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A Tidal Wave of Comp Picks Could Soon Crash into the Minnesota Vikings

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Vikings Fans in Christmas gear in December 2022
Dec 11, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions fans dressed up in a Christmas theme during the first quarter of a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images.

Left untouched, the Vikings’ roster is going to see a ton of talent venture into next year’s free agency, creating perfect conditions to welcome a boatload comp picks (maximum = four).

Indeed, a lot of the in-house talents are working with just a single year left on their deals. That’s not to say that things aren’t going to change for some of these guys. Making a final call on the new GM will presumably be what precedes some of the contract decisions that have yet to be made. Agreeing to longer contracts with some of these players will still involve a future where Minnesota could be adding a good cluster of picks.

The Vikings’ Comp Picks Tidal Wave

Begin with some very basic rules to govern the conversation. Anyone looking to go more in-depth on the mystery of comp picks can check out Over the Cap, especially Nick Korte.

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A basic understanding of comp picks means recognizing that a team that loses pricey veterans in free agency without bringing in a proportionally expensive incoming free agent is set to earn a draft pick. When Minnesota lost Sam Darnold on a deal for $33.5 million annually without bringing in someone of a similar price range, the Vikings earned that 3rd (the pick used on o-lineman Caleb Tiernan).

A variety of factors can complicate that too-simple math. Cutting a player, for instance, doesn’t mean a team gets a new candidate to generate a comp pick. What needs to occur is a team seeing a veteran get to the end of his deal before departing due to free agency. The NFL moves in afterwards to compensate the team that lost the pricey veteran by kicking over a draft pick.

Blake Cashman and Brian O'Neill take the field before a Vikings game against the Packers at Lambeau Field.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) and offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (75) walk onto the field before a divisional matchup against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Nov. 23, 2025. The veteran leaders prepared for another NFC North showdown as Minnesota attempted to secure an important late-season road victory against Green Bay. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.

The current outlook has the cutoff for 2027 compensatory picks sitting a touch below $4 million per year.

Korte’s current estimation has Minnesota moving toward adding a 6th for the 2027 NFL Draft due to losing Ryan Wright ($3.5 million per year) and Jalen Nailor ($11.7 million per year). Signing James Pierre ($4.25 million per year) cancels out that possible Wright comp pick, but Nailor’s beefy deal didn’t have an offsetting deal to cancel out the added draft selection.

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Jauan Jennings would have cancelled out that pick since his deal is reasonably meaty. Crucial, though, was the timing. Waiting until after the draft to sign Mr. Jennings means getting that projected 6th across the finish line, at least per the current outlook.

With all of that being said, consider players moving into a final contract year who could plausibly make enough on the open market to generate a comp pick:

  • OL Blake Brandel
  • LB Blake Cashman
  • WR Jauan Jennings
  • RB Aaron Jones
  • RB Jordan Mason
  • QB Kyler Murray
  • RT Brian O’Neill
  • LB Ivan Pace
  • CB Isaiah Rodgers
  • OT Ryan Van Demark
  • EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel
  • S Jay Ward

Consider a 2027 where the cutoff for comp picks sits at an average of $5 million. How many of the above-listed players will demand contracts meaty enough to get a comp pick on the board? The 2028 NFL Draft — an event that’s genuinely not that far off — could see two, three, or four picks added due to some of these guys going elsewhere.

Vikings Pro Bowler's Once-Sentence Reaction to the Mayhem
Nov 13, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Minnesota Vikings full back C.J. Ham (30) reacts to scoring a touchdown along with Minnesota Vikings tackle Brian O’Neill (75) during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports.

The new GM, whoever that person ends up being, could opt to extend all of Brian O’Neill, Andrew Van Ginkel, Jay Ward, and maybe two or three others. Even that scenario, though, means seeing somewhere around a half dozen veterans who could be pricey enough to generate a comp pick.

Of course, the Vikings will probably be more frisky in next year’s free agency period since the current outlook has Minnesota at $56 million in cap space, albeit with only 42 contracts under consideration. Even bringing that open room down in the $30 to $40 million range will be more than enough to bring in some external talent, especially since next year’s cap saving moves haven’t yet taken place.

A tricky balance, to be sure, as Minnesota looks to thread the needle on veteran talent and assets to acquire young talent.

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The Minnesota Vikings have worked through rookie minicamp. Next up are OTAs alongside mandatory minicamp. A summer break will take place before training camp gets rolling in late-July. After the GM mystery gets solved, some players will be extended ahead of being able to generate comp picks in March of 2027.

If/when these deals get done, consider who remains and what sort of possibilities the Vikings are working toward.


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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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McLaughlin: Why Many CFB Stadiums Need Better WiFi > Spencer talks with Tyler Wojciak about the challenges of keeping fans attending games

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  By Spencer McLaughlin of Locked on CFB for SuperWest Sports

May 14, 2026


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ACC Conference logoNotre Dame has changed its tune and has come out in support of the 24-team Playoff.

Could they change their minds about joining a conference?

On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin discusses Texas HC Steven Sarkisian taking a shot at Ole Miss’ academic standards.

espn%2Bflorida%2Bstate.pngCould this be good for college football? Mike Norvell enters 2026 at Florida State looking to avoid a third straight losing season.

What threshold must he reach to avoid getting fired?

00:00 Notre Dame supports 2014 playoff
03:48 College football expansion concerns
06:59 Challenges of live sports attendance
11:23 The emotional highs of sports
18:48 Discussing college football fan dynamics
22:41 Mike Norvell’s coaching struggles
26:51 Deciding Mike Norvell’s Future

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/ @lockedoncollegefootball  

Follow and subscribe to the Podcast on these platforms…

Follow on Twitter: https://x.com/smclaughlinCFB
Follow the show on Twitter: https://x.com/LockedOn_CFB

<h3>McLaughlin: Why Many CFB Stadiums Need Better WiFi</h3><span style='color:gray;font-size:18px;'> > Spencer talks with Tyler Wojciak about the challenges of keeping fans attending games</span> first appeared on <h3>McLaughlin: Why Many CFB Stadiums Need Better WiFi</h3><span style='color:gray;font-size:18px;'> > Spencer talks with Tyler Wojciak about the challenges of keeping fans attending games</span> and was syndicated with permission.

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Seahawks’ schedule has them playing on every day of the week except Tuesday

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The NFL is increasingly moving games off Sundays to play them on other days of the week, when TV networks and streaming platforms will pay more money for them. And no team epitomizes the NFL’s changing approach more than the Seahawks.

The Seahawks’ 2026 schedule features games on every day except Tuesday.

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Seattle will host the first game of the 2026 NFL season, as is customary for the defending Super Bowl champions. But the major changes this year is that the game will be on Wednesday, September 9, rather than being played in the normal Thursday night opening slot.

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The rest of the Seahawks’ schedule features 10 games on Sundays, a Thursday night game, two Monday night games, a Saturday game in Week 15, and the Christmas night game, which falls on a Friday this year. The Seahawks’ 17th and final game will be on either a Saturday or a Sunday.

The only other team in NFL history to play on six different days of the week was the 2024 Chiefs, who also were the defending Super Bowl champions and also played every day but Tuesday. No team has ever played on all seven days of the week, but with the way the NFL is changing its schedule, that will probably happen soon.

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2026 NBA Draft Combine intel: Rumors and buzz on trades, draft stock and strategy coming out of Chicago

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CHICAGO — The 2026 NBA Draft Combine has come to a close and while the measurements, drills, and games produced plenty of information for decision-makers and draft lovers to digest, the real value in this event continues to be in the intel gathering. When every major agency and NBA front office are clustered in the same gym and hotel for a full week, along with numerous members of the national media and high-major college coaches, it’s an undeniable networking event. Amidst those pleasantries and authentic opportunities to reconnect is a very steady exchange of information.

The most immediate intel of the week was focused on the first four picks in the draft and the domino effects of various scenarios there. The headlines will follow what the Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies and Chicago Bulls do at the top of the draft with the four players widely expected to be the top picks – AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson.

But the draft really starts after those four players come off the board. As the week went on in Chicago, more and more information started to spread through Wintrust Arena and the connected Marriott Marquis.

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NBA Draft Combine intel: AJ Dybantsa-to-Washington isn’t viewed as the lock everyone assumed

Adam Finkelstein

NBA Draft Combine intel: AJ Dybantsa-to-Washington isn't viewed as the lock everyone assumed
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Will it be four straight point guards?

We may not yet know the order that the top four prospects will be taken in, but there is a large degree of collective confidence that when the Clippers pick at No. 5, Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer, and Wilson will all be off the board. 

Many mocks, including the CBS Sports Big Board, list a quartet of freshmen point guards next. It’s Darius Acuff, Kingston Flemings, Keaton Wagler, and Mikel Brown, in various and differing orders. What I’m hearing from NBA scouts though, many of whom are engaging in their own mocks in order to forecast plausible scenarios, is real skepticism that four point guards will be taken consecutively, despite the fact that three of those four teams (Brooklyn at 6, Sacramento at 7, and Atlanta at 8) have a void at the point.

A spot for a trade in the top 10?

The Clippers are the one team here that does not have point guard as a positional need after acquiring Darius Garland at the deadline. But the fact that Los Angeles picks at No. 5 means they’re farther away from any other options and thus may have a harder time justifying taking someone else with this pick.

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Could this be a place to look for a trade? Many people are wondering that out loud, especially amid so much uncertainty about the Clippers long-term assets as they await the results of the Aspiration investigation. If they are committed to Garland long-term, and the best prospects available don’t fit alongside him, it may be logical for them to explore turning this draft pick asset into multiple assets, whether that be by trading down and adding another pick or moving it for multiple other future picks.

One way or another, most scouts suspect that something will break up these four point guards. Exactly what, or which player, remains to be seen.

Michigan trio rising

If it is a player who cracks the top eight, Arizona’s Brayden Burries is the most likely candidate. Tennessee’s Nate Ament is a possibility, although there is still a wide range of opinions on him. Another option is Michigan’s Aday Mara, who continues to build momentum in this process. Mara’s combination of incredible size, rim protection, deceptive mobility, passing, and touch could fit with any of those four teams, but the Clippers and Kings would have the most obvious need. It remains to be seen if either would pull the trigger at 5 or 7, but it is no longer viewed as impossible, particularly in that latter scenario.

Two more members of Michigan’s 2026 National Championship team also left Chicago trending. Yaxel Lendeborg’s dimensions, physical tools, and even basketball skills were already well known coming into this week. Some of the biggest questions centered around his maturity. He reportedly eased some of those concerns by making positive impressions in his interviews with teams, with particular credit given to his humility and unselfishness. That’s going to have positive implications on his stock.

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Morez Johnson Jr. was also one of the combine’s biggest risers.  Sources told CBS Sports he’s now in play in the late lottery, and other teams with picks in the early 20s acknowledged that they no longer expect Johnson to be available there.

If all three players end up going in the lottery, it will mark the first time since 2007 that a college basketball program has produced three non-freshman lottery picks. Perhaps not coincidentally, the last team to do it, the Florida Gators, were also national champions.

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Koa Peat is asking questions

Koa Peat’s struggles shooting the basketball this week were well-documented as his new mechanics seem to have backfired and erased whatever progress he made during the season. The unfortunate truth is that Peat’s issues were a popular subject of conversation in the gym on Monday, and while that doesn’t take away from all the other things Peat can do to impact winning, it is expected to have some impact on his draft stock.

Consequently, many now wonder if Peat’s shooting concerns could impact his decision to stay in this draft, with both a major NIL payday and another Final Four-caliber roster waiting for him at Arizona. Also, the 2027 NBA Draft has significantly less star power, which could allow him to be a much higher selection. Well, apparently Peat may be wondering that too. Multiple league sources indicated that during his team interviews, Peat reportedly asked executives themselves for feedback about whether he should stay in the draft. While gathering that type of direct feedback is the exact point of going through the NBA Draft process, and he should be credited for his willingness ask questions and get the best advice available, it does reveal that a final decision for Peat has not yet been made.

New strategy for late first or second draft picks, as they decrease in value

Speaking of stay-and-go decisions, for all of the talk about the increased NIL market pulling players back to college this year, we have started to see the impact on the other side this week. For an NBA team who own picks in the late first or second rounds, there’s real concern that those assets are not as valuable as expected, or once were. Ironically, it may be the late first-round picks in particular, because of their correlating salary guarantees, that could be viewed as almost a liability at this point.

Both teams drafting in the late first round and second round are clearly incentivized to get as many players to stay in the draft as possible in order to maximize the depth of the class, and consequently the value of their picks. That can result in almost a recruiting-type process where teams strongly encourage prospects to stay in, even with promises of fully guaranteed contracts if they can land them in the second round. That may not be enough to pull them away from the college NIL market, but it is providing them with options.

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Players like UNC transfer commitment Matthew Able, who performed well in the five-on-five games, could be a prime target for these types of overtures. He wasn’t viewed as a likely first-round pick entering this week and might have a real chance to boost his stock by transferring to North Carolina next year. But it’s totally logical for a team to try to get him to stay in the draft, lock him into a long-term deal, albeit guaranteed, but at low money. We’ve seen OKC and Memphis take similar approaches with players like Ajay Mitchell and Cam Spencer in recent years, and those have blossomed into two of the most team-friendly deals in the NBA.

It’s something for colleges to be aware of, and may just end up driving the NIL price up.

The debate and manipulation of Malachi Moreno’s stock

Speaking of stock that could impact a stay-or-go decision, there were reports this week that Kentucky’s Malachi Moreno had attracted attention from teams in the mid to late first round. While that certainly may be true, many of those teams also hold second-round picks, and many of the scouts I spoke to expressed skepticism that Moreno would crack the first round this year.

Instead, those reports could be viewed as negotiating leverage with Kentucky in order to command the highest possible valuation for Moreno’s return to college and Lexington. The fact that Moreno chose not to play five-on-five, while higher-ranked bigs like Rueben Chinyelu, Tarris Reed, and Flory Bidunga all opted in, was also being viewed as an indication that Moreno’s representation was being very deliberate about controlling how the big man was being perceived.

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Ultimately, most still expect him to return to school.

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Brio reopens historic Chester Northgate leisure centre after a £12 million investment

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By Kath Hudson    15 May 2026

Brio Northgate has reopened following a £12 million refurbishment

The upgraded facility includes a new gym, studios, sauna and steamroom

Energy-saving upgrades include LED lighting and additional solar panels

More than 3,000 members continued using the centre during the refurbishment

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Brio Northgate – formerly Northgate Arena in Chester – has officially reopened following a £12 million refurbishment. When built in the 1970s, it was the largest leisure centre in Europe.

The refurbishment was carried out by Read Construction and supported by Cheshire West and Chester Council and operator Brio Leisure, a local authority trading company established in 2011.

Improvements include a fully refurbished gym with state-of-the-art equipment and versatile studio spaces, including a cycling studio. Sauna and steamroom facilities have been added and the changing areas refurbished.

The swimming pool has also been overhauled, with the addition of a new flume, while improvements have been made to the squash courts.

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A library is now part of the offering.

LED lighting will help save more than 90 per cent in energy usage, while the pool plant systems have been upgraded with higher-efficiency circulation pumps. An additional 125kWp of solar panels added to the existing scheme will save around £34,000 annually.

The centre remained partially open during the refurbishment, with a temporary gym and racquet sports operating in the sports hall, alongside more than 74 fitness classes each week. More than 3,000 members continued to engage in regular activity.

“We’re really excited about the new site and look forward to getting back to full member capacity,” Matt Parker, managing director of Brio, told HCM. “We really want to make a shift and have a greater impact across the community as a whole. We want more people to be moving more and think we’ve got a vital role to lead within that.”

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Home Winning % in Last 10 Years for CFB Programs in West

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  By SuperWest Sports Staff


Home-game victories are the foundation of a college football program’s success and often correlate with teams at the top of the standings.

The tables below show the wins, losses, and win percentages for the region’s top programs over the last 10 seasons.

Oregon leads the way, followed by Boise State, Washington, Utah, and USC.

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Home Winning % and Records by Program from 2016-2025
Win % Team Record
89.1% Oregon 57-7
82.5% Boise St 52-11
81.5% Washington 53-12
78.3% Utah 47-13
75.8% USC 47-15
75.0% WSU 45-15
73.8% BYU 45-16
68.8% SDSU 44-20
68.4% Air Force 39-18
67.9% Fresno St 38-18
66.1% Wyoming 39-20
65.6% ASU 40-21
60.9% Hawai’i 42-27
60.3% Utah St 35-23
59.3% Cal 35-24
57.9% SJSU 33-24
55.2% Colorado 32-26
53.2% UCLA 33-29
53.1% New Mexico St 26-23
51.6% Arizona 32-30
51.6% Ore St 32-30
50.9% CSU 29-28
50.9% Nevada 30-29
50.0% UNLV 29-29
46.3% New Mexico 25-29
45.6% Stanford 26-31
33.9% UTEP 19-37

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Dave Allen weighs lightest in 7 years to produce ‘biggest upset in British boxing history’ against Hrgovic

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Dave Allen has delivered on his promise to come into his clash with Filip Hrgovic in decent shape.

The fan favourite Brit has blown hot and cold throughout his career, often revealing after defeats that he could have trained harder and prepared better.

This weekend, he looks to claim the biggest scalp of his campaign in Hrgovic, the world-level, well-schooled and durable Croatian, whose only defeat has come against new world champion Daniel Dubois.

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Despite still viewing a headline slot at London’s O2 Arena against Lucas Browne as the greatest achievement of his career, Allen will fight in front of 10,000 home fans at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster, and the significance of that has not passed him by.

He has clearly trainer hard, tipping the scales at 248.8lbs. It is an impressive drop from the 271 he weighed in his last outing – a first round blowout of Karim Berredjem in February. In fact, it is the lowest weight Allen has registered since his 2019 loss to David Price.

Speaking on the transformation, ‘Dazzling’ Dave said:

“I’ve just ate less chocolate, less sweets … People talk about sacrifice but I’m very fortunate really. I spend a lot of time with my family, my kids and I box for a living. Everyone in here doing 9-5, that’s a sacrifice. It would be unfair to me to talk about sacrifice, I live my dream every day. Sometimes in the gym it’s hard, sometimes I want to eat stuff, but I’m gonna walk out to 10,000 people in Doncaster against one of the best heavyweights in the world. That was my dream and I’m about to live it.”

Regardless of his shape, most see Hrgovic as too big a mountain to climb for Allen. He is aware of that, but believes he can produce one of the biggest upsets ever seen on UK shores.

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“He’s a great fighter, but I’ve got no fear of him. All week he’s trying to tell me I don’t want to look at him. I couldn’t care less about Filip Hrgovic. It’s a boxing match.

“On paper I shouldn’t even be in the ring with him, but I just feel like tomorrow, in Donny, it’ll be a special night and I’m gonna get one of the biggest upsets in British boxing history.”

Should Allen fail to upset the odds, and Hrgovic comes out with the win unscathed, he is widely expected to face Moses Itauma in August.

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2026 Preakness Stakes prize money: How much each jockey earns for the big race

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The second leg of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown takes place on Saturday afternoon in Maryland. The 2026 Preakness Stakes sees a nearly brand new field from the set of horses that competed for the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago with only Incredibolt a holdover. That means Golden Tempo, the 2026 Kentucky Derby winner, will not race and there will be no Triple Crown winner this year.

The 2026 Preakness will be contended at Laurel Park once again as the traditional home of Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore continues renovations. The 14 horses in the field at the Preakness will be running for the coveted Woodlawn Vase and the winner’s share of the $2 million purse — the same prize pool the Preakness has had since 2024. 

The winner of Saturday’s race will take home $1.2 million, while the rest of the top five will split the remainder of the purse. 

2026 Preakness Stakes purse, payouts

1st: $1,200,000
2nd: $400,000 
3rd: $220,000
4th: $120,000
5th: $60,000

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Traditionally, 80% of that goes to the horse’s owner (or owners), while 10% goes to the trainer and the final 10% goes to the jockey. 

Cherie DeVaux, who became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, will not have a horse in the Preakness, but Golden Tempo jockey Jose Ortiz will be back in the saddle in Maryland. Two weeks after he took home $310,000 for his efforts riding Golden Tempo to the win at the Kentucky Derby, he will be on one of the favorites at Laurel Park with Chip Honcho and hopes to add another six-figure payday this weekend. 

2026 Preakness Stakes post positions, odds, jockeys and trainers

1. Taj Mahal (5-1): Sheldon Russell; Brittany Russell
2. Ocelli (6-1): Tyler Gaffalione; Whit Beckman
3. Crupper (30-1): Junior Alvarado; Donnie Von Hemel
4. Robusta (30-1): Rafael Bejarano; Doug O’Neill
5. Talkin (20-1): Irad Ortiz, Jr.; Danny Gargan
6. Chip Honcho (5-1): Jose Ortiz; Steven Asmussen
7. The Hell We Did (15-1): Luis Saez; Todd Fincher
8. Bull by the Horns (30-1): Micah Husbands; Saffie Joseph, Jr. 
9. Iron Honor (9/2): Flavien Prat; Chad Brown
10. Napoleon Solo (8-1): Joel Rosario; Chad Summers
11. Corono de Oro (30-1): John Velazquez; Dallas Stewart
12. Incredibolt (5-1): Jaime Torre; Riley Mott
13. Great White (15-1): Alex Achard; John Ennis
14. Pretty Boy Miah (15-1): Ricardo Santana, Jr.; Jeremiah Englehart

Which horse wins the Preakness Stakes 2026, and which stunning longshot is a must-back?  Visit SportsLine to see Jody Demling’s picks for the Preakness Stakes, all from the expert who has nailed the last three winners.

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A Milestone for Irish Women’s Sports

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Katie Taylor at Croke Park: A Milestone for Irish Women’s Sports

Having anything but Gaelic games at Croke Park can cause a bit of a stir. Consider that there has been an outcry over the decision to have Leeds United and Manchester United play a friendly game at Croker this summer. It’s not that everyone is annoyed when “foreign” sports are played on the hallowed turf; it’s more that the exception to the rule should be an exceptional one.

Which brings us to Katie Taylor and the push to hold the boxer’s final fight at the stadium. It’s not confirmed yet – we are still at the “advanced talks” stage – but there is a feeling we should get confirmation soon. It all sounds positive coming out of Taylor’s camp, and you get the sense that only a technicality could hold it up. The will is there to put it on.

And what a fitting way to go out for Taylor. She has already done so much to raise the profile of women’s boxing globally. Her Olympic gold, her almost unblemished professional record, her venerated trilogy series with Amanda Serrano, and her partnership with Netflix all served to put women’s boxing on the map in Ireland and abroad.

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A big moment for women’s sports

Yet, the date at Croke Park – if it were to go ahead – feels like an important milestone for women in sport. There’s been plenty of great work done to elevate women’s sport in Ireland, especially in sports like rugby union. Yet, there is a consensus that more must be done. Having Taylor fight in front of 82,000+ fans won’t fix everything, but it will be emblematic of the extent to which Taylor has elevated women’s boxing. She’s probably the most famous boxer – of any gender – in Ireland right now.

An important aspect of driving interest in women’s sports is arguably giving it a separate identity from the men’s. The WNBA, for instance, has done a very good job of this, separating itself from the men’s league, driving engagement through everything from social media to WNBA betting to having separate arenas. The patient approach to building the league as a separate “product” is starting to pay off, though the league is taking a multi-decade approach as it expands.

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Taylor has helped separate women’s boxing from men’s

Arguably, Taylor’s ascendancy was much the same, taking her to a position where women’s boxing was a distinct draw. The Netflix deal was a prime example of that. The streaming giant made a huge deal of the Irish star, releasing documentaries, publishing blogs, hype packages and, of course, showing the Serrano fight live. There was no sense of women’s boxing being in any way secondary.

And that’s what is so alluring about the potential Croke Park date. It will tell a generation of young girls that “this is a big deal”. Perhaps more importantly, it will showcase women’s sports to the decision-makers and the money-people who can make elite women’s sports events happen. The fight will be about Taylor – one of the greatest boxers in Irish history, and perhaps the best women’s boxer in history – but the event will be about building the distinct identity of elite-level women’s sports in general. Hopefully, they can pull it off.

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LiveScores Now Available at IrishScores.com

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South Asian Weightlifting Federation appoints Sahdev Yadav as new president | Other Sports News

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In a major development for weightlifting in the South Asian region, the South Asian Weightlifting Federation (SAWF) has unanimously elected Sahdev Yadav as its new president during the federation’s election meeting held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Tuesday, May 12.

 


Sahdev Yadav, who currently serves as the president of the Indian Weightlifting Federation, was chosen with the support of all member nations and officials present at the meeting. His appointment comes at a time when South Asian countries are looking to strengthen cooperation in the sport and improve standards across athlete development, coaching, infrastructure, and international participation.

 

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Along with his responsibilities in India, Sahdev Yadav also holds key positions in global sporting bodies, including treasurer of the Indian Olympic Association, vice president of the Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation, and assistant to the president of the Asian Weightlifting Federation.

 


Leadership responsibilities expand


The unanimous election is being viewed as recognition of Sahdev Yadav’s contribution to the growth of weightlifting at both national and international levels. Federation officials stated that his experience in administration and international sports governance would help SAWF strengthen collaboration among South Asian nations and create better opportunities for athletes in the region.

 

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Sahdev Yadav, while addressing members after the election, reportedly thanked all member countries and officials for their trust and support. He said the federation would work collectively towards improving athlete development pathways, enhancing coaching standards, and ensuring greater exposure for lifters through international competitions. 


Sabina Yadav appointed CEO


The meeting also confirmed the appointment of Sabina Yadav as the chief executive officer of the South Asian Weightlifting Federation. She currently serves as joint secretary of the Indian Weightlifting Federation and is also a member of the Innovation Committee of the International Weightlifting Federation.

 


Officials expressed confidence that the newly elected leadership team would help raise the standards of the sport in South Asia and promote sporting unity among member nations.


Other office bearers elected


The election process also saw the appointment of several other officials to important positions within the federation. Ram Krishna Sreshtha of Nepal was elected general secretary, while Ibrahim Hameed of Maldives and Sanka Ratnayake of Sri Lanka were named vice presidents. Bangladesh’s Shahria Sultana was elected an executive board member.

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The Asian Weightlifting Federation also congratulated the newly elected officials and expressed confidence that the new administration would contribute significantly to the development of weightlifting across the region in the coming years.

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Vegas Has Spoken on the Vikings QB Competition

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Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy participates in drills during training camp at the team facility in Eagan.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy participates in drills during training camp on July 28, 2025, at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility in Eagan, Minnesota. McCarthy continued preparing for an expanded role in Kevin O’Connell’s offense as the young quarterback worked through another important summer ahead of the 2025 regular season and ongoing competition inside the Vikings quarterback room. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings will showcase a few position battles at training camp in late July, but none is higher profile than the quarterback competition between the incumbent, J.J. McCarthy, and the newcomer, Kyler Murray. And as of May, there’s a frontrunner to prevail — pretty heavily, actually: Murray.

Minnesota’s quarterback room suddenly has a betting favorite before training camp begins.

Carson Wentz will be there, too, but he’s realistically in line for the QB3 job.

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Murray Enters Summer with a Clear Edge

McCarthy faces an uphill battle to seize the job he had last year.

Kyler Murray looks downfield during a Cardinals game against the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Vikings QB competition
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) surveys the field during a road matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Dec. 31, 2023. Murray guided Arizona’s offense during the late-season NFC contest while continuing his return from injury against one of the conference’s top teams in a difficult road environment. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports.

Vegas Points to Murray as Overwhelming Frontrunner

Sportsbooks generally have odds for everything, and the Vikings’ quarterback race is no different. VikingzFanPage, an account with nearly 30,000 followers on Twitter (X), tweeted Wednesday, “Kyler Murray is the overwhelming favorite (-1000) to start week 1 for the Vikings, per FanDuel. J.J. McCarthy (+600) and Carson Wentz (+7000) trail him.”

As a point of reference, a -1,000 moneyline is close to the equivalent of an NFL kicker connecting on a 25-yard field goal. That’s how automatic Murray is for oddsmakers later this summer.

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Saying the Quiet Part Out Loud

The telling part about the gambling odds? This is what most reasonable Vikings expect as the ultimate outcome.

When the Cardinals ousted Murray in March, it was just kind of a generalized assumption that he would land with the Vikings. The momentum emerged immediately, and with very little suspense, he signed in Minnesota.. That was that.

While every athlete should have to earn his spot on the roster, all signs point to Murray, pretty damn strongly indicating he was signing with the Vikings as the QB1. The team either insinuated it, or Murray is confident enough to know that he’s not losing a camp battle to McCarthy.

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SI.com‘s Thomas Carelli noted on Murray this week, “While his QB1 job has yet to be confirmed, the expectation is that Murray will easily beat out JJ McCarthy, if that even is a competition. It is fair to question how good Murray is. However, he finds himself in the perfect situation. Murray plays indoors for an offensive wizard and quarterback expert in Kevin O’Connell.”

“He has Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings at his disposal. Beyond that, the Vikings roster includes TJ Hockenson at tight end and a solid 1-2 running back duo of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. Murray is ranked just inside the top-20 quarterbacks as of now. Given the talent surrounding him, the upside is absolutely that of a top-10 fantasy football quarterback, if not even higher.”

Don’t Forget Injuries for Both Men

Why is Minnesota’s quarterback room so deep? Easy — the main three guys have documented and recent injury history.

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Murray has missed 26% of all career starts due to injury. Hell, he played just five games in 2025. The speedy passer has two knocks on his resume: he’s not very tall, and he’s not very durable. One must assume that stature contributes to the injury history.

J.J. McCarthy walks off the field after a Vikings game against the Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Vikings QB competition
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) walks off the field following a divisional matchup against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Jan. 4, 2026. McCarthy exited after the regular-season finale as Minnesota wrapped up another NFC North battle in front of the home crowd during the closing weekend of the season. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

How about McCarthy? Well, he has a wild injury history after having no major ailments in high school or college. A clean bill of health is one thing that made his 2024 draft stock so attractive — McCarthy hardly ever got hurt.

However, he arrived in the Twin Cities and began experiencing a bizarre parade of injuries, including a torn meniscus, high ankle sprain, concussion, and broken hand. To date, McCarthy has been unavailable for about 73% of all Vikings games. Not ideal.

Finally, Wentz played five games for the Vikings last year before going down with a torn labrum. He claims to be fully healed now, but his shoulder failed him last season.

Between the three, the Vikings assume that one quarterback will stay healthy. They can’t all three get hurt and lost for the season, right?

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Wentz and Brosmer Lurking

Murray as the sportsbooks’ frontrunner? Check. McCarthy as the probable QB2? Check. That leaves Wentz and second-year passer Max Brosmer as contingency plans.

Wentz played decently in five starts last year, guiding Minnesota to a 2-3 record on his watch. The offense showed more consistency with him under center than with McCarthy.

Carson Wentz prepares to throw during a Vikings game against the Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Vikings QB competition
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz drops back to throw during first-half action against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Oct. 23, 2025. Wentz operated comfortably from the pocket while Minnesota’s offense searched for early momentum against an aggressive Chargers defense under the primetime lights in Southern California. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images.

On Brosmer, he stunk as a rookie. He often played buffoonishly. Still, a quarterback isn’t defined by a couple of games in his rookie season. Like thousands before him, Brosmer still has time to develop as an NFL quarterback, probably a guy with QB2 upside.

The NFL schedule was released on Thursday night; Minnesota is hosting Green Bay in Week 1. It’ll be trial by fire for Murray against Minnesota’s main rival right away.

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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

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