Sports
Pro Football Hall of Fame 2027: Ranking first-time eligible NFL players, predictions
In addition to 2026 snubs Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft and Eli Manning, a slew of other big names will be eligible for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2027.
The list of first-time eligible players for 2027 includes two former league MVPs, a two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback, a former All-Pro defensive back and arguably the greatest tight end in NFL history. To get ready for 2027, we analyze first-time eligible stars in addition to some predictions along the way.
Good as gold
While former Patriots haven’t had much luck in recent years, it’s hard to imagine that stopping Gronkowski, who wasn’t affiliated with Spygate and remains in seemingly good standing with football media.
Injuries may have slowed him down, but it hasn’t stopped Gronkowski from being in the conversation among the greatest tight ends in NFL history. Along with being a constant mismatch in the passing game, Gronkowski was a devastating blocker, which strengthens his case as the most complete tight end of all time. His unique talent helped him win four Super Bowls.
Peterson is also widely regarded as one of the best ever at his position. The fifth leading rusher in NFL history, Peterson is the last non-quarterback to win league MVP. That season (2012), Peterson ran for 2,097 yards, the second-highest single-season total in league history. He won his third rushing title at age 30 and was still putting up 1,000-yard seasons at age 33.
The only thing that could hurt Peterson’s chances next year is some recent legal issues, including an arrest in October of 2025. Peterson also ended his career with two forgettable seasons, but that alone would likely not be enough to prevent him from being voted in next year.
Probable
Roethlisberger is undoubtedly a future Hall of Famer; the question is whether or not enough voters feel that he is first-ballot worthy.
Roethlisberger’s career milestones suggest that he is. He’s seventh all-time in passing yards (64,088), ninth in touchdown passes (418), a two-time Super Bowl champion and is the youngest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl. He twice led the NFL in passing yards and has the most 500-yard passing games (four) in NFL history. Roehtlisberger is also the only quarterback to throw six touchdowns in back-to-back games, doing so in 2014. He also holds the unofficial title of one of the hardest quarterbacks to take down.
Roethlisberger’s magnum opus was at the end of Super Bowl XLIII, when he capped off the Steelers‘ game-winning drive with a touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes that has gone down as one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history.
Will likely have to wait
Sherman should receive a gold jacket at some point. A member of the 2000s All-Decade Team, Sherman was a three-time All-Pro cornerback and the leader of the Seahawks‘ “Legion of Boom” defense, which led Seattle to its first Super Bowl title.
A fellow 2000s All-Decade Team member, Mack delivered impressive longevity for an offensive lineman. He earned his first Pro Bowl nod at 25 and his last one at age 36. In between, he was named to five additional Pro Bowls and was a model of consistency.
Weddle — another member of the 2000s All-Decade Team — was a complete safety who excelled in both pass coverage and run support. He led the NFL in interceptions once and had over 100 tackles in a season on four occasions. At age 36, Weddle returned from retirement and helped the Rams win the Super Bowl.
Sherman’s condensed prime (he made one Pro Bowl after his age-28 season) could prevent him from being a first-ballot inductee. Mack’s lack of All-Pros will likely hurt his case, as offensive linemen are underrepresented in the Hall of Fame. Weddle also played a position that is underrepresented in Canton.
Compelling cases, but…
Taking next year off the table, it’ll be interesting to see if these players ever get inducted.
McCoy was an excellent defensive tackle who was named to six straight Pro Bowls while manning the Buccaneers‘ defensive line. But like Mack and Weddle, McCoy played a position that is often overlooked by voters unless you were the undisputed best at that position for a sustained period of time. For McCoy, that player is Aaron Donald, who will likely be inducted as soon as he is eligible.
Whitworth could potentially receive induction one day based on the fact that he was a two-time All-Pro who, at age 40, helped the Rams defeat his former team (the Bengals) in the Super Bowl. More Pro Bowl selections would have strengthened his case, though. He was ultimately named to four Pro Bowls, including three straight from 2015-17.
Meteoric highs and lows largely embody Newton’s career. In 2015, for example, he won the league MVP while leading the Panthers to a 15-1 regular-season record and an NFC title. He had a forgettable Super Bowl, however, marked by his lack of urgency in recovering his second fumble of the game, which ultimately set up the Broncos‘ game-clinching score. Newton also had a short prime that was likely the byproduct of being one of the greatest running quarterbacks in NFL history. It came at a price: exposing himself to major hits.
From a talent and production standpoint, Brown did put together a Hall of Fame career. A former sixth-round pick, Brown built arguably the greatest six-year run in NFL history for a receiver. From 2013-18, he averaged 114 receptions for 1,525 yards and 11 touchdowns per season. He led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards twice and led the league in touchdown receptions once over that span.
Brown won a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers later in his career, but that was after an ugly breakup in Pittsburgh that was followed by even uglier breakups in Oakland and New England. Brown’s time in Tampa — and in the NFL, for that matter — also ended on a sour note after he ran off the field — shirtless — during the middle of a game. It’s safe to say that those moments, in addition to some off-field incidents, have put his Hall of Fame future in serious jeopardy.
Long shots
Haden, Kerrigan, Jenkins, Brooks and Hightower enjoyed long, successful careers that included 15 combined Pro Bowl selections. Each one, however, will likely face an uphill climb for future induction, given that they were never tabbed as an All-Pro. Jenkins, Brooks and Hightower’s cases are likely strengthened by the fact that they were key members on Super Bowl-winning teams.
A versatile running back, Bell was on his way to a potential Hall of Fame career after earning three Pro Bowls and two All-Pro nods during his first five seasons while playing alongside fellow “Killer B” teammates Roethlisberger and Brown. A season-long holdout, however, negatively changed the course of Bell’s career and all but ended his Hall of Fame chances.
2027 Hall of Fame induction class prediction
- Adrian Peterson
- Rob Gronkowski
- Frank Gore
- Terrell Suggs
- Ben Roethlisberger
- Bill Belichick
Gore, the NFL’s third all-time leading rusher, should be a lock this year after he did not receive enough votes during his first year of eligibility. Suggs, the 2011 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and the owner of the most tackles for loss in NFL history, is surely hoping that a third time is a charm after he did not receive enough votes for induction during his first two years of eligibility.
Like Gore, Jason Witten also didn’t receive enough votes last year, his first year of eligibility. If recent history repeats itself, Witten will have better luck this time around. Last year, Antonio Gates, another prolific tight end, was inducted in his second year of eligibility.
Regarding Roethlisberger, it’s very possible that voters treat him similarly to Gates, Gore and Witten by not voting him in on his first year of eligibility. Conversely, it’s safe to assume that Belichick will get enough votes after he was surprisingly omitted from this year’s induction class.
Other players that will undoubtedly receive votes are Manning, Witten (who, like Gore, did not receive enough votes in his first year of eligibility), offensive linemen Willie Anderson, Jahri Evans, Marshal Yanda, receivers Tory Holt, Hines Ward and Reggie Wayne, safety Darren Woodson, quarterback Ken Anderson and defensive lineman L.C. Greenwood. Former coaches that may also receive consideration include Mike Shanahan, Mike Holmgren and Marty Schottenheimer.
In the contributor category, Kraft will likely receive consideration once again. His perceived role in Spygate, however, may continue to leave the Patriots’ longtime owner on the outside looking in.
Soon enough, the Minnesota Vikings will be playing real football. Soon enough, fantasy football is going to return. Contained below is a humble attempt at a marriage between those two things.
Football, at least in theory, should be fun. The Vikings appear to enjoy twisting the knife, refusing to find any form of meaningful success. May these team name suggestions function as a sweet balm to soothe any football wounds that may have accumulated over the years.
12 Minnesota Vikings Fantasy Team Names
Air Jordan — A touch drab and bland at this stage. One can only assume fantasy leagues have seen some variation of this name used a million times (give or take). Drafting Jordan Addison is likely to be a wise decision.
Do You Want Fries with That? — Will Fries plays right guard. A right guard generally has little to do with fantasy. Make your own decision.
Flores’ Fiends — Opting for the Minnesota Vikings defense doesn’t appear like a bad option. Sacks should be a given. What happens if the secondary bounces back with more interceptions? Plus, leagues often toss special teams into defense, so a return touchdown (or two) can really help.
For Whom the Bell Tolls — Somebody out there is a massive fan of Ernest Hemingway and Vikings rookie receiver Dillon Bell. If that’s you, then go ahead and roll with this name.
He Came, He Darrisaw, He Conquered — Again, an offensive lineman. Still, not too bad, right?
Hock, Stock, and 2 Smoking Touchdowns — T.J. Hockenson has never been a touchdown assassin in his career. Maybe playing in a contract year will help.
Mad Max — Truth be told, I don’t know why you would have either of Max Bredeson or Max Brosmer on your team. Of the two, Mr. Bredeson appears to be the option to roll with if your league has a fullback slot.
Natural Born Kylers — Most think Kyler Murray is locked into being the QB1. Anyhow, enjoy the movie pun.
Oliver Twist — Josh Oliver isn’t super valuable in fantasy. Instead, he’s built for real life. Rolling with Minnesota’s TE2 means hoping for a touchdown.
The Price is Right — Myles Price boasts a pile of potential. Soon, the returner is going to put points on the board. Whether he can do so on offense is what remains to be seen.
The Stone Masons — A tip of the cap to The Simpsons (Stonecutters on there, I think). Mason is going to get tasked with carrying the rock. He’s supposed to be in excellent shape.
Will the Thrill — Kicker is a valid fantasy position. Mr. Will Reichard is an assassin out there, meaning he should be the first kicker taken.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
Sports
Shohei Ohtani resumes throwing after 2-week shutdown, hopes to progress enough to pitch before regular season ends
With Shohei Ohtani, even playing catch draws attention. However, Ohtani throwing at all right now is worth noting.
After a two-week break from throwing the ball, Ohtani began a progression toward his return to pitching on Saturday by playing catch before the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday.
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The session began with throwing plyometrics before advancing to throwing catch on the field, according to MLB.com’s Sonja Chen. Eventually, Ohtani progressed to throwing 90 feet, something he hoped to do for the first time since being shut down and taken out of the Dodgers’ starting rotation indefinitely due to continued soreness and inflammation in his left knee.
He also developed an issue in his left biceps following his last bullpen throwing session on July 22.
“It’s getting pretty good day by day,” Ohtani told reporters on Wednesday through interpreter Will Ireton. “It’s hard to tell at this point what the schedule is going to look like.”
“Rather than rush the progression of this, I would rather make sure we’re headed in the right direction,” he added. “But making sure we’re taking the right steps.”
Ohtani hasn’t pitched in a game since July 3 when he threw 6 innings, allowing 3 runs and 6 hits with 9 strikeouts in a 4-3 win over the San Diego Padres. He threw 110 pitches in that appearance.
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In 14 starts this season, Ohtani has a 1.79 ERA with 95 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings.
With the layoff, Ohtani still has quite a few steps before he’s considered ready to pitch again. After stretching out his catch distance on flat ground, he can begin throwing from a mound and can resume bullpen sessions. From there, the progression will be to face live batters, likely in simulated games.
If he does return during the regular season, it will likely be as an opener rather than full starter pitching multiple innings. That could also apply if Ohtani pitches in the postseason, according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
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“Any inning, any innings we get from him are bonuses, given he’s a two-way player,” Roberts told reporters, via MLB.com. “So I think whether it’s one inning, two innings, three innings, I’m not too concerned about the timeline.”
Despite not pitching, Ohtani has continued to hit for the Dodgers. In Saturday’s game, he batted 1-for-5 and drove in a run. During July, Ohtani compiled a slash line of .273/.330/.557 with 6 home runs, 7 doubles and 17 RBI. Since the All-Star break, he has a .303/.372/.540 slash average.
That performance has Ohtani in line to win his fourth consecutive MVP award and fifth overall. He currently ranks second in MLB with a .398 on-base percentage and .945 OPS while the Dodgers are tied for the second-best record in MLB at 70-47.
A newly-crowned world champion believes he has what it takes to follow in the footsteps of Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin by becoming the best middleweight fighter on the planet.
Canelo and Golovkin each ruled the 160lb division for a number of years, culminating in two middleweight battles between the pair and one at super-middleweight.
While ‘GGG’ may have last competed in 2022, Canelo remains active, but now fights at super-middleweight, opening the door for a fighter to step up and become the top dog in the middleweight division.
One man who believes he can do just that is Aaron McKenna, who won the vacant IBF middleweight title with a unanimous decision win over Etinosa Oliha in Dublin on Saturday.
Speaking to Sky Sports following that win, McKenna explained how he has ambitions to pick up where the likes of Canelo and Golovkin left off.
“It doesn’t matter [who’s next], whoever wants it. I’m easy to find now, I have a belt. There’s no hiding any more. I want to collect every single belt in boxing. I’m the best middleweight and super-middleweight in the world. I don’t mind jumping up.
“The middleweight division’s there to be took over. It’s been dying for years since GGG (Golovkin) and Canelo left it. I said it again, a year ago, I think I’m going to be the man to take it over.”
The other world champions at 160lbs may have a thing or two to say about McKenna’s plan, as Denzel Bentley is the current WBO champion, Carlos Adamas holds the WBC belt, and Erislandy Lara is the WBA titleholder.
J.J. McCarthy isn’t on the trade market. Unless something unusual happens, that’ll remain the case for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027.
Afterwards, all bets are off.
The Vikings intend to have a stuffed-full quarterback room, but that doesn’t mean teams won’t be calling. After all, McCarthy has been a disappointment in Minnesota and the GM that pulled off the pick is gone. Connecting the dots isn’t difficult. Which teams are realistic fits for Mr. McCarthy? Consider a trio that look like reasonable bets to have some degree of interest.
J.J. McCarthy and The Trade Market
Trade Destination No. 1 — San Francisco 49ers
Kyle Shanahan would figure it out. He’s a terrific coach, somebody who has proven far more than Kevin O’Connell.
Going to San Francisco would mean being the QB3 for the upcoming season behind Brock Purdy and Mac Jones. Soaking up wisdom from more accomplished veterans away from the spotlight would be a nice outcome. Next year, Jones likely lands somewhere to battle for a top job as McCarthy can then burn off the final season of his rookie deal as the main backup.
Working under Shanahan would do wonders for the kid. San Francisco knows how to run.
Trade Destination No. 2 — New York Jets
An odd reality is that the Jets and Vikings have commonly coveted the same passers. If memory serves, New York opted to trade for Geno Smith due to concerns about Minnesota scooping him up. Likewise, there was some chatter about Carson Wentz being a possible depth option for the Jets prior to returning to the Vikings.
Journeying back in time would mean uplifting the Brett Favre situation. Aaron Rodgers went to the Jets but wanted the Vikings (like Favre). Kirk Cousins opted for Minnesota in the 2018 free agency period with the Jets being the other suitor (he’s now getting in fights in Sin City). Sam Darnold was a Jets draft pick who would do well for the Vikings.
Could J.J. McCarthy be the next quarterback connection?
Trade Destination No. 3 — The Los Angeles Chargers
The Vikings were very close to hiring Jim Harbaugh. Instead, the outspoken coach went back to the NCAA level and won a National Championship with J.J. McCarthy
A reunion does make sense.
Nobody is going to displace Justin Herbert as the QB1 in Tinseltown. McCarthy could go to LA to learn and grow. Get his body right, continue fixing his mechanics, and let Harbaugh put confidence back into him. In a couple of seasons, go to free agency as a talented mid-20s QB who can hopefully get his career going again. Maybe he could mirror what Malik Willis did with Green Bay.
J.J. McCarthy is 23 and coming off some up-and-down work at training camp.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
Sports
Liverpool vs Monaco LIVE: Latest score and goal updates with Isak and Wirtz on target in pre-season friendly at Anfield
Dominant first half from Liverpool
Andoni Iraola’s Anfield bow is going to plan so far!
Will Castle9 August 2026 15:26
HALF-TIME! Liverpool 2-1 Monaco
And that’s your lot for the first half!
Liverpool deservingly have the lead thanks to goals from Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, but Monaco are still very much in this after Aleksandr Golovin’s penalty halved the deficit just before the break.
Will Castle9 August 2026 15:20
Liverpool 2-1 Monaco
45+1 mins: Liverpool will have the last action of the first half with a deep free-kick…
It’s whipped onto the head of Virgil van Dijk, who heads just over. Nearly redeemed himself immediately for the penalty!
Will Castle9 August 2026 15:19
GOAL! Liverpool 2-1 Monaco (Golovin, 44′)
Aleksandr Golovin, the man who won the penalty, steps up… and fires past Alisson into the right of the goal. Great penalty.
Monaco halve the deficit.
Will Castle9 August 2026 15:17
PENALTY! Liverpool 2-0 Monaco
43 mins: Well then – a potential way back for Monaco.
Aleksandr Golovin drives into the box and gets blocked off by Virgil van Dijk before falling to the deck. Jared Gillet points to the spot.
Will Castle9 August 2026 15:16
Liverpool 2-0 Monaco
41 mins: Concern for Liverpool as Kostas Tsimikas holds his ankle in visible pain.
Looks like someone’s studs raked down his Achilles. A painful one, but he looks fine to continue.
Will Castle9 August 2026 15:14
Liverpool 2-0 Monaco
39 mins: The Andoni Iraola press is there for all to see once again as Liverpool win the ball back immediately after losing it in the Monaco half.
It’s then set back to Kostas Tsimikas who lets fly from range – he doesn’t half get behind it, but it flies wide.
Will Castle9 August 2026 15:12
Liverpool 2-0 Monaco
36 mins: Monaco are getting moments in Liverpool’s final third but they just haven’t been able to create anything with it. Just then, a ball is whipped in from the left but nobody is there to meet it.
It’s Liverpool who look like scoring again, and that’s with them playing at second gear – there’s not much need for them to up the ante at the moment.
Another opening for Florian Wirtz, this time blocked by a light blue shirt.
Will Castle9 August 2026 15:10
Liverpool 2-0 Monaco
31 mins: Liverpool heading straight for the Monaco goal once again from kick-off, with Lewis Koumas firing another effort on goal which this time is straight down the throat of Lukas Hradecky.
The up the other end, a shot is fired from range by Matthis Abline that has to be watched by Alisson – no drama this time.
Will Castle9 August 2026 15:06
Wigan head coach Matt Peet told Sky Sports:
On Bevan French: “Sometimes we brush over that and talk about the small things he does and the team things he does, but the fact is, he’s one of the players we have and they’re the reason the stadium is full. They’re the reason we’re enjoying ourselves at the moment.
“We’ve got talent, him, Harry [Smith], Jai [Field]. They’re getting the balance right between giving them the freedom to express themselves and getting the boring stuff right.”
On winning 11 games in a row: “I think any team can decide if they finish the season positively or not. We’ll concentrate on tomorrow and take it week by week.
“The season certainly, when you zoom out is looking exciting and competitive and we wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Wigan: Field; Hodkinson, Eckersley, O’Loughlin, Marshall; French, Smith; Havard, O’Neill, Thompson, Walters, Partington, Ellis.
Interchanges: Mago, McDermott, Eseh, Kerr.
Toulouse: Polselli; Laguerre, Tropis, Quai-Ward, Ulberg; Lacans, Rouge; Butler, Hands, Belmas, Stefani, Grossemy, Cator.
Interchanges: Marion, Roumanos, Wallace, Garrigues.
Referee: Tom Grant.
The expanded College Football Playoff has changed the math, but regular-season perfection still carries value in postseason seeding. Unbeaten Power Four teams don’t have to worry about résumé comparisons or strength-of-schedule arguments.
Pulling off an undefeated regular season, however, has never been more difficult. Championship hopefuls must overcome unexpected injuries, and even the nation’s heavyweights face dangerous road trips capable of derailing title dreams.
Talent alone is no longer enough. Since 2020, only 10 teams have reached conference championship weekend with undefeated regular seasons, and no season has produced more than two such teams. Last year featured the rare unbeaten No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup in the Big Ten championship game after Ohio State and Indiana navigated the first 12 games without a loss.
For this list, we’re leaning on four traits that separate legitimate unbeaten candidates from everyone else: roster strength, coaching edge, survival ability and, perhaps most importantly, schedule favorability. The teams that navigate their toughest matchups with championship aspirations intact are usually the deepest, most disciplined and best prepared for adversity.
These 10 programs check at least two major boxes. One has the most forgiving schedule in the country, while others boast overwhelming talent or elite coaching. All have a path — some more realistic than others — toward finishing the regular season without a blemish.
1. Texas Tech
Opponents in post-spring top 25: 0
The defending Big 12 champions miss BYU and Utah during the regular season and should cruise through their nonconference schedule. Another portal-heavy defense bolsters the Red Raiders’ chances, even with the Brendan Sorsby fallout at quarterback.
Texas Tech should be favored in every game, with early tests against Houston and a Week 11 trip to Oklahoma State standing out as potential pitfalls.
Chances increase significantly if … quarterback Will Hammond plays at an all-conference level.
2. Notre Dame
Opponents in post-spring top 25: at BYU, Miami, SMU
A playoff appearance feels inevitable for the Fighting Irish this season. However, Notre Dame will get every team’s best shot each week. Marcus Freeman’s challenge is making sure his team maintains that focus throughout the season, not just against ranked opponents.
They’ll get an early measuring stick in Week 1 against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field. Last season’s opening loss to Miami — followed by another defeat against Texas A&M two weeks later — ultimately proved fatal.
Chances increase significantly if … Notre Dame gets past BYU in Provo on Oct. 17.
3. Miami
Opponents in post-spring top 25: Clemson, at Notre Dame
Expect Notre Dame and Miami to spend several weeks at No. 1 this season, given their favorable schedules and All-America-caliber talent. There’s a strong chance both teams will be undefeated when they meet Nov. 7 in South Bend.
Landing former Duke quarterback Darian Mensah was a massive addition for the Hurricanes, who should feature an explosive offense and a defensive front capable of overwhelming opponents despite losing two first-round NFL Draft picks.
Chances increase significantly if … Miami avoids an upset loss before battling Notre Dame in November.
4. Oregon
Opponents in post-spring top 25: at USC, at Ohio State, Michigan, Washington
Postseason disappointments have haunted Dan Lanning’s program the past two years, first in the 2024 Rose Bowl quarterfinal against Ohio State and then in last season’s CFP semifinal loss to Indiana.
Perhaps the Ducks have learned to keep something in reserve for the postseason. Oregon should be 8-0 entering its Nov. 7 trip to Columbus, where a win over the Buckeyes would put an unbeaten regular season within reach.
Chances increase significantly if … Oregon takes out Ohio State to move to 9-0.
5. Indiana
Opponents in post-spring top 25: Ohio State, at Michigan, USC, at Washington
With essentially the same collection of marquee games as Oregon, choosing between the Ducks and Hoosiers comes down to which team inspires more confidence.
Given Indiana’s transition to former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover, Oregon gets the slight edge. The encouraging news for the Hoosiers? Their two toughest games — against Ohio State and USC — will be played in Bloomington.
Chances increase significantly if … the Hoosiers beat the Buckeyes at home for the first time since 1988.
6. Georgia
Opponents in post-spring top 25: Oklahoma, at Alabama, Florida (Atlanta), at Ole Miss, Missouri
Georgia has finished the regular season 12-0 three times under Kirby Smart, most recently in 2023, before missing the four-team playoff and routing Florida State in its bowl game.
As always, the Bulldogs will be tested as they pursue a sixth consecutive SEC championship game appearance. This schedule appears even tougher, highlighted by a trip to Bryant-Denny Stadium, where Georgia has not won since 2007.
Chances increase significantly if … the Bulldogs end their road skid against Alabama.
7. Penn State
Opponents in post-spring top 25: USC, at Michigan, at Washington
If Matt Campbell’s transfer-heavy roster strategy pays off, Penn State could emerge as the Big Ten’s biggest surprise simply because of its favorable schedule.
The Nittany Lions avoid Ohio State, Indiana and Oregon and get USC after the Trojans face consecutive games against Oregon and Washington. Penn State is not my CFP pick, but its chances improve dramatically if everything clicks early.
Chances increase significantly if … the Nittany Lions are 6-0 heading to Michigan at midseason, coming off a home win over USC.
8. Ohio State
Opponents in post-spring top 25: at Texas, at Iowa, at Indiana, at USC, Oregon, Michigan
That’s right, Penn State has a better chance than the Buckeyes of finishing the regular season unbeaten because of the significant difference in their schedules.
Those odds improve considerably if Ohio State wins at Texas in Week 2, but no top 10 team faces a more difficult collection of road games than the Buckeyes. If a three-loss team reaches the CFP this season, Ohio State or Texas feels like the most likely candidate because of their schedules.
Chances increase significantly if … the Buckeyes win their first two road games of the campaign against the Longhorns and Hawkeyes.
9. NC State
Opponents in post-spring top 25: Louisville
In terms of talent, NC State stands as an outlier on this list. However, the Wolfpack have a golden opportunity to surprise in the ACC thanks to a favorable schedule.
Four of their nine conference opponents missed bowl games last season, and NC State avoids Miami, Clemson, SMU and Virginia Tech. The toughest test outside of a Week 6 home game against Louisville is a Sept. 19 trip to Vanderbilt.
If returning quarterback CJ Bailey plays at an All-ACC level and the Wolfpack win their opener at Virginia, they could remain unbeaten well into the season.
Chances increase significantly if … the Wolfpack take out Louisville to start the season 5-0
10. Texas
Opponents in post-spring top 25: Ohio State, at Tennessee, Oklahoma (Dallas), Florida, Ole Miss, at Missouri, at LSU, at Texas A&M
This is a daunting schedule for one of the nation’s most complete teams. The Longhorns face eight opponents in the post-spring top 25, the most of any SEC team.
No matter how talented the roster is or how much Texas invested in building its two-deep, this is a brutal slate. A three-game stretch in October will reveal whether the Longhorns belong among the nation’s elite.
Texas would likely be a heavy favorite over NC State on a neutral field, but the Wolfpack rank ahead of the Longhorns here because their schedule is dramatically more manageable.
Chances increase significantly if … the Longhorns exit September 4-0 with wins over Ohio State and Tennessee before the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma on Oct. 10.
Dusan Vlahovic is starting to realise he won’t receive the offers he wants from Serie A, the Premier League or LaLiga, so is reportedly ready to listen to Vincenzo Italiano’s Besiktas.
The former Juventus striker has been a free agent since his contract in Turin was allowed to run down on June 30.
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
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He had expected a flood of proposals to come in from Milan, Napoli, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal or Manchester United, but that simply has not happened.
Vlahovic sees lack of alternatives
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 24: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 24, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
There was also the possibility of a return to Juve on a lower salary than the €12m per season he was on, but they too appear to have moved on with Randal Kolo Muani and Kerim Alajbegovic coming in.
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According to Calciomercato, Sportitalia and TRT Spor, Vlahovic is finally ready to listen to the offer from Besiktas and give negotiations some serious thought.
It would be a €10m per season salary, plus a large signing-on bonus and commission for his agent.
In turn, Besiktas warned that they will not wait beyond the end of next week, but have been calling Vlahovic practically every day to convince him.
They believe coach Vincenzo Italiano, who worked with the striker at Fiorentina during his most positive spell, can be a decisive factor.
Magnolia Hotshots’ Ian Sangalang blocks Meralco Bolts’ Chris Banchero during a game in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Ian Sangalang has been a consistent and efficient offensive weapon for Magnolia in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
Not only has Sangalang scored 10 or more in the Hotshots’ six games this conference, but he’s also shooting a blistering 80.9 percent from the field.
But when asked about his offense, Sangalang said that the key to his steady scoring production is his play on the other end of the floor.
READ: PBA: Magnolia pulls away to beat Meralco in rain-delayed game
“I don’t think my plays lately are special. I really just started on defense. That’s where I get my momentum,” said Sangalang after helping the Hotshots rout the Meralco Bolts, 105-88, on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“Every time that coach puts me in, I give it all on defense so I can stay in the game longer.”
Sangalang gave the Bolts fits with 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting from the field and 10 rebounds plus a steal.
The seasoned center, who is averaging 14.2 points per game, also had 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting and seven rebounds in an 88-73 win over Barangay Ginebra last Sunday.
“The offense will come naturally. I don’t think about that anymore. For me, I just start on defense,” said the 34-year-old Sangalang, who’s known for being the team’s defensive backbone since his college days with the San Sebastian Stags in the NCAA.
After opening the conference with losses to Phoenix and Blackwater, the Hotshots have now won three of their last four games to move into a third-place tie with the Bossing in Group B.
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