Manchester United lost ground in the race for European qualification after a 2-1 defeat to Leeds United at Old Trafford, with Noah Okafor scoring twice to seal a famous win.
Okafor struck twice before the break to hand the visitors a deserved lead against a disappointing United side. The home team struggled to find rhythm, and it was a surprise when manager Michael Carrick chose not to make changes at half-time.
Leeds continued their strong performance after the restart, showing composure and discipline to maintain control of the match. Their efforts were rewarded with a first victory at Old Trafford since 2002.
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United pulled one back in the second half through a header from Casemiro, but it proved to be only a consolation despite a lively spell that saw both sides create chances.
The hosts’ hopes of a comeback were further damaged when Lisandro Martínez was sent off following a VAR review for pulling the hair of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The victory lifts Leeds further away from danger, with Daniel Farke’s side now six points clear of relegation-threatened Tottenham Hotspur. It also deals a fresh blow to Roberto De Zerbi’s survival hopes, which were already dented by the injury to captain Cristian Romero earlier in the weekend.
As if World Cup tickets weren’t costly enough, getting to those games is slated to cost plenty more than usual.
NJ Transit tickets from MetLife Stadium to New York Penn Station after matches are reportedly set to cost more than $100, while prices in Boston are also set to surge.
Currently, prices from East Rutherford to Penn Station are just under $13.
Commuters wait for their train at the NJ Transit section of Penn Station in New York City on May 20, 2025.(Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
The Athletic also reported that there will be no price differences for seniors, children or passengers with disabilities, and a final decision on the pricing is expected in the next few days.
Last week, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority announced $80 tickets from Boston to Gillette Stadium, and the Boston Host Committee announced Tuesday that there will be $95 Yankee Line bus tickets to Foxborough.
Tailgating has been banned at both Gillette Stadium and MetLife Stadium, while parking will also not be allowed at the New Jersey stadium, despite thousands of available spots at the Meadowlands Sports Complex.
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The price increase comes amid a potential $48 million tab for NJ Transit that includes security and extra services for the soccer spectacle.
MetLife Stadium is set to host eight matches, including the July 19 final.
Penn Station is also set to have severe restrictions on game days, when only game attendees will be permitted to enter the NJ Transit portion of the Manhattan station.
NJ Transit riders get off a train at New York Penn Station in June 2025.(James M. O’Neill/NorthJersey.com/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
New Jersey lawmakers have proposed a bill that would impose “surcharges on certain transactions to support preparations for [the] hosting of special events,” according to the N.J. Legislature. The bill’s primary sponsor is Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-N.J.
If passed, a 3% sales tax would be added to retail goods, food and drink, and event tickets in the Meadowlands District during the dates of the World Cup, according to the bill’s text.
A hotel surcharge will also be imposed — tacking 2.5% onto bills at hotels booked during the period of June 12 through July 21.
The USMNT has not had much success in the World Cup. The squad reached the Round of 16 in 2010 and 2014 but failed to qualify for the tournament in 2018. It returned to the Round of 16 four years ago but couldn’t advance out of the Copa América group stage on home soil last year.
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After finishing in third place in the inaugural World Cup in 1930, the furthest they have made it since then is the 2002 quarterfinals.
The U.S. is the highest-ranked team in its group this summer, joining Australia (26th), Paraguay (39th) and a team to be determined in a playoff.
Fans hold an American flag prior to the Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinals match between Jamaica and the United States at Citypark on Nov. 18, 2024, in St Louis, Missouri.(Joe Puetz/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy goes through pregame warmups, working through throws and movement drills as he prepares for a divisional test on the road. Sep 8, 2025 captured the scene at Soldier Field in Chicago, where McCarthy readied himself for the rivalry atmosphere against the Bears. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images.
Some don’t believe the Minnesota Vikings can keep Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy in the same quarterback room — it’s unclear why that’s not possible — which has created a handful of McCarthy trade rumors. One such example lands McCarthy with the Pittsburgh Steelers via trade, according to NFL writer Sayre Bedinger.
The latest McCarthy rumor says more about offseason rumors than Minnesota’s real plans.
McCarthy probably won’t start for the 2026 Vikings, and that’s code for a trade fate per some theorists.
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A Steelers Theory Circles around McCarthy
Maybe McCarthy can just take over for Aaron Rodgers, they say.
A Pittsburgh Steelers helmet sits ready on the field before kickoff ahead of a matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 16, 2025, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The close-up captures the franchise’s iconic branding and game-day atmosphere as players prepare nearby for a divisional contest. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images.
Bedinger: Steelers Are a Trade Fit for McCarthy
Although the Vikings have expressed no plans to trade McCarthy, Bedinger sized up landing spots this week, with the Steelers, New York Jets, and Los Angeles Rams getting the nod.
He wrote about McCarthy to Pittsburgh, “The long-term outlook at the quarterback position for the Pittsburgh Steelers is extremely unclear. Aaron Rodgers is probably going to come back for the 2026 season, but after this year, who knows what the Steelers are going to do? They’ll be at the mercy of wherever they fall in the draft, or stuck in the purgatory that is cycling through veteran retreads.”
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“There is no long-term vision right now, which is why taking a shot on McCarthy’s upside and getting him in the building with Mike McCarthy could make a lot of sense. He’d be able to spend a year learning from Aaron Rodgers, getting acclimated to the offense, and really giving the Steelers a reason to not be desperate in next year’s draft. It also keeps them flexible there.”
It’s unclear what kind of trade package McCarthy would fetch, but a safe bet might be around a 4th-Rounder.
Vikings in No Hurry to Trade McCarthy
While McCarthy trade theories are understandable with Murray’s arrival, assuming the Vikings will ship him elsewhere is really just a surface-level take. That is — an outsider sees Murray in the mix and thinks, “Oh, that means McCarthy will be traded, huh?”
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Minnesota’s brass has spoken positively all offseason, and the club owns his contractual rights for the next three seasons. McCarthy is also just 23 years old.
Too, Murray has some injury concerns, missing about one-quarter of all starts since turning pro seven years ago. There’s a world where Murray gets hurt in 2026, McCarthy takes over the offense as the QB2, and never relinquishes his job because he has matured and improved in the backdrop.
Working with Another McCarthy
Could McCarthy in Pittsburgh work? Absolutely. The Steelers parted ways with Mike Tomlin three months ago, and they picked a rather shocking replacement in Mike McCarthy. The Bedinger proposal would mesh McCarthy with McCarthy.
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Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy speaks with reporters during media availability on Jan. 6, 2024, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. The session comes ahead of the College Football Playoff national championship, with McCarthy addressing expectations and preparation for the high-stakes showdown. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports.
Whether it’s accidental or a correlation, McCarthy (the coach) always has a good quarterback under center, whether that’s Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, or Dak Prescott. He personally helped to develop Rodgers, and that man will be a Hall of Famer in the next 10 years.
There are worse places to land for a quarterback’s development than Mike McCarthy’s tutelage, even if he isn’t the most inspiring head coach in the NFL.
Underwhelming Weaponry
In Pittsburgh, McCarthy would enjoy a mid-tier — that’s optimistic phrasing — stable of playmakers. The group would look like this:
A quarterback like Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes could cook with that unit, but it’s not exactly deadly. Therefore, McCarthy might have to hope that Pittsburgh fostered one of its legendary defenses to succeed.
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Steelers leadership introduces Mike McCarthy as head coach during a press conference featuring Art Rooney II, Daniel Martin Rooney, and Omar Khan on Jan. 27, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The event marks a new era for the franchise, with executives outlining direction and expectations. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images.
Bedinger also noted on the Jets as a landing spot for McCarthy, “Geno Smith is going to be the Jets’ starter this year, but they don’t have any long-term prospects at the position. And nobody is certain they’re going to get one in the 2026 NFL Draft. McCarthy has just two years left on his rookie contract, but that’s enough time for the Jets to get him in their system this year, possibly get him some starts, and maybe even give him a chance to compete for the QB1 gig as early as 2027.”
“The Jets should be one of the most open-minded teams at QB in the NFL right now, and it just so happens that general managerDarren Mougey did a ton of scouting with that 2024 quarterback class while he was with the Denver Broncos’ front office. They did a lot of work on McCarthy that offseason, so he’ll have a great report on him.”
McCarthy ranked dead last in almost all major quarterback efficiency metrics last year, though he played quite well in December and January.
Man United will be monitoring Andoni Iraola closely with yet another highly-respected coach available on a free this summer as the club continue to find a permanent replacement for Ruben Amorim
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The next Manchester United manager market has taken a big turn today after the surprising announcement that Andoni Iraola will be leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season. The Spaniard has long been linked with an exit from the Vitality Stadium with United long thought to be one of the potential destinations for the former Rayo Vallecano manager.
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Since the announcement, Iraola has seen his odds halved to become the next United boss and become the permanent successor to Ruben Amorim – who was dismissed from the role back in January. Online bookies Betfred have seen his price move from 16/1 to now just 8/1 making him the second favourite to take over the job in the summer behind favourite Michael Carrick who currently trades at 4/6.
The Man United board will continue to take their time in selecting their new manager especially as Carrick has done a solid job since taking over on an interim basis. Despite last night’s surprise defeat to Leeds United, Carrick has guided the Red Devils back into the Champions League spots and seven points ahead of Chelsea who occupy the Europa League spot.
Betfred’s Robert Ford said: “Andoni Iraola’s odds to be the manager of Manchester United next season have been slashed into 8/1 from 16s this afternoon after it was announced that he will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season.
“Iraola comes into second in the betting behind odds-on favourite Michael Carrick, whilst leapfrogging the likes of Julian Nagelsmann (9/1), Luis Enrique (12/1), Oliver Glasner (12/1) and Mauricio Pochettino (12/1) in the odds.”
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Iraola, however, has a long list of admirers after what he has done at Bournemouth despite losing key figures in his matchday squad recently. Since the summer, the Cherries have lost Dango Ouattara, Milos Kerkez, Dean Huijsen and Ilya Zabarnyi before Antoine Semenyo made the big money move to Manchester City in January.
Yet the club find themselves just three points from a place in Europe having equalled their record best finish in the Premier League of 9th place last season. They have six fixtures to turn that around as they currently occupy 11th place meaning a place for Europe is up for grabs with around eight clubs all looking to secure a ticket for a continental competition.
The Cherries are set to face Newcastle, Leeds, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Man City and Nottingham Forest in the final stretch to secure a spot in Europe which would be a superb achievement and the perfect way for Iraola to display another achievement on his football CV before a potential big summer move.
Next Man United Manager Odds
Michael Carrick – 4/6
Andoni Iraola – 8/1
Julian Nagelsmann – 9/1
Oliver Glasner – 12/1
Luis Enrique – 12/1
Mauricio Pochettino – 12/1
Diego Simone – 16/1
Gareth Southgate – 25/1
Unai Emery – 25/1
Marco Silva – 25/1
Xabi Alonso – 25/1
Xavi Hernandez – 25/1
18+ | Gamble responsibly |gambleaware.org| Odds subject to change | Odds supplied by Betfred
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Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Sergio Garcia lines up a putt on the second green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images
Sergio Garcia apologized on Tuesday for his behavior at the Masters, where he received a code of conduct warning following his meltdown at the second hole on Sunday.
Garcia, 46, had little to say to reporters following his final round at Augusta National before opting to open up on social media two days later.
“I want to apologize for my actions on Sunday at the Masters tournament. I respect and value everything that the Masters and Augusta National Golf Club is to Golf,” wrote Garcia, a 2017 Masters champion.
“I regret the way I acted and it has no place in our game. It doesn’t reflect the respect and appreciation I have for the Masters, the patrons, tournament officials and golf fans around the world.”
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Having already absorbed a bogey on his first hole — the first of five on the day — Garcia lined up for his tee shot on No. 2, found the shot not to his liking as it made a beeline for the fairway bunker and promptly took two heavy swings at the turf in frustration.
Apparently not content until his driver had lost its head completely, the Spaniard swung the blunted instrument into a cooling stand a few moments later, then snapped the dangling head of the damaged driver off himself shortly after that.
Garcia ultimately finished with the third-highest score among players to make the cut, as his 3-over-par 75 left him at 8 over for the tournament. Only Rasmus Hojgaard of Denmark (10 over) and Charl Schwartzel of South Africa (12 over) were worse.
Sep 14, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts with quarterback Cade McNamara (12) after a touchdown against the Troy Trojans during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
The NCAA ruled on Tuesday that Iowa committed tampering violations when head coach Kirk Ferentz and an assistant made impermissible contact with a player in November 2022 before he entered the transfer portal.
Ferentz and wide receivers coach Jon Budmayr previously resolved their respective violations in the case. However, the school had argued that one of the penalties it faced — the vacation of team records — was outdated, prompting the need for a hearing with the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions.
The hearing panel said Tuesday that the vacation of records penalty was appropriate in this case but did acknowledge that the changing sports landscape requires a regular review of its rules and consequences.
“Changes to historical practice — particularly around what violations trigger student-athlete ineligibility and how ineligible competition is penalized — should be made by more traditional governance committees through the governance and legislative process,” the panel said. “The COI is open to reevaluating the violations that trigger ineligibility or how ineligible competition should be penalized, but it would be inappropriate to do so in the context of a single infractions case and outside of the legislative process.”
In addition to a vacation of all records in which the player competed, the full list of prescribed penalties includes one year of probation for the Hawkeyes.
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Iowa’s self-imposed penalties that were accepted by the NCAA included one-game suspensions for Ferentz and Budmayr (served in 2024), a $25,000 fine, a 24-day reduction in recruiting time in 2025, and a two-week ban on football recruiting communication during the 2026 calendar year.
“When respected individuals identify their mistakes and take responsibility for them, it sets the standard for appropriate behavior within their programs, universities and, more importantly, across the broader industry,” the panel said. “The panel appreciates the actions taken by Iowa and Ferentz to publicly address his and his staff member’s conduct.”
The NCAA did not name the player in question, previously identified as quarterback Cade McNamara. According to the panel, Budmayr made 13 phone calls and sent two text messages to the student-athlete and/or his father, and arranged for a phone call with Ferentz.
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McNamara, who transferred from Michigan, participated in five games for the Hawkeyes in 2023. Iowa was 4-1 in those contests and finished the season with a 10-4 record. The victories against Utah State, Iowa State, Western Michigan and Michigan State will be vacated.
Ferentz, the head coach at Iowa since 1999, will see his career total reduced from 213 wins to 209.
Dec 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings Winter Warrior helmet before the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
The keyword, folks, is tiny. Several things still need to happen for the Vikings’ dream trade scenario to become a reality.
Acquiring DT Dexter Lawrence, a tremendous talent who would form a deadly duo with Jalen Redmond, would instantly supercharge Minnesota’s defensive line. The All Pro is looking to leave New York behind, so it’s notable when those same Giants start doing work on a free agent DT option.
Does D.J. Reader end up replacing the soon-to-depart Lawrence?
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Consider the basic update. Jordan Schultz offers the word: “Sources: The #Giants hosted veteran DT DJ Reader for a visit today. Reader, who also recently visited the #Ravens, has started 128 career games and has been a consistent presence on the interior.”
Shrinking things from a national level down to a local level means relaying the insight from Jordan Raanan: “The Giants hosted veteran DT D.J. Reader for a visit on Monday, source confirmed. No signing imminent at the moment. See what happens around the draft. Reader, 31, would help greatly as interior run stopper. Giants are thin on DL, even with Dexter Lawrence on the roster.”
The Vikings’ Dream Trade Scenario: Dexter Lawrence
Prying away Mr. Lawrence would be a bold, aggressive move.
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The defense would instantly look very different. Lawrence stands at a hulking 6’4″ while weighing 340 pounds. Normally, DC Brian Flores has uplifted smaller DTs — Redmond, for instance, is a highly-athletic player at 6’3″ and 305 pounds — but Lawrence is a powerful playmaker, a ballerina bully. Putting those two on the field at the same time would be too much for most center/guard combos to handle.
The Vikings would be wise to seriously consider making a move, even if there needs to be a meaty extension on the back end of things. Special players are difficult to acquire; Dexter Lawrence is a special player who is 28 and who plays a position of need.
Putting Lawrence onto Minnesota’s roster would mean being able to trot Justin Jefferson onto the field as a clear-cut, no debate elite option. Next up would be the trio of LT Christian Darrisaw, EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel, and DT Dexter Lawrence as those who don’t get enough respect for playing elite ball.
The Reader update makes the trade scenario a tiny bit more plausible.
The NFL is a place where actions communicate much. Bringing in a veteran DT for a workout could be due diligence. Or, perhaps, it’s a sign that moving on from Lawrence is being given serious consideration. Adding Reader, a veteran DT who possesses a similar build at 6’3″ and 330 pounds, would allow the Giants to solidify the d-line’s floor even as the ceiling has taken a hit.
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The pivot in New York would then be to rally around the deep, talented cluster of edge rushers: Abdul Carter, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Dec 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) tackles Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
Quite possibly, the Vikings would need to take action in other ways to accommodate Dexter Lawrence.
Maybe that means a trade involving LB Ivan Pace Jr., a swap that would clear modest cap space ($3.52M, per OTC) alongside bringing back modest draft compensation.
Or, perhaps, the move would be to offload Jonathan Greenard. Doing so would help the finances in a more robust manner while bringing back a move valuable pick. Gaining a 2nd could be too ambitious for Mr. Greenard, but the general consensus is that Minnesota wants a Day 2 pick(s). Does a 3rd get the job done?
Lawrence would be the best defensive tackle Minnesota has had since at least Linval Joseph, someone who got his career started with the New York Giants before becoming a Viking. In fact, there could even need to be a further journey into franchise history to uplift options such as Kevin Williams and Pat Williams to find someone as good as Lawrence.
Manchester United were reportedly on the verge of offering Michael Carrick the head coach job on a permanent basis, but are now said to be reconsidering their options
Manchester United are reportedly reconsidering handing Michael Carrick the permanent head coach’s role at Old Trafford. The Reds appointed Carrick as interim head coach until the end of the season back in January, following the exit of Ruben Amorim.
Since taking charge, Carrick has steered United to third place in the Premier League, placing the club in a commanding position to secure Champions League football with six matches still to play.
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The past couple of months have been swirl with speculation surrounding whether Carrick could be handed the United job on a full-time basis this summer, and a fresh update has now emerged regarding the thinking of those at the top of the Old Trafford hierarchy.
According to the i Paper, United were on the verge of offering Carrick the role on a permanent basis.
However, the report suggests that news of Andoni Iraola’s impending departure from Bournemouth this summer is prompting United to reconsider their position.
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Iraola has been linked with the United job for several months, and the 43-year-old is set to leave the Vitality Stadium when his contract expires at the end of the campaign.
Precisely what decision United will make regarding the club’s future direction remains to be seen, with the outcome of the current season likely to prove pivotal in those discussions, reports the Mirror. United sit third in the Premier League table, level on points with fourth-placed Aston Villa following Monday night’s 2-1 defeat to Leeds.
Liverpool trail by three points in fifth, while Chelsea find themselves seven points adrift of United in sixth place, currently outside the Champions League qualification spots.
Iraola is not the only Premier League manager poised to depart their current club amid speculation over the Old Trafford vacancy.
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Oliver Glasner is also understood to be in the frame for the role, having already confirmed he will leave Crystal Palace when his contract comes to an end at the close of the season.
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And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.
Dalton Joyce (@youngdalt) is a golf content creator known for showing off his dedication to health, performance and enjoying the game one swing at a time. He also happens to manufacture ball speeds upwards of 200+ miles per hour. Known for his “Nobody cares, work harder” mentality, it’s fascinating to watch Dalton work, and to follow his success on his Instagram page. I caught up with Joyce at a Callaway Ambassador shoot last month to see what was in the bag for this high-speed player and why he chooses to play the Callaway clubs he does.
A top end of choices built for speed
Consistency is king
Swinging at speeds like Joyce reaches, there are some unique problems to solve at the top end of the bag. For him, specifically with the driver, it’s about consistency in spin. This has been a huge talking point with Callaway over the last few years as they continue to improve on their Ai-Smart Face. That technology was developed to implement Ai to construct a face that supports off-center hits. Typically this is done by adding speed where it’s needed, but Callaway has started to hone in on spin consistency as well. With the introduction of the Tri-Force face this year on Callaway’s Quantum drivers, the brand has also added even more speed and stability. For Dalton, that’s everything.
When asked about his switch into the Quantum Triple Diamond 9º Joyce said, “I switched to the Quantum driver rather quickly this year… it takes a little bit of time (usually) but this time there was zero hesitation. I love the way the crown looks, reminiscent to the Ai Smoke, but beyond that the spin dispersion is just way better for me. I need something with a little bit better spin dispersion, a little tighter, reign it in.”
The next club in his bag is his Callaway Elyte Mini, which — spoiler alert — will be replaced by the upcoming Quantum Mini (more on that soon). The Mini for Joyce is a “tool” in the bag, often replacing his driver on courses where his driver just doesn’t make much sense on the course. Joyce talks a lot about course strategy, along with gear strategy, and how that helps his game. He tied the current course record at TPC Houston, so I’m gonna let him direct me to the success on this one. The Mini plays a great role in his bag, though. It’s a driver replacement when necessary, but also works as a great secondary tee option for courses that require some shot-shaping off the tee. He finds it easier to manipulate the flight of the Mini than he does with the driver.
Dalton Joyce’s Callaway Elyte Mini
Jake Morrow / GOLF
No 3-wood
Alongside the mini sits the Callaway Apex UW in 17º of loft. In Joyce’s bag it works as a 3-wood replacement. Because of the shape of the UW and the step sole that they have added to the newest generation of the club, it’s a very easy club to hit off the deck. For Joyce, this means pretty much every par 5 becomes reachable in two with very little stress. If he has the driver in the bag, and a confident feeling off the tee for the day, the UW is going to be in the bag over the Mini just to make sure that all the shots he needs are in the bag. He says he doesn’t hit it off the tee all that much, but performance off the turf was hard to ignore.
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Dalton Joyce’s 17º Callaway Apex UW
Jake Morrow / GOLF
The club that influenced and influencer
Yes, we’re still at the top end of the bag. As such an important piece of success for Joyce, he’s really got this area of the bag locked down for problem solving. They most reliable problem-solver in the bag? His latest generation Callaway Apex UT. He likes the design of this version much better than the last.
“This is probably my favorite club in the bag. I just think this is so much better than their last UT model. The offset looks really good to me, I didn’t think the other one had enough offset for how the face was … this one just looks a little bit more like an iron than the last one.”
Dalton Joyce’s 265-yard cut shot club; the Callaway Apex UT
Jake Morrow / GOLF
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That’s something we agree on. What we don’t share is the ability to hit this thing the way he does. A UT in his hands, in this case a 3-iron variant, can be his 265-yard shot into a “short” par 5. He’ll do that that hitting a cut. I don’t have that in my bag, but it’s sure fun to watch Dalton do it. There was actually a point where Joyce only had one headcover in the bag: his driver.
“I used to go driver, this is the first mini I have ever had, I used to go driver, 16º iron, 20º iron, and then 4-iron thru the rest… but this is a little easier on me now.”
“Big fan of these,” he said. “I think that while they are a little bit longer heel to toe, it breeds confidence for me. I felt like the TCBs that I played for a while were really good but for the thickness I didn’t understand why they were so thick heel to toe.”
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Joyce pointed out that he doesn’t love irons with shorter blade lengths. “I love the classic look, when I look at this I just think prime Phil Mickelson.”
For Joyce, the X-Forged sole is a dream. Having a tri-sole design allows him to stay aggressive with every iron in the set, while making sure that the club exits the turf efficiently; a very important factor in choosing irons at high speeds.
Dalton Joyce’s Callaway X-Forged irons
Jake Morrow / GOLF
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At the bottom of the bag Joyce wraps up his set with Callaway Opus SP wedges and an Odyssey Ai-One Milled 7T in silver, although the putter was replaced by a find from the PGA Tour Superstore used bin during our filming trip. He now has a special Odyssey 2 Ball Ten Triple Track PGA Tour 2K edition putter in the bag, because why not?
Dalton’s Odyssey Ai-One Milled 7T in silver
Jake Morrow / GOLF
Joyce also mentioned he was experimenting with Callaway’s new Opus SP+ wedges and saw some great results. He also mentioned that he can carry his lob wedge about 120 yards. He’s comfortable swinging his shortest club at “…about 115 [yards] downwind,” joking that, “I spin it too much, buddy.”
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Dalton’s Opus SP 54º, bent to 55º
Jake Morrow / GOLF
“I have tried the SP+, I think I was the first one to hit them. Within a matter of two balls … the trajectory from 40-yards must have gone down 10ft … unbelievable … It makes me feel a lot better than I should feel, but I’ll take it.”
After asking about the grinds on his lobber he responded with a cool little nugget. “With the SP+ the Z-grind is what I felt best with. This (Opus SP) is a C-grind, for the SP+ definitely a Z-grind guy. As soon as I put the Z-grind in action, that’s when I really started seeing the (launch) benefits of the SP+”
Multiple golf balls in play
Depending on the course Joyce will actually switch golf balls.
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“If it’s a big, wide open golf course, I’ll just send the Triple Diamond if I know I am going to hit a lot of drivers. But for tournament purposes I am a (Chrome) Tour guy. I did a lot of testing with the ball R&D at Callaway and I’m just a Tour guy over the X. I just spin the X a little bit too much, especially with the mid to short irons.”
Translated: Hit scramble team bombs with the Chrome Tour Triple Diamond, score when it matters with Chrome Tour.
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You can see more from Joyce on his Instagram page. Just prepare to be jealous of his speed, and probably end up thinking you’re not working hard enough on your game. Every time I see his content, it’s quite a good reminder to get back to the grind.
Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price (RB15) works through drills during the NFL Scouting Combine, showcasing his movement skills and readiness in front of evaluators. Feb 28, 2026 highlighted the session at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, where Price took part in on-field testing as teams assessed his draft profile. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings are doing their homework on rookie backs for next week, and they’ll probably leave the draft with one. That’s the good news. The bad news? Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price may not be available.
Price’s draft momentum may force Minnesota to pivot at running back.
Price is increasingly being discussed as a late 1st-Rounder, and if so, he’d work his way out of Minnesota’s draft range.
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The Vikings’ RB Options Expand beyond Jadarian Price
It might be time to cross Price off the purple bingo board.
Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price breaks through the Pittsburgh defense and accelerates into open field during first-half action on November 15, 2025, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The explosive run highlights his burst and vision as he capitalizes on a crease created by the offensive line in a physical road matchup. Mandatory Credit: Michael Longo-Imagn Images.
Price as a 1st-Rounder
Bleacher Report‘s Moe Moton sized up five players who could sneak into Round 1 this week, and Price was the one running back to get the nod.
He wrote, “NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport believes Jadarian Price will be the second tailback off the board and may sneak into the first round within a shallow class of ball-carriers.”
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“Jeremiyah Love, a projected first-rounder, and Price played together through three terms with the Fighting Irish. The former took on the featured role after Audric Estime’s departure to the NFL, while the latter served in a complementary role.”
Until recently, Price has been considered a safe Round 2 or 3 pick.
“Although Price didn’t rack up more than 746 yards in a single collegiate term, he averaged at least six yards per carry and scored 18 touchdowns over the last two years. After a couple of seasons as Notre Dame’s No. 2 running back, Price may have more to offer a team that wants a decisive early-down ball-carrier who can also contribute on special teams,” Moton continued.
“He returned three kickoffs for touchdowns in college. Most of the league’s clubs featured multiple running backs, so don’t discount one of them taking Price on Day 1.”
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Others, like Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers and Indiana cornerback D’Angelo Ponds, got shoutouts from Moton, too.
Then What for the Vikings?
Suppose Price indeed slips into the bottom of Round 1 or the top of Round 2, disqualifying him from the Vikings’ grasp. It’s not doomsday. The club would just have to pivot and explore an alternative rookie running back.
Per the current Consensus Big Board, the options would look like this:
All the Round 1 chatter for Price that has emerged might be code for the Seahawks. The Super Bowl champions have the luxury of a deep roster, and picking a running back like Price might be fair game after Kenneth Walker III left in free agency for the Chiefs.
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Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price carries the ball and navigates traffic during the first half on Oct. 18, 2025, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. He presses forward through contact, working for extra yardage while helping the Fighting Irish offense find rhythm early against a packed defensive front. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images.
SI.com‘s Michael Hanich on Price to Seattle: “The Seahawks could find a way to trade back into the second round for more picks and still find a way to get Price. He might be one of the most undervalued players in this draft. In the last two seasons, Price has rushed for 1,420 yards and 18 touchdowns on 233 carries, averaging 6.1 yards per carry.”
“In the receiving game, he also caught 10 receptions for 97 yards for two touchdowns. Price is also a serious threat on special teams by taking two kickoff returns for a touchdown. Price would come in and immediately be the favorite for the starting running back. He has a much higher ceiling than George Holani and newly signed Emanuel Wilson. The Seahawks could have Price be a main contributor until Zach Charbonnet returns from his injury, but even then, he could be the main back.”
Time for a Rookie RB
While the Vikings’ ground game has improved gradually under Kevin O’Connell, it has yet to become a dominant strength. Here’s their rushing DVOA and NFL ranking during his tenure:
Vikings Rushing DVOA NFL Ranking in O’Connell Era:
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2022: 27th
2023: 27th
2024: 20th
2025: 13th
The significant jump in 2025 is encouraging. However, the play-calling reveals another aspect of the story. Minnesota ran the ball on 43% of its plays, ranking 19th in the league. This indicates that while their rushing production improved to a Top 13 ranking, their commitment to the run still ranked in the bottom half of the league.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell reacts along the sideline after a rushing touchdown by Aaron Jones during the first quarter on Oct. 20, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The moment captures O’Connell’s energy as the offense converts a ground-game opportunity against the Detroit Lions in a key divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Meanwhile, the Vikings have no running backs scheduled under contract next offseason. Aaron Jones will be a free agent; so will RB2 Jordan Mason. Jones will be 32 at that time, Mason 27.
Beyond the shadow of a doubt, it’s time for a young running back to enter the mix for Minnesota. While that may not be Price, Washington Jr., Johnson, and Coleman make sense.
The 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament begins tonight, providing high-intensity matchups to claim the latest DraftKings promo code to get $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 wager wins. Tuesday features Heat vs. Hornets in an elimination game in the Eastern Conference, followed by the Trail Blazers vs. Suns, with the winner earning the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference NBA playoffs. The SportsLine Projection Model is backing the Suns, who made the playoffs four of the previous five years, to cover as 3.5-point favorites as part of its Tuesday NBA best bets at DraftKings Sportsbook.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past eight-plus seasons. The model entered the 2026 NBA playoffs on a sizzling 23-9 roll (72%) on top-rated NBA spread picks this season. Anyone following its NBA betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.
The Brewers are set to start 24-year-old Jacob Misiorowski, who soared to one of the top prospects in baseball last season and made last year’s MLB All-Star Game after allowing one run or fewer in three of his first five MLB starts and just two runs over his first three outings. This season, he has 28 strikeouts over 16 1/3 innings with a 3.31 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays turn to 35-year-old Kevin Gausman, who allowed three runs over 5 1/3 innings to the Dodgers in his last start. The Blue Jays are off to a 6-9 start while the Brewers are 8-7 this season, and the model gives the Brewers the advantage at home on Tuesday. Milwaukee wins in 61% of simulations. Back the Brewers at DraftKings here, and claim $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins as a new user:
Tyler Herro, Heat, Over 21.5 total points
“Tyler Herro sat out Friday with foot soreness and then played just 22 minutes in Sunday’s rout of the Hawks. Miami was saving Herro for Tuesday’s play-in game at Charlotte,” SportsLine expert Larry Hartstein said. “Herro put up 33 points and 20 points in two meetings with the Hornets last month, going 9 of 12 from deep and 12 of 12 from the foul line combined. The Heat will need a huge game from Herro to pull off the upset, so I’m betting on Erik Spoelstra giving Herro 35-plus minutes.” Back Herro’s Over at DraftKings here, and claim $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins as a new user:
Suns (-3.5) vs. Trail Blazers
The Suns went 2-1 against the Trail Blazers this season, with each of their wins coming by more than four points. The Suns have the top scorer in this matchup in Devin Booker, who was ninth in the league at 26.1 points per game this season. He rested the final two games of the regular season due to an ankle that has bothered him since late January, but Booker scored at least 30 points in each of his last three games in April. He’s scored at least 30 points in five of his last six games, and could be too much for Portland to handle. The Suns are a win away from their fifth playoff appearance in the last six years, while the Trail Blazers haven’t made the playoffs since the 2020-21 season. The model projects the Suns to cover in 60% of simulations. Back the Suns to cover at DraftKings here, and claim $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins as a new user:
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