Moses Itauma is hoping to kickstart a long and dominant reign at the top of the heavyweight division, following in the footsteps of the man he considers the division’s greatest.
Itauma has not boxed beyond the sixth round in his 14 professional contests to date, going the distance in two six-rounders and knocking out all other opponents in the fifth or earlier during his rapid rise into title contention.
As a result, he is now positioned as the WBO’s mandatory challenger, meaning he should get a shot at the victor of Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley’s upcoming rematch if he wishes, but he is also well poised to challenge for both the WBA and IBF world titles.
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Next up, he faces his toughest test yet, taking on Croatian world title hopeful Filip Hrgovic at The O2 Arena in London on August 29.
Following the launch press conference for that show, Itauma was asked who he believes is the greatest heavyweight fighter of all time and, in a clip shared on his social media, the Kent-based sensation picked fellow Brit Lennox Lewis.
“Lennox Lewis, I think that he is the greatest heavyweight ever.
“I don’t want to emulate anyone’s career, I want to have my own career, but I think that Lennox Lewis is the best heavyweight of all time and the best heavyweight that this country has produced – even if he was raised in Canada.”
Lewis notably defeated Evander Holyfield to become the undisputed heavyweight champion, and also overcame the likes of Mike Tyson and Vitali Klitschko in his career.
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He did suffer defeats to Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman, but was able to avenge both, meaning ‘The Lion’ beat every man he ever faced in the professional ring.
Lewis has praised Itauma as the division’s next big thing, but urged patience in his rise.
When Algeria and Austria meet in their last group game in Kansas City on Saturday, it will not only be key to both countries’ hopes of progressing at the World Cup but will also revive memories of one of the tournament’s darkest moments.
The only previous time the sides shared a group, Austria were accused of conniving with West Germany to ensure both teams advanced in the tournament and Algeria were eliminated.
The game was later dubbed the “Disgrace of Gijon” after the Spanish city where the 1982 World Cup proved an eventful debut for the North Africans, who upset West Germany in their first match with a shock 2-1 victory.
There were 24 teams in the tournament for the first time in 1982, divided into six groups of four with the top two advancing to a second round of group matches.
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Algeria lost their second group game to Austria and beat Chile 3-2, leaving them with four points from their three games at a time when two points were awarded for a win.
The group concluded 24 hours later in Gijon with Austria playing neighbours West Germany and a 1-0 win for the Germans would send both sides through.
West Germany went ahead after 10 minutes through Horst Hrubesch, after which both teams passed the ball around with no intention of adding to the score and contrived a result that squeezed Algeria out on goal difference.
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“Even though we had somewhat expected it, we were all angry, outraged and stunned,” said Rabah Madjer, Algeria’s former African Footballer of the Year.
“That two major football nations could agree to eliminate a small country like Algeria, playing in its first World Cup and just emerging on the international stage, was shocking.”
German sports magazine Kicker described the proceedings as “after about 20 minutes, the attacking intensity faded”.
French daily L’Equipe said there should have been 22 red cards shown to the players of both sides.
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Spanish spectators waved white scarves in a traditional sign of disapproval while on Austrian television, commentator Robert Seeger told his viewers: “Turn it off!”
Change of rules
A direct result of the “Disgrace of Gijon” was FIFA changing the rule to ensure the final matches in World Cup group stages are played simultaneously to prevent teams having advance knowledge of what they require to advance and the possibility of manufacturing the outcome of games.
But the expansion this year to a 48-team tournament, and with it the return for the first time since 1994 of some third-place sides progressing to the knockout stage, has opened the door to questions over the sporting integrity of the competition once more.
Four points is almost certain to be enough to go through at least as one of the eight best third-placed sides from the 12 groups.
Australia and Paraguay face off on Thursday locked on three points after both beat Turkey and lost to co-hosts the United States. A stalemate in Santa Clara near San Francisco would allow both to progress.
“I think you’re cheating the game in a way if you’re looking to just call a truce with 10 minutes to go. That doesn’t seem right in my opinion,” said Australia defender Jason Geria. “We could both progress with a point, that’s evident, but I don’t think it’s in us to just concede or just take the foot off the gas.”
Egypt’s meeting with Iran in Seattle on Friday is another where both could benefit from just a point.
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Iran have overcome huge challenges due to the conflict between Tehran and the USA to remain unbeaten in their opening two games. A third draw would likely be enough to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time in Iran’s history as at least one of the best third-placed sides.
Another change to FIFA’s rules for this World Cup already means the third group game will be a dead rubber for far more nations.
For the first time head-to-head records instead of goal difference is being used as the tiebreaker for countries level on points. This means the USA, Germany and Argentina are already guaranteed to win their groups, while Turkey, Tunisia, Jordan and Panama know they are out.
And there is a further discrepancy in that teams playing in the final groups to finish will have a far better idea of what is required to be one of the best third-placed sides.
With three points from their opening two games, Scotland faced Brazil in Miami on Wednesday not knowing if a narrow defeat would be enough to progress from the group stages for the first time. By contrast, Algeria and Austria will know exactly what is needed when the final group games kick off on Saturday.
Canada, Mexico, and the United States all have secured their places in the round of 32 after Wednesday’s World Cup play, ensuring the three co-host nations will be represented when the knockout stage begins.
Elsewhere, Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior continued his electric start to the tournament, Morocco survived a six-goal thriller against Haiti, and South Africa pulled a fast one over favoured South Korea.
Here are the biggest takeaways from Day 14 at the 2026 World Cup.
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The 40 seconds that changed everything
Canada’s second-place finish in Group B will be celebrated by some. But Wednesday’s defeat also highlighted the fine margins that separate good teams from elite ones.
After weathering early Swiss pressure and relying on a superb Maxime Crépeau save to keep the deadlock, Les Rouges entered halftime level with momentum on their side.
Then, in the blink of an eye, everything changed.
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Switzerland struck just 40 seconds into the second half through Ruben Vargas, with Johan Manzambi doubling the lead after a rare Crépeau error. Canada went from dreaming of top spot in Group B to chasing the game almost instantly.
The frustrating part for Canada will be how avoidable both goals felt. The opening goal stemmed from defensive disorganization, while the second came from an individual mistake. At this level, brief lapses are immediately punished. Switzerland demonstrated the composure, quality and ruthlessness that experienced tournament teams possess.
In many ways, that was the biggest lesson of the afternoon. Canada spent much of the first half growing into the match, only to undo that progress within the opening minutes of the second. Against top European opposition, concentration cannot dip for even a moment.
Yet, Canada showed why this tournament still holds promise.
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Rather than folding after falling behind, Jesse Marsch’s men responded with determination. Substitute Promise David scored with his first touch after a brilliant team move, setting up a tense finale that showcased the attacking quality this squad possesses.
The result means Switzerland tops Group B, while Canada advances as runners-up and must travel to Los Angeles to face South Africa in the round of 32 on Sunday. Still, the overarching picture remains positive. Canada reached the knockouts for the first time and now has firsthand experience of what it takes to match the best on the world stage, even with a few missed opportunities.
The challenge moving forward is simple: learn from mistakes, tighten up details, and carry the same resilience into the next round.
If Group C had a theme on Wednesday, it was efficiency in front of goal.
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Brazil underlined its superiority with an emphatic win over Scotland that felt more like a friendly than a World Cup group decider. Vinícius was once again the difference, punishing a careless Scott McKenna to open the scoring before adding his second. Matheus Cunha provided the third, combining flair with sincerity as Brazil sealed top spot in Group C.
For Scotland, the frustration won’t be just the scoreline, but how easily Brazil was allowed to settle. There’s a clear distinction between losing to quality and being defeated by avoidable mistakes; this was firmly the latter. Scotland paid for every lapse in judgement.
Elsewhere, Morocco and Haiti produced a chaotic thriller that confirmed the African champions as runners-up. Haiti twice pulled ahead before halftime, but Morocco’s depth ultimately prevailed. The turning point came from the bench, with Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine both making an immediate impact to swing the game back in Morocco’s favour.
All in all, Wednesday’s Group C action reflected a wider tournament pattern: the biggest stars aren’t just influencing games, they’re defining them. Whether it’s Vinícius, Norway’s Erling Haaland, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, France’s Kylian Mbappé, or even Morocco’s impact substitutes, this World Cup is increasingly being shaped by forwards who punish even the smallest hesitation.
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Defensive lapses in decisive moments
What stood out on Day 14 wasn’t sustained pressure, but how quickly teams fall apart when caught off guard.
Canada was the clearest example, caught flat-footed immediately after the break. Czechia struggled to cope with Mexico’s transitions, often misplacing passes and failing to disrupt attacks early enough. South Korea, meanwhile, was consistently on the back foot, unable to keep pace with South Africa’s aggression.
None of this was about being overrun for long spells. It was about basic defensive standards failing at key moments: lapses in awareness, slow reactions, and a lack of control once the game sped up.
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On Wednesday, it decided more than a few results. The contrast was striking: forwards were making big plays, but defending across several matches simply wasn’t at the same level.
One of the most touching moments at BC Place came before kickoff. Injured midfielder Ismaël Koné, who suffered a devastating leg injury in Canada’s previous match, was wheeled onto the pitch to chants of “Koné! Koné!” from the home crowd. The tribute continued during the national anthem, when thousands of supporters held up red No. 8 signs in his honour.
Just before halftime, Haiti’s Wilson Isidor delivered a moment of quality that brought his side level. From distance, the Sunderland striker took his chance with composure and confidence, striking an unstoppable rocket into the top-left corner.
In his post-match press conference, Jesse Marsch revealed that Alphonso Davies was a “decoy” and never intended to feature against Switzerland – a move designed to make the opposition believe he was available. Mind games from the Canada coach?
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1. Vinícius Júnior (Brazil): Four goals in three games and playing like a man ready to inherit Brazil’s crown. The finishes haven’t always been flashy, but he has made them count At a World Cup where the biggest stars are delivering, Vinícius has been among the brightest.
2.Johan Manzambi (Switzerland): A goal, an assist, and a star-making performance. The Swiss wonderkid turned the match on its head, firing his country to the top of Group B and announcing himself on the world stage.
3. Mateo Chávez (Mexico): The 22-year-old, son of former Mexican professional footballer Paulo César Chávez, sent Mexico City into ecstasy, netting El Tri’s first goal of the night. The left-back neatly found the bottom left corner on his World Cup debut, shifting momentum to the home team.
Honourable Mention: Promise David (Canada): One touch, one goal, one jolt of belief. Introduced from the bench, the 24-year-old needed only seconds to find the net and breathe life into Canada’s hopes in a pivotal moment. It was also the tournament’s second-fastest goal by a substitute.
The Honkai Star Rail 4.5 drip marketing campaign is upon us, as the second half of the ongoing patch has commenced. As usual, the developers are expected to announce at least two 5-star units that will become playable during the update. Since version 4.5’s drip marketing is right around the corner, players might wonder about the characters alongside the schedule.
In this article, we discuss the expected schedule and characters of the Honkai Star Rail 4.5 drip marketing campaign.
Note: Some aspects of this article are based on speculations. Readers are advised to take the information herein with a grain of salt.
Honkai Star Rail 4.5 drip marketing campaign schedule speculation
Aventurine (Image via HoYoverse)
According to past schedules, the Honkai Star Rail 4.5 drip marketing campaign is likely to commence on June 30, 2026. As for the timing, HoYoverse is expected to announce the limited-time 5-star unit at 12:00 pm (CST/UTC+8). If the developers decide to announce two characters, the second one will be revealed the next day at 12 pm.
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Since the abovementioned time is for players in Asia, Trailblazers from other regions might wonder when the characters will be announced for them. For those curious, we have listed the expected date and time of HSR 4.5’s drip marketing campaign:
Date
Time
Timezone
June 29, 2026
9:00 pm
Pacific Daylight Time (UTC-7)
June 30, 2026
6:00 am
Central European Summer Time (UTC+2)
June 30, 2026
12:00 pm
China Standard Time (UTC+8)
Honkai Star Rail 4.5 drip marketing campaign character announcements speculation
Besides the HSR 4.5 drip marketing campaign’s schedule, players are more excited about the characters. According to a reliable third-party source, Sakura Haven, two units are expected to become playable during the said update. According to their information, these two characters will likely be Robin SP and Aventurine SP. Hence, there is a chance of these two units being a part of the campaign. Furthermore, the leak suggests the former will tread on the Remembrance Path, while the latter will supposedly follow the Elation Path.
Moving on, there is no information regarding a 4-star character joining the playable roster in HSR 4.5 or anytime soon. Most leaks revolving around upcoming units are generally 5-stars.
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For more articles related to this gacha title from HoYoverse, Honkai Star Rail, check out the following section:
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On Thursday morning (June 25), an X user who goes by @lilydaily and runs a phone case brand store online tweeted about BTS V – whose real name is Kim Tae-hyung – buying a tiger skin phone case from her.
Nearly half an hour later, Lily returned to the platform, writing that the star had seen her post and even DM’d her on Instagram.
She also attached a screenshot of their interaction on the social media platform. It was later translated by K-Pop fans on X. Here’s a rough translation of the chat:
V: So you were an ARMY~
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Lily: Oh my goodness… Hello! If you surprise me like this, I’m seriously going to cry… I’m truly always rooting for you.
V: I’ll be rooting for you, too~
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The tweet has since gone viral on X, with more than 3 million views, 26K likes, and 7.5K retweets. Netizens are swooning over Tae-hyung‘s thoughtful gesture, commenting on it:
“Imagine taehyung dming you…i’d pass out”
The ARMYs filled the comments section with praises and cheers for the Singularitysinger:
imagine.. kim taehyung bought ur product and DM you… the kim taehyung, the diVa, the angel, the baddie, a literal gorgeous goddess, im gonna kms.
hes literally so sweet oh my god this is why my baby taetae is so loved
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THE WAY HE SHOWED APPRECIATION AND ALSO HE TALKS WITH ARMY’S AND FANS AS IF WE HAVE BEEN BEST FRIENDS FOR LIFE IS SWEETEST THING POSSIBLE!! 😭😭
To get a DM from THEE kim taehyung 😭😭 he’s so precious and so sweet
it’s always great seeing how beautiful fan interactions can be when ppl act normal 😭 like she didn’t beg tae for a folllow or a repost and wasn’t acting like he owed her smth 😭
i will genuinely f**king die i love him so much
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The tweet comes as the BTS has landed in Spain this week, all set for the next leg of their ARIRANG Tour,with performances scheduled in Madrid’s Riyadh Air Metropolitano for two consecutive nights – June 26 and 27.
The next destination of the BTS is Belgium (July 1 & 2), followed by England (July 6 & 7), Germany (July 11 & 12), and eventually France (July 17 & 18), before wrapping it up for the month. The US leg of the BTS tour will kick off in August.
BTS V defended a friend from the military online
While Tae-hyung’s DM to an ARMY phone case brand owner has made his fans swoon, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. After all, V is known for making such gestures.
Just a couple of weeks ago, Tae-hyung came to the defence of a colleague from his time in the military. The man, named Kim Ki Tae, was a former member of the Special Duty Team in the army and made videos on Instagram.
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In one of his videos, Ki Tae spoke about having worked alongside V in the military, sharing memories of the same. While some netizens enjoyed the behind-the-scenes peek into V’s military life, others slammed him for using the star’s name to get attention.
As the criticism rang louder, Tae-hyung was quick to come to Ki Tae’s rescue, posting a lengthy Instagram story. V started by asking him how he was doing, before looking back at the fun they had back in the military days.
He then went on to encourage his friend, suggesting that he shouldn’t take every criticism too heavily and continue to make content that brings him peace. V even called him an absolute ace of their squad and made an inside joke about bench pressing.
CHASKA, Minn. — With sincere apologies to 155 players in the field at this week’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine National, one storyline looms above all the others.
You can blame Nelly Korda for that.
Korda has already won the first two majors of 2026 — the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open — and she’s now attempting to win a third straight.
With a victory this week, she’d be just the third player to win the first three majors of the season (and first since Inbee Park in 2013). But just as importantly, she’d clinch her spot in the LPGA Hall of Fame. The LPGA has a unique points system to gain entry into its hall — no vote necessary — and a major win this week would be worth two points, which would be enough to give Korda the 27 necessary.
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Nelly Korda, as a reminder, is still just 27 years old.
“I think I have a very in-the-moment mindset this year, which I’m just trying to take towards the end of the year,” Korda said Wednesday. “No matter what happens, I’ve just told myself if I am lifting the trophy — like, that is obviously the main goal at the end the week — I’m going to prepare or focus on my preparation and know that I’m 100 percent confident in it and lean on that.”
Korda’s been fantastic this season, much like she was two years ago, when she won seven times. Last year she never missed a cut and had nine top-10 finishes but failed to win. This year? She’s back to lifting trophies.
In her first eight starts of the season, she won four times and was the runner-up three times. She also tied for 8th once. Her worst start of the year came two weeks ago, when she played the Dow Championship, a team event, with friend Olivia Cowan and tied for 17th.
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Korda leads the LPGA in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green and Off the Tee. She’s second in SG: Approach and third in SG: Around the Greens. Even putting she’s 22nd.
And perhaps most importantly, she’s entering this week refreshed. She was tired and didn’t sleep well at the Dow, and she left Michigan for NYC for her delayed U.S. Women’s Open media tour after the tournament Sunday night. She spent that Monday in NYC, made an appearance on the “Today” show, stopped at the New York Stock Exchange and took a late flight home to Florida. She took Tuesday off and returned to practice on Wednesday. She landed in Minnesota on Sunday, played nine Monday, 18 Tuesday and the front nine Wednesday.
Then she met with the media to talk about what it’s like dealing with this kind of pressure. One thing may help: if she’s not aware of what’s at stake, what is there to worry about? Korda admitted Wednesday she had no idea how many points are needed to enter the Hall of Fame (27) or how many she even has (25).
That’s by design.
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“I kind of like to be oblivious about it in that way,” said Korda, who begins her first round at 9:17 a.m. ET on Thursday. “I know a lot about the stuff that I want to know about, but this, I don’t want to put extra pressure on myself. I feel like the game of golf is already hard enough. If I add more pressure on myself then it’s going to be even harder. I think it’s an amazing accomplishment and it would be one of the best achievements of my career, for sure.”
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stephen F Austin defensive back Chuck Demmings (DB07) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
OTAs and minicamp are in the rearview mirror, and training camp will be here in late July after the players and coaches take a month of vacation, except for Kyler Murray, who wisely says he is sticking around and continuing his efforts to master the Vikings offense during this downtime.
With that in mind, here’s my list of the top 15 things I will pay closest attention to when the Vikings open training camp and hit the field for the first padded practice on August 3.
Jeff Diamond Has His Eyes on Vikings’ Biggest Summer Questions
1. Kyler Murray: He had an uneven performance in OTAs and minicamp (including two interceptions on the first day of minicamp) as he dealt with the learning curve of mastering a new, complex Kevin O’Connell-directed offense. This is not cause for alarm unless he struggles in training camp, in limited snaps during the preseason games, and especially during the two days of joint practices with the Ravens in Week 3 of training camp.
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I applaud his doing extra work in this dead period as an indication that Murray realizes he has a great opportunity to revitalize his career with a very good supporting cast led by elite WRs in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and his offensive line should be a top unit if center Blake Brandel is a quality center and the other starters stay healthy.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Dillon Bell appears in team-produced content after joining the organization as an undrafted free agent. On June 8, 2026, the Vikings featured Bell in released media as he continued offseason work in Minnesota, preparing for a summer roster battle and an opportunity to earn a spot on the regular-season squad. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Murray seems to be at a career crossroads, and a big season will likely lead to another $50 million-plus-per-year contract with the Vikings or elsewhere. So he’ll clearly be the focal point #1 in training camp for his coaches and fellow players, along with media and fans. Now he needs to perform at the level expected for a first overall pick and not complain about how many reps he gets in training camp, which smacked of excuse-making when he made the rep comments in minicamp.
2. J.J. McCarthy: O’Connell and players such as Jefferson talked this offseason about McCarthy making positive strides in the offense and with his mechanics. I believe Murray and McCarthy will both start games this season, as injuries have been a problem for both. If Murray gets hurt or struggles as the expected starter, McCarthy will be ready to pounce on the opportunity, and then it might be tough for Murray to dislodge him, with McCarthy seemingly more of the long-term answer at the position.
J.J. also has to be careful with his public comments and talk team-first. People—especially in the national media —tend to downplay that McCarthy played well, winning his last four starts with a passer rating over 100 and a completion percentage around 64%. I certainly haven’t given up on his future at 23 years old, and I don’t think anyone at Vikings HQ has either.
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3. Caleb Banks: O’Connell said he thinks the No. 1 pick will be ready to go on Day 1 of training camp. After seeing him standing around in minicamp, I’ll be mildly surprised if his broken foot is healed to the point that he’s full go when the pads come on that first week of camp. If he’s working with the first unit in the Ravens’ joint practices, that will be a big win for the team. And if he starts every game at defensive tackle this season, count me as very surprised given his injury history.
Banks is being counted on to start in his rookie year, and perhaps he’ll have a chip on his shoulder after many draft analysts said he was a reach in the mid-first round. The Vikings need Banks and third-rounder Domonique Orange to be impact players on the D-line right out of the gate against Green Bay on September 13.
4. Jake Golday: The second-round pick worked almost exclusively at inside linebacker in OTAs and minicamp despite O’Connell saying on draft day that he envisioned Golday as a combo edge and inside backer with his size, strength, and athletic ability. He should get a ton of reps at edge/outside backer in camp as the Vikings need him to be the relief/rotational edge rusher behind Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner to soften the loss of Jonathan Greenard. Comparisons have been made between Golday and Van Ginkel, so let’s see him in that spot.
Golday played both edge and inside in college, so he has the versatility and the athleticism to do either job. But with Blake Cashman, Eric Wilson, and Ivan Pace at inside backer, it’s obvious Golday’s greatest impact this season will be if he’s that third edge rusher/OLB and does it well. I’ll be closely watching where he lines up in camp and how he looks.
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If Golday can’t be a contributor on the edge as a rookie, I think there’s a good chance the team will try to sign a proven veteran pass rusher such as Jadeveon Clowney or Haason Reddick if they’re still available as a playoff caliber team has to have more than two capable edge rushers and I don’t see that kind of production coming from the likes of Bo Richter, Chaz Chambliss or Tyler Batty who are other edge/OLBs in camp.
5. Blake Brandel: I think the Vikings missed the boat on several quality centers in free agency and in the early rounds of the draft. I don’t begrudge them if the players they took in the early draft rounds had higher grades. But the center is so important to the O-line and the quarterback in terms of his responsibilities as a run blocker, pass protector, and in making the line calls.
On Nov 10, 2024, in Jacksonville, Minnesota Vikings guard Blake Brandel (64) went through his pregame routine at EverBank Stadium before facing the Jaguars. The lineman has become a versatile piece along the offensive front, working in different roles when injuries and lineup changes occur. His steady presence continues to provide value for Minnesota’s offensive unit heading into critical stretches. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images.
Brandel has made 31 starts over his five-year career, mostly at guard, but he did start a couple of games at center in relief of the injured Ryan Kelly last season and seemed to do ok. If Brandel proves to be a quality center and the rest of the O-line stays healthy, the team should have one of the league’s best units.
6. Jakobe Thomas: The Vikings passed on top safeties Dillon Thieneman and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in the first two rounds and waited until pick No. 98 in the third round to select Thomas, whom the Vikings coaches and player personnel staff highly praised. Whether Harrison Smith returns or not, I think Thomas still needs to play regularly as a rookie and quickly beat out Theo Jackson and Jay Ward for the third safety spot if Smith is back, or the second starting safety spot with Josh Metellus if Smith retires.
Thomas needs to be the safety who can run with receivers deep and play underneath routes against tight ends, while also being a run stopper. I think he’s a somewhat under-the-radar critical player in the secondary this season.
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7. James Pierre: The ex-Steeler corner was signed in free agency to be the Vikings’ third corner, who is expected to get a lot of snaps along with Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers, unless fifth-round pick Charles Demmings supplants him. Pierre was targeted by DC Brian Flores and DB coach Gerald Alexander, who both worked with Pierre in Pittsburgh.
With so many teams having three quality wide receivers on the field on over half the snaps, the third corner is a critical position that quarterbacks will often target. Pierre needs to play well, or Demmings has to come on quickly.
8. Dallas Turner: He made big strides in his second season as a 2024 first-rounder when he led the team with eight sacks and added 15 QB hits, 66 tackles, 11 tackles-for-loss, and four forced fumbles. With Greenard gone, the pressure is on Turner to become a double-digit sack artist who strips the QB and also plays the run well.
He’s still only 23 years old and looks to have a great future as a Pro Bowl-quality edge rusher. He needs to keep hitting the weight room to get bigger and stronger to go along with his 4.46 speed. A big year for Turner will be a huge boon to the defense.
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9. Andrew Van Ginkel: Speaking of critical pieces on defense, a healthy Van Ginkel is a must after he missed five games last season with a neck injury. His stats dropped from 11.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, 79 tackles, and two Pick-6s in his Pro Bowl season of 2024 to seven sacks, 11 TFLs, 54 tackles, and no picks last season, but he was still impactful when he was healthy and playing.
Van Ginkel is one of the most instinctual defenders I’ve ever seen when he’s at his best. He’s a game-changer that NFL offensive coordinators have to account for, and he has to play well for the Vikings’ defense to be a top unit.
10. Justin Jefferson: He’s the most popular Viking among fans at training camp, and we’re always watching Jets in camp, so he has to make my list of players I’ll be paying attention to. We know he won’t get any snaps in preseason games, which is the smart approach by the coaches, but he always competes hard in practices and joint practices. It will be fun to see how well he and Murray (and McCarthy) connect in camp.
Jefferson is looking for a big bounce-back season after his production dropped from 103 catches for 1,553 yards and 10 TDs in 2024 with Sam Darnold to 84 catches for 1,048 yards and only two TDs with McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer last season. And he’s also a team captain, so he’ll be a highly motivated player in camp and on into the season.
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11. Demond Claiborne: The sixth-round pick brings the element of elite speed (4.37 in the 40) to the running back corps. He was a dual-threat player as a fine runner (5.1-yard average in 2025) and good receiving back (28 catches last season) at Wake Forest. He was also a good kick returner in college.
Vikings rookie running back Demond Claiborne participates in rookie minicamp during May 2026 at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan. Minnesota selected Claiborne in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft after an accomplished college career at Wake Forest, where he earned attention for his burst, vision, and ability to contribute in multiple offensive situations. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
We should see a lot of snaps for Claiborne in the preseason games, and I expect him to be a crowd favorite with his speed and agility. I’m excited to see how he performs and if he can be a viable option as a third back behind Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason this season, with a potential bigger role in the future.
12. Charles Demmings: See No. 7 (James Pierre) above regarding Demmings potential battle for the third corner or at least becoming the fourth corner who gets play time in certain defensive schemes and in the event of injury to the other corners.
He’s a 4.4 guy with good size at 6-1, 193 pounds who can run with wide receivers and should be able to play the run, but it’s a big leap from a smaller college, Stephen F. Austin, to the NFL. I want to see Demmings trying to cover the Vikings’ top three WRs in camp—Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings, and he should get a lot of playing time in the preseason games.
13. T.J. Hockenson: The two-time Pro Bowl tight end is now a couple of years removed from his ACL injury late in the 2023 season that limited him in 2024, and then his production was lessened by the QB carousel last season (51 receptions for 438 yards and three TDs).
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The Vikings need the 28-year-old Hockenson to be back in his 2023 form before the injury, when he had a career-best 95 catches for 960 yards and five TDs. I’ll be watching how he connects with the Vikings QBs and whether he appears to be a big part of the offense as an intermediate receiver, along with how he does with his run blocking.
14. Aaron Jones: After a stellar 2024 season with 1,138 rushing yards, 408 receiving yards, and seven combined TDs when he played in every game, Jones missed five games last season with various injuries (most notably a hamstring that landed him on IR), and his stats dropped to 548 rushing yards, 199 receiving yards, and three combined TDs.
He’s 31 years old and took a pay cut to return to the Vikings, but he can still be a dynamic player when healthy. How much does he have left in the tank? We’ll be watching for early clues at camp.
15. Brian O’Neill & Christian Darrisaw: It’s nice for a team to enter training camp without a lot of contract drama. O’Neill is a top right tackle when healthy. He turns 31 in September and is seeking an extension, as he is in the final year of his contract. He’s a team captain, so I don’t expect him to be a hold-in as he was during part of the offseason program (though he did practice at minicamp).
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Let’s see how the new GM, Nolan Teasley, handles O’Neill’s contract. He can reduce his 2026 cap hit significantly from the current $23 million with a three or four-year extension, and that could be money needed to add a vet edge rusher.
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) lines up during first-half action against an NFC opponent, Dec 7, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The blindside protector continues to work back into form following a major knee injury that affected his availability and consistency during the season. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
And while I’m talking about OTs, the Vikings need Darrisaw to return to top form as a Pro Bowl-caliber left tackle who stays on the field after dealing with the aftermath of his 2024 ACL injury that had him in and out of the lineup last season.
Around the NFL: Thoughts on the continuing Brendan Sorsby saga
The NFL has refused to allow Sorsby to participate in a supplemental draft and has told him to enter the 2027 draft. Sorsby’s attorney has said that’s a violation of the player’s legal rights and the CBA. Will Sorsby sue the league or ask the NFL Players’ Association to file a grievance in an attempt to force his entry?
It probably would be best for all parties if Sorsby would take this year off while he collects his NIL money from Texas Tech and continues his treatment for his gambling issues. But this case will probably head to the courts or an NFL grievance hearing, so it will likely be an ongoing saga over the next few months.
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Jeff Diamond is a former Vikings GM, former Tennessee Titans President and was selected NFL Executive of the Year … More about Jeff Diamond
MEXICO CITY — Fans at Mexico’s final World Cup group stage match on Wednesday chanted a slur that has previously led to fines and other sanctions against the country’s soccer federation.
The slur, which literally means male prostitute in Spanish, could be heard at the Azteca stadium toward the end of the first half when Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar took a goal kick.
The chant has cost Mexico hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines levied by FIFA. It rose to popularity roughly 25 years ago and is used to intimidate goalkeepers when they take goal kicks.
It went viral in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and was heard again in Russia during the 2018 World Cup and four years later in Qatar. It has persisted despite attempts by the Mexican soccer federation to stop it.
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Mexico had already advanced to the knockout phase as Group A winners ahead of the match against the Czech Republic.
Aug 17, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell meets with Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski before the game at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Brought down to the basics, football is about a team winning and not individuals playing well.
Kevin O’Connell is leading a QB1 battle in the Twin Cities. In all likelihood, the QB who is better will end up being named the starter. What’s important to remember, though, is that individual performance isn’t the sole, deciding criteria. Not, at least, if we are taking O’Connell’s recent words seriously. Minnesota’s skipper is going to choose the passer who best allows the team to win.
Envision a scenario where an ultra-talented passer has a serious off-field issues. Maybe that’s an instance where simply being the best player doesn’t translate to the team being in a better spot to win a bunch of games.
Or, perhaps, there’s a superior quarterback overall who isn’t a scheme fit. The hypothetical passer wants to function in a seven-step drop offense that’s commonly leaning on four verticals. The offense, meanwhile, is a better fit for screens, shallow crossing routes, and the occasional deep bomb.
The point: there’s a small amount of daylight between the best passer in isolation and then the best passer for a specific team.
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Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) talks to an official prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
Check out some of what he said about who will win the QB1 competition. What’s the key criteria:
“Both those guys have done some really, really good things and I think they’re elevating our football team.”
“We want to make sure by the time we play the Green Bay Packers that there’s been ample time to have the best possible offense we can have to help our football team. And the quarterback’s going to play a big role in that.”
“Ultimately, what’s best for the Minnesota Vikings is going to be the direction we go.”
“That player that elevates the group as a whole is going to be the guy that’s under center against the Green Bay Packers.”
“Ultimately, a very simple answer in the end: what’s best for the Minnesota Vikings to win games. And activate the really good players we have around them in that offensive huddle.”
Last year, the Vikings won nine games in spite of the quarterbacks. O’Connell wants to remove that tension by winning games due to the quarterback.
The Vikings’ task therefore involves discovering the identity of the individual quarterback who best allows the team to thrive. Generally speaking, the best quarterback gives the team the best shot to win, but there are times when that’s not necessarily so.
If, for instance, Kyler Murray is an inferior talent who nevertheless finds a way to let Justin Jefferson feast, allows the offensive line to play fast and physical, as well as put the broader team in a good spot, then Murray will indeed be the starter. Factors such as intangibles — leadership, grit, and other attributes — can be worked into the mix, as well.
Football is a team game played by humans. The quarterback therefore needs to be individually excellent but, more importantly, capable of letting the other humans on his team to be excellent. Kevin O’Connell is therefore going to describe his best quarterback as the one who best allows the team to win.
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Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) slaps hands with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell after a made field goal against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images.
Being the most accurate is great but not the final criteria. Likewise, being able to elude pressure, throw the ball the farthest, or any number of other things aren’t going to be the determining factor. Each of these parts of the game are positive but are a means to an end.
What the Vikings most want to see is a quarterback who fuels victories. Last year, the goal involved building a roster so formidable that even a passer experiencing normal growing pains could still win. Two errors were made. First, the roster wasn’t a juggernaut, merely quite good. Second, the quarterback play was a lot worse than expected.
Colorado flipped another Ole Miss recruit in the class of 2027, doing so with a 4-star DL prospect that had shut down his recruitment. 
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