By Stephen Vilardo, SuperWest Sports
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2026 Top 25 Defensive NFL Draft prospects in the West
The 2026 NFL Draft starts on Thursday, and we’re gearing up for our coverage of the players expected to be selected from the West.
We begin with a look at the region’s Top 25 defensive prospects, ranked by their projected selection rounds or free agency (UDFA).
I have provided summary evaluations for the Top 10 best prospects and projections for the rest.
This year’s Draft will be held in Pittsburgh, PA, and runs from April 23–25. It will be broadcast on NFL Network, ESPN, ABC, and ESPN Deportes.
Coverage starts at 5 p.m. PT on Thursday, and continues at 4 p.m. on Friday, and at noon on Saturday. Streaming is available on NFL+, ESPN App, Hulu, and Disney+
Let’s get on to the list!
1. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Projection: Mid-to late first round
Statistically speaking, Johnson was the best pass defender in the nation in 2025, allowing just 18 
catches for 185 yards and picking off 4 passes.
He also had a huge week at the Senior Bowl against elite competition.
Johnson is excellent in coverage and route recognition. He makes plays on the ball in the air, anticipates where it’s going, and does not rely on his hands too much to defend.
2. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Projection: Mid-to late first round
Thieneman can play multiple positions in the secondary and is effective in coverage. He is a huge 
asset in run support and will make stops at the line.
He is a sure tackler who rarely allows broken tackles, but tends not to square up and will occasionally miss ball carriers, as he had a 12.7% missed-tackle rate in 2025.
Thieneman has the speed to match up on the outside and ran a 4.25 40-yard dash at the combine.
3. Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
Projection: Second round
Abney plays very well with his eyes on the quarterback and locks down on short and 
intermediate routes.
He will enter the league ready to play as a Number Two cornerback or as a nickel against the slot. He can high-point the ball and make the play over the receiver.
Abney welcomes contact at the line and plays physically. That physicality can get him in trouble down the field, though, as he was flagged on vertical routes from time to time.
4. Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona
Projection: Second round
Stukes looks like a prototypical corner to line up against the slot, something he has already 
primarily done over the last three seasons.
A rangy corner with speed to burn, he ran a 4.33 at the combine. That speed should help on the outside as well, but his technique needs to get better outside.
Stukes plays tall and reads the QB with a nose for the football. His length allows him to attack the ball even if he is a step behind.
5. Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
Projection: Third/Fourth round
Ramsey can play either the free safety or strong safety role in the NFL. He will also have the 
ability to slide into the nickel spot, as he excels in coverage and route recognition.
The former USC safety’s biggest strength may be his ability not to give up on a ball and compete for it through the catch, trying to outmuscle it from the receiver.
Ramsey needs to get better in run support and meeting ballcarriers downhill.
6. Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
Projection: Third/Fourth round
Davis has elite height and length for a cornerback. His long arms are disruptive and cause all 
kinds of problems for wideouts.
A matchup problem for receivers, he is excellent in press-man coverage and jams opponents at the line. As a boundary corner, he could struggle with deep routes if safety help is not there.
Davis’ speed is at a level to keep up, but he will need to adjust to the NFL not allowing as much downfield physicality as we see in college.
7. Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
Projection: Third/Fourth round
Smith is a versatile safety with speed to close in the middle of the field. He’s very effective against 
tight ends and backs in the passing game.
He will meet them at the line and disrupt timing with his physicality. He has long arms and will make plays in the passing game, high-pointing the ball.
Smith is excellent in coverage, but could struggle against a shifty slot receiver. He is an effective run-support player who needs to shore up his tackling.
8. Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon
Projection: Fourth/Fifth round
Canady has great route recognition and closing speed. He could struggle with physical receivers, 
though, and could afford to bulk up.
His footwork is a strength, and he has a feel for route breaks, frequently sliding his feet to cut direction in advance. His closing speed is a huge factor in late pass breakups.
Canady could develop into a top NFL corner, but he should be a nickel or slot defender early in his career.
9. Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC
Projection: Fourth/Fifth round
A ball-hawking safety who will make plays downfield, Fitzgerald should be a Day Three selection.
He can match up inside with a TE or back, but can also help over the top. He will pounce on a QB mistake and is quick to realize a takeaway opportunity.
Fitzgerald can step in and help stop the run, but his pursuit angles need to improve.
10. Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon
Projection: Fourth/Fifth round
Boettcher has average size for an NFL linebacker, but makes up for it in his play recognition.
A two-sport star for the Ducks, he has already been selected in the MLB Draft. Now the former football walk-on should hear his name called in the NFL Draft this weekend.
He has the speed to match up on coverage and the instincts to be productive against the run; he just needs to avoid overpursuing and losing containment. He will be an instant impact player on special teams.
11. Keyshaun Elliott, LB, Arizona State — Projection: Round 4-5
12. Hezekiah Masses, CB, California — Projection: Round 5-6
13. Lander Barton, LB, Utah — Projection: Round 6-7
14. Clay Patterson, DT, Stanford —Projection: Round 6-7/UDFA
15. Dalton Johnson, S, Arizona — Projection: Round 5-7
16. Collin Wright, CB, Stanford — Projection: Round 6-7
17. Jack Kelly, LB, BYU — Projection: Round 5-7
18. Logan Fano, Edge, Utah — Projection: Round 6-7
19. Anterio Thompson, DT, Washington — Projection: Round 6-7
20. Eric Gentry, LB, USC — Projection: Round 6-7
21. Gary Smith III, DL, UCLA — Projection: Round 6-7
22. Anthony Lucas, Edge, USC — Projection: Round 5-7
23. Brent Austin, CB, Cal — Projection: Late Day 3/UDFA
24. Skylar Thompson, S, Oregon State — Projection: Late Day 3/UDFA
25. Zach Durfee, Edge, Washington — Projection: Late Day 3/UDFA
writes about various topics for SuperWest sports, including stats and records, college sports, and motorsports. He also founded and runs the Sports and Entertainment Research Center (SERC).
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“Heard Many Saying ‘Rinku SIngh Was Good When He Was Poor,’ Aren’t You Ashamed?” Ex-India Star Rips Into Trolls
Rinku Singh in action for KKR.© BCCI
Rinku Singh fought through his lean patch to once again emerge as Kolkata Knight Riders’ saviour. After registering back-to-back low scores, Rinku rediscovered his form against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday and guided KKR to a four-wicket victory. The win also marked KKR’s first of the season after suffering five consecutive defeats. Chasing a target of 156, KKR lost wickets in quick succession. However, Rinku-renowned for his finishing prowess-rose to the occasion with a composed and match-winning unbeaten knock of 53 off 34 balls. He steered his side home with two balls to spare, showing remarkable calm under pressure.
Amid his struggles earlier in the season, Rinku had been subjected to severe trolling on social media. Some fans even made classist remarks, suggesting that the KKR batter was a “better player when he was underprivileged.”
Former India opener Aakash Chopra came out strongly in Rinku’s support following his decisive knock and slammed those making such insensitive comments.
“I feel very good for Rinku because he was being trolled a lot. The kind of nonsense people say is unbelievable. I heard many saying, ‘Rinku was good when he was poor.’ Aren’t you ashamed of saying that? How would you feel if someone said the same thing about you?” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“People called him a useless player and forgot that he is a world champion. He doesn’t get many chances. The position he bats at is not easy, and the team hasn’t always used him well. Everyone goes through bad form. Rinku was trolled as if he had committed a crime,” he added.
After the win, Rinku spoke about his mindset during the innings and revealed that his sole focus was on taking the game deep and finishing it for his team.
“My mindset was to take the game till the end because I had conversations with the coach and also with my batting partner. The idea was to take it deep since the match was in a tricky situation. (When he got a reprieve early in the innings) That’s what happens sometimes, sir. In that moment, the mind doesn’t work properly and you end up playing such shots,” said Rinku.
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MADRID — Defending two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz has put his participation at the French Open in doubt because of a right wrist injury.
Medical tests in the next few days will determine whether Alcaraz will be able to play in the Grand Slam tournament in a month, he said on Monday.
“We’ll see,” he said when asked whether he’ll play. The Spaniard was at the Laureus Awards in Madrid with his right wrist immobilized. He pulled out of the Madrid Open last week.
“The next (medical) test will be crucial,” the seven-time Grand Slam champion told Spanish television channel TVE.
“We’ve been trying to do everything we can do to make sure that this test goes well. I’m trying to be very patient. But we are good, we are just waiting a little bit. We have a few tests in the next few days and then we will see how the injury is, and what the next steps will be.”
No. 2-ranked Alcaraz withdrew in Barcelona a day after he had his wrist treated during his opening match, a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Otto Virtanen.
The next tournament after Madrid is the Italian Open, which he won last year.
“For now, I’ve been trying to stay positive, to stay upbeat, even though these days have become a bit too long,” said the 22-year-old Alcaraz, who was awarded Laureus’ world sportsman of the year on Monday.
Kyren Wilson produced a superb fightback from 6-2 and 7-3 down by winning seven frames in a row to deny 19-year-old Stan Moody a memorable victory on his World Championship debut at the Crucible.
English teenager Moody led 6-3 at the mid-session interval and was on course to become the youngest player to win a match at the famous Sheffield theatre since a 19-year-old Ronnie O’Sullivan beat Dave Harold and Darren Morgan before falling to Stephen Hendry in 1995.
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In a thrilling match, arguably the best of the championship so far, 2024 champion Wilson punched the air in delight when he won the 17th frame on a black-ball finish to seal a 10-7 success after Moody had missed a chance to extend the match.
“Just too many bad frames,” said Moody. “I had the match won at 7-3 but then I missed the red to go 8-3 and he won it with three snookers.
“I felt comfortable out there, but bad frames like that hurt. But I will come back stronger. Hopefully I will be here next year. I just try to learn what shots to play at the right time and to miss less balls.”
Moody, 44th in the world rankings, had to win two matches to qualify.
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On the day before his final qualifying match, last Tuesday, he had been in hospital with tonsillitis. But Moody discharged himself before playing, going against medical advice, and beat China’s Jiang Jun 10-9, with a century in the deciding frame, to earn his Crucible spot.
Stan Moody is 44th in the world rankings and had to win two matches to qualify [PA Media]
Higgins and Ding advance into last 16
John Higgins has won the world title in 1998, 2007, 2009 and 2011 [Getty Images]
Four-time champion John Higgins had led 4-0 against Ali Carter on Sunday, only for the Englishman to win five frames in a row to hold the overnight lead.
Higgins, 50, made breaks of 63 and 81 to go ahead, before Carter’s 106 in frame 12 made it 6-6, although the Scot won four of the next five frames to advance 10-7.
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That sets up a last-16 match against either seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan or Chinese debutant He Guoqiang.
“That’s the first time here I’ve been 4-0 up and then gone 5-4 behind so it was not a great sleep,” said Higgins. “But I tried to forget about that and get on with my game.
“There’s nobody that has more respect for Ali as a snooker player than me, I’ve played him so many times and sometimes he has been cueing like a dream.
“Deep down when my name was pulled out against him I was not happy – you know you’re in for a mammoth game so I’m over the moon I got the win.”
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Carter, beaten by O’Sullivan in the 2008 and 2012 finals, has now gone out in the first round in the Crucible in four years in a row.
“I made a couple of mistakes and got punished severely, just a little bit of a run of the balls – I’m as sick as a dog,” said Carter.
Ding Junhui, the 2016 runner-up, completed a 10-5 win over David Gilbert, having held a 7-2 lead following Sunday’s opening session.
In an all-Chinese last-16 tie, Ding will take on Zhao Xintong, who became the country’s first world champion in 2025.
China’s 10th seed Wu Yize made one century and five half-centuries in a one-sided session to lead compatriot Lei Peifan 8-1.
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The Washington Capitals are doing right by their franchise player as he mulls over one of the biggest decisions of his life.
With Alex Ovechkin‘s retirement decision looming over the team’s off-season plans, the Capitals have decided to give the franchise legend some space and time as he weighs the possibility of hanging up his skates.
“Team’s position is we’re giving him some time here to get away from the season a little bit and think things through and talk to his family, and then he’ll meet with both [president of hockey operations Brian MacLellan] and I, and we’ll continue to support him in however his decision process plays out,” Capitals general manager Chris Patrick told reporters at his end-of-season availability on Monday.
“We could’ve met with him the day after the season ended, but I don’t think he was ready at that point to have that conversation. I think he needs to take some time. Just get away from it, I mean, he just played 82 games in a really hard season, just have a few days with his family to just kind of veg out a little bit then he can start thinking about what the future holds.”
Last week, at his own end-of-year availability, Ovechkin said that he hopes he hasn’t played his final NHL game and that he’s not yet ready to give a definitive answer on what his future holds.
He told reporters that he has something of a timeline figured out, stating that he may have a clearer idea of where he stands in two weeks, but that he’s “pretty sure it’s not my last game.”
Though Patrick said that the team would “like to know going into the draft” as to whether or not Ovechkin would return, he made it clear that the NHL’s all-time leading goalscorer had “earned the right to do the process how he wants to. So we’ll just work with whatever we get from him, information-wise.”
Either way, the Capitals are heading into the off-season prepared.
With $36.5 million in projected cap space to work with this summer, per PuckPedia, the team believes they have the financial flexibility to improve their roster whether Ovechkin returns or not.
“I think we’ll be able to have a plan with or without him. No different than really any off-season where you have some players that are expiring. You can go down different paths depending on what happens with them,” Patrick said. “So same thing with him, even though he’s the greatest goalscorer of all time. If he decides to stay, we’ll go one way; if he decides to retire, we’ll go a different way.”
Ovechkin is coming off another solid campaign that saw him build on his all-time goal-scoring lead, potting 30 markers while suiting up for all 82 games at 40 years old. He also surpassed the 900-goal plateau, becoming the only player in NHL history to do so.
What may be harder to deal with should Ovechkin retire is the impact he provides off the ice, for the Capitals, the community, and for the game of hockey.
“I think his presence is huge. When he decides to leave, it’s gonna leave a big hole, personality-wise, leadership-wise,” MacLellan said. “You see he brings it to the team plane, the team bus, to the dressing room, to pre-game warmup — he’s got a big presence.”
Mick Price, the trainer, harked back to his pre-training experience by personally parading The Speed Machine at Mornington.
Trained by Mick Price alongside Michael Kent Jnr, the two-year-old gelding turned tricky at saddling time, leading Price to take charge of strapping duties prior to Saturday’s Mornington Sires (1000m).
The approach succeeded brilliantly as The Speed Machine ($3), ridden by Thomas Stockdale, dashed to the lead and held on by a half-neck from favourite Luna Vega ($2.50), with Zynaro ($11) 2-½ lengths adrift in third.
Price noted that red earmuffs are fitted to The Speed Machine for the pre-race parade and removed at the barriers.
Observing the gelding as half-asleep, Price dispensed with the headgear post-saddling.
“His father (Hanseatic) used to have a bit of feist about him,” Price said.
“His father used to always have two strappers on him, and I did take the red earmuffs off him while we were saddling him up, because I thought he was half asleep.
“But I found out the wrong way. He was not asleep and I had to do my own work.”
The Speed Machine has won both his starts, including a 1000m victory in a four-runner field on debut at Morphettville Parks last month.
Price doesn’t see him as solely a 1000m specialist and plans to test him at 1200m eventually.
The colours belong to Kempinsky, victor of The Vase at Moonee Valley and second in the Group 1 Victoria Derby at Flemington back in 2003.
“We’ve had horses together for 30 years, but we haven’t had a lot of starters over that time,” Price said.
“He buys them, I move them on, but this one, he’s a keeper.
“He a fast horse, and he’s a strong horse, and he’s very sound, an easy horse to train.”
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PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has addressed the reports and rumors involving LIV Golf’s future, or potential lack thereof, with a straightforward message about where the Tour’s priorities lie amid uncertain times.
Last week, it was widely reported that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) was preparing to cut off its funding of LIV Golf after announcing a five-year investment strategy focused on reprioritizing spending. With the Saudis being the sole funders of the breakaway golf circuit, a stoppage of funds would, in all likelihood, end the current iteration of LIV Golf.
LIV GOLF’S END MAY BE IMMINENT AFTER REPORT SIGNALS SAUDI ARABIA IS PREPARING TO CUT OFF FUNDING
LIV Golf Mexico went on as scheduled over the weekend amid the very loud rumors. Two-time major champion Jon Rahm won the event, and on Sunday, LIV formally announced it would be returning to Mexico in 2027 at a currently unspecified date.
Jon Rahm in action during the first round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Feb. 4, 2026. (Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters)
Rolapp, the former Executive Vice President of NFL Media, joined Monday’s edition of ‘The Pat McAfee Show‘ on ESPN and was transparent while sharing his thoughts about the reports and rumors involving LIV Golf.
BRYSON DECHAMBEAU CALLS OUT LIV GOLF MEXICO CITY COURSE CONDITIONS AMID FUNDING CONCERNS
Most notably, Rolapp admitted that the PGA Tour is thinking about potential pathways back for players who left the Tour to join the Saudi-backed league.
“I think we’re thinking about it,” Rolapp said when asked about players potentially returning. “Listen, we’re reading all the same headlines you’re reading, we don’t know what’s going on over there [at LIV Golf]. We know that those guys are under contract, we’ll respect that.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp addresses media members at a press conference prior to THE PLAYERS Championship at Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 11, 2026 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)
“Brooks [Koepka] came back onto the Tour because he made a phone call and said, ‘Look, I’m out of my contract, I’m ready to come back.’ So, we’re thinking about it, and we’ll react when we have an opportunity to react, but right now we’re focused on making the PGA Tour better. I’ve said it publicly, and I’ll say it again, I’m interested in making whatever makes the PGA Tour better. That’s what my job is, that’s what I’m interested in doing, and that has no limit.”
Koepka, a five-time major winner, returned to the PGA Tour at the start of 2026 after joining LIV Golf in June 2022. He did so via the Tour’s ‘Returning Member Program,’ made only accessible to previous Tour members who have won The Players or a major championship between 2022 and 2025.
Brooks Koepka of the United States reacts after chipping in for birdie on the 17th hole during the second round of the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club on June 13, 2025, in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
MATT FITZPATRICK HAS PERFECT RESPONSE TO USA RYDER CUP FANS AFTER PGA TOUR V
Koepka agreed to make a $5 million charitable contribution upon his return to the Tour. He also agreed to include a five-year forfeiture of potential equity in the PGA Tour’s Player Equity Program, which estimates his potential losses to be approximately $50-$85 million. Koepka will also not receive any FedEx Cup bonus payment in 2026.
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Patrick Reed also left LIV Golf in early 2026 to seek a return to the PGA Tour. The former Masters champion is serving a one-year suspension that will end in August and is well on his way to earning back his PGA Tour card for 2027 with a pair of wins earlier this year on the DP World Tour.
Bryson DeChambeau, Tyrrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, Cameron Smith, and Rahm remain the most high-profile players competing on LIV Golf, and their return to the PGA Tour would undoubtedly fit into Rolapp’s focus of making the PGA Tour better.
Rhea Ripley shared a heartfelt reaction to a personal moment with Bianca Belair at WWE WrestleMania 42. Ripley won a major title match at the biggest show of the year over the weekend.
Bianca Belair returned during Night 1 of WrestleMania 42 to make a huge announcement. The former champion made a surprise appearance at The Show of Shows to announce that she was pregnant.
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Belair and the 29-year-old then had a heartfelt backstage interaction after her appearance, and the two stars shared a hug. Ripley reacted to her backstage moment with Belair today on her Instagram story with a heart emoji, and you can check it out in the image below.
Bianca Belair has not competed in a match since WWE WrestleMania 41. She has missed over a year of action due to a hand injury suffered in the Triple Threat match against IYO SKY and Ripley last year on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
Rhea Ripley won the Women’s Elimination Chamber match to earn a title match against Jade Cargill at WrestleMania 42. Ripley defeated The Storm at the PLE to become the new WWE Women’s Champion.
Rhea Ripley opens up about using social media as a WWE Superstar
WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley recently discussed how difficult it was to use social media as a public figure.
Speaking on Pod Meets World, The Eradicator opened up about the negativity she experiences on social media. Ripley stated that she needed to delete Twitter because all she sees are negative comments about herself when she uses the social media app.
“It’s really hard going on to Twitter. I need to delete that. It’s really hard going on and trying to make it a work environment. But then because it is a work environment, I get all these things coming up on my ‘For You’ page. As soon as I click on the app, it’s just negativity towards me,” she said.
Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY had a brief reign as Women’s Tag Team Champions earlier this year. SKY was not booked for a match at WrestleMania but did get involved in Ripley’s match against Cargill at WWE WrestleMania.
B-Fab and Michin both attacked the challenger, but Sky made the save. Ripley connected with Riptide on Cargill to become champion, and it will be interesting to see what the promotion has planned for her title reign moving forward.
Edited by Robert Lentini
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Man United can land dream Casemiro replacement but need Man City to green light major transfer
Manchester United are reportedly tracking a Real Madrid star as they draw up a shortlist to replace Casemiro, who will depart Old Trafford this summer
Aurelien Tchouameni features prominently on Manchester United’s shortlist of candidates to replace Casemiro.
It has long been reported that United’s priority this summer is to revamp their midfield, and the Telegraph is reporting the France international is being eyed as a replacement for Casemiro, who will leave the club when his contract expires in the summer. However, the report also claims that the midfielder’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu could hinge on whether Rodri leaves Manchester City this summer.
Rodri, whose contract expires at the end of next season, threw his City future into doubt last month when he said, “You can’t turn down the best clubs in the world” after being asked about the prospect of joining Real. But since then, Pep Guardiola has claimed that the Spain international will sign a new deal with City, though he also wouldn’t stand in the midfielder’s way if the La Liga giants came calling.
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Tchouameni is contracted until 2028, but reports from Spain in recent weeks have indicated that Real are also willing to listen to offers for his club and international team-mate, Eduardo Camavinga, as an alternative route to raise funds.
The 26-year-old, who has won the Champions League and La Liga during his four years at Madrid, recently opened up on his struggles at the Santiago Bernabeu over the past couple of seasons.
He said: “I was made a scapegoat. In the first 10-20 minutes, the stadium was booing every time I touched the ball.
“That situation either destroys you, or you think, “That’s just how it is,’ let’s see what I can control, and the only thing I can control is my performance.
“The level of pressure at Real Madrid is something different. People are going to talk about everything you do, whether it’s good or bad.”
The report from the Telegraph also claims that United want to sign at least two midfielders this summer, but could even look to bring in a third should Manuel Ugarte leave.
Both City and United are also monitoring Elliot Anderson’s progress before a potential summer move for the £100million-rated Nottingham Forest star.
Since joining Forest from Newcastle United in the summer of 2024, the 23-year-old has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League.
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be keen on signing Anderson this summer, but a two-way battle between City and United is expected to take place.
But as recently reported, Guardiola’s side are believed to be right at the front of the queue to sign Anderson, who is expected to leave the City Ground this summer, regardless of whether Forest avoid relegation or not.
Adam Wharton has also been linked with a move to United after impressing for Crystal Palace.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
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Year 1 coach progress reports: Where is Will Wade’s roster? LSU has no players as portal closure nears
Will Wade’s second tenure as LSU’s coach is off to an inauspicious beginning as the Tigers enter his fourth week on the job without a single public commitment for their 2026-27 roster. LSU is the only high-major team that did not have a player in the fold as of Monday, which leaves Wade and his staff with significant work to do at a point when many of the sport’s top free agents have already announced their destinations.
Of the top 100 transfers in the CBS Sports/247Sports rankings, 76 are off the board. The Tigers are in the mix for No. 4 ranked transfer Allen Graves from Santa Clara and No. 32 ranked transfer Paul McNeil from NC State, but there is competition for both. Duke is among those recruiting Graves, who has also declared for the NBA Draft.
Though Wade and McNeil have a preexisting relationship from this past season at NC State, North Carolina has also been in contact with McNeil, who has not ruled out a return to NC State.
It’s no surprise to see that Wade isn’t stocking up on former NC State players after he was critical of the Wolfpack’s 2025-26 roster amid a 20-14 campaign defined by late-season struggles and a First Four exit from the NCAA Tournament. But it is surprising to see the Tigers without a single commitment as Wade approaches one month on the job.
Acquiring talent has never been a problem for Wade, who is now in his sixth head coaching tenure at just 43 years old. This roster construction will be different though. It will require a high-wire act to assemble a competitive team from the narrowing amount of top-level talent ahead of Tuesday’s deadline for players to enter the transfer portal.
Here are the updated progress reports for all the high-major coaches in new jobs.
A lot of work left
LSU (Will Wade)
We are talking about Will Wade here. Typically, talent acquisition would be the least of your worries with Wade at the helm. But so far, it’s been quiet in terms of actual commitments. It will be interesting to see what Wade has up his sleeve in the weeks ahead.
Early grade: F
Georgia Tech (Scott Cross)
Troy transfer Victor Valdes is following Cross to Georgia Tech after leading the Trojans in scoring (14.8) and assists (4.2) last season. The 6-7 guard is the only proven transfer in the fold thus far. But the Yellow Jackets also landed a commitment from Kayden Allen, the No. 50 prospect in the Class of 2026. The New York wing is one of Georgia Tech’s 10 highest-ranked commits of the 247Sports era and is the type of player Cross couldn’t land at Troy. Those are nice pieces, but there is still work to do if the Yellow Jackets are going to get out of the ACC cellar in Cross’ first year.
Early grade: C
NC State (Justin Gainey)
A couple of important backcourt pieces are on the way as highly productive mid-major transfers Preston Edmead (Hofstra) and Christian Hammond (Santa Clara) enter after playing key roles on NCAA Tournament teams. The rest of the Wolfpack roster is a work in progress, but Gainey and his staff have been working the portal aggressively. If Wolfpack fans need a lift, just go check out how Will Wade’s roster build is going at LSU.
Early grade: C
North Carolina (Michael Malone)
All eyes are on Henri Veesaar, the star big man who might be a preseason All-American if he returns to college basketball. If Veessaar stays with the Tar Heels, this grade will quickly rise. Keeping the 7-footer and potentially adding a high-octane guard like Utah transfer Terrence Brown Jr. would constitute major positive developments for a UNC roster construction that thus far is highlighted by the addition of Virginia Tech transfer Neoklis Avdalas, a big-bodied point guard with NBA upside.
Early grade: B-
Getting there
Providence (Bryan Hodgson)
In our first edition of first-year coach progress reports, I sang Hodgson’s praises for his strong early work and then noted that Providence “still needs some size and another knockdown perimeter shooter.” Well, since then, the Friars have checked both boxes. The addition of Buffalo transfer Ryan Sabol — one of the nation’s premier 3-point shooters — supplied the shooter while the commitment of Northwestern transfer center Arrinten Page brought the size. This roster is officially rounding into form.
Early grade: A
Cincinnati (Jerrod Calhoun)
Cincinnati could still use a natural point guard and some proven rim protection. But Calhoun has already landed three top-200 transfers in Wake Forest shooting guard Myles Colvin (No. 76), George Mason big Riley Allenspach (No. 114) and Towson scoring forward Tyler Tejada (No. 163). All three bring unique skill sets and comprise a strong backbone for Calhoun’s first squad. There are just a couple pieces left to fill.
Early grade: B
Syracuse (Gerry McNamara)
Syracuse‘s backcourt is coming together nicely. The offensive firepower of transfers Aiden Tobiason (Temple) and Gavin Doty (Siena) brings promise, and McNeese transfer Garwey Dual will bring plenty of defense. Hiring Carmelo Anthony’s former Syracuse teammate surely didn’t hurt with the Orange’s case to retain Kiyan Anthony. The rising sophomore was a top-40 prospect in last year’s freshman class and still has untapped potential after an uneven debut campaign.
Early grade: B
Boston College (Luke Murray)
Boston College‘s rebuild has taken shape over the past several days. Most notably, Murray landed the No. 100 ranked transfer in Money Williams from Montana. The strong-bodied guard is a bucket-getter, but he’s got the ability to create for others and should have little problem transitioning to the ACC after three standout seasons in the Big Sky. This won’t be an easy turnaround for Murray to execute, but landing a player like Williams was a smart use of BC’s resources. Slovenian wing Zak Smreakar is also a fascinating pickup worth keeping an eye on after he joined the likes of A.J. Dybantsa, Christian Anderson Jr., Mikel Brown Jr. and Hannes Steinbach on last year’s FIBA U19 all-tournament team.
Early grade: B+
Arizona State (Randy Bennett)
If No. 9 ranked transfer Paulius Murauskas opted to follow Bennett from Saint Mary’s to Arizona State, it would simplify this roster build in a significant way. But Murauskas is highly coveted and, understandably, exploring other potential options. In the meantime, transfers additions Joel Foxwell (Portland) and Emmanuel Innocenti (Gonzaga) will give the longtime Saint Mary’s coach a WCC flavor on his first roster. Foxwell led the WCC in assists, and Innocenti is a top-200 transfer who will bring experience and versatility on the wing.
Grade: C+
Almost done
We have a pretty good idea of what these teams will look like in the 2026-27 season.
Butler (Ronald Nored)
Nored is not relying exclusively on the transfer portal as he seeks to revitalize his alma mater. He’s got a couple of potential starters returning in point guard Jalen Jackson and big man Drayton Jones. From a traditional recruiting perspective, four-star prospect and former LSU commit Herly Brutus committed to the Bulldogs last week. Then, there’s the commitment of 6-6 Serbian forward Asim Djulovic, who is putting up impressive stats as a 20-year-old in the Adriatic League. Last but not least, Nored’s portal haul includes:
- Eduardo Klafke, a two-year role player at Ole Miss who is a career 44.6% 3-point shooter.
- Samis Calderon, a toolsy 6-8 forward who appeared in 16 games as a reserve during his freshman season at Kansas.
- Treyson Anderson, a stretch big who averaged 10.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 0.9 blocks for a North Dakota State team that won the Summit League.
- Jordan Ellerbee: coming off a standout freshman season at FGCU in which he averaged 13.1 points while showing promise as a pick-and-roll scorer
It’s a well-balanced roster with players from a variety of sources and archetypes, but to this point, it lacks the high-end pop that is likely needed for a big Year 1 breakthrough.
Early grade: B
Creighton (Alan Huss)
The internal handoff from Greg McDermott to Huss has led to more retention than what you get during a normal coaching change. Rotation-caliber pieces Jasen Green, Austin Swartz, Isaac Traudt, Hudson Greer and Jackson McAndrew are all returning. There are plenty of high-major programs not undergoing a coaching change that don’t have that much retention. As for additions, the Bluejays have made some nice ones.
Providence transfer Oswin Erhunmwunse will bring the rim protection that Creighton sorely missed this past season following the departure of program staple Ryan Kalkbrenner. South Florida flamethrower Wes Enis will help replace the 3-point shooting of Josh Dix. Meanwhile, San Diego State transfer BJ Davis is a veteran floor general and strong perimeter defender. Between Huss’ coaching acumen and the quality of this roster, look for Creighton to get back in the NCAA Tournament picture next season.
Early grade: A-
Kansas State (Casey Alexander)
Kansas State’s midseason firing of Jerome Tang and March 13 hiring of Alexander from Belmont gave the Wildcats a jump start on roster assembly. In terms of numbers, the Wildcats are nearing the finish line.
In terms of the actual talent that will be required to field a competitive team in the Big 12, there’s still a long way to go. Barring a seismic addition, this team will likely hope to follow the 2024-25 Vanderbilt model. Here is what that looks like: an unfamiliar coach takes over a struggling program, puts together a seemingly underwhelming roster and then proceeds to surge past lackluster preseason expectations. It’s a narrow path.
Early grade: C
Matt Fitzpatrick had faced American fans cheering against him before: several times at the Ryder Cup (he’s played in four of them) and once in a 2023 playoff versus Jordan Spieth at the RBC Heritage.
This was again the setting on Sunday, at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island, S.C., as the 31-year-old Englishman dueled with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.
And, just like three years ago, Fitzpatrick had the last laugh against an American fan favorite.
Despite the home crowd cheering heavily for Scheffler — and “USA!” chants on the property — Fitzpatrick beat Scheffler with a birdie on the first playoff hole to win for the second time in the last month. When Fitzpatrick rolled in his birdie putt on the first playoff hole, the par-4 18th, the crowd went eerily quiet.
But Fitzpatrick had little issue with the home crowd cheering against him.
“It didn’t get out of line in terms of no one was shouting on backswings or anything like that, which was great. I’m all for it,” Fitzpatrick said. “They’re supporting Scottie; that’s great. You want golf to have an atmosphere in my opinion. I grew up watching football. I’m paid so much money to be out there in front of those crowds, having them chanting at you every week, it’s great feeling.
“However, there’s no better feeling than coming out on top against that — there isn’t a better feeling. To describe it in my terms, it’s kind of winning away against your biggest rival. Nothing to do with Scottie or the players; it’s the fans that have sort of spurred me on there. It was nice to obviously win, but it never crossed the line. It was just loud. Just loud.”
Fitzpatrick started the day with a three-shot lead over Scheffler, who was the next closest competitor. But after Fitzpatrick made birdies on 1 and 3 he made par on the next 14. Scheffler made a late charge with birdies on 15 and 16, and they stepped to the signature 18th hole with Fitzpatrick leading by one. Both players missed the green with their approach, but Scheffler got up and down while Fitzpatrick could not, forcing the playoff.
Back in the 18th fairway in the playoff, Fitzpatrick stuck a 4-iron to 13 feet away. Scheffler missed the green with his approach, and Fitzpatrick rolled in the birdie to win.
“I pulled it a little bit,” Fitzpatrick said. “We had the commentary booth in the background, that was like our target, so that was probably right half of the green, right edge maybe. But it was such a great number for 4-iron.”
After his second-place finish to Rory McIlroy at the Masters, Scheffler has now been runner-up in back-to-back weeks.
It was just the latest victory in what’s been a strong spring for Fitzpatrick, who has moved up to No. 3 in the world behind only Scheffler and McIlroy. Fitzpatrick was the runner-up at the Players Championship last month, and he followed that with a win at the Valspar. He tied for 18th at the Masters.
Fitzpatrick had the last laugh on the course — stealing the victory away from Scheffler and the American-dominated crowd — but also had the last jab in his winner’s press conference. He was asked if it was strange it became USA vs. Europe even in a non-Ryder Cup year.
“No. Americans are incredibly patriotic, and I think that was amazing,” he said. He added with a wry smile, “I guess the only issue is they just have shorter memories because we won in October.”
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