Concerns over track conditions were at the forefront for the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable on Saturday morning.

A significant downpour could have seen Blind Raise withdrawn from the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1300m), with a potential alternative being the Listed Michael Moroney (1400m) at Flemington the following week.

However, despite 7.2mm of rain falling at Sandown in the early hours, the track was rated a Soft 7, allowing the gelding to take his place in the field.

Sent out as the $3 favourite under Blake Shinn, Blind Raise ran out a 1-¾ length winner from Wolf Gap ($5), with Shooting Brake ($16) a further three-quarters-of-a-length behind in third.

“We don’t live far from here and it was pouring down and then at Cranbourne, at the track (this morning), it never misses it,” Busuttin commented.

“It was touch and go and I sent out a late voice message (to the ownership group) saying we would probably scratch.”

Busuttin noted that while Blind Raise performed well on the soft ground, he had been concerned by the gelding’s level of sweating prior to the race.

“That’s not him, he’s been bombproof all the way through,” Busuttin stated.

“It was genuinely a concern and even in the running, in the first furlong, he was trucking a bit, but he had had only the one trial since Brisbane, so that will bring him on.

“It was pretty comfortable (in the end) and the second horse was pretty good.

“The watch was pretty good so we’re pretty happy.”

The Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 10 is now a potential target for Blind Raise, and Busuttin indicated that the stable would consider the best route to achieve this goal.

The Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) on September 19 and the Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield eight days later are the primary options being considered.

“It’s either the Prelude or the Stutt Stakes and just with him being a bit fresh and keen, I think a two-week turnaround to the Prelude will do him the world of good,” Busuttin advised.

Compare the latest online bookmakers and their odds for upcoming feature races.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Congress has backed comprehensive reforms of Nigerian football but insists that the process must follow Nigerian law, the NFF Statutes and relevant FIFA and CAF regulations.

In a reform proposal dated September 2026, the Congress said the resignation of the NFF Executive Committee and General Secretary had created a serious leadership vacuum.

However, it stressed that the situation does not mean the NFF has been dissolved or that Congress has lost its constitutional powers.

The Congress said the NFF Statutes already provide a process for dealing with leadership vacancies through an Extraordinary Congress.

It therefore proposed that the reform process should begin with the activation of the appropriate Congress, followed by a review of the NFF Statutes and Electoral Code, verification of electoral constituencies and stakeholder structures, and eventually the conduct of fresh elections.

Congress supports major reforms

The Congress said it supports wide-ranging reforms covering governance, league administration, commercialisation, funding, infrastructure, player welfare, legislation and football development.

It, however, warned that the reform process itself must respect legality, institutional continuity, democratic representation, transparency, accountability and football autonomy.

The proposal covers areas such as governance and institutional reform, league development, commercialisation, sports funding, infrastructure, elections, transition and implementation.

The Congress recommended using the existing NFF Statutes and recognised football institutions as the foundation for the reform process.

It also said a reform body should not independently change the NFF Statutes, alter Congress membership, appoint or remove officials, create a Normalisation Committee or take control of the electoral process.

According to the Congress, such decisions must remain with the institutions empowered to make them under the NFF’s constitutional framework.

Government urged to respect football autonomy

The Congress recognised the role of government in supporting football through funding, infrastructure and legislation.

However, it warned that government support should not become control of the NFF’s internal administration.

It called for transparent agreements, proper procurement processes, independent audits and regular reports on public funds and infrastructure projects.

The Congress also said legislative reforms should continue alongside the electoral process and should not be used as a condition for holding NFF elections.

Proposed governance changes

The Congress wants a full review of the NFF Statutes, Electoral Code and governance structure.

It supports wider representation for players, coaches, referees, leagues and clubs, women’s football, youth football and grassroots football.

However, it maintained that any changes to Congress membership or voting rights must be approved through the NFF’s constitutional process.

The proposal also recommends a three-term limit for the NFF President and Executive Committee members, based on tenure principles contained in FIFA and CAF statutes.

Elections within six months

The Congress called for credible, transparent and independent elections based on valid statutes.

It proposed verification of the voters’ register, transparent nominations, eligibility checks, secret voting and proper appeal procedures.

Its proposed process is:

1. Convene an Extraordinary Congress to deal with the leadership vacancies.
2. Review and amend the NFF Statutes and Electoral Code where necessary.
3. Submit proposed reforms to FIFA and CAF for technical review.
4. Formally adopt the reforms through Congress.
5. Verify and regularise electoral constituencies and stakeholder structures.
6. Hold an elective Congress to elect new NFF leaders.

The Congress also rejected the idea of completely starting the Local Football Councils and State Football Associations afresh, saying verification and regularisation would be a better approach.

Three-to-six-month caretaker plan

For the transition period, the Congress proposed a Caretaker Committee that would operate for between three and six months.

The committee would be responsible for stabilising the NFF and helping to complete the statutory process towards elections.

The proposed members are Christopher Green, Esq.; Hon. Abubakar Ladan; Mr L. A. Haruna, SAN; Engineer Waheed Akanni; Rukayat Segilola Alaya; Coach Oko Victor Ndubuisi; and Professor Tor Iorapuu.

The Congress stressed that the committee should operate under the NFF Statutes and must not become a replacement for elected leadership.

Normalisation Committee only as a last resort

The Congress took a cautious position on the possible appointment of a Normalisation Committee.

It said such a committee should be an exceptional measure and not the first step in dealing with the crisis.

According to the proposal, it should only be considered if FIFA formally determines that the NFF’s existing statutory institutions cannot resolve the situation through the Federation’s constitutional process.

League and player welfare reforms

The Congress also supports professionalising Nigeria’s leagues, stronger club licensing, better commercialisation, improved player welfare and increased investment in youth, women’s and grassroots football.

However, it called for independent financial assessments before major financial commitments are approved.

For example, the proposed ₦2 million monthly minimum salary for players should first be tested for commercial and financial feasibility.

The Congress also said proposed commitments such as ₦2.5 billion in prize money and ₦15 billion for media production should be backed by sustainable revenue, proper club licensing and transparent distribution.

It further suggested reviewing the proposed media allocation, with greater attention given to the Nigeria National League and Nigeria Women’s Football League.

Reform roadmap

The Congress proposed a reform programme lasting between six and 24 months.

The first month would focus on stabilising the Federation and convening the competent Congress.

Months one to two would cover legal, financial and governance reviews, as well as consultations with stakeholders.

Months two to four would focus on changes to the NFF Statutes and Electoral Code.

Formal adoption of the reforms and preparations for elections would take place around months four and five, with elections and handover expected around the fifth or sixth month.

The remaining period, up to 24 months, would focus on implementing structural, commercial and player-welfare reforms, as well as developing women’s, youth and grassroots football and improving infrastructure.

Congress wants FIFA and CAF support, not replacement

The Congress proposed that FIFA and CAF should provide technical assistance, recognition and oversight without taking over the constitutional responsibilities of the NFF.

It said any Joint Reform Coordination Group should remain consultative and should not have the power to appoint or remove NFF officials, amend the Statutes, change Congress membership or control elections.

The proposal also noted that the NFF’s voting structure has expanded under recent statutory reforms, with the 2026 Statute increasing Congress membership from 44 to 53 voting members.

A proposed broader representation model would have 146 members holding 73 voting mandates, including representatives of State Football Associations, professional and lower-division clubs, women’s football, school sports, players, coaches, referees, beach soccer, grassroots football and supporters.

‘Yes’ to reform, ‘no’ to bypassing Congress

The NFF Congress said its position should not be seen as opposition to reform.

Instead, it wants the overhaul of Nigerian football to be carried out through a lawful, football-led and properly organised process.

Its preferred route is to activate the competent Congress, make any necessary changes to the Statutes and Electoral Code, verify electoral structures and then conduct credible elections.

The Congress believes FIFA and CAF should support the process through technical advice and oversight while respecting the constitutional authority and autonomy of the NFF.

In essence, the Congress is saying yes to comprehensive football reform, but no to bypassing the NFF’s constitutional institutions in the process.

The latest news as Manchester United prepare to re-enter the Champions League

Manchester United are searching for momentum following a disappointingly inconsistent start to the season.

Michael Carrick is seeking to capitalise on the progress made after steering United to third position and securing Champions League football. Yet despite what appeared to be a favourable first month on paper, the Red Devils have collected just four points from three matches and find themselves 11th in the table.

On Sunday, Carrick’s men were denied victory by Everton deep into stoppage time as they were held to a 2-2 draw. United are now gearing up for their Champions League return and their maiden outing in the competition’s revamped format, which features an initial league phase comprising 36 teams.

United begin their European campaign against Azerbaijani outfit Sabah at Old Trafford on Thursday, before focus shifts back to domestic matters and Sunday’s Manchester derby. Here’s a summary of the latest developments from Old Trafford….

Rashford ‘smelling of roses’

Peter Schmeichel believes Marcus Rashford is like a new signing after praising the returning winger’s early-season displays. Following loan stints at Aston Villa and Barcelona, Rashford has appeared close to his outstanding best since being restored to the squad.

United legend Schmeichel was particularly struck by the forward’s display at Everton. He told Viaplay: “Coming away from that game, Rashford is now smelling of roses. I thought he was absolutely fantastic.”

The Dane went on to say: “It just shows that there’s some intent now for Marcus to go back to what he was for Manchester United four years ago, when he scored 30 goals in one season.

“He was playing like this. Seeing his team-mates, putting them in, getting the ball into good positions, stepping up, getting the ball into the box. He wasn’t trying to do everything himself, [he was] trying to be dangerous.

“If that’s what we get for this season, welcome back, Marcus. We have missed you, because he is then one of the top players in the world.”

Record deal signed

United have secured a record sleeve sponsorship agreement with a financial technology firm. The lucrative partnership will see SumUp – described by the club as a “leading global fintech company” – appear on United’s first-team shirts, taking over from DXC Technology.

It represents the club’s most lucrative sleeve sponsorship deal to date, though the precise value of the contract remains undisclosed. It is understood to exceed the recently agreed training kit sponsorship arrangement with Betway, which is reported to bring the club approximately £20million annually.

The SumUp branding will make its shirt debut against Sabah. It will also feature on both the academy and women’s teams’ kits.

Thousands of Man United fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.

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Last year’s winner Ousmane Dembele, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe are among the top contenders for the men’s Ballon d’Or.

The 30 men’s and 30 women’s nominees were revealed by France Football magazine on Tuesday, with the winners to be announced at a ceremony in London on Oct. 26.

In the women’s field, two-time winner Alexia Putellas, Ewa Pajor and Melchie Dumornay are among the favorites. Aitana Bonmati, the winner of the past three awards, did not make the cut after missing most of the season through injury. She returned at the end of Barcelona’s quadruple-winning season that included another Champions League title.

Dembele and Mbappe both played for France at the World Cup, where their team lost to eventual champion Spain in the semifinals. Although it’s difficult to win the accolade without a major trophy, Mbappe made history when he overtook Lionel Messi for the most all-time World Cup goals (22), in fewer games.

After claiming a second straight Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain, Dembele has a chance to retain the Ballon d’Or.

Kane had one of his best seasons, scoring 73 goals for club and country and winning the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich. Kane also led England to a third-place finish at the World Cup.

The 39-year-old Messi, who has a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, was on the shortlist after guiding Argentina to a runner-up finish at the World Cup and winning Major League Soccer with Inter Miami. The other three Ballon d’Or winners still active, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Luka Modric, were not in the list.

PSG dominatesDembele was one of nine PSG players – 10 including newly acquired Ferran Torres – nominated for the men’s award, alongside Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, Willian Pacho, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz and Vitinha. Torres scored Spain’s winner in the World Cup final.

In an interview with France Football, Dembele said he expects the award to remain at PSG. Asked to name his top three in no particular order, he cited PSG teammate Kvaratskhelia, Kane and Mbappe. He also mentioned Michael Olise, Lamine Yamal, Ruiz and Pacho, but did not include himself.

“I don’t think the trophy is undecided. I think it will remain in the hands of a Paris Saint-Germain player,” he said.

The other men’s nominees include Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, as well as Manchester City striker.

Italy, which did not qualify for the World Cup, and the Netherlands and Germany had no representatives. Only one player from Serie A, Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan, was selected.

There was no goalkeeper nominated, ensuring Lev Yashin remains the only keeper to win the coveted trophy (1963) for another year.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony is moving from its traditional Paris home to London this year to mark the 70th anniversary of the first award won by England great Stanley Matthews.

The voting systemThe Ballon d’Or was created by France Football and has been awarded since 1956 for men, and since 2018 for women. It is voted for by journalists from the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings for the men’s award and the top 50 FIFA-ranked countries for the women’s award.

Each journalist, one per country, selects players in ranked order with points attributed to each position. The winner is the player who receives the most points.

Organizers say the trophy is awarded based on three criteria, in order of importance: 1, individual performances, decisive and impressive character; 2, collective performances and titles won; 3, class and fair play. The performance period is Aug. 3, 2025 to July 19 – the day of this year’s World Cup final.

Calvin Oftana in action against New Zealand in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

READ: SCHEDULE: Gilas Pilipinas men at Asian Games 2026 5×5 basketball

MANILA, Philippines–Gilas Pilipinas will field a 12-man squad for its defense of the Asian Games gold after all.

Coach Tim Cone on Wednesday confirmed the inclusion of Calvin Oftana for the Aichi-Nagoya Games, where he will fill the slot previously reserved for Justin Brownlee.

Cone said Oftana is due to arrive in Japan as of posting time.

READ: Gilas Pilipinas at Asian Games 2026: What you need to know

“We hope he arrives in time to make our practice schedule today,” Cone said.

Oftana will be making his first Gilas appearance since the second window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers in February.

He has missed the last two windows of the Asian Qualifiers due to injuries to his hamstring and toe.

READ: Gilas ready to go with 11 players if Brownlee misses Asian Games

The TNT star takes the place of Brownlee, who has been ruled out for the Asiad despite hopes that he may return after missing the fourth window of the Fiba qualification.

Cone initially said Gilas would be fine with an 11-man roster, but an additional body suddeniy became a necessity, especially after getting swept badly by South Korea in a two-game exhibition in Suwon over the weekend.

Oftana comes in two days before Gilas opens its Asiad campaign against Bahrain.

FILE – Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson holds up his NBA championship ring during a ceremony before the Lakers’ basketball game against the Houston Rockets, in Los Angeles, Oct. 26, 2010. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson, File)

The Los Angeles Lakers will unveil a statue of former coach Phil Jackson outside their downtown arena next year.

The Lakers announced the plan Tuesday to honor Jackson, who led the Lakers to five championships and seven NBA Finals appearances during two stints totaling 11 seasons as their head coach.

The statue will be unveiled April 9 before the Lakers’ home game against Minnesota.

READ: Lakers unveil statue of Pat Riley, Showtime coaching mastermind

After his famed tenure leading Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls to six championships, Jackson joined the Lakers in 1999 and immediately began another era of major success for the 17-time NBA champion franchise.

His first three teams in Los Angeles won championships behind the dynamic duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, and the Lakers added two more titles in 2009 and 2010 led by Bryant and Pau Gasol. His Lakers also made the NBA Finals in 2004 and 2008.

Jackson set the Lakers franchise record for coaches with 610 victories while leading his teams to the playoffs in every year of his tenure, which ended in 2011.

“Phil Jackson defines championship basketball for a reason,” Lakers governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement. “His masterful approach to coaching brought out the best in some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game.

READ: Kobe Bryant immortalized with bronze statue outside Lakers’ arena

After he accepted my dad’s invitation to join the Lakers, Phil’s unmatched creativity and commitment to excellence restored our championship legacy, bringing five titles and setting a standard of excellence for generations to come. It is a great joy to be able to mark that achievement with the statue he so richly deserves.”

Jackson will be the ninth person associated with the Lakers to be honored with a statue in Star Plaza outside their arena. He joins Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Bryant, O’Neal, broadcaster Chick Hearn and former coach Pat Riley, whose statue was unveiled earlier this year.

Jackson’s 11 championships as a head coach are the most in NBA history. The North Dakota native and former New York Knicks forward is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Former Dakkada FC star Emmanuel Ayaosi has been included in Slavia Prague’s squad for the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign.

The Nigerian forward is now on the verge of playing in Europe’s biggest club competition, completing another important step in his rapid rise in football.

Ayaosi was signed by Dakkada FC at a very young age and played in the NPFL as a youngster. He quickly made an impression in the league before moving abroad to continue his career.

The 21-year-old has now earned his place in Slavia Prague’s Champions League squad after making a strong start to the new season.

Ayaosi has scored in back-to-back matches for Slavia, finding the net in wins over Sparta Prague and Brno.

His recent form has further raised expectations around the young Nigerian as Slavia prepare for their Champions League campaign.

The Czech champions could hand Ayaosi his first Champions League appearance when they face French side RC Lens in their opening match.

Slavia Prague signed Ayaosi from Czech league rivals Karvina after his impressive performances attracted interest from several clubs.

Viktoria Plzen and other clubs were reportedly interested in the winger, but Slavia moved quickly to secure his signature.

The move made Ayaosi the club’s first signing of the upcoming season as they strengthened their squad for another domestic title challenge and their European campaign.

From playing in the NPFL at a very young age with Dakkada FC to standing on the brink of the Champions League, Ayaosi’s journey is a proud story of development, determination and opportunity.

The next step could see the Nigerian talent make his name on one of football’s biggest stages.

Making it to Super Bowl LX isn’t enough to reserve a spot in Colin Cowherd’s top 10 – the first Herd Hierarchy before Week 1 of the 2026 regular season, shared on Tuesday’s edition of “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” revealed as much. 

The New England Patriots aren’t the only team missing, however: Cowherd made a point of saying that the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens were both close to making this inaugural list… but not close enough.

There’s plenty of season left for the teams missing from it now to play their way into the Hierarchy. But for now, here is Cowherd’s actual top 10 before Week 1 kicks off – which includes Super Bowl LX’s champions, at least.

Cowherd’s thoughts: “One of the most improved teams, and one of the teams that I thought made real moves, the Cincinnati Bengals. They’ve won the division the two times they’ve given Joe Burrow a top-20 defense. And by adding Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, Kyle Dugger, Cashius Howell and Boye Mafe, I think they’re going to have a top-20 defense. You also look in their division: old Aaron Rodgers twice, the Browns’ quarterback situation twice, I think when Burrow doesn’t have to only win by track meet, is a playoff quarterback.”

Cowherd’s thoughts: “Best defense in the league by a margin. Listen, they’ve won 10 of their last 11 games, I’m a fan of C.J. Stroud — though the last two years, too many mistakes — they return 10 of the 11 starters that made their defense and shut down the L.A. Rams. The Seahawks couldn’t even do that. I like the Texans a lot: Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr., Derek Stingley Jr. are about as good as anybody in the league at their positions, and I love head coach DeMeco Ryans and their GM — they just can’t stay healthy at wide receiver.”

Cowherd’s thoughts: “Listen: 10-1 when they won the turnover battle. And here’s the good news: Caleb Williams doesn’t turn the ball over. He does not throw interceptions. He didn’t at USC, he doesn’t in the NFL, he didn’t in high school. And I think Colston Loveland, Luther Burden and Rome Odunze, as they now age, are going to become an elite, top of the league trio. Rome Odunze had a nice camp, he’s finally healthy. Do I worry about a lack of a consistent pass rush? Yes, that’s why I have the bears at No. 8.

TDs, not INTs, that’s what Caleb Williams gives the Bears. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Cowherd’s thoughts: “I think we’re overselling the fact that they trailed in a lot of games last year. Well, adding Jaylen Waddle, there’s a chance that will rejuvenate the passing game a little bit. They gave up the fewest sacks, and for two years in a row have led the NFL in sacks. They have an elite coach and returned 41 of their 43 offensive touchdowns. Yes, their schedule’s hard, yes, it’s a great coaching division, but I think Bo Nix is — and I think a lot of people are struggling to acknowledge — pretty good! He may not be great, but he’s pretty good.”

Cowherd’s thoughts: “Worry about the interior O-line again, but I’m going to put the Chargers in — 11-6 last year, with the lowest-rated offensive line. They got an upgrade at offensive coordinator in Mike McDaniel, I think their weapons are good enough, they’ve added a rookie edge rusher with their first-round pick, Omario Hampton now healthy at running back — only team in the league top-five in third down and third down defense. Now they have the perfect coordinator for Justin Herbert.”

Cowherd’s thoughts: “It gets real close now. Philadelphia, Week 1, big favorites against Washington. No. 2-ranked O-line, and you know what I say about O-lines. Hard not to make the playoffs when you have  a top-5 or -6 O-line in the league. DeVonta Smith, is he a great No. 1 receiver with A.J. Brown gone? Well, they added Dontayvion Wicks and Hollywood Brown and Makai Lemon from USC (who had a spotty camp)… they’re good enough at wide receiver, great at running back, good at quarterback. Easy schedule, by NFC standards.”

A.J. Brown is gone, but Dontavion Wicks is in Philadelphia now. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Cowherd’s thoughts: “I think the Lions will battle for the Super Bowl. Easiest schedule in the league, they have a new offensive coordinator that’s viewed in-house as an upgrade, their skill positions — Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam Laporta and Jameson Williams are really, really electric playmakers. That matters in the long NFL season, you can’t have 13-play drives, week after week. You need some over the top home runs by Jahmyr Gibbs or Williams. Great teams get occasional easy touchdowns; not everything are perfect long drives.

Cowherd’s thoughts: “I like Buffalo more than most, largest favorites to win their division. Josh Allen is 28-8 against his division — it’s got a Tom Brady feel. They traded for D.J. Moore — because he’s not flashy and not terribly demonstrative, people don’t understand how good he is. Durable, professional, open — I love D.J. Moore, a real serious No. 1 receiver. We gotta be honest about this: their rush defense was bad. But the last two years, they’ve spent more draft picks on defensive capital than any other team. I think some of those start to pay off.”

Cowherd’s thoughts: “The Rams are the most talented team in football. I put them No. 2 because I worry about being hunted, week after week after week. I also think if you look at their schedule, when you’re a heavy favorite it’s hard to stay motivated. They’ve also got some age in a couple of spots. Will DaVante Adams stay healthy? Will Puka Nacua always be available? I love their tight ends, running back, coach and quarterback, but he’s what, 38 years old? I have them at No. 2.

Will age be a problem for Matthew Stafford and the Rams in 2026? (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Cowherd’s thoughts: “What I like about the Seahawks is all their best players are either all going into their athletic prime — Sam Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Devon Witherspoon — or they’re in their prime. They have no egos. It’s not like the other Seahawks with Pete Carroll, where Marshawn Lynch was a star and Richard Sherman was a star and Russell Wilson was and Pete Carroll was. In his own division, Mike Macdonald is the third-most talked about head coach. Sam Darnold still has that perfect chip on his shoulder. JSN doesn’t get nearly the pub that he should. I think Seattle doesn’t have the brand stars, so they’re still sort of undervalued in the market.”

Was the 2026 NFL season just the beginning for Sam Darnold and the defending Super Bowl-champion Seattle Seahawks?

“I’m big on Seattle,” “FOX NFL Kickoff” Analyst Julian Edelman stated on Tuesday’s edition of “The Herd.” “They’re returning 20 of 22 starters. I got to sit and talk with all these guys in a production meeting in the preseason. Sam Darnold was mad about his performance in the Super Bowl, and the week before that he had an unbelievable game performance to beat the Los Angeles Rams. He gets to go into the offseason almost like he lost the Super Bowl with his mindset after winning a Super Bowl. And then they get to hear all the hype on the Rams. I think this is a storm brewing to just wipe out a lot of teams. They’re really good.

“I was so impressed with [Seahawks head coach] Mike Macdonald’s calm, cool and collected demeanor but also his way where he’s big with the connections with the players, but he also has kind of that hard alpha trait to him because he is a defensive guy and his mentality with steering the ship. I’m so impressed with every single guy they have.”

The Seahawks open the 2026 regular season at home against the Patriots on Wednesday night in a rematch of Super Bowl LX.

Seattle is coming off a 14-3 season that saw it win the NFC West for the first time since 2020, with its 14 regular-season wins a franchise record and its Super Bowl triumph the second in franchise history (2013 was the first).

The Seahawks lost offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who became the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, replacing him with former San Francisco 49ers offensive assistant Brian Fleury. With Darnold in his first season under center for Seattle, Kubiak’s offense was third in the NFL in points (28.4 per game) and eighth in total yards (351.4 per game).

Meanwhile, Seattle’s defense, which returns defensive coordinator Aden Durde for a third season, was first in opponent points (17.2 per game) and sixth in total yards (285.6 per game).

As for the “hype” surrounding the Rams, quarterback Matthew Stafford is coming off a 2025 campaign that saw him win NFL MVP honors. On the transactional front, Los Angeles, most notably, acquired superstar defensive end Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns and cornerback and 2023 All-Pro Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs. And if that wasn’t enough, superstar defensive lineman Aaron Donald recently came out of retirement after two years away from the game to play for the Rams once again.

Seattle’s offseason has primarily been based on retaining its own. The Seahawks extended wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (four-year, $168.6 million deal) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (four-year, $132 million deal) on deals that make them the highest-paid players at their respective positions.

Seattle also extended defensive lineman Leonard Williams (three-year, $90 million deal), while re-signing wide receiver/returner Rashid Shaheed (three-year, $51 million deal) and cornerback Josh Jobe (three-year, $24 million deal), among other moves. In the draft, the Seahawks selected Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jadarian Price with the No. 32 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a pick that combats the departure of running back and Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III.

“They draft, develop and pay their guys,” Edelman said of the Seahawks. “They got a lot of great things going for them, and the biggest thing is that no one’s even talking about them. It’s the quietest Super Bowl champion team I’ve ever heard of. It’s unreal, and it’s going to play into their favor.”