Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah watches from the sideline on Oct 7, 2023, at Huntington Bank Stadium during the Minnesota Golden Gophers’ matchup with the Michigan Wolverines, appearing at the in-state contest while continuing his broader scouting and evaluation duties. Entering his second full season as GM, Adofo-Mensah remained central to shaping Minnesota’s long-term roster direction and draft strategy. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings have fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah after four years. One of the major criticisms of his tenure was his track record in the Draft. He ultimately selected 28 players — so let’s rank them from best to worst.
A few notes: We’ll focus on the impact the players had on the Vikings, not elsewhere. The draft slot will be considered. Finding a rotational player in the 7th round is great; finding that in the 1st round is a problem.
Out of respect, Khyree Jackson, who was selected in the 2024 Draft, will not be included in the list.
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27. Lewis Cine
His first pick was also the worst. Safety Cine was selected with the 32nd pick in 2022 after a controversial trade-down. He played in ten games with the Vikings, mostly contributing on special teams with a whopping one tackle. Adofo-Mensah released his first-ever choice in the summer of 2024.
26. Andrew Booth
Cornerback Booth went 41st overall in 2022. He was considered a promising talent with injury concerns and unfortunately, those continued in the Twin Cities. The Vikings shipped him to Dallas during the 2024 preseason. He was not the worst player on the list, but the production of 23 games and 256 defensive snaps was undoubtedly not worth a 2nd rounder.
25. Kobe King
King, picked 201st last year, was cut in October and the New York Jets claimed him off waivers. He played five games and made four tackles with the Vikings. There was nothing wrong with the pick in a vacuum, but combined with the exit, the selection was a flop.
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24. Esezi Otomewo
Minnesota alumnus Otomewo is the forgotten 5th-rounder from 2022, going 165th overall. In his rookie season, he appeared in five games as a rotational player, but he was axed when Brian Flores arrived in 2023. Drafted for a different scheme, Otomewo played for the Jaguars in 2024 and the Steelers in 2025.
23. DeWayne McBride
Running back McBride was a 7th-rounder in 2023. The UAB prospect dominated in the Conference USA, but never got a shot in the NFL. Folks had high hopes for him, but he looked pretty slow in the preseason and has never seen an NFL field in the regular season.
22. Jaren Hall
Aug 24, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Jaren Hall (16) calls out before the snap against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports
Hall, a 2023 pick (164th), started a couple of games in his rookie season and he was clearly not ready for that stage, exiting concussed once and getting benched the other time. The Vikings cut him in the 2024 offseason and he hasn’t been on the field since.
21. Walter Rouse
Offensive tackle Rouse showcased solid play in his collegiate career, but his NFL journey has been rocky. The 6th-rounder from 2023 (177th) has appeared in eight games so far and the future outlook is murky. He was even held out of games in which the Vikings had injury problems at tackle. Still, he’s the first player who’s still on the team.
20. Jaquelin Roy
Tackle Roy was part of the 2023 class, joining in the 5th round with pick 141. The LSU product appeared in 12 games as a rookie but was waived entering Year 2. He contributed in New England in 2024 and has missed the Super Bowl campaign on IR.
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19. Gavin Bartholomew
Unlike Rouse, Bartholomew has not played for the Vikings, but there’s a good chance he will in 2026. He cost the club the 202nd pick in 2025 and the 6th-rounder missed his entire rookie season with a nagging back injury. He’ll feel like an additional pick this year.
18. Tai Felton
Comparable to Bartholomew but without the injury, this ranking is based on hope. Still, the 2025 3rd-rounder (102nd) has caught only three passes for 25 yards. On special teams, he has been excellent, though.
17. Brian Asamoah
Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Brian Asamoah II (6) celebrates his teams fumble recovery against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Linebacker Asamoah was expected to be the longterm replacement for Eric Kendricks, but the 3rd-round pick (66th) turned out to be a special-teams player for three years and barely played on defense. Drafted for Ed Donatell’s defense, he was another victim of that change.
16. Mekhi Blackmon
Cornerback Blackmon was the final pick (102nd) in the 3rd round of the 2023 Draft. He showed promise as a rotational corner in his rookie season and was expected to make a jump as a sophomore. A torn ACL in training camp cost him that season and the Vikings traded him to the Colts in 2025. His Vikings tenure was unfortunate and the trade perhaps premature.
15. Vederian Lowe
Lowe is a strange case. The 2022 6th-rounder (184th) appeared in four contests in his rookie season, playing exclusively on special teams. In the 2023 offseason, the Vikings traded him to New England for a 6th-rounder. Though barely helping on the field, he returned exactly his value. Lowe has been a valuable backup for the Patriots, playing in all 20 games this season.
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14. Nick Muse
Tight end Muse cost only a 7th-rounder in 2022. His on-field contributions were limited to only one catch and help on special teams. Still, he provided depth for three seasons and moved on during the 2024 offseason to win a Super Bowl with the Eagles. Like Lowe, his pick was pretty much a wash.
13. Ty Chandler
Running back Chandler has just completed his entire rookie deal, as one of only two players from the 2022 class. He joined in the 5th round with pick 169. He has been a depth runner and kick returner, playing in 40 games and scoring three touchdowns while recording nearly 1,000 yards from scrimmage.
12. Ed Ingram
Offensive guard Ed Ingram is another tricky evaluation. He cost the Vikings the 59th overall pick, a 2nd-rounder in 2022. The full-time starter in 2022 and 2023 lost his job during the 2024 season to Dalton Risner and was traded in March of 2025. Ingram started 41 games, but his play was widely inconsistent. It’s easy to make a case for him to rank higher or lower.
11. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
Rookie Ingram-Dawkins — pick 139 in 2025 — appeared in 14 games in his first season. He’s still a raw player, but has shown promise. It’s another significant projection for the future. He’ll be a sneaky breakout candidate entering his second season.
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10. J.J. McCarthy
Perhaps the hardest person to place on this entire list, the 10th overall pick of the 2024 Draft requires some projection moving forward. At this point, he certainly hasn’t been worth his selection, but there’s still hope he can develop into a franchise quarterback. His last few games were promising. If he does improve, he’ll easily enter the top five; if he doesn’t, he’ll rank in the 20s. Unlike most players behind him, he’s still around and can actually climb the list.
9. Akayleb Evans
Cornerback Evans was Kwesi’s draft crush in 2022, ultimately costing a 4th-rounder, pick 118. After showing promise in his rookie season, he was a starter in 2023. He was waived during the 2024 season and has been a backup for the Panthers ever since. Evans played 1,020 defense snaps with the Vikings.
8. Michael Jurgens
Jurgens, a center from the 7th round of the 2024 Draft (230th) has played in 18 games through two seasons, logging three starts. In two of those, he played quite well and could be considered for the starting role moving forward. Even as a backup option, he has been well worth his draft position.
7. Levi Drake Rodriguez
During the 2024 season, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez shared a celebration with teammate Bo Richter after delivering a key play. The moment captured the energy and enthusiasm of Minnesota’s defensive front as the young players made their presence felt. Rodriguez’s ability to disrupt and Richter’s support highlighted the team’s depth and emerging contributors on defense. Mandatory Credit: Alli Rusco, Vikings.com.
Defensive tackle Rodriguez was selected in the same round as Jurgens, but with pick 232. After a quiet rookie season, Rodriguez played in 16 games in 2025, making a couple of sacks and 43 tackles. He was an important piece in the defensive line rotation and another jump is possible.
6. Jay Ward
Safety Ward was picked 134th in 2023. The 4th-rounder has played in 50 games through his first three campaigns and he’s been excellent on special teams. Towards the end of the 2025 season, Brian Flores deployed Ward more and more. He’s another sneak breakout option.
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5. Donovan Jackson
Offensive guard Jackson arrived with the 24th overall pick in last year’s Draft. In his rookie year, Jackson appeared in 14 games. He displayed toughness when he played through a wrist injury that required surgery and he quickly returned after the procedure. The national champion had the kind of rookie season a longtime starter has.
4. Dallas Turner
The other 1st-rounder from the 2024 Draft, Turner has emerged as a true difference-maker in the second half of his sophomore year. Actually, it’s not that hard to make the case that he’s the best player on the list except for the man at the top spot, but he did cost the 17th overall pick, even if we’re ignoring the expensive trades that led to the pick landing in Minnesota. The eight sacks in 2025 are a reason for hope that he can turn into a longterm star for the Vikings.
3. Jordan Addison
Wideout Addison, the 23rd pick in 2023, has been a real weapon for the Vikings in his first three seasons. Of course, the off-field headlines are annoying, but there’s no denying that he can play the game. In 41 games, Addison has generated 2,499 yards from scrimmage and 24 touchdowns.
2. Jalen Nailor
After three straight first-rounders, here’s a 6th-rounder who has quietly put together a decent rookie contract stint. After early career injury problems, Nailor has been a reliable WR3 for two consecutive seasons. He logged 1,066 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in four seasons.
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1. Will Reichard
Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings place kicker Will Reichard (16) celebrates after making a field goal against the Detroit Lions in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Of course, the best pick is Mr. Reichard, the kicker selected at pick 203 in 2024. The Alabama alumnus is coming off a flawless season, hitting all 31 extra points and going 33 of 35 from field goal range. Reichard is an All-Pro and deserves the top spot.
Tyson Fury is eyeing up another return to the top of heavyweight boxing, with his comeback fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov formally announced. Now, Derek Chisora has named the man whom he believes should be in in his corner, rather than current trainer SugarHill Steward.
Fury underwent a two-and-a-half year hiatus after defeating Wladimir Klitschko to win the unified heavyweight world titles in 2015, piling on the pounds and making a return to the throne seem impossible.
However, with the help of Ben Davison, Fury reduced his weight and went unbeaten in five contests within 15 months, which included a draw in a legendary clash with Deontay Wilder when bidding for the WBC heavyweight crown.
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Although, for the rematch with the American, the 6’9” Briton switched trainer, appointing SugarHill Steward and adopting the front-footed ‘Kronk’ style of fighting.
This led to a sensational display where a new-look Fury knocked Wilder out in a performance for the ages, to reclaim the heavyweight throne in impressive fashion back in 2020.
Since then, Fury has remained with Steward, including for the two consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, which put an end to Fury’s undefeated record and led to his retirement.
In an interview with Seconds Out, Chisora explained that he believes Fury requires another change of approach and suggested that he should re-appoint Peter Fury, in an attempt to rediscover the style that he used to defeat Klitschko over a decade ago.
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“He needs to go back to his uncle. Go to Peter Fury and he will get that [herky-jerky style back]. He needs to get rid of SugarHill [Steward] and get back to his uncle, if he wants to get that [style], the way he won the world title.”
After a 100% winning start in his interim role, Michael Carrick is now odds-on to lead Manchester United into the first match of the Premier League season according to bookies Betfred
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Michael Carrick’s future at Old Trafford seems to be secured for the foreseeable if the bookies is anything to go. The former midfielder has succeeded Ruben Amorim on an interim basis and has resurged Man United form to now find themselves going into the weekend looking for their fourth successive win.
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The football has improved drastically and there seems to be a harmony along Sir Matt Busby Way which has not been seen or heard for what feels like forever. Since losing to Brighton, under Darren Fletcher’s interim, in the FA Cup third round – securing their shortest season in more than 100 years – United have gone to beat Man City, Arsenal and Fulham in the Premier League and are due to face Tottenham Hotspur at home this weekend too.
Confidence has reached a level that United have not seen in a while as they sit in the top 4 places which is something they failed to achieve at all last season. Bookies Betfred now has Carrick – a former Spurs player himself – lined up to lead the team out at the start of next season at 8/11 and in the lead by some margin ahead of the other candidates potentially lined up for the job.
Betfred’s Robert Ford said: “Punters continue to back Michael Carrick to be managing Manchester United next season as his price continues to be slashed after starting his tenure as interim boss with three successive victories. Carrick remained at even money after the club’s late win against Fulham on Sunday before returning to odds-on at 4/6 on Tuesday. This morning his price has been cut again into 8/11.
“Outgoing Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner continues to be Carrick’s closest rival in the market, despite drifting out to 7s from 5/1. Current England boss Thomas Tuchel and former Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate, have both been pushed out from 12/1 from 10s and have been joined at the same price by Marseille’s Roberto De Zerbi, who’s been cut from 16s.
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“The victory against Fulham has resulted in Manchester United having their odds slashed to finish in the top four this season, as they’ve been cut into even money from 11/8 to return to the Champions League next season, with Arsenal, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Liverpool still ahead of them in the odds.”
Next Man United Manager odds
Michael Carrick – 8/11
Oliver Glasner – 7/1
Gareth Southgate – 12/1
Roberto De Zerbi – 12/1
Thomas Tuchel – 12/1
Julian Nagelsmann – 16/1
Mauricio Pochettino – 16/1
Unai Emery – 16/1
Xabi Alonso – 20/1
Andoni Iraola – 25/1
Enzo Maresca – 25/1
Luis Enrique – 25/1
Marco Silva – 25/1
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – 25/1
Xavi Hernandez – 25/1
Eddie Howe – 33/1
Kieran McKenna – 33/1
Zinedine Zidane – 33/1
18+ | Gamble responsibly |gambleaware.org| Odds subject to change | Odds supplied by Betfred
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Resilient galloper Sandpaper has added another black-type victory to his record, leading throughout to claim the Listed Carrington Stakes at Randwick for trainer Bjorn Baker and syndicator Darby Racing.
Given a perfect ride by Nash Rawiller, Sandpaper was heavily supported into $2.70 favouritism and proved too strong late, holding off stablemate Thunderlips ($14) by a long neck, with Matcha Latte ($6.50) finishing third.
The win followed a midfield effort in The Buffering (1400m) at Eagle Farm, a run Baker’s racing manager Luke Hilton felt had plenty of merit.
“He was really tough in Brisbane. He never got any peace. They were three-wide attacking him the whole way and I thought he held his own and boxed on really well,” Hilton said.
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“Bjorn just gave him that bit of extra time between runs when he came back, and he looked fantastic in the yard.
“His work during the week was super and Nash gets on with him well.”
Rawiller completed a treble on the program, having earlier partnered Promitto and Kingdom Undersiege to victory.
The jockey admitted there was a nervous moment when the challengers loomed in the straight, but Sandpaper refused to give in.
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“He’s a tough bugger,” Rawiller said.
“The way they all got to him at the top of the rise, I thought geez, I’ve been a bit pretty here.
“But I think they get tired chasing him and when he gave that kick, he is just so tough and honest.
“The stablemate probably had him there at the hundred and I think they had a little chat together and he said, ‘mate, you’re not getting past me’.”
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Those assessing the Carrington Stakes form can review the latest betting markets for the race following the Randwick feature.
Oregon OT commits Drew Fielder and Avery Michael both probably have a ways to go before they will be starters for the Ducks.
Brian Smith breaks down their film.
On today’s episode of Locked On Ducks, Jay Stephens of ‘Locked On Buckeyes’ joins to talk about DB transfer Aaron Scott Jr.
Is he a lock to start at the outside corner?
Oregon LB Bryce Boettcher was the leader of the defense in 2025 as the “quarterback of the defense” for the Ducks. Who will jump into that role in 2026?
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04:13 “Weight vs. Athleticism in Linemen” 10:00 Oregon Recruiting Linemen for Athleticism 13:28 Aaron Scott Jr.’s Immediate Impact 19:35 Debating Cornerback Position Fit 25:14 Linebacker Leadership and Future Picks 30:25 Malik Benson’s Iconic Moments
John Virgo, the legendary snooker player and commentator, has died at the age of 79.
Virgo was one of the best snooker players in the world during the 1970s and 1980s, winning the UK Championship in 1979 and reaching the semi-finals of the World Championship the same year.
But he truly became a household name after retiring from playing, starring alongside host Jim Davidson in hit snooker gameshow Big Break and becoming perhaps the sport’s most well-known commentator – with his iconic catchphrase “where’s the cueball going?” being instantly recognisable.
He was commentating for the BBC as recently as last month at the Masters but passed away at his home in Spain, as confirmed by the World Snooker Tour (WST).
“Everyone at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo, aged 79,” WSt said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, JV.”
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Tributes soon began pouring in for one of snooker’s best-loved figures, led by a touching note from World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis.
John Virgo was one of the best snooker players in the world during his pomp (Getty Images)
Virgo (right) then became even better known presenting Big Break alongside Jim Davidson (PA)
Francis wrote: “Heart breaking to share the news that we’ve lost the great ‘JV’ John Virgo this morning, he passed away in Spain.
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“Rosie and Brooke-Leah would like everyone to know. Our hearts go out to them both, Gary and the grandchildren.
“JV was doing what he loved to do right up until the end, entertaining everyone. Such an important person in my life but in our sport in general. An amazingly loyal friend to me, and someone you felt was sat with you at the match when he was commentating on TV.”
Big Break host Davidson was also quick to add his best wishes following the news.
“Heartbroken to hear that my great mate John Virgo has passed away at 79. What a character, what a talent,” Davidson wrote on Instagram. “From our time together on Big Break, to the snooker commentary chair, you brought so much joy to so many. Rest easy, John. You will be missed.”
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Virgo (right) commentated on snooker for the BBC for many years (PA)
And Virgo’s BBC commentary colleague Joe Perry described him as “one of the best people” in snooker.
Perry said: “Absolutely gutted to hear the very sad news that John Virgo has passed away. Without doubt one of the best people I’ve ever met through snooker.
“It was always an honour to work alongside him and a pleasure to be in his company. Thoughts go out to his friends and family. What a horrible day! RIP JV.”
John O’Shea admits Napoleonic has a significant task in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) scheduled for Rosehill this Saturday in 2026.
The Wootton Bassett colt, from a late champion sire, confirmed his elite status with a 4-¼ length thrashing in the Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes (1200m) on Cox Plate day.
With Tom Charlton as co-trainer, O’Shea rested the Pinecliff Racing-owned colt after that win and reports strong maturation, highlighted by a recent Randwick trial victory.
“He’s great, I’m really happy with him,” O’Shea said.
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“He’s trialled up well and made a bit of psychical improvement from last season so we’re looking forward to Saturday.
Satisfied with the return to track work, O’Shea notes the Eskimo Prince Stakes and Autumn pursuits will test Napoleonic anew, especially versus benchmark Tempted.
“She’s the benchmark,” O’Shea said.
“She should’ve nearly won an Everest. In terms of 1200 metre sprinters in Australia, especially three-year-olds, there’s none better than her.
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So we’re respectful of her, and we know that we’re going to have to be right at the best of our game to be competitive.”
O’Shea anticipates less flair than the Red Anchor but values the gauge on Napoleonic versus top three-year-olds.
“That was his day, fourth up, he’d had a good foundation going into it,” O’Shea said.
“It was a good day for him to let rip. Saturday is a bit different, he’s got a long campaign ahead, so whatever he does he’ll improve off, but he’s done enough work to run well.
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The stable’s strategy for Napoleonic allows versatility, even eyeing Brisbane Winter carnival options.
Cristiano Ronaldo refused to play for Al-Nassr because of Karim Benzema’s move to Al-Hilal, sparking speculation over his future and whether he could return to Manchester United
Ronaldo, who celebrates his 41st birthday on Thursday, declined to feature for Al-Nassr in their 1-0 win against Al-Riyadh on Monday after becoming incensed by Karim Benzema’s transfer to title challengers Al-Hilal. Benzema, Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid colleague, had his Al-Ittihad deal cancelled before securing a free transfer to Al-Hilal, who sit one point clear of Al-Nassr at the top of the Saudi Pro League.
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The Public Investment Fund (PIF) owns all three sides, and Ronaldo is frustrated that the transfer was approved, believing the acquisition of the French forward has unfairly strengthened Al-Hilal’s championship challenge. The circumstances have triggered questions about whether Ronaldo will complete the remaining 18 months of his £488,000-per-day agreement with Al-Nassr.
Could the five-time Ballon d’Or recipient make a remarkable third return to Manchester United? Not according to his former colleague, Wes Brown, who told BettingLounge: “He’s not happy, but would Cristiano Ronaldo come back to Manchester United for a third go? I would say no. I can’t see how that could happen.
“A move to MLS? Maybe. Maybe he goes back to Portugal and plays there. I’m sure he will still have so many options.
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“The main thing is that he still wants to play in the World Cup, and he would have to keep playing and making sure he keeps himself fit to do that. It’s a shock to everyone to see Ronaldo on strike, but I honestly think it will get resolved. We’ll have to wait and see where it goes from here.”
Neither Ronaldo nor any of his teammates and coaching staff have issued public statements following Monday’s victory. Head coach Jorge Jesus had his post-match press conference cancelled, with the squad told not to engage with journalists.
Al-Nassr are next in action on Friday, welcoming Al-Ittihad, though Ronaldo’s participation remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal will take on bottom-dwellers Al-Akhdoud on home soil.
The table-toppers have offered Al-Nassr a glimmer of opportunity in recent weeks, sharing the spoils in their previous two outings. A failure to overcome Al-Akhdoud would give Al-Nassr the chance to claim top spot, having last lifted the trophy in 2019, well before Ronaldo’s switch from United in 2022.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
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Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
After suffering through four-straight 3-9 seasons, Stanford footballcalled in a familiar name and proven winner to direct the football program as general manager: Andrew Luck
Luck replaced Troy Taylor with interim coach Frank Reich, who broke out of the three-win slump, going 4-8. Then Luck hired former Cardinal quarterback Tavita Prichart.
Stanford football has played 119 seasons through 2025, dating back to 1891.
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The Cardinal did not play any games from 1906 to 1917, when the school played rugby instead, and from 1943 to 1945, due to World War II.
The Cardinal claimed national championships in 1926 and 1940.
In 1926, led by legendary coach Glenn “Pop” Warner, the team was undefeated in the regular season and tied Alabama in the 1927 Rose Bowl.
The 1940 team went unbeaten and untied after defeating Nebraska 21–13 in the 1941 Rose Bowl, but the team ranked No. 2 in the final AP poll released before the game was played.
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The table below gives season rundowns with Conference, W-L record, win percentage, coach, and bowl game, if any, for each year
The highly anticipated event has taken place at the Javits Center and will conclude at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. “Prove-It,” the Border Collie, handled by Amber McCune, won the Westminster’s Masters Agility Championship on Saturday.
The conformation part of the show began with best of breed judging from the Javits Center on Monday, and group judging continued on Tuesday, on FS1, where Best in Show is awarded.
FOX pit reporter Jamie Little smiles on pit road before the NASCAR Cup Series Ambetter Health 400 race at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia, on Feb. 23, 2025.(David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The floor reporter for FS1’s primetime coverage, Jamie Little, talked with Fox News Digital about what it’s like to cover the event.
“Such an honor to be here to cover the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. It is the biggest dog show in the world. It’s the most prestigious. And then you add in the fact that it’s the 150th. You have to let that sink in. This is the second longest sporting event to the Kentucky Derby,” Little told Fox News Digital.
Little interviewed the first four winners on Monday, and the 47-year-old said you can feel the intensity and the emotions of those participating.
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“You meet these families that have been coming here generation after generation with show dogs. We have so many stories. And that’s what makes this year special. We’re telling those stories, the background of the breeds who was here in the first year of the show in 1877 is pretty neat,” Little said.
“It’s always intense backstage in the staging area with the dogs you always feel the energy. But last night you know interviewing those first four winners that we saw on Monday night it’s we saw tears. I saw tears two or three times because it means that much more.”
Pit reporter Jamie Little of FOX Sports during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link’s 500 race at Talladega Superspeedway in Eastaboga, Alabama, on April 26, 2025.(David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Winning the Westminster Dog Show is always an honor, but there is something different about having the chance to win the 150th edition.
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“I mean the fact that you have a chance to win the 150th, I mean that’s just something for the record book you’ll never forget,” Little said.
Little has been covering the show for eight years and said it feels like the event has only gotten bigger and that the dogs have gotten better. She said that even for those who don’t have a dog, the show is for everyone and it’s something that everyone loves.
Last year was the first time in four years the Westminster Dog Show returned to Madison Square Garden, returning for the first time since COVID-19. Little talked about the significance of the event being at the world’s most famous arena.
A dog competes during the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show-Group Judging (Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding) and Westminster Legends Presentation at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, on Feb. 2, 2026.(Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)
“My first year covering this show, we were at Madison Square Garden. It was just like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ Like, it’s that show or that movie that you see ‘Best in Show.’ It’s like the bright lights, the cameras, the energy. And then with COVID-19 we had to move out of the city, and we’ve gone to a couple other places,” Little said.
“Being back at Madison Square Garden, that’s what everybody wants. They want that big venue. I mean, the amount of events that this place does and then they turn it into a dog ring — like dog showing — it’s amazing. But the energy and the lights, it’s just something special for the people watching, the sound from the audience, the dogs feed off of it.”
The favorite part of the show for Little is getting the opportunity to interview the winners.
“I think my favorite part is just telling the stories of the dogs. I think these winners that come in and they’re emotional because they’ve been trying it for 20 years, and then their parents before them, their grandparents before that. And they work so hard every single day to create these perfect specimens that they do. And to have them as a show winner, it means everything to them. So, I think anything, no matter what I’m covering, interviewing a winner is the best. And this is even better because then I have a dog I get to pet during the interview.”
Joey Logano (22 Team Penske AAA Insurance Ford, left) talks with FOX Sports reporter Jamie Little after winning the Wurth 400 Presented by LIQUI MOLY in the NASCAR Cup Series at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 4, 2025.(Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
After covering the Westminster Dog Show, Little will shift gears and head down to cover the Daytona 500. She said the dog show is intense, but it’s different compared to the intensity that comes from NASCAR.
“I always joke with people that I cover four paws and then I’m going to shift it up and go four wheels in Daytona. And it is so different. I mean, you have the intensity of the dog show, but everybody’s happy. They’re having fun. The dogs love their job. These dogs are treated better than most people. I mean, they’re living a life. They are pets at home or they’re therapy dogs. They do incredible things,” Little said.
“And then you shift it up to Daytona where people are happy, but it’s intense. I mean, we’re going to see crazy wrecks. It’s going to be intense. So, completely different worlds. It’s so much fun. My hair will be back in a ponytail, headset on. For the dog show, I’m wearing a fancy evening gown like I’m going, you know, to a wedding. It’s incredible. It’s fun to get to do both.”
All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman became a free agent at the end of the 2025 season after opting out of three-year contract he signed with the Boston Red Sox last offseason.
Amid his high-profile free agency, Bregman started Club Nemesis, a performance hub designed for professional baseball players. Former All-Star outfielder Chris Young visited the club this week and had a conversation with the Chicago Cubs infielder.
During a conversation with Bregman for MLB Network, Young asked what drove the two-time World Series winner to opening the club. Bregman answered:
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“I’ve played over the last 10 years. You kind of learn and adapt and grow and figure out what works for you and and you take a little bit from one coach and one player and you try and put the pieces together for your puzzle.
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“I feel like for me, I was always searching to try and get one percent better, whether that’s staying healthy or strengthening conditioning or baseball activity defense, hitting whatever it may be.”
Bregman’s wife Reagan Elizabeth reacted to the Instagram post with the video of the interview, commenting:
“1% better.”
(Image source – Instagram)
Bregman has had several visitors to his club in the offseason, including San Francisco Giants star Matt Chapman and Baltimore Orioles’ Jackson Holliday.
Alex Bregman’s wife Reagan shared adorable moment between their children
Alex Bregman ended his free agency after signing a five-year deal with the Chicago Cubs last month. Bregman’s wife shared a glimpse of their time in Chicago during the offseason. She shared pictures of their time together at the Wrigley Field in an Instagram post.
“The warmest welcome,” Reagan captioned her post.
Reagan and Alex welcomed their second son in April 2025. Bregman’s wife shared a picture of her elder son, Knox, sharing an adorable moment with his sibling in her Instagram story.
“My heart,” she captioned her story.
(Image source – Instagram)
Reagan and her children were often in the stands at Fenway Park to cheer for Bregman last season. They will be showing their support to the All-Star infielder in his first season with the Cubs in 2026.