Football News

Seattle, WA — The Seattle Seahawks are turning to a familiar division rival for their next offensive architect, agreeing to hire San Francisco 49ers tight ends coach Brian Fleury as offensive coordinator, The Athletic confirmed Sunday. Fleury will replace Klint Kubiak, who departed last week to become head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. Fleury, 39, has spent the past six seasons with the 49ers, arriving in 2019 as a defensive assistant before shifting to the offensive side of the ball in 2020. Over the last four seasons he has coached San Francisco’s tight ends while also absorbing the nuances of Kyle Shanahan’s wide-zone attack—an approach that mirrors the scheme Seattle installed under Kubiak this past season. The 49ers added “run game coordinator” to Fleury’s title in 2025, underscoring his growing influence within their offense. Seattle’s decision comes after an exhaustive internal search. Head coach Mike Macdonald and general manager John Schneider interviewed four in-house candidates—run game coordinator Justin Outten, passing game coordinator Jake Peetz, quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko and tight ends coach Mack Brown—before pivoting to Fleury. Janocko is now expected to join Kubiak in Las Vegas as the Raiders’ offensive coordinator. The Seahawks are betting that Fleury’s institutional knowledge of the 49ers’ system will allow the offense to pick up where Kubiak left off. Under Kubiak, Seattle finished third in the NFL in points per game and 10th in points per drive, according to TruMedia, while posting an 18th-place finish in EPA per play. A mid-season lull gave way to a late surge that saw the Seahawks average 2.72 points per drive in the playoffs—trailing only the regular-season leading Los Angeles Rams (2.78) and just ahead of the Indianapolis Colts (2.67). Equally important, Kubiak provided the Seahawks with a clear identity after years of mid-season drift. The offense leaned heavily on under-center formations out of 12 and 21 personnel, anchored by a wide-zone rushing attack that powered running back Ken Walker III to the best stretch of his career. Walker, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, is scheduled to become a free agent in March, as is wide receiver Rashid Shaheed. The rest of Seattle’s core—quarterback, starting offensive line and primary pass-catchers—remains under contract through 2026, setting the stage for continuity if Fleury opts to retain the existing scheme. Macdonald, a defensive-minded coach, is now on his third offensive coordinator in as many seasons. He hired Ryan Grubb from the University of Washington in 2024, dismissed him after one year, then promoted Kubiak—only to see the 36-year-old accept the Raiders’ head-coaching job. Fleury’s arrival signals Seattle’s desire to maintain schematic stability while integrating fresh voices from within the NFC West. Fleury’s first task will be preserving the run-heavy identity that propelled the Seahawks into January football. If he succeeds, Seattle believes it can finally break the cycle of late-season offensive regression that has dogged the franchise since the latter stages of the Russell Wilson era.

Jon Wilner’s weekly college-football mailbag confirms what many observers suspected: the 2026 season’s opening weekend will be underwhelming on the national stage. While marquee matchups are scarce from coast to coast, the West Coast slate offers enough intrigue to keep regional interest alive. Fans hoping for an instant jolt of excitement will have to wait until Week 2, when the schedule is expected to gain momentum. The column also touches on lingering questions about revenue distribution between the Pac-12 and Mountain West, a topic that continues to simmer as both conferences navigate an evolving media and playoff landscape. Answers, and perhaps more debate, are promised in future installments.

Austin, TX — With 202 days remaining until the Texas Longhorns tee it up for the 2026 season, the clock inside the Moncrief-Neuhaus Athletic Center is ticking louder than ever. Steve Sarkisian’s program has come agonizingly close to the College Football Playoff’s top tier in two of the past three years, and fans have labeled 2026 the “all-in” campaign. A 12-team bracket only raises the degree of difficulty, yet inside the Forty Acres the belief is clear: if three boxes are checked, the Longhorns could be hoisting a trophy in Las Vegas 344 days from now. 1. Jump-start the Ground Game Texas finished 2025 averaging 4.2 yards per rush—84th nationally. Move that number to 5.0 and the Longhorns crack the top 30, territory where champions live. Offensive line tweaks designed to keep Arch Manning upright may limit early-season cohesion, but the backfield talent is undeniable. Raleek Brown posted 6.1 yards a carry last fall; Hollywood Smothers checked in at 5.9. The staff does not need a vintage, wear-you-down attack—modern offenses win with chunk plays. If Brown, Smothers and company can rip an explosive gain every five or six hand-offs while hovering around 4.8-5.0 yards per carry, opposing safeties will be forced to cheat up, opening the vertical game Manning is built to exploit. 2. Keep the Linebackers Upright Will Muschamp’s defense already owns elite bookends—Colin Simmons headlines a ferocious pass rush, the interior line is two-deep across four spots, and the secondary features lock-down corners plus All-SEC safety Jelani McDonald. The lone question mark is linebacker health. Ty’Anthony Smith and Rasheem Biles project as one of the SEC’s premier duos, yet an injury to either would press unproven talent—Justin Cryer, Brad Spence, Tyler Atkinson and Markus Boswell—into critical snaps before they’re ready. If the training staff can keep Smith and Biles on the field, the Longhorns possess the schematic versatility and athleticism to throttle spread attacks and physical run games alike. 3. Maintain Special Teams Excellence Mason Shipley and Jack Bouwmeester cured years of kicking calamity in 2025; Ryan Niblett blossomed into one of the nation’s most electric punt returners. The 2026 unit doesn’t need to improve—it merely has to match that standard. Memphis transfer Gianni Spetic brings a bigger leg (4-for-5 from 50-plus last season), and Florida State punter Mac Chuimento’s 44-yard average nearly mirrors Bouwmeester’s 44.5. Niblett is back, with speedsters like Raleek Brown and Jermaine Bishop Jr. eyeing kick-return duties. Net result: hidden yards that flip fields and tighten the margin for error in a 12-team playoff bracket where one bounce can end a title dream. Sarkisian has recruited, developed and transferred his roster into championship shape. Now it’s about execution. Hit 5.0 a carry, keep the second level healthy, and match last year’s special-teams efficiency—do that, and the Longhorns may finally turn the page from playoff participant to national champion under the bright lights of Las Vegas.

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. — The Los Angeles Rams quietly added another layer to their defensive brain trust on Sunday, reaching into the collegiate ranks to secure former Syracuse defensive coordinator Robert Wright as a defensive assistant, the team’s second defensive-side addition of the offseason. News of the move was first reported by College Football Insider Pete Thamel, who noted that Wright arrives with coordinator experience at both Syracuse and Buffalo. In his debut season with the Orange, Wright helped orchestrate a 10-3 campaign that included a marquee upset of then-No. 6 Miami. A longtime disciple of Mike Elko, Wright has also made coaching stops at Duke and Texas A&M, bringing a spread of schemes forged in some of college football’s most competitive environments. Wright’s hiring continues head coach Sean McVay’s well-documented pattern of mining the college game for coaching talent. Since taking over in 2017, McVay has repeatedly plucked assistants from the NCAA ranks, a strategy he defended earlier this month when discussing the Rams’ prior hire of defensive backs coach Michael Hunter. “There are great coaches everywhere,” McVay said. “Whether it’s little league, high school, college, or professional, our job is to identify them. We’ve had some fortunate examples of getting exposure to special people through different connections that have really worked out.” McVay pointed to current staffers such as pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase (Iowa State) and special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone as proof that collegiate backgrounds can translate seamlessly to the NFL level. The Rams’ coaching search process, McVay emphasized, is rooted in due diligence and long-term cohesion rather than quick fixes. “You don’t want to rush it,” he said. “The cohesiveness and staff continuity is so freaking important to me. Who you bring in and their makeup is vital because we’ve got a bunch of high-character guys that push each other in the right ways. It just takes one miss to mess up those dynamics.” Wright will now be tasked with integrating into a defense that underwent significant retooling a year ago. While his exact role within defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s unit has yet to be detailed, his track record of elevating college units suggests the Rams see schematic upside and teaching acumen worth investing in. The transaction also underscores the organization’s commitment to blending veteran NFL minds with fresh collegiate perspectives, a balance McVay believes is critical as the league’s tactical landscape continues to evolve. With organized team activities still months away, Wright will have ample time to acclimate to the pro game and begin implementing the principles that made his Syracuse defense one of the nation’s most opportunistic. Los Angeles finished last season middle-of-the-pack in takeaways; if Wright’s collegiate success carries over, expect an emphasis on creating turnovers and situational discipline once training camp opens this summer.

Punters looking to capitalise on Monday night football can follow Jack Ogalbe’s fourfold, which is priced at 9-1 with bet365. The carefully selected accumulator offers a solid return for those willing to back the expert’s choices across the evening’s fixtures. With the action unfolding on February 16, the bet provides an attractive option for midweek wagering without the need for extensive research. Ogalbe’s four-leg acca has been constructed to balance value and probability, combining selections that collectively boost the odds to the headline 9-1 mark. Bettors who place their stake with bet365 will lock in the advertised price, ensuring any returns are calculated at the stated multiple should all four results land. The operator’s terms apply, and customers are advised to confirm the bet details before finalising their slips. Monday’s schedule may not carry the glamour of weekend programmes, but the accumulator approach allows followers to stay engaged while chasing a healthy payout. With kick-offs staggered through the evening, each leg of the fourfold will be settled in sequence, adding tension and potential profit as the night progresses.

SEATTLE — The confetti had barely settled on Fourth Avenue before the question started ricocheting from Maple Valley to Capitol Hill: if the Seahawks’ 29-13 demolition of the New England Patriots really delivered a second Lombardi Trophy, what does it now mean to carry the 12-flag? For 40-plus years the answer was simple: expect the trapdoor. Comedian and Federal Way native Brian Nickerson built an act on that fatalism, turning near-misses into punch lines and warning that “the audacity to believe is just such an insane idea” in a market where the 2001 Mariners’ 116-win masterpiece was rewarded with two decades of October exile and the 1994 Sonics became the first No. 1 seed to drown in the opening round. Then came Wednesday’s cloudless February parade, where punter Michael Dickson launched souvenirs into a sun-lit canyon of 12s, cornerback Devon Witherspoon cradled strangers’ babies for photos, and an estimated million people belted “SEA-HAWKS” until skyscraper windows rattled. Edmonds resident Darlene Miller, Seahawks earrings swinging beside her UW-purple jacket, watched the trophy ceremony with her son Michael—whose years-long health battles made the moment “special”—and pronounced the old cynicism officially on notice. Vince Dingfelder, owner of Dingfelder’s Delicatessen, stood outside Lumen Field in a No. 12 jersey and summarized the civic dividend: “You can pick apart the NFL, but when you have a championship team what that means for small businesses, for neighbors, for the city—it’s priceless.” Actor Rainn Wilson, Bellevue-raised, framed the triumph in regional terms on social media, recalling a 1970s Seattle that “had Boeing, salmon, logs and moss” before the Seahawks arrived. “A Super Bowl championship is not just for the city; it’s for the whole Pacific Northwest. It puts us on the world stage and we did it—both times—with the best defense.” That defense, younger than any in the league, hung 17 opponent helmets like scalps in the meeting room and ground the Patriots into “boring,” brutal submission. The result doesn’t merely balance the heartbreak ledger; it rewrites the data set Nickerson once cited. His own Wikipedia entry—long tagged with the line about “disappointing performance of many Seattle teams”—now merits an update, he jokes, after a title run that felt almost predestined rather than miraculous. Maple Valley’s Brandon Bogart brought his wife and daughter to the parade and admitted the old anxiety is “kind of changing. I hope the Mariners can get there next. I hope the Kraken can continue their success.” Hope, not dread, is the new default. Yes, the Storm still own four WNBA titles, the Sounders remain the only MLS club to collect every North American trophy, and the 1979 Sonics banner still hangs. But the Seahawks’ second crown reframes the covenant: Seattle fans will still pay the emotional toll, still climb light poles after playoff wins, still wear Griffey, Edgar, Beast Mode, Sue Bird and Ichiro nostalgia on their sleeves—only now they do so believing another parade is possible, not improbable. In the wake of a dominant February on Fourth Avenue, being a Seattle sports fan means you’re hardened by history, buoyed by the present, and—perhaps for the first time—unafraid to look down, because the trapdoor finally feels welded shut.

Daytona Beach, FL — Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua began his duties as Honorary Race Official at the 2026 Daytona 500 with a jolt of adrenaline, climbing into the passenger seat of Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota Camry for a five-lap practice run Sunday morning. Wallace, who pilots the 23XI Racing entry co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, documented the moment with a selfie alongside the second-year NFL standout before firing the engine. Once on track, Wallace later quipped on social media that Nacua was “yelling his ass off the ENTIRE ride,” a claim supported by in-car footage the team posted online. After climbing out, Nacua—still catching his breath—joked that Wallace seemed more focused on capturing his reactions than on the asphalt ahead. The Rams pass-catcher, a Team Toyota Athlete who appeared in the brand’s “Where Dreams Began” Super Bowl commercial, called the experience unforgettable. The morning thrill ride was only the beginning. Speedway officials announced Saturday that Nacua will also take part in NASCAR’s Speed Seat Thrill Ride with Hall of Famer Kurt Busch later in the day, giving him a second taste of 180-mph laps on Dayton’s high banks before the 66th running of the Great American Race. To stay ahead of forecasted weather, NASCAR has moved the Daytona 500 start up one hour; the green flag will now wave at 2:13 p.m. ET. Keywords:

Olympique de Marseille confirmed on Sunday that football director Medhi Benatia has tendered his resignation, ending a tenure that began with the ambition of returning the Ligue 1 giants to the summit of French and European football. In a candid statement released after days of mounting speculation, the 36-year-old Moroccan said he had “handed in (and not just offered)” his resignation on Monday, 9 February, citing a deteriorating climate around the club and a desire to prevent his presence from becoming “an obstacle or a burden to the organization and its development.” Benatia, who stepped into the sporting director role with the stated “obsession” of restoring OM to “the place it deserves,” insisted the sporting project remains on track: Marseille are still pursuing a Champions League berth and are alive in the Coupe de France. Yet he conceded that “results are the only true judge” in Marseille, and acknowledged a “growing dissatisfaction” and “a rift that I deeply regret.” “Given the tensions surrounding management,” Benatia wrote, “the club will always come before individuals.” He added that he leaves “with the feeling that I gave my all professionally, but with the regret of not having managed to calm the environment around the squad,” urging supporters to “stay behind them… as only you can.” The former Bayern Munich and Juventus defender closed his farewell with a rallying cry: “Marseille is and will always be special: ‘Allez l’OM’,” promising to elaborate on his decision “when the time is right.” OM now begin the search for a new football director ahead of a season-defining stretch in which European qualification and domestic silverware remain within reach.

In the latest wave of realignment sweeping college football, Sacramento State will vault from the FCS to the Football Bowl Subdivision, accepting an invitation to become a football-only member of the Mid-American Conference beginning with the 2026 season, multiple sources confirmed to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. The Hornets’ elevation carries a steep price tag: an estimated $23 million. That figure includes an $18 million entrance fee owed to the MAC and an additional $5 million required by the NCAA to complete the jump from the Championship Subdivision to the sport’s top tier. Once the transaction is finalized, Sacramento State will become the 138th program competing at the FBS level, setting a new all-time high for membership in the subdivision. The move comes only weeks after North Dakota State’s surprise departure from the FCS to the Mountain West, a transition that cost the Bison roughly $20 million. Sacramento State’s decision further illustrates the accelerating pace of conference realignment and the willingness of athletic departments to shoulder multimillion-dollar buy-ins for greater visibility, enhanced television revenue, and elevated recruiting appeal. Sacramento State’s path to the FBS hit a roadblock last year when the NCAA denied the university’s waiver to compete as an FBS independent, leaving conference affiliation as the only viable route upward. By securing a spot in the MAC, the Hornets resolve the uncertainty that has hovered over the program since that denial. As part of standard NCAA reclassification protocol, the Hornets will be ineligible for the conference championship and bowl games during the first two seasons of the transition. Founded in 1951, Sacramento State has competed in the FCS since 1993 and has emerged as a consistent contender in recent years, making four playoff appearances in the past six seasons. The program’s 2025 campaign was led by head coach Brennan Marion, whose wide-open offensive attack quickly became a hallmark of Hornets football. Marion left in December to become Colorado’s offensive coordinator, prompting Sacramento State to hire Arizona running backs coach Alonzo Carter as his replacement. Carter, who previously built successful programs at both the high-school and junior-college levels, now inherits the task of guiding the Hornets through their historic move to the FBS. While the football program heads to the MAC, Sacramento State’s other varsity sports will begin Big West competition next season, a shift announced last summer. The geographic fit places the Hornets alongside UC Davis—an in-state rival already entrenched in the Big West—while the football team will log significant travel miles to meet MAC opponents spread across the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. The MAC’s expansion to 13 football members for 2026 was made possible by Northern Illinois’ forthcoming exit to the Mountain West, balancing the ledger after the Huskies announced their own departure earlier this year. With Sacramento State on board, the conference retains an even scheduling slate and adds a program that has demonstrated recent on-field success and institutional ambition. For Sacramento State, the $23 million investment represents more than a simple change of address; it is a calculated gamble that greater exposure, increased media rights distributions, and heightened recruiting cachet will offset the hefty upfront cost. The Hornets will begin their FBS era under Carter’s direction, hoping to replicate the momentum generated during their final FCS seasons while adjusting to the heightened competition and travel demands inherent in their new conference home.

Manchester United’s search for extra firepower at centre-forward has run into an early roadblock after Brentford slapped a club-record valuation on in-form striker Igor Thiago. United, who invested heavily in Benjamin Sesko last summer, still view the No. 9 position as an area for improvement and have identified Thiago as a prime target following a breakthrough season in the Premier League. Sesko has recovered from a slow start to register seven goals in 23 appearances across all competitions, yet uncertainty over Joshua Zirkzee’s future has encouraged the club to explore further attacking reinforcements. The belief inside Old Trafford is that genuine competition will accelerate Sesko’s progress and provide cover for a potential European campaign next term. Thiago, signed in 2024 as Ivan Toney’s long-term successor, endured an injury-plagued first campaign in West London but has since emerged as one of the division’s most clinical finishers. With 20 league goals to his name, the Brazilian trails only Erling Haaland in the scoring charts and recently credited United with fuelling his childhood passion for the game, hinting at a possible affinity for a move north. Any such switch, however, will come at a steep cost. SPORTSBOOM understands Brentford will not entertain offers below the fee they received for Bryan Mbeumo last summer, a deal worth £71 million, effectively setting the asking price for Thiago at a new club benchmark. The Bees have already locked their star striker into a contract extension through 2031 and, renowned for driving hard bargains, are under no pressure to sell. Aston Villa showed interest during the winter window but never tabled a formal bid, while Arsenal, Chelsea and United have all held internal discussions about the 26-year-old’s credentials. United’s hierarchy must now weigh the financial implications; a major midfield rebuild is expected following Casemiro’s anticipated departure, and budgets could be stretched across multiple Premier League-proven acquisitions. Whether United commit to a blockbuster pursuit of Thiago or pivot to more economical alternatives will shape one of the summer window’s most compelling storylines.

MADISON—Long before Chris Farley became a household name in comedy, he was a self-described “mediocre” football player at Madison Edgewood High School. Yet the hours he spent on the sidelines, helmet in hand, were anything but wasted. According to those who knew him best, those Friday nights under the lights planted the seeds for the boundless energy and fearless physicality that would later define his performances on Saturday Night Live and the silver screen. Teammates recall that Farley rarely cracked the starting lineup, but his presence on the roster was unmistakable. Whether leading raucous chants from the bench or improvising locker-room sketches that left coaches struggling to stifle laughter, he turned every inactive moment into an audition for a future he could not yet name. The gridiron, it seems, became his first stage. “Chris wasn’t going to make all-state,” one former Edgewood classmate said, “but he made everybody happy to be there.” The observation captures the paradox of Farley’s athletic career: limited playing time, unlimited impact. Observers point to those formative years as the crucible where he learned to command attention without uttering a single line of scripted dialogue—skills that would later translate into belly-flops down sketch-comedy staircases and frenzied motivational-speaker routines that fans still quote today. In short, the sidelines of Madison Edgewood served as an unlikely incubator for one of America’s most beloved entertainers, proving that even a modest football résumé can foreshadow legendary stardom.

KELSO — A signal-caller from Kelso High School has pledged to continue his football career at the next level, announcing his college commitment and giving the Hilanders a marquee off-season victory. The quarterback, whose name and destination program were not disclosed in the initial report, becomes the latest local product to secure a roster spot beyond the Friday-night lights. The commitment adds momentum to a Kelso program that has steadily built a reputation for developing talent capable of competing on Saturdays. High school football observers will now watch to see how the senior’s decision influences teammates still navigating the recruiting landscape. With the Hilanders’ leader set to trade the purple and gold for new collegiate colors, Kelso’s coaching staff can use the pledge as a recruiting tool, showcasing the program’s ability to prepare athletes for higher competition. As the offseason unfolds, more details about the quarterback’s future destination and potential early-enrollment plans are expected to surface. For now, Kelso celebrates another milestone in its football tradition.

Super Bowl 50 champion safety T.J. Ward is unequivocal about the Denver Broncos’ trajectory: they will play for the Lombardi Trophy next season. Speaking with TMZ Sports during Super Bowl week at SI The Party, Ward declared, “They’ll be in the Super Bowl next year!!!” The former “No Fly Zone” enforcer believes Denver’s greatest asset is continuity. While NFL rosters routinely undergo dramatic turnover, the Broncos are positioned to bring back their quarterback, running backs, defense, and coaching staff intact. “Bo Nix gonna get healthy,” Ward said, referencing the quarterback who broke his ankle in the AFC Championship. “They have a rare opportunity to bring an entire team back, for the most part.” Ward, who started at safety for Denver’s championship defense in 2015, insists the franchise already owns a proven championship template. On his “Safety First Show” he has emphasized that roster stability is the league’s scarcest commodity, and the Broncos currently possess it. Asked what tweaks might be necessary, Ward downplayed the need for sweeping changes. “I mean, they really don’t need much. Man, I’d probably add a couple more weapons on offense, maybe. But we were even injured at the wide receiver position during the playoffs … they’ve got some options, man.” He also eased concerns about Nix’s recovery, stating, “It’s all good already, so he’ll be practicing in the offseason.” With ample draft capital and salary-cap space, Denver can selectively reinforce rather than rebuild. “It’s an exciting time for football in general,” Ward added. “You know the best part about football? It’s not knowing what’s going to happen.”

Milan—When the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Winter Games lights up northern Italy next February, the most unlikely member of football’s first family will be working from inside the Olympic bubble. Kylie Kelce—wife of recently retired Eagles All-Pro Jason Kelce and sister-in-law to Chiefs tight end Travis—has been tapped by NBCUniversal as a featured creator in the newly formed “Milan-Cortina Creator Collective,” a 25-person digital squad charged with re-imagining how American audiences experience the Olympics. Kelce, 31, will trade the familiar autumn roar of Lincoln Financial Field for the hush of curling sheets in Cortina and the crisp alpine air of the downhill start house. Her mandate: produce first-person, mobile-first storytelling that spotlights U.S. athletes and demystifies winter sports for the millions who follow her across YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. “Unrivaled access is the phrase NBC kept using,” Kelce said in a brief interview outside the network’s Rockefeller Center headquarters after the announcement. “They want the behind-the-scenes stuff you can’t get from a broadcast camera—bus rides through the Dolomites, 5 a.m. skate sharpenings, whatever humanizes these athletes.” The partnership crystallized during the Paris Olympics last summer. Kelce, in the French capital to support the U.S. field-hockey squad—her sport of choice since second grade—cold-emailed NBC’s digital team to pitch herself as an Olympic storyteller. Weeks later she was invited to a creator summit in New York, where executives from NBC, YouTube, Meta and TikTok were vetting personalities who could speak authentically to Gen-Z and millennial audiences without alienating the traditional prime-time viewer. Kelce’s résumé checked multiple boxes: collegiate All-American defender at NCAA Division III Cabrini University, back-to-back conference titles in 2015-16, former head varsity coach at Lower Merion High School, and host of the chart-topping podcast “Not Gonna Lie,” where she has interviewed everyone from snowboarders to figure skaters. Add in 2.7 million social followers and a self-shot curling tutorial that cleared half-a-million views in 48 hours, and NBC saw a ready-made Olympic novice who could still speak fluent athlete. She will be embedded full-time in both competition clusters—Milan for figure skating, ice hockey and curling, and Cortina for alpine, bobsled and Nordic events. While rights-holding broadcasters are typically restricted to designated mixed zones, Kelce’s creator credential grants her entry to athlete villages, training venues and even the gondolas that shuttle competitors between mountains. Content will post in real time to her own channels as well as to NBC’s aggregated Olympic feeds on YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels and TikTok. Joining her in the collective are “Saturday Night Live” scene-stealer Bowen Yang, automotive YouTuber Matthew Meager (MMG) and lifestyle creator Anna Sitar. Each will focus on a different narrative lane; Kelce’s brief is “rookie-to-rapport,” chronicling her own crash-course in winter disciplines while guiding viewers from first exposure to full-fledged fandom. “I’ve already fallen on the curling ice more times than I’d like to admit,” she joked during a recent episode of her podcast. “But if I can explain the hammer and the hack in plain English, maybe we’ll hook a few first-time viewers before the first draw.” For NBC, the strategy is part insurance policy, part growth play. Traditional Olympic ratings have softened among viewers under 35; short-form vertical video now accounts for more than 60 percent of Olympic content shares. By seeding the zone with recognizable creators, the network hopes to funnel casual scrollers back to its long-form coverage on Peacock and the flagship broadcast. Kelce insists her football lineage won’t dominate the storyline. “I’m not there as a WAG,” she said, invoking the acronym for wives and girlfriends of athletes. “I’m there because I’ve lived the grind of 6 a.m. practices and postseason heartbreak. Whether it’s field hockey or freestyle skiing, the language of sacrifice is universal.” Still, the Kelce brand carries undeniable heft. Within minutes of NBC’s press release, #KylieInMilan trended on X (formerly Twitter), and her follower count spiked by six figures. If the experiment works, executives see a template for future Games—Paris 2024 will already feature a similar cohort—and a potential pipeline of crossover talent that blurs the line between fan and broadcaster. For now, Kelce is cramming. She has booked a curling clinic in Denver, scheduled an introductory luge session at Lake Placid and binge-watched every episode of the “Road to Milan” docuseries. Her luggage, she says, will include both a GoPro and her old field-hockey stick—”a reminder that every Olympian starts somewhere.” When the flame is extinguished in Milan next February, NBC will measure success in views, shares and minutes watched. Kelce says she’ll use a simpler metric: “If one kid who’s never seen a ski jump asks to stay up late to watch the large hill, that’s a medal for me.” Keywords:

The latest edition of FourFourTwo’s cult trivia column, The Pre-Match Poser, has dropped and it is already testing the limits of even the most ardent stat-collecting supporter. This week’s teaser focuses on Arsenal icon Freddie Ljungberg and the curious pattern that followed the solitary yellow card he ever received in a Premier League derby against Tottenham Hotspur. Quizmasters are challenging readers to pinpoint what was odd about the very next top-flight booking the Swedish midfielder picked up after that solitary north-London caution. The answer will be unveiled in next week’s column, giving supporters seven days of head-scratching debate across social media, pub tables and office breakout rooms. The feature also revealed the solution to last week’s brain-teaser, which asked where Edgar Davids achieved something neither Ronald Koeman nor Maniche managed in their respective home countries, and something no player or manager has replicated in England. The answer: Italy. Koeman played for and later coached the Netherlands’ big three—Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord—while Maniche appeared for Portugal’s giants Benfica, Porto and Sporting. England has yet to see anyone represent Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, but Davids completed the Italian treble by turning out for Milan, Inter and Juventus. For those who polish off the Poser too quickly, the magazine’s quiz partner Kwizly has supplied an expanded suite of conundrums. Readers can attempt to name the 30 most populous nations never to have graced a World Cup, identify 20 missing shirt sponsors from classic kits, reel off the top 50 Champions League goalscorers of all time, or match a series of famously scathing Roy Keane quotations to their intended targets. A Weekend Crossword themed around Asian heroes and football accessories rounds out the package. As ever, the weekly poser arrives alongside FourFourTwo’s free newsletter, promising trivia, features, transfer updates and video content delivered straight to subscribers’ inboxes, with membership unlocking further quizzes, badges and leaderboard bragging rights.

MILAN – Derby d’Italia referee Federico La Penna stole the spotlight at San Siro, issuing two hotly disputed yellow cards to Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu inside ten first-half minutes and reducing the visitors to ten men in the 42nd minute of a pulsating contest they ultimately lost 3-2 to league leaders Inter. Until Kalulu’s marching orders, Juventus had responded to Andrea Cambiaso’s 17th-minute own-goal by pressing higher, equalising through Cambiaso’s close-range stab and looking the likelier side. The pivotal moment arrived when Alessandro Bastoni, already booked, tumbled under minimal contact; La Penna produced a second yellow to Kalulu rather than sanctioning the Inter man for simulation. Down a man, Juve held firm until the 76th minute when Federico Dimarco’s sumptuous cross allowed substitute Francesco Pio Esposito to head Inter in front. Manuel Locatelli’s rasping 83rd-minute drive restored parity, but Piotr Zielinski’s low strike through a crowded box seven seconds from the end of regulation settled matters. Juventus, lining up in a rare 4-3-3 shaped by Luciano Spalletti after Khéphren Thuram joined Dusan Vlahovic on the injury list, saw Michele Di Gregorio produce a string of saves to keep the depleted Bianconeri in contention. Inter manager Christian Chivu, boosted by returns for Nicolò Barella and Hakan Çalhanoglu, stuck with his familiar 3-5-2 and watched his side claim a victory that keeps them atop the table while leaving Juve directors Damien Comolli and Giorgio Chiellini remonstrating with officials at the interval and beyond. The result hinged not on tactics or finishing, but on a moment of officiating that fuelled post-match fury and endless what-ifs.

A fresh set of images from the Girls All-American Exposure Camp has been released, capturing the energy and talent on display at West Orange High School. The photo gallery spotlights prospects as they run through drills, compete in scrimmages, and take direction from camp staff during the one-day showcase event. The visuals offer recruiters, fans, and players a courtside look at some of the region’s top high-school talent aiming for collegiate attention.

MACCLESFIELD, England – On a frosty January night at Leasing.com Stadium, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson stood ankle-deep in celebration confetti, the glow of floodlights reflecting off a face that finally looked relaxed. Nine days earlier the 29-year-old had helped National League North side Macclesfield FC topple holders Crystal Palace in the FA Cup third round, a result that sits 117 places above them on the English pyramid. On Monday he will walk out against Brentford for another crack at the competition that once provided his Manchester United debut. It is, he admits, the first time in years he has felt genuine joy on a pitch. “I’ve been through spells where I questioned whether I still loved the game,” Borthwick-Jackson told reporters this week, leaning against a cinder-block corridor still echoing with cheers from the Palace upset. “Signing here reminded me why I started kicking a ball in the first place.” The journey back to happiness began in the most unlikely of settings. A viral clip circulated earlier this month showing the United coach approaching Upton Park in May 2016, windows smashed by projectiles on the Hammers’ final day at the Boleyn Ground. While Jesse Lingard shouted and Michael Carrick filmed on his phone, a teenage Borthwick-Jackson sat calmly scrolling. “Double-glazed windows, privacy glass on top, police on board—what’s going to happen?” he shrugs now. “That’s just me. Cool, calm, collected.” That composure carried him into Louis van Gaal’s first-team plans the previous autumn. Handed his Premier League debut against West Brom in November 2015, the left-back started six top-flight matches and logged nearly 700 minutes as part of a youth movement that also launched Marcus Rashford. “Van Gaal was a perfectionist, but brilliant with us,” he recalls. “A lot of us owe him our careers.” Yet the managerial change that brought José Mourinho in the summer of 2016 altered the trajectory. A pre-season injury, a relocation from the senior dressing room, and a loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers began a nomadic sequence: Leeds, Scunthorpe, Tranmere, Oldham, Burton, Polish top-flight side Slask Wroclaw, and a stint at Ross County. Released by United in 2020, Borthwick-Jackson spent 18 months without a club, his passion eroded by distance from sons Theo and Carter and the breakdown of a relationship. “Poland was professional, the city beautiful, but I’d fly back, see the kids a few days, then break their hearts leaving again,” he says. “When football stopped, I was alone in an apartment asking, ‘Is this worth it?’” He returned to England in 2024, walked away from a two-year deal, and contemplated joining his father Mark in wealth management. Instead, he hired a fitness coach, trained alone, and waited. A call from Macclesfield—reborn after liquidation in 2020 and now chasing promotion from the sixth tier under John Rooney, younger brother of Wayne—arrived just after Christmas. Borthwick-Jackson signed on 2 January, started two league fixtures, and entered in the 87th minute against Palace as the Silkmen clung to a 2-1 lead. The final whistle triggered bedlam. Players sprinted toward the Town End; supporters spilled onto the pitch. Borthwick-Jackson sought out one man near the tunnel. “Dad’s been at every game since I was six,” he says, voice cracking. “He knew the tough stuff behind the scenes. Seeing him tear up meant more than any headline.” Father and son will reunite in the stands on Monday when Brentford visit for the fourth round. Training at the club’s modest Hurst Cross facility, Borthwick-Jackson insists there is no target beyond relishing each session. “I’m not plotting a return to the Championship or anything,” he smiles. “I just want Saturdays to feel like this again—win, lose, just enjoying football.” After a decade of buses with shattered glass, cross-border commutes, and lonely nights abroad, the defender who once sat unfazed amid chaos has found serenity in Cheshire’s sixth tier. For Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, that is miracle enough.

Daytona Beach, Fla. – NASCAR has revised the start time for Sunday’s 68th running of the Daytona 500, moving the green flag up one hour to 2:13 p.m. ET in an effort to outrun forecasted rain. Prerace coverage on FOX will still begin at 1:00 p.m. ET. Officials announced the adjustment Saturday evening after the National Weather Service placed the probability of afternoon showers at 50 percent, with an even greater threat of precipitation arriving Sunday night. The decision is designed to give the 41-car field the best chance of completing all 500 miles without interruption. Pole-winner Kyle Busch and front-row partner Chase Briscoe will lead the field to the start line at Daytona International Speedway, kicking off the 36-race NASCAR Cup Series championship season. William Byron, seeking an unprecedented third consecutive Daytona 500 victory, will roll off 39th and faces a daunting charge through the pack. Weather has now influenced the Great American Race for three consecutive years. The 2024 event was postponed to Monday because of persistent rain, while last year’s contest endured a three-and-a-half-hour red-flag delay. This year’s schedule shift is comparatively minor, underscoring NASCAR’s increasing reliance on real-time meteorological data to protect its marquee event. Track president Frank Kelleher and NASCAR vice president of competition Elton Sawyer both emphasized that completing the race on Sunday remains the top priority. “We’d rather start earlier and race in daylight than risk another Monday finish,” Sawyer said in the series release. With engines set to fire 60 minutes ahead of the original 3:13 p.m. ET slot, teams have recalibrated their prerace routines, and fans holding grandstand tickets have been encouraged to enter the facility as soon as the gates open at 9:00 a.m. local time.

Philadelphia, PA — As the Eagles sift through the wreckage of a disappointing 2025 campaign, the spotlight has swung toward wide receiver A.J. Brown, whose subdued production has fueled whispers of a potential offseason move. Brown, once the explosive centerpiece of the Eagles’ passing attack, never fully found his rhythm this season, and the resulting trade chatter that dogged Philadelphia last year is poised to resurface in the coming months. While Brown has yet to issue a formal request, subtle signs suggest he is weighing his long-term fit with the franchise. Observers noted a series of cryptic social-media posts in recent days—likes, retweets and brief replies that, taken together, signal at least a willingness to listen if the front office explores the market. The posts stopped short of demanding a trade, but they were enough to reignite speculation that the Pro Bowl receiver could be on the move for the second straight offseason. Philadelphia’s offense sputtered throughout 2025, and Brown’s dip in production mirrored the larger struggles. Without the explosive plays that once stretched defenses, the unit finished well short of expectations, intensifying questions about roster construction and whether a reset is required. With the new league year approaching, the Eagles must decide whether to recommit to their star wideout or entertain offers that could reshape the complexion of the team. For now, Brown’s future remains unresolved, yet every online breadcrumb he leaves will be dissected until clarity arrives—either in the form of a restructured commitment or a blockbuster deal that sends him elsewhere.

In a stunning turnaround on the road, No. 5 Nebraska erased an 11-0 deficit by capturing eight consecutive matches, surging past No. 11 Illinois to secure a pivotal victory. The comeback victory keeps the Huskers’ momentum intact and adds a marquee win to their résumé as the season progresses. Nebraska, ranked fifth nationally, looked in early trouble after Illinois jumped ahead 11-0, but the Huskers responded with a flawless run of eight straight match wins to flip the dual meet on its head. The decisive stretch showcased the team’s resilience and depth, allowing Nebraska to leave Champaign with a statement road win over the 11th-ranked Illini. The result strengthens Nebraska’s position in the conference standings and provides a confidence boost heading into the final stretch of the schedule.

Less than a week after North Dakota State’s headline-grabbing jump from the FCS to the FBS, a second program is preparing to make the same leap. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports that another unnamed team will transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2026, though the announcement is expected to draw considerably less attention than the Bison’s revelation. Details about the incoming program’s identity, conference destination, and timeline beyond the 2026 season have not yet been disclosed.

Milan—Latvian supporters Vita Kalniņa and Alexander Kalniņš turned a routine preliminary-round men’s hockey game between the United States and Denmark into a quiet political statement Saturday, raising a Greenlandic flag inside the arena in a show of European solidarity with the Arctic territory. The couple, Latvian fans who now live in Germany, unfurled the red-and-white Nordic cross during warm-ups and again when Denmark opened the scoring. “For us as Europeans it was important to show up with this symbol as a symbol of European unity that we support Greenland,” Kalniņš told The Associated Press. The gesture comes amid heightened attention on Greenland after recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump about potentially taking control of the semiautonomous Danish territory. The flag display quickly drew notice: arena staff, citing safety concerns, asked the pair to put the banner away. “He said it was due to safety reasons, because there could be American aggressive people,” Kalniņš recounted. The couple complied but noted television cameras had already captured the moment. Greenland does not field its own Olympic team; its athletes, including biathlon siblings Ukaleq and Sondre Slettemark, compete for Denmark. Olympic venue guidelines technically permit only flags of participating countries and territories, leaving the Greenlandic flag’s status ambiguous. Kalniņa and Kalniņš said their message was simple: Greenlanders should know Europe stands with them, whether they remain part of Denmark or pursue full independence. “It’s not OK that Trump and America are this aggressive and try to incorporate the island into their country,” Kalniņš added. Inside the boards, players insisted politics never intruded. “We didn’t even mention it,” Danish captain Jesper Jensen Aabo said. “We just wanted to win a hockey game against a world-class team.” Jensen Aabo added he never spotted the flag but appreciated the thought: “Hopefully they supported us.” Spectators on both sides echoed the sentiment that sport should rise above geopolitical tension. “It doesn’t matter whatever sport it is…it has nothing to do with politics,” Danish fan Dennis Petersen said. American supporter Rem de Rohan agreed: “This is the time for people to put that down and compete country versus country and enjoy.” The United States-Denmark contest ended as a straightforward hockey showdown, yet the brief appearance of the Greenlandic flag offered a reminder that even inside an Olympic arena, world affairs can slip past the boards.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Denny Hamlin has driven without fear, doubt or hesitation for more than two decades, especially at Daytona International Speedway. Now, carrying the momentum of recent heartbreak, the veteran racer is targeting a record-tying fourth Daytona 500 triumph. Hamlin’s unshakable confidence on the high banks has long defined his legacy here, and another victory in The Great American Race would etch his name even deeper into NASCAR lore.

Stephenville, Texas — The 2025 Stephenville Yellow Jackets have already etched their names into Texas high school football lore as Class 4A Division I state champions. On Wednesday, the program added a national accolade to its trophy case, earning the nation’s highest academic honor for a high school football team. The recognition underscores a rare double: the Jackets reign supreme on the field and in the classroom. While the source announcement offered no specifics on grade-point averages, test scores, or the awarding organization, it affirmed that the team’s scholastic achievements have been judged the best among peers nationwide. Stephenville’s dual success sets a new bar for excellence in Texas prep football, pairing championship-level play with top-tier academic performance.

FRISCO, Texas — A blockbuster all-American championship match will decide the 2026 Dallas Open, as top-seeded Taylor Fritz and second-seeded Ben Shelton advanced in contrasting fashion Saturday night to set up a showdown between the two highest-ranked players from the United States. Fritz, 28 and currently No. 7 in the world, never faced a break point while firing 22 aces to subdue former U.S. Open champion Marin Cilic 7-6(5), 7-6(3) in a 38-ace serving exhibition. The 10-time ATP titlist converted his first match point when Cilic’s return sailed long, capping a clean performance that featured zero double faults from the Californian. Shelton, 23 and ranked No. 9, continued his flair for the dramatic, coming from a set down for the second straight match to edge defending Dallas champion Denis Shapovalov 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(4). Trailing 1-1 and facing three break points in the second set, the left-handed Floridian uncorked a searing cross-court forehand winner to turn the tide, eventually leveling the match with a late break. In the deciding tiebreaker Shelton won three of the last four points, sealing victory with another forehand missile that sent the Ford Center crowd into a frenzy. “I’m super-excited for that matchup,” Shelton told fans inside the indoor stadium that doubles as a Dallas Cowboys practice facility. Sunday’s final will be just the third tour-level meeting between the Americans; they split their first two encounters. Fritz is pursuing his first title since last summer, while Shelton—fresh off an Australian Open quarterfinal run ended by Jannik Sinner—seeks his fourth ATP trophy. With both players in form and a raucous Texas crowd expected, the stage is set for a high-octic conclusion to the third edition of the Dallas Open. SEO keywords:

Detroit — Every offseason produces its share of eyebrow-raising hypotheticals, but the latest morsel making the rounds inside league circles might set a new standard for absurdity. NFL commentator Ben Devine floated the notion that Lions left tackle Taylor Decker could spend the 2026 season—presumably his last before retirement—wearing the navy and orange of the rival Chicago Bears. The logic, according to Devine, begins with Detroit’s balance sheet. Moving on from Decker would free approximately $18 million in salary-cap space at a time when the Lions are expected to prioritize flexibility for a roster loaded with ascending talent. Decker, who will be entering his 11th professional campaign, has publicly acknowledged he would like to play one more year, though he remains open to stepping away from the game. Devine seized on that admission and linked the veteran to Chicago as a potential one-year stopgap. From a pure accounting standpoint, the premise is defensible. General manager Brad Holmes has shown little hesitation when it comes to parting with long-tenured contributors if the financial upside is significant, and Detroit’s pipeline of young blockers could make the offensive line one of the roster’s deepest positions. Yet the speculation collapses under the weight of history, culture, and simple football common sense. Decker has spent a decade anchoring Detroit’s offensive front, twice a year lining up against the Bears and helping transform a once-lopsided divisional matchup into a personal crusade. He has experienced the franchise’s climb from afterthought to contender, and teammates describe him as a locker-room pillar who embraces the rivalry’s animosity. Players who have built their identities on the Lions-Bears feud rarely, if ever, swap colors late in their careers, especially when the motivation is a single-season cameo. While the possibility remains that Decker could finish his career outside Detroit, the idea that he would choose Chicago—a city and franchise he has spent ten years trying to defeat—appears far-fetched to those who understand the emotional investment forged inside an NFC North trench war. Devine’s projection may generate clicks, but inside the Lions’ facility it is being greeted with the sports equivalent of an eye roll.

Pittsburgh, PA — The Steelers have officially opened the costume case and are inviting one energetic supporter to step inside it, announcing a search for the next performer to bring mascot Steely McBeam to life. A newly posted job listing describes the role as a part-time mascot performer and handler. According to the posting, the selected candidate will accompany Steely McBeam to public appearances and, after gaining sufficient handler experience, may be asked to perform at additional events on the team’s behalf. The franchise emphasizes reliability: applicants must be available for every home game at Acrisure Stadium and maintain a flexible schedule throughout the season. Physical requirements are precise — candidates must stand between 5 feet 11 inches and 6 feet 1 inch tall — and a “basic understanding of football” is listed as essential. Interested fans can submit applications through the team’s employment portal. No prior professional mascot experience is specified, but a commitment to enthusiasm, stamina, and the Steelers’ community ethos is implied. With the 2024 home slate approaching, the organization hopes to have Steely McBeam’s new persona ready to fire up the Terrible Towel-waving faithful.

NORTH LOGAN — Sickness, foul trouble and facing a team for the third time this season may have slowed the Wolves down a little, but the Region 11 champs were up to the challenge in a second round 4A state contest, punching their ticket to the next round. The Mustangs and Riverhawks also secured victories, keeping their championship hopes alive as the tournament field narrows.

Valentine’s Day 2026 turned into another round of social-media sparring between seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady and WWE Superstar Logan Paul, pushing their months-long feud into fresh territory ahead of the Fanatics Flag Football Classic on March 21 in Saudi Arabia. The latest exchange began when Paul posted a wrestling clip featuring a chain of acrobatic flips and tagged Brady directly, questioning the quarterback’s athleticism. The video rocketed past one million views within hours and reignited the debate over what constitutes a “real” athlete. Brady fired back with a single line that lit up both NFL and WWE corners of the internet: “You know we’re not playing flag gymnastics, right?” The barb is the newest chapter in a rivalry that started at a Super Bowl party, where Paul claimed his in-ring skills measure up to those of elite NFL players. Brady dismissed WWE as “cute” and praised the pressure faced by football standouts like Saquon Barkley. Paul escalated the feud in a recent Sports Illustrated interview, poking at Brady’s NFL Combine numbers and arguing that most football players would struggle to survive a WWE schedule. With the March exhibition in Riyadh drawing closer, the banter has shifted from off-hand comments to direct public jabs. Brady will captain a U.S. roster in the flag football showcase, while Paul suits up for the opposing squad. What began as playful promotion now carries genuine competitive tension, energizing ticket holders and broadcasters alike. NFL loyalists point to Brady’s championship pedigree; wrestling supporters tout Paul’s athletic daring. The only certainty is that the countdown to kickoff now feels as much about personal pride as it does about the final score.

Werder Bremen’s dressing room was quiet after the 3–0 defeat to Bayern Munich, but midfielder Senne Lynen broke the silence with a candid admission that echoed through the Weser-Stadion corridors: the penalty he conceded was the moment everything changed. “I’m sorry that I gave away the penalty. We were playing well at that point. It didn’t feel like a foul to me. There’s always some contact in a tackle, but after looking at the footage and consulting VAR, that’s how it turned out,” Lynen said, his words carrying the weight of a match flipped on its head. For nearly an hour Bremen had matched the league’s most relentless side, pressing with purpose and defending in synchronized lines. Energy was high, organization was tight, and Bayern’s usual passing lanes looked congested. Then came the 62nd-minute challenge that VAR slo-mo converted from routine duel to spot-kick. The subsequent goal punctured Bremen’s resistance; two more Bayern finishes followed as the hosts’ composure unraveled. Lynen’s reflection highlights the razor-thin margin at elite level, where a single whistle can separate resilience from collapse. Accepting responsibility while questioning the tactile feel of the foul underscores both the modern player’s accountability and the intrusive magnification of every studs-up snapshot. Yet within the apology lies a roadmap. Public ownership of errors fosters squad trust and signals intent to tighten defensive judgment. If Bremen can pair that honesty with 90-minute concentration, Saturday’s turning point may yet become a springboard rather than a millstone.

Eugene, Ore. — Oregon’s 2027 recruiting push gained momentum this week after four-star tight end Anthony Cartwright III locked in an official visit to campus for June 19-21, according to Rivals. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound prospect from Michigan, ranked No. 265 nationally and No. 19 among tight ends, toured Eugene in January and left impressed by the program’s culture and direction. “The visit went well, I got to sit and talk with Coach [Dan] Lanning for a good while, and he not only is a great coach but a great person and leader,” Cartwright told Rivals. “I feel like the culture excites me because it’s clear everybody wants to achieve the same goals there.” Cartwright’s recruitment has become a Midwest battle, with Michigan and Michigan State both prioritizing the state’s No. 6 prospect. LSU and Miami have also extended significant attention, but Oregon’s recent on-field success—highlighted by a College Football Playoff Semifinal berth—has kept the Ducks firmly in the mix. Oregon already holds four pledges in the 2027 cycle and sits No. 19 nationally and No. 4 in the Big Ten, per On3. Retaining key veterans such as quarterback Dante Moore and defensive linemen Matayo Uiagalelei, A’Mauri Washington, and Teitum Tuioti for 2026 has reinforced the program’s pitch to prospects: Oregon is both a contender and a destination. Staff continuity took a hit when both 2025 coordinators departed for head-coaching roles, yet the promotion of Drew Mehringer to offensive coordinator could resonate with Cartwright. Mehringer has overseen the tight-end room since 2022, and the position has flourished—Kenyon Sadiq led the 2025 team with 15 touchdown receptions and projects as a 2026 first-round pick, while Terrance Ferguson was a second-round selection in 2024. Oregon has now produced a first-round draftee every year since 2020. Cartwright said Oregon “will stay on my list as I begin to narrow it down more,” setting the stage for June’s official visit to potentially separate the Ducks from a crowded field of suitors. Keywords:

Nashville has been buzzing since whispers surfaced that the Tennessee Titans could unveil fresh uniforms in 2026, and the speculation reached a fever pitch after an apparent slip by online retailer Fanatics. A Titans-branded item on the site briefly displayed what many believe is the franchise’s updated primary logo, igniting debate across fan forums and social media platforms. The potential redesign is not unprecedented. During quarterback Cam Ward’s introductory press conference last offseason, Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon alluded to an impending makeover, though he offered no visual clues. This offseason the chatter resurfaced earlier than usual, spurring a wave of fan-made mock-ups that re-imagined everything from helmet decals to color palettes. According to screenshots captured before the Fanatics listing was adjusted, the leaked graphic retains the familiar Titans sword-and-flame motif but removes the red-orange flames that have framed the mark since 1999. In their place is a cleaner, single-tone silhouette rendered in what the retailer labeled Titans Blue—a lighter, brighter shade than the navy that has dominated team apparel for the past quarter-century. The simplified design echoes comments made last year by members of the Titans’ front office, who told reporters the organization hoped to “embrace our history while sharpening our look for the future.” Neither the Titans nor Fanatics has issued an official statement confirming the image’s authenticity, and the product page was updated within hours to show only the current logo. Still, the timing aligns with the team’s uniform review timeline; clubs must submit major changes to the league office roughly two years in advance of a public reveal, meaning decisions for 2026 would likely be finalized this year. Fan reaction has been swift and divided. Some supporters praise the streamlined aesthetic, arguing that removing the flames modernizes the brand without abandoning its core imagery. Others lament the loss of the fiery flourish that once mirrored the franchise’s “Flame of Glory” introductory video at Nissan Stadium. Message-board polls show a near-even split between those who favor the rumored refresh and those hoping for a more dramatic departure. For now, Titans enthusiasts must wait for an official announcement, but if the Fanatics glimpse proves accurate, Nashville’s Sundays could look noticeably different when the 2026 campaign kicks off.

Manchester United’s search for a permanent successor to Ruben Amorim has taken a fresh twist after transfer expert Fabrizio Romano offered the latest insight into Roberto De Zerbi’s thinking. The Italian, who left Marseille earlier this month, has emerged as a leading contender for the Old Trafford post, yet Romano stresses that De Zerbi will not be rushed into a decision. United moved swiftly in January when Amorim’s short reign was brought to a close, installing club legend Michael Carrick as interim boss until the summer. Carrick has since overseen a dramatic upturn in form, collecting 13 points from a possible 15 and recording statement victories over Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham. The sequence has given INEOS breathing space to conduct a thorough review of the managerial market, with Premier League experience reportedly high on the criteria list. De Zerbi fits that profile. After elevating Brighton to a European-chasing force, the 45-year-old accepted the Marseille project last summer and delivered a runners-up spot in Ligue 1. A turbulent follow-up campaign triggered a mutual separation, placing him back among Europe’s most coveted coaches. Tottenham, who recently dismissed Thomas Frank, hold concrete interest, yet Romano underlines that Old Trafford is currently viewed as the most probable destination. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Roberto De Zerbi is highly appreciated internally and would be open to returning to Premier League football. However, De Zerbi is not a coach who jumps into an opportunity. He wants to understand very clearly what kind of project, opportunities there are at any club interested in him.” The journalist added that De Zerbi has fielded numerous approaches over the past 24-36 months and has developed a habit of studying every sporting blueprint before committing. With further vacancies expected across the continent before the summer window, the Italian is content to monitor developments and weigh which environment best matches his footballing philosophy. United’s hierarchy have already overseen two managerial changes since the INEOS takeover and recognise that their next appointment could define the club’s trajectory. While De Zerbi’s progressive style appeals, questions linger over whether the intense glare of Manchester United might overwhelm a coach who has yet to manage a traditional super-club. Carrick’s seamless handling of star-laden dressing rooms and his immediate results have only muddied the waters; the longer the former midfielder maintains his blistering run, the louder calls will become for him to receive the role on a permanent basis. For now, De Zerbi remains in the background, analysing, evaluating and waiting. Romano’s update reinforces that the next move will be made on the Italian’s terms, leaving United, Tottenham and any other suitors in a state of watchful anticipation as the season enters its decisive months.

Millwall climbed to third in the Championship after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory at struggling Sheffield Wednesday, while Derby County broke into the top-six for the first time this year with a 2-0 home win over Swansea City. At Hillsborough, Wednesday looked poised for only their second league success of the campaign when Jamal Lowe ended a barren run that stretched back to Boxing Day, sweeping the hosts ahead on the hour mark. The advantage lasted barely ten minutes: defender Cole McGhee inadvertently diverted a cross past his own keeper and, within 120 seconds, Macaulay Langstaff rifled in the decisive goal to complete a swift turnaround. The result keeps Millwall firmly in the automatic-promotion hunt and deepens Wednesday’s relegation fears. The visitors named former Owls skipper Barry Bannan, who made over 450 appearances in a decade with the South-Yorkshire club, in their starting XI and home fans saluted the veteran midfielder with chants and applause in the 11th minute. Derby, by contrast, finally turned Pride Park into a happy hunting ground. Rhian Brewster and United States international Patrick Agyemang converted second-half corners to hand the Rams a league double over the Swans and a first home win since New Year’s Day. Paul Warne’s side now occupy sixth spot, the final playoff berth. Elsewhere in the Championship, Michael O’Neill’s first match as Blackburn boss ended in a confidence-boosting 3-1 success at QPR. Mathias Jørgensen struck either side of Koki Saito’s equaliser and Ryoya Morishita added a third early in the second half to lift Rovers out of the relegation zone and up to 19th. O’Neill paid tribute to caretaker Damien Johnson, who prepared and selected the side, including the productive front pairing of Jørgensen and Andri Gudjohnsen. In League One, leaders Cardiff stretched their advantage to four points by beating Wycombe 3-1. David Turnbull opened the scoring before Jordan Clark levelled from the spot, yet quick-fire goals from Joel Colwill and Perry Ng just before the break proved decisive. Second-placed Lincoln were eight minutes from a potentially pivotal victory over Bolton when Sam Dalby headed home to secure a 1-1 draw that keeps the Imps three points clear of the chasing pack. Bradford edged into fifth, swapping places with Huddersfield after a 2-0 defeat of Peterborough; Bobby Pointon and Kayden Jackson netted either side of the interval. Huddersfield slipped to sixth following a late 1-0 loss at Stevenage, Carl Piergianni grabbing the winner. Reading kept their playoff hopes alive as Jack Marriott’s hat-trick downed Walsall 3-2, while Barnsley and AFC Wimbledon shared six goals at Oakwell, Omar Bugiel scoring twice for the Dons and Scott Banks levelling deep in stoppage time. Plymouth routed Blackpool 4-0, aided by a first-half treble, and Northampton ground out a 0-0 draw at Exeter. In League Two, Bromley preserved a four-point cushion at the summit despite a 1-1 home draw with Notts County, for whom Jodi Jones cancelled out Matthew Dennis’ own goal. Cambridge replaced Swindon in second after Ben Knight’s brace inspired a 3-1 defeat of Bristol Rovers, while Shrewsbury climbed out of the bottom two by beating Swindon 3-1. Barrow gave new manager Dino Maamria a winning start as captain Niall Canavan headed the only goal against Colchester, and Harrogate climbed off the foot of the table with a late 1-1 draw at 10-man Chesterfield.

Los Angeles — Year 5 of the Lincoln Riley era at USC arrives with College Football Playoff-or-bust expectations, a retooled defense coordinated by newly hired Gary Patterson, and the return of starting quarterback Jayden Maiava. Yet even after an offseason of high-profile portal additions, the 2026 slate is dotted with land mines that could derail the Trojans before the leaves turn color. Here are three games the Coliseum faithful should circle in pencil, not pen, because each carries classic trap-game DNA. Washington Date: Oct. 3 | Site: Coliseum Lineage alone makes this a danger zone. The Huskies have beaten USC three straight times since 2019, and quarterback Demond Williams Jr. is back after throwing for 3,065 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2025. The timing is equally cruel: USC will have faced Oregon and touted quarterback Dante Moore seven days earlier in what shapes up as an early-season Big Ten tone-setter. A lethargic start against a confident rival could flip the script quickly. Wisconsin Date: Oct. 24 | Site: Camp Randall The Badgers’ 4-8 record in 2025 was their worst in two decades, yet athletic director Chris McIntosh retained head coach Luke Fickell, betting on continuity inside one of college football’s most hostile venues. Ranked visitors Washington and Illinois discovered that reality last fall, both tumbling after “Jump Around” rattled the fourth-quarter press box. USC’s visit lands either on the back end of a bye or immediately after a non-conference tune-up, scenarios that historically produce flat openings on the road. UCLA Date: Nov. 28 | Site: Rose Bowl The crosstown rivalry could be staged at the historic Pasadena stadium for the final time if future rotations shift, and first-year Bruins coach Bob Chesney plans to capitalize. The former James Madison boss has already promised a Big Ten title to Westwood backers, and sophomore quarterback Nico Iamaleava gives him the trigger man to try. Nothing would accelerate Chesney’s rebuild faster than punctuating Riley’s regular-season finale with an upset that reverberates from Sunset Boulevard to the playoff committee room. USC’s path to 12-0 is navigable on paper, but history says the paper crumples fast when focus wavers. Handle these three apparent afterthoughts with anything less than full attention, and the Trojans could find themselves on the outside of the playoff picture once again.

Grand Forks, N.D. — In a playoff-style chess match that felt more like mid-March than mid-January, No. 1 North Dakota edged Miami 1-0 on Friday night at Ralph Engelstad Arena, leaning on a Tyler Young goal, a puck-moving goaltender, and a defense corps that refused to yield an inch. Here are five key takeaways from the series opener: 1. Hakstol’s pre-game message resonated Before the opening face-off, former UND coach Dave Hakstol addressed the locker room, stressing the details required to survive low-scoring, heavy-hitting tournament games. The Fighting Hawks responded with their most disciplined, physical effort of the season, surrendering only 12 shots and taking two minor penalties. 2. Young’s milestone moment Fourth-line winger Tyler Young supplied the only offense, burying a rebound midway through the second period. The goal carried extra weight: it was the first time his father had watched him play inside The Ralph. “I just wanted to give him something to remember,” Young said. 3. Špunar plays a third defenseman Sophomore goalie Jan Špunar recorded his second shutout of the year while barely being tested statistically, but his stick and skates were busy all night. He repeatedly wandered from the blue paint to swallow dump-ins and ignite breakouts, finishing with 17 defensive-zone pass attempts—fourth-best among NCAA starters nationally. “He’s so good at puck touches,” coach Dane Jackson said. “It helps our D retrieve with their eyes up instead of on the glass.” 4. Gaps, sticks and track-and-stand UND’s blue-line group—Jake Livanavage, E.J. Emery, Abram Wiebe, Bennett Zmolek, Andrew Strathmann, Sam Laurila and rookie Keaton Verhoeff—throttled Miami’s rush attack by maintaining tight gaps and eliminating entries at the red line. Jackson traced the scheme to ex-assistant Matt Shaw’s tenure (2015-19) and praised the unit’s skating and courage. The RedHawks rarely reached Špunar with speed all evening. 5. Depth delivers again The Fighting Hawks’ bottom six out-shot Miami’s third and fourth lines 11-2, and Young’s goal came off a cycle from the energy unit. Meanwhile, injuries are biting the RedHawks: top-minute defenseman Vladislav Lukashevich sat out, and co-leading scorer Matteo Giampa departed in the first period. UND welcomed back Cole Reschny and Zmolek after each missed last weekend’s finale. Extra frame The game was the most physical UND has played this season—Jack Kernan, Ben Strinden, Cody Croal and even smaller forwards Will Zellers and Mac Swanson threw highlight-reel hits. “It was a football game,” Young said. Miami freshman Shaun McEwen answered with a team-high seven attempted shots and several booming checks of his own. NHL talent evaluators took notice. Representatives from 22 of 32 clubs requested tickets, with more likely purchasing independently. Among the scouts in attendance were former UND standouts Matt Greene (Kings development coach) and Brad Pascall (Flames assistant GM). Saturday’s rematch promises more of the same. “These tight games are what it’s going to come down to at the end of the year,” Verhoeff said. “We have to get more comfortable playing them.” UND, now 17-3-1 on the season, will try to finish the sweep at 6:07 p.m. Saturday.

Cleveland’s football future now hinges on a single, high-stakes decision. With the 2025 NFL draft in the rear-view mirror and the 2026 offseason accelerating, general manager Andrew Berry and first-year head coach Todd Monken confront the same mandate: identify the quarterback who can end decades of frustration for a championship-starved franchise. Berry’s résumé already carries the weight of the blockbuster Deshaun Watson acquisition—an unprecedented move whose authorship remains murky among owner Jimmy Haslam, former coach Kevin Stefanski, and Berry himself. Whatever the division of labor in that deal, the result has left the Browns with no margin for error. League insiders still regard the 37-year-old Berry as a rising executive, but another misstep under center would almost certainly trigger a regime change. Monken, meanwhile, arrives in Cleveland with a decorated offensive mind and a ticking clock. At 60, he is unlikely to receive a second opportunity as an NFL head coach, placing extraordinary importance on the quarterback who will pilot his system. While Monken has shown a recent affinity for dual-threat passers, he has repeatedly emphasized adaptability, insisting he will tailor his scheme to the strengths of whoever wins the job. The immediate question is whether rookie Shedeur Sanders offered enough flashes in Year 1 to buy the brain trust additional evaluation time. If Sanders convinces the building he can be “the guy,” Berry and Monken could postpone a major commitment until the perfect prospect surfaces. If not, the franchise faces the perilous choice of selecting the best available arm in the 2026 draft or free-agent pool—even if that player fails to fully captivate the decision-makers. Neither Berry nor Monken has signaled a willingness to settle. History suggests they will wait for a quarterback who checks every box rather than force a marriage of convenience. Yet patience is a luxury rarely afforded in Cleveland, where wins—and a long-awaited Lombardi Trophy—remain the only acceptable currency.

Champaign-Urbana—On the Monday edition of The News-Gazette Sports Page radio show, listeners can expect a burst of Illini spirit: the University of Illinois cheerleading squad will be in-studio guests, bringing energy and behind-the-scenes stories from the Orange and Blue sidelines. The program will also spotlight Illini football’s evolving tight-end room, where the arrival of Feagin is expected to inject both athleticism and positional versatility into the unit. Host Matt Daniels will break down what that flexibility could mean for the team’s upcoming schemes. In area prep action, the Class 3A girls’ basketball regional semifinals take center court early next week. Daniels will flag three specific matchups worth monitoring as teams jockey for a berth in the next round of the postseason. Additional segments will catch up on recent local sports developments, rounding out a packed Monday lineup for central Illinois sports fans.

Pulaski County Motorsports Park has finalized its 2026 race calendar and appointed a new general manager, marking the facility’s first major operational moves ahead of the upcoming season. Track officials released the schedule Wednesday, though specific event dates and series titles were not disclosed. The identity of the newly hired general manager was also withheld. The announcements arrive as the facility positions itself for expanded regional prominence. Local stakeholders have long viewed the half-mile oval, located in Dublin, Virginia, as a potential catalyst for tourism and economic growth in Pulaski County. By locking in next year’s slate early and bringing in fresh leadership, the track aims to solidify partnerships with touring series and enhance the fan experience. Further details on the 2026 schedule and the new general manager are expected to be unveiled during a press conference later this month.

Red Bull Arena will stage a tale of two seasons on Sunday when fourth-placed RB Leipzig welcome 15th-placed VfL Wolfsburg, the hosts desperate to tighten their grip on a Champions-League berth while the visitors scramble for the points that could keep them in Germany’s top flight. Leipski’s 12-3-6 record leaves them nine points clear of seventh and in pole position for European qualification, yet Ole Werner’s side have wobbled of late. A mid-week DFB-Pokal exit to Bayern München followed draws with bottom-half duo FC St. Pauli and Mainz 05, meaning the Saxons have dropped four points against sides they would ordinarily expect to beat. With a top-of-the-table showdown against Borussia Dortmund looming next weekend, nothing less than victory will suffice on home soil. History offers encouragement: Leipzig have won four of the last five league meetings with Wolfsburg, including each of the last three by a single goal. Werner, appointed last June through 2027, oversaw one of those victories and warned against complacency. “Wolfsburg have a very experienced team, particularly in the key areas,” the 37-year-old said. “They are good on the ball in midfield, dangerous from set pieces and look to attack with speed. Their new coach has a clear philosophy.” Personnel issues complicate the task. Club captain David Raum sits out after collecting his fifth yellow card, with Max Finkgräfe poised to deputise at left-back. Dutch winger Ayodele Thomas (muscle), midfielders Forzan Assan Ouedraogo (knee) and Viggo Gebel (cruciate) remain sidelined, trimming Werner’s rotation options after a taxing English week. Brajan Gruda, on loan from Brighton, is set for only his second Leipzig appearance in an expected 4-3-3 that also features Rômulo, Nusa and Diomande in attack. Wolfsburg arrive in near-crisis mode. Daniel Bauer’s men have taken four points from a possible 18 in 2026 and sit 17 adrift of the European places. A last-gasp defeat to Dortmund last time out extended a winless run against top-seven opposition to eight matches this term. “We are not winning the matches, and that is something we need to change,” Bauer admitted. “We must become more cold-blooded in front of goal and even tighter at the back.” Injuries and illness have shredded the squad. Nine players are confirmed or doubtful casualties, while four—including American Kevin Paredes and Dane Jesper Lindstrøm—are battling illness. Patrick Wimmer trained partially, Aaron Zehnter faces a late fitness test, and long-term absentee Bence Dárdai will not see action until 2026-27. Bauer, 43, refused to lean on nostalgia, dismissing suggestions that November 2024’s 5-1 rout of Leipzig might serve as motivation. “Past results play no role; we focus on the here and now,” he said, though he welcomed any perception of disrespect as fuel. “No one cares about Wolfsburg anyway—that is exciting motivation for the boys.” With 13 rounds remaining, every point is golden for the Lower-Saxony club. A positive result inside the Red Bull cauldron would not only nudge them clear of the relegation playoff spot but also prove to Bauer—and perhaps the doubters beyond—that Wolfsburg can still trade punches with the league’s heavyweights. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:30 CET, the same time Leipzig must demonstrate their top-four credentials and Wolfsburg their survival resolve. One club eyes Europe, the other escape; only one can leave happier.

Nashville, Tenn. – With the NFL Scouting Combine looming in Indianapolis, the Tennessee Titans enter a pivotal stretch armed with more salary-cap space than any other franchise and a mandate to turn resources into results. Pro Football Focus analyst Bradley Locker believes the single biggest roster question facing first-year head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Mike Borgonzi is not whom they will draft, but how they will deploy a league-high $104 million in cap space. “Adding a stud at wide receiver for Cameron Ward makes sense,” Locker wrote, noting that Calvin Ridley posted only a 66.7 PFF receiving grade last season. Among the potential free-agent upgrades Locker identified are Alec Pierce, Wan’Dale Robinson and Jauan Jennings, each of whom could provide the consistent separation Tennessee lacked in 2025. The urgency is not limited to the perimeter. After finishing 30th in PFF’s pass-rush grades, the Titans are expected to pursue edge-rushing reinforcements before the draft. Whether Borgonzi opts for splash signings, value deals modeled on last year’s Patriots approach, or a hybrid strategy will set the tone for Saleh’s inaugural campaign. Tennessee may again pick in the top four of April’s draft, yet the franchise’s immediate trajectory hinges on choices made well before the selection card is turned in. With free agency still weeks away, every dollar of that $104 million represents both opportunity and risk—an equation Locker calls the offseason’s defining storyline in Nashville. Titans Wire

Tottenham Hotspur have moved swiftly to appoint Igor Tudor as interim head coach until the end of the season, hours after parting company with Thomas Frank following Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle that left the club 16th in the Premier League. The 47-year-old Croatian, who has never managed in England, arrives with a résumé that blends domestic silverware in his homeland with a reputation for short, intense tenures across Europe. Tudor’s playing career was anchored by nine trophy-laden years at Juventus, where he won two Serie A titles and earned 55 caps for Croatia, scoring against England at Euro 2004. Since moving into the dugout he has collected the 2013 Croatian Cup with Hajduk Split, rescued Udinese from relegation in 2018 and, most recently, steered Juventus to fourth place last spring before an eight-game winless run cost him his job in October. “I understand the responsibility I have been handed,” Tudor said on Friday. “My focus is clear: to bring greater consistency to our performances and compete with conviction in every match.” The timing is critical. Spurs host Burton Albion in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday evening, while a relegation battle looms domestically. Chairman Daniel Levy has left the door ajar for a broader reset in the summer, with Mauricio Pochettino—currently in charge of the United States—already being mentioned as a possible permanent successor. Across the country, Newcastle must cope without captain Bruno Guimarães for up to eight weeks after the Brazilian suffered a hamstring tear in the same mid-week victory that hastened Frank’s exit. Scans confirmed the extent of the injury on Wednesday; Eddie Howe admitted the midfielder “definitely felt something” but had to stay on because the bench had been stripped of midfield options. Guimarães could miss at least ten matches, a setback that threatens to derail the Magpies’ push for European qualification. Cup romance is on the menu at the Pirelli Stadium, where League One Burton look to spring a famous upset against West Ham. The Brewers’ starting XI features former Premier League academy products such as Revan and Shade, while Julen Lopetegui has rotated his Hammers selection, handing a debut to 17-year-old midfielder Lamadrid and recalling experienced heads like Kanté and Areola. Southampton’s meeting with Leicester at St Mary’s offers an instant replay of Tuesday’s remarkable Championship encounter, when the Saints overturned a 3-0 half-time deficit to win 4-3 with Shea Charles’ 96th-minute strike. Russell Martin’s side will hope for a less dramatic route into the fifth round, yet Leicester, buoyed by the pace of Abdul Fatawu and the finishing of Patson Daka, remain dangerous. Wrexham are still celebrating their first appearance in the last 16 since 1995 after Josh Windass’ goal edged out promotion rivals Ipswich. Phil Parkinson, whose side sit sixth in the Championship, urged fans to savour the moment: “Every season in football is special and you’ve got to savour it.” The Red Dragons, promoted in each of the past three campaigns, will learn their fifth-round fate during Monday night’s draw. In Europe’s major leagues, the headline fixture sees Inter Milan host Juventus in Serie A tonight, a clash that could have title ramifications for both. LaLiga offers Real Madrid against Real Sociedad, while the Bundesliga’s afternoon programme features Bayern Munich away to Werder Bremen and Borussia Dortmund—fresh from a 4-0 rout of Mainz in which Serhou Guirassy struck twice—looking to keep pace at the top. Back in England, the FA Cup fourth-round weekend also doubles as a stage for fringe players and emerging talents. Manchester City, Liverpool, Newcastle, Brighton, Aston Villa and Burnley are all in action, while Millwall, Derby and Preston seek Championship momentum alongside cup progress. Off the pitch, England confirmed Thomas Tuchel will remain head coach through Euro 2028 after a qualifying campaign that sealed World Cup passage. The draw for this autumn’s Nations League pitted the Three Lions against Spain, Croatia and the Czech Republic in Group A3. With managerial chairs spinning—Nottingham Forest are poised to unveil Vítor Pereira as their fourth head coach of the season after Thursday’s dismissal of Sean Dyche—and injuries mounting, the weekend’s fixtures promise as much intrigue on the touchline as on the pitch.

Milan, Italy — Team USA’s pursuit of its first Olympic men’s hockey gold since 1980 resumes Saturday afternoon when it faces Denmark in a pivotal Group C clash at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Puck drop is set for 3:10 p.m. ET on Valentine’s Day, and the contest will be carried nationally on USA Network while streaming live on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s direct-to-consumer platform that is serving as the streaming home of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games. Mike Sullivan’s squad opened the tournament with a statement 5-1 victory over Latvia, showcasing the scoring depth, elite goaltending and sandpaper-style role players that general manager Bill Guerin assembled once the NHL ended its 12-year Olympic hiatus. A win against Denmark would move the Americans closer to a quarterfinal bye and continue the momentum generated by a roster many analysts already consider the most talented U.S. team since the 2014 Sochi Games. Denmark, appearing in only its second Olympic men’s tournament, arrives with legitimate upset credentials. The Danes stunned Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Championship en route to a program-best fourth-place finish, and six of their 2026 Olympians currently skate in the NHL, including Carolina Hurricanes star winger Nikolaj Ehlers and experienced Washington Capitals center Lars Eller. Saturday’s matchup represents another opportunity for Denmark to announce itself as a rising force on the international stage. Points are at a premium in the three-team Group C. A regulation victory would give the United States control of the group heading into its final preliminary contest, while Denmark can vault into contention for an automatic quarterfinal berth with what would be the biggest win in the nation’s hockey history. Peacock subscribers can watch every minute of the game live on phones, tablets, smart TVs and web browsers. The service, which carries every Olympic and Paralympic event from Milan-Cortina, is available starting at $10.99 per month and can be canceled at any time. Replays, highlights and studio analysis will also be available on-demand immediately after the final horn. USA Network’s telecast will include the full pre-game show, intermission reports and post-game reaction, ensuring fans across North America can follow the developing storylines as the tournament’s knockout round picture comes into focus. With NHL talent back on Olympic ice for the first time since 2014, the stakes—and the spotlight—have never been brighter for both programs. Saturday afternoon’s faceoff could ultimately determine which path each team travels in the chase for medals in northern Italy. Peacock, USA Network, 3:10 p.m. ET. Set your alarms, clear your schedule, and witness the next chapter of Olympic hockey history.

The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend reaches its crescendo on Saturday, Feb. 14, when the league’s high-flying stars take center stage at Intuit Dome for the annual Slam Dunk Contest. The marquee event of All-Star Saturday Night is scheduled to tip off at approximately 8 p.m. ET, immediately following the Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest. Fans can watch every dunk live on NBC or stream the action in real time via Peacock, NBCUniversal’s flagship platform. Peacock’s sports portfolio also includes NFL Sunday Night Football, Premier League soccer, Big Ten basketball, and Olympic coverage, with subscription plans starting at $10.99 per month and no long-term commitment. Format at a Glance Each competitor will execute two dunks in the opening round. A panel of four judges—scoring each attempt on a 40-to-50 scale—will be joined by a composite fan vote submitted through the NBA app; the aggregated fan tally acts as the fifth judge. The two participants with the highest combined averages advance to the finals, where another two dunks apiece will decide the champion. The dunker with the top cumulative score from all five judges earns the 2026 crown. With tip-off locked in for 8 p.m. ET and multiple ways to tune in, the league’s most theatrical showcase is set to deliver another unforgettable night of aerial artistry.

San Antonio — Grief and frustration converged on the Northside Independent School District Monday evening as dozens of parents of Stevens High School football players pressed district officials for clarity surrounding the death of 16-year-old Jaren “JLaw” Lawson, who collapsed during practice and later died. The meeting, held in the Stevens cafeteria, was marked by emotional pleas and pointed questions about the circumstances that led to the sophomore’s collapse. Several parents said they still do not know basic facts about the incident, including the precise timeline of Lawson’s collapse and the immediate medical response. “What if I’m next?” one mother asked district representatives, voicing a fear echoed by others in the room. “We’re handing our kids over every day, and we don’t even know what happened.” NISD officials reiterated that an internal review is underway but disputed key allegations raised by parents, though they did not specify which claims were inaccurate. District representatives declined to provide additional details, citing privacy laws and the ongoing investigation. Lawson, described by classmates as a dedicated athlete with aspirations of varsity play, died after being transported from the campus last week. The district has not released the exact date of his death or the medical cause, prompting further unease among families.

DUNLAP — Twelve months ago Concord senior Brycen Brosamer could barely walk. On Saturday he will stride into Fort Wayne’s Allen County War Memorial Coliseum as one of the most dangerous wrestlers in the 144-pound semistate bracket, carrying a 31-4 record and a season’s worth of momentum that few saw coming. The turnaround began with a decision last summer: football was finished. After breaking his fibula and ankle during his junior gridiron campaign, Brosamer limped through only nine wrestling matches, finishing 5-4 and hobbling to sixth at sectional. The injuries cost him preseason training, then re-appeared the moment he re-took the mat. “I came back for one practice, landed wrong and it felt like I had a broken leg again,” Brosamer recalled. Doctors confirmed a second fracture—this time in the ankle—and his season never restarted in earnest. Rather than risk a repeat, Brosamer gave up the shoulder pads, devoted himself to rehabilitation and attacked wrestling with single-sport focus. The payoff has been swift and decisive: sectional champion, regional champion, Northern Lakes Conference champion and, now, a legitimate threat to punch his first ticket to the state finals. “I feel I can compete with anybody at the semistate and win the whole thing,” said Brosamer, who opens against Wabash’s Corbin Goshert, a 7-1 victim earlier this year. “I just have to finish out matches and wrestle all six minutes.” Concord co-head coach Brian Pfeil believes the senior’s confidence is justified. “I believe he’s a top-four wrestler at 144 at the semistate and a state qualifier, as long as he goes out and wrestles like he has all season,” Pfeil said. “Bryce put in a lot of offseason work. Mentally, he’s in a much better spot.” That mental edge was hard-earned. Brosamer began wrestling in sixth grade as a 90-pounder who, by his own admission, “was terrible.” The progression from curiosity to contender has surprised even those who coached him in junior high. “My junior high coach said I’ve shocked everyone,” Brosamer noted. “I’ve become something nobody thought I would become.” The semistate stage is not unfamiliar territory; as a freshman alternate he lost his opening match at 138 pounds. He expects the experience to steady his nerves this weekend while he chases the biggest prize of his career. Away from the mat Brosamer maintains a 4.015 GPA and has already fielded outreach from college programs—conversations he has tabled until the final whistle of his senior season. “I want to live in the present and work my hardest now,” he said. For a wrestler who once wondered if he would walk normally again, the present moment looks remarkably like a championship opportunity. SEO keywords:

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Nebraska’s bats roared to life on opening night, pounding out hit after hit en route to a run-rule victory over UConn on Friday. The offensive barrage set an early tone for a program looking to make noise in 2026. Playing in the desert at Charles Schwab Field, the Huskers wasted no time showcasing their lineup’s firepower, turning the contest into a hit parade that ended early under the mercy rule. The win marks an emphatic start to a season that has been previewed as pivotal for Nebraska baseball. Evan Bland and Sam McKewon discussed expectations for the Huskers during the Pick Six Podcast on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, highlighting the roster’s potential to contend in the Big Ten. Friday’s outburst offered an early glimpse of that promise, as Nebraska piled on runs and never let up. With the season now officially underway, the Huskers will look to carry the momentum of their opening-night onslaught into the rest of their schedule.

KASSON — Gabe Coshenet’s Saturdays this autumn are already spoken for—he’ll be in Marshall, Minn., wearing Southwest Minnesota State University’s maroon and gold alongside four fellow Byron High School graduates who have signed on to join the Mustangs’ football program. But before the pads and playbooks take over, the 6-foot senior still has unfinished business on ice. Coshenet, who briefly contemplated stepping away from hockey after securing his football scholarship, is instead steering the Dodge County Wildcats toward what they hope will be a landmark postseason. Entering Friday night’s contest at Osseo, he tops the Section 1, Class 1A contender in every major offensive category—22 goals, 24 assists, 46 points—and the team has responded by posting a 15-7-1 overall record and a torrid 7-1-1 run since mid-January. “I thought about hanging the skates up, but this group is special,” Coshenet said. “Hockey is definitely something I’m not ready to let go of yet.” The Wildcats’ surge was punctuated by a 1-0 road victory over Lourdes on Feb. 5, a win that vaulted Dodge County back into contention for the No. 3 seed when section playoffs open Tuesday. Coshenet’s linemates—sophomore Camryn Koch and record-setting freshman Nolan Steele—supplied the lone goal that night, further evidence of a top-line chemistry that has produced 51 goals and 113 combined points this winter. The trio has also factored in eight power-play goals. Steele (14-20—34) already owns the program’s freshman scoring mark, while Koch (15-18—33) has emerged as an emotional catalyst. “Cam’s the guy who pulls us up when we’re trailing; Nolan’s just electric,” Coshenet said. “Knowing I’ve two elite players with me makes everyone better.” Dodge County last reached the state tournament in 2021 and returns much of the roster that skated in the 2022 section final, a 4-1 loss to Northfield. With defending champion Northfield, Waseca and Lourdes all eyeing the same prize, the path is daunting, yet Coshenet—one of the team’s captains—likes the Wildcats’ trajectory. “We’re peaking at the right time,” he said. “Every practice, every bus ride, I’m soaking it in. These could be my last hockey games ever, and I want them to last as long as possible.” Whether the ride ends in the section championship or at Xcel Energy Center, Coshenet’s legacy is secure: a football signee who refused to let winter end without leaving his mark on ice, and a leader who has Dodge County believing the grandest stage is within reach.

CHEYENNE — A proposal that would clarify the legality of “corner crossing” in Wyoming advanced through its first legislative tests Monday, drawing a standing-room-only crowd and a sports-themed pep talk from its sponsor, longtime high school football coach and state Rep. Steve Harshman. Addressing the packed committee room, the Casper Republican leaned on gridiron imagery to describe the path ahead for House Bill 25, likening the early procedural wins to moving the chains on fourth-and-short. “We’ve got a long field ahead of us,” Harshman told lawmakers and onlookers, “but today we picked up the first down.” The bill seeks to statutorily affirm that stepping from one parcel of public land to another at an otherwise inaccessible four-corner intersection—an act known as corner crossing—does not constitute criminal trespass. Supporters argue the change simply codifies what they believe existing law already allows, while opponents, primarily private-land advocates, warn it could erode property rights. After a brisk question-and-answer session, the measure cleared the House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources Committee on a 7-2 vote. It now heads to the full House for further debate, where additional amendments and a final vote are expected later this week.