Nov 28, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) looks on during the third quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
After months of rumors and speculation, the 2026 NFL Draft is finally upon us.
With just a few days until the draft officially begins on Thursday, April 23, here is my final 2026 NFL mock draft before the event officially gets underway.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
This is the only “sure thing” of this spring’s draft. Fernando Mendoza is the top quarterback prospect this spring; the Las Vegas Raiders have a need at quarterback even with the signing of Kirk Cousins. Mendoza will be wearing black and silver by the end of Thursday night.
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2. New York Jets: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Arvell Reese is an interesting prospect, and that is precisely why Aaron Glenn is going to want to take a chance on him for his defense. The New York Jets just overhauled their defense this past season by trading away Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, and now they need to start finding new cornerstones to build around. Reese’s versatility to play both as an edge rusher and as an off-ball linebacker will propel him to second overall. At just 20 years old, there is plenty of time for him to develop either skill.
3. Arizona Cardinals: OLB David Bailey, Texas Tech
David Bailey is a prototypical edge rusher with great size and athletic ability. The Cardinals certainly could be considering offensive tackle here, but Bailey looks like one of the few “sure thing: prospects this spring, making him hard to pass up.
A decade after the Tennessee Titans landed Derrick Henry in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, they are hoping to find their next franchise running back. Jeremiyah Love is arguably the best player in this draft class, and he will put together plenty of explosive plays for the Titans.
A true off-ball linebacker hasn’t been selected in the top five since Devin White in 2019, but Sonny Styles has the talent to buck that trend. Styles has tremendous size and instincts at the linebacker position, and he showed off every ounce of his ridiculous athleticism at the combine. John Harbaugh loves getting difference makers at this middle linebacker spot, and he gets one here.
6. Cleveland Browns: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
The path has been clear for Cleveland for a while: wide receiver and offensive tackle in the first round. They get the first half of that job taken care of here by landing Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, who is the latest in a long line of Buckeye receivers headed to the NFL as first-round prospects.
7. Washington Commanders: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Wide receiver certainly is a need for Washington, but they also need to figure things out on defense in 2026. They added a few players to their defensive front in free agency, but the cornerback position still has question marks. They land this year’s CB1.
8. New Orleans Saints: OLB Rueben Bain, Miami
Rueben Bain has a couple things working against him heading into this draft. He has very short arms, and his off-the-field issues could cause a pretty big tumble down the draft board. However, the Kansas City Chiefs need to find someone who can consistently play opposite George Karlaftis. Bain didn’t get short arms overnight, and he was consistently productive in college. He should still land somewhere in the top 10.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
The Chiefs have parted ways with Jawaan Taylor, and for now, their solution has been Jaylon Moore, who is not a proven player. They go ahead and take one of the top offensive tackles in this class to create a long-term solution at that spot.
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10. New York Giants (via CIN): S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
This may be a bit more of a tumble than some expect for Caleb Downs, but as a safety, it’s hard to know exactly when NFL teams will feel comfortable taking him despite the talent and upside. New York just acquired the 10th overall pick by trading away Dexter Lawrence, and after grabbing Styles with the fifth overall pick, they are now the winners of the night by also landing Downs.
11. Miami Dolphins: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
The Miami Dolphins desperately need to build up their offensive tackle situation in this draft, especially without there being a QB worth taking at this point, and Spencer Fano is a player who has the versatility to either play tackle or at guard on either side of the line.
12. Dallas Cowboys: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Dallas fielded one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season, and they need help all over. Dillon Thieneman can be an anchor on the backend capable of playing free safety while also helping out in run support.
Sep 27, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) reacts after defeating the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Outside of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, a pair of precision route runners, the Rams don’t have a ton of options at wide receiver right now. Jordyn Tyson’s injury history could make some NFL teams wary of picking him early, but the Rams need a true deep threat to open things up in the passing game.
14. Baltimore Ravens: G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
The Ravens just have a knack for landing top talent at a position in the draft. This time, they land the top guard on the board to shore up their interior offensive line and protect Lamar Jackson.
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15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy lost his 2025 season to injury, but the tape from 2024 speaks for itself. He is one of the best cornerbacks in this draft class, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers desperately need some help at the position.
16. New York Jets (via IND): WR Makai Lemon, USC
If the Jets are going to have any success with Geno Smith as their new quarterback, they need to figure out the WR2 spot opposite Garrett Wilson. Makai Lemon is an explosive athlete who can take on the role in New York.
17. Detroit Lions: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
Edge rusher could be high on Detroit’s list, but Dan Campbell is going to get back to his roots this season and find a player that bites kneecaps. Kayden McDonald can be a true nose tackle player at the NFL level, and the Lions need to be much better at defending the run in 2026. McDonald will be a cornerstone for a team that had defensive tackle struggles last year.
18. Minnesota Vikings: DT Caleb Banks, Florida
The Minnesota Vikings spent big at defensive tackle last offseason with signings of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, but neither really panned out. Brian Flores has had success in Minnesota without true difference makers at the position, but if the Vikings are ever going to take the next step toward being a contender, they need to find that difference maker. Caleb Banks put together a ridiculous combine despite performing on a foot injury, and once that heals up, he will be a starter at the NFL level.
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19. Carolina Panthers: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Three straight drafts with wide receiver selections in the first round may seem like a lot for Carolina, but it’s warranted here. The Panthers are in now or never territory with Bryce Young, so they go all in on giving him as much talent at the position as possible.
Dallas doubles up in the secondary here to help a defense that allowed the most passing yards, second-most passing touchdowns, and tied the second-fewest interceptions in the NFL last year. With Jermod McCoy out last year, Colton Hood stepped up as a true CB1 for Tennessee last season, and that emergence propels him into the first round.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
The Pittsburgh Steelers need as much help at wide receiver as they can get right now, and Omar Cooper is a versatile player who can line up outside or in the slot. That versatility along with his athleticism and large catch radius will make him a favorite target for Aaron Rodgers or whoever is at quarterback this fall.
Jan 1, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) runs against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the second half of the 2026 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
22. Los Angeles Chargers: G Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
It may be early for another guard to go off the board, but the Chargers can’t risk there being a run at the position between now and their next pick at No. 55. Chase Bisontis is a bulldog in the middle of the offensive line, and he will open up plenty of running lanes for Omarion Hampton. Jim Harbaugh will love having him on his team.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
The Philadelphia Eagles love planning for the future with their high end picks, and this selection comes at the perfect time with Lane Johnson missing eight games in 2025. Howie Roseman grabs the future Hall of Famer’s successor here in the massive 6’7″, 352-pound frame of Kadyn Proctor.
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24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Cleveland’s job comes to completion here with the selection of Monroe Freeling. While he is still a bit raw with only 17 collegiate starts under his belt, Freeling showed up for the Bulldogs in 2025 as a great pass protector. The Browns were not good in that department last season, so hopefully, this can be a solution.
25. Chicago Bears: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
After back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons for Jaylon Johnson, he missed a large chunk of the 2025 season because of injury. As of now, the Bears aren’t necessarily in desperate need of a cornerback, but they are an injury away from being in that situation. Chris Johnson is a great security blanket with the talent to blossom into a starter as a boundary CB.
26. Buffalo Bills: OLB Malachi Lawrence, UCF
The Bills have both Greg Rousseau and Bradley Chubb on the roster, but both players utilize more power than athleticism and explosive ability to get after quarterbacks. Malachi Lawrence can bring that energy to the defensive front while also being a capable run stopper. He’s a player that can be on the field at all times and carve a role out for himself.
27. San Francisco 49ers: OLB Akheem Mesidor, Miami
John Lynch said at the combine that his team would address their pass rush in this year’s draft, and they do exactly that here in the first round with the selection of Akheem Mesidor. He brings relentless effort with multiple moves in his tool bag to get around opposing tackles to run down quarterbacks.
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28. Houston Texans: OT Blake Miller, Clemson
The offensive line has been a fickle position group for the Texans They started the rebuilding process with the signings of Braden Smith and Wyatt Teller as well as a new contract for Ed Ingram, but that can’t be the end of their improvements. Blake Miller gives the Texans an answer for their other tackle spot.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR): TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq to the Chiefs is too easy of a fit. Travis Kelce very well could be entering his final NFL season, and we have seen some cracks in the armor over the past couple seasons that have contributed to delaying another Lombardi Trophy coming to Kansas City. Sadiq is the successor who could end up taking on the majority of the snaps by the end of the season.
Dec 7, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) reacts after a touchdown during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 2024 Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
The Dolphins addressed one side of the trenches earlier in this draft, and now they go ahead and grab an athletic pass rushing presence for their pass rush. Keldric Faulk is an explosive player, and he is much more impactful than the two sacks he recorded last season suggest.
31. New England Patriots: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
A lot of things went wrong for the New England Patriots in last season’s Super Bowl, but the main takeaway was their offensive line needs to be better for the next time they get in that position. Caleb Lomu could play either at tackle or guard at the NFL level, and New England will take either at this point.
32. Seattle Seahawks: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has been a steady riser throughout this draft process, and it culminates with him sneaking into the end of the first round. He is a massive player at 6’3″ and has terrific ball instincts when passes are headed his way. He can step up and contribute as a blitzer as well. It’s not the biggest need in the world for Seattle, but they go ahead and make an already great defense even better here.
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Josh Frey is a senior writer at both PurplePTSD.com and VikingsTerritory.com, with a fascination for the NFL Draft. To … More about Josh Frey
There’s a growing sense that Tarleton State could be the next FCS team to make the jump to FBS College Football.
Could the Mountain West give them a look?
On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, I discuss Virginia Tech after their Spring Game became known for a parachuting incident.
Will that become a metaphor for James Franklin’s first season?
Indiana DC Bryant Haines, like his head coach Curt Cignetti, is not afraid to take shots and speak his mind.
Why did he go after Alabama fans on Twitter following Ty Simpson’s comments?
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00:00 Tarleton State’s FBS aspirations 04:25 Considering Texas for expansion 07:57 Discussing potential league membership 14:17 James Franklin’s coaching potential 19:06 Virginia Tech’s football challenges 23:04 Winning a national championship 24:20 Indiana’s transfer portal strategy 27:50 Embracing confidence with success
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has secured the media rights for the 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026, bringing the continental multi-sport event back to the Sony Sports Network for the fourth consecutive edition.
The Games will be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026, with live coverage available on Sony Sports Network channels and streaming platform Sony LIV.
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The agreement covers India and the wider Indian subcontinent, ensuring viewers across the region can follow one of Asia’s biggest sporting events. According to some media reports, the broadcasting rights deal for the tournament is valued at an estimated $3.5–4 million.
Sony brings Asian Games back to its network
The 2026 edition marks another major multi-sport acquisition for SPNI, which said it aims to deliver extensive coverage of the Games through live broadcasts, expert analysis, and multi-language programming.
Notably, Sony’s 2026 broadcast of the Asian Games will mark its fourth consecutive edition, as it has retained the rights to the tournament since acquiring them for the first time in 2024.
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Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer and Business Head – Sports and International at Sony Pictures Networks India, said the Asian Games remains an important platform for sporting excellence and national pride.
He added that India’s record medal haul in the previous edition had significantly increased interest in multi-sport events, and the network looked forward to bringing another strong Indian campaign to audiences.
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Major sports on the programme
The Asian Games remains one of the largest multi-sport events in the world, and the 2026 edition will feature 41 sports, including 32 Olympic disciplines.
Alongside athletics, swimming, badminton, hockey and wrestling, the programme will also include sports popular in Asia such as cricket, kabaddi, e-sports, sepak takraw and kurash. New additions such as mixed martial arts (MMA) and surfing are also set to feature.
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For Indian fans, cricket is expected to be one of the biggest attractions, with both the men’s and women’s teams likely to compete for medals.
Asian Games 2026 full schedule
The 20th Asian Games will take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Dates: September 19 to October 4, 2026
Opening Ceremony: September 19, 2026
Closing Ceremony: October 4, 2026
Duration: 16 days
Sports: 41 disciplines
Coverage in India: Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV
OCA welcomes new broadcast deal
Husain Al-Musallam, Director-General of the Olympic Council of Asia, welcomed the agreement and said it marked a new phase in distributing the Asian Games across the Indian subcontinent.
India eyes new records in Nagoya
India heads into the 2026 Games after its best-ever Asian Games performance at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where it won 107 medals — 28 gold, 38 silver and 41 bronze — to finish fourth in the standings.
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With a stronger pool of athletes, growing medal prospects across multiple sports, and cricket returning to the programme, India will aim to surpass that tally and produce another record-breaking campaign in Nagoya.
Podcaster and former NFL player Emmanuel Acho recently shared his thoughts on Mike Vrabel’s statements addressing the photos of himself and former New York Times journalist Dianna Russini. Russini was an NFL journalist for The Athletic, owned by The New York Times Company, and recently tendered her resignation after photos of herself and Vrabel, the New England Patriots coach, holding hands and embracing each other were exclusively released by Page Six on April 7.
Both Russini and Vrabel are married to other people, and were reportedly spotted together at the Ambiente resort in Sedona, Arizona, sometime in March 2026. Both Russini and Vrabel denied rumors of a romance, with the journalist claiming that she had been at the resort for a hiking trip with her girlfriends. Meanwhile, Vrabel alleges that he and his friends drove up to Sedona for a day trip and ran into Russini and her friends before returning to their hotels.
On April 21, 2026, Mike Vrabel addressed the scandal in a press conference, saying that he “had some difficult conversations with people that I care about – my family, the organization, the coaches, the players” after the photos went public.
During a subsequent episode of the Speakeasy podcast, Emmanuel Acho reacted to Mike Vrabel’s statement and alleged that the coach threw Russini “under the bus” with his comments. He further added that Vrabel saying he “had some difficult conversations with people that I care about” implied that their stories about coincidentally running into each other were not true, saying:
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“Vrabel handled it as well as he could handle it, but in handling it as well as he could handle it, of course, he threw Dianna Russini under the bus… First and foremost, address with the team, and then address with your family, then address the media, he did all that well… the moment he said, ‘I’ve had some difficult conversations with the people I care about,’ that implies that Dianna Russini wasn’t just on a girls’ trip.”
He continued:
“That’s the implication. Cause if Dianna Russini was just on a girls’ trip, and Mike Vrabel, you were just at the hotel and happened to run into each other coincidentally, what’s the difficult conversation?… The only reason you have to have a difficult conversation is if what Dianna Russini has said, reported, and suggested didn’t actually occur.”
Acho also added that while Mike Vrabel said “as little as possible” during the press conference, that one sentence “tells you everything you need to know.”
Exploring Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini’s statements about the photo scandal
On April 7, Page Six posted photos of Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini at a resort in Sedona, where they were seen holding hands and embracing each other. A source reportedly told the publication that the pair had breakfast together at 10:30 am on March 28 and spent some time in the pool. They were later spotted on the rooftop of a bungalow that evening, allegedly dancing for a while.
Both Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini denied any romantic implications behind the photos in separate statements to Page Six. Russini claimed that the pictures did not “represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day.” Meanwhile, Vrabel claimed that the pictures captured a “completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.”
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On April 14, 2026, Dianna Russini revealed that she had resigned from her post at The Athletic, claiming that the media engaged “in self-feeding speculation that is simply unmoored from the facts.” She further added that she had “no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept,” adding:
“It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no interest in submitting to a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am willing to accept. Rather than allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now — before my current contract expires on June 30. I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career.”
Meanwhile, Mike Vrabel addressed the scandal in a press conference on April 21, saying:
“I’ve had some difficult conversations with people I care about, with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players. Those have been positive and productive. We believe in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me. That starts with me. We never want our actions to negatively affect the team. We never want to be the cause of a distraction. There are comments and questions that I’ve answered for the team and with the team.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the NFL recently revealed that the league is not looking into Mike Vrabel’s conduct as part of its personal conduct policy, and the New England Patriots head coach will not face an internal conduct review for the scandal.
ESPN’s Peter Schrager released his final mock draft of 2026 on Monday, revealing what he thinks will happen in the first round based on his “latest intel.” As a well-sourced insider, what Schrager predicts carries some weight – especially for the Los Angeles Rams, given his friendship with Sean McVay.
He had been of the belief that the Rams would take Makai Lemon at No. 13 for a long time, but he’s shifted away from the USC wide receiver in this mock. Instead, he has the Rams trading back with the Detroit Lions and landing a playmaker at a different offensive position.
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At No. 17, he has the Rams drafting Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, one of the most athletic tight ends in NFL combine history.
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There’s a lot of Sadiq intrigue in the Rams’ building. They already have multiple contributing tight ends, but that depth chart could look different in a year — especially since current TE1 Colby Parkinson is a free agent in 2027. Sadiq is an explosive pass catcher who could help Matthew Stafford in a key go-for-it year in L.A., and you know coach Sean McVay would figure out ways to get the ball in Sadiq’s hands. This would be the second year in a row that the Rams took an Oregon tight end after going with Terrance Ferguson in Round 2 last April.
This would be almost a carbon copy of last year’s draft for the Rams: trade down from their first pick and take an Oregon tight end. Last year, it was Terrance Ferguson. This year, it’s Sadiq.
It might seem redundant to add another tight end with Ferguson, Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen all on the roster, but there isn’t much long-term stability at that spot right now. Higbee is year-to-year with retirement and Parkinson and Allen are both in the final year of their contracts.
By adding Sadiq, the Rams would guarantee themselves two quality tight ends for at least three years together, both of them being great athletes with strong receiving skills. At 6-foot-3 and 241 pounds, Sadiq ran a 4.39 in the 40, which was the fastest ever by a tight end at the combine, and posted a 43.5-inch vertical, the second-best ever at the position.
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He’d be a great addition to the Rams offense, giving Matthew Stafford another weapon and McVay another chess piece as his scheme evolves year by year.
When the Chelsea team was announced as kick-off approached before Tuesday’s game at Brighton, the news may not have been a surprise to some.
Screenshots of a post on social media platform X had been doing the rounds for hours, stating midfielder Cole Palmer and striker Joao Pedro would both be missing from the line-up. They were indeed absent.
It was claimed the post came from Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella’s barber.
“[Cole] Palmer and Joao Pedro both injured tonight,” it read. “There’s your exclusive.” There was also an image of the back of Cucurella’s distinctive curly hair.
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In Palmer’s case, there was no public knowledge of his hamstring injury, while Joao Pedro had undergone a fitness test on the morning of the match.
Rosenior is known to keep his cards close to his chest when it comes to team selection and is said by those who know him to deliberately hold pre-match news conferences two days in advance in order to keep opposing managers guessing.
The post, which appeared to tag several accounts known for providing Fantasy Premier League advice, has been deleted, along with the entire account on which it appeared.
Having been deleted, it cannot be independently verified but the club has not denied its authenticity when asked about the post.
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BBC Sport has also contacted the barber and Cucurella’s representatives for comment.
It would be the third instance in which team news has reportedly been leaked from Chelsea since Liam Rosenior’s appointment in early January.
Team news got out around both legs of Chelsea‘s Champions League tie with Paris St‑Germain. Rosenior said they had been “dealt with” and that they had “not come from any place of malicious intent towards me or the team”.
Chelsea are currently seventh in the Premier League table with four league matches left to play. They next play in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds at Wembley Stadium.
After years of supporting the promotion, it has just been revealed that a major AEW deal is set to come to an end soon. Although this has been hinted at for some time now, an official press release has now been made.
Triller TV is a streaming service dedicated to combat sports. This has featured mixed martial arts (MMA), boxing, and wrestling. In the case of wrestling shows, this has featured not only weekly television of major promotions, but pay-per-views as well. They have been the international partner of the Jacksonville-based promotion for some time now.
Last month, many noticed that the platform was no longer accepting new subscribers for their AEW Plus subscription. With the launch of MYAEW, it seems that this partnership is set to come to an end. In an email sent to subscribers, Triller TV confirmed that they will no longer carry events by All Elite Wrestling and Ring of Honor moving forward.
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The subscriptions will end at the next billing date, but pay-per-views that fans previously purchased will still be available to replay.
“We’re writing to let you know that AEW Plus is being discontinued. AEW and ROH PPVs are also no longer available for purchase on TrillerTV. If you have an active AEW Plus subscription, it will end on your next billing date. You’ll have full access until that date. If you have an active AEW Plus subscription, it will end on your next billing date. You’ll have full access until that date.”
Where can fans watch AEW?
For fans in the United States, there are two ways to watch Dynamite and Collision. These are broadcast live on TBS and on HBO Max. In the case of pay-per-views, there are several platforms available for those in America, such as HBO Max, Amazon Prime, PPV.com, DAZN, and many others. For those in Canada and Mexico, the weekly shows can be viewed on TSN and Fox Sports, respectively.
MYAEW is now the main streaming platform for international fans as they can catch both the promotion’s weekly shows and pay-per-views. There are several plans fans can choose from if they wish to only watch Dynamite and Collision, or have the pay-per-views as part of their subscription. ROH shows can also be viewed on the platform.
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AEW is where the best wrestle! Make sure to tune in for Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite LIVE COAST-TO-COAST this week at 8 pm ET/7 pm CT/6 pm MT/5 pm PT on @TBSNetwork + @SportsOnMAX, THIS WEDNESDAY!
It is now the end of an era as Triller TV is no longer a platform in partnership with the Tony Khan-led company. But their own original platform looks to be a great way for international fans to catch all the action.
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Bern has scored two tries in each of England’s wins over Scotland and Ireland in the opening two rounds of the Six Nations.
She believes adding more try-scoring threats to England’s attack can be key to fuelling record crowds in the absence of opposition who can threaten their winning streak.
Ten of England’s 16 tries in the knockout stages of last year’s World Cup came via their forwards as they leaned on the power of their pack and set-piece en route to glory.
Emily Scarratt, the Red Roses’ all-time leading points scorer, has since taken up the role.
“Where we’re trying to evolve to now is being threats from anywhere,” said Bern.
“We recognise that we won a World Cup, and it was great, but we definitely could have made improvements in our attack.
“We always talk about how even if something’s not broken, we can break it and start again. Just because it worked doesn’t mean we can’t change anything.
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“We want people to come to the stadium and see something different every week.
“We want to be entertaining. We want to show that all of our Red Roses have amazing abilities to carry, fend and play an exciting style of rugby to showcase to the world.”
England face Wales, who have lost 11 of their past 12 Tests, at a sold-out Ashton Gate in Bristol on Saturday (14:15 BST kick-off).
Former Australian captain Allan Border is currently in Mumbai as part of his India visit linked to the International Masters League, and the trip has also brought back memories of one of the defining milestones of his career. Border, who famously led Australia to the 1987 Cricket World Cup title, looked back at his journey but also turned his attention to a rising name in Indian cricket.Speaking in an interaction with Mid-day, Border was asked about Rajasthan Royals’ teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who at just 14 has already made a strong impression with his fearless hitting and raw power.
Watch
IPL 2026: RR assistant coach Vikram Rathour speaks after loss to KKR
“I think Vaibhav’s one hell of a player, a great talent. I have never seen any batter at the age of 14 or 15, hitting a cricket ball with so much of power,” said Allan Border.The emphasis in Border’s praise was clear. It wasn’t just about age or hype, but the extraordinary force with which Sooryavanshi is striking the ball. Coming from a former World Cup-winning captain, the remark highlights how unusual the teenager’s hitting ability appears even at this early stage.At the same time, Border avoided making long-term predictions about the youngster’s future.“Of course, I can’t predict at this moment if he will go on to become a very successful Test cricketer or not, but I can clearly see glimpses of Brian Lara in him. He has a long way to go, but he sure can hit that ball across all parts of the ground,” assessed Border.While the comparison to Lara will naturally attract attention, Border’s observation was more about batting traits than placing expectations. He pointed to Sooryavanshi’s range of shots and ability to access different parts of the ground, rather than drawing a direct parallel in stature.However, Border also made it clear where the youngster must improve next.“Vaibhav must now learn how to tighten his defence.”It was a short but significant assessment. While Sooryavanshi’s power-hitting has already set him apart, developing a stronger defensive game will be crucial if he is to build a long and adaptable career.So far, the numbers underline his explosive impact. Sooryavanshi has scored 246 runs in six matches at an average of 41 and a blistering strike rate of 236.54, placing him among the top five run-getters in IPL 2026. He has also smashed 44 sixes since his IPL debut, more than any other player in that period.The early signs are electric, but as Border pointed out, the next step will be about balance and turning raw power into complete batting substance.
Jofra Archer eyes history for Rajasthan Royals in IPL (Image: IPL)
Jofra Archer is on the verge of scripting history for the Rajasthan Royals, needing just three more wickets to become the franchise’s all-time leading wicket-taker. The England speedster could surpass Shane Watson when RR take on Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.Archer has been a key weapon for the Royals this season, particularly in the powerplay, where his pace and control have consistently troubled opposition batters. With LSG’s top order struggling for consistency, the upcoming clash presents a perfect opportunity for Archer to reach the landmark.
Jofra Archer’s impact for Rajasthan Royals
Since making his IPL debut in 2018, Archer has been a vital part of the Royals setup, representing the “Men in Pink” in five out of six seasons. His only stint away from the franchise came with the Mumbai Indians, where he had a relatively underwhelming run. In 53 matches for RR, Archer has picked up 65 wickets at an impressive average of 24.47, with best figures of 3/15 and an economy rate of 7.79. In IPL 2026 so far, he has claimed eight wickets in six matches at an average of 22.37, with best figures of 2/19.Currently, Shane Watson tops the Royals’ wicket-taking charts with 67 wickets in 84 matches between 2008 and 2015. Close behind are Yuzvendra Chahal (66 wickets in 46 matches) and Siddharth Trivedi (65 wickets in 76 matches). With Archer level on 65 wickets, just three more scalps will see him move past Watson and etch his name in the franchise’s history books.Archer’s form extends beyond the IPL. In 16 T20 matches this year, he has taken 21 wickets at an average of 25.19. He was also England’s second-highest wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup, picking up 11 wickets in eight matches. Match Preview: LSG Under Pressure at HomeLucknow Super Giants return to the Ekana Stadium under pressure, having lost four of their six matches this season and still searching for their first home win. Their biggest concern remains an inconsistent top order, which has repeatedly forced them into recovery situations.In contrast, Rajasthan Royals arrive in better form, currently placed fourth on the points table. Their strength in the powerplay, led by Archer, gives them a clear edge heading into the contest.LSG will look towards young pacer Prince Yadav to counter RR’s aggressive start, but much will depend on whether their batting unit can finally click. With home advantage yet to translate into results, Lucknow must address their issues quickly to stay in the playoff race.
LOS ANGELES — LeBron James had 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, and the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers outlasted the Houston Rockets for a 101-94 victory Tuesday night and a stunning 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.
Marcus Smart had 25 points with five 3-pointers and seven assists for the Lakers, who have twice overcome the absences of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves with a comprehensive team effort led by the 41-year-old James. Los Angeles did it in Game 2 despite the return of Kevin Durant, who scored just three of his 23 points in the second half against the Lakers’ tenacious defence.
“We executed the game plan offensively and defensively, shored up some of our mistakes from Game 1, and just got into a dogfight,” James said. “When we have two big guns out like we have, we’ve all got to pick up our play, and that’s all it’s about. We’re all just trying to make contributions on offence and seize the opportunity.”
Luke Kennard scored 23 points for Los Angeles, which nursed a small lead throughout the fourth quarter of Game 2. Smart found James streaking down the lane for a theatrical two-handed dunk with 55 seconds left, and Kennard added two late free throws to ice it.
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Game 3 is Friday in Houston.
Alperen Sengun had 20 points and 11 rebounds for the fifth-seeded Rockets, who again struggled offensively even with Durant making his Houston playoff debut. Jabari Smith Jr. scored 18 points and Amen Thompson had 16, but the Rockets made only 40.4% of their shots and managed just seven 3-pointers.
Three days after he missed the series opener with a right knee bruise, Durant took only 12 shots and had nine turnovers to begin his fourth career playoff matchup against James. The superstars previously met in the NBA Finals in 2012, 2017 and 2018.
“They started doubling me from possession one,” Durant said. “I’ve got to do better and not put my teammates in bad positions when I’m swinging the ball. … We’re just not making shots, to be honest. We’re not shooting the ball well. We’re missing a lot of layups. I just think that’s the difference in the game. They’re making shots. Smart was the guy that knocked down shots for them today. Kennard, too.”
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Durant blocked Kennard’s shot on the first possession of Game 2, but then got in early foul trouble while the Lakers again streaked to a large first-half lead.
The Lakers are getting exceptional post-season play from Smart, the longtime Celtics guard who joined Los Angeles this season. Although he missed much of the regular-season stretch run due to injury, Smart has immediately added toughness and playmaking acumen to the Lakers’ supporting cast.
“He just had a killer game tonight,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said of Smart. “He did a great job defensively. He made shots. He’s an unbelievable player.”
Both Smart and Kennard went 8 for 13 from the field, combining for eight 3-pointers.
Indiana DC Bryant Haines, like his head coach Curt Cignetti, is not afraid to take shots and speak his mind. 
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