The 2026 Kentucky Derby is just hours away and the field of 19 horses is set following the surprising news that the Puma scratched on Saturday morning. The 152nd “Run for the Roses” is set for Saturday with cool and dry conditions in the forecast. Post time from Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., is slated for 6:57 p.m. ET. Bet the Kentucky Derby with the exclusive TwinSpires offer code CBSSPORTS to receive up to $400 in bonus bets here, double what’s available to the general public:
A former reporter and editor at Sports Illustrated, Menez covered an array of sports, including horse racing, for the magazine and its website for almost 14 years. Between 2010 and 2012, he served as SI’s handicapper for the Triple Crown races and correctly predicted Super Saver to win the Kentucky Derby in 2010.
In 2015, while writing for Sports on Earth, Menez accurately gave out the Kentucky Derby superfecta (American Pharoah, Firing Line, Dortmund and Frosted), which paid $1,268.20 for $2. Then in 2017, he tweeted out his Kentucky Derby picks, including Always Dreaming to win, and hit the Pick 4, which paid almost $6,900 on a $1 bet. In 2024, Menez gave out 18-1 Mystik Dan as a live longshot in the Kentucky Derby. In last year’s Kentucky Derby, he hammered the exacta and trifecta for a $1,045 payout. Anyone who has followed his horse racing betting advice could be way up.
One of Menez’s surprising 2026 Kentucky Derby picks: He is fading the favorite, Renegade. Renegade won the 2026 Arkansas Derby on March 28 at Oaklawn Park, covering 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.7, and before that won the 2026 Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs. If we take a closer look at the 2026 Kentucky Derby odds and his full resumé, the red flags start to pile up. Before those two wins, Renegade had finished second twice, including a runner-up effort in the 2025 Remsen at Aqueduct in December. He is a late-running closer, something tough to do in the chaotic, 20-horse Kentucky Derby 2026 field.
Veteran Todd A. Pletcher trains Renegade for the Kentucky Derby 2026, but the 58-year-old Hall of Fame conditioner has not had a Derby winner since 2017. Adding to the concern is the No. 1 post, a spot that has not produced a Derby winner since Ferdinand in 1986. “As a late-running closer, he will be at the mercy of a fair pace and a clean trip and is in danger of losing massive ground if he tries to pass horses on the outside on the far turn,” Menez said of the 2026 Kentucky Derby favorite. See who to back at SportsLine.
Another stunner: Menez is high on Chief Wallabee at 8-1. Not since Bob Baffert in 1997 and 1998 and D. Wayne Lukas in 1995 and 1996 have trainers been able to win back-to-back Kentucky Derby races. Bill Mott, however, may join them if Chief Wallabee is victorious on Saturday. Last year, the Mott-trained Sovereignty edged out the favored Journalsim by 1 ½ lengths on a sloppy track.
Sep 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dragon seats with the Big Ten conference logo on the Wisconsin Badgers team benches are seen before a game between the Wisconsin Badgers and the USC Trojans at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
After recent expansion and success in the College Football Playoffs following the 2024 season, the Big Ten Conference announced a record $1.37 billion distribution to its 18 league members for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
The Big Ten became the second conference to reach the $1 billion plateau. The Southeastern Conference announced that it had divided up $1 billion to its 16 member institutions in February. That figure represented an increase of $200 million from the 2023-24 fiscal year.
The Big Ten’s $1.37 billion largess represents an increase of $487 million from the 2023-24 fiscal year. The two primary factors were the additions of UCLA, Southern California, Oregon and Washington in August of 2024 and the participation of Indiana, Oregon, Ohio State and Penn State in the 12-team College Football Playoffs in December and January.
Ohio State defeated Notre Dame, 34-23 to win the 2024 national championship in a game played in Atlanta on Jan. 20, 2025. The Buckeyes’ program earned a league-high $91.57 million, while Penn State, a national semifinalist in football, received $88.29 million.
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All full-time members received between $76.01 million and $79.87 million, while new members Oregon and Washington took in $48.4 million and $46.7 million respectively. UCLA and USC are considered fully-vested members and earned the higher payout amounts.
Trainer Paul Murray from Kembla Grange has perpetuated his family’s notable tie to the Wagga Cup carnival, claiming the $200,000 Town Plate with Harry’s Bar.
Paul’s father, the iconic South Coast trainer Bede who has passed, initiated trips to the major country carnival back in the 1970s, frequently securing wins such as the Wagga Gold Cup (2000m) aboard Vanquished and Town Plate (1200m) on Scorpio.
Thursday saw Paul Murray enhance the family record when Harry’s Bar ($9) collared early leader Love Shuck ($61) to win by three-quarters of a length, as Bandi’s Boy ($11) finished purposefully for third, two lengths in arrears.
With a limited operation at Kembla Grange, this success represents Murray’s second feature victory over the preceding six months, after Where’s The Circus’s success in the Inglis Nursery (1000m) at Randwick during December.
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Nevertheless, the family’s longstanding involvement in the two-day Wagga carnival lent special meaning to Harry’s Bar’s performance.
“It’s unbelievable. I was only a boy when we used to come down with Dad,” Murray told Sky Racing.
“We had a runner after (Scorpio), Sure And Fast, and I think he ran second or third in it, but this is my first runner.”
For Harry’s Bar, it was win number three from 16 starts, merited by her dependability following second place in the Gosford Provincial-Midway Country Championships heat and a bold fifth in the Final to Lord Of Biscay.
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“She is just a very good mare,” Murray said.
“She gives you two hundred per cent. Every time you go to the races you know you’re going to get a run for your money.
She loves a fight, and I’ve never seen a mare as tough as her.”
Murray hasn’t settled on Harry’s Bar’s upcoming targets but indicated interest in the Dark Jewel Classic (1400m) at Scone in two weeks’ time.
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Steadfast rider Jean Van Overmeire steered Harry’s Bar to victory, doubling up earlier on the day with Brutal Belle from Luke Pepper’s yard.
The carnival proceeds Friday with the Wagga Gold Cup, in which Travolta trained by Chris Waller is $3.20 top pick.
Discover leading racing betting markets ahead of the Wagga Town Plate carnival’s highlight.
Kevin Durant is not looking for a new team following the Rockets’ first-round exit from the playoffs. The Lakers won the series 4-2 and eliminated Houston from the competition following a 98-78 win in Game 6.
Durant was sidelined for the majority of the series with a knee injury. He played in the Rockets’ 101-94 loss in Game 2, recording 23 points, six rebounds and four assists.
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On Friday, a parody account on X shared false news about the Rockets’ superstar looking for a new home.
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“Kevin Durant’s preferred trade destination this summer is whichever team wins the NBA finals, per @SharmsCharania,” the post claimed.
The post went viral, garnering over 633,000 impressions, 1,000 reposts and 32,000 likes on X. Durant has been in search of a ring since he left the Warriors after the 2018-19 season.
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The Rockets had put their future on the line to acquire KD from the Suns in June. They sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the number 10 pick in the 2025 draft and multiple second-round picks to get Durant from the Suns.
Kevin Durant proved himself as an elite scorer in the regular season. He led this season’s scoring leaderboard for the franchise, averaging 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game on 52.0% shooting. However, injury troubles kept him out of the court when he was needed the most.
What’s next for Kevin Durant and the Rockets following a back-to-back first-round exit?
The Houston Rockets repeat history following a back-to-back first-round exit in the playoffs. Last season, it was Steph Curry’s Golden State Warriors and this time it is LeBron James‘ Lakers. Following last season’s exit, Rockets’ general manager Rafael Stone went all-in during the last offseason to bring in Kevin Durant.
However, the acquisition hardly mattered as their season ended the same. Going ahead into the offseason, fans can expect the Rockets to make one of two decisions. They can either invest in their current lineup and trust them for another run or Stone can go all-in once again and chase another superstar.
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According to Spotrac, Kevin Durant has two more years left on his two-year $90,000,000 extension he signed earlier this season. He will earn a guaranteed salary of $43,902,439 in the 2026-27 season and has a player option in the 2027- 28 season. The Rockets can include Durant in a package to bring in a younger superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Toronto FC earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the Major League Soccer-leading San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday afternoon at BMO Field.
Both sides scored in the first half, though the Reds appeared to go ahead in the 86th minute in dramatic fashion when TFC midfielder Daniel Salloi directed a bouncing ball towards the open goal. San Jose defender Daniel Munie, however, booted it out of harm’s way just before the ball crossed the goal line.
The injury-depleted Reds (3-3-5) sit sixth in the Eastern Conference, while San Jose (9-1-1) picked up its first draw of the season.
The Reds opened the scoring two minutes into the match when Salloi fired a shot into the far corner from the left side of the box after a good pass by Jonathan Osorio. It was the Hungarian international’s team-leading fourth goal of the season.
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The Earthquakes replied in the 14th minute when Preston Judd redirected a free kick by Niko Tsakiris into the goal.
Osorio went down hard in the 36th minute after being clipped by San Jose defender Ronaldo Vieira — one captain taking down the other. Osorio stayed in the match, however. Vieira was issued a yellow card for the foul.
TFC goalkeeper Luka Gavran was forced to make a good save in first-half stoppage time to keep the game tied.
Midway through the second half, the Earthquakes appeared to get away with a hand ball in front of their goal. A couple of minutes after that, San Jose scored but the goal was ruled offside.
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The Reds have been decimated with injuries to some key starters, including forward Josh Sargent (thigh), midfielder Djordje Mihailovic (pelvis), defenders Richie Laryea (thigh) Matheus Pereira (groin) and Nicksoen Gomis (Achilles). Centre back Walker Zimmerman returned to the lineup after missing last week’s match to be with his wife who was about to give birth, though he did not get into the match.
Forward Timo Werner, who is the Earthquakes’ third-leading scorer with four goals, didn’t make the trip to Toronto.
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell is seen during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
PurplePTSD works in partnership with Vikings Territory, similarly doing their utmost to offer top-notch coverage of the Minnesota Vikings. As a result, we’re promoting five of their top articles of the past month in “The P/PTSD Perspective.” Take a peek at some of their best stuff.
The P/PTSD Perspective: May 2nd, 2026
1) Vikings Add Perfect Player for Brian Flores: Chef Flores happens to have something figured out when it comes to cooking up great defenses. Giving him the ingredients he’s looking for makes a lot of sense. Note that each level of the defense — the DL, LBs, and DBs — got additions.
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
2) Vikings Steal a Do-it-All Player: While development is needed, the newcomer offers a lot of promise. Why not go for promise when bringing in UDFA talent? The team keeps UDFAs on an annual basis. Maybe the next tremendous add has been scooped up.
3) Kevin O’Connell Thinks He Has an Ace Up His Sleeve: The presence of Ryan Nielsen is seen as being very important. The former HC and DC is now a top assistant in the Twin Cities. Partnering the super talented Caleb Banks with the coach is meant to lead to a great outcome.
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Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks is selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the number 18 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
4) The Vikings’ Depth Chart and the Players Who Got Bad News: The NFL is a tough workplace. Every haul of new talent means others are getting forced out. The league always leans toward youth, especially when the young players are cheap.
5) Vikings Pickup Boasts “Gazelle-Like” Speed: Much to like in the very athletic Jake Golday. Minnesota’s linebacker spot did need a youth infusion, especially with veteran Blake Cashman playing on the final year of his deal. Even better, Golday could get kicked up to edge rusher.
Oct 12, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights quarterback Jacurri Brown (11) looks to pass in front of Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jake Golday (11) during the second half at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Chennai Super Kings’ captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (PTI Photo)
Ruturaj Gaikwad reflected on a complete team performance after guiding Chennai Super Kings to a commanding eight-wicket win over Mumbai Indians, a result that keeps their playoff hopes alive. Named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 67, Gaikwad highlighted how CSK managed to wrest back control after a brief phase of pressure. “Feels good. We started really well, first couple of overs, they got a momentum after that and we pulled it back,” he said, pointing to the bowlers’ ability to respond under pressure. MI had raced to 57 for 1 in the powerplay, but CSK’s attack, led by Noor Ahmad (2/26) and Anshul Kamboj (3/32), tightened the screws through the middle overs. Gaikwad was particularly pleased with Kamboj’s approach, saying, “He is someone who is keeping it really simple, sticking to the process and his mind is thinking like a batters mind.” He also noted Noor’s improvement, adding that the spinner “has made some adjustments and come along really well.” Chasing 160, CSK lost Sanju Samson early to Jasprit Bumrah, but Gaikwad stressed the importance of one of the top three batting deep. “It was about getting through the first couple of overs and then it was about one of the top three staying there,” he explained. He anchored the innings alongside Kartik Sharma, who impressed with an unbeaten 54. Praising the youngster, Gaikwad said, “Good confidence booster for him and us as well. Yes, he is a six-hitter but he has the other game as well, but he picks and chooses particular deliveries.” Gaikwad also shed light on team selection decisions, explaining the balance CSK sought by opting for all-round options. “We thought about how to get the balance right, how to get a batter at eight and the extra bowler. Veer and Ghosh are someone who can contribute with both.” Reflecting on his own form, he remained composed. “As I always saying, I was feeling well, feeling confident, but it is T20 cricket. I have been in a good frame of mind and it was only a matter of time.” With the win, CSK stay firmly in the playoff race, and Gaikwad emphasised the team’s simple approach going forward: “Mistakes are going to happen but have to make sure we come back strong, give everything for the jersey and the fans.”
Dallas Turner (15) looks on from the sideline during pregame moments, taking in the atmosphere as Minnesota prepared for kickoff, Dec. 8, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The linebacker remained focused ahead of the matchup, observing warmups and final adjustments before facing Atlanta in a late-season contest. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Because of free agency and the draft, most NFL teams have at least a handful of new starters each season, and the 2026 Minnesota Vikings are no different. Consider this the batch for the upcoming season, which is suddenly four months away.
Minnesota’s roster reset could look dramatic by Week 1, especially after a busy offseason and draft.
Oddsmakers expect Minnesota to win about eight or nine games in 2026, a familiar forecast that seems to follow the franchise every offseason and preseason. The list below features prospective new starters, with No. 1 as the most impactful.
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Eight Lineup Changes Could Reshape Minnesota’s Week 1 Look
Which starter are you most excited about?
Michigan tight end Max Bredeson (44), defensive end Joey Klunder (93), and offensive lineman Trente Jones (53) celebrate on the field after a dominant win, Sept. 2, 2023, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, following a 30-3 victory that showcased the Wolverines’ depth and physical style in the season opener. Mandatory Credit: Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK.
8. Max Bredeson (FB)
C.J. Ham is gone and isn’t coming back. Rather than delete the fullback position, as many NFL teams have over the last five years, the Vikings have renewed their FB vitality with Bredeson, a former teammate of J.J. McCarthy.
7. Tai Felton or Veteran WR3 (WR)
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Jalen Nailor signed a fat contract with the Las Vegas Raiders two months ago, and he may be on deck for WR1 duty with Klint Kubiak’s team. That leaves Felton as the next man up, though Minnesota is flirting with Jauan Jennings, who would be a magnificent WR3.
6. Jay Ward (S)
Ward saw more playing time down the stretch of 2025, even taking Theo Jackson’s spot in Brian Flores’s defense. With Harrison Smith perhaps retired, Ward would be the natural choice to start next to Josh Metellus.
5. Blake Brandel (C)
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Ryan Kelly retired after three concussions in 2025, a wise move. Then, Minnesota signed no replacement centers in free agency and didn’t pick any in the first six rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, waiting on Round 7 to choose Cincinnati’s Gavin Gerhardt. It’s probably Brande at center for Week 1.
Minnesota Vikings guard Blake Brandel (64) lines up during postseason action, Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, as the Vikings face the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC Wild Card game with Brandel anchoring the offensive line in a high-stakes playoff matchup. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Our Janik Eckardt on Brandel: “A clear need entering the offseason was the center position, especially since veteran Ryan Kelly announced his retirement following a concussion-plagued campaign. However, instead of spending money in free agency or a draft pick last week. Minnesota’s decision-makers appear happy with the current top option, versatile backup Blake Brandel.”
“The asterisk was that a new center could still arrive in the draft, but only seventh-rounder Gavin Gerhardt joined, who’s certainly unlikely to take over. It’s Brandel’s position now.”
4. Domonique Orange (NT)
The Vikings haven’t employed a prototypical starting nose tackle since Linval Joseph — seven years ago — and Orange is the solution to that drought. So long as he can defeat Levi Drake Rodriguez at training camp in August, he’s the shiny new nose tackle.
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3. Caleb Banks (NT)
Minnesota booted Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave from the roster, and instead of signing Christian Wilkins, for example, it took a swing with a boom-or-bust 1st-Round pick in Banks.
If Banks’s foot is good to go, he has an All-Pro upside. For 2026’s purposes, it’s all a matter of whether the broken bone in his foot from the Combine is completely healed. If so, he’ll start in September.
2. Dallas Turner (OLB)
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Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski traded Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles eight days ago, grabbing two 3rd-Rounders for his troubles. Turner, a 2024 1st-Rounder, is now vividly in line to hold a starter’s job for the long term.
It’s time to see if the 2024 trade — the expensive one — was worth it.
MSN’s Adam Patrick on Turner: “The 23-year-old pass rusher appeared in all 17 games for the Vikings last year, including 10 in which he was a starter. In those 17 contests, Turner accumulated 66 tackles (11 for a loss), 24 pressures, eight sacks, four forced fumbles, and three pass deflections.”
“When filling in for Van Ginkel last season, he did a solid job. But when Greenard was sidelined was really when Turner got to play a role in Minnesota’s defense that better suited his strengths. The Vikings clearly noticed what the young pass rusher was able to do when filling in for Greenard in 2025, which made it that much easier for the team to complete the trade with the Eagles on Friday.”
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1. Kyler Murray (QB)
He’s in town, folks. Murray, a two-time Pro Bowler, picked the Vikings for his “prove it” season after the Arizona Cardinals kicked him to the curb in favor of Jacoby Brissett.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) surveys the field during game action, Oct. 28, 2021, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, as the Cardinals host the Green Bay Packers with Murray leading the offense in a primetime matchup against a top NFC opponent. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
Barring a stunning training camp upset by the aforementioned McCarthy, Murray is the Vikings’ new QB1, and if he plays his cards right — Minnesota reaches the postseason and wins a playoff game or multiple — he’ll probably be the team’s signal-caller well into his 30s.
Murray fell into the Vikings’ lap like a gift from the Almighty.
Agit Kabayel has emerged as an elite operator in recent years, but despite struggling to secure fights against the division’s biggest names, he has ruled out a clash with a two-time world heavyweight champion.
During that time, the undefeated German has also claimed and defended the WBC Interim title, positioning him for a shot at Oleksandr Usyk’s full WBC crown.
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While he may hold that belt, there appears to be a lack of willing dance partners for Kabayel. Lawrence Okolie has talked up the fight in the past, but his recent failed drugs test could prevent that from happening anytime soon.
Yet, Kabayel himself has now named a man that he is not prepared to fight, telling Pro Boxing Fans that he will never take on Tyson Fury, who he sees as a ‘brother’.
“I am not interested in a fight with Fury, he is my brother. He has helped me so much in my career, when I fought with Makhmudov, he supported me and I have no interest [in that fight].”
Kabayel and Fury share both the same promoter and manager and have used each other as sparring partners during training camp, with ‘The Gypsy King’ sure to prove to be even more useful if Kabayel manages to secure his planned showdown with Usyk, whom Fury has faced twice.
Jay Ward (20) lines up in the secondary during second-quarter action, tracking the play as Minnesota faced New York overseas, Oct. 6, 2024, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The defensive back remained active in coverage, adjusting to the Jets’ passing attack during an international matchup on a neutral field. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images.
The 2026 NFL Draft is complete, and Minnesota Vikings fans now turn their attention to the rest of the spring and summer, with training camp three months away. When we get there, per usual, the club will have a handful of intriguing roster battles.
Minnesota has several summer competitions that could tweak the roster.
Some will claim that Kyler Murray must duel J.J. McCarthy in a camp battle, but we’re just buying that, so the QB1 spot has been excluded from this list. We believe Murray has the job in the bag. We also assume that the Vikings will sign a WR3 like Jauan Jennings before too long.
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Five Roster Fights Could Define the Vikings’ Summer Evaluation
The battles are ranked in order of the most fascinating (No. 1 = most fascinating).
Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne (1) carries the ball through traffic during second-quarter action, Nov. 23, 2024, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, as the Demon Deacons faced the Miami Hurricanes in a late-season ACC matchup with Claiborne showcasing burst and vision between the tackles. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images.
6. RB3 Demond Claiborne vs. Zavier Scott
This one may not be much of a competition if the draftheads are right about Claiborne. He has 4.37 speed, the same size as Miami Dolphins halfback De’Von Achane, and the Vikings just so happen to employ Achane’s offensive coordinator from the last three years, Frank Smith.
Scott has clawed his way up the depth chart over the last couple of seasons, but in reality, he’s probably best suited as a practice squad commodity.
VT’s Prediction: Demond Claiborne
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5. Punter Johnny Hekker vs. Brett Thorson
The past versus the future. Eight years ago, Hekker was the best punter in the world. He’s now a Viking, but Minnesota scooped Thorson from undrafted free agency last weekend. Thorson was one of the best punters in college in 2025; he’s also a Viking.
Some intel even hinted that Thorson could be a mid-round pick during the draft, but that proved to be smoke.
Still, Hekker performed at an average clip last season. His prime is over. Thorson is just getting off the ground.
VT’s Prediction: Brett Thorson
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4. NT Domonique Orange vs. Levi Drake Rodriguez
Disclaimer: this discussion is about Week 1 — not the long haul. Orange will obviously be the Vikings’ nose tackle of the future. He better be.
Still, Rodriguez has performed decently over two seasons, and there’s a world in which defensive coordinator Brian Flores takes it slow with Big Citrus. In fact, in recent years, Minnesota has preferred not to play rookies, though most assumed that former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah just didn’t draft good ones.
VT’s Prediction: Domonique Orange
3. Safety Theo Jackson v. Jay Ward
Ward took Jackson’s job down the stretch of 2025, and that actually flew under fans’ radar. Jackson could’ve used the offseason to reset because, at the start of 2025, he held the advantage of roster placement over Ward.
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Ward is a faster and meaner safety. He has one year left on his rookie contract, and Minnesota should roll with him over Jackson, especially if Harrison Smith retires.
Minnesota Vikings safety Jay Ward (20) tracks a deflected pass and secures an interception during fourth-quarter play, Aug. 24, 2024, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the Vikings faced the Eagles in preseason action with Ward capitalizing on a tipped ball to create a late turnover. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports.
Our Janik Eckardt noted on Ward this week, “The Vikings were widely expected (by the media) to address the position in the draft by adding Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman. They didn’t, and now the safety room looks like last year’s, but with Smith potentially out and Jakobe Thomas, a third-rounder in.”
“It remains to be seen if Thomas can clinch a significant role in his debut season. Jay Ward usurped Theo Jackson late in the 2025 season and should be the front-runner for the second starting job next to Joshua Metellus.”
VT’s Prediction: Jay Ward
2. Center Blake Brandel vs. Michael Jurgens v. Gavin Gerhardt
Vikings fans thought Minnesota would leave the draft with Connor Lew, Logan Jones, Jake Slaughter, or Sam Hecht. Instead, head coach Kevin O’Connell waited until Round 7, unearthing his version of a gem in Gerhard from Cincinnati.
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Round 7 rookies usually don’t start right away, so this is Brandel’s job to lose — unless the Vikings get frisky and trade for Aaron Brewer of the Dolphins, for example.
VT’s Prediction: Blake Brandel
1. OLB3 Bo Richter vs. Tyler Batty vs. Free Agent Signing
VT’s Prediction: Free Agent Signing to Be Named Later
With no Jonathan Greenard — he’s a Philadelphia Eagle — Minnesota has a major question at OLB3: Is Richter or Batty ready to serve as an OLB3 behind Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner?
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Los Angeles Rams linebacker Leonard Floyd (54) lines up on defense during Super Bowl LVI, Feb. 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, as the Rams battled the Cincinnati Bengals on the league’s biggest stage with Floyd playing a key role in the team’s pass rush effort. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
Richter has played 81 defensive snaps in two seasons. That’s not exactly a green light to OLB3 trustworthiness for the 2026 regular season. Batty played 42 snaps in 2025 as a rookie. Neither is very experienced.
Therefore, the Vikings probably need to sign an extra veteran EDGE. Vikings defensive coaches have ties to these veteran OLBs:
Joey Bosa
Von Miller
A.J. Epenesa
Kyle Van Noy
Leonard Floyd
Cameron Jordan
Emmanuel Ogbah
Marcus Davenport
We will formally predict Floyd from that list. Jadveon Clowney, who logged 8.5 sacks in under 400 snaps last year with the Dallas Cowboys, is also on the open market.
Each May, we reveal the Mount Rushmore of the Minnesota Vikings’ offseason, which is basically code for the four best moves or decisions from January through April. This is the 2026 edition.
Minnesota’s recent months left the franchise, with risk, urgency, and a new Super Bowl window attached.
The Vikings finished 9-8 last season, one win away from facing the Green Bay Packers in Week 18 for a winner-take-all contest to decide the NFC North. So close; no cigar.
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Four Decisions Define the Vikings’ 2026 Offseason Reset
What is your top offseason moment so far?
Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah watches from the sideline during an NFL International Series matchup, Sept. 28, 2025, at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, as the Vikings face the Pittsburgh Steelers with leadership evaluating roster performance on a global stage during one of the league’s featured overseas games. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
George Washington Firing Kwesi Adofo-Mensah
Even with a generous assessment, the Vikings have yielded only five or six significant contributors from the four draft classes on Adofo-Mensah’s watch: Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, Dallas Turner, Levi Drake Rodriguez, Will Reichard, and potentially Donovan Jackson.
That leaves a long list of players still trying to make an impact in Minnesota and around the NFL:
Akayleb Evans
Andrew Booth
Brian Asamoah
DeWayne McBride
Ed Ingram
Esezi Otomewo
Gavin Bartholomew
J.J. McCarthy
Jaquelin Roy
Jaren Hall
Kobe King
Lewis Cine
Mekhi Blackmon
Nick Muse
Tai Felton
Ty Chandler
Vederian Lowe
The success rate? Around 15%-20%, even with a generous interpretation of borderline players.
Such low numbers cannot build a contender; they hinder progress. Persistent roster holes prevent the development of solid depth and quickly erode organizational flexibility.
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Meanwhile, free agency also failed to consistently remedy the situation. Aggressive free agent signings, such as those of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, only inflated costs and aged the roster without addressing core problems.
The handling of the quarterback position further complicated matters. Sam Darnold’s departure, followed by his Lombardi Trophy win in Seattle, cast a long shadow over the Vikings — indefinitely.
All told, a clear pattern emerged: the team consistently missed on draft picks, high-profile free agent acquisitions underperformed, and the roster consequently stagnated. The Vikings desperately needed a complete reset, requiring leadership capable of identifying and developing young talent. The draft remains the most critical pipeline for talent in professional sports; teams either excel at it or struggle for years.
So, the Vikings fired Adofo-Mensah, and now drafts are guaranteed to be futile.
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Thomas Jefferson Retaining Brian Flores
Had Flores vamoosed, the Vikings would have faced the daunting task of rebuilding their defense at the worst possible time.
Both the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers chatted with Flores about their head-coaching vacancies, and if either team had secured him, Minnesota would have launched the Kyler Murray era with a new quarterback, a new defensive leader, and significantly less stability than any true contender desires.
Instead, retaining Flores provided the Vikings with one of their strongest chances at a Super Bowl run in 2026.
His defense proved to be the backbone of Minnesota’s 2025 season, especially after a challenging 4-8 start. The unit always brought pressure, disguised coverages, disrupted opposing quarterbacks, and frequently set up the offense with advantageous field position.
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The numbers undeniably support this elite production. Over the last two seasons, Minnesota led the NFL in EPA/Play allowed. In 2025, Flores’ defense ranked third in EPA/Play, trailing only the Seattle Seahawks and Houston Texans.
Further cementing their dominance, the defense also ranked:
1st in Pass Rush Win Rate
2nd in Yards Allowed
3rd in Defense DVOA
3rd in EPA/Play
4th in Defensive 3rd-Down Conversion Percentage
7th in Points Allowed
Recognizing this elite performance, the Vikings secured Flores with a $6 million-per-year extension, ensuring the defensive mastermind remained with the franchise for at least one year — probably more.
The momentum surrounding Murray’s arrival critically hinged on Flores’ continued presence. Without him, all the Vikings’ 2026 hype would have been overshadowed by a significant defensive stain.
Teddy Roosevelt Rolling the Dice on Caleb Banks
Did everyone love this Round 1 draft pick? Absolutely not. Will everyone love this draft pick two years from now? Probably.
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Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) greets fans along the sideline during the second half, Nov. 16, 2024, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida, after Florida’s win over LSU with Banks engaging the home crowd following a strong defensive performance in the SEC matchup. Mandatory Credit: Doug Engle-Gainesville Sun.
Last year in the draft, the Vikings “played it safe” by picking a sturdy guard, Donovan Jackson from Ohio State. If you do your homework right, you can’t go wrong with an interior offensive lineman, so long as injuries don’t ruin everything.
This time, Minnesota got frisky. It bet on Banks. He has the potential to be Chris Jones in 2-5 years; he could also see his career derailed by foot injuries. Any time a large man has a foot injury, people hold their breath. Still, it was exciting to see the Vikings get bold, unafraid of Banks’s bust potential. They could’ve played it cleaner by drafting Dillon Thieneman, but Minnesota is evidently eyeing Super Bowl dreams, not 9-8 glory.
Abraham Lincoln Signing Kyler Murray for $1.3 Million
Minnesota acquired Kyler Murray for an astonishingly low cost — less than what some teams allocate for a long snapper.
Over a 17-game season, Murray delivers impressive statistics on average:
4,000 Passing Yards
600 RushingRards
30 Total Touchdowns
Top 5 All-Time Completion Percentage
This is franchise-level production, now poised to thrive in Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
The fit sure appears seamless. Murray, a lifelong Vikings fan, brings an immediate emotional connection, and his two Pro Bowl selections underscore his proven talent. Minnesota has J.J. McCarthy ready, willing, and waiting if Murray gets hurt.
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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) drops back to pass during first-half action, Dec. 22, 2019, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington, as the Cardinals faced the Seahawks with Murray leading the offense in a road victory during his rookie NFL season. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports.
Once widely considered the premier rookie quarterback talent in the NFL, that same player — now fully developed and still in his prime — has arrived in Minnesota.
Minnesota secured a proven quarterback at minimal cost, injecting a significant boost into the roster that few teams could match. The entire scenario highlights a front office that identified a massive opportunity and executed swiftly.
There’s a chance for Murray to be the Vikings’ franchise quarterback for the next decade. That isn’t outlandish.
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