By Nick Bartlett, SuperWest Sports
Sports
2026 Preseason G6 Power Rankings for Teams in the West
It’s been difficult to keep track of all the realignment among the Group of Six conferences this past year.
A lot has changed.
This much remains certain, though: The top two teams in the previous Mountain West remain the top two teams in the region.
After Boise State and UNLV, however, the races in the new MW and reconstituted Pac-12 are far less clear.
Here’s my best guess at how the Top 10 G6 teams in the West will stack up this season.
1. Boise State
Boise State remains the best team among G6 programs in the West, if not the nation.
The Broncos return quarterback Maddux Madsen, though he will be without most of his top receivers. However, dynamic two-back combination Sire Gaines and Dylan Riley will help fill the void.
The offensive line is a plus as well: Roger Carreon, Jason Steele, and Daylon Metoyer are elite performers. If this group can find a solid left tackle, they should hold the advantage over most of the teams they play.
On defense, the Broncos feature a vicious end combination led by Jayden Virgin-Morgan and Max Stege. The duo should be able to control the tempo in most of their matchups, with the exception of Oregon.
Everyone else on the roster should prove decent enough to replace what they lost, but they’ll need to find an answer at safety with Ty Benefield gone.
The key for this unit is playing better against elite teams.
If the Broncos rectify that, they could find themselves in the College Football Playoff.
Projected Overall Record: 10-2
2. UNLV
For the first time in recent memory, UNLV should be the frontrunner of its conference. The Rebels have to replace a ton of production, but a weaker slate will ease the transition.
The key to their season will likely depend on the play of Jackson Arnold, who lacked pocket awareness at previous stops. But his athleticism should shine in the Mountain West.
Arnold will also need to improve his consistency. His QBR in 2025 was either above 85 or below 45.
UNLV also returns Jai’Den Thomas at halfback, a big-play threat. The combination of him and Arnold should create gaps in the defense. Jai’Den ran for 1,036 yards, 12 touchdowns, and averaged seven yards per carry a year ago.
That combo, along with two returning tackles, is a nice place to start on offense. If they find an explosive wideout, they’ll be trouble.
Defensively, they need production on the line. They have enough returners at linebacker and in the secondary to prove decent, but they need to solidify the trenches.
Blesyng Alualu-Tuiolemotu and Kamuela Ka’aihue provide experience at linebacker. But this is Arnold’s story.
Projected Overall Record: 9-3
3. Washington State
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Washington State is a huge x-factor this year. They have the type of team that could finish in second place in the Pac-12 and in these power rankings, but they could also find themselves near the bottom.
With new Head Coach Kirby Moore, the offense is expected to improve quickly. But that depends on the quarterback play of Caden Pinnick, a stud at UC Davis, who threw for 3,206 yards, 32 touchdowns, and ten interceptions.
Pinnick also added 437 yards on the ground. He’ll be complemented in the backfield by the return of Kirby Vorhees and Leo Pulalasi.
At receiver, Tony Freeman is a good playmaker, but the Cougars also have a couple of notable transfers in Darrius Clemons and Tank Hawkins.
The offensive line features Ashton Tripp, who’ll be protecting Pinnick’s blind side. The group in its entirety has the potential to be one of the better units in the Pac-12.
Defensively, WSU is hunting from scratch. The Cougs lost much of their defense to Iowa State with the departure of Jimmy Rogers. Some of the bigger losses include Isaac Terrell and Parker McKenna.
New Defensive Coordinator Trent Bray is going to have to retool a unit that proved sneaky good a year ago.
Projected Overall Record: 8-4
4. San Diego State
San Diego State made no sense last season, but they were still good. Sean Lewis’ Aztec FAST moniker proved the opposite of his team’s identity.
The offense struggled, ranking 78th in the nation in points scored per game. But the unit should take a huge step forward this year.
The Aztecs return Jayden Denegal at quarterback, Lucky Sutton at halfback, and a bunch of receivers from injury. They also return Jordan Napier.
There are a lot of question marks on the offensive line, but this unit has enough skill to compensate if they underwhelm.
The West Coast will finally get to see what a Lewis system looks like.
On defense, however, they have to replace nearly everything, with the exception of Dalesean Staley. The senior safety may just have to limit big plays this year, but he’s still a stud.
SDSU lost 12 out of their top 14 tacklers, including First-Round draft pick corner Chris Johnson, and a probable future First-Rounder in defensive end Trey White.
While the defense proved phenomenal in 2025, it’s time for the offense to boss up. This team feels like a squad that is close to the top, but not quite there yet. Yet, if the defense comes to play, they could be the G6 team to beat.
Projected Overall Record: 7-5
5. New Mexico
New Mexico was a heartwarming story across the college football landscape a year ago. But now, they have to back it up.
Jason Eck appears to be in a good spot, however, as the Lobos return starting quarterback Jack Layne and four offensive linemen. Layne must protect the ball a little better after throwing 10 interceptions last season.
His confidence is an asset for UNM; he just needs to stop impersonating Brett Favre. Kaden Robnett, who was named Second Team All-Mountain West a year ago, is another rock at center.
New Mexico lost their top five skill position players, but they should be alright as long as the offensive line holds up. Similar to UNLV, one of the Lobos’ biggest question marks is their defensive line.
The Lobos are hoping players such as Clay Martineau and Jalen Charles can fill the void. At linebacker, they’re led by Jaxton Eck, a national commodity appearing on five preseason award watchlists.
Mercury Swaim and Eck form a vicious duo at backer. UNM also returns two corners with experience and has depth at safety.
If the skill-position players step up, this team should meet expectations.
Projected Overall Record: 8-4
6. Fresno State
Fresno State should be good, but they’ll likely lack the explosiveness needed to be a G6 contender.
Matt Entz is a winner and knows exactly how he likes to build his roster. He won nine games his first season with the Bulldogs, and two National Titles at the FBS level.
Fresno also features arguably the best halfback duo in the G6—Rayshon Luke and Bryson Donelson are dirty. But the rest of the offense needs to come together quickly.
Khristian Martin is new at quarterback; the Bulldogs lack proven receivers, and they need to replace key parts of the offensive line. But even if the line struggles a little, it should be one of the better units in the Pac-12.
Flipping the page, the defensive front seven will probably decimate most G6 teams. If ends Micah Mosley or Maverick Noonan can make an impact, it will be tough to run against them.
FS also needs to replace two corners, but they landed a solid safety in the portal in Simeon Harris. They ranked second in the nation, allowing 153.8 passing yards per game in 2025. They’ll likely regress, but they’ll still be decent.
If the Bulldogs add some flash alongside Luke, they could be “poppin bottles in the ice.”
Projected Overall Record: 7-5
7. Hawai’i
Hawaii might be No. 8 on this list, but they’re probably the team getting the biggest shaft here. The Rainbow Warriors only return seven starters combined, but they get a multitude of talent back.
Most important is the return of Micah Alejado, who balled out while beat up last year, throwing for 3,106 yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
The Rainbow Warriors also get back running back Cam Barfield, who had 80 touches a year ago. Rounding out the trio is Pofele Ashlock in the slot.
The offensive line also returns three seniors, making this a complete unit.
The Bows’ defense is a bit sketchy, though, as they are relying on a bunch of unproven transfers from Power Four schools. The most notable is probably Lipe Moala, a huge guard from Oregon.
One thing working to Hawaii’s advantage is having at least one proven player at every level. Lesterlaisene Lagafuaina is a decent end, Jamih Otis can fly at backer, and Elijah Palmer is a dog in the secondary.
If some of these Power Four transfers play to their potential, UH’s defense could be the story of the Mountain West.
Projected Overall Record: 7-5
8. Texas State
Texas State is a team that should get some credit right now. Did the Bobcats play a weaker schedule in the Sun Belt? Yes, but so did a lot of other G6 schools.
TXST might have a top three offense in the Pac-12. Brad Jackson is a legit dual-threat quarterback, and Texas State features two standout receivers in Beau Sparks and Chris Dawn, Jr.
The Bobcats also added Davian Jackson, who brings speed to the bunch. They lost pretty much all of their running backs, however, including the running backs coach.
They will need to rely heavily on their offensive line if they throw the majority of the time. This unit is the key to their season.
Defensively, Texas State will likely struggle, having been ranked 95th in the nation in points allowed per game in 2025.
The Bobcats have few playmakers, though, in DonTerry Russell, who recorded 4.5 sacks a year ago, and Ryan Nolan, who should be able to clean up the big plays at safety.
TXST will likely suffer at defensive tackle after losing its top two tackles to power four schools.
Regardless, the Bobcats will go as far as their offense takes them, and they’ll likely need to win a few shootouts to make a bowl game.
Projected Overall Record: 5-7
9. North Dakota State
The Bison probably won’t roll through everyone by 30 points anymore, but they have a favorable early schedule. If they can win their first two matchups, it should allow quarterback Nathan Hayes enough time to find his rhythm.
The fifth-year senior’s read plenty of playbooks before, but he’s never been the guy. That said, experienced halfback DJ Scott will make his life easier in the backfield.
The biggest concern for North Dakota State, however, is its receiving core, having lost six notable wideouts—which feels massive, given the level jump. The Bison will need to lean on their offensive line if they want to move the ball consistently.
On defense, if NDSU can find someone to pressure the quarterback, they should continue their lineage. They return production at tackle and should be able to limit teams up the middle.
Tim Polasek also did a good job replacing corners in the portal, bringing in a strong group led by Chance Tucker from Notre Dame.
In true NDSU fashion, some of the more notable names on the roster are found in the trenches. Guard Griffin Empey and tackle Keenan Wilson are two of these dudes.
North Dakota State’s championship pedigree should give them a chance to compete instantly.
Projected Overall Record: 7-5
10. Colorado State
Colorado State benefits from a light schedule to open its campaign. If the Rams can jump out to a 3-1 start, Jim Mora could get them to a bowl in his first year.
The key for CSU is for whoever plays signal-caller to step up. Hauss Hejny’s the more explosive player, but Mora may feel more comfortable with K’saan Farrar.
Proven halfbacks Mel Brown and Durell Robinson will complement the starting quarterback. Colorado State also landed Juice Vereen from UConn, who could be a standout at tight end.
CSU will field a talented receiving core with returner Tommy Maher and two transfers from Power Four schools. If the offensive line stays tough, this unit could surprise a lot of teams.
Even though the Rams lost Owen Long to Arizona State, they may have enough collective talent to improve defensively. If they can get a consistent pass rush, then they should have enough pieces in the back seven to prove troublesome.
Oumar Diomande’s a solid transfer linebacker, and the secondary did a good job of re-tooling in the portal.
If this team steals one or two games in the Pac-12, they could easily find themselves bowling.
Projected Overall Record: 5-7
Writes about football and basketball as a Senior Writer and hosts “The Nick Bartlett Show” for SuperWest Sports.
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Callaway‘s newest wedge was designed to solve a problem.
When you open the face of a wedge, your strike tends to move toward the toe, where there aren’t always grooves, and farther from the CG.
The new Full SP Wedges solve this with a full-face groove design, giving you 44-percent more groove area than a conventional wedge, and a more optimized and higher CG to help you gain control around the greens.
“When you’re around the green, Full Toe SP brings out so much creativity — whether it’s out of the bunker, the rough, the fairway. Or whether you’re playing with a high, low, open face, or square face,” Callaway VP of Global Product Strategy, Jacob Davidson, said in a release. “With the Full Toe shape, we’ve increased that area of that high toe, which allows you to have more room on that side of the club. And by adding full-length grooves that extend across the face, there’s much more groove area to work with on this wedge.
“This wedge is like a get-out-of-jail-free card, time and time again.”
Keep reading below for more on the Callaway Full Toe SP wedges, including my take on the release.
What’s actually new with Callaway Full Toe SP wedges — and why you should care
Callaway’s highest CG wedge yet
The whole point of Callaway’s Opus SP (Spin Pocket) platform is to raise the CG of a wedge by creating a pocket lower in the head and reallocating that mass higher in the clubhead. This year’s Opus SP+ pushed that concept further, but now the Full Toe SP is taking it to another level.
With the expanded toe area and larger shape overall, combined with a spin pocket that is 18 percent larger than Opus SP+ and 35 percent larger than the standard Opus SP, the new Full Toe SP is Callaway’s highest CG wedge ever.
The high CG, along with Full Face Spin Gen 2.0 grooves, helps players generate even more spin and flight the ball lower. Compared to traditional wedge shapes, the additional offset of the Full Toe SP also helps players flight the ball down. The offset can also help players launch it higher out of bunker shots while retaining that high spin.
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Jack Hirsh/GOLF
“Kind of the Swiss Army knife here of wedges, where you have the best of both worlds with the low spin or the high spin low launch on those square face, and then that high launch high spin on the open face shots,” Brian Hurr, Callaway’s R&D Manager, Wedges, said in a product presentation.
New J- and JW-grinds
Given that the Full Toe is designed to be used differently than a traditional wedge shape, Callaway optimized two unique grinds for the wedge, rather than taking existing Opus SP grinds.
The J-Grind is available on all five loft options and offers a lower effective bounce with aggressive heel relief and additional camber. Callaway has offered a J-Grind before, but the updates to the camber and relief were a significant part of the design.
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Jack Hirsh/GOLF
“What that allows you to do is it just makes it more forgiving,” Hurr said. “So, if you hit behind the ball a little bit, you’re not going to lose as much speed.”
The wider JW-Grind is only available on the 62˚ and is designed to be a bunker-friendly club with more bounce and a wider sole.
“You take that thing in the bunker; you don’t even have to open it up,” Hurr added. “You can just throw your hands in it. It pops it right out.”
Callaway Full Toe SP wedges
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Jack Hirsh/GOLF
What is it: An oversized, cavity-back wedge designed to lower ball flight and increase spin both on full shots and around the greens.
Available lofts: 54J, 56J, 58J, 60J, 62J, 62JW (62˚ lofts RH and Custom Only)
Who it’s for: Players who don’t mind an unconventional look and want more spin and a lower ball flight.
I honestly wasn’t expecting Callaway to release a wedge like this in this cycle, given they had put out Opus SP+ earlier this year.
But it really does make a lot of sense and can help a lot of golfers.
Full-face wedge designs like this are rare at the highest levels of professional golf (although they sometimes pop up!), but for an amateur player, even a low-handicapper, many struggle with spin control and generating enough around the greens.
I happen to fall into that category sometimes, and that’s where one of these high-CG wedges with full-face grooves can really benefit you.
You’re also helped out by the offset, which is having a bit of a renaissance in wedge design at the moment, delaying impact slightly and allowing you to capture the ball.
When I hit shots with these Full Toe SP wedges, the ball comes off low and with a ton of spin from a square face, which can be really useful around almost any course I play. Then I open it up, and the ball elevates effortlessly.
If that’s what you’re looking for, than the Full Toe SP is the way to go.
Price, Specs and Availability
View Product
Callaway’s new Full Toe SP wedges are available for pre-order starting Aug. 21 and will arrive at retail locations on the same day.
Each wedge will cost $199.99.
Full Toe SP Wedges in the J-Grind are available in both left- and right-handed from 54˚ to 60˚ while the 62˚ lofts in the J- or JW-Grind are right-handed only and only available through custom order.
Want to find the best driver for your game in 2026? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.
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How modern football tactics are creating more two-way scoring matches across European leagues?
European football is getting more and more comfortable at full speed. The 2024/25 season of the Premier League saw 1,115 goals scored, the second-highest in any 38-match season, and the Bundesliga in Germany averaged 3.1 goals per match for the seventh consecutive time, the highest on record in a 38-match season. Those figures don’t necessarily indicate that every contest is getting increasingly formalized, but they do confirm the extent to which high-quality games are creating a consistent attacking environment, transitions and recovery opportunities.
The big question is why? A lot of goals are not spontaneous but are set-up in a system that is built to high-fly the ball up, attack with numbers and pressure unsettled defenses. It can give bettors a little more context about the mechanisms behind this week’s both teams to score tips, making football tactical analysis a more useful tool for making a smart bet instead of following a “must make a right decision” type tip.
The high press revolution: forcing errors and creating space
High press means not playing too deep a block but being aggressive towards the opponent’s goal. The action of retrieving possession of the ball quickly after it is lost is known as Gegenpressing (counter-pressing). Both concepts focus on hitting before the opposition sets up.
A turnover 25 metres from goal can be a shot in seconds. The other risk with BTTS is when the first pressure line is beaten the attackers are suddenly caught with runners in large gaps behind midfield. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have long relied on a forensic approach to seizing possession and, for Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain, pressing centrally was the secret to their Champions League success this season. PSG had a relentless pressing in the last quarter, according to UEFA’s technical analysis.
The January 2025 clash with City, in which they won 4-2 was evidenced by the unpredictability. PSG broke the match, as their movement and intensity forced the visitors back and repeatedly forced them to scramble for the ball. PSG had the better of the game as they forced the visitors further into the half, and repeatedly challenged their grasp of the ball. It was an outcome that BTTS produced by two technically creative sides that kept the ball moving.
Wing-backs and full-backs: the new playmakers
The attacking full-back is not a support any longer. They can be in the winger position in a 4-3-3, inverted in midfield or can be in the box in a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3.
That other attacker causes overloads but someone has to cover the space behind them. If you lose the ball with both your wide men forward, opposition will be able to counter in positions that the centre-backs are unable to cope with.
A recent example was provided by Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen. Jeremie Frimpong was a Bundesliga goal machine and a six-time assist provider in 2024/25 and Alejandro Grimaldo were the inverse, looking to provide width and playmaking from the opposite end. Achraf Hakimi’s licence to attack was as important at PSG, with UEFA singling him out for his movement and positioning to cause problems for Arsenal in the 2024/25 Champions League semi-final.
So, don’t just look for well-known full-backs for BTTS tips. It’s asking if they regularly go away from the ball as a team, if midfield cover is good enough and if the opposition have the pace to move into the empty areas.
Mastering transitions: why speed is decisive
Transitions are the periods directly following the possession change. These are now treated as distinct stages; regain the ball, find the forward pass/attack before the defensive lines reset; lose the ball/counter-press or retreat immediately.
That focus often means games are hit and miss affairs. There were 2.04 fast breaks in every 90 minutes last season in the Premier League compared with 1.58 the year before, with direct attacks at 3.50 per 90 minutes. UEFA concluded in their analysis of the 2025 quarter-final against Aston Villa that the situation was the same in terms of risk and reward: Villa played higher but PSG’s counterattacks took advantage of space and the contest finished 3-2 to Villa.
How formations fuel fast-paced football
A formation is merely a starting map and can show potential transition paths. This 4-3-3 naturally also offers high and wide outlets on both sides. A 4-2-3-1 can be used to defend counters with a double pivot but still allow 4 counter breakers to be available. A 3-4-3 is frequently employed to drive wing-backs and wingers deeper and to force them to move further and further from their bases.
The pivot is nearly as important. A player who can pick up play when the ball is under pressure and switch it from a defending to an attacking position, before the opposition can get in tight and take it away, can prove decisive in the midfield. There is a strong possibility of end-to-end sequences if both teams have the ability.
From tactics to tips: how to spot a BTTS opportunity
Matchup mechanisms are key to a good football betting strategy and don’t just focus on the league reputation. The Bundesliga is a natural place to explore as the 2024/25 season saw a total of 959 goals scored in 306 games. The Dutch Eredivisie also has an attack-first spirit: the competition is described by the KNVB as being famous for their beautiful and high scoring football.
Ensure both teams press high, both defence are not adverse to advanced full backs and both can exploit transitions prior to backing BTTS. Include recent goals scored, injuries to central defenders/holding midfielders, likely starting and home-away formations. This strong attack coupled with a weak defending team can be particularly significant, but should not be the sole criterion for the wager.
The last step is price and selection. Patterns may reduce competition but they don’t ensure that opportunities will be realised. A second layer of assessment can be achieved with expert curated BTTS tips provided on a daily basis. The aim is not to be precise in predicting goals, but to know why a match might be open, to have an argument based on evidence, then to make a more informed decision.
Oliver Glasner spent last season managing a team that finished one place and one point above the team he manages now. Crystal Palace took 45 points and came 15th. Nottingham Forest took 44 and came 16th. Each of them won 11 league games, and each won four of its nineteen at home.
Whatever was wrong at the City Ground last season was wrong at Selhurst Park at the same time, and one of those two teams was being coached by the man Forest have hired to fix it.
Glasner picks his first Forest team at 3pm on Saturday 22 August, at home to Leeds United, and the Forest vs Leeds odds at Betfair are for that game.
Glasner took charge of Palace in February 2024. In his first full season they finished 12th on 53 points and won the FA Cup, the first major trophy in the club’s history. They opened the next season by beating Liverpool on penalties for the Community Shield, and finished it 15th on 45 points, having won the Conference League.
Three trophies, two of them major, and a league finish that fell from 12th to 15th.
That is one shape a good season can have, and Glasner has produced it before. He won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2021-22, with Frankfurt finishing 11th in the Bundesliga that year.
What he did in England, across two full seasons, was fill a cabinet while the league finish slipped.
Forest have already bought that trade once
Vitor Pereira took them to the Europa League semi-finals last season. The same squad finished 16th in the league under four managers in one season.
There are no European nights to split this season. That is the strongest reason to expect a better finish, and it has nothing to do with the new head coach. It also means a better finish will not tell anyone whether Glasner is working.
Forest’s other record
The BBC calls Forest’s four permanent managers in a single season a Premier League record. Nuno Espirito Santo started last season and was gone three games in, after 21 months in the job. Ange Postecoglou lasted 39 days, Sean Dyche 114, Pereira 133.
It took Glasner two full seasons and part of a third to build the Palace side that won those trophies. The first of those seasons produced 12th place and an FA Cup.
Leeds arrive as the counter-example
Daniel Farke has managed Leeds United since July 2023. He won the Championship with 100 points, took Leeds up, and kept them up in their first season back. Forest have had five head coaches in the past year. Farke has had three seasons at Elland Road.
This is not a claim about which is the better coach. Leeds have had bad months under Farke, and their supporters have argued about him throughout. It is a claim about what a board will sit through: Leeds found out what they had by leaving him in place long enough. That is the one thing Forest have not tried in a year, and Farke brings it to the City Ground on Saturday.
Why Saturday settles nothing
Morgan Gibbs-White scored 15 of Forest’s 48 league goals last season, too much for one player. Elliot Anderson has gone to Manchester City for a record fee, all factors that could impact betting offers ahead of the fixture.
What he does know is that his first home game is against a side who almost never won away. Leeds won two of their nineteen away matches last season, and each club won this fixture 3-1 on its own ground. Saturday will be read as a verdict on the new man. Beating that record at home would not tell anyone very much.
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IND vs NED hockey live streaming: Where to watch today’s World Cup match? | Other Sports News
The Indian women’s hockey team, after an unbeaten run in phase 1 of the Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026, will kick-start their campaign in the second phase against world No. 1 and Pool A winners of phase 1, the Netherlands, at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on Friday, August 21.
The Indian team will carry forward one point from phase 1 under the new format as they played a 2-2 draw against their fellow qualified team from Pool D, China. On the other hand, the Netherlands will have three carryover points after securing a win against their fellow Pool A qualified team, Australia.
With all teams playing just two games in phase 2, India will need to upset the defending world champions on their home ground if they wish to keep their semifinals hopes up and running.
A stern test of India’s growing confidence
India have made a promising start to their World Cup campaign and will now face their toughest challenge yet. They opened with a 2-2 draw against China before producing a commanding 6-1 victory over South Africa. A goalless draw against England in their final pool match then secured their place in Pool E.
India have therefore shown both attacking quality and defensive resilience, two traits they will need against the Netherlands. Deepika has emerged as an important attacking threat, while Savita Punia provides experience and stability in goal. India will also need to handle the Dutch press far better than most teams have managed.
Quick passing, composure in possession and efficient counter-attacking could be crucial. The memory of their 2025 comeback against the Netherlands should give India the belief that the world champions can be unsettled if they maintain intensity and discipline.
World champions remain the team to beat
The Netherlands arrive as the undisputed benchmark of women’s hockey. They have won the last three editions of the World Cup and have continued their dominance across major international competitions.
Playing at home in Amstelveen gives them another advantage, with the familiar Wagener Stadium expected to provide a strong atmosphere for the defending champions. The Dutch possess quality throughout their squad, but their biggest weapon is the relentless pressure they apply through their high press and quick movement.
They can turn possession into repeated circle entries and penalty corners, forcing opponents to defend for long periods. Their depth also allows them to maintain intensity throughout a match. India will therefore need to avoid getting trapped inside their own half and must be clinical when opportunities arise. The Dutch will also remember their 2025 Pro League defeat to India and are unlikely to underestimate their opponents this time.
India vs Netherlands Women’s Hockey World Cup Phase 2: Live telecast and streaming
When will India vs Netherlands women’s match in phase 2 of Women’s Hockey World Cup be played?
The India vs Netherlands FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup phase 2 match will be played on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Where will India vs Netherlands women’s match in phase 2 of Women’s Hockey World Cup be played?
The match will take place at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands.
What time does India vs Netherlands women’s hockey match in phase 2 of Women’s Hockey World Cup start?
The India vs Netherlands FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup phase 2 match is scheduled to begin at 9:30 pm IST.
Where can I watch India vs Netherlands women’s hockey match in phase 2 of Women’s Hockey World Cup live on TV?
The FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup is being broadcast live on the Star Sports network in India.
Where can I watch India vs Netherlands women’s hockey match in phase 2 of Women’s Hockey World Cup live online?
The India vs Netherlands FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup phase 2 match will be available for live streaming on JioHotstar through its app and website.
The 2026 NFL season is rapidly approaching as the second week of the NFL preseason began on Thursday. That means Fantasy football draft season is officially here as well. Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson and Ja’Marr Chase are the first players off the board, according to the latest Fantasy football ADP, while players like Stefon Diggs (ADP of 120), Sam Darnold (142) and Jordan Love (148) are some of the Fantasy football picks going off the board late.
Whether you’re hunting for a 2026 Fantasy football top 150 you can trust, potential 2026 Fantasy football breakouts, sleepers, and busts, or position-specific 2026 Fantasy football rankings, be sure to see what the 2026 Fantasy football draft bible at SportsLine has to say.
Prepared by Fantasy experts R.J. White and Josh Nagel, the Fantasy draft bible is a must-have for any serious Fantasy football player. White is SportsLine’s No. 1 NFL expert since 2017 who got his start in the Fantasy industry, with his work appearing at AOL Fanhouse, Fantasy Café and other sites prior to joining CBS Sports, where he is the current managing editor of Fantasy and betting content. Nagel is the longtime assistant managing editor at SportsLine and a Fantasy Football veteran. This team brings extensive Fantasy experience and can give you a huge edge in your league.
The 2026 guide not only ranks the top 150 players in non-, half- and full-PPR leagues, it reveals must-see sleepers, breakouts and busts, highlights key draft tips and strategies at each position and draft slot, and gives you more analysis that can guide your selections. The Fantasy football draft bible also offers detailed strategy tips for whichever league you play in: snake drafts, salary cap drafts and more. Head to SportsLine now to see the 2026 Fantasy football draft bible.
Top 2026 Fantasy football picks, advice
The Fantasy football draft bible features 2026 Fantasy football sleepers from White, including:
Ravens TE Mark Andrews
“He could benefit from Isaiah Likely leaving town, as the Ravens also have a lack of target locks behind Zay Flowers at receiver,” White said. “Andrews ranks higher than Likely because he’s a little bit cheaper and because I don’t see much competition at the tight end position for targets between the team’s two rookies and Durham Smythe, who has 136 receptions and just three touchdowns in 129 career games.”
Chargers WR Quentin Johnston
“Johnston has to be a top-21 receiver to justify making him a sleeper, and he was almost that last season while ranking 24th in points per game. His per-game production has been remarkably similar the last two years, so even if he doesn’t get into the top 20, there’s a good chance he’ll still provide value for Fantasy managers who draft him. And the potential is there to take a leap if Mike McDaniel can even further unlock his potential.” Get the full Fantasy football draft guide over at SportsLine.
How to find proven 2026 Fantasy football rankings
SportsLine’s Fantasy football 2026 draft guide has also identified other potential busts to avoid in the first round. These players have massively inflated Fantasy football ADPs and have the potential to completely sink your playoff hopes if over-drafted. You can only see who it is here.
So what is the value of every single player in the 2026 Fantasy football rankings and which huge busts could sink your season? Visit SportsLine now to see the complete 2026 Fantasy football draft bible, all from a team of proven Fantasy analysts who can give you a huge edge in your league.
Try as we might, the folks at Vikings Territory can’t keep on top of all the Vikings news.
In response, there’s an effort below to pass along some of what’s going on around the league. Some of the updates relate to the Vikings in a direct manner. At other times, the news is a touch removed but still connected. Keep swinging by throughout the day for more Vikings news updates since the plan is to keep layering fresh info in.
Vikings News Tracker | August 21st, 2026
Jonathan Greenard’s Poor Week 1 Outlook
Edge rusher Jonathan Greenard is a very good football player. His great issue has been health, or lack thereof.
Seldom has the former Vikings pass rusher seen his season fully undermined. However, he has commonly been among the players to see portions of his season get stolen away due to needing time in the infirmary. Yet again, Mr. Greenard is dealing with an injury that could slow him down as he looks to move into the next portion of his career as a Philadelphia Eagle.
The news hit social media earlier in the week. Apparently, Philadelphia has some concern about Greenard being out there for the Week 1 contest.
The update from Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team: “#Eagles DC Vic Fangio said today he doesn’t know when EDGE Jonathan Greenard will return from his pectoral injury, and there is concern he could miss the start of the regular season. Philadelphia, who traded for Greenard and paid him 4-years, $98M, opens the season vs. Washington.”
In all likelihood, part of the reason why Minnesota moved on was due to the risk of injury alongside the need for more money. Is there enough in-house depth at edge rusher?
Justin Jefferson Calls New WR a “Cheat Code”
Quick one. The tweet says it all:
Previously, Mr. Jennings has been called a “dirtbag.” All I know is that he is a presence on the field as somebody who is noticeably large and who does a good job with contested catches.
Brian O’Neill Talks Difference Between Zim and KOC
Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr worked together at UCLA. Afterwards, they worked together with the Vikings. They’re now co-hosting the excellent podcast Bent Outta Shape.
Look at Brian O’Neill digging into the difference between Mike Zimmer and Kevin O’Connell:
Zimmer left town with a bad reputation in 2022. Since then, he has slowly looked better as time has worn off some of those rough edges that the memory wants to forget. O’Neill’s story about Zimmer passing along Bill Parcells being upset with the young RT is pure gold.
— Check Back Throughout the Day for More Quick Vikings News Updates —
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
Strong Group-Pilipinas’ Boban Marjanovic during a game vs Jordan in the 2026 William Jones Cup. –SGA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Strong Group-Pilipinas salvaged fifth place in the 2026 William Jones Cup after beating Jordan, 96-91, in the classification game Friday night in Taiwan.
NBA veteran Boban Marjanovic spearheaded the charge for the Philippine-based team in their final game with 21 points, missing just four of his 13 shots from the field. He also had eight rebounds and three assists.
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In the end, the Strong Group-Pilipinas finished the tournament with six wins, including a 5-1 card for second place in the group phase.
Despite that record, the tournament’s new format denied the Philippines a semifinal spot as the host teams in both groups were given direct berths to the next phase.
Since losing their tournament opener at the hands of South Korea’s Wonju DB Promy, Strong Group-Pilipinas never dropped a game the rest of the way.
Coach Charles Tiu and company vented their ire on the semifinals-bound Chinese Taipei-Blue—which had a 1-5 record—with a 43-point beatdown, 117-74.
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Tajuan Agee helped Marjanović in the classification game with 17 points, four rebounds and three steals, while Ian Miller and Matthew Wright added 15 points each for Strong Group-Pilipinas.
Hadi Alshami led Jordan with 21 points, while Abdullah Olajuwon, son of NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon, had 18 points, three assists and a block. Saif Saleh added 12 in the loss.
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World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has announced he is pulling out of the upcoming U.S. Open due to a knee injury.
Sinner, last year’s U.S. Open runner-up and 2024 champion, said in a social media post that over the past few days he’s been doing on-court work, but that he needs more recovery time.
“Even though I have been working hard with my team and my medical staff, we have now had to make the difficult decision that I will not be able to compete at the US Open this year. We have been back on court in Monte Carlo over the last couple of days and have realized that I still need more time to recover from my right knee issue.
“I’m obviously very sad and disappointed, as New York has a special place in my heart. I was very much looking forward to coming back and playing in the electric atmosphere in front of the great fans there.”
The 25-year-old Sinner has been out of action since winning Wimbledon last month.
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Sinner’s withdrawal comes one day after Carlos Alcaraz, who beat the Italian in last year’s U.S. Open final, announced he was returning following a four-month absence due to a wrist injury.
While Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are still playing at 39 and 41 respectively, most football fans thought Ronaldinho belonged to another footballing era.
That all changed in June, when Italian Serie C club, Ravenna, announced that the former Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan forward would play for them in the upcoming season.
On a rainy Thursday in northeastern Italy, the former Ballon d’Or winner was unveiled with a quick press conference and a sense of excitement gripping the city.
“I’m very happy to be here with friends, we have a team that can do something good,” said Ronaldinho.
“I just arrived, but I have a great desire to live this experience with the whole city.”
Pure PR?
The 46-year-old last played for Fluminense in his homeland in 2015 and will become a shareholder in Ravenna, owned by Ignazio Cipriani, an Italian-American businessman who has owned the club since 2024.
Despite holding up the shirt and signing a piece of paper for the cameras, the suspicion remains that this is little more than a PR stunt for an ambitious lower league club. Ronaldinho himself didn’t actually dispel those rumors.
“Will you see me play? I don’t know, only the coach knows that,” he said. “Coming back to Italy is wonderful, I’m here to help my teammates win.”
Both the Brazilian and Cipriani used the same language to describe one of Ronaldinho’s motivations: “Friendship and passion,” they both said. Both men also referred to Ronaldinho’s quest to score a 300th professional goal.
“His objective is romantic, to try to score his last goal,” Cipriani said.
“His involvement is not a token gesture or a marketing stunt to get people talking about us.”
The way in which that figure has been reached is slightly unclear, with many widely used resources saying Ronaldinho has scored far fewer than 299 goals in his career. He has, however, won the Ballon d’Or in 2005, the 2002 World Cup and topflight titles in Spain and Italy.
Ronaldinho some way off Japan’s Miura
Whether he ends up playing or not, Ronaldinho’s presence in the northeastern city of about 160,000 inhabitants has sparked plenty of anticipation and ticket sales. Reports suggest the club has sold 2,700 season tickets, largely off the back of the Brazilian’s arrival.
Even if he does get onto the pitch at 46, Ronaldinho will be far from the oldest footballer around. That title has long belonged to Japan’s Kazuyoshi Miura, 59.
The former Japan international, who also played in Italy, scored two penalties in the country’s Emperor’s Cup competition this week, further extending his record as the world’s oldest player.
Edited by: Chuck Penfold
A 42-year-old star has opened up about his WWE release. This year, the Stamford-based promotion cut a number of superstars from its roster following WrestleMania 42.
While a number of names were let go in a single swoop, the situation was a little different for Santos Escobar.
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Escobar had been with the promotion since 2019, and there were rumors of him leaving the company in October 2025. However, he reportedly re-signed and began competing in AAA, owned by WWE.
After suffering a triceps injury in March, he underwent surgery before requiring a second procedure on his ulnar nerve in April. His release came just days after the second surgery.
In a recent interview with TMZ’s Inside The Ring, he opened up on his exit. He said the situation was hard for him because he was injured.
“In all honesty, it was hard; it was difficult. It was difficult mostly because of the injuries, not so much for the release itself, which, you know, the optics always matter, but that’s something that’s out of my reach. I don’t really know what’s behind it,” he said.
Escobar described the situation as heartbreaking, saying he wasn’t ready for it.
“Again, it was a very heartbreaking situation for me personally because I was injured, and I think it was maybe six or seven days after my second surgery. So it was even more heartbreaking, disappointing, if you can imagine my mental state at that point. I don’t want to say I was ready because I wasn’t. I don’t think anyone is ready for that,” he said.
Santos Escobar reveals conversation with Nick Khan leading to WWE return
Amid his prolonged absence from WWE last year, it was rumored that Santos Escobar had left the company. But in October, he reportedly re-signed a deal to continue his tenure.
During the conversation on Inside The Ring, Escobar revealed that he let his contract expire and was ready to look at other options. However, he received a call from WWE President Nick Khan, who apologized for how his character was treated.
Escobar said that Khan told him that they would give him everything he needs to thrive, and that’s the reason he re-signed with them.
If you use quotes from this article, please credit TMZ’s Inside The Ring podcast and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.
Get all the hottest wrestling news FIRST by clicking here
Edited by Sherjeel Malik
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