Maia Bouchier’s sparkling century helped new-look England cruise to a record one-day international target of 282 and a six-wicket win over Ireland at Grace Road.

Bouchier amassed 104 off 95 balls to lay down a marker with Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont retired and Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones, Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell also absent for the three-match series.

With Charlie Dean taking the reins in place of Sciver-Brunt, England were listless in the field as Ireland racked up 281 for five, helped by their hosts conceding 33 extras, including 20 wides.

Dean claimed two wickets, as did Issy Wong, although she was bizarrely denied a third in the final over of Ireland’s innings, the ball hitting Rebecca Stokell’s leg stump flush, only for the bails to remain unmoved.

England’s previous highest chase had been 267 against Australia in 2023, but any notion of an upset receded after a 143-run opening stand between Bouchier and Sophia Dunkley, who made 73 off 61 balls.

Bouchier holed out four balls after reaching her ton with 59 still required, but Alice Capsey’s 41 not out got England over the line in the 39th over after Freya Kemp contributed a breezy 36 off 22 deliveries.

Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sought an explanation from its national selection committee over the inclusion of Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq in the Test squad for the ongoing England series, adding another layer to the turmoil surrounding the side.According to a report by Geo News, the PCB issued a notice to members of the selection committee on August 31, asking them to explain the basis and rationale behind recommending Rizwan and Imam for the Test squad.The notice, a copy of which was seen by Geo News, directed committee members including Aqib Javed, Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq to submit written explanations detailing the players’ performances, selection criteria and other factors considered during the process. The members have been given 24 hours from receipt of the notice to respond.

PCB questions selection process

The notice reportedly referred specifically to a selection committee meeting held on June 2, 2026. The minutes of that meeting were submitted on July 1, with members tasked with considering players for Pakistan’s Test squads for the tours of the West Indies and England.Rizwan and Imam were subsequently shortlisted on the committee members’ recommendations.The PCB’s move comes after Pakistan endured a disastrous start to the three-match Test series against England. They suffered an innings-and-103-run defeat in the opening Test before going down by 194 runs at Lord’s, handing England an unassailable 2-0 lead.Both Rizwan and Imam were subsequently released from the Test squad ahead of the third match at Edgbaston, beginning September 9.

Misbah set to step down amid overhaul

The PCB’s demand for an explanation comes amid a sweeping overhaul of the Pakistan Test setup.A day before the notice emerged, the board announced that seven players had been released from the squad. Alongside Rizwan and Imam, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad were also sent out.Pakistan have brought in seven replacements, including Test-capped batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, while Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah have also been added.The coaching staff has undergone a major change as well, with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul removed from their positions. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke have been brought in to oversee the side for the remainder of the England tour.The developments have also triggered uncertainty within the selection committee itself. Sources close to Misbah-ul-Haq said he has decided to resign from the committee, informing the PCB of his decision and agreeing to serve a notice period before formally stepping down.The former Pakistan captain’s reported decision adds another twist to an already chaotic period for Pakistan cricket, with the board now seeking answers from the very selection process that produced a squad it has subsequently overhauled midway through the England series.

Creamline Cool Smashers’ Jaja Santiago-Minowa the during a game vs Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City in the PVL Invitational Conference. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Creamline showed a preview of how dangerous an 11-time champion club could be when a towering and international player, Jaja Santiago-Minowa, joined their winning culture after winning their first two games in the PVL Invitational Conference.

With Minowa leading the balanced attack, Cool Smashers proved too much for Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City in the third set, leading as many as 18-1 and wrapping up the frame in just 12 minutes en route to a 25-18, 25-16, 25-6 sweep on Tuesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

READ: PVL:Jaja Santiago says Creamline will get even better

Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses has been enjoying the addition of the 6-foot-5 middle blocker on his ‘not-so-tall’ team, which has been the most successful club in the decade-old league.

“Our team isn’t that big, so having Jaja in front is really intimidating for our opponents. Her presence alone makes it difficult when you’re playing against her,” said Meneses in Filipino. “With her leadership and experience, our defense becomes much easier when she’s at the net.”

But the eight-time PVL champion and 2025 Coach of the Year believes that the best is yet to come.

Jaja Santiago-Minowa and the Creamline Cool Smashers during a game vs Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City in the PVL Invitational Conference. –PVL PHOTO

“We’ve only played two games with Jaja, so there’s still a lot more we can improve and hopefully we can keep getting better until the end. Of course, we also need to stay healthy every game. Having Jaja definitely makes things easier for Creamline,” he said.

“We’ll help each other every game because we won’t get the championship right away just by having Jaja. We still have to stay focused and work hard for it. All of us, especially Jaja, really want to win the championship, but it won’t be easy. We’ll have to work hard for it.”

READ: PVL: Back in old stomping ground, Jaja Santiago shines for Creamline

Good thing for Meneses and the Cool Smashers, Minowa has been displaying not just her talent — honed in Japan since 2018 — but also her discipline, championship poise, and humility.

“We knew we had the lead, but we couldn’t afford to become complacent because Vietnam can fight back at any time. We kept reminding everyone to stay focused and continue working hard on every ball,” said Minowa in Filipino.

“I think that’s the most important thing. No matter how big your lead is, or even if the opponent is ahead, we need to stay composed and focus on what we need to do.”

With four more days remaining in her limited time with Creamline before playing in the US next year, Minowa will continue to make the most out of her PVL homecoming.

“For the first two games, my mindset has always been to contribute to the team, especially in attack and blocking. Whatever I can share with them—my experience, leadership and communication—I try to give consistently,” Minowa said.

“It’s not difficult because they’re doing the same thing. They’re also sharing their thoughts and experiences with me. Our connection and communication have been smooth so far.”

The Los Angeles Angels are the latest professional sports team to be sold in 2026. The Angels have been purchased by Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke, his company announced Tuesday.

The deal is expected to close early in 2027, per that statement.

Netflix’s latest series, Operation Safed Sagar, has earned excellent reviews. Based on the journey of the real-life members of the Indian Air Force’s Golden Arrows squadron, whose bravery was decisive during the Kargil War in 1999, the series has received praise from all quarters. Sachin Tendulkar, who was awarded the honorary rank of Group Captain in the Indian Air Force on September 3, 2010, watched the series and paid an emotional tribute to the brave men.

“Just finished watching Operation Safed Sagar. It made me think about how different life is for the people who are out there, carrying the pressure and uncertainty, while the rest of us are able to sleep peacefully and carry on with our everyday lives,” Tendulkar wrote in a post on X.

“I had met Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa many years ago. Watching Operation Safed Sagar now, and seeing what he and so many others went through during Kargil, made me look back at that meeting with a deeper sense of appreciation. The courage is extraordinary. So is the discipline and mental strength behind it.

“I feel fortunate to be associated with the IAF and to have an understanding of the values that define it. Watching this story only made me more grateful. Thank you for everything you do for us. Jai Hind!”

Dear @IAF_MCC,

Just finished watching Operation Safed Sagar. It made me think about how different life is for the people who are out there, carrying the pressure and uncertainty, while the rest of us are able to sleep peacefully and carry on with our everyday lives.

I had met… pic.twitter.com/vbwzmpxIUx

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— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 1, 2026

Operation Safed Sagar was created by Abhijeet Singh Parmar and Kushal Srivastava, who is a former Indian Air Force officer. Srivastava joined the IAF shortly after the Kargil War.

The series achieves the rare feat of striking a fine balance between military jargon and humane storytelling without falling prey to chest-thumping or bloodlust. While it’s a story of how boys who love flying become war-ready men, Operation Safed Sagar also turns its gaze to the internal conflicts of these young flying officers.

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Neeraj Chopra Wins Silver, Yashvir Singh Bronze As India Seal Double Podium In CWG Javelin

Asian Games-bound Philippine Sepak Takraw teams. –PILIPINAS SEPAKTAKRAW PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine sepak takraw team has been given a simple challenge ahead of the 20th Asian Games: Come home with a medal or give way to the next batch of players.

PSTAI president Karen Tanchanco-Caballero disclosed the agreement she had with members of the national team pending their departure for the Sept. 19 to Oct. 3 showcase.

“I’d like to share that there is already a courtesy resignation on all athletes if they do not come home with a medal,” Caballero revealed in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Philippine Sports Commission media room.

“Ready sila. Handa rin sila because they have to give way din. I mean we have given them all the support they needed for so many years. So it’s only fair for the Filipino taxpayers who pay for their allowances and support. So kumbaga, we only expect the best performance from our athletes and coaches.”

Caballero said she is confident the team can meet the challenge after its recent performance at the ISTAF World Sepaktakraw Championship-39th Thai King’s Cup in Bangkok. The Philippine men’s regu team won a historic silver medal, while the women’s quadrant team took bronze.

The Philippines also ended a 33-year podium drought in sepak takraw at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, winning bronze medals in the men’s regu and men’s quadrant.

With the team having undergone extensive training ahead of the Asian Games, Caballero believes the players are ready to face the top teams in the region.

“They are ready. They have extensively prepared for this, and I’m confident naman sa preparations ng ating coaching team,” said the PSTAI chief.

“It’s the same challenge presented to them by the NSA during the Kings’ Cup. They come home with no medal, no one’s going to the Asian Games. Simply because if you can’t beat anybody in the World Cup, wala rin kayong tatalunin sa Asiad. We are not going to be tourists when we go to Japan. So we mean business.”

Jom Lerry Rafael, who was part of the Philippine teams that won silver in the King’s Cup and bronze in Hangzhou, will lead the men’s campaign alongside Jason Huerte, Reynaldo Asilum, Ronsited Gabayeron and Glindel Phori.

The women’s team includes Mary Ann Lopez, Kristine Lapsit, Rachelle Palomar, Nieva Jane Salon, Heart Makiling and Rhea Mae Dela Cruz, among others.

The men’s regu team is grouped with Thailand and host Japan, while the women’s quadrant team will face Vietnam, Thailand and India.

“So bugbugan na tayo kaagad,” Caballero said.

Following initial 53-man roster cutdowns, NFL teams continued adjusting their active rosters through waiver claims, injury designations and more Monday. 

The Dallas Cowboys made a surprise roster move in their quarterback room by waiving Joe Milton, leaving Sam Howell as the backup to Dak Prescott despite Milton’s preseason performances. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders placed left tackle Laremy Tunsil on injured reserve Monday. 

More NFC East news dropped as New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers stayed noncommittal about his Week 1 availability. And the Los Angeles Chargers made headlines by reuniting the Herbert brothers.

Here is the latest from around the league on Monday:

With Week 1 right around the corner, the Dallas Cowboys made a surprising roster move on Monday morning.

The Cowboys are waiving quarterback Joe Milton to make room for running back Emari Demercado, according to ESPN. The decision clears the path for Sam Howell to serve as Dak Prescott’s backup quarterback to start the season.

Milton was drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots out of Tennessee. 

Milton spent six years in college playing for both Michigan and Tennessee, but only started one full season during his redshirt senior year. With the Volunteers, Milton completed 64.5% of his passes for 2,813 yards with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions. 

Now with Milton’s NFL future up in the air, it will be worth keeping an eye on whether another team claims him off waivers. A player with his physical tools might not stay a free agent long and could find his way into a quarterback competition sooner rather than later.

The Washington Commanders took a major roster hit on Monday afternoon. They’re placing five-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton on injured reserve, according to ESPN.

Both players could return later this season, but Tunsil faces a long recovery after tearing his triceps early in training camp. Newton faces a similar uphill battle after suffering a torn pectoral muscle during a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins.

Tunsil played in 14 games last season for the Commanders after an offseason trade with the Houston Texans that brought in a true pass protector for quarterback Jayden Daniels. For a team repeatedly plagued by injuries, this season doesn’t appear to be any different.

Missing Tunsil and Newton for most or even all of the 2026 season puts head coach Dan Quinn in a tough spot in a crowded and competitive NFC East. The Commanders are set to kick off their season on the road in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers progressed from individual drills to full-contact team sessions at practice on Monday, shedding his no-contact jersey. 

However, with New York set to open its regular season against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 13, the wideout remains uncertain if he will be cleared in time as he recovers from a torn ACL in his right knee.

“My mind is focused on playing the regular season: playing whenever that is,” Nabers said after practice Monday. “There’s still some things that you still have to check off the box for you to participate. I’m still going through that, still listening to the trainers, still listening to doctors and sharing everything with them.”

Nabers added that he feels “real good” physically, but emphasized that final clearance remains a process between himself, doctors, and the coaching staff.

“That’ll be a decision that will be made when that time comes,” Nabers said regarding Week 1. “There’s certain things that, as a football player, you’ve got to mentally prepare (for) before you go into a game… I want to be able to come out there and make no mistakes and just be able to fly around and do what I do. I’m getting there, for sure.”

The Los Angeles Chargers signed tight end Patrick Herbert to their practice squad Monday, joining his brother, starting quarterback Justin Herbert, according to NFL Network. 

Patrick Herbert was waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of Sunday’s 53-man roster deadline and chose Los Angeles after receiving interest from multiple teams.

The Herbert brothers previously played together at Oregon during the 2019 season, helping lead the Ducks to a Rose Bowl victory. 

Patrick, who recorded two catches for 12 yards during Jacksonville’s 2026 preseason action, joins a Chargers tight end group featuring Charlie Kolar, Oronde Gadsden, and David Njoku. 

The Chargers open the regular season on Sept. 13 against the Arizona Cardinals.

• The Minnesota Vikings release quarterback Max Brosmer, first reported by NFL Network.
• Odell Beckham Jr. told reporters that he was in tears when he found out he made the New York Giants 53-man roster.
• New York Jets head coach announced that Cade Klubnik will be the backup quarterback behind Geno Smith. Klubnik was selected in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft out of Clemson.
• ESPN reported that Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell is expected to start the season on injured reserve as he continues working his way back from his knee injury.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that it is in search of a new fielding coach for the men’s senior team following the end of Shane McDermott’s tenure last week. Taking to LinkedIn, the PCB formally opened the search for a new fielding coach who will take charge of the senior national team across formats. Since Pakistan’s deteriorating fielding standards have been a topic of debate, the PCB must pick the best candidate for the vacant role.

This also comes amid a major overhaul of the national team, coaching staff and selection committee. The PCB on Monday released seven players and several members of the coaching staff following the Test series debacle against England.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is seeking an experienced and skilled Fielding Coach to join the Pakistan Men’s National Cricket Team. The Fielding Coach will play a crucial role in developing and enhancing the fielding skills of Pakistan National Team Players,” PCB’s LinkedIn post read.

The PCB also listed certain criteria that candidates must fulfil in order to be considered for the role. The fielding coach must possess at least a Level II cricket coaching qualification, have a minimum of five years’ experience in a similar role, and have worked with elite players, national teams, or franchise sides.

However, the PCB was trolled on social media over its unusual measure to hire a coach.

Can’t believe I just saw PCB hiring for a fielding coach…on LinkedIn of all places.

We are not a serious cricket board

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— rafay. (@theslipscordons) August 31, 2026

pcb hiring fielding coach from linkedin

what a joker cricket board pic.twitter.com/vFnTYCWYs0

— ANONYMOUS GUY (@Half_life28) September 1, 2026

WTF PCB is hiring a fielding coach through LinkedIn I’m crying, man. They keep providing us with free entertainment. At this point, the only reason international cricket is still alive is because of them. Long live Pakistan cricket! pic.twitter.com/IvyaXhHaY0

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— bhosdiwalagambhir (@OnlyyRndom) August 31, 2026

Meanwhile, the last date for applying is September 9 through PCB’s website.

McDermott had resigned from his position ahead of the West Indies tour In June.

However, the PCB did not specify the reason behind McDermott’s resignation.

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No one knows for sure how things might change during the upcoming college football season, but early indications are that the 2027 NFL Draft will be the strongest in years. 

Quarterbacks — such as Texas’ Arch Manning, Oregon’s Dante Moore and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin — have dominated the early buzz because, well, they’re quarterbacks brimming with talent and potential. But the beauty of next year’s draft class is that it could offer several franchise-altering prospects at other positions, as well. 

I’ve ranked the top 10 non-QBs heading into the season and, as you’d expect, all of them have a realistic chance at being a first-round pick next spring. Frankly, the top seven players would have been selected on Day 1 this year. As a bonus, I’ve included a pro comparison for each prospect.

Grading offensive linemen is more about fit and grit than analytics, but Green checks in with the numbers that even a stat geek can appreciate. The 6-foot-5, 324-pounder is a three-year starter dating back to his true freshman season at Oklahoma. He allowed just two sacks in 751 pass drops last year, his first at the premium left tackle position after spending his first two seasons inside at left guard, where he routinely delivered pancake blocks. 

Green is a talented pass blocker, as well as a spark plug in the running game. He gains impressive depth in his kick-slide and has the lateral agility and core strength to handle counters. I’m eager to see if he is even smoother in Year 2 at tackle. Between his girth, grip-strength, competitiveness and previous experience at guard, Green should offer his future NFL team plenty of roster flexibility. 

Pro comp: Dion Dawkins, Buffalo Bills

Lacy went from a backup at Missouri to leading the entire country with 24 rushing touchdowns at Ole Miss last year. He is sudden and slippery, consistently zipping around and past would-be tacklers. His elusiveness generates plenty of highlight-reel worthy plays, but Lacy is also quite effective in short yardage, showing impressive leg drive, balance through contact and sheer determination to grind out the tough yards, too. 

Kewan Lacy could be the first running back drafted in 2027. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Along with his frequent trips to the end zone, the 5-foot-11, 205-pounder led the nation with 335 touches in 2025. There is no denying that Lacy was aided by the creative playcalling of former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin. With Kiffin now in Baton Rouge, scouts are curious to see if Lacy can duplicate his remarkable sophomore campaign. 

Pro comp: TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots 

Robinson wasn’t quite as flashy as the aforementioned Lacy last year, but he was close, earning FWAA Freshman Defensive Player of the Year honors with four interceptions, tying for tops in the talent-rich SEC. Robinson is every bit the athletic phenom you’d expect as a former five-star recruit out of IMG Academy. He has a tight, low backpedal and easy hip turn to track receivers downfield, showing impressive balance and burst out of his breaks and legitimate recovery speed when necessary. He’s also a surprisingly scrappy tackler. 

A rarity for a young cornerback, Robinson’s hands might be even better than his feet. Robinson can get a bit grabby downfield, but refs often let him compete because he locates the ball well, showing impressive hand-eye coordination to either catch it himself or rake it out of the hands of the intended receiver at the final moment. Interceptions against state rival Georgia Tech and this one versus Charlotte show Robinson’s rare body control and extension to make tough grabs look easy. 

Pro comp: Trent McDuffie, Los Angeles Rams

With all due respect to star quarterback Dante Moore, Washington is both literally and figuratively the biggest reason why Oregon has a chance to match Indiana from a year ago and win its first national championship in program history. He is the centerpiece of arguably the best defensive line in college football. 

A’Mauri Washington was good enough to be a Day 1 pick in the 2026 draft. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Washington would have been a first-round pick last year but was one of several Ducks who chose to stay north for one more winter rather than migrate to the NFL. He is surprisingly quick and agile for someone listed at 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, and he already possesses NFL power, stacking and discarding would-be blockers like paper plates at a summer barbeque. And just ask No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza about Washington’s bull rush. 

Pro comp: Kenny Clark, Dallas Cowboys

If you thought the hype built up around Arch Manning last year was intense, just wait until this season, with the Longhorns set to stampede for a national title and dominate the first round of the 2027 draft. 

Coleman — the first of three Longhorns in this article — was lured to Austin from Auburn, where he caught a combined 93 receptions for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns over his first two seasons, despite a limited supporting cast. The stats on Coleman are good, but the tape is even better. He is already an established playmaker whose film screams first-round pick. His star could shine from another galaxy, however, now that he’s working with Manning and Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, one of the best offensive minds in the sport at any level. 

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Coleman has the size and athleticism of a future No. 1 NFL receiver. He is an effortless mover who accelerates in a flash and changes directions fluidly. Better yet, he offers exceptional body control and sticky hands to make acrobatic catches even with defenders draped over him. 

Pro comp: George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys

Cornerback is not universally regarded as one of the premium positions by NFL teams. Otherwise, Moore might rank even higher on this list, as his profile is spectacular. He is coming off of a unanimous All-American campaign as a true sophomore in which he recorded five interceptions and was a finalist for not only the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back, but the Bronko Nagurski Award as the best overall defender in college football. 

Leonard Moore was one of the best players at any position in college football last year. (Photo by Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Listed at 6-foot-2, 197 pounds, Moore has intimidating size for a cornerback. He has a smooth turning motion, seamlessly transitioning out of his backpedal into full gallop. He locates the ball well for a young player, instantly reading underneath routes and showing impressive downhill quickness to trigger back toward the quarterback. Moore has broken up and/or intercepted more passes (25) than he has allowed first downs (23) over his first two seasons of college football, and he’s also a physical hitter, having forced three fumbles. These numbers are all the more impressive when considering Notre Dame often asked him to travel with the opponents’ top receiver, including playing out of the nickel. 

Pro comp: Christian Gonzalez, New England Patriots

No disrespect to former Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr. — the No. 9 overall pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2025 — but the Longhorns might have upgraded with the 6-foot-7, 325-pound Goosby succeeding Banks at left tackle. 

Pro Football Focus pinned three sacks (out of 492 reps in pass protection) on Goosby last year, but I don’t know that he was truly at fault for any of them. His tape was as clean as any blocker in the 2026 draft, and remember, there were nine blockers drafted in the first round this past spring. 

Goosby is still just growing into his body, but he already moves with such an exciting combination of grace and force that it is easy to project him as a future Pro Bowler, if not All-Pro. He eases off the snap in pass protection, sliding laterally and keeping himself square to the rusher. Goosby surges low and hard as a run blocker, as well, showing impressive bend, balance and power to move defenders in the running game. 

Pro comp: Laremy Tunsil, Washington Commanders

Stewart promises to be one of the most scrutinized non-quarterbacks of this draft class because he is remarkably gifted yet has not generated the eye-popping production his talent portends. He checks in at a prototypical 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, with long arms, which he already effectively uses to lock out and shed would-be blockers, as well as lasso ballcarriers from behind. As a pass-rusher, Stewart is sudden off the snap and has excellent core flexibility to dip under the reach of offensive tackles, greasing the edge and closing in a flash. He’s recorded 11.5 sacks over his first two seasons of SEC football, but his frequent pressures suggest his production could be twice that. 

Dylan Stewart’s stats don’t tell the true story of how good he is. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Stewart’s blend of size and athleticism are exciting build blocks. He’s already quite strong and is technically sound with some refined pass rush techniques. He’s just growing into his frame and game, projecting as a future All-Pro caliber edge. 

Pro comp: Robert Quinn (retired)

Similar in many ways to 2026 No. 5 overall selection Arvel Reese, Simmons is a malleable monster capable of starring off the edge or as an off-ball linebacker. He is as swift on the perimeter as any rusher in this class, accelerating off the ball like a receiver getting into his route. He isn’t just explosive, he’s flexible, slithering his way through waves of blockers. Watch his anticipation on this snap. The quarterback (and left tackle) had no chance. 

Moreover, Simmons is shockingly strong at 6-foot-3, 240 pounds. Like all great speed rushers, Simmons generates impressive power with the momentum he gains off his rush, often bulldozing through blockers nearly 100 pounds larger. He has recorded 21 sacks over his first two seasons — despite starting just 13 games. 

Simmons’ physical gifts are undeniable and will almost certainly earn him a top-five selection whenever he chooses to enter the draft. He isn’t a prospect without flaws, however. He’s been penalized a dozen times in just two collegiate seasons, with most of his penalties coming from mental errors, such as lining up in the neutral zone or unnecessary late hits on the quarterback. Even with the occasional hiccup, Simmons has the look of a future franchise cornerstone. 

Pro comp: Von Miller, Dallas Cowboys

It is difficult to discuss Smith and not venture into hyperbole. Ohio State’s track record for producing superstar NFL wide receivers has been well documented and Smith’s production over his first two years in Columbus is unprecedented even among them. His 2,558 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns during his first two seasons on campus aren’t just records for an Ohio State receiver; they top all pass-catchers in Big Ten history. Along with current and future Hall of Famers Calvin Johnson, Julio Jones, Derrick Henry, Myles Garrett and Penei Sewell, Smith is one of a handful of players I’ve evaluated over my career who I believe were capable of playing in the NFL as true freshmen. 

At a rocked up 6-foot-3, 223 pounds, Smith can simply bully most defensive backs at the college level. His size and strength make him an ideal weapon in the red zone, where he shows good timing and hand-eye coordination to play above the rim. And he’s a legitimate vertical threat who accelerates smoothly and tracks the ball well over his shoulder. Smith is also excellent on slants and crossing routes, utilizing his frame to keep himself between the defender and the ball and showing good vision to rack up yardage after the catch. It is remarkable how many times he outruns pursuit angles or slips between defenders seemingly in position to stop him. We’ve often heard the expression “runaway freight train” used to describe running backs, but the characterization also applies to Smith at receiver. 

Jeremiah Smith looks to be one of the best receiving prospects in years. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images)

Comparisons to past size-speed phenoms such as the aforementioned Johnson, Jones and DK Metcalf will be common throughout the draft process. The scary part about Smith is that he’s already further along as a route-runner than any of these receivers were coming out of college. 

Pro comp: Julio Jones (retired)