Sports

What the Vikings Revealed at the Start of the NFL Combine

Published

3 hours ago

25 February 2026

Minnesota Vikings helmet sits on the sideline during a game at Ford Field. — A Minnesota Vikings helmet rests along the sideline during third-quarter action in a divisional matchup against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The equipment sat near the bench area as Minnesota battled on the road in NFC North play. Nov 2, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA: A helmet remained positioned near the Vikings sideline during game action. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings are off and running at the NFL Combine, speaking to media on Tuesday and not holding back as they reveal their offseason plans. The club has an interim general manager after firing Kwesi Adofo-Mensah four weeks ago, at least nine draft picks to spend, and all-in stakes to win in 2026. Thanks to head coach Kevin O’Connell and interim GM Rob Brzezinski, a few items became clear this week.

O’Connell spoke, Brzezinski clarified authority, and Minnesota’s next roster moves began to come into focus.

The developments were especially helpful as free agency gets off the ground in 12 days.

The Vikings-Themed Items to Know at the Start of the Combine

O’Connell attends his fifth NFL Combine. Here’s what we learned so far.

Rob Brzezinski speaks during a Vikings.com interview about team leadership and roster strategy. Vikings NFL Combine takeaways. — Feb. 17, 2022 — Minnesota Vikings executive Rob Brzezinski speaks with Vikings.com’s Gabe Henderson during a recorded interview about roster construction, contract strategy, and the organization’s leadership framework. Brzezinski outlined the club’s long-range football operations approach and discussed the arrival of head coach Kevin O’Connell as part of Minnesota’s evolving front-office structure. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.

1. The Power Structure Is Collaborative

Remember the Vikings’ “triangle of authority” from the Brad Childress days? That’s back.

Asked about the front office structure, Brzezinski replied, “We have to have protocol in place, and so the owners have asked me to handle that responsibility if that would occur. But our intent is to have complete and total collaboration, and I think the decisions are going to be pretty easy to make.”

Brzezinski also said, “It’s an awesome responsibility. I’ve been here a long time. I know what this franchise means to our fans, and I just want to be a small part of one day delivering that championship.”

It sounds like O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores will be very much in charge of personnel, with Brzezinski possibly playing a tiebreaker role if necessary.

Meanwhile, Minnesota’s ownership group stated last month that it would hire a full-time general manager after the draft in April. Perhaps Brzezinski will impress enough to keep the job.

2. Josh McCown Has Been Promoted

The Vikings announced a new coaching organizational chart, complete with new names, after losing seven coaches in the last two months. Among them, quarterbacks coach Josh McCown earned a new title: offensive passing game coordinator.

Some fans criticized McCown for not empowering J.J. McCarthy to the fullest in the last two seasons, but O’Connell clearly doesn’t agree.

McCown is now in charge of the passing offense, working with offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, who is also often an object of fans’ scorn.

3. Insider Says DT Javon Hargrave Is on the Trade Block

Since the start of the offseason, Vikings loyalists have speculated about players who might be traded, including big names like McCarthy and wide receiver Jordan Addison.

But as of Tuesday, there’s officially a tangible trade rumor — involving defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz tweeted Tuesday, “Sources: The Vikings have had trade talks with teams regarding 2x Pro Bowl DT Javon Hargrave. Hargrave started 15 games last year and had 3.5 sacks in his first season with Minnesota.”

Minnesota is likely shopping Hargrave for a late-round draft pick, a last recourse before his release.

4. The Vikings’ Timeline for J.J. McCarthy Has Changed

Media members asked O’Connell if he still considers McCarthy as a franchise quarterback, a slogan he’s never been afraid to attach to McCarthy.

J.J. McCarthy gets ready on the field before a Vikings preseason game at U.S. Bank Stadium. — Aug. 10, 2024 — Minneapolis, Minnesota — Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) participates in pregame stretching and warmup throws ahead of a preseason matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. The rookie passer worked on timing and mechanics as coaches evaluated offensive cohesion and depth entering exhibition play under the stadium lights. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

O’Connell said yes but added a caveat, “It’s just the timeline is in a different place for all of us than it was in the summer of 2024. And I have a responsibility — we have a responsibility collectively as we put together this team — to make sure that we use the data that we have at this time and the experiences we have.”

This basically means that O’Connell classified McCarthy as his franchise quarterback in the summer of 2024 when he first answered the question; now, the timeline has changed. The Vikings need a McCarthy alternative in case injuries arise in 2026, a familiar theme for McCarthy.

5. All QB Options Will Be Examined

At the start of the offseason, O’Connell and former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah proclaimed a deep quarterback room as the foremost priority.

That mindset remains, even after Adofo-Mensah left the Vikings.

Brzezinski said, “We’re exploring every option that can be out there. What we do know is we need a level of baseline quarterback play for us to be effective.”

“A lot of this has been J.J. in unfortunate situations with some of the injuries and things that he’s dealt with, but we’re going to explore every opportunity, and I don’t think there’s anything specifically we’re looking for. We can’t manufacture anything that’s not there. So, No. 1, what are the options? Is it reciprocal? Is it financially doable? All those things. There’s just a lot of factors that go into it.”

Need a level of baseline quarterback play is the smoking gun that suggests a quarterback signing or trade is imminent.

6. Nothing But Love for Kwesi

Some claimed that an O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah rift may have caused Adofo-Mensah’s termination at the end of January. That is categorically false.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah stands on the sideline at a college football game while scouting players. — Oct. 7, 2023 — Minneapolis, Minnesota — Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah watches from the sideline during the Minnesota Golden Gophers’ game against the Michigan Wolverines at Huntington Bank Stadium. The Vikings executive attended the in-state contest as part of ongoing scouting work while continuing to shape the team’s roster planning and long-term draft outlook. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

O’Connell on Adofo-Mensah: “From the standpoint of my relationship, personally and professionally, with Kwesi was and will always continue to be strong. Any thoughts or noise to the contrary of that is not accurate in any way, shape or form. Speaking to the timing of it, I just know that our ownership is, I think they’re the best owners in sports.”

“I think they’re very thorough in their postseason evaluation. They made a decision, an ownership decision at that level. We will press onward, but obviously really, really thankful for my time to work with Kwes’ and what we were able to build together here and some of the success that we’ve had together and obviously the learning moments. I know he’s going to continue to go on to great things in his career.”

Brzezinski, Adofo-Mensah’s direct replacement, called his predecessor a “fabulous human being.”

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Cole Palmer and Bruno Fernandes double transfer theory at Man United – ‘I’ve seen the rumours’

Published

8 minutes ago

25 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Cole Palmer has been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer despite Liam Rosenior insisting that he is happy with Chelsea, and one Reds legend sees him as a superb signing

Aaron Morris Senior Sports Reporter

19:07, 25 Feb 2026

Lee Sharpe believes that Cole Palmer would be the perfect replacement for Bruno Fernandes, should the Portuguese playmaker opt to leave Manchester United this summer. The Wythenshawe-born 23-year-old has thrived with Chelsea since making the move from Manchester City in 2023.

And when rumours that Palmer was homesick in the English capital started to emerge earlier this year, United quickly found themselves linked with a sensational swoop for the attacking-midfielder. However, Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior was quick to downplay any suggestions that Palmer was unsettled at Stamford Bridge.

Should Palmer’s stance change in the near future, then Sharpe believes that he could excel with the Reds. However, he can’t see the talent getting into the United first-team while Fernandes is still with the club.

Speaking to BetBrain, the Manchester United legend said: “I’ve seen the rumours about Cole Palmer returning to Manchester United, that he’s a boyhood fan of the club. Maybe if Bruno Fernandes leaves Old Trafford, then Palmer could be an option to replace him, but if he stays then I don’t see how Palmer gets into the team.

“Palmer is a really exciting player and I’d love to see him in a United shirt, but there are a lot of boxes that need to be ticked before they go and get a player of his calibre.”

It comes as Fernandes’ future beyond 2025/26 has also been cast into doubt, despite the club captain devoting his allegiance to the Reds time and time again. The 31-year-old’s current contract expires next summer, although there is an option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.

However, with a wealth of interest from the Saudi Pro League last summer, it remains unknown whether his head would be turned should a lucrative deal come knocking again. It is understood that Fernandes will only hold talks with his agent regarding his future after this summer’s World Cup in North America.

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Elsewhere, United are also yet to make a decision on a new deal for Fernandes, given that they are still yet to appoint a permanent manager. Regardless of whether he stays or goes, United would be wise to invest in their engine room this summer.

Casemiro is set to part ways with Old Trafford this summer when his own contract expires, with United lacking depth outside of the Brazilian, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte – who has struggled to find his footing in the Premier League.

As a result, the Reds have been linked with a number of talents ahead of the summer transfer window, including but not limited to Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson. Elsewhere, Omar Berrada has hinted that the club’s transfer spending is not over as they take a ‘football-first approach’.

The Chief Executive Officer said: “We are now seeing the positive financial impact of our off-pitch transformation materialise both in our costs and profitability. We continue to take a football-first approach and invest in both our men’s and women’s first teams.

“On the pitch our men’s team sits 4th in the Premier League and our women’s team are 2nd in the Women’s Super League, as well as reaching the League Cup Final and the quarter final of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

“Today’s results demonstrate the underlying strength of our business as we continue to push for the best football results possible for our Men’s and Women’s teams.”

Whether that investment will cover the £100m price tag that many see Wharton’s, Baleba’s and Anderson’s services to be worth, remains to be seen.

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Whitecaps extend D Tristan Blackmon, M Andres Cubas

Published

21 minutes ago

25 February 2026

NewsAdmin

MLS: MLS Cup Playoffs-Western Conference Semifinal-LAFC at Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Nov 22, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Tristan Blackmon (33) controls the ball against Los Angeles FC during the first half at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

The Vancouver Whitecaps signed defender Tristan Blackmon and midfielder Andres Cubas to contract extensions.

Blackmon, the 2025 MLS Defender of the Year, is now under contract through the 2029-30 season.

Cubas, who will no longer occupy a designated player spot on the roster, is signed through 2027-28.

Blackmon, 29, also earned All-Star and Best XI selections last season as Vancouver reached the MLS Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup finals.

Blackmon has seven goals and seven assists in 173 MLS matches with Los Angeles FC (2018-212) and the Whitecaps.

“Since the day he arrived, Tristan has consistently pushed himself and grown into one of the league’s top defenders,” sporting director Axel Schuster said. “He has delivered countless memorable moments for our club, and we are excited to extend his contract and continue building together here in Vancouver.”

Cubas, also 29, has recorded one goal and three assists in 97 MLS games since joining the Whitecaps in 2022.

“Andres embodies everything we value in our group,” Schuster said. “He is driven, relentless in his work ethic, and a true leader in our locker room, setting the standard for our younger players. On the pitch, he has been integral to our success and ranks among the very best in the league at his position.”

Internationally, Cubas has 32 caps with Paraguay and Blackmon has made two appearances for the U.S. Men’s National Team.

–Field Level Media

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Real Madrid vs Benfica live: Team news and line-ups from Champions League play-off

Published

35 minutes ago

25 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Real Madrid’s starting XI

Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Ascenio, Rudiger, Carreras; Valverde, Guler, Tchouameni; Camavinga, Gonzalo, Vinicius Jr

Mike Jones25 February 2026 18:46

Team news

The line-ups will be released any time now, so here’s a reminder of the early team news for both sides…

Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is suspended, while Alvaro Arbeloa is also without the injured Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao and Dani Ceballos. Dean Huijsen is a doubt.

Manager Jose Mourinho will not be in the touchline on his return to the Bernabeu having been sent off during the first leg. Dodi Lukebakio could replace the suspended Gianluca Prestianni.

Chris Wilson25 February 2026 18:40

Match stats

This is the sixth meeting between Real Madrid and Benfica in the European Cup/Champions League – although Madrid won the first leg of this tie, Benfica are one of two sides they have faced 5+ times in the competition and lost more games (3) than they’ve won (2), along with Milan (P16 W6 D3 L7).

These two sides will meet in the Champions League for a third consecutive game (MD8 of the group phase, first/second leg of the play-offs). It’s the first fixture in competition history to be played three times in a row in the same season.

Chris Wilson25 February 2026 18:30

Kylian Mbappe ruled out of Real Madrid’s crunch reunion with Benfica in Champions League

Kylian Mbappe will miss Real Madrid’s Champions League play-off second leg with Benfica with injury.

Madrid are leading 1-0 after a fractious first leg in Lisbon which saw goalscorer Vinicius Jr accused Benfica’s Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni of racist abuse.

Prestianni has been suspended for one game – the second leg – pending an investigation by Uefa. The 20-year-old has denied racially abusing Vinicius and claimed to have been misheard.

Chris Wilson25 February 2026 18:20

Will Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni play against Real Madrid tonight?

Prestianni was seen holding his shirt over his mouth during a heated exchange with Madrid players following Vinicius’s second-half goal in Lisbon. The Brazilian winger rushed to the referee to report what he claimed was racist abuse.

Chris Wilson25 February 2026 18:10

‘A disgrace to football’: Vinicius Jr reports racist abuse as Real Madrid match halted

Vinicius had an altercation with Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni after scoring the only goal of the game and told the referee that he had been the subject of racist abuse. The match was then paused following Uefa’s three-step racism protocol.

Chris Wilson25 February 2026 18:00

When is Real Madrid vs Benfica?

The second leg of the Champions League knockout play-off tie is due to kick off at 8pm GMT on Wednesday 25 February at the Estadio Bernabeu in Madrid.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage on the channel from 7.30pm GMT. A live stream will be available via discovery+.

Chris Wilson25 February 2026 17:52

Predicted line-ups

Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rudiger, Carreras; Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouameni, Guler; Vinicius, Mbappe.

Benfica XI: Trubin; Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl; Rios, Aursnes; Lukebakio, Rafa, Schjelderup; Pavlidis.

Chris Wilson25 February 2026 17:46

Team news

Manager Jose Mourinho will not be in the touchline on his return to the Bernabeu having been sent off during the first leg. Dodi Lukebakio could replace the suspended Gianluca Prestianni.

Chris Wilson25 February 2026 17:41

Team news

Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is suspended, while Alvaro Arbeloa is also without the injured Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao and Dani Ceballos. Dean Huijsen is a doubt.

Chris Wilson25 February 2026 17:37

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Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews backs White House visit, U.S. women’s team

Published

48 minutes ago

25 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Matthews captained Team USA to a gold medal at the Olympics on Sunday in Milan, where the team stayed overnight.

A day later, the Americans partied at a nightclub back on home soil in Miami. Then, on Tuesday, most of the team made its way to D.C. to visit the White House and President Donald Trump.

Some players stayed for the State of the Union address Tuesday night, including Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Now, Matthews is back with the Maple Leafs ahead of a Wednesday road game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. In a scrum after morning skate, he dove into why the Americans accepted Trump’s D.C. offer.

“To me, I don’t like to get political or get into that stuff. Like I said, we’re proud Americans and winning a gold medal, it’s been 46 years since the men’s ice hockey team has done that, so I mean, the team that wins the Stanley Cup each year accepts the White House invitation to go,” Matthews said.

“So I think it’s something that you do because we are proud Americans and whatever your political beliefs may be, hopefully something like this will hopefully bring more unity to the country and stuff like that. But for us, we believe it’s a great honour, no matter who’s in office.”

Moments after the 2-1 overtime win over Canada, the Americans received a phone call from Trump in the locker room, where FBI director Kash Patel was celebrating alongside the team.

In a video of the call, while inviting the men’s team to the White House, Trump said he’d have to invite the women’s team too or risk impeachment.

“It was unfortunate,” Matthews said of Trump’s line. “We love the women’s team, we support them. The night we won the gold medal, we were hanging out in the dining hall until 3, 4 in the morning. So it’s unfortunate that occurred. We have nothing but love and respect for the women’s team and what they were able to accomplish, and it’s amazing that the men’s and women’s ice hockey teams are both bringing home gold medals for the United States of America.”

“I think that should be talked about more than the other. But we’re extremely proud of them and happy for them and we support them 100 per cent.”

Matthews will now head back into action for the Maple Leafs against the Lightning as they resume their attempted climb up the standing and into a playoff spot (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m PT).

Easton Cowan, Dakota Joshua and Philippe Myers will be scratched, per Berube.

Meanwhile, the Lightning will be without head coach Jon Cooper, who is away from the team due to the death of his father.

Forward Brayden Point, who missed the Olympics due to injury, will draw back in.

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Courtois Slams Mourinho Over Vinicius Racism Comments

Published

1 hour ago

25 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has criticised his former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho over comments made following an alleged racist incident involving teammate Vinicius Jr.

The controversy came during last week’s Champions League match in Lisbon against Benfica, where Vinicius claimed he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni. The match was briefly halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius initially walked off in protest.

After the game, Mourinho suggested that Vinicius’s celebration after scoring might have provoked the abuse. Courtois, who played under Mourinho at Chelsea from 2013 to 2015, strongly rejected this view.

“The only thing that disappointed me in Mourinho was using Vini’s celebration as an excuse,” Courtois said. “You cannot justify racism over a celebration.”

Courtois also revealed that the Real Madrid team was ready to walk off the pitch in solidarity. “It was Vinicius who decided we should continue playing. If he decided to walk out, we would all have walked out,” he explained.

The goalkeeper expressed full support for Vinicius. “I believe Vini 100 per cent. He never, ever accused any rival player of racism in the past. He 100 per cent heard him say it. Racist insults, homophobic insults, and any offensive insults have no place in the football stadium or anywhere.”

Meanwhile, Prestianni has been given a provisional one-match ban by UEFA and will miss Wednesday’s return game. The Benfica player denies the racism claim, reportedly stating he used a homophobic slur instead, while the club says he covered his mouth during the incident.

Mourinho, who was sent off during the first leg, will also miss the return fixture at the Bernabeu and will not attend pre-match media duties.

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Lightning’s Point to return from injury against Maple Leafs

Published

1 hour ago

25 February 2026

NewsAdmin

The Tampa Bay Lightning will get a big boost to their lineup in their first game since the Olympic break.

Forward Brayden Point will return to the ice for Wednesday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT), the team announced.

Point missed the team’s past 11 games prior to the break with a lower-body injury he suffered on Jan. 12 against the Philadelphia Flyers.

The injury also forced Point to miss representing Canada at the Winter Olympics after he was named to the initial roster. He was replaced by Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis.

Point, 29, has had a solid year for the Bolts, tallying 11 goals and 19 assists in 36 games.

The Lightning sit first in the Eastern Conference coming out of the break with a 37-14-4 record.

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2026 Australian Guineas as stepping stone to Australian Derby plans

Published

1 hour ago

25 February 2026

NewsAdmin

The scarcity of fitting three-year-old events has trainer Peter Moody directing two stayer hopefuls to the Australian Guineas, much to his chagrin.

Nominations for Victorious Spirit and Bingi cover the 1600m Group 1 at Flemington Saturday, plus a matching benchmark 66 at Cranbourne Friday against veterans.

At Cranbourne, the Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman stablemates would bear 61.5kg and 60kg, yet Moody prefers the Saturday path.

“I probably don’t need to be butting heads with those horses but it’s the race that will take me to where I want him to be and Bingi is a bit the same,” Moody said.

“I’m nearly forced to run them because there’s no three-year-old race at a mile on a Wednesday meeting, or anything like that, and really there’s only the Guineas, and if you want to go to 2000 (metres) at your next start, it doesn’t help.

“He (Victorious Spirit) went well first-up and there may be worse than him there, but it would be nice to find something easier, and it would be cheaper than running in a Group 1.

“Hopefully he can finish in the top five to pay for the day.”

A field of 12 is nominated to the Australian Guineas, featuring Observer and Planet Red – victors of one-two in the Autumn Stakes (1400m) over Victorious Spirit in third – and Flemington C S Hayes conqueror Sixties.

Australian Derby dreams fuel Moody’s plans for Victorious Spirit, son of Ghaiyyath who sired Victoria Derby champ Observer, though timing concerns linger; co-trainer sees Bingi thriving at 2000m.

“He’s the right horse for the Derby, but whether he’s mature enough,” Moody said of Victorious Spirit.

“We’ve got three Derbies still left, so there’s a chance he could run in one of them.

“The Australian Derby is the only one I haven’t won.

“I’ve won over in Perth, I’ve won the Northern Territory Derby as an owner, I’ve won in Tasmania, I’ve won a few in Queensland, as well Victoria and South Australia.

“I’ve been placed in the Australian Derby, so it’s an itch I want to scratch.”

Fans can find competitive racing betting markets for the upcoming Australian Guineas.

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2026 Cognizant Classic odds, picks: Predictions from expert who nailed 6 PGA winners last year

Published

2 hours ago

25 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Ryan Gerard looks for his second career win on the PGA Tour when he competes at this week’s Cognizant Classic at Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. He enters as the favorite at +1600, with Shane Lowry at +1700 from FanDuel Sportsbook. Gerard, 26, has three professional wins, including his lone PGA Tour victory at Barracuda Championship last July. Last week at the Genesis Invitational, Gerard tied for 28th, 12 strokes back.

This year’s Cognizant Classic gets underway at 6:45 a.m. ET on Thursday from the PGA National – Champion Course at Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. The tournament with a $9.6 million purse will be played on a par-71 course measuring 7,223 yards. Besides Gerard and Lowry, other favorites include Nicolai Hojgaard (+1900), Rasmus Hojgaard (+2200), Michael Thorbjornsen (+2200) and Keith Mitchell (+2700). Joe Highsmith is the defending tournament champion, winning the 2025 event by two strokes over Jacob Bridgeman and J.J. Spaun. Highsmith is +15000 this year in the PGA odds.

Before making any 2026 Cognizant Classic picks or entering any Cognizant Classic one and done picks, you need to see the 2026 PGA Cognizant Classic predictions and best bets from golf expert Brady Kannon.

Kannon is an elite golfing betting handicapper with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. He’s hit eight major outright winners since 2013, and hit six PGA winners, including 110-1 longshot Harris English at the Farmers Insurance Open, in 2025. In the fall of 2022, he hit outright winners in three consecutive weeks: Russell Henley (40-1), Tony Finau (18-1) and Adam Svensson (150-1).

Last season, he hit Hideki Matsuyama (22-1), Harris English (110-1), Ludvig Aberg (25-1), Ben Griffin/Andrew Novak (25-1) in New Orleans, Tommy Fleetwood at the Tour Championship (14-1) and Hideki Matsuyama (20-1) at the Hero World Challenge. Additionally, he’s 25-17-4 on head-to-head bets since joining SportsLine.

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Now, Kannon has focused his attention on the 2026 Cognizant Classic field and locked in his best bets sleepers and golfers to avoid. You can only see them here.

Top 2026 Cognizant Classic expert picks

One of Kannon’s 2026 Cognizant Classic predictions: He’s completely fading Gerard, the favorite, avoiding him in outright bets and advises to go against him in head-to-head bets as well.

“We saw a 26-year old born in the latter half of 1999 win last week at Riviera but I am not banking on yet another ‘Party like it’s 1999’ happening again for a second straight 26-year old this week in Palm Beach Gardens,” Kannon told SportsLine. “Gerard is a very good player who notched his first PGA Tour win in his rookie year last season. He began this year red-hot, with two straight runner-up finishes but now in this watered-down field, he is at the very top of the board as the betting favorite — being priced the same if not lower than Shane Lowry. It is a very different world, going from 30-40-50-to-1 longshot to lone favorite and now being “expected” to win the golf tournament.” See who Kannon is backing at SportsLine.

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How to make 2026 PGA Cognizant Classic picks

Kannon has revealed his best bets, and his top outright pick is a surprising golfer going off at higher than 45-1. He’s a perfect course fit, and anyone who backs him could hit it big. You can only see who it is at SportsLine.

What are the best bets for the 2026 PGA Cognizant Classic, and which overlooked golfer shoulder you target? Check out the 2026 PGA Cognizant Classic odds below, then visit SportsLine to see Brady Kannon’s top picks for the 2026 PGA Cognizant Classic, all from the expert who nailed four outright winners last season.

2026 PGA Cognizant Classic odds, field

See the full PGA Cognizant Classic picks, best bets and predictions here.
(odds from FanDuel and subject to change)

Ryan Gerard +1600
Shane Lowry +1700
Nicolai Højgaard +1900
Rasmus Højgaard +2200
Michael Thorbjornsen +2200
Keith Mitchell +2700
Daniel Berger +2700
Brooks Koepka +3000
Aaron Rai +3300
Alex Smalley +3300
Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen +3300
Davis Thompson +3300
Will Zalatoris +3500
Max McGreevy +3500
Richard Hoey +4000
Johnny Keefer +4000
Christiaan Bezuidenhout +4000
Haotong Li +4000
Thorbjørn Olesen +4000
Nico Echavarria +4000
Max Homa +4500
Kristoffer Reitan +4500
Michael Brennan +4500
Jordan Smith +4500
Mac Meissner +4500
Mackenzie Hughes +4500
Chris Kirk +4500
Sami Valimaki +5000
John Parry +5500
Tom Kim +5500
Stephan Jaeger +5500
Ricky Castillo +5500
Seamus Power +6000
Garrick Higgo +6000
Matt Wallace +6000
Doug Ghim +7000
Kris Ventura +7000
Jesper Svensson +7000
Kevin Yu +7000
Zecheng Dou +7500
Austin Eckroat +7500
S.H. Kim +7500
Joel Dahmen +7500
Kevin Roy +7500
Eric Cole +7500
Gary Woodland +7500
David Ford +8000
Dan Brown +8000
Billy Horschel +8000
Adrien Dumont de Chassart +8000
Dylan Wu +8000
Luke Clanton +8000
Emiliano Grill +8000
Vince Whaley +8000
David Lipsky +10000
Mark Hubbard +10000
Chandler Blanchet +10000
Davis Riley +10000
Keita Nakajima +10000
Sudarshan Yellamaraju +10000
Takumi Kanaya +10000
Beau Hossler +10000
Taylor Moore +10000
Austin Smotherman +10000
Lee Hodges +10000
Erik van Rooyen +10000
Matt Kuchar +10000
Karl Vilips +10000
Isaiah Salinda +10000
Blades Brown +10000
Steven Fisk +10000
Andrew Putnam +10000
Matti Schmid +10000
Chad Ramey +10000
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How to watch Team USA men’s hockey Olympic gold medalists at home

Published

2 hours ago

25 February 2026

NewsAdmin

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The U.S. men’s hockey received a heroes’ welcome back to the United States on Monday after defeating Canada in the gold medal game of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The team partied in Miami later that night and some traveled to Washington, D.C., to visit President Donald Trump and attend his State of the Union address to the nation. Those players were given a standing ovation in the House chamber. The president announced goaltender Connor Hellebuyck would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

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On Wednesday, it’s back to work.

The NHL will return to regular-season action with the Stanley Cup Playoffs on the horizon. Each Team USA player will be back to work at some point this week. Read below for how fans can support the players as the puck drops on the second half of the 2025-26 season.

Jeremy Swayman, Charlie McAvoy – Boston Bruins

Goaltender Jeremy Swayman and defenseman Charlie McAvoy return to the Boston Bruins this week. The team is 32-20-5 and in fifth place in the Atlantic Division. The Bruins return to the ice on Thursday against the Columbus Blue Jackets at 7 p.m. ET.

Jackson LaCome – Anaheim Ducks

Jackson LaCome was the only Anaheim Ducks player on the U.S. team this year. The team is in fourth place in the Pacific Division with a record of 30-23-3. The Ducks will welcome the Edmonton Oilers into California on Wednesday night at 10:30 p.m. ET.

Brady Tkachuk, Jake Sanderson – Ottawa Senators

Brady and Matthew Tkachuk celebrate the gold medal win

Brady Tkachuk (7) of Team United States and Matthew Tkachuk #19 of Team United States celebrate after their game against Team Canada during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 22, 2026. (Geoff Burke/Imagn Images)

Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson may play in Canada but return to their team in the Canada’s capital city of Ottawa. The Senators are 28-22-7 and in sixth place in the Atlantic Division. Ottawa will play the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night at 7 p.m. ET.

Zach Werenski – Columbus Blue Jackets

Zach Werenski and Dylan Larkin celebrate

Zach Werenski #8 and Dylan Larkin #21 of Team United States celebrate winning the gold medals after the team’s 2-1 overtime victory in the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Zach Werenski assisted on Jack Hughes’ golden goal that gave the U.S. the gold medal against Canada. The Columbus Blue Jackets are in the thick of a playoff race and sit in fourth in the Metropolitan Division. They are 29-20-7. He will take on his Team USA brothers on Thursday as the team plays the Bruins at 7 p.m. ET.

Jack Eichel, Noah Hanifin – Vegas Golden Knights

Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin return to Las Vegas as gold medalists. The Vegas Golden Knights are on top of the Pacific Division with a 27-16-14 record. The team is in action on Wednesday night at 10 p.m. ET against the Los Angeles Kings.

J.T. Miller, Vincent Trocheck – New York Rangers

There hasn’t been much to cheer about with the New York Rangers this season as the team sits at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division with a record of 22-29-6. But fans will be cheering them on when they get back to Madison Square Garden. The Rangers will welcome the Philadelphia Flyers into the Big Apple on Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET.

Matt Boldy, Brock Faber – Minnesota Wild

United States’ Matt Boldy, left, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during a men’s ice hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Matt Boldy and Brock Faber played crucial roles in the U.S. win over Canada. Boldy scored Team USA’s first goal against Canada in the Olympics. The Minnesota Wild are 34-14-10 and are in second place in the Central Division. The Wild are back in action against the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET.

HOCKEY OFFICIALS REJECT CANADIAN COACH’S COMPLAINTS OF 3-ON-3 OVERTIME RULES AFTER OLYMPIC LOSS

Matthew Tkachuk – Florida Panthers

Matthew Tkachuk has spent a lot of time at the White House over the last couple of years. He’s been a major part of the Florida Panthers’ back-to-back Stanley Cup title wins. Tkachuk and the Panthers return to action on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.

In pursuit of a third title, Florida will need a big push to make the playoffs this season. They sit in last place in the Atlantic Division with a 29-25-3 record.

Dylan Larkin – Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings will need Dylan Larkin to help maintain their position in the Atlantic Division. The Red Wings are third in the Atlantic Division with a 33-19-6 record. Detroit will play Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson’s Senators on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.

Brock Nelson – Colorado Avalanche

Brock Nelson has helped keep the Colorado Avalanche on top of the Central Division. The Avalanche are 37-9-9 this season. The team will take on the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday night at 9 p.m. ET.

Jake Oettinger – Dallas Stars

Jake Oettinger was among the goaltenders the U.S. could have used during the Olympics. He’s been the netminder for the Dallas Stars since the 2020-21 season. The Stars are 34-14-9 this season, sitting in third place in the Central Division.

Auston Matthews – Toronto Maple Leafs

United States’ Auston Matthews, right, celebrates after scoring his side’s fifth goal during a preliminary round game of men’s ice hockey between the United States and Germany at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Auston Matthews is in the same boat as some of his other Team USA compatriots. He will return to Canada to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs. As one of the best players in the NHL, Matthews’ next task will be to end the Canadian Stanley Cup drought. The Maple Leafs are 27-21-9 and are just above the Florida Panthers in the Atlantic Division. Toronto will play the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. ET

Connor Hellebuyck, Kyle Connor – Winnipeg Jets

It’s been a whirlwind for Connor Hellebuyck and Kyle Connor the last few days. They will head back to Winnipeg, Canada, to join their Jets teammates for the rest of the season. The Jets are 22-26-8 and in seventh place in the Central Division.

Jake Guentzel – Tampa Bay Lightning

Jake Guentzel and the Tampa Bay Lightning are one of the best teams in the NHL. The Lightning have the best record in the Eastern Conference with a 37-14-4 record in the Atlantic Division. The Lightning will take on the Maple Leafs on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Tage Thompson – Buffalo Sabres

Tage Thompson will return to the Buffalo Sabres, who are in the thick of a fight in the Atlantic Division. The Sabres are 32-19-6 and are in fourth place in the Atlantic Division. The team will take on the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. ET.

Jaccob Slavin – Carolina Hurricanes

Jaccob Slavin and the Carolina Hurricanes are pushing to win the Metropolitan Division and get back into contention for the Stanley Cup title. The Hurricanes lead the Metropolitan with a 36-15-6 record. The Hurricanes take on the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night at 7 p.m. ET.

Jack Hughes – New Jersey Devils

United States’ Jack Hughes (86) poses with teammates after a men’s ice hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Jack Hughes will likely never have to pay for a beer in New Jersey, or anywhere else in the States, again after he delivered the game-winning goal against the Canadian team. He will have to make a big push for the team to get into playoff contention as the team is 28-27-2 in the Metropolitan Division. The Devils play Wednesday night against Thompson’s Sabres on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. ET.

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Clayton Keller – Utah Mammoth

Clayton Keller was the lone representative on the upstart Utah Mammoth squad. The NHL’s newest team is in fourth place in the Central Division with a record of 30-23-4. The Mammoth take on the Avalanche at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

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Battered clubs battle as Warriors hobble into Memphis

Published

2 hours ago

25 February 2026

NewsAdmin

NBA: Sacramento Kings at Memphis Grizzlies

Feb 23, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper (18) shoots as Sacramento Kings guard Daeqwon Plowden (29) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The Memphis Grizzlies are going through a difficult stretch because of the abundance of injuries, particularly at one key position.

The shortcoming — emphasis on short — is beginning to take its toll on a team that is operating without true centers.

Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke are out with injuries — as they have been most of the season — and 6-foot-10 forward Jaren Jackson Jr. was traded to the Utah Jazz shortly before the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, creating even more disadvantages in the paint.

As a result, the Grizzlies have lost six of their past seven games and have been overwhelmed on the boards as they prepare to play the visiting Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.

In a 123-114 loss on Monday to the visiting Sacramento Kings, who had dropped a franchise-worst 16 straight games, the Grizzlies were outrebounded 45-37. The Kings had 22 second-chance points thanks to 13 offensive rebounds.

Two days earlier, Memphis was outrebounded 57-35 in a 136-120 road loss to the Miami Heat.

“Offensively, this was one of the games that we really struggled against the switches,” Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said of defeat against the Kings. “We don’t have the inside advantage that we had before and can’t really rebound. There’s no mismatches created by that, so we got to work on that.”

Besides Edey and Clarke, the Grizzlies have been missing a number of key players. Star guard Ja Morant will miss his 15th straight game on Wednesday because of an elbow injury. Rookie Cedric Coward, a regular starter since November, will be sidelined for a fifth consecutive contest due to a knee injury. Santi Aldama (knee) is set to miss his eighth game in a row.

Because of the abundance of injuries, Memphis started a different lineup for the 11th straight game Monday. Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who stands 6-7, started at center.

“Next year, we’re going to have a big,” Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. said. “We will have guys back. I probably won’t see this much (defensive) switching on the court, like, ever. It’s rare to see anyone out there with a 6-foot-7 center.”

In the Monday loss, Javon Small led the Grizzlies with 21 points. He added nine assists and six rebounds. Prosper scored 17 points, and GG Jackson had 16.

The Warriors come to Memphis with their share of significant injuries. Stephen Curry hasn’t played since Jan. 30 due to a right knee injury and is expected to miss his ninth straight game. Kristaps Porzingis is battling an illness, and Jimmy Butler is out the remainder of the season with a torn ACL.

Porzingis, a key acquisition before the trade deadline, has appeared in one game for his new club — Feb. 19 against the Boston Celtics. In that contest, the veteran big man finished with 12 points in 17 minutes. He was sidelined for the past two games with what coach Steve Kerr called “just a bug.”

“He’s just been really, really sick, but he’s making improvements,” Kerr said.

Despite the absences, the Warriors posted an impressive 128-117 win over the visiting Denver Nuggets on Sunday, a game in which Golden State dished out a remarkable 42 assists on 48 made field goals. On Tuesday in New Orleans, the Warriors — minus Curry, Porzingis, Butler and Al Horford — fell 113-109 despite getting a season-high 28 points from Melton and 24 from Moses Moody.

Moody had 23 points against Denver.

“Moses has been brilliant for six weeks,” Kerr said. “He is shooting lights out.”

–Field Level Media

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