South Region’s No. 2 seed, brings an eight-tournament streak and elite freshman Kingston Flemings (16.4 ppg) as a popular dark-horse pick. On the women’s side, 34-0 UConn targets back-to-back titles behind the high-scoring duo of Sarah Strong (18.5 ppg) and Azzi Fudd (17.7 ppg). Vanderbilt, 24-3 and fifth in the AP poll, offers upset potential with sophomore Mikayla Blakes pouring in 25.9 points per night.

Paul Kealy has mapped out a Newcastle Placepot permutation designed to attack tonight’s £50,000 Tote guarantee, and while the card is competitive from start to finish, he believes two stand-out bankers give players a solid spine around which to build. Leg 1 – 5.25 The opener is the definition of a puzzle, yet Kealy is willing to forgive Prince Achille a below-par effort on Southwell’s fibresand last time; prior to that the gelding had been holding his own in stronger Newcastle handicaps. Dingwall is paired in the same line, having produced a string of solid recent efforts and expected to run right to his mark once again. Leg 2 – 6.00 Form is thin on the ground for the six-runner maiden, so Kealy turns to the 50-1 debut revelation Minnie Idol, who split the highly-touted first and second last time. With the winner since going on to land a handicap, that form looks solid rather than flukey. Farandaway, a proven performer in this grade, is added for safety. Leg 3 – 6.30 Quality jumps markedly in the seven-furlong handicap, and Kealy is happy to side with market leader Fast Track Harry as a single. The gelding’s second in a hot York handicap last spring still reads well, and a decisive Lingfield win on his latest start suggests the operation has re-ignited his enthusiasm. Leg 4 – 7.00 Inishbeg is nominated as the most likely tricast glue. Beaten at Redcar last time, the Gosden runner-up has franked the form by winning again and is now rated 96 – a figure Kealy doubts will be matched by anything in tonight’s field. Leg 5 – 7.30 With only seven declared, Kealy nevertheless sees an argument for every runner and opts for a two-pronged attack: Blue Lakota, proven at the track, and Emerald Harmony, whom he feels is smartly treated on debut for a powerful stable. Leg 6 – 8.00 The finale is described as “a proper minefield”, so Kealy wheels in four contenders – I Can Boogy, Spirit Of Bowland, Starshot and Yorkstone – to ensure the permutation stays alive until the line. Kealy’s final perm therefore reads: • Leg 1 – Prince Achille, Dingwall • Leg 2 – Minnie Idol, Farandaway • Leg 3 – Fast Track Harry (banker) • Leg 4 – Inishbeg (banker) • Leg 5 – Blue Lakota, Emerald Harmony • Leg 6 – I Can Boogie, Spirit Of Bowland, Starshot, Yorkstone With the Tote pledging a £50,000 pool regardless of turnout, the value is already baked in, and Kealy’s selective approach offers both coverage and a puncher’s chance of landing a healthy return for a modest outlay.

PITTSBURGH — When the Steelers swapped a late sixth-round compensatory pick for a seventh-rounder to acquire wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. on the first day of the legal tampering window, they viewed it as a low-risk, high-reward maneuver aimed at adding a physical presence to their offense. At 6-foot-4, Pittman brings a frame that dwarfs the 6-foot blueprint of franchise legend Hines Ward, yet the two share a reputation for combat-catch toughness and a willingness to punish defenders as blockers. Pittman, who has drawn steady comparisons to Ward throughout his career, welcomed the parallel during an exclusive interview with the team. “I’ve actually got that a lot, especially early in my career,” Pittman said. “Talking about the blocking aspect, because that’s something that I take pride in: going out there and blocking and just that physicality. So, that’s like the ultimate compliment, I think, because he was a great player and everything that he’s done here, so I hope to continue to do that, and I hope that Steelers fans can see that same intensity that he had in the way I play.” The USC product’s willingness to engage at the line of scrimmage was a prerequisite for Pittsburgh’s front office. The Steelers intend to re-establish a ground-and-pound identity, using the run to set up play-action opportunities. Pittman’s blocking acumen, coupled with that of fellow receiver Ben Skowronek and tight end Darnell Washington, aligns with that philosophy. While Pittman is expected to contribute immediately as a complementary target, his ability to win one-on-one matchups on the perimeter could become critical. Opponents have shown a tendency to double-team standout wideout DK Metcalf, freeing space for secondary options. Pittman’s size and catch radius make him a viable candidate to exploit those looks. Pittsburgh is still anticipated to add another wide receiver in the first round of the draft—either by trading up or selecting at No. 21—to inject youth and speed into a veteran room. Additional tight-end help, whether through free agency or the draft, is also on the radar. If Pittman can channel even a fraction of Ward’s intensity, the Steelers believe they have found more than a depth piece—they may have landed a tone-setter capable of jump-starting an offense eager to return to Steelers-style football.

Santa Clara, Calif. – The NFL’s 2026 regular-season lid-lifter will be unlike any in league history, with the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams slated to face off at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on the league’s Thursday Night Football stage in Week 1. While the game will kick off on a Friday evening local time because of the 18-hour time difference, it marks the first time an NFL regular-season contest has been played in Australia. The matchup, long rumored after the league announced the 49ers and Rams as its Australia designees, locks the two NFC West powers into a 16,000-mile round-trip journey that league schedulers hope will showcase the sport in a burgeoning market. The 49ers, coming off a playoff appearance, will have little time to acclimate: under the standard calendar—three preseason games followed by a week off before Week 1—they will fly home immediately after the game and begin preparation for an as-yet-undisclosed Week 2 opponent. Compounding the challenge, the Seattle Seahawks are expected to open their season on the preceding Wednesday, granting Pete Carroll’s club an extra day of recovery before its first contest. The competitive imbalance has not gone unnoticed within the 49ers’ facility. General manager John Lynch, speaking at the NFL Combine, acknowledged the grind ahead and pledged additional resources to manage travel fatigue, though he stopped short of specifying what form that support will take. San Francisco already faces a taxing slate: a second international fixture in Mexico later in the year plus a coast-to-coast U.S. road schedule. With last season’s player-survey ratings flagging the organization’s training staff and facilities among the league’s worst, the urgency to secure a Week 1 victory—jet lag and all—has become paramount. “Every year the schedule gets more demanding,” one team source said. “If the league is prioritizing revenue over competitive balance, this Australia trip could be the tipping point.” For now, the 49ers and Rams will ready themselves for a historic kickoff, knowing that a win half a world away could set the tone not only for their season but for the NFL’s global ambitions.

Jacksonville, FL — When Young Money APAA Sports founder Lil Wayne maps out the first contract extension for client Travis Hunter, he already has a blueprint in mind: Shohei Ohtani’s record-setting baseball megadeal. Speaking on the Not Just Football with Cam Heyward podcast, the rapper-turned-agent said conversations inside his camp intensified the day the Los Angeles Dodgers locked up baseball’s two-way superstar for 10 years and $700 million. “The day Shohei Ohtani signed, we had a huge conversation,” Wayne explained. “You see how they paid him and why they paid him… Make sure they don’t need an explanation when they pay you as well.” The parallel is obvious to Wayne. Taken second overall by the Jaguars after a Heisman-winning 2024 season at Colorado, Hunter arrived with the promise of revolutionizing Sundays the way Ohtani has transformed baseball. A stress-shortened rookie year—seven games, 28 receptions for 298 yards and one touchdown on offense, 15 tackles and three pass deflections on defense—did little to dent that belief inside Young Money headquarters. “That’s his whole thing,” Wayne said of Hunter’s insistence on remaining a true two-way player. “It’s not a battle for him… That’s his nature… It is so natural to him.” Jacksonville’s coaching staff is reportedly leaning toward featuring Hunter primarily on defense in 2025, hoping to limit wear and keep the 6-foot-1 playmaker on the field for 17 games. Wayne, however, remains convinced the wide-receiver/cornerback can still impact both phases at a premium level, and he intends to negotiate accordingly. Ohtani’s contract is structured around dual value: elite starting pitcher and middle-order slugger. No NFL player has ever secured a deal explicitly tied to production on opposite sides of the ball, but Wayne believes Hunter could force the league to rethink precedent. The agent’s message to his client is simple: let the tape speak loudly enough that no one questions the number on the check. Health will be the wild card. Hunter’s rookie injury was non-contact, yet it served as a reminder of how quickly a two-way experiment can unravel in a sport defined by collisions. Still, Wayne, who calls Hunter a “generational two-way talent,” is betting the former Buff can author the kind of season that makes an Ohtani-style payday feel inevitable rather than debatable. If Hunter answers the bell, Jacksonville’s front office could face an unprecedented dilemma: pay one player as both a top-end receiver and a lock-down corner? Only time—and production—will tell whether the Jaguars write that check without asking for an explanation.

Michael Fabiano, fantasy football analyst for Sports Illustrated, has released his first set of 2026 wide receiver rankings since a flurry of trades and free-agent signings reshaped the position. Among the most notable shifts: Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson has re-entered Fabiano’s top-10 tier. The movement comes after a pair of blockbuster trades sent shockwaves through fantasy boards. The Buffalo Bills acquired DJ Moore, while Jaylen Waddle was dealt to Denver, altering the projected target share—and thus the fantasy outlook—for more than ten wide receivers across the league. Additional departures, including Mike Evans, Romeo Doubs, Wan’Dale Robinson and Michael Pittman Jr., further scrambled depth charts and redraft values for both the players involved and their former teammates. Fabiano, whose weekly rankings and Start ’Em, Sit ’Em columns are staples for fantasy managers, emphasized that these rankings will be updated frequently throughout the offseason. Jefferson’s rebound into the top 10 underscores Fabiano’s confidence that the Vikings’ offense will remain a high-volume passing attack despite the league-wide shake-up. A Fantasy Sports Writers Association Hall of Fame inductee, Fabiano also co-hosts the Fantasy Dirt Podcast on SI and contributes to Westwood One Radio. His initial 2026 board sets the early market for drafts still months away, giving dynasty and redraft players a baseline as they monitor training-camp buzz and preseason usage.

Los Angeles — Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady has all but closed the door on pulling on a Team USA jersey when flag football makes its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, telling Good Morning America that suiting up is “probably unlikely” while quickly adding his trademark caveat: “I would never say never.” The 46-year-old, now three seasons removed from his last NFL snap and entrenched in broadcasting and business ventures, has served as a global ambassador for the sport’s rapid growth. Still, he conceded that competing on the Olympic stage is “a different beast” and believes the spotlight should belong to the next generation. “I think for these young guys, it’s good for them to do it,” Brady said. “If I ever wanted to come in in an advisory role, as a coach, something like that, that’s probably better suited for me. But I’ll let the young Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen get out there and try to win a gold medal for the U.S.” Brady’s schedule is already crowded. He cited his Fox broadcast duties, his stake in the Raiders franchise and “different projects” as priorities that would make a competitive comeback difficult. Yet the buzz around this weekend’s Fanatics Flag Football Classic—where Brady will join Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Myles Garrett, Rob Gronkowski and others in a round-robin tournament—has reignited the question. One of the three teams competing is the United States Men’s National Flag Football Team, the core of which could ultimately represent the country in 2028. How many current NFL stars will challenge for those roster spots remains an open competition. “You never know what’s going to happen, and I think the lead-up to this game has got me a little excited,” Brady admitted, “but I love my Fox job. I love doing my broadcasts. There’s a big commitment to that. I love the NFL. I love the Raiders.” Flag football, along with baseball, softball, lacrosse, squash and cricket, was added to the Olympic program for Los Angeles. The tournament will feature six-team men’s and women’s fields, all vying for the first medals ever awarded in the discipline. For now, Brady appears content to watch from the sideline—or the broadcast booth—while leaving the faintest crack in the door should the competitive itch return.

Tampa Bay’s offseason rumor mill is spinning at full tilt, and the latest Bucs Report three-round projection lands two impact defenders and a versatile offensive lineman who could reshape the depth chart as rookies. With their second-round pick, the Buccaneers are forecast to select Olaivavega Ioane, a 6-foot-3 mauler viewed league-wide as a Day 2 swing guard. Evaluators praise his controlled aggression and raw power, noting that while technique still needs polish, his frame and mentality fit multiple schemes. Ioane is expected to compete immediately for a starting role but, at worst, supplies durable depth at both guard spots. If development goes to plan, scouts believe he can anchor the interior for the better part of a decade and cash in on multiple contracts thanks to his positional flexibility. Tampa Bay doubles down on defense in the third round, nabbing Hill, a downhill linebacker whose instincts popped on tape—most notably in a primetime showdown with Oklahoma. Hill’s quick diagnosis, explosive gap shooting, and momentum-swinging tackles project him as a core special-teamer and sub-package contributor from Week 1. The mock wraps up by sending Height—an edge rusher with rare coverage chops—to the Bucs later in the third. Height logged productive pass-rush numbers while also dropping into coverage, a dual skill set that has NFL scouts intrigued. The pre-draft checklist is clear: add 10-15 pounds through a pro strength program and shore up tackling consistency. If the weight comes and technique sharpens, Height profiles as a 400-500-snap rotational piece as a rookie with starter upside by Year 3. The risk lies in physical development; the reward is a versatile chess piece who can rush, cover, and special-team his way onto the field. All three selections address immediate depth concerns while offering developmental ceilings, a formula Tampa Bay hopes will keep the championship window propped open well into the latter half of the decade.

CHARLOTTESVILLE — When Virginia’s pro day rolled into the McCue Center on Tuesday, the loudest statement came from the weight room, where defensive tackle Jahmeer Carter cranked out 31 bench-press reps, a total that turned heads among scouts and teammates alike. Carter, a six-year fixture along the Cavaliers’ defensive line, has long carried the reputation of a “bull in the weight room,” according to program insiders. On Tuesday he converted that strength into measurable numbers, discussing the 31-rep performance moments after racking the bar and before moving into the rest of his on-field workout. While wide receiver Cam Ross sprinted through 40-yard-dash attempts and quarterback Beau Pribula threw passes in his first official work as a Cavalier, Carter’s early-morning lift established the benchmark for the day. His effort set an energetic tone that carried through position drills and testing segments, reinforcing the veteran’s role as a tone-setter even as he eyes the next level. Virginia’s pro day served as the first public look at the 2025 roster’s athletic capabilities and provided outgoing seniors a final platform to impress professional scouts. Carter, ever the anchor, ensured the session began with a show of strength. SEO keywords:

Oklahoma City—Texas A&M’s rebuilt roster will make its NCAA-tournament bow Thursday evening when the No. 10-seed Aggies meet No. 7 Saint Mary’s at 6:35 p.m. CT in the South Region’s opening round, the programs’ first clash since 1995 and only the third in series history. First-year head coach Bucky McMillan—who arrived in College Station after guiding Samford to the Big Dance—has just one holdover from last season’s 23-11 squad that reached the Round of 32. His current group finished 11-7 in SEC play and will look to shake off a conference-tournament defeat with a March surge. Across the court, Randy Bennett brings a quarter-century of experience and 12 NCAA appearances to the Gaels, who went 27-5 (16-2 WCC) but saw their league-tournament run halted by eventual No. 10 seed Santa Clara. Bennett’s roster, paced by a trio of double-digit scorers, prefers a deliberate tempo, averages 78.2 points per game, and ranks among the nation’s most efficient units—46.1 percent from the floor, 38.9 percent beyond the arc, and 80.5 percent at the line. truTV’s broadcast team of Brandon Gaudin, Chris Webber, and Andy Katz will have the call; Andrew Monaco and John Thornton describe the action on radio. The winner advances to Saturday’s Round of 32, hoping to parlay momentum from a fresh start after both teams ended their league tournaments on losing notes.

Istanbul – The Iranian women’s national football squad touched down in eastern Turkiye on Wednesday, completing the final leg of a journey that began in Australia and will end at the Iranian border, the AFP news agency reported. After landing in Istanbul on Tuesday evening aboard a flight from Oman, the players boarded a domestic service to Igdir, an eastern Turkish city that sits barely 100 kilometres northwest of the Gurbulak-Bazargan frontier crossing with Iran. Wearing Iranian national-team tracksuits, the squad left Igdir airport shortly after midday and headed straight for the border post, according to an AFP correspondent on the scene. The group had travelled from Australia via Malaysia and Oman, having competed in the Women’s Asian Cup. While in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, one player told AFP: “I am missing my family.” Their return comes after seven members of the delegation sought asylum in Australia last week, a move that followed Iranian media branding some players “traitors” for refusing to sing the national anthem before their opening match of the tournament. Two of the seven ultimately remained in Australia; the other five reversed their asylum bids and re-joined the squad for the trip home. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf praised the returning athletes in a post on X, calling them “children of the homeland” and saying their decision to come back “disappointed the enemies [of Iran] and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements.” Rights groups have long alleged that Tehran pressures athletes abroad by threatening to confiscate relatives’ property if players defect or criticise the government. Iranian officials, for their part, have accused Australian authorities of pressuring the players to stay. The squad is expected to cross into Iran later on Wednesday.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — David Cutcliffe, who guided programs at Mississippi and Duke and served as an assistant at Tennessee, is stepping away from the sport after four decades, retiring from his role as the Southeastern Conference’s special assistant to the commissioner for football relations. The 68-year-old Cutcliffe had spent the past two seasons in the league office, acting as a liaison between the conference and its football coaches while advising on policy, scheduling, and officiating matters. His departure marks the close of a career that began in 1982 and included head-coaching stops in Oxford from 1998-2004 and in Durham from 2007-2021, along with two separate tenures on Rocky Top as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Cutcliffe informed commissioner Greg Sankey of his decision earlier this week. No interim replacement has been named.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — On a campus tucked between Music Row and mid-rise dorms, Vanderbilt athletics is humming at a volume its fans have not heard in decades. The Commodores closed the fall with the finest football season in school history, quarterbacked by the Heisman Trophy runner-up, and now the university’s men’s and women’s basketball teams are dancing into March with matching surges of momentum. For the Southeastern Conference’s smallest and only private institution, the timing feels like a convergence of patience and planning. Athletic director Candice Storey Lee’s coaching hires—Clark Lea for football, Shea Ralph for women’s basketball and Mark Byington for men’s basketball—have all reached high-water marks within the same academic year, creating a rare synergy across programs. “There’s so much synergy and just a great chemistry with all the athletic programs here,” Byington said. “We cheer so hard for each other and we have each other’s back and we know what each other’s going through and we share success.” Byington, hired three days after leading No. 12 seed James Madison to a first-round NCAA upset last spring, has wasted no time resurrecting Vanderbilt’s men’s fortunes. His 16th-ranked Commodores are 26-8, equaling the most wins in program history set by the 1992-93 and 2007-08 teams. Seeded fifth in the South Region—the program’s highest since 2012—Vanderbilt opens Thursday in Oklahoma City against McNeese State. The roster overhaul has been dramatic. Byington brought in 11 newcomers this season, including sixth-year transfer guard Duke Miles, whose 30-point eruption in the SEC quarterfinals showcased the backcourt firepower he supplies alongside AP All-SEC selection Tyler Tanner. A year ago the team watched the selection show wondering if its name would be called; this year the invite was never in doubt. “It’s just a huge testament to the coaching staff and Coach Byington for making this team and this program a tournament team,” said Tanner, a Nashville-area sophomore. “I know for some years there was no hope there.” While Byington’s rebuild has been swift, Ralph’s has been methodical. Arriving in 2021 after a pandemic-shortened eight-game season, she inherited a program that had missed nine straight NCAA Tournaments. In her fifth season the Commodores are 27-4, setting a school record for regular-season victories, and earned a No. 2 seed in the Fort Worth Region 1—their highest since 2007. Vanderbilt will host first- and second-round games in Memorial Gym for the first time since 2012. “She’s built it from the ground up, step by step, brick by brick,” said senior forward Sacha Washington, who has spent her entire career under Ralph. Sophomore guard Mikayla Blakes, the nation’s leading scorer at 27.0 points per game and the only returning starter from last season, embodies Ralph’s vision. The coach preaches delayed gratification, noting the value of perseverance when progress lags behind ambition. “If it were easy, lots of other people would be doing it,” Ralph said. “It’s not. But the people that I have have committed to it, and you’re getting to see the results now.” Facility upgrades have underpinned the rise. The Vandy United campaign funded the new Huber Center, which houses dedicated practice courts, locker rooms and meeting space for both basketball programs steps from Memorial Gym. Ralph credits the resources—leadership, people and infrastructure—for making Vanderbilt an easy place to stay and build. The women open Saturday night against No. 15 seed High Point, with a potential path that includes familiar faces: top overall seed UConn is led by Geno Auriemma, Ralph’s former coach and boss. Yet the focus remains squarely on the next possession, the next game, the next step toward the program’s first Sweet 16 since 2009 and a Final Four return that has eluded Vanderbilt since 1993. Across both programs, the Commodores have transformed from afterthoughts to contenders, feeding off each other’s success. Football’s breakthrough autumn set the tone; basketball’s winter carried it forward. Together they have delivered the most promising spring Vanderbilt athletics has seen in a generation.

LONDON — Three years after arriving at Stamford Bridge as the most expensive player in British football history, Enzo Fernández has refused to guarantee he will remain at Chelsea beyond this season, casting fresh doubt over the club’s ability to keep one of its few genuine world-class talents. Speaking in the aftermath of Chelsea’s record aggregate defeat in a two-legged European knockout tie, the 25-year-old Argentine World Cup winner offered a non-committal “we’ll see” when pressed on whether he would still be wearing blue next season. The midfielder, who has surpassed 150 appearances since his £106.8 million move from Benfica in January 2023, had previously celebrated a goal by pointing to the Stamford Bridge turf in a gesture interpreted as a long-term pledge to the club. That symbolism now feels distant. “I don’t know,” Fernández told ESPN Argentina when asked to guarantee his continued presence. “Right now I’m focused on here, then there’s the World Cup and we’ll see.” His equivocation arrives at a fragile moment for the west-London side. Although Chelsea ended last campaign with the Club World Cup, the current season is spiralling: European elimination arrived via a chastening loss to Paris Saint-Germain, and domestic form offers little comfort with only eight Premier League fixtures remaining. “We have to congratulate PSG, they were much better than us,” Fernández admitted. “Since I arrived at Chelsea, situations like this have happened. It’s time to support my teammates. We can turn this situation around; there are eight Premier League games left and we need to qualify for the next Champions League, which is what we want. And we want to win the FA Cup, that’s what we’ll fight for. It’s a title, and we play football to win.” Yet even as he spoke of salvaging European qualification and a cup run, the midfielder’s longer-term gaze appeared to drift elsewhere. Persistent links to Real Madrid and PSG have never fully subsided, and both clubs possess the financial muscle to meet a nine-figure valuation should Chelsea entertain offers. Equally pressing, Chelsea’s ownership may need to generate major sales to satisfy financial regulations, especially if the team miss out on Champions League revenue for a second consecutive season. A marquee departure could balance the books while signalling a reluctant acceptance that the much-vaunted “project” has stalled. For now, Fernández insists his concentration is fixed on the immediate run-in. Beyond that, the answer is as blunt as it is ominous for Chelsea supporters: “We’ll see.”

Eberechi Eze’s first Champions League strike for Arsenal was not merely a goal; it was a statement of arrival, a distillation of everything the club hoped for when they lured their boyhood supporter to north London last summer. In the 63rd minute of a breathless last-16 second-leg against Bayer Leverkusen, the 27-year-old produced a moment of outrageous audacity that turned a night of mounting frustration into one of unbridled Emirates euphoria. Collecting Leandro Trossard’s firm pass on the edge of the D, Eze dinked the ball into the air with his left foot, pirouetted past a sliding challenge, and in one fluid arc cracked a right-footed volley past the previously unbeatable Janis Blaswich. The net rippled, the stadium gasped, and William Saliba’s open-mouthed celebration in the technical area told the story: this was special even by Arsenal’s recent standards of wonder goals. It was a strike that felt pre-ordained. Since rejoining the club he supported as a child, Eze had shown flashes of his trademark springtime bloom – most memorably in derby skirmishes against Tottenham – yet consistency against other opponents had remained elusive. Mikel Arteta admitted the adaptation to Arsenal’s high-octane structure had “needed time, space, understanding and learning,” a process that included December and January spells on the bench. Those months of patience crystallised in one balletic explosion. Eze’s finish was both ice-cool and white-hot, a goal that doubled the Gunners’ aggregate advantage and effectively sealed a quarter-final berth. The midfielder milked the acclaim with arms-outstretched nonchalance, yet the relief inside the ground was palpable: Arsenal had peppered Leverkusen’s goal with a season-high tally of shots on target, but Blaswich’s defiance demanded genius rather than graft. Arteta labelled it “a magical moment,” the clearest evidence yet of the idiosyncratic flair Arsenal craved. The Spaniard has spent months tweaking Eze’s positioning – sometimes as a roaming No. 10, sometimes deeper, sometimes pushed tight to the striker – searching for the alchemy that would marry individual brilliance to collective intensity. Tuesday night suggested the experiment is clicking. Eze has now logged more minutes than in any previous campaign, and the rhythm shows: he was inches from a second sensational goal moments after his first, denied only by a last-ditch block. Crucially, the maverick matched the flash with diligence. He pressed relentlessly, linked fluently with Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard, and regained possession six times. Arteta was quick to highlight that diligence: “Without that, you have no chance to play in this team. Everybody does it, and that’s why we’re so consistent.” The manager’s satisfaction was mirrored across the squad. Rice doubled the advantage with a curling 20-yard pearl that kissed the inside of the post, capping a dominant display that followed Saturday’s Max Dowman-inspired rout of Everton. Three hurdles in eight days – Everton, Leverkusen, Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City – have now been cleared with style and swagger. Inside the Emirates, the mood has shifted. A club sometimes accused of over-thinking is suddenly playing with freedom, buoyed by a local hero who has turned boyhood dreams into Champions League reality. Outside, the wider football community may debate whether Arsenal are entitled to such exuberance, but inside the camp the focus is fixed on the trophies within reach. For Eze, the journey from fan in the stands to headline act has reached its first crescendo. If spring remains his season, Arsenal will believe the best is yet to come.

Sacramento State football officially opened its spring practice, ushering in a new era under first-year head coach Alonzo Carter. The Hornets’ initial workouts signal the start of preparations for their inaugural campaign in the Mid-American Conference, a move that marks the program’s debut in the FBS ranks. With Carter at the helm, the squad will use the 15 allotted spring sessions to install schemes, evaluate personnel, and lay the groundwork for the challenges that await in the MAC this fall.

Manhattan, Kansas — The image of Lance Leipold trudging off the Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium turf last Oct. 26, shoulders slumped after another loss to in-state rival Kansas State, has become the snapshot of a program stuck in neutral. On that day the Jayhawks fell to 5-7 for a second straight season, extending a bowl-less stretch that began after their 9-4 breakthrough and Guaranteed Rate Bowl triumph three years ago. With spring drills on the horizon, national books are already casting their verdict on whether KU can escape the rut. FanDuel Sportsbook opened Kansas’ 2026 win total at 5.5, installing the over at –154 and the under at +126. The implied probability tilts slightly toward six victories—enough, perhaps, for bowl eligibility—yet the modest line places KU in the bottom half of the reconfigured Big 12, alongside Cincinnati, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, UCF and West Virginia. Only Colorado sits lower at 4.5. The projection reflects both recent history and an uncertain future. Longtime starting quarterback Jalon Daniels has exited, taking 35 career touchdowns and a cult-hero status with him. Several veteran defenders and key special-teamers have also graduated or transferred, leaving Leipold to restock a roster that lost five one-score games in 2024. The recurring theme: Kansas matched up statistically with most opponents but faltered in fourth-quarter execution on both sides of the ball. Sophomore Isaiah Marshall is expected to take the first-team reps this spring, with newly rehired offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki tasked with recapturing the explosive rhythm that defined KU’s attack during its nine-win campaign. Kotelnicki returned to Lawrence after a brief stint at Penn State, reuniting with Leipold for a second tour. Until the Jayhawks prove they can flip the script in tight games, oddsmakers see 5.5 wins as the fair median. A swing of two or three possessions could vault Kansas to seven or eight victories and into the postseason mix—or deliver a third consecutive year on the outside looking in. Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook and current as of publication. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available at 1-800-GAMBLER.

Boston College head coach Greg Brown wants the Eagles to skate like predators, not pugilists, when they face UConn in Friday’s 7 p.m. Hockey East semifinal at TD Garden. After watching his team bulldoze Maine 5-0 in last weekend’s quarterfinal, Brown is convinced that controlled aggression—not reckless hitting—will decide whether BC’s season advances another step. “That has to be part of the equation,” Brown said following Tuesday’s practice. “We’re never going to be like a run-you-out-of-the-building physical team, but you still have to be physical, especially in the playoffs. It means you’re skating. It means you’re hunting.” Brown’s definition of “hunting” is systematic: pressure the puck, eliminate outlets on the back check, turn mistakes into quick offense. The coach believes the mindset accelerates every phase—forecheck, breakout, transition—without sacrificing positional discipline. BC struck that balance against Maine, jumping on the Black Bears early and never relenting. Senior captain Brady Berard embodied the approach. The fourth-line forward’s presence alone tilted ice, forcing Maine into rushed decisions and visible hesitation. “Frankly, Maine looked scared when Berard was on the ice,” one observer noted, and the ripple effect undercut the Black Bears’ structure for sixty minutes. Brown praised the leadership group for resisting the temptation to reinvent itself for the postseason. “We didn’t have to change our game that much,” he said. “We just had to execute it at a little bit higher of a level.” That conviction, he hopes, travels down Commonwealth Avenue to the Garden on Friday. With tournament survival on the line, the Eagles expect the same hunt-from-every-line mentality against a UConn squad that has already proven it can end seasons. Brown’s message is simple: be first to the puck, finish every check within the system, and let the scoreboard reflect the pursuit.

In a sensational reversal, Morocco has been declared the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations champion after Confederation of African Football appeals judges overturned Senegal’s victory in the January final. The CAF appeals board ruled that Senegal is “declared to have forfeited the” contest, effectively stripping the Teranga Lions of the continental crown they believed they had secured on the field. The decision thrusts Morocco into the spotlight as the new title-holder and sets the stage for a protracted legal battle, with Senegalese officials immediately confirming their intention to appeal the ruling.

Manchester – Real Madrid marched into the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium, sealing a commanding 5-1 aggregate triumph over Manchester City. Vinícius Júnior struck either side of Erling Haaland’s close-range reply, converting a first-half penalty and tapping home in stoppage time to underline Madrid’s supremacy on the night and in the tie. 1. Would Real Madrid make it 36 times in a row progressing from a 3-0 first leg lead? History said yes, and history repeated itself. Los Blancos have now protected a first-leg advantage of three or more goals on 37 occasions without ever being eliminated. Álvaro Arbeloa’s men not only preserved that immaculate record but dominated the Premier League champions even after Bernardo Silva’s red card for handball left City a man short. The result also meant Arbeloa became the first Madrid coach to win each of his first four knockout ties in the competition, sending morale soaring ahead of a likely quarter-final date with Bayern Munich. Fran García, pressed into duty with Álvaro Carreras and Ferland Mendy unavailable, struggled at left-back, losing every tackle and duel and inviting two City penalty appeals. Yet the night offered a bright spot in goal: Andriy Lunin replaced Thibaut Courtois at the interval and produced three sharp saves, reminding supporters of his capabilities should the Belgian’s injury linger. Kylian Mbappé, declared fit on Monday, appeared for 21 minutes as a structured cameo rather than a rescue mission and picked up a soft yellow for time-wasting. 2. Is Álvaro Arbeloa to credit for Vinícius Júnior’s revival? The numbers speak loudly. Vinícius has nine goals in 15 matches under Arbeloa, two more than he managed in 33 games beneath predecessor Xabi Alonso. His ice-cool spot-kick, just days after missing one against Elche, and his predatory finish in the 93rd minute showcased a striker reborn. With Mbappé hovering on the edge of the box late on, it was the Brazilian who gambled on the six-yard burst, a tell-tale sign of confidence restored. Dean Huijsen, emblematic of Madrid’s rollercoaster campaign, looked every inch the elite prospect Europe fought to sign. The centre-back completed 94% of his passes, recorded 10 clearances and won both ground duels, second only to Arda Güler for forward-zone accuracy. Alongside Antonio Rüdiger, he repelled City’s star-studded attack and offered a glimpse of sustained excellence. 3. What awaits in the last eight? Almost certainly Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga leaders crushed Atalanta 6-1 in Bergamo and average 3.6 goals per domestic match this term. Their only league-stage defeat came at Arsenal, and they have lost just twice in all competitions. A potential goalkeeper crisis for the Bavarians offers a sliver of hope, yet the heavyweight clash is precisely the sort of occasion on which Madrid have thrived this spring.

The NFL’s most enigmatic offseason storyline has returned: what will Aaron Rodgers do next? At 42, the four-time MVP is once again staring at a career fork in the road—return to the Pittsburgh Steelers, entertain overtures from a new franchise, or walk away from football after 21 seasons. Rodgers’ 2025 campaign in Pittsburgh restored a measure of his vintage mystique. Steering the Steelers to an AFC North crown, he supplied the steadiness and schematic command that have defined his résumé. Yet the calendar is unforgiving; durability questions shadow every throw, and the organization must balance short-term contention against the long-term architecture of the quarterback room. Inside the Steelers’ facility, the sentiment is clear: his leadership translated into victories. A second season in black-and-gold remains plausible if both sides agree the chemistry is worth extending. Still, Pittsburgh’s brain trust has to project life beyond the immediate horizon, weighing whether a bridge year with Rodgers accelerates or delays the search for a franchise successor. Outside the confluence of three rivers, a handful of quarterback-needy clubs are expected to monitor Rodgers’ deliberations. Contending rosters in search of a final piece could view the veteran as a stabilizing force capable of raising the competitive floor without a multi-year commitment. The market will hinge on how front offices value a short-term ceiling versus the risk of allocating cap space to a passer entering his age-43 season. Retirement, however, is not a token option. Rodgers has long cultivated interests in media, business, and entrepreneurial circles, and those pursuits gain momentum with each passing offseason. Friends close to the quarterback describe an annual reflective cycle—an honest audit of mind, body, and motivation—before he determines whether to re-enter the competitive fray. Legacy, of course, is secure. A Super Bowl XLV title with Green Bay headlines a cache that includes four MVP trophies and a regular-season passer rating that ranks among the elite. A detour to the New York Jets ended abruptly in 2023 when a torn Achilles truncated his debut after four snaps, but he rebounded to play in 2024 before landing in Pittsburgh. Now, as free-agency negotiations loom and draft boards crystallize, Rodgers’ choice will ripple across quarterback markets, coaching staffs, and fan bases league-wide. Whether he opts for a 22nd season, a new zip code, or a broadcast booth, the decision will shape the 2026 competitive landscape and etch the final chapter of a first-ballot Hall of Fame career.

Racing Post Sport’s resident football analyst James Milton has identified his standout wager from Wednesday’s Champions League programme, and it centres on the Anfield return leg between Liverpool and Galatasaray. The Turkish champions have already proved themselves the scourge of Merseyside this term, recording 1-0 wins over Arne Slot’s side in both the league phase and the first leg of this last-16 tie. Despite holding that advantage, Galatasaray are still available at 2-1 to progress, yet Milton believes they will again make life awkward for the Reds. Liverpool arrive at the contest on the back of a frustrating 1-1 Premier League draw with Tottenham on Sunday, a result that saw them squander Dominik Szoboszlai’s early free-kick opener. That setback underlined a recent trend: while Liverpool have been free-scoring domestically, their European performances have been markedly tighter. Milton’s 10-11 (1.91) recommendation is under 3.5 goals, a line that has landed in eight of Galatasaray’s 11 Champions League outings this season, including their 2-0 defeat at Manchester City in January. Liverpool, meanwhile, have kept four clean sheets in their last five European fixtures, edging past both Real Madrid and Inter by the same 1-0 scoreline. With Galatasaray showing little inclination to throw caution to the wind and Liverpool’s continental rearguard improving, the prospect of another controlled, low-scoring affair appears the most likely narrative at Anfield.

Kelowna, B.C. – The city’s oldest rugby organization, the Kelowna Crows Rugby Football Club, has opened its 2026 campaign with two senior sides perched atop their respective tables and genuine title aspirations in their sights. Both the men’s and women’s Division 2 squads enter the season in first place and are targeting championship silverware. The push begins in earnest on March 21 at Rutland Recreation Park, where the club will host a triple-header. The women’s Division 2 side kicks off the day at 11:15 a.m., followed by the men’s Division 3 team at 12:45 p.m. and the men’s Division 2 outfit at 1:30 p.m. Established in 1969, the Crows carry the distinction of being the longest-running rugby club in the B.C. Interior and have built a tradition of deep playoff runs across multiple British Columbia Rugby divisions. Beyond senior competition, the club is expanding its grassroots footprint. The annual Mini and Flag rugby programs launch April 12 and continue every Sunday through June 7. Mini sessions cater to children aged 3-8, while Flag Rugby welcomes participants aged 9-12. All instruction is provided by volunteers—current Crows players, junior athletes from local middle and high schools, and alumni eager to grow the game. “This is a great way to learn rugby skills in a safe and non-contact learning environment,” said club spokesperson Aaron Sangster. “All profits go to the junior program, making Rugby more accessible to all kids in the community by reducing costs.” With seasoned veterans leading the charge for championships and a new generation introduced to the sport each spring, the Kelowna Crows are reinforcing their legacy as both a competitive and community cornerstone.