Welcome back to another analysis of five MLB pitchers in the 2026 season. This week, instead of focusing on the underperformers, we will look at those who are overperforming, including some who have had the best season of their career. With many sporting ERAs around 2.00, we will examine which pitchers are outperforming their expected values.MORE: Former World Series champion retires immediately, then changes his mind one day laterMichael McGreevy, St. Louis CardinalsMay 20, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Michael McGreevy (36) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning of an MLB at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn ImagesOne of the biggest overperformers in the MLB this season has to be St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Michael McGreevy. With an ERA (2.40) and WHIP (0.99) that place him in the top 10 in the NL for both categories, you might expect him to be solid from the mound. However, his expected numbers tell a different story. His xBA (.296), xSLG (.539), xwOBA (.374), xwOBAcon (.433), and xERA (5.83) all rank him in the bottom 10% across the MLB. His high hard hit rate (41.1%) and high barrel rate (10.8%) indicate that the contact has not been soft either, so much of his run prevention traces back to batted-ball luck rather than skill. He is a prime example of an overperformer, suggesting a regression towards his underlying metrics is soon to come. Spencer Arrighetti, Houston AstrosSitting at 6-1 with a 1.32 ERA through his first 7 games this season, Spencer Arrighetti is making a strong case for an early Cy Young candidate. However, there is much skepticism about his young career, which highlights why many experts are not including him in the conversation. His 4.76 xERA and 4.90 xFIP both suggest that he should be a back-end starter rather than an ace. Also, his .268 wOBA sits well under his .343 xwOBA, which shows that hitters have produced softer outcomes than their contact quality warrants. His 14.3% walk rate, combined with an underwhelming MLB track record across his first two seasons, shows why his current dominance is regression-bound rather than being a genuine Cy Young case.Bryce Elder, Atlanta BravesMay 22, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Bryce Elder (55) throws against the Washington Nationals in the fifth inning of an MLB game at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesAnother pitcher with a sub-2 ERA, Bryce Elder, is showing his best stuff to start the 2026 season. However, his xERA, while solid, still suggests he is outrunning his contact-quality data. His 3.21 FIP and 3.74 xFIP sit well above his ERA, explained by his low BABIP of .228, which is likely to increase as the season progresses. Although his 22.5% strikeout rate is a career best, it is unlikely to fully hold. With an ERA of 5.30 just last season, the suppression of contact has never been there, and thus, he is outperforming his true talent level immensely, suggesting a meaningful regression is in order as his batted-ball fortune normalizes.Davis Martin, White SoxThrough his first 8 starts, Davis Martin is 7-1 with a 2.04 ERA and 1.02 WHIP, putting him top 5 in the AL in every category. Martin is a pitcher who has sat at an ERA in the 4s through his first three seasons, so how has he suddenly broken out as the White Sox’s ace? One of the biggest helpers is his 84.1% strand rate, allowing him to outperform his xERA by 1.54. However, this won’t last, as shown by his contact allowed (45.5% hard-hit rate and 90.1 mph average exit velocity). It isn’t pure luck, as he has improved his walk rate to 5.0% and strikeout rate to 27.4%. However, he should be a solid mid-rotation arm once his batted-ball luck corrects, not the ace that he currently looks like.Emerson Hancock, Seattle MarinersMay 15, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starter Emerson Hancock (26) delivers a pitch during the second inning in an MLB game vs. the San Diego Padres at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn ImagesThe last pitcher to round out our group for today is Seattle Mariners RHP Emerson Hancock. His current strong ERA and WHIP are likely inflated by luck, as his expected metrics and underlying contact quality suggest regression. His 3.98 xERA is almost a full run higher than his 3.21 ERA, and hitters have made solid contact against him, evidenced by a high hard-hit (44.2%) and barrel rate (9.9%). Moreover, his past season’s poor strikeout rate (14.7%) and high FIP (5.69) indicate he lacks the skills to sustain his current performance, making a step back probable.— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

Finally, an excellent list of two-start pitchers. After a few weeks of trying to turn lemons into lemonade, we finally have a terrific list of hurlers to choose from. This week’s group has something for everyone — some pitchers at the top who could become permanent lineup members, and then a long list of those who can be streamed in a wide variety of league sizes.On the hitting side, the Blue Jays and Rangers should provide short-term solutions.Two-Start Pitchers (listed in order of preference)Bryce Miller, Mariners, 42% (@ ATH, vs. ARI): Miller struggled last season to such a great degree (5.68 ERA, 1.41 WHIP) that many fantasy managers have forgotten that he was outstanding (2.94 ERA, 0.98 WHIP) in 2024. The 27-year-old has looked great in two starts since returning from a season-opening stint on the IL (1.64 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 10:2 K:BB ratio). His first start is challenging, as the Athletics are excellent against righties and their home park is rough for pitchers. Still, Miller is too talented to be passed over for a two-start week.Ben Brown, Cubs, 34% (@ PIT, @ STL): Brown is known for compiling an impressive K:BB ratio but has often given up too much hard contact while failing to fool hitters with a two-pitch mix. He recently added a sinker, which has diversified his arsenal and encouraged the Cubs to give him another rotation opportunity. The results across three starts have been impressive (2.08 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 16:4 K:BB ratio). With a pair of reasonable matchups this week, he should be started in 10-team leagues.Zebby Matthews, Twins, 31% (@ CWS, @ PIT): Matthews followed up a dazzling 2026 debut by striking out six over six innings of two-run ball last time out. He has similarities to Brown, as someone who has long been predicted for success thanks to an ability to log an impressive K:BB ratio. For Matthews, the difference this year is that he has significantly lowered his barrel rate, albeit across just two starts. He is scheduled to face two teams that have been more productive than expected but he still gets the benefit of the doubt in 12-team leagues.Jansen Junk, Marlins, 7% (@ TOR, @ NYM): Junk produced a 2.82 ERA over his initial seven starts before falling on hard times by giving up 19 earned runs in his past three outings. In his defense, he faced the two highest scoring teams (Nats, Braves) and an effective Rays offense in those starts.For someone who usually keeps the ball in the yard, he was unusually homer-prone when he allowed five long balls in those three appearances. The 30-year-old could get back on track when he faces a pair of bottom-10 offenses this week, but his low strikeout rate (6.6 K/9 rate) limits his ceiling and overall appeal.Keider Montero, Tigers, 9% (vs. LAA, @ CWS): Montero has been steady but unspectacular while producing a 3.83 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. The right-hander rarely strikes batters out (5.8 K/9 rate), and much of his success can be traced to a .210 BABIP. He may not have the skills to take advantage of two strikeout-prone opponents this week, which makes him a fringe option in 12-team leagues.Kumar Rocker, Rangers, 7% (vs. HOU, v. KC): Although his season-long stats are mediocre, Rocker is on a roll, having tossed 12.2 shutout innings in his past two starts. Still, with an unimpressive 10:7 K:BB ratio in those starts, the right-hander’s hot streak seems to be traced mostly to good fortune. The main reason to consider the 26-year-old is that he will make two home starts this week and owns some of the widest home-road splits in baseball, having logged a career 2.61 ERA at home and 7.02 mark on the road.Jack Leiter, Rangers, 31% (vs. HOU, vs. KC): Leiter has been inconsistent this season, and after tossing seven innings of one-run ball against the Astros on May 15, he faltered last time out (5 IP, 4 ER), albeit at hitter-friendly Coors Field. Unlike his teammate and fellow former high draft pick Rocker, Leiter has not shown any affinity for his pitcher-friendly home park, where he will work twice this week. Although not a good option in categories leagues, Leiter can be considered in points formats on the strength of his 9.9 K/9 rate.Spencer Miles, Blue Jays, 1% (vs. MIA, @ BAL): Miles is an exciting success story, who has gone from being a Rule 5 pick in December to posting terrific ratios (2.17 ERA, 1.03 WHIP) and earning a spot in Toronto’s rotation. The right-hander has solid control skills (2.5 BB/9 rate), plenty of swing-and-miss (9.0 K/9 rate) and hasn’t allowed a homer since April 6. He has reasonable matchups this week and could help managers with their ratios. Miles’ win potential remains low, as he has yet to log a 65-pitch appearance.Carmen Mlodzinski, Pirates, 10% (vs. CHC, vs. MIN): Mlodzinski has produced some odd stat lines this year en route to a 3.96 ERA and 1.40 WHIP. Most recently, the 27-year-old has struck out just four batters while allowing just four earned runs across his past three starts. He was perhaps saved by facing unimpressive lineups (Rockies, Giants) in two of those starts, and this week he could struggle against two top-10 teams in runs scored. Managers in 12-team leagues can likely do better.Sean Burke, White Sox, 15% (vs. MIN, vs. DET): After posting a 2.72 ERA across his initial five starts, Burke has fallen on hard times of late. The right-hander has produced an 8.10 ERA and 1.80 WHIP across his past three starts, while failing to finish the fifth frame in each appearance. Although his matchups are reasonable this week (the Twins are above average in runs scored and the Tigers are among the lowest scoring teams), he has struggled to the point where managers in 12-team leagues can do better.Jack Kochanowicz, Angels, 7% (@ DET, @ TB): Kochanowicz is coming off a quality start against the Athletics in which he tied a season-high with seven strikeouts, but his overall portfolio (4.55 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 6.4 K/9 rate) is still too weak to make him an option in mixed leagues. Having a difficult matchup against the 34-16 Rays is the last straw to leave him on the waiver wire.Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournamentOne-Start StreamersIn order, here are the best streamers for the week, with their start date and Yahoo roster rate in parentheses.Logan Henderson vs. STL (Wednesday, 48)Foster Griffin vs. SD (Saturday, 42)Christian Scott vs. MIA (Saturday, 16)Griffin Jax @ BAL (Tuesday, 29)Steven Matz @ BAL (Wednesday, 17)Bailey Ober @ PIT (Friday, 48)Connor Prielipp @ CWS (Wednesday, 16)Jameson Taillon @ PIT (Wednesday, 19)Michael McGreevy @ MIL (Tuesday, 44)Walbert Ureña @ TB (Friday, 16)Grant Holmes @ CIN (Friday, 31)Dustin May @ MIL (Wednesday, 14)Joey Cantillo vs. WSH (Tuesday, 38)J.T. Ginn vs. NYY (Friday, 38)Favorable Monday-Thursday hitting matchupsBlue Jays vs. Marlins, @ Orioles: Although the Blue Jays continue to have a disappointing season at the plate, they could turn things around when they play two series against teams with a below-average ERA. And with all of their upcoming games coming against right-handers, lefty Daulton Varsho (37%) is by far their best option from the waiver wire. Jesús Sánchez (2%), Yohendrick Piñango (1%) and Andrés Giménez (20%) can be considered in deep formats.Rangers vs. Astros: Although the Astros have shown improvement of late, they remain last in the majors in ERA. Texas is in a similar situation to Toronto, as their upcoming games will be played entirely against right-handed starters, which makes their streamers easy to identify. Joc Pederson (0%) is a great option, as he could hit leadoff or cleanup in every game. Ezequiel Duran (40%) should be considered as well, especially since he is easy to fit into a lineup thanks to being eligible at every position except catcher.

Red Sox Admit Getting Swept By Twins At Fenway Park 'Definitely Hurts' originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Boston Red Sox hosted the Minnesota Twins for a three-game series at Fenway Park, which was a good chance for the team to get back on track.However, Boston lost all three games at home, which included a heartbreaking loss on Sunday, as Isiah Kiner-Falefa hit a double off the wall, but Connor Wong was thrown out at the plate, which would have been the tying run.Following the loss, Kiner-Falefa admitted being swept hurts, but Boston remains in the playoff race, which gives the team confidence.“To get swept here definitely hurts,” Kiner-Falefa said postgame on Sunday. “We feel it and as a group we really want to make our fanbase proud. “We’ve got to find a way to stack some wins together at home and get back in the race. … It’s tough, but you look at the standings and somehow, we’re still in it. I think that helps a lot.”The Red Sox fell to 22-30 on the season, but despite being eight games under .500, Boston is just 3.5 games back of a Wild Card spot.Boston will look to get back on track on Tuesday with a three-game home series against the Atlanta Braves, who are one of the top teams in the MLB.More MLB: Chad Tracy Discusses Decision To Send Runner In 9th Inning

Health played a significant role in the Dallas Cowboys' abysmal 2025 season. In 2026, they'll be hoping to avoid the injury bug, starting with three players who have constantly been in the trainer's room: Tyler Guyton, DaRon Bland, and Demarvion Overshown. If these three can stay healthy, it boosts Dallas' odds of turning things around and making noise this season.Another factor that could hamper the Cowboys' hopes of a positive season is the schedule. The NFL did Dallas no favors when it put the 2026 schedule together. Now, the Cowboys have one of the toughest schedules in the league, and many believe they'll improve, but not by much. It will be interesting to see how the team handles the long odds.Dallas Cowboys Top Headlines3 players Cowboys need to remain healthy in 2026 :: BloggingtheBoys (Link)Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys Get Concerning Prediction for 2026 NFL Season :: Gridiron Heroics (Link)Cowboys new special teams ace? $259k guaranteed may have bought a gem :: CowboysWire (Link)Former Cowboys WR claim of Jones vendetta hurting Pickens doesn't jibe :: Cowboys Wire (Link)Cowboys would be crazy to consider this Ryan Flournoy trade idea :: The Landry Hat (Link)Cowboys' RB answer behind Javonte Williams couldn't be more obvious :: The Landry Hat (Link)Dallas Cowboys Training Camp Will be Headlined by Wide Receiver Battles :: InsidetheStar (Link)Cowboys 2026 roster rundown: DT Jay Toia :: Blogging The Boys (Link)2 Dallas Cowboys Fan Favorites Unlikely to Return in 2027 :: Inside The Star (Link)Cowboys Need Shavon Revel’s No. 28 Reset to Become Real :: InsidetheStar (Link)Headlines Around the NFLJack Bech Gets Promising Message on Potential Usage for Raiders :: Heavy.com (Link)Panthers trade rumor should be of interest to Chiefs, Commanders, Browns :: Sporting News (Link)Steelers’ Rico Dowdle, Jaylen Warren Both RB1 Options :: ProFootballRumors (Link)'Final Countdown' To A.J. Brown Trade Starts As 3 NFL Teams Are Lurking :: The Kansas City Star (Link)News & Headlines from Around the NFC EastOld Jaxson Dart Clip Resurfaces Amid Giants Off-Field Drama :: Heavy.com (Link)RGIII Says One Thing Could Make Or Break Jayden Daniels And The Commanders :: Sports Illustrated (Link)8 Eagles things we’ll be watching out for at OTA practices :: BleedingGreenNation (Link)NFL rumors: Insider dumps cold water on Commanders getting Brandon Aiyuk amid 49ers drama :: ClutchPoints (Link)This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys Headlines: Daniels, Dart division news, Dallas health concerns

Cuesta: ‘Juventus was my master’s, Arsenal my doctorate’ as Parma coach reflects on educationCarlos Cuesta has opened up on the formative experiences that shaped him as a coach, describing Juventus as his “master’s degree” and Arsenal as his “doctorate” in a wide-ranging interview with Spanish newspaper AS.The Parma head coach, who guided the Gialloblu to a comfortable Serie A survival this season, began coaching at the age of 15 in his home city of Mallorca after recognising early that his future in the game would not be as a player.“I did not have the quality to play and that was the reason I started so early,” Cuesta admitted, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.“Leaving football so early to concentrate all my efforts on coaching was an unusual decision, but my passion was the game. I was not very good at playing it and I loved understanding it.”PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Carlos Cuesta, Head Coach of Parma Calcio and Gabriel Strefezza of Parma Calcio greet each other after the match during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)Parma’s Cuesta credits Arsenal’s five-year influence for completing his coaching educationCuesta spent time on the coaching staffs of Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Arsenal before taking his first senior managerial post, and reflects on each stop as a distinct stage of his professional development.“Being four years at Atletico Madrid was like university,” he said. “Then I did my master’s at Juventus. And then my doctorate at Arsenal, five incredible years.”On his time in Turin specifically, Cuesta was effusive.“There are so many things I learned at Juventus in a very high-level environment, with a great work culture, professionals of enormous experience and an incredible density of talent,” he said. “Not only among the coaches and the players there, but also in terms of scouting players from all over the country and a great capacity to attract a high standard.”GENOA, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Carlos Cuesta, head coach of Parma, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on October 19, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)The combination of elite environments across three countries has clearly left its mark on a coach whose methods at Parma have drawn praise, not least for the culture and discipline he has instilled in a squad that was considered one of the division’s most vulnerable at the start of the season, although some critics have played down their style of play as ‘boring.’

Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesAlex Palou and Chip Ganassi Racing have been fined $10,000 and docked five championship points after IndyCar found a technical violation during post-race inspection at the Indianapolis 500.Series officials confirmed the issue involved the front wing assembly on Palou’s No. 10 Honda following Sunday’s race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. However, they also noted there was no evidence that the violation was intentional.The penalty capped a frustrating day for Palou, who started from pole, led a race-high 59 laps and entered as the defending winner before finishing seventh.Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesIndyCar explains Alex Palou post-race inspection penaltyAccording to IndyCar, the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda failed front wing height measurements during the post-race inspection. The violation specifically involved the speedway front wing end plate height regulations.“IndyCar Officiating has determined that the non-compliance was the result of an assembly error and not an intentional modification,” the series said.“Car No. 10 has been penalized five championship driver and entrant points and the team has been fined $10,000.”Palou was allowed to keep his seventh-place finish despite the technical breach, avoiding a harsher penalty after what had been a strong performance throughout the month of May.Chip Ganassi Racing accepts Indy 500 penaltyChip Ganassi Racing issued a statement accepting the penalty, acknowledging the front wing assembly failure while denying any intent to gain an advantage.“The failure caused the wing to fall out of compliance with INDYCAR’s technical parameters post-race,” the team said.“Chip Ganassi Racing did not attempt to gain an unfair advantage in the race, and accepts this penalty.”The penalty adds to what was already a disappointing finish for Palou, who controlled much of the race from pole and led more laps than anyone else. He had been widely tipped to become the first back-to-back winner since Helio Castroneves in 2001-02.Instead, the Spaniard leaves Indianapolis with a reduced championship tally and another near-miss on the sport’s biggest stage.Read more:How 2026 Indy 500 will be impacted by predicted rain on Memorial Day weekendKatherine Legge details how chaotic Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 preparation went ‘wrong’Alexander Rossi claims backup ECR No. 20 car ‘just as good’ ahead of Indy 500

Hansi Flick-Marcus Rashford talks explain confidence over Barcelona futureIt was no surrpise that Marcus Rashford became a headline story after joining Barcelona on loan from Manchester United last summer. The England international has been relatively low-key since arriving in Catalonia though, and much of the talk surrounding him is whether the Blaugrana will make a move to keep him.The Catalans have a €30m buy option on Rashford, but are keen to renegotiate with United over the terms. The Red Devils are not, and are demanding that the clause be paid, otherwise they will entertain other offers for him. Meanwhile Rashford has appeared relatively confident over his future in recent weeks. Following the end of Barcelona’s season on Sunday, Rashford posted on his Instagram, saying ‘Hungry for more’, suggesting he intends to be back next year.Hansi Flick’s conversation with Marcus RashfordOne of the clearest advocates for Rashford this season has been Hansi Flick. While the Barcelona manager has at times demanded more of the England international, he has largely been full of praise for him. Recently it has been reported that Flick has given the green light for Barcelona to retain Rashford, and Marca report that in recent days, he held a conversation with the forward. He explained that he was keen to keep hold of Rashford, and that he was relying on him for next season.Rashford relaxed over Barcelona futureThat discussion over his future left Rashford content and relaxed about the situation, even if he is aware that a tough negotiation is ahead between the two clubs. It seems that Barcelona will indeed do what they can to keep hold of Rashford, despite numerous reports that they were looking at alternatives in recent months. The 28-year-old has only ever maintained that he is keen to continue at Camp Nou next season. Rashford finished the year with

Mason Montgomery Believes Pirates Can Build Off Win Over Blue Jays originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Pittsburgh Pirates avoided a sweep at the hands of the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday at the Rogers Centre.Pittsburgh dropped the first two games of the series and gave Mitch Keller the ball in the series finale. The right-hander pitched well, while the bats came to life, as Spencer Horwitz hit a first-pitch home run to lead off the game. O’Neil Cruz hit a solo home run, and Esmerlyn Valdez hit his first career MLB home run in the sixth inning to give the team a 4-1 lead. It was also Valdez’s first career hit.It was a solid performance from the Pirates, and Horwitz believes the team was able to get going after his leadoff home run.“It was fun,” Horwitz said postgame Sunday. “Definitely one of my favorite homers so far, to be able to do it back here, to do it with a team that I’m wanted on is definitely great. It seemed to get the guys going a little bit this morning.”Along with the bats, the pitching was solid, as Keller went six innings allowing one run on four hits. Mason Montgomery also came in relief was stellar as he went 1.2 innings, escaping a jam, allowing zero this and two strikeouts.After the win on Sunday, Montgomery believes it’s a game he and the rest of the team can build off of.“I feel like we’ve done a good job trusting our stuff and continuing to stick to our plan,” Montgomery said. “There are gonna be ups and downs. This a good step forward. Hopefully we can stack it.”With the win, the Pirates improved to 27-26 and are two games back of a Wild Card spot. Pittsburgh is now off to begin a three-game road series against the Chicago Cubs beginning on Monday afternoon.More MLB: Pirates Surprisingly Remain One Of Baseball's Top Offenses This Season

It is hard to believe it, but it is almost the beginning of the summer official visit period in college recruiting, so we wanted to provide an updated big board to show who we feel are the top remaining prospects on the board for the Huskies. If you followed this series last year there were multiple iterations that had multiple boards of 25+ prospects each time, but with how quickly the class is filling up we have decided top only rank our top 10. With that, let’s take a look at the top prospects on the board!PlayerPositionOverall RankAaron’s RankLuke’s RankCensere GaylordCB121Gecova DoyalIOL213Tye KennedyOT352DaJohn YarboroughIOL437Osani GaylesWR564Tre MooreWR648Troy MailoEdge775Lincoln MageoIOL8106Dontay TysonWR989Jaden Walk-GreenS109Chaz GrayEdge11101) Censere GaylordPosition: CBHeight: 6’0 Weight: 180High School: IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL)Previous Rank: 15Player Overview: Gaylord is a silky smooth CB who is already excellent at flipping his hips and mirroring receivers in coverage. He also displays a high football IQ making plays on the ball in the flat and in the air which showed up on the stat sheet as well. In only 9 games he had 4 INTs, 5 PDs, and 1 FF, which is even more impressive knowing that IMG blows out a lot of teams and the starters rarely play a full game.Why we rated him here: To reclaim the title of DBU, UW needs to continue to stockpile talent at the position. Coach Richardson has done a great job of that the past two classes bringing in 4 stars like Dylan Robinson and Rahsjon Duncan, but he can’t take his foot off the gas. Gaylord is a smart and savvy corner who can play press man or zone coverage well and would thrive in Walters’ system. -LukePrevious Recruiting Status: Some of Gaylord’s top schools are Auburn, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, Oregon, Tennessee, and UW. Schools like Georgia are pushing him hard to stay down south, but he is originally from California and has a very high interest in both Oregon and Washington that can use that to their advantage. Gaylord has known coach J-Rich since he was in 8th grade and that bond should at least earn the Huskies an official visit over the summer and will likely keep them very much in it until the end.Current Recruiting Status: The Huskies got to strike first by being the first school he has scheduled an official visit with. Granted it is because he wants to take an unofficial visit to a school before scheduling an official first, but UW still pulled that off during his junior day trip. His visit schedule is GT May 29, UW June 5, Georgia June 12, and Auburn June 19. UW is the only West Coast team remaining in his recruitment and they are hoping to convince him to return to his roots. Auburn remains a very large threat, but Georgia is the team we have our eyes on as the biggest competition.2) Gecova DoyalPosition: IOLHeight: 6’3 Weight: 270High School: Puyallup (Puyallup, WA)Previous Rank: 10Player Overview: Since he was a freshman, Doyal has been a dominant force on the OL. Playing primarily at LT for his team, he has shown strong pass blocking skills to go along with supreme athleticism to pull and get to the second level of the defense. He is projected to slide inside at the next level and has the potential to be an all-conference guard.Why we rated him here: The Huskies have been recruiting Doyal for several years now. Doyal, who is the top rated offensive lineman in the state in the class of 2027, is a must-get for the Huskies staff in the 2027 class. Past Husky staffs have struggled to keep the top in-state offensive line players home, which is why we are putting Doyal so high on our list (not to mention he is very very talented and can play inside or outside in college). -AaronPrevious Recruiting Status: The Huskies have been the program that have always made Doyal feel like a priority. They were the first school to visit him during the January visit period and he has been to a lot of Husky games over his HS career. With offers from Miami, Tennessee, and Texas A&M among others to consider a decision won’t come soon, but it would be surprising if the Huskies weren’t the choice in the end.Current Recruiting Status: The Husky coaches continue to recruit Doyal hard, but their lead for Doyal is not as large as it was previously. While UCLA will be a major player still, this is shaping up to be a classic UW vs. Oregon recruiting battle. Fortunately for the Huskies, they will get the final official visit and it is scheduled for the final weekend of the summer recruiting period.3) Tye KennedyPosition: OTHeight: 6’6 Weight: 275High School: Mountain View (Mesa, AZ)Previous Rank: NRPlayer Overview: While still refining his technique, the physical gifts for Kennedy are undeniable. He moves as nimbly as a guy half his size and has the length to make him a tantalizing tackle prospect. He is more polished as a run blocker right now, but given time he has the makings of an excellent LT.Why we rated him here: It is a very thin class at OT out west and the staff has been more focused on IOL as a result. They brought in their LT of the future last class with Kodi Greene, so it doesn’t bother me to take a prospect who will take a little time to be ready for B1G football. OT is still one of the most important positions in the sport and getting a talented legacy from arguably the best LT to ever grace Montlake would be a heck of a way to address the need. -LukeRecruiting Status: Kennedy has seen his stock rise quite a lot in this offseason and he has set official visits to Stanford, Cal, Utah, Michigan, and UW. Stanford will get the first crack at him this upcoming weekend and they could be the biggest hurdle for UW to overcome to landing him. If he does make it to his OV to UW we expect them to lock him down. 4) DaJohn YarboroughPosition: IOLHeight: 6’5 Weight: 330High School: Basha (Chandler, AZ)Previous Rank: 24Player Overview: Yarborough currently plays RT on a very talented Basha OL, but he best projects to the interior in college. He is extremely strong and powerful at the point of attack to go along with his impressive lateral mobility. Fans will appreciate that he has a nasty streak and plays until the whistle.Why we rated him here: Yarborough has visited UW a couple of times unofficially which speaks to his interest and UW’s interest in him. As we all know finding quality lineman out west can be challenging and Yarborough has the size and mobility that Huskies coaches look for. UW will likely be in the hunt for Yarborough for a long time and is one of their top interior line prospects. -AaronPrevious Recruiting Status: The schools standing out early to Yarborough include Alabama, Arizona State, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and UW. He took visits during the season to Arizona State, Minnesota, and UW giving them an advantage for him. Yarborough relocated to Arizona from Minnesota so neither of them can be discounted, but UW has certainly put themselves deep in the conversation.Current Recruiting Status: Yarborough has named his final 4; Mississippi State, Florida State, Cal, and UW with his OV schedule being in that order. We feel great about where the Huskies sit with him and getting the final OV and only a week before he announces his decision should go a long way.5) Osani GaylesPosition: WRHeight: 5’11 Weight: 185High School: IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL)Previous Rank: NRPlayer Overview: An electric player with the ball in his hands, Gayles is a homerun threat every time touches the rock including in the return game. What is crazy about watching his film is that it doesn’t look like he is all that explosive, but he is that smooth of a player. He is an advanced route runner from a technical standpoint, but he is elite in his break off the LOS, his ability to change speeds in the middle of a route, and his body control.Why we rated him here: UW has done a great job of stockpiling bigger receivers with the additions of Braylon Pope, Jordan Clay, BP Miller, and Christian Moss so adding an electric receiver to that mix would continue to balance the receiver room. Gayles has the versatility to play any of the receiver spots, but would likely thrive most in the slot and will command a lot of attention with his ability to stretch the field and give the offense even more options in the playbook. -LukeRecruiting Status: Gayles has set five OVs and UW falls in the middle of them. In order, he is visiting Stanford (which he took last weekend), Alabama, UW, Tennessee, and Notre Dame. Gayles is originally from California which has allowed Stanford and UW to remain heavily involved, but he appears to be trending to the Fighting Irish. That trend plus them getting the final visit a week before his announcement will be very tough to overcome.6) Tre MoorePosition: WRHeight: 6’3 Weight: 200High School: Pflugerville Weiss (Pflugerville, TX)Previous Rank: 11Player Overview: Big, fast, and strong, Moore is a specimen at WR. He will remind Husky fans a lot of Denzel Boston, but Moore is more physically gifted than Boston was at the same age. Moore has excellent body control that he uses to win contested catches, but also has the top end speed that can even beat smaller corners. Why we rated him here: The staff is clearly making the push to add more receivers with Moore’s body type to the room. They did it last year when they flipped Jordan Clay late in the 2026 class and with recent portal addition Christian Moss. They already have a big WR committed in Braylon Pope, but the staff appears to have developed a liking for bigger receivers lately and are looking to fill the room with more size and strength. Moore is a true alpha receiver who is also incredibly fast as well, which would make him unique compared to other bigger receivers UW has. -LukePrevious Recruiting Status: Players as good as Moore always have a host of suitors and he is no exception. He has over 30 offers including schools like Alabama, LSU, and Texas among many others. The Huskies were able to get him on campus for the Illinois game this past season which will go a long way for remaining among his favorites. With so many offers to sort through, it will take some time before he begins to narrow things down.Current Recruiting Status: Moore recently named his top 3 schools; Miami, Ohio State, and Washington. That is certainly some stiff competition for the talented receiver, but coach Cummings has shown he has the recruiting chops to hang with the best of them. There are rumblings that UW has gone from darkhorse to the possible favorite to land Moore. They will host him during the final weekend of the summer OV period and will hope to close on him then.7) Troy MailoPosition: EdgeHeight: 6’3 Weight: 252High School: Mullen (Denver, CO)Previous Rank: NRPlayer Overview: While he is able to win successfully with his bullrush and a crafty spin move, Mailo’s calling card is his speed off the edge. Even when opposing OTs are in a position to get their hands on him, he shows off his agility and flexibility to get around them and make plays in the backfield.Why we rated him here: We have stated many times on UWDP how weak of an edge class it is out west so securing one of the top uncommitted players at the position seems like a must at this stage. To remain competitive in the B1G the Huskies need to continue to stack talent in the trenches. They have already done a great job at DT in this class, but now it is time to lock down a true edge rusher. – LukeRecruiting Status: Mailo already kicked off his official visits with a trip to UCLA the weekend of May 15. He will continue his visits the next four weekends with trips to Stanford, Arizona, Arizona St., and UW. It is too early to call who the leader is in his recruitment, but the official visits will help decide that.8) Lincoln MageoPosition: IOLHeight: 6’4 Weight: 280High School: Oceanside (Oceanside, CA)Previous Rank: 12Player Overview: If he got another growth spurt, Mageo could become a premier LT at the next level. He displays great lateral quickness, bend, and power as he plays LT for his HS team. Being 6’4 isn’t a deal breaker for being a top OT (see Troy Fautanu), but most programs are currently recruiting him to the IOL spot. Wherever he signs, he would likely be one of their top blocking IOL the moment he steps on campus.Why we rated him here: As mentioned above, Mageo has all the tools of a top OL prospect and he could end up being a valuable swing piece between IOL and OT depending on what the team needs. In addition to his invaluable physical gifts, he has a strong mental fortitude and nasty streak that gets fans to love him even more. -LukePrevious Recruiting Status: He likely won’t be making a decision until after his official visits in the summer, but Arizona, Arizona State, Michigan, Ohio State, Utah, USC, and UW are the schools standing out in the early stages. USC is the local school and is a big threat, but Michigan is likely rising quickly on his list thanks to the recent coaching change as well. UW also has a special connection with him thanks to the Huskies signing his teammate Ezaya Tokio in the 2026 class.Current Recruiting Status: Mageo has named a top 7 that included Arizona, Michigan, Ohio State, Texas, UCLA, Utah, and UW. Among those seven, he has scheduled official visits with Arizona (which he already took), Utah, Michigan, Texas, and UW. It will be tough competition for him, but with the final visit the coaches are hopeful they can get him into the boat.9) Dontay TysonPosition: WRHeight: 6’1 Weight: 190High School: Peoria (Peoria, AZ)Previous Rank: NRPlayer Overview: He plays a lot bigger than his 6’1 height would suggest with his athleticism allowing him to win jump balls on a consistent basis. If opposing CBs are unable to get their hands on him on the LOS, there is a good chance Tyson is going to score. He will need to work on his release to be fully prepared for D1 CBs, but all the tools are there for him to be a great receiver at the next level.Why we rated him here: As our big board has shown, the Huskies are in the final cut for a lot of very talented receivers. The staff continues to go to their Arizona roots for talented players and they are hoping Tyson can be the next one. Arizona is also loaded with lots of elite talent in the 2028 class so adding another top prospect from the state could also have even more dividends down the road. -LukeRecruiting Status: It is a head-to-head matchup between UW and Texas A&M for the talented receiver. Although UW is getting the first visit, they strategically planned scheduled all three of their commits from the Grand Canyon State to join him on Montlake that weekend. To sweeten the deal, UW’s QB commit Blake Roskopf is one of them and will likely be in Tyson’s ear to be one of his targets for the next 4 years. We are currently giving the edge to the Huskies.10) Jaden Walk-GreenPosition: SHeight: 5’11 Weight: 180High School: Corona Centennial (Corona, CA)Previous Rank: NRPlayer Overview: A rangy and smart ball-hawk, Walk-Green looks like he is able to read opposing QBs minds more than their playbooks. He is quick, instinctual, and doesn’t waste any movements as he attacks opposing ball carriers or the ball when it is in the air.Why we rated him here: If the coaches were looking for RDA’s heir apparent, then Walk-Green is a pretty darn good choice. From their size to their playing style, they are similar in a lot of ways and the coaches are thrilled with RDA so it makes sense they would be fully onboard with Walk-Green too. -LukeRecruiting Status: Walk-Green’s top five schools include Arizona St., Oregon, UCLA, Vanderbilt, and UW. He has visits lined up to all those schools except for Vandy, but the Huskies appear to be separating themselves from the pack going into the visits. Everything can change in an instant in recruiting, but we like UW’s chances to land him.11) Chaz GrayPosition: EdgeHeight: 6’4 Weight: 250High School: St. Joseph Regional (Montvale, NJ)Previous Rank: NRPlayer Overview: An athletic and versatile piece on the DL, Gray lines up pretty much everywhere, but his future is at the edge position thanks to his speed and flexibility. He is also a stout run defender who can help set the edge either standing up or a four-point stance.Why we rated him here: It has been a tough year out west for edge prospects and the coaches are turning every stone over to bring one in for the class. They had targeted Gray early on, but really turned up the heat this past spring. The coaches value versatility in their DL players and that is one of the major appeals of Gray. -LukeRecruiting Status: One of the later additions to the OV schedule for the Huskies, Gray has been a priority for them for a while now and coach Fisch is trying to tap into his NJ roots again for another big recruiting win. While it is a big win itself to get him to take an OV across the country, it will be very difficult to beat out Clemson for his commitment. The Tigers and Tennessee are the two other schools that the has an OV scheduled for. Since it had been so long between our 1.0 and 2.0 big boards, there was a lot that went on behind the scenes. Stay tuned for an article that shows that some of that looked like between Aaron, Luke, and the prospects that went into their various iterations of the big board that didn’t make it to post.

Toshifumi Suzuki spent four decades building 7-Eleven into a cornerstone of daily life in Japan.

Gags Tandon: “Liverpool crawled into the Champions League…”Salah and Robertson Farewell Fails to Lift Liverpool as Brentford Draw Sums Up Difficult SeasonLiverpool’s 1-1 draw against Brentford felt less like a finale and more like a weary exhale after a bruising campaign. There were emotional goodbyes, another Mohamed Salah record, and moments of genuine affection inside Anfield, yet the overriding mood remained sombre.Speaking on the final Gags Tandon Show of the season, Gags opened with a sense of emotional exhaustion after the farewell atmosphere around Salah, Andy Robertson and Jordan Henderson. “Today is not about Slot,” he insisted early on, before quickly turning attention towards what Liverpool’s season had become.The Brentford result encapsulated everything that has frustrated supporters throughout the campaign. Liverpool showed flashes of intent, but once again lacked sharpness in attack and looked vulnerable defensively.Lola described it perfectly when she said: “You couldn’t have found a better microcosm for how the whole season has been.”That sentiment lingered throughout the discussion. Liverpool pressed with more aggression than they have shown in recent weeks, yet there was still an absence of cohesion and confidence. Even with Salah once again producing a decisive moment by breaking Steven Gerrard’s assist record, Liverpool never truly controlled the contest against Brentford.“We look good in places,” Lola explained. “But ultimately blunt going forward and extremely fragile going the other way.”Salah Exit Dominates Emotional Anfield AtmosphereThe emotional centrepiece of the afternoon revolved around Salah and Robertson, two figures who have shaped one of Liverpool’s greatest modern eras.Salah departed having delivered yet another statistical landmark. Gags praised the Egyptian for “his final little last thing he does is break another record”, while supporters inside Anfield sang his name long after the final whistle.Yet even amid the tributes, debate raged over his substitution. Gags questioned why Salah was withdrawn so early, arguing: “You’re taking off who was the biggest threat in the game.”Lola took a more measured view. “Someone had to go first out of the two of them,” she said. “I’m choosing not to read too much into that decision.”The larger conversation centred on Liverpool’s evolving attack and whether Salah’s departure now feels inevitable. Lola acknowledged the winger’s enduring quality but admitted the tactical structure around him no longer functions naturally.“Mo Salah has to leave the club,” she argued. “A player like Mo Salah in the latter part of his career, it works if you get him the ball a lot in dangerous positions.”Even so, the affection remained obvious throughout the show. Gags became visibly emotional while discussing a souvenir his parents had brought back from Egypt, describing Salah as “a really nice piece of history for me”.Lola added: “It had to come to an end, that era of those players.”The farewell atmosphere also extended to Jordan Henderson, whose return to Anfield added another layer of nostalgia. “It genuinely is nice that Henderson was there today and that he got his name sang,” Lola reflected.Robertson Tribute Highlights End of Liverpool EraAndy Robertson’s farewell carried a quieter sadness, though no less significance.The Scotland captain did not dominate the game against Brentford, but there were still glimpses of the relentless energy that defined his Liverpool career. Gags pointed towards “another Robbo kind of run” during the match, while Lola felt the left-back still had something left to offer.“I thought he was solid,” she said. “Looked like he could play another season and play minutes for Liverpool.”Still, both presenters accepted that Liverpool appear ready for a broader reset. Gags repeatedly returned to the idea that the dressing room needs major change after such a fractured season.“What we don’t want going into next season,” Lola explained, “is a dressing room that’s gone toxic.”That sense of disconnection shaped much of the discussion. Liverpool have not looked united for long stretches this season, and the emotional departures of Salah and Robertson only reinforced how much transition now awaits.“There is nothing bigger than Liverpool Football Club,” Lola said during one of the show’s strongest moments. “Liverpool Football Club goes on.”Champions League Qualification Offers Liverpool HopeFor all the frustration surrounding Brentford, Salah and Robertson, Liverpool still achieved the minimum target of Champions League qualification.It was hardly convincing. Gags described the team as having “crawled over the line”, while Lola bluntly admitted: “We really have limped into the Champions League.”Yet both recognised the importance of remaining in Europe’s elite competition ahead of a huge summer rebuild.“Liverpool need more footballers,” Lola stressed, pointing towards the need for depth and versatility throughout the squad.Gags agreed, highlighting the importance of smart recruitment rather than simply chasing marquee names. Brentford defender Michael Kayode received particular praise after impressing at Anfield, with Gags admitting: “He looks so good today.”Despite the frustration surrounding the campaign, there was still a flicker of optimism by the end of the show. Lola reminded supporters how quickly football changes.“We will have our Liverpool again,” she said.After a draining season filled with inconsistency, emotional exits and painful setbacks, that may be the line Liverpool supporters cling to most.

The Buffalo Bills' 2023 NFL Draft class has had plenty of time to sink their teeth into pro football.bbA few years removed from the 2023 draft, CBS Sports regraded all 32 NFL draft classes including the Bills. Buffalo only selected six players at that year's draft. The group was highlighted by the top two picks of tight end Dalton Kincaid and offensive lineman O'Cyrus Torrence. In Round 3, linebacker Dorian Williams was selected too. In looking back at their initial grade after the 2023 draft, CBS Sports felt as if they did a correct job. After initially handing Buffalo a grade of B-minus for their 2023 draft haul, CBS Sports kept their regrade the same B-minus.CBS Sports' breakdown on the Bills' 2023 draft regrade can be found below:The skinny: They took tight end Dalton Kincaid in the first and he has flashed at times, but injuries have slowed him some. This is a big year for him coming up. They also got starting guard O'Cyrus Torrence in the second and third-round linebacker Dorian Williams is a starter. Seventh-round tackle Nick Broeker is a backup.How I did: I loved the pick of Torrence, who has proven to be a big part of their offensive line. I didn't love the pick of Williams, saying there were better options on the board, but he has proven to be a solid pick.This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Regrading of the Bills at the 2023 NFL Draft show modest look back

Credit: imagn images via Reuters ConnectShai Gilgeous-Alexander is finding things difficult against the San Antonio Spurs. And he’s finding it difficult in answering questions about his teammates in postgame interviews.After OKC’s Game 2 victory in San Antonio to level up the Western Conference Finals, SGA was asked about the defensive impact of Isaiah Hartenstein against Victor Wembanyama. However, instead of praising his teammate, he bizarrely said that he didn’t have a good impact in the game. Later, he cleared it up by saying he simply didn’t hear the question and tried to freestyle an answer.Well, after the Spurs thumped the Thunder in Game 4 by a 103-82 margin, another response from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander about a teammate went viral after the game.This time in the postgame press conference, SGA was asked about what the team could do to get Chet Holmgren more involved offensively. And apparently, that was a question that took a lot of thought as Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t have an answer for several seconds in a clip that went viral.This got me crying bro pic.twitter.com/fsIIwYk37K— kingtisemedia (@kingtisemedia) May 25, 2026Now in fairness to SGA, he did in fact have a real answer to the question and didn’t just sit there in silence before being asked to leave the stage. He said that the Thunder need to find him more in space or in the dunker slot and put him in better positions to use his strengths offensively.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on how he can get Chet Holmgren more involved offensively.“Chet’s an easy target to find. So, probably just find him more in the dunker or when he’s spacing. Just put him in better positions. Use his strengths as an offensive talent.” pic.twitter.com/niHdd7ITW4— Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) May 25, 2026Of course, that clip isn’t going to go viral in the same way as the one in which it seems like he doesn’t have an answer.Social media manipulation? Yes. But the reason why it racked up millions of views is because there is some truth to the notion that the Thunder don’t really have a good way of getting one of their top three players (top two without Jalen Williams healthy) involved more offensively. We all know Victor Wembanyama takes his matchups with Chet Holmgren personally, but it doesn’t seem like the Thunder big man wants the smoke.So far in the conference finals, Holmgren is averaging just 11.3 PPG and 6.0 RPG per game. Against the Lakers in the conference semis, he averaged a near double-double with 20.0 PPG and 9.8 RPG.Any mortal human being is probably going to be stumped when trying to deal with Wemby on the defensive end with his insane alien-like height and reach capabilities. Maybe SGA and Chet need to go back to the drawing board and ask themselves “what a pro wants.”The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stumped by Chet Holmgren question appeared first on Awful Announcing.

Instagram | Angel ReesePut some respect on Angel Reese‘s name. After the Atlanta Dream‘s thrilling win over the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday, May 24, 2026, Reese put her name next to another record in the WNBA history book. Only in her third year in the league, Angel Reese has become an unstoppable force, leading the WNBA in rebounds in 2024 and 2025 and recently becoming the fastest player in history to reach 50 career double-doubles in just 65 games. So, what else did she add to her resume? Angel Reese Sets Another WNBA Record Following The Atlanta Dream’s Thrilling Win Over The Phoenix MercuryAngel Reese becomes the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 950 PTS & 850 REB. pic.twitter.com/26zFbSb1pf— Real App (@realapp) May 24, 2026In last night’s game against Alyssa Thomas and the Mercury, Reese recorded 17 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. Her stat line made her the fastest player in league history to reach 950 points and 850 rebounds, according to Real Sports and The Sporting News. Reese’s latest accomplishment is just the latest honor to her name, per ESPN. In her rookie season, she became the first WNBA player to record 20 or more rebounds in consecutive games (three games), and also was the first rookie to record a double-double in a WNBA All-Star Game (12 points and 11 rebounds). Adding to it, Reese was the fifth rookie in WNBA history to average a double-double and was the No. 2 all-time leading offensive rebounder for the Chicago Sky (295). Angel Reese And The Atlanta Dream Appeared To Be Out Of The Game Before Their Comeback WinView this post on InstagramA post shared by Atlanta Dream (@atlantadream)The Mercury didn’t go out without a fight during yesterday’s contest. While the Dream’s star players, Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and, of course, Reese, had an impressive showing, they pulled away with the win in the final seconds after trailing the first three quarters. ESPN reported that the Dream, who are now 4-1 and hold the best record in the league, went on a 9-0 run in the span of 85 seconds to tie the game at 73 points. Moments later, Jordin Canada was fouled and converted a free throw to give the Dream the lead. Angel Reese Hit With Technical Foul, Says She’s Practicing Controlling Her EmotionsLike the other matchups this WNBA season, the Atlanta Dream-Phoenix Mercury contest was laced with fouls. According to USA Today Sports, there were 35 total foul calls throughout the game. Howard received three in the first quarter, and Mercury’s Natasha Mack had three by the end of the first half. Adding to the drama, there were two flagrant fouls and three technicals called, one of which went to a frustrated Reese, who was a bit vocal after tough play. The Atlanta crowd inside The Gateway Center Arena @ College Park was also frustrated, screaming, “Ref, you suck!” During the post-game interview, Reese opened up about the marks against her and her teammates, saying, “We practice a lot on controlling our emotions. I would probably give us a ‘C’ today. We didn’t do a great job.” Reese joked, “We could have crashed out a little bit more,” adding, “We’re just continuing trying to control what we can control. We emphasize a lot on that … We’re gonna clean that up going into (our game on) Tuesday.” Atlanta Dream Head Coach Karl Smesko Is Happy With His Team’s PerformanceView this post on InstagramA post shared by WNBA (@wnba)Dream head coach Karl Smesko had a different opinion on his team’s performance, saying he’d give the stacked roster of All-Stars “an A because we regrouped and found a way to win.” While he was frustrated with the technical and flagrant fouls, he acknowledged his team’s intensity and will to win. “We’re competing. We do have to be able to manage our emotions so that we don’t give away any points at the line or make a hole any deeper,” he said. Reese Traded To The Dream During Off-SeasonView this post on InstagramA post shared by Atlanta Dream (@atlantadream)For those who may be unfamiliar, Reese was traded to the Atlanta Dream in April 2026, per The Blast. “This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties,” a member of the Sky’s front office said about the move. “Angel has achieved many record-breaking milestones in her first two years in the WNBA and has been a competitive force for the Sky. We are thankful for her many important contributions to this league and this game, and we know she will continue to have a big impact on the court and beyond.”The Angel Reese Sets New WNBA Record Following Atlanta Dream Win Over Mercury first appeared on The Blast

Flick requests Barcelona for a new addition to his backroom staff for next seasonBarcelona may be preparing for important changes in the coaching staff this summer after Hansi Flick identified physical conditioning as one of the club’s biggest weaknesses.According to AS, the German coach is understood to have requested the arrival of an additional fitness specialist ahead of next season as part of his plans to raise the team’s competitiveness at European level.Barcelona’s technical structure is already expected to undergo changes following the departures of Thiago Alcantara and Stephan Nopp this summer. Those exits will significantly reduce Flick’s immediate coaching staff, prompting the manager to push for reinforcements internally.Flick has forwarded his requestRather than focusing on tactical or technical additions, the Barcelona coach believes the squad requires stronger physical preparation if the club want to seriously compete for the UEFA Champions League next season.Flick wants a new fitness coach. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)The request comes after another campaign heavily affected by physical problems and injuries across multiple areas of the squad.Within Barcelona, there is growing awareness that recurring injury issues have damaged the team’s consistency in recent years, limiting their ability to maintain intensity across long stretches of the season.Flick determined to improve the physical levelFlick’s coaching philosophy has always relied heavily on intensity, pressing and aggressive transitions.To sustain that style against Europe’s top clubs, the German believes Barcelona need to reach a much higher physical standard, which explains why improving conditioning has become one of his priorities.Flick wants to work on his players’ fitness. (Photo by MANAURE QUINTERO/AFP via Getty Images)Notably, the current head of fitness, Julio Tous, is expected to remain at the club, although Flick wants additional support within the department to strengthen the overall structure around player preparation and recovery.According to the outlet, club officials have made it clear that Tous will continue leading the fitness department regardless of whether another specialist arrives. This means any new appointment would work alongside the current structure rather than replace it entirely.Flick is now expected to discuss the matter further with the board in search of a solution that satisfies all sides.

Saikat Chakrabarti, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s former chief of staff, is running in San Francisco to succeed Representative Nancy Pelosi, whom Mr. Chakrabarti irked with an incendiary tweet seven years ago.

When Sean Mannion officially took over as the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator, much of the early conversation centered around one obvious question.What kind of offense would he build? What exactly will Philadelphia's offense look like under a first-time NFL play-caller stepping into one of football's highest-pressure jobs? For months, speculation dominated the conversation. Would Mannion bring an entirely new system? Would he lean heavily into concepts from his own background? Or would Philadelphia prioritize continuity around Jalen Hurts and an offense still loaded with high-end talent despite offseason changes?During media availability last week, Mannion offered perhaps his clearest insight yet into how he plans to approach the challenge, and Eagles fans will probably appreciate the philosophy. Asked by Eliot Shorr-Parks how he balances his own schematic beliefs with adapting to the personnel already in place, Mannion made it clear that the answer isn't rigidity. It's evolution."There are things I believe in, and there are things that schematically I have a background in, but ultimately it's going to be a blend, and it's constantly going to evolve," Mannion explained. "It's all with that exact goal in mind that you just said. It's about maximizing things for the players. How do we make the Eagles the best team we can be, how we make the Eagles offense the best it can be and how do we put all of our players in a position to really, really succeed and maximize their strengths."That answer feels particularly important, given where Philadelphia stands heading into 2026.The Eagles aren't asking Mannion to oversee a rebuild. They're asking him to maintain a championship window while helping stabilize an offense that showed flashes of dominance but also had disappointing, implausible stretches of inconsistency late last season under Kevin Patullo. Philadelphia still has Jalen Hurts. The offensive line remains among football's strengths despite replacing legendary offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland with Chris Kuper. The skill position room has been reshaped aggressively, creating both opportunity and pressure.That reality makes Mannion's approach feel significant.The NFL increasingly punishes coordinators who become overly attached to systems rather than players. Great offenses adapt. Personnel changes. Defensive trends evolve. The best play-callers consistently find ways to highlight strengths while minimizing weaknesses. Mannion sounds fully aware of that responsibility.Building around Hurts' mobility, maximizing mismatches, leaning into versatility, and allowing offensive concepts to evolve naturally based on personnel feels like the correct approach for a roster designed to compete immediately.Early offseason press conferences don't win games, and philosophy alone doesn't produce points in meaningful late January games. Eventually, Philadelphia will judge Mannion on offensive efficiency, situational execution, explosive plays, and whether this offense performs like one capable of competing for another Lombardi Trophy.Still, if the early messaging offers any indication, Mannion understands the assignment. Philadelphia doesn't need an offensive coordinator determined to force players into a system.The Eagles need someone willing to build a system around the players already capable of winning championships.This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Sean Mannion reveals key philosophy that will guide the Eagles attack

2025 was another lost season for the New York Giants, and again, injuries were the main culprit. The Giants, at one point or another, placed 28 players on injured reserve (IR). Only the Arizona Cardinals had more (32).They lost their top wide receiver (Malik Nabers), running back (Cam Skattebo), and tackler (linebacker Micah McFadden) for the season before Halloween. During the season, there were injuries to other key players that caused them to miss time. The spate of injuries was a continuation of what has been a long stretch of lost seasons for Big Blue due to injury. Since 2017, they have had only one relatively healthy season, 2022, and they qualified for the playoffs that year.Here's a quick cross-section of the Giants' 2025 injury situation, per a recent study:The Giants spent $18,038,907 on injured players last season, $160,720 more than the 2024/25 season.The New York Giants ranked 10th in the league for the most spent on injured players last season.Micah McFadden was the team’s most expensive injured player ($3,216,774).The cost of injured players took up 6.5% of the Giants' salary cap last season.As of mid-November last season, the Giants have had the most games missed by injured players since 2017 (1,638). The Giants' record over that span? 44-104-1, second only to the Jets (44-105).The Giants are hoping that with restructured medical and training departments, they will have fewer injuries in the future. But don't tell that to new head coach John Harbaugh, who intends to work this team harder than they've worked in many years.This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants spent more than $18 million on injured players in 2025

If the Los Angeles Lakers lose LeBron James in free agency this offseason, they will have to replace a number of high-level skill sets he brings to the team. They will have to bring in multiple players who can help supply the ball-handling, facilitating, transition play, rebounding and scoring that James can still provide in his early 40s.Doing so would reduce the pressure on Luka Doncic to propel the Lakers to victories. When he was with the Dallas Mavericks, Kyrie Irving was able to take some pressure off him, and the two formed a fairly successful partnership. According to Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson, the Lakers "have quietly weighed the pros and cons of re-pairing" Doncic and Irving should James leave (h/t @Fullcourtpass).Some people have described rising Lakers star guard Austin Reaves as a lesser version of Irving. The latter has career averages of 23.7 points on 47.4% field-goal shooting and 39.4% from 3-point range, 4.1 rebounds and 5.6 assists a game. Irving has made the All-Star team nine times, and he has a history of raising his game under pressure, especially during the playoffs, something Reaves hasn't really done. Irving is also considered arguably the greatest ball-handler of all-time, and he turns the ball over considerably less often than Reaves does.However, the New Jersey native hasn't played since late last season due to a torn ACL, and he is 34 years of age. But he will make $39.49 million next season, which means a swap of Reaves and filler for him could work. There is also the question of whether the Mavericks would be willing to make another trade with the Lakers so soon after gifting L.A. Doncic.This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers reportedly considering getting Kyrie Irving if LeBron leaves

After months of waiting, Sean Mannion's era is officially underway in Philadelphia as the first-year offensive coordinator, meeting with local and national media for the first time since replacing Kevin Patullo and beating out 16 other candidates. On Thursday, the Eagles made Mannion, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, and special teams coordinator Michael Clay available to the media.Clay received a new contract after an improved Eagles special team unit had standout moments in 2025, while Vic Fangio nearly walked away from the Eagles and the NFL this offseason.With OTAs set to begin on Monday, here are three key things we learned from the coordinators' availability.Eagles run game will look drastically differentSean Mannon hired Ryan Mahaffey to the position of Run Game Coordinator/Tight Ends Coach, and this is what Sean Mannion said about his addition: Me and Ryan have worked together and I think some of the things that we're bringing, Ryan has a background in and his background is unique. He's been with the offensive line for a lot of time. He's been with the receiver group. Ultimately our run game, our whole offense as a whole is a collaborative process. It's really being built by all of us and Ryan's a very detailed guy. He understands the schematic elements. He knows how all the pieces fit. Having worked with the blocking unit with the offensive line, having worked with the receiving group, because we all have a hand in the run game and he's a tremendous teacher, detail oriented. He's going to be a great fit for that role.What that means:Mahaffey just completed his fifth season with the Packers after coaching eight years at the collegiate level. In two seasons as the assistant offensive line coach (2022- 23), Mahaffey helped the Packers rank tied for No. 4 in the NFL over that span in sacks allowed (62) and No. 5 in sack percentage (5.1). Last season, Philadelphia struggled to run the football against stacked defensive fronts. After logging 2,005 rushing yards during the regular season, Barkley was hit or tackled behind the line of scrimmage 84 times with 41 negative runs last season, according to SumerSports. Jeff Stoutland's approach to the running game blended zone and gap schemes that were easy to decipher and relied on the offensive line to dominate up front.That could all change under first-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, who's likely to borrow from the Kyle Shanahan/Sean McVay/Matt LaFleur styles of offense, which focus on a "wide zone" scheme designed to create mismatches through motion, misdirection, and personnel.Some of Sirianni's principles will remain in Eagles offensePhiladelphia hired Sean Mannion, and most of the media discussion before that focused on the need to move away from Nick Sirianni's conservative playbook. The Eagles' offense will evolve under Mannion's guidance, but a good portion of Sirianni's influence will remain. Yeah, that's a great question. Kind of like I spoke to before, it's a blend. There's things schematically that we're bringing. There's things that the Eagles' offense has really thrived with doing in the years past. In terms of the verbiage of the terminology, it's a process of seeing, "Hey, what makes sense to keep? What are things that with some of the new changes coming in [that] need to change?" So that's something we've looked at really from day one, understanding kind of the background of the scheme here, what are some of the things we want to add, things we want to tweak and how do we build kind of the language of our offense, but that's been a great process. There's elements that are new and there's elements that will remain in terms of terminology, but that process has been a lot of fun because ultimately, like I said before, it's all about bringing something to the table and then how can we continue to make it better? How do we continue to build it, streamline things and that's really the whole process of the language of the offense, is really a good example of kind of where that takes place.What that means: Mannion used the term "blending" several times during his media session, and it's clear Sirianni will still have some influence on the offense, handing the keys to a former QB and first-year play-caller. Special teams will be key for players on the roster bubble Michael Clay discussed the Eagles' special teams unit and offered insight into why key players see significant snaps on kickoff and punt teams. Over the past two years, from a specialist standpoint or a special team standpoint, I think it's great because it gives us plays to play. It gives guys opportunities, like the [TE] Cam Latu's, the [LB] Jeremiah Trotter's, guys that may not play a lot of offense and defense, but they excel at that and they're able to put their name out there. I know we had [former Eagles TE] Kylen Granson. Guy had 18 tackles and a lot of them came on kickoff. So, it just gives these guys an opportunity to extend their career, put more money in their pockets for their family, for their wealth.From a schematic standpoint, obviously, we didn't play up to our expectations from a kickoff return standpoint and that all falls on me. So going back, I spent a lot of time looking at what the tracks I want the return men to have, how we want our kickoff return, blocking assignments, how we want that [to look]. I've spent a lot of time on that and I'm actually looking forward to it when we go [to] OTAs and mandatory mini camps and putting pads on, trying to implement those so we can use that kickoff return as an advantage. I thought our kickoff was very dangerous last year in terms of our kickoff coverage, and kudos for the guys on the 2025 team, but nobody cares about that going into 2026. We've got to start from ground zero and earn our right to be able to go out there with all these kickoffs and give our defense a long field.What that means: Kelee Ringo is all but assured a roster spot thanks to his special teams prowess, and guys like Chandler Martin could find their role and place on Clay's unit. Makai Lemon could see snaps in the return gameThe first round pick is expected to be a starter or key contributor at wide receiver, but Michael Clay says Lemon could be a low-key contributor on special teams. Everybody's part of the kickoff return rotation. Makai, obviously he had that one year at USC where he was really good. They had [former USC WR] Zachariah Branch, obviously hard to pass up that guy. But Makai, I like Makai. He has that California feel, that California confidence. Being from California, you always love it and it may be misunderstood, but he's out there in the tackling drills, the takeaway circuit, and he's been able to catch a couple punts as well from Braden and that kickoff return. He'll definitely be in the mix just like a whole bunch of people will be.Marcus Epps could be a tone-setter for Eagles defensePhiladelphia saw Nakobe Dean, Reed Blankenship, and Jaelan Phillips depart via free agency. Dean and Blankenship organically developed into leaders for the Eagles, and that presence will be hard to replace. Ask about potential tone setters and leaders on defense, Vic Fangio highlighted Marcus Epps, making it all but a lock for the veteran safety to make the Eagles roster. Everybody's part of the kickoff return rotation. Makai, obviously he had that one year at USC where he was really good. They had [former USC WR] Zachariah Branch, obviously hard to pass up that guy. But Makai, I like Makai. He has that California feel, that California confidence. Being from California, you always love it and it may be misunderstood, but he's out there in the tackling drills, the takeaway circuit, and he's been able to catch a couple punts as well from Braden and that kickoff return. He'll definitely be in the mix just like a whole bunch of people will be. I was pleasantly surprised. Maybe surprised is the wrong word because I just really didn't know him. But when he had to play last year, he came in and showed his experience, showed his instincts that he has for the game. I was pleased with the way he played last year. I wasn't considering him an old player at this point, but he's obviously a veteran. I think he'll do fine. I'm not sure what his injury history has been, but I think if he stays injury-free and if he wins the job, we'll be fine.This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 3 things we learned from the Eagles coordinators' media session

Coming off the program’s first losing season since the 2012-2013 campaign, the Woodstock (Ga.) Etowah Eagles will be going into the 2026-2027 season with a new head boys basketball coach. [ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ]Etowah announced last week the hiring of Hiram (Ga.) head coach Keyon Boyd, who spent the last eight seasons leading the Hornets. During his tenure leading the program, Boyd guided Hiram to six GHSA postseason appearances, three region championships, multiple Sweet 16 and Elite Eight berths. “I look forward to continuing to build on the success that has already been established here at Etowah,” Boyd said in the press release. “I’m excited to get to work with our student-athletes, connect with the community, and help lead this program into the future.”pic.twitter.com/2lQVjYV7zJ— Etowah High School (@EtowahHS) May 22, 2026The three seasons before this past 2025-2026 campaign featured the Eagles winning 20 or more games, establishing themselves as one of the state’s better programs. Now with Boyd at the helm, Etowah is looking to return as a power out of the Peach State. Boyd’s best season at Hiram was in 2022-2023 when he led the Hornets to an impressive 25-3 record. According to the final 2025 Georgia High School Boys Basketball Massey Rankings, Etowah finished at 8-17 and as the state’s No. 130th ranked team, with Hiram going 19-10 under the watch of Boyd finishing at No. 111. More about Etowah High School“Etowah High School, located in Woodstock, GA, is known for its rigorous academic and extracurricular programs. Its athletics, especially the football and basketball teams, are competitive and well-supported by the community. The school’s colors—royal blue and white—reflect its proud “Eagles” spirit. Student-athletes at Etowah uphold a tradition of excellence and sportsmanship, competing in various regional and state-level events.”How to Follow Georgia High School Boys BasketballFor Georgia high school boys basketball fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Peach State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the hardwood action. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the Georgia high school boys basketball excitement across the state.

An agreement to reopen the waterway would be followed by a complicated process of navigating a backlog of vessels stranded for nearly three months.

Sky reporter: Liverpool in ‘concrete talks’ to sign midfield prodigy with modest release clauseLiverpool are reportedly in ‘concrete talks’ to sign a teenage wonderkid from Germany as FSG seek to execute an eye-catching long-term addition at Anfield.Having seen Mo Salah and Andy Robertson bid an emotional farewell in L4 yesterday, the Reds’ powerbrokers will need to recruit some readymade first-team experience to replace the big-name summer exits and bolster Arne Slot’s squad.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYHowever, there’s also a firm eye being cast to the long-term future, with Fabrizio Romano reporting over the weekend that Colombian starlet Samuel Martinez has agreed terms over a move to Merseyside once he turns 18 next year.Liverpool in ‘concrete talks’ to sign Kennet EichhornOn Monday afternoon, Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg shared details of another up-and-coming prodigy that Liverpool are aiming to sign – Hertha Berlin midfielder Kennet Eichhorn.He posted on X: ‘Liverpool have entered the race very concretely for 16 y/o wonderkid Kennet Eichhorn. Concrete talks have already taken place, as sources from England confirm. Eichhorn is planning to leave Hertha BSC in the summer. Release clause worth around €10m-€12m [£8.6m-£10.3m].’The journalist teased that further details on the Reds’ pursuit of the 16-year-old would be revealed later on Monday.(Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images for DFB)Eichhorn already boasts a wide range of attributesDespite his tender years, Eicchorn has already carved out a regular place in Hertha Berlin’s first team, for whom he played 19 times this season, scoring twice from a deep midfield position (Transfermarkt).A deep-dive analysis from The Scouting App as a ‘deep-lying playmaker with a level of maturity rarely seen at his age’, having stood out for ‘his ability to dictate the tempo, provide constant passing options and take responsibility in the first phase of build-up’.He also boasts a varied passing range and an impressive tactical understanding both in and out of possession, along with an ‘ideal height and frame’ for such a tender age.Want more Empire of the Kop coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustObviously it’d be some time before we see him in the Liverpool first team even if the Reds complete a deal to sign him this summer.He won’t be 18 until July 2027, with FIFA prohibiting international transfers prior to that age, and his only senior experience has come in the German second tier and the DFB-Pokal, so he’d still need to develop a bit further before being ready for the Premier League.Nonetheless, the Anfield recruitment team clearly see huge potential in Eichhorn if they’ve reportedly entered ‘concrete talks’ for him, and his mixture of passing ability, tactical maturity and physical stature could make him a terrific signing if LFC were to bring him to England in the foreseeable future.He could certainly be a name to watch out for over the coming months!

The bottom 10 teams in adjusted scores show some of the worst pitching staffs, with the Angels, Cardinals and Athletics posting a single-digit K-BB%. Interestingly, however, the Cardinals and Athletics have been stranding runners at a high rate in 2026. Meanwhile, the White Sox have been limiting balls in play, like the Marlins and Diamondbacks, among the teams in the bottom 10 in adjusted scores.Teams with lowest adjusted scores for pitchers. (Photo by Corbin Young/Yahoo Sports)The Astros have been hit hard from an injury standpoint, so they have some of the more drastic declines in strikeout skills (K-BB%) and WHIP. If we weighted the 2026 data more, the Astros would be closer to the bottom half of the league from a pitching perspective. The Philliies continue to have above-average skills, yet the .334 BABIP ranks last among the team pitchers in 2026. Jesús Luzardo, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sánchez and Andrew Painter have BABIPs above .300 among pitchers with 20 innings, so the expected metrics suggest some luck in their favor.Teams with highest adjusted scores for pitchers. (Photo by Corbin Young/Yahoo Sports)Seven-Game Slates in Week 10Orioles (3 vs. TB, 4 vs. TOR)The Orioles project to face five right-handed starting pitchers in Week 10. That might benefit Samuel Basallo, Jackson Holliday and Colton Cowser. Cubs (4 at PIT, 3 at STL)The Cubs project to face six right-handed starting pitchers in Week 10, with Matthew Liberatore as the only lefty on the slate. Watch Michael Conforto in deep leagues as a strong-side platoon option at DH. White Sox (4 vs. MIN, 3 vs. DET)The White Sox face five right-handed starting pitchers in Week 10. That should benefit Andrew Benintendi and Jarred Kelenic. However, Benintendi played against both lefties and Kelenic started against one of the two left-handed starting pitchers they faced since May 1.Astros (4 at TEX, 3 vs. MIL)The Astros will face four right-handed starting pitchers in the first half of Week 10, with one left-handed starter against Milwaukee. Zach Cole and Braden Shewmake should benefit from the potential volume. Twins (4 at CWS, 3 at PIT)The Twins will face right-handed starting pitchers in six of seven games. Trevor Larnach should benefit as a strong option in points or OBP formats. Pirates (4 vs. CHC, 3 vs. MIN)Pittsburgh projects to face seven right-handed starters in Week 10. Spencer Horwitz hasn’t started against a lefty since April 1. Horwitz will benefit from the righty-heavy slate.Rangers (4 vs. HOU, 3 vs. KC)The Rangers will face six out of seven right-handed starting pitchers. Cole Ragans is the lone lefty on the projected starters grid. Ragans has been on the injured list since May 7 with an elbow impingement, with rehab outings over the weekend. Joc Pederson has been hitting leadoff in several games recently against right-handed starting pitchers, but that’s only a deep-league recommendation to stream. Blue Jays (4 vs. MIA, 3 at BAL)Trevor Rogers is the only left-handed starting pitcher who projects to face the Blue Jays. That should bode well for Yohendrick Piñango and Jesús Sánchez (more on them later). The Marlins’ and Orioles’ pitching staff ranks in the bottom 10 of the adjusted scores, signaling it could be a fantasy-friendly week for Blue Jays’ hitters in general. Shallow-League Waiver Wire Pickups (Under 50% Rostered)Nolan Arenado, Diamondbacks (36% Rostered)If you’re like me, you’ve probably written off Nolan Arenado. His contact rate (78.4%) in 2026 is the lowest since 2018. For context, Arenado’s contact rate in 2026 has been three points below his career average. He uses a pull-heavy (46.2%), flyball (42.4%) approach, further evident by his 27.1% pulled air rate in 2026. There haven’t been massive skill changes, other than Arenado’s power returning to average instead of below average in the previous two seasons. After Arenado had a 2.5% barrel rate per plate appearance in 2024 and 3.2% in 2025, it bounced back to 4.9% in 2026. But maybe we overlooked the park shift to Arizona, which ranks 10th in Home Run Park Factors in 2026 and ninth for right-handed hitters across a rolling three-year average. Meanwhile, the Cardinals’ home park ranks 28th in Home Run Park Factors to right-handed hitters. Playing at San Francisco and Seattle in Week 10 might not be favorable from a park factor standpoint, but Arenado’s barrel rate bounced back, making him a steady waiver wire target if you need help at third base. Travis Bazzana, Guardians (43% Rostered)The 2024 first overall pick, who trained at Driveline Baseball, has been rolling over the past two weeks. From May 10 and beyond, Travis Bazzana has two home runs, a .365 batting average and a .421 OBP. Bazzana’s .436 BABIP has been fueling his batting and production. We used that arbitrary cutoff because Bazzana stole all seven bases in his early career before May 10, including two games with two steals. Stolen bases can come in bunches. Bazzana rocks a 27% stolen base opportunity rate and converts 77% of his steals. We’ve seen near-elite plate discipline for Bazzana, given his 79.9% contact rate, 20.5% chase rate and 8.5% swinging-strike rate. That suggests Bazzana can provide value in multiple formats, including leagues with batting average, OBP and points. Bazzana’s power isn’t quite there yet, but it can develop as he elevates the ball toward his pull side. Pick up and stream Bazzana for batting average and OBP with the potential for steals, especially since the Guardians project to face softer matchups against the Nationals and Red Sox in Week 10.Casey Schmitt, Giants (44% Rostered)The Giants face the Diamondbacks in San Francisco and the Rockies in Colorado for three games each. Both teams have been in the bottom 10 in adjusted pitching scores, meaning we should attack those by streaming hitters against Arizona and Colorado. Schmitt has been a productive compiler in 2026, projected to surpass his career totals. That might say more about the Giants’ lineup, leading to plenty of opportunities to be productive for Schmitt.Schmitt has been making more contact (79.6%) in 2026, up from 75.8% in 2025. Meanwhile, Schmitt’s swinging-strike rate has fallen to a career low (10.2%), aligning with a lower strikeout rate and higher BABIP (.315). That indicates Schmitt has been putting more balls into play, supporting the uptick in Schmitt’s batting average. Besides more contact for Schmitt, he has been hitting the ball harder into optimal launch angles, given his 10.7% barrel rate per plate appearance in 2026. For context, Schmitt’s barrel rate has improved by over four percentage points compared to his career norm. That’s a positive combination for a potential breakout hitter.Add Schmitt and stream him in Week 10 because of his improved skills and matchups. Deep-League Waiver Wire Pickups (Under 10% Rostered)Spencer Horwitz, Pirates (4% Rostered)Since the Pirates project to face seven right-handed starting pitchers in Week 10, Spencer Horwitz should be a major beneficiary. Horwitz has historically been an asset in OBP and points leagues, with a career 11.4% walk rate and .359 OBP. He has been making more contact, evidenced by an 86.6% contact rate and a career-low 5.3% swinging-strike rate in 2026. There isn’t much power in Horwitz’s bat, with a career-low 2.9% barrel rate per appearance, though his calling card remains the plate discipline.Horwitz should be a sneaky deep-league option to stream for batting average and OBP.Jacob Young, Nationals (2% Rostered)After being a stolen base asset, Jacob Young has a career-high in home runs (6) in 2026. That has been supported by Young elevating the ball (39.7% flyball) and pulling them slightly more often (35.3%). Young had 11 barrels in 2024 and 2025, with eight in 2026, leading to his 3.9% barrel rate per plate appearance. He posted a barrel rate under 2% in the previous two seasons. That’s still average power at best for Young, yet it’s a notable improvement. Jacob Young's rolling pull, fly-ball rates. (Photo by Corbin Young/FanGraphs)Interestingly, Young’s stolen base chances have fallen to 11% in 2026, down from 31% throughout his career. He converted 76% of his steals in 2024, dipping to 57% in 2025. There’s a chance the Nationals have concerns about his elite speed (95th-percentile Sprint Speed), translating into steals. Young has been a strong defender (99th-percentile Outs Above Average) with good speed, so it’s logical to expect him to run more often in the future. Since most Yahoo leagues have three outfield spots, it makes sense for Young’s roster percentage to be lower. Young has some favorable matchups against the Guardians and the Padres this week, though it’s mostly juicy versus the Padres (Lucas Giolito, Michael King and Griffin Canning). Batting average can be a challenge for Young’s profile, but there has been an intentional change to tap into more power.Young can be a deep-league source of power and speed. Jake McCarthy, Rockies (7% Rostered)Jake McCarthy was being deployed as a strong-side platoon option for the Rockies earlier in the season. However, McCarthy started against five of eight left-handed starting pitchers since May 1. In perfect Rockies’ style, McCarthy had been batting toward the bottom third of the lineup, with an occasional opportunity at the leadoff spot. McCarthy has hit leadoff in four of the past five games.After a down season in 2025, McCarthy has been showing more of what we expected, with strong batting averages (.277) and OBP (.323) in 2026. McCarthy’s plate discipline has looked similar to his career averages, given his 82% contact rate and 31.3% chase rate. Since he lacks power, we yearn for his stolen bases, which have returned in 2026. After McCarthy’s stolen base opportunity rate fell to 16% in 2025, it has skyrocketed to 37% in 2026, significantly higher than his career average (28%). That means McCarthy has been running more often again in 2026. Target McCarthy for batting average, OBP and steals in Week 10 with three games against the Dodgers in Los Angeles and three in Colorado against the Giants. Yohendrick Piñango (1% Rostered) / Jesús Sánchez (4% Rostered), Blue JaysWith the Blue Jays projected to face six right-handed starting pitchers, Piñango and Sánchez will be deep-league waiver pickups as strong-side platoon options. Sánchez’s barrel rate (5.6%) has fallen in 2026 after having a career 7.3% barrel rate, but he typically has been a source of power. Interestingly, Sánchez’s 73.3 mph bat speed had fallen from 75.9 mph in 2025, but that’s still an above-average bat speed.Meanwhile, Piñango teased us with near-elite bat speed (75.5 mph) and a 52.2% fast swing rate (percentage of swings at 75 mph or faster). There’s raw power in Piñango’s profile, though it hasn’t translated into barrels (4.4%) and home runs (1). Week 10 could be the week for some home runs from Piñango and Sánchez, making them fantasy viable in deeper formats.

Tennessee softball has a rematch from last year's semifinals to open the 2026 Women's College World Series.The No. 7 seed Lady Vols (47-10) will play No. 2 seed Texas (47-11) at Devon Park in Oklahoma City on May 28 (2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). Tennessee and Texas met in the 2025 WCWS semifinals, which the Longhorns won 2-0 to eliminate the Lady Vols en route to the program's first national championship.Tennessee's double-elimination bracket also includes No. 11 seed Texas Tech (57-7) and unseeded Mississippi State (43-19), which upset No. 3 seed Oklahoma to advance. The winners of the two opening games will play May 30 (3 p.m., ABC), and the losers will play May 29 (7 p.m., ESPN2).Here's what you need to know about the rematch with the reigning national champions.Texas led be SEC Player of the Year Katie StewartLonghorns first baseman Katie Stewart set a program record in home runs this season with 27 home runs and counting. She leads Texas with 72 RBIs, a .436 batting average, a .988 slugging percentage and .559 on-base percentage.After the junior was held hitless in a Game 1 loss to Arizona State, Stewart had five RBIs in the next two games. Four of them were in the decisive Game 3. Stewart's slugging draws the attention, but in a game with the season on the line, she got the job done with a pair of two-RBI singles in the 5-0 win.The Longhorns also have strong hitters around Stewart like Kayden Henry (.417 batting average, 47 RBIs), Viviana Martinez (.387 batting average, 43 RBIs) and Reese Atwood (.337 batting average, 18 home runs, 59 RBIs). Teagan Kavan having another stellar year in the circleJunior pitcher Teagan Kavan, who was the 2025 Most Outstanding Player at the WCWS, is having another fantastic season.She leads Texas' staff with 230 strikeouts – which was how many she had during the entire 2025 season – and 195⅓ innings. Kavan is 24-5 on the season with six shutouts and three saves. Her 2.47 ERA is only slightly higher than her sophomore mark of 2.16. Kavan ranks No. 18 in the nation in strikeout-to-walk ratio (4.11) and No. 28 in strikeouts per seven innings (8.2). Texas' No. 2 pitcher is senior Citlaly Gutierrez, whose ERA is down to a team-high 2.21 from 2.56 last season. Her strikeout-to-walk ratio is also up to 2.78 this season from 2.03 last season.What a win to open WCWS would mean for TennesseeThe last two trips to the WCWS, Tennessee has fallen into the losers' bracket. Last year, the Lady Vols lost to Oklahoma in their first game and in 2023, they lost to the Sooners in their second game.Both scenarios make it incredibly difficult to make it to the championship series. Tennessee went into the semifinals in 2023 and 2025 needing to beat its opponent twice to advance, and it also played an extra game to get there.Tennessee coach Karen Weekly said last year the key to a successful run is taking care of business and staying in the winners' bracket. That also means a day of rest between each games, not playing four games in five days.If the Lady Vols can stay in the winner's bracket, they have a much better chance to play in their first WCWS championship series since 2013 – which was also the last time Tennessee played in consecutive WCWS.Tennessee softball vs. Texas in WCWS predictionTennessee 4, Texas 2: The Lady Vols have hit another gear in the postseason in every area, and their pitching will be able to hold back Texas' offense. Tennessee has had just enough offense on its run so far, and that won't stop in Oklahoma City.Cora Hall is the University of Tennessee women's athletics reporter for Knox News. Email: cora.hall@knoxnews.com; X: @corahalll; Bluesky: @corahall.bsky.social. Support strong local journalism and unlock premium perks: subscribe.knoxnews.com/offersThis article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Prediction for Tennessee softball vs Texas in Women's College World Series opener

Thierry Henry reacts after Bruno Fernandes smashes his assist record Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has sent a classy message to Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes after he surpassed his Premier League assist record.Undisputed assist kingFernandes officially broke the all-time Premier League record for the most assists in a single campaign after notching his 21st in the 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon.He delivered a sublime cross for Patrick Dorgu, who headed home United’s opener in the 32nd minute.Replays hinted at an own goal, as the attempt had struck the crossbar, then hit Bart Verbruggen, and rebounded into the net.However, the Premier League confirmed that the goal remains Dorgu’s and therefore the assist belongs to Fernandes. The Premier League told football.london in a statement, “It was determined a [Patrick] Dorgu goal yesterday. Initially by Opta, then no change from the Goal Accreditation Panel.”Comprised of two football experts and a PGMOL representative, the panel’s decision not to make any change has now made history for Fernandes.The Portugal international’s assist for Bryan Mbeumo in the 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest had seen him equal Kevin De Bruyne and Henry’s tally of 20. But he now stands alone as the undisputed Premier League assist king.Plaudits have since been pouring in for Fernandes, who was also named the Coca-Cola Playmaker Award winner.This follows the Premier League Player of the Season, Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year, United’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year prizes.He is considered the heavy favourite to win the 2025/26 PFA Players’ Player of the Year award, which will be officially voted on by his fellow professionals and awarded in August.Henry’s messageDuring an appearance on The Diary of a CEO podcast, host Steven Bartlett showed Fernandes a message from Henry.The Frenchman said, “Please send my regards to him.”“I love him! Braino Fernandes!”Fernandes got on the scoresheet against Brighton as well, bringing his season totals to nine goals and 30 goal contributions.Featured image Steve Bardens via Getty Imagesonline pollsThe Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Fabregas final Como speech: ‘I have no doubt you will be remembered forever’Cesc Fabregas gave a moving speech to his Como players after their historic Champions League qualification. ‘I have no doubt you will be remembered forever.’The club was in Serie B a couple of years ago, but next term will enter not just Europe for the first time in their history, but straight into the Champions League.Their coach has had post-match huddles on the pitch after every game this season, and the final round’s 4-1 victory away to Cremonese was a particularly special one.News had filtered through that Milan lost at home to Cagliari, so Como pipped them to fourth place.Fabregas thanks Como players“The last circle of the season,” said Fabregas to his squad.“I told you the day before Parma, we win the two games, we are in the Champions League. I don’t know why I told you, I had a feeling, I always get my responses by feeling.“But guys, this is all up to you. It’s all thanks to every one of you. We try to help you, we try to give you certain solutions, but you are the reason that this is so beautiful. I thank you for all my life. All my life, because this would be probably the best group I will ever coach in my future.“I have no doubt you will be remembered forever. Now we can say that and more. And I’ll see you guys, enjoy a f***ing good holidays, enjoy a big party, you deserve everything, whoever goes to the World Cup, all the best.“What are we doing next year? Champions League!”CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Como 1907 players celebrate after getting a Champions League slot for next season after the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Como 1907 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 24, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)Como had also reached the Coppa Italia semi-final for the first time in their history this season, losing only to eventual trophy winners Inter.They secured a top four Serie A finish thanks to 20 victories, 11 draws and seven defeats, scoring 65 goals and conceding 29.Only title winners Inter managed to find the net more times this season on 89.

With the dream of a Women’s College World Series berth slipping away from his team, Florida softball coach Tim Walton was ejected in the fifth inning of the Gators’ 16-7 loss to Texas Tech in the final game of the Gainesville Super Regional on Sunday, May 24.According to a prominent former Florida athlete, it just might have been intentional.Former NBA and Gators point guard Jason Williams said Walton’s ejection for arguing balls and strikes was premeditated so that the coach wouldn’t have to shake hands after the game with Williams’ daughter, Mia, a standout infielder for Texas Tech who transferred into the program from Florida last offseason.REQUIRED READING: How Mia Williams hit-by-pitch saga overshadowed Florida-Texas Tech softball clash“He got kicked out because he didn’t want to shake her hand,” Williams said to the Gainesville Sun, a part of the USA TODAY Network.The younger Williams played at Florida for two seasons and played all 65 games last season for a Gators team that advanced to the WCWS. After the 2025 season, she transferred to Texas Tech, which was coming off a run to the championship series of the WCWS and has become a haven for high-profile transfers in recent years.That move and whatever hard feelings lingered from it hovered over the best-of-three super regional series between the Gators and Red Raiders. Over the course of the series, Williams was hit by five pitches, including the first pitch of the first game and the first pitch of the decisive third game. In her second at-bat in Game 3, Williams launched a two-run home run that gave Texas Tech a 5-4 lead and prompted a celebration that earned the Red Raiders a warning from the umpire.Williams ultimately got the last laugh, finishing the series 3-of-7 with five RBI at the plate.Her father, who played for Florida for one season before being the No. 7 overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft, was seen in the crowd yelling toward the Gators’ dugout after a Texas Tech homer and doing the gator chomp. After the Red Raiders’ Game 3 victory, he celebrated with the team on the field at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.WATCH: For example, Jason Williams was seen yelling toward the Florida dugout after Texas Tech hit a home run. At the end of the video, he did the Gator Chomp in mockery of where he once played. Ugly scene during an incredible series. pic.twitter.com/oAmulNJ2sc— Zach Moore (@zach_moore27) May 24, 2026Following Texas Tech’s series-clinching win, the teams didn’t shake hands.“It makes no sense to me at all,” Walton said when asked about the drama of the series. “I have no idea where that came from. I don’t think that’s fair to the kids in both dugouts. I have no idea where that pot was being stirred. There’s never been a problem ever. Kids transfer all the time.”In her first season at Texas Tech, Mia Williams has set program single-season records for home runs (24), runs scored (86), total bases (177), RBI (82) and doubles (22).This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jason Williams: Florida softball coach got ejected to avoid shaking hands with his daughter

Serie A’s fastest: Palestra edges Man Utd loanee Hojlund and Dodo in speed rankingsMarco Palestra has been named Serie A’s fastest player of the 2025/26 season, claiming the Frecciarossa Speed Award after recording the highest average sprint speed in the division throughout the campaign.The Atalanta wing-back, who spent the season on loan at Cagliari, clocked an average sprint speed of 27.96 km/h, narrowly ahead of Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund of Napoli at 27.92 km/h and Fiorentina’s Dodo at 27.77 km/h.NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 18: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Mario Gila of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)Palestra pips Hojlund speed crown ahead of summer market scrambleThe award, presented by Serie A, measures average speed across all sprints above 25 km/h across the entire league season.Last year’s winner was Jackson Tchatchoua, the Hellas Verona full-back who subsequently joined Wolverhampton last summer.The recognition adds another accolade to what has been a remarkable season for Palestra, who also claimed the Serie A Best Defender award earlier this week and has established himself as one of the most coveted young players in Italian football ahead of an expected summer move.View this post on InstagramPalestra has been linked heavily with a move to Inter, if he stays in Italy, whilst Premier League sirens are sounding out a move for the youngster.Hojlund, meanwhile, appears to be edging closer to a permanent stay in Naples, after a strong campaign on loan with the Partenopei from Manchester United.

Ibrahimovic only survivor of Milan cull, seeking Fabregas type coachZlatan Ibrahimovic was slammed by fans and given a police escort leaving San Siro, but it looks as if he’s the only survivor in Gerry Cardinale’s Milan cull, seeing a ‘Cesc Fabregas type’ coach.The Rossoneri collapsed in a 2-1 home defeat to Cagliari last night, missing out on a Champions League spot when only a draw would’ve been enough thanks to a superior head-to-head record with Como.The tension was already sky high before kick-off, with fan protests outside the stadium and a Curva Sud fanzine statement calling for Ibrahimovic, CEO Giorgio Furlani, chief scout Geoffrey Moncada and President Paolo Scaroni to leave.They had defended coach Max Allegri and director of sport Igli Tare, who both arrived only last summer.Ibrahimovic given more Milan powerKITZBUEHEL, AUSTRIA – JANUARY 25: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, former AC Milan player, looks on as he attends the Men’s Downhill of the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup on January 25, 2025 in Kitzbuehel, Austria. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)It was reported that Ibrahimovic and owner Cardinale were given a police escort as they left San Siro last night, with fears the anger of the fans would spill out.Now multiple sources suggest that the RedBird chief will have a clean sweep of the entire Milan hierarchy, saving only his special advisor and former striker Ibrahimovic.Allegri, Tare, Furlani and Moncada are all on their way out, with Ibra given the task of choosing their new coach.MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 03: Gerry Cardinale of AC Milan looks on before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 03, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)The Corriere dello Sport reported today that Antonio Conte was approached to take over, but the same source suddenly changed tack following a call with Cardinale.It is now claimed that they are looking for a ‘Cesc Fabregas type’ who can bring fresh ideas.GENOA, ITALY – MAY 17: Massimiliano Allegri, head coach of Milan, reacts during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AC Milan at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on May 17, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)It’s no secret that Ibrahimovic and Allegri clashed, so with the Swede given more decisional power, they cannot continue together.

Major League Baseball’s long-discussed expansion plans appear to be moving closer to reality, and two cities have increasingly separated themselves from the competition. As MLB works toward eventually growing from 30 to 32 teams, Nashville and Salt Lake City are widely viewed as the leading candidates to land the league’s two future franchises.Commissioner Rob Manfred has previously made it clear that expansion is one of the major goals he hopes to address before retiring, and current projections suggest new teams could begin play around the 2032 or 2033 seasons. While other cities remain in the race, momentum appears to be building rapidly around these two frontrunners.MORE: Blue Jays lose 2 All-Star players mid-game SundayDec 8, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred speaks with the media during the 2025 MLB Winter Meetings. At Signia by Hilton Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn ImagesNashville Continues to Lead the Race in the EastNashville has long been discussed as a natural expansion destination, and many around baseball now consider it the favorite to land the Eastern franchise. The effort is being driven by Music City Baseball, which has spent years building support for bringing baseball to Tennessee. The proposed franchise name, the Nashville Stars, would pay tribute to the city’s Negro Leagues history and give the organization a connection to baseball’s past.The city also offers a growing population and a demonstrated ability to support professional sports organizations. Nashville already features successful franchises, including the Tennessee Titans and the Nashville Predators. Supporters believe those factors make the city an ideal long-term fit for Major League Baseball.Salt Lake City Has Become the Favorite in the WestOn the Western side, Salt Lake City has quickly gained significant momentum. The expansion effort has been led by the Larry H. Miller Company, and the proposed project has generated considerable attention throughout the league.A major reason for the excitement centers around the proposed $3.5 billion “Power District” development plan, which includes a stadium site that is already viewed as ready for future use. Infrastructure and preparation often play major roles in expansion decisions, and Salt Lake City’s ability to present a detailed vision may give it a significant advantage over competing markets. Many now see the city as the clear frontrunner for the Western expansion team.Oct 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA. Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred before game three of the 2025 MLB World Series. Toronto Blue Jays vs. Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesExpansion Would Create Significant RealignmentAdding two new teams would dramatically reshape Major League Baseball’s structure. Manfred’s goal reportedly involves placing one expansion franchise in the East and one in the West, creating a balanced 32-team league. However, that would likely trigger major divisional changes.Current franchises could be shifted geographically, new divisions may need restructuring, and scheduling adjustments would almost certainly follow. While those details remain uncertain, expansion would create one of the largest organizational changes MLB has experienced in decades.MLB’s Future Could Soon Look Very DifferentExpansion has been discussed for years, but momentum around the process feels stronger than ever. If the current timeline holds, baseball fans could see entirely new franchises taking the field by the early 2030s.For now, Nashville and Salt Lake City appear to have positioned themselves at the front of the line. The only question remaining may be whether anyone else can close the gap before Major League Baseball officially makes its move.— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

The Georgia Bulldogs receive a plethora of prestigious donations from numerous alumni on a yearly basis. Georgia basketball recently received their largest donation to date, however, as UGA graduate Adam Wexler was able to pledge $10 million to the program following an excellent season in 2025-2026. Wexler, who is also the founder of PrizePicks and the CEO of The Hidden Jams, graduated from Georgia in 2007 with a business degree and has been very involved throughout Athens ever since. The $10 million donation will be used for personnel and operating expenses within the Georgia men’s basketball program, with a portion going towards the Athletic Director Excellence Fund. Wexler’s donation is the largest philanthropic commitment in UGA Athletic Association history in support of men’s basketball, and the money will serve as a massive boost to the Dawgs both on and off the court moving forward. Wexler was able to share his reasoning behind the massive donation as well."The University of Georgia has always meant a tremendous amount to me and my family.” He said. "Watching my father's lifelong connection to this university shaped my appreciation for what Georgia represents: opportunity, culture, and excellence. There has never been a more interesting time in the history of collegiate athletics for donors to make a difference, and I'd love for this to be the start of something much bigger for the Bulldog community."Wexler’s father, Alan Wexler, was a two-sport student-athlete at UGA who played alongside Pro Football Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton. The $10 million donation instantly cements Wexler in the upper tier of Georgia’s modern benefactors, and the Dawgs will now look to build upon an excellent season in 2025 following the massive gift. Georgia lost a plethora of talent to the transfer portal this offseason, and Wexler’s donation may have arrived at just the right time for the Dawgs prior to the 2026-2027 campaign.The Bulldogs lost star guard Jeremiah Wilkinson and center Somto Cyril in the transfer portal this offseason. Georgia may opt to reload using Wexler’s donation money, but the Dawgs will look to have an excellent year once again in 2026 nonetheless. Follow UGA Wire on Instagram, Facebook, X or Threads for more Georgia basketball coverage!This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: UGA basketball lands massive $10 million donation

For the second round in a row, New York fans have their brooms out.After sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the NBA playoffs, the New York Knicks are one game away from doing the same to the Cleveland Cavaliers.The Knicks own a 3-0 lead heading into Game 3. The Cavs have home court in this one, but that's the only good news for Cleveland, which needs a win to extend the series.Here's what to know about Game 4.When is Game 4 of the Eastern Conference FinalsThe Cleveland Cavaliers host the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on May 25.What time is Cavs vs. Knicks?The game will start at 8 p.m.What channel are the Knicks vs. Cavs on tonight?The game will air on ESPN.Where to stream the Cavs vs. KnicksThe game will stream on ESPN Unlimited.Game 4 Cavs vs. Knicks lineThe Cavaliers are favored by 1.5 points in tonight's game.Cavs vs. Knicks over/under Game 4The over/under is 218.5.Cavs vs. Knicks scheduleGame 1 — May 19: Knicks 115, Cleveland Cavaliers 104 (overtime)Game 2 — May 21: Knicks 109, Cleveland Cavaliers 93Game 3 — May 23: Knicks 121, Cleveland Cavaliers 108Game 4 — May 25: New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers — ESPNGame 5 — May 27: Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks — ESPNGame 6 — May 29: New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers — ESPNGame 7 — May 31: Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks — ABCKnicks vs. Cavs predictionThe Cavaliers know this series is over. It's going to be hard for them to rebound. Prediction: Knicks 109, Cavaliers 103This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Are the Knicks in the NBA Finals? What channel are the Cavaliers Knicks on

Max Domi played 80 of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 82 games during the 2025-26 NHL season.Evidently, Domi played those games despite an injury that required surgery. Unfortunately, that procedure could cost the 31-year-old forward time next season.MORE: NHL world reacts to bold Maple Leafs take on Mitch MarnerOn Monday, May 25, the Maple Leafs announced Domi experienced complications from surgery and will be out indefinitely.“Domi will continue working with the club’s medical staff and will be re-evaluated at the start of training camp,” the team announced on X.Domi, the son of longtime Toronto player Tie Domi, scored 36 points (12 goals) for the Maple Leafs in 2025-26. He did not miss a game due to injury — head coach Craig Berube scratched him from the lineup twice — and recorded a career-worst minus-29 plus-minus rating for the season.The 11-year pro is entering the third year of a four-year, $15 million contract with the Leafs. He has 150 career goals and 468 points with the Arizona Coyotes, Montreal Canadiens, Columbus Blue Jackets, Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars and Toronto.Toronto in transitionThe Maple Leafs are coming off their worst season since 2015-16. Toronto finished last in the Atlantic Division with 78 points and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016-17.The poor result cost Berube his job. New GM John Chayka and senior executive advisor to hockey operations Mats Sundin are searching for a replacement.According to NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman, the new leadership group met with Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews to lay out its plan for the future.“I heard it was a positive meeting,” Friedman said on “32 Thoughts: The Podcast.” “Right now, we’re all watching the smoke signals. Is there anything problematic here? Is there anything for Toronto to worry about how Matthews feels? I was told right now, things are in a good place.”The good news is Toronto won the NHL draft lottery and will likely snag hockey’s top prospect, Penn State’s Gavin McKenna, with the No. 1 pick on June 26.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are down 3-0 in the Eastern Conference finals to the New York Knicks. Despite being one game from elimination, head coach Kenny Atkinson is forcing a positive spin on the situation. Atkinson spoke with the media on Sunday and had a viral moment in which he tried to rationalize that analytics would say Cleveland is, in fact, ahead in the series. “Analytically, we are two out of three in the expected [score]. We’ve won two out of the three. If you believe in process and all that, take that layer. Us shooting way below expected, them shooting way over. No one wants to hear that, the general public doesn’t want to hear it, everyone is outcome-based. Sure, I get that too.” “Analytically…we’ve won 2 out of 3” — Kenny Atkinson pic.twitter.com/5Em0cDMFTK— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) May 24, 2026Analytics are the math behind the game, and sports are increasingly leaning on them to track progress and make decisions. Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournamentThe problem with this take is that it is a fine opinion to have, but a tough pill for fans to swallow when the team is down 3-0 and is one loss away from being eliminated from the playoffs. In reality, Cleveland is trailing the series 3-0, which is wildly different from the 2-1 series lead that Atkinson maintains the analytics show they should have. The Cavaliers' head coach discusses “expected score” in the viral clip. This statistic measures what a team should have scored based on the quality of their shots in context. Essentially, Atkinson is saying that, based on the quality of the shots they have taken, they should have won two of the three games of the series. The Cleveland coach may have a point with the first game of the series, in which the Cavaliers blew a 22-point fourth-quarter lead, and the game went into overtime. The Knicks won 115-104. Cleveland lost Game 2 by 16 points and then Game 3 by 13 points. The Cavs shot 39% from the field in Game 2 compared to 52% by the Knicks. New York again had the edge in Game 3 shooting 56%, besting Cleveland’s 50%. The Cavaliers have their backs against the wall on Monday. If Cleveland loses, the series is over. If the Cavs win, they start their quest to become the first team in NBA history to ever come back from being down 3-0 in a playoff series. It will be interesting to see if Cleveland does indeed get swept, whether Atkinson will acknowledge the series loss, or if he will spin it that, analytically, the Cavs are up 3-1, or that the series is now tied 2-2.

Here’s the UEFA Champions League trophy on display at the semifinals between Bayern Munchen and PSG. | Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images Everyone is aware that soccer is a very popular sport on this planet, yes? Particularly in Europe, yes? Are you aware that every year’s standings in the top European soccer leagues provide the membership and participants for something going on during the following season called UEFA Champions League?I feel like you should be aware of this. The final for the 2025-26 Champions League — Paris-Saint Germain from France versus Arsenal from England— is happening the Saturday after this is being published.It’s a really neat concept. If you win one of the 53 national leagues that are a part of the Union of European Football Associations, everyone from England at #1 all the way down through the UEFA rankings to #53 San Marino, you’re automatically in the Champions League the next year. League of Champions, get it? If you play in one of the bigger national leagues — for 2025-26, it’s the top 15 — you can qualify for the Champions League by finishing towards the top of your league, not only by winning it. England, Italy, Spain, Germany, and France were granted four spots this year, Netherlands got three, and nine more countries got two teams each for a total of 82 teams.Once the teams are decided, UEFA sorts everyone into a ranking system and then everyone except for the top teams — 29 in this year’s league — have to play through a series of qualifying rounds to get to what they called the league phase this past year. If you’re not familiar with Champions League, but you are familiar with the United States playing in the World Cup, think of it like CONCACAF creating a system to decide who gets to be in the World Cup. Same idea. The league phase creates teams for a knockout playoff bracket, and that turns into 16 teams remaining, 8, 4, and then two teams left for the title.It’s a lot of words to explain a relatively simple concept, sure. It’s also a really fun concept, as you get guaranteed matches between the tippy top clubs all across Europe because everyone plays home and away as a part of not only the league phase, but also the qualifying rounds and the knockout rounds. Soccer does love their two game playoff system, just to even out any weirdness from one 90 minute game.You know what has a collection of leagues competing with each other under one banner? COLLEGE BASKETBALL.You know what has a real problem with the non-conference/November and December portion of their schedule relative to the amount of attention it gets? COLLEGE BASKETBALL.I propose to you that we solve this problem with a Men’s College Basketball Champions League.This is not a new idea by me, of course. I am standing on the shoulders of giants, as John Infante had the idea back before Andy Glockner wrote about it for Sports Illustrated in 2012 and the two of them joined Matt Norlander for a CBS Sports podcast about it in 2013. Friend Of The Show Andrei Greska even brought the idea back up in 2019 for an article on Paint Touches. This isn’t even the first year that we’ve mocked up a CBBCL here on Anonymous Eagle, as we did that in each of the lastfouryears.It was fun to spend the last calendar year bringing up the idea of a CBBCL every single time someone talked about how college hoops needs to do a better job drawing attention to itself, so we’re doing it again, with a brand new fresh set of teams from last year’s standings. I’m probably going to do one of these every year until someone in the college basketball brain trust gets off their butt and starts to put together television partners to get this done. That’s the point of this, by the way: Big time games in November and December to draw eyeballs to college basketball. Everything I’m about to lay out for you here would count as part of the 2026-27 regular season for college basketball. All of the games you’re about to hear about would count as part of a team’s NCAA tournament selection profile for the national championship tournament in March 2027.We have 31 conferences, so all 31 regular season champions get in. In case of a tie in the standings, the top seed for the conference tournament gets in. 32 is the number you want for group play so the top two teams in each group create your Round of 16 for the first part of the knockout bracket. If you wanted to make it a pure Champions League, you could do it that way with every regular season champ and, I dunno, the most recent NCAA champion that didn’t win a league this past year to round out to 32. But we’re also trying to get some money kicking around here so we’ll make a concession to television partners and expand the field to 48. Top 24 teams get into group play automatically, the next eight get a bye into the second round of qualifying, and the remaining 16 teams play each other in the first round of qualifying.Arbitrarily, I assigned multiple spots in the CBBCL to the top eight leagues in the 2025-26 season according to KenPom.com’s conference rankings. Those are, in order:SEC — 5 spotsBig Ten — 4 spotsBig 12 — 4 spotsACC — 3 spotsBig East — 3 spotsMountain West — 2 spotsAtlantic 10 — 2 spotsWest Coast Conference — 2 spotsAll of these spots would be decided by the regular season standings, with seeding in the conference tournament breaking any ties that need to be broken along the way. This adds an extra amount of drama to conference play, as there’s a big difference, for example, between finishing second and third in the Mountain West. These allotments don’t have to be permanent, either. Two years ago, the Big 12 was the best league, and they had 4 spots. You could come up with a system that’s a rolling average of conference strength to decide who gets how many spots in the CBBCL field. I just went with KenPom’s rankings from this past season because it was easy to find and use.These are just made up assignments by the way, other than we can only distribute 17 extra spots to get to 48 teams for the CBBCL. If you wanted to drop a spot from the SEC and give two spots to the ninth best conference — Missouri Valley in this circumstance — you could do that. If you wanted to make it just the top two from each of the top 16 conferences with three teams from the best league, fine, but again: We are trying to make television partners interested in throwing gobs of cash at everyone to put these games on the air.This year, the 2026 NCAA Tournament champion is Michigan. The Wolverines earn a spot in the CBBCL field by way of finishing first in the Big 10. If the NCAA champ was from outside the qualifying teams, then you can boot out the lowest ranked team from a multi-bid conference if you want. You could reserve a spot for the previous year’s CBBCL champion as well. There’s a lot of ways to go about this, this is just one.With all of that in mind, here’s the list of the 48 teams participating in my CBBCL format based on last year’s results. They are sorted by their final NCAA NET rankings, which is the order that we will use to determine which teams go into what part of the qualifying process. I used the final NET that the NCAA generated late in the national championship tournament instead of KenPom because that way we have multiple ranking systems at work to put teams into the field. That feels like a better process, but if someone wants to yell at me about the mathematical science of it, well, that’s what the comments section is for.TeamNET RankingMichigan1Duke2Arizona3Florida4Illinois5Houston6Connecticut9Gonzaga10Michigan State11Nebraska12St. John’s13Alabama14Vanderbilt15Virginia16Tennessee17Arkansas18Texas Tech20Kansas21Saint Mary’s24Utah State25Saint Louis29Miami FL32Villanova34VCU44SECOND ROUND HOSTSSouth Florida45San Diego State48Belmont64Miami OH65High Point68Yale74Utah Valley86Stephen F. Austin89FIRST ROUNDUNC Wilmington100Liberty102North Dakota State116UC Irvine120Wright State125Troy137East Tennessee State139Navy141Portland State145Central Arkansas166Tennessee State176Merrimack178Howard194LIU198UMBC199Bethune Cookman260The first round of qualifying is those 16 teams at the bottom of the list. For my system here, I just went with one head-to-head game with the top eight teams in the NET hosting the other eight teams. As the best team in Round 1, UNC Wilmington hosts Bethune Cookman, the lowest ranked conference champion. Liberty hosts UMBC, and so on and so forth.And so that brings us to an Opening Day/Week/whatever makes you happy of the season lineup that looks like this:HomeAwayUNC WilmingtonBethune CookmanLibertyUMBCNorth Dakota StateLIUUC IrvineHowardWright StateMerrimackTroyTennessee StateEast Tennessee StateCentral ArkansasNavyPortland StateAre there any immediate headliner games in there? No, there’s not, but people tune in to watch the First Four games with the 16 seeds involved because there’s something on the line. Opening night or two of the season, maybe a special opening week earlier than any other games, and you get all of these contests with a spot in the second round of qualifying on the line. We’re talking about playing these games on campus, so imagine the scene at the Naval Academy in Annapolis with the rest of the midshipmen going nuts for Navy in a nationally televised game, and so on. If you wanted to stretch things out a bit here and turn this into the two leg thing that UEFA does where you have to win the two games with a better aggregate score so both teams get to sell tickets to a home game, you could, but I think you’re just getting a little too goofy with basketball at that point.For the purposes of pushing this along to pool play, I used a 1-8 random number generator to pick some upsets just because. I got two — Merrimack and UMBC — and then I resorted the winners into their NET ranking order, and paired them off against the eight teams that got the bye into the second round. The teams that got the bye get to be the home teams here, and the same thing as before where South Florida, the best team with a bye, hosts UMBC, the lowest ranked team to advance.If you wanted to do these two rounds by random draw instead, just for the entertainment value of putting two selection shows on TV, you absolutely could do that. Draw all 16 spots, home and away, to decide who plays where, repeat for the second round. A little over the top for our purposes here since we’re not actually playing the games and just flipping coins, but it’s an option.That gets us a Round Two schedule that looks like this:HomeAwaySouth FloridaUMBCSan Diego StateMerrimackBelmontNavyMiami OHEast Tennessee StateHigh PointTroyYaleUC IrvineUtah ValleyNorth Dakota StateStephen F. AustinUNC WilmingtonOnce again, these eight games were subject to the random number generator to pick two upsets to get us to a group stage. This means that UNC Wilmington and Navy won road games to get into our group stage, and they’re going to get to host three home games against three of the 24 teams that got a free pass into that part of the tournament.That gives us our 32 teams for group play, and they split into these four pots:Pot 1: Michigan, Duke, Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Houston, Connecticut, GonzagaPot 2: Michigan State, Nebraska, St. John’s, Alabama, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Tennessee, ArkansasPot 3: Texas Tech, Kansas, Saint Mary’s, Utah State, Saint Louis, Miami (FL), Villanova, VCUPot 4, which is all eight Round 2 winners: South Florida, San Diego State, Miami (OH), High Point, Yale, Utah Valley, UNC Wilmington, NavyI did the random draw to decide the teams for group play because this part absolutely should have a televised selection show. You bring in big names from the college basketball landscape — promise a colar to Roy Williams, and he’d be perfect for this — to pull out the balls with the strips of paper in them, you have Rece Davis hosting the whole thing, make a whole spectacle of it, guaranteed ratings on a Tuesday night in mid-November.PotABCDEFGH1ArizonaFloridaDukeGonzagaConnecticutHoustonMichiganIllinois2VirginiaNebraskaArkansasVanderbiltTennesseeMichigan StateAlabamaSt. John’s3Utah StateVillanovaKansasVCUSaint Mary’sSaint LouisMiami (FL)Texas Tech4NavyMiami (OH)Utah ValleyYaleHigh PointSan Diego StateUNC WilmingtonSouth FloridaWhen I did the draw, it was just Pot 1/Group A, Pot 1/Group B, and so on and so forth. I’m not actually trying to schedule games here, so I didn’t do the “Group A, Position 3” part like you see in the World Cup draw. I would presume that the actual selection would do that, since you want the games going off in a particular order and preassigning positions to games makes all the sense in the world. All we’re trying to do here is show you (and hopefully an actual decision maker or 42) how great it would be to get all of these games on the schedule in November and December when there’s not much else going on in college hoops.There were hitches along the way in the random draw. With four SEC teams and two Big Ten teams in Pot 2 and three spots where they couldn’t go because of how Pot 1 went, we had to create some rules ahead of time. As SEC teams came up in the draw, they passed over Group B until we got to F. Alabama came up there, but that left two Big Ten teams for three spots, two of which involved Michigan and Illinois. Therefore, Alabama goes to G with Michigan, Nebraska came up next and went to B, sending Michigan State to F and St. John’s to H by default.Each of the groups would play a home-and-home series against each other. Using Group A as an example, that means Arizona would go on the road against Virginia, Utah State, and Navy as well as host all three teams. All of these games would count as regular season games for the 2027 NCAA tournament selection process, so that adds a bit of importance to the whole thing as well. How is Saint Louis going to look to the selection committee if they don’t win the automatic bid in the Atlantic 10 but still got six total games against Houston, Michigan State, and San Diego State, three home and three road? Probably going to help their chances of an at-large bid, right? Is there a chance they go 0-6? Sure, but that’s still the opportunity to play six games that no one was going to schedule against the Billikens without this putting it into place. Is it possible that we get a multi-bid league from one of the mid-majors as a result of this? Definitely possible, right? If nothing else, it pushes things in that direction, and that always makes things a little more interesting when it comes to selection time, especially as the NCAA expands the field to 76 teams. It’s going to be a lot harder for mediocre to slightly bad high major programs to sneak into the tournament if Yale bolstered their slate with six games against Gonzaga, Vanderbilt, and VCU, right? After the six group stage games are played, the top two teams in each group advance to the knockout rounds. I’m guessing that we’ll probably need some tiebreakers to figure this out because it seems unlikely that anyone goes a perfect 6-0, but that’s easy enough. Head-to-head and record against top team not in the tie should be enough to sort through most of the tiebreakers.Imagine the first weekend in December where we get Michigan/St. John’s and Alabama/Illinois as single elimination games because those teams advanced out of their groups to the Round of 16. Or UConn/Michigan State and Houston/Tennessee. You get the idea. Big time games, built up by three weeks of group play, big time stakes. These can be done on neutral sites in a four day swing just like the Sweet 16 and the Elite Eight if someone wants to get fancy and organize it, or maybe the group winners get to host the 16 and 8 rounds and the semifinals/finals are at a neutral site. Or whatever, at this point, we’re just being picky about details. Actually getting this off the ground and moving is more important than where the games are played.I would imagine that all of this could get knocked out by January 1st at the latest. If the timing doesn’t work out, then let the CBBCL First & Second Round games start in October, earlier than the regular season for everyone else, and then you get extra attention for the preliminary rounds because they’re the only games going on. We’ll have to come up with some sort of system where the teams eliminated in qualifying play square off against each other to fill in their non-conference schedules since they have to leave their time open to play in the group stage and knockout rounds. We start getting the group play teams that get eliminated and the teams falling in the knockout round as well eventually, so I feel like we can make that work with very little effort, especially when there’s big time TV money flowing in from this endeavor.I am almost 100% sure that I have left out something very obvious to the reader but not at all obvious to my brain as I put this together. If you have questions or comments or possible improvements or whatever have you, pipe up in the comments section. No bad idea in a brainstorming session, and that’s essentially what this is.Follow Anonymous Eagle on social mediaFacebook: AnonymousEagleInstagram: AnonymousEagleSBNBluesky: AnonymousEagle

Real Madrid midfield starlet to feature for Castilla in promotion playoffsOne of the positives for Real Madrid from what has been a largely underwhelming season has been the emergence of Thiago Pitarch.The La Fabrica midfielder, 18, had been working with the first-team squad since early in the season under Xabi Alonso, but had to wait until Alvaro Arbeloa’s arrival as manager to make his senior debut.Since then, the Spanish prospect gained a lot of prominence in the team, even starring in the final game of the season against Athletic Club with two assists to his name.Back to Castilla for ThiagoNow, with the season over for the Real Madrid first team, AS reports that Thiago is set to return to the Castilla squad to to strengthen them for the promotion playoffs.Set to play for Castilla. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)He already did so for the Premier League International Cup semifinal not so long ago and now could once again become an important addition for the reserve team.Having finished fifth in the RFEF Primera Division, Castilla managed to qualify for the promotion playoffs, where they are set to face Sabadell in a two-legged encounter.They will play the first match at home on May 30-31 and the return leg away a week later. And Thiago is expected to make himself available for selection for both teams.Thiago Pitarch has been a big positive for Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)An important reinforcementAs mentioned earlier, Thiago had already returned to the reserve side at the end of April as reinforcement for the penultimate round of the PLIC against Dinamo Zagreb. This time, however, he returns carrying a much heavier backpack of experience. After all, the teenager has made 16 appearances with the Real Madrid first team, 11 of which were starts, with a total of 817 minutes played.Castilla coach Lopez de Lerma, therefore, will be looking forward to have Thiago back available at his disposal as he looks to guide the team to promotion to the Spanish second division.

The Eagles lost an important defensive assistant when Christian Parker departed this offseason, but Vic Fangio never needed to search far for a replacement. Philadelphia promoted Joe Kasper to defensive pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach, elevating a respected assistant who was already familiar with Fangio's system and had strong relationships throughout the secondary. Asked Thursday what made Kasper the logical choice after Parker's departure, Fangio initially poked fun at the growing number of NFL coaching titles."Defensive pass game coordinator?" Fangio said jokingly. "All these titles you guys see around the league, pass game coordinators, run game coordinators. There's many more. Assistant head coach, associate head coach, this, that, and the other."Fangio then delivered the punchline."You know what those titles mean?" Fangio said. "About as much as this bottle of water's going to mean after I finish drinking it."Behind the humor sat a straightforward explanation."But yeah, Joe was with me in Miami," Fangio said. "When I came back here, he came with me, has done a good job. So he was the logical choice just to move up, and I have the utmost confidence in him."The promotion continues Kasper's steady rise inside Philadelphia's coaching operation. Kasper enters his fifth overall season with the Eagles and his third working directly with the secondary. After serving as safeties coach during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, he now takes over responsibilities previously handled by Parker. The move also maintains continuity for a defense that has developed into one of the NFL's top units.Philadelphia finished first in opponent completion percentage allowed (56.8%) and passing touchdowns allowed (14) in 2025 while ranking second in opponent passer rating. The Eagles also leaned heavily on development throughout the secondary. Reed Blankenship delivered another productive season under Kasper's guidance, while rookie Andrew Mukuba quickly earned trust and tied for second on the team with two interceptions. Kasper also helped stabilize the secondary late in the season after Marcus Epps stepped into a larger role.The success extended beyond 2025. Philadelphia fielded the NFL's top-ranked total defense during the 2024 season while leading the league in passing defense and helping power a Super Bowl LIX championship run. Before returning to Philadelphia, Kasper worked alongside Fangio in Miami, coaching safeties. The Dolphins finished third in sacks that season, while safety Jevon Holland continued to develop into one of the NFL's top young defensive backs.That familiarity mattered.Fangio values continuity, particularly in a defense built around communication, disguise, and versatility. Promoting from within also allows Philadelphia to avoid major system changes while maintaining development plans already established for younger players. The Eagles have invested heavily in the secondary over the past two seasons.Now Kasper inherits an expanded role helping maximize it.This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: agles trust Joe Kasper with expanded defensive role as DB coach

Vikings' J.J. McCarthy, Kyler Murray given bold battle proclamation by NFL analyst originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The general assumption in the football world is that Kyler Murray is going to be the Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback in 2026.He probably wouldn't have signed with the Vikes if he didn't think he could beat out J.J. McCarthy and win the QB1 role.It's still quite early in the offseason, though, and a lot can happen. It's worth considering the idea that McCarthy might have a real chance here, too.NFL.com analyst Nick Shook recently broke down the fact that there really could be a battle on the hands of both of these quarterbacks in 2026."Minnesota's leaders will tout the benefits of competition when marketing this QB situation entering 2026, but make no mistake: These are two quarterbacks fighting for their futures as starters in the NFL," Shook writes.MORE: Jason Kelce says the NFL is ruining its most valuable assetMurray has to prove he can get the job done after the Arizona Cardinals discarded him.McCarthy is a former first-round pick who hasn't yet shown he is a long-term starter in this league."If Kyler succeeds, he'll steal McCarthy's job," Shook writes. "If he struggles, McCarthy will have another (and perhaps his last) chance to command the top spot on the depth chart. In theory, one of the two will win out -- or the Vikings will slide back into the QB market next spring."It's also crucial for the Vikings to get this right. They have an immensely talented roster, but they need a quarterback that can keep up with the rest of that talent.They missed the playoffs in 2025 despite their talent. One of Murray or McCarthy has to make sure that doesn't happen again in 2026.More NFL news:The Aaron Rodgers problem no one is talking about for the SteelersCommanders, Brandon Aiyuk are waiting for the same thingStefon Diggs' best free agent landing spot could be in NFCCould the Bosa brothers join forces?Saints still waiting for Cameron Jordan news

Real Madrid star takes shot at Spain managerFor the first time in history, Spain will go to the World Cup without any Real Madrid players among their ranks. Luis de la Fuente named his Spain squad on Monday, but none of the eligible Real Madrid options made it in.La Roja’s 26 players are nearly made up of a third of Barcelona players in contrast, but there were few candidates for de la Fuente to choose from at the Santiago Bernabeu. Dani Ceballos, Raul Asencio and Dani Carvajal have just one cap between them in the past 18 months, while Thiago Pitarch and Fran Garcia were not in consideration. The player who was closest was Gonzalo Garcia, who is in the ‘support squad’ of nine players that will begin the training camp with La Roja before they travel for their last friendly against Peru in Mexico. The headline absence was undoubtedly Dean Huijsen though.Huijsen responds to Spain squad omissionOnce it became clear that Carvajal would not be making a return to the Spain squad, Huijsen seemed like the only player with a real chance of making it in, having earned seven caps since over the past 18 months. Yet the strong form of Marc Pubill and Eric Garcia earned them a spot ahead of Huijsen alongside regulars Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi.Something which has not gone down well with the Real Madrid star. The 21-year-old posted on his Instagram story a picture of the Sofascore Team of the Season, in which Cubarsi and Garcia also appear.Image via Dean Huijsen / IG. Huijsen posts Team of the Season.De la Fuente’s selection processSince Euro 2024, de la Fuente has generally been loyal to the players that secured victory in Germany. That said, centre-back is one of the positions that has seen the most change, with both Robin Le Normand, a starter in the Euro 2024 final, and Dani Vivian left out. Nacho Fernandez has not been in the Spain squad since.While Garcia and Pubill have been among the best performers for their respective sides, while Cubarsi has been a fixture for de la Fuente since the Euros. Laporte’s experience is likely considered keen, while Huijsen struggled to retain his starting spot in the second half of the year. For his part, de la Fuente explained that he had the majority of the squad decided for the past few months.

[Getty Images]Travelling across a sweltering London to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium by Tube on the final day of the season, the emotional divide among football fans in the city was striking. Sitting opposite me in the carriage, a man in his 50s wearing a 90s original "Holsten" home shirt was wedged between two Arsenal supporters."I think you'll be all right today, mate," they offered.Now I know you don't speak to strangers on the Tube if you're a Londoner, but this Spurs fan just stared straight ahead, entirely consumed by the dread and anxiety that they could be relegated on the same day that Arsenal were crowned champions. He didn't even acknowledge them.There was a hush around the ground on arrival - very few smiles, very little noise. That was until the team bus turned up and the players were greeted as if it was them that had won the Premier League title and not their north London rivals.Inside the ground, the wall of noise before kick-off was deafening. The relief at Joao Palhinha's goal palpable. The West Ham goals against Leeds filtered through to add some jeopardy, but Everton never really offered enough until late on to make it truly nerve-wracking inside the stadium.Spurs' players collapsed with a mixture of exhaustion and relief at the final whistle, and the South Stand became a wall of noise once again.The concourses, now doubling as bustling bars, were now buzzing - smiles, laughter, singing, drinking and general merriment.The journey home saw the Victoria Line trains mixed with red and white shirts as triumphant Arsenal fans returned from south London to launch an impromptu street party around Emirates Stadium. Fans chanted at each other as they passed on the escalators, but what I saw was good humoured.By the time I hit King's Cross, the first dejected West Ham fans began sharing the carriages with their celebrating north London rivals, some being consoled and some being taunted - all part of the cruelty of having to take public transport on a day like Sunday.It was one city and three entirely different sets of emotions for the supporters of the teams involved on an afternoon in the capital not to be forgotten.

Official: El Khannouss' loan becomes permanent until 2028 at StuttgartBilal El Khannouss' loan deal has converted into a permanent transfer meaning the Moroccan is officially a fixed part of VfB Stuttgart's squad.El Khannouss played for Stuttgart on loan from English side Leicester City in the recently concluded 2025-26 season.As per the contract, the loan has now been made permanent, meaning the attacker is now tied to the Baden-Württemberg until 2028.In his first season, El Khannouss made 41 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists.Furthermore, his performances have earned him a place in Morocco's squad for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. “Bilal delivered convincing performances in all competitions for VfB last season, and furthermore, as a young player, he plays a central role in the Moroccan national team."Bilal already possesses exceptional footballing abilities, and at the same time, we see further potential for development in him.“We at Stuttgart are therefore convinced that he has not yet reached the end of his development,” said Fabian Wohlgemuth, VfB's sporting director.

President Trump had sought to force Tehran to accept American demands for a peace deal with a mixture of threats and military operations.

Storm's Awa Fam made history in her delayed WNBA debut originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Awa Fam was touted as a possible No.1 overall draft pick for a reason.Though that distinction ultimately went to Azzi Fudd, Fam will have few if any complaints about the team that ended up taking her with the third pick.Fam and the Seattle Storm appear to be a perfect match for one another. The Spanish forward finally made her WNBA debut on Sunday, and few if any will have walked away disappointed.MORE: It's time for Wings' Azzi Fudd to get her chance as a starterIn 20 minutes off the bench against the Washington Mystics, Fam scored 10 points and added two rebounds and a steal as the Storm eased to a 97-85 win. She had not played in the season's first six games, over with Seattle mustered just a 2-4 record.Fam debuted after her team in Spain, Valencia Basket, claimed the Liga Feminina Endesa title last week. The 19-year-old became only the 14th teenager to play a competitive WNBA game -- and just the second to score in double-digits on her debut.19-year-old Awa Fam is the 14th teenager to play a game in WNBA history 👏Only the second to ever score 10+ points in their debut too 💪 pic.twitter.com/9p58Mx77k2— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) May 25, 2026Fam is a smooth post scorer who garnered plenty of pre-draft attention for her passing ability and defensive impact.The Storm's long-term plan centers on building a dynamic duo in the frontcourt with Fam and Dominique Malonga, who was the second overall pick in the 2025 draft.If both players reach their potential, Seattle will be a scary team to deal with for a long time.Awa-Fam.mp4 pic.twitter.com/df3N6d9OeC— Shabazz 💫 (@ShowCaseShabazz) May 25, 2026More WNBA news:Liberty's Sabrina Ionescu disappeared in her season debut after injuryWings' Azzi Fudd ties Caitlin Clark with incredible outburstAngel Reese sets all-time WNBA record for DreamKate Martin could force Sparks to part ways with another player for contract reasons

Barcelona set for fresh talks with Manchester United over Marcus Rashford dealWith the season now over, FC Barcelona are fully shifting their focus to the upcoming summer transfer window.Work is being done on reinforcing the centre-forward slot following Robert Lewandowski’s departure. Meanwhile, the Catalans also continue to look for ways to keep their two on-loan stars, Joao Cancelo and Marcus Rashford, at the club.Fresh talks with Manchester UnitedIn that regard, journalist Ben Jacobs reports that Barcelona are set to hold fresh talks with Manchester United this week over a deal for Rashford.The England international joined the Blaugrana on a season-long loan deal last summer which contained a €30 million permanent purchase option.Barcelona and Rashford wish to extend their partnership. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)Hansi Flick and Barça are very happy with Rashford’s performance, and want to keep him at the club, but remain reluctant to pay the full €30 million buy clause.As such, Deco has been trying to renegotiate the terms of the deal, with the Barcelona director pushing for another loan deal with an obligation to buy based on a specific, low number of appearances next season.Manchester United, so far, have been clear that they are unwilling to negotiate. At the same time, however, they do not intend to take Rashford back and are eager to shed his massive wages.Rashford wants to stayView this post on InstagramA post shared by MR14 (@marcusrashford)As far as Rashford is concerned, he has made it clear on multiple occasions in the media that he sees himself at Barcelona next season.In fact, there is already a contract agreement in place between the Englishman and the La Liga champions should they go ahead and finalise his signing from Manchester United.It all now boils down to the two clubs finalising an agreement, with fresh negotiations expected to take place this week.

Boston Red Sox pitcher Tyler SamaniegoRoster mechanics in Major League Baseball are complex, and that's the only caveat we have to acknowledge here. With that said, the Boston Red Sox demoting Tyler Samaniego to Triple-A before Sunday's game was bound to blow up in their faces.When they reinstated Danny Coulombe from the injured list, the Red Sox had a limited number of options at their disposal. They could either send down Samaniego or Greg Weissert (who has been in the majors exclusively since 2024) or put Tyron Guerrero, Jovani Morán, or Ryan Watson on waivers. Boston chose to demote Samaniego, seemingly for the simplicity of keeping everyone in the organization and not having four lefties in the bullpen. But Samaniego, who owns a 1.04 ERA in his first 17 1/3 major league innings, was arguably Boston's second-best lefty at the time of his demotion behind closer Aroldis Chapman. Because baseball karma is real, the Red Sox wound up surrendering three earned runs in the sixth inning of Sunday's game to blow a lead against the Minnesota Twins, losing 6-5 to finish off one of their most embarrassing sweeps in recent memory. Though it was two righties who gave up the three runs in Guerrero and Garrett Whitlock, one could argue fairly easily that having someone like Watson on the team for mop-up duty instead of Samaniego for more important assignments threw off the entire composition of the bullpen. Effectively, Guerrero is in the majors right now instead of Samaniego because they chose to promote him before the Twins series started, optioning righty Zack Kelly to Triple-A in his place. The implications will last longer than a day for the Red Sox, too. Samaniego has to remain in the minors for 15 days, unless the Red Sox lose another pitcher to the injured list instead.Watson has hung onto his roster spot all season despite a 5.28 ERA, and the Red Sox have tailored his role to make sure he throws almost no important innings, because his Rule 5 status means he'd be offered back to the San Francisco Giants if he ever left the active roster for performance reasons. More MLB: Red Sox Coaches Under Fire After Brutal Decisions in Loss to Twins

Özkacar's transfer to 1.FC Köln reportedly unlikely to be made permanentCenk Özkacar's loan at 1.FC Köln becoming permanent seemed inevitable recently, but now apparently there has been a change of heart.Spanish radio station Tribuna Deportiva reports that the Bundesliga club will not be exercising their purchase clause for the defender. However, the Köln-based newspaper Express counters their argument, writing that it does not necessarily mean the transfer has failed. Talks are said to be ongoing, and Köln wants to keep the player in principle, but not pay the high salary that Özkacar is receiving from Valencia.According to Sky, the Bundesliga club decided against signing him for sporting reasons but it remains to be seen how the situation develops.

Our seasonal NFC East rankings began with the quarterback position, and the Dallas Cowboys took the top spot with Dak Prescott sitting head and shoulders among his bretheren. Jayden Daniels and Jalen Hurts had down seasons, and Jaxson Dart was a rookie. When healthy, Prescott has been an MVP-level player over the last half decade. It's time to refocus on the QBs' supporting staffs, starting with the player who lines up behind them, the running backs.The Philadelphia Eagles possibly have the best back in the league, but he is coming off a down season compared to his peak. Dallas' Javonte Williams had a better statistical season, but they might need veteran help as depth, and the New York Giants and Washington Commanders had solid performances from their rookie rushers. How does all that work out in the rankings? Only one way to find out.4: New York GiantsCam Skattebo could be a future star at the position. His rushing style makes him a fan favorite. Skattebo runs tough, takes on contact, and knows how to finish plays. He is an underrated receiving option as well, adding 24 receptions for over 200 yards in under 300 snaps. He is coming off a major injury though, and has to show he can be the guy all season.Tyrone Tracy Jr. didn’t elevate in his second year, but he was consistent as a contributor in his rookie and sophomore seasons, contributing over 2,100 combined yards. Devin Singletary has also been consistent in his two seasons with the Giants. He will carry the ball a little over 100 times for 400 yards and catch 20 passes for 150 or fewer yards.3: Washington CommandersJacory Croskey-Merritt had a rookie season as good as Skattebo's, but ended the year healthy, and that is why the Commanders are a spot ahead of the Giants. In seven starts and only 175 attempts, Croskey-Merritt ran for over 800 yards and eight touchdowns. He wasn’t a receiving threat, but the starting quarterback missed more than half the season, so that could’ve impacted those numbers.Rachaad White has been the secondary rushing option for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and will take that role on for Washington. He started 17 games in 2023 but didn’t reach 1,000 yards, and his success rate barely reached 40%. He might be in the receiving back role as his catch percentage is 89%, and he averaged 52 receptions for 368 yards and 3 touchdowns per season in his time in Tampa. Rookie Kaytron Allen out of Penn State, will battle for the second running back spot, but he is still an unknown in the NFL.2: Dallas CowboysWilliams had the best season of any of the NFC East rushers last year. He started 16 games, carried the ball 252 times, and averaged nearly five yards per attempt. He accumulated 1,201 rush yards and 11 touchdowns with a success rate over 56%. The problem for Dallas is that they have no depth with any history of success, and Williams has had only one great year. Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah have no NFL track record, and former UDFA Malik Davis is cut almost every year, only to come back stronger. Dallas may look beyond the current team to add a second running back. 1: Philadelphia EaglesThe dropoff after a 2,000-yard rushing season is always dramatic, with none of the nine achievers falling any less than 600 yards from their prior total. The question is, how high will Saquon Barkley's bounce-back be?For most running backs, 1,140 yards and seven touchdowns is a great year, but for Barkley, it was a down season. Opposing defenses locked in on stopping Barkley and living with Hurts beating them, and it worked overall. He dropped his success rate by 10 points and his yards per game by over 50 yards from the 2024 season. Even if some considered Williams the top guy off last season, the Eagles' backups would move them over the top.Tank Bigsby has 281 attempts in three years in the NFL. He ran for 1,254 yards and 11 touchdowns. His career success rate of nearly 50%, with a 4.5 yards-per-carry average, is excellent for a backup. Will Shipley is going into year three in Philadelphia, and even Dameon Pierce had a season just under 1,000 yards under his belt as their fourth running back.You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcastThis article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: NFC East running back rankings have a lot to consider in 2026

The American pope wants to take artificial intelligence down a notch. Is he challenging the tech companies, or will tech take over the papacy?

He spent four decades building the convenience store chain into a cornerstone of daily life.