By Nick Bartlett, SuperWest Sports
Sports
2026 Preseason Pac-12 Football Previews and Predictions
The new-look Pac-12 kicks off its inaugural season this fall with eight football members.
Five of them hail from the Mountain West, with Oregon State and Washington State the only legacy holdovers, and Texas State added from the Sun Belt.
Boise State was chosen as the unanimous favorite in a preseason media poll organized by the Denver Gazette, followed by San Diego State.
My predictions differ, with a surprise pick behind the Broncos.
Preseason guesses aside, the reborn league figures to generate plenty of excitement each week and is a favorite to produce a Playoff team from among the Group of Six conferences.
Here is my predicted order of finish and projected win-loss record for each school.
1. Boise State
Boise State is the best team entering the new conference. Not surprisingly, Athlon Sports selected 20 Broncos to its all-Pac-12 teams.
One player the publication left off the First Team—returning quarterback Maddux Madsen—has a ton of experience as a signal-caller. His presence should prove vital this season after the Broncos lost most of their top receivers.
However, Boise State returns the two top backs in the conference in Sire Gaines and Dylan Riley.
The offensive line will likely be a plus as well; Roger Carreon is a first-teamer, and Jason Steele and Daylon Metoyer are stellar. If this group can find a solid left tackle, they should be able to outgun most units in the Pac-12.
This 2026 squad features a vicious defensive end combination led by Jayden Virgin-Morgan and Max Stege. This duo will likely be able to control the tempo of most of their matchups, except Oregon.
Everyone else 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 W-L Record: 10-2
2. Washington State
Washington State is a huge X-factor in the Pac-12 this year. The Cougars have the type of team that could finish second, but they could also find themselves near the bottom of the conference.
With new Head Coach Kirby Moore, the offense is expected to improve quickly. But this is all dependent on the play of quarterback Caden Pinnick, who was a proven stud at UC Davis, throwing for 3,206 yards, 32 touchdowns, and ten interceptions.
Pinnick also added 437 yards on the ground. He’ll be complemented in the run game by the return of Kirby Vorhees and Leo Pulalasi in the backfield.
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 will be protecting Pinnick’s blind side. And the group in its entirety has the potential to be one of the better units in the Pac-12.
Defensively, WSU is making ramen from scratch. The Cougs lost the majority of their defense to Iowa State with Jimmy Rogers. Some of the bigger losses are Isaac Terrell and Parker McKenna.
New Defensive Coordinator Trent Bray looks to retool a unit that proved sneaky good a year ago.
Projected W-L Record: 8-4
3. San Diego State
San Diego State made no sense last season, but they were still sick. Sean Lewis’ Aztec FAST moniker proved to be the opposite of his team’s identity.
The offense struggled, ranking 78th in the nation in points scored per game, but this unit should take a huge step forward this year.
The Aztecs return Jayden Denegal at quarterback, Lucky Sutton at halfback, and they get a bunch of receivers back from injury. They also return Jordan Napier at wide receiver.
There are a lot of question marks on the offensive line, but this unit has enough talent to compensate if they underwhelm. The West Coast will get to see what a Lewis system looks like.
On defense, however, SDSU has to replace everyone except Dalesean Staley, who may just have to limit big plays this year, and he’s still a stud.
The Aztecs lost 12 out of their top 14 tacklers, a First-Round draft pick in corner Chris Johnson, and probably a 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 it’s close to the top, but not quite there yet.
If the defense comes to play, they’ll find themselves in the Pac-12 Championship.
Projected W-L Record: 7-5
4. Fresno State
Fresno State should be good, but they might lack the explosiveness needed to win the conference.
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 State features arguably the best halfback duo in the Pac: Rayshon Luke and Bryson Donelson are deadly. But the rest of the offense needs to gel together quickly.
Khristian Martin is new at quarterback, and he lacks proven receivers. The Bulldogs will also need to replace key parts of the offensive line. But even if the line just holds together, this unit should be in the top half of the conference.
Flipping the page, the defensive front seven will probably decimate most teams in the Pac-12. If defensive ends Micah Mosley or Maverick Noonan can make an impact, it will be sticky to run against them.
FS also needs to replace two corners, though they did get a solid safety in the portal in Simeon Harris. The unit ranked second in the nation a year ago, only allowing 153.8 yards per game. They will likely regress, but will still be decent.
If the Bulldogs add some flash alongside Luke, they might be in the upper echelon of this league.
Projected W-L Record: 7-5
5. Texas State
Texas State is a team that belongs in this conference right now. Did the Bobcats play a weaker schedule in the Sun Belt? Yes, but so did a lot of the former Mountain West schools.
TXST might have a top-three offense in this conference. Brad Jackson is a legit dual-threat quarterback, and they feature two standout receivers in Beau Sparks and Chris Dawn Jr. They also added Davian Jackson, who brings speed to the group.
The Bobcats lost pretty much all of their running backs, including their RB coach. But Mike Leach doesn’t need to run. Texas State will need to rely heavily on its offensive line to throw the majority of the time. This unit is the key to their team.
Defensively, they’re likely to struggle after ranking 95th in the nation in points allowed per game in 2025. They do have a few playmakers, though—DonTerry Russell had 4.5 sacks a year ago, and Ryan Nolan should be able to clean up the big plays at safety.
The Bobcats are likely to fall off at defensive tackle, however, as they lost their top two tackles to Power Four schools.
Regardless, this team will go as far as its offense takes them, and will need to win a few shootouts to make a bowl game.
Projected W-L Record: 5-7
6. Colorado State
Colorado State benefits from a light schedule to open their campaign. If the Rams were to jump out to a 3-1 start, Jim Mora could get them to a bowl in his first year.
The key for CSU is simple: Whoever plays signal-caller needs to perform well. Hauss Hejny is the more explosive player, but Mora may feel more comfortable with K’sann Farrar.
This much certain: QB1 will have proven halfbacks in Mel Brown and Durell Robinson in his corner.
The Rams also landed UConn transfer Juice Vereen, who could be a standout at tight end. They will also field a talented receiving core with returner Tommy Maher and two transfers from Power Four schools.
If the offensive line holds together, this unit could surprise some teams.
Even though the Rams lost Owen Long to Arizona State, they may have enough collective talent to improve defensively.
Getting a consistent pass rush will be key, with CSU having enough pieces in the back seven to prove troublesome. Oumar Diomande is a solid transfer linebacker, and the secondary did a good job of re-tooling in the portal.
Were the Rams to steal one or two games in the Pac-12, they could easily find themselves bowling.
Projected W-L Record: 5-7
7. Oregon State
JaMarcus Shephard could be in for a tough rebuild, but there’s a silver lining. As miserable as Oregon State’s record looked a year ago, flipping a few heartbreakers could have changed that.
The key to turning things around quickly will be improved play from Maalik Murphy. He struggled in 2025, but he’s still the player who led Duke to nine wins. Unfortunately, the Beavers lost basically everything around him.
However, thanks to Shephard’s tutelage as a WR coach, OSU brought in a slew of receivers from the portal. It won’t matter much, though, if Murphy doesn’t shine. If he doesn’t bounce back, Braden Atkinson figures to get an opportunity.
Defensively, the Beavers need to find stability on the line. They lost two notable players in Thomas Collins and JoJo Johnson, but got a nice holdover at defensive tackle in Tevita Pome’e.
Aiden Sullivan, a nice returner at linebacker, finished with 72 tackles and three forced fumbles in 2025. Mike MacIntyre is extremely experienced in the football world and has much to contribute as the Beavs’ new defensive coordinator.
The coaching staff is solid all around, and we aren’t likely to see as many mistakes in special teams and in late-game scenarios. But due to weaknesses on both sides of the line, the rebuild won’t be speedy.
Projected W-L Record: 5-7
8. Utah State
Bronco Mendenhall will have to pull something off this year. Utah State lost quarterback Bryson Barnes, who did everything for the Aggies a season ago.
The hope is that McCae Hillstead can fill the void. He has some experience, but will it be enough? Hillstead will be asked to carry the offense immediately, and he’ll need to do just that.
Javen Jacobs, a great pass catcher out of the backfield who ran for 429 yards, caught for 379, and had eight combined touchdowns in 2025, will provide support.
The biggest concerns for USU are unproven wideouts and the tackle positions on the offensive line. The Aggies will need someone to complement Hillstead and Jacobs.
Flipping the mountain, Utah State has returners on defense, but historically, Mendenhall’s squads have struggled on that end of the field.
Brevin Hamblin is a legit safety, and he’ll have two returning corners around him. Bronson Olevao Jr., a star in his own right at linebacker, can do a bit of everything. USU also returns two players on the defensive line in Carson Tujague and Tyree Morris.
The Aggies have enough returning production to be good on defense, but the on-field results remain to be seen.
The team is talented, but with a brutal schedule, things could get ugly.
Projected W-L Record: 4-8
Writes about football and basketball as a Senior Writer and hosts “The Nick Bartlett Show” for SuperWest Sports.
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By Kath Hudson 02 Aug 2026
Work is underway on a £13 million project in Wythenshawe, UK, which will unite the Wythenshawe Park Hub and Wythenshawe Sports Ground Hub as a single integrated destination.
Delivered by Alliance Leisure for Manchester City Council, the project will create an active environment where modern sports facilities, healthcare provision, community spaces and active travel infrastructure work together, reflecting the growing trend towards integrating leisure and health to support preventative wellbeing.
The Wythenshawe Park Hub is at the centre of the wider park masterplan. The single-storey facility will include a reception area, café, flexible community spaces, changing facilities, a cycle hub and workshop, as well as GP and health provision delivered in partnership with Northern Moor Medical Practice and Manchester Health and Care Commissioning, bringing primary healthcare into the heart of the park.
The wider scheme also includes improved connectivity across the park, with relocated athletics and baseball facilities, enhanced parking and access, all of which will help create a vibrant multi-sport destination that supports year-round participation.
The existing pavilion at Wythenshawe Sports Ground will be refurbished to provide a new reception, café, community rooms and Football Foundation-compliant changing facilities, while providing a permanent home for the weightlifting club relocating from Wythenshawe Park.
Together, the two hubs have been designed to operate as a single destination where healthcare, sport, community services and active travel are brought together to encourage people to be more active, more often.
Councillor Shazia Butt, executive member for culture, leisure and libraries at Manchester City Council, said: “This investment is about much more than new buildings. It is about creating a connected neighbourhood hub where sport, health, education and community services come together to help people live healthier, more active lives.
“By improving access to physical activity and wellbeing support, creating new jobs, skills and volunteering opportunities and providing a home for local clubs and community groups, the work will deliver lasting benefits for residents of all ages and backgrounds.
“The project will help tackle health inequalities, support the growth of grassroots sport, create opportunities for women, girls and disabled people to get active, and strengthen civic pride across Wythenshawe. Importantly, it will also provide a sustainable legacy for the city, generating long-term social, health, economic and environmental benefits while supporting Manchester’s ambitions for healthier communities and a greener future.”
James Foley, regional director at Alliance Leisure, said: “Across the country, we’re seeing increasing recognition that the places we create have a profound impact on people’s health and wellbeing. Projects like this one in Wythenshawe demonstrate how place-based investment in community infrastructure can bring together sport, health and local services to make active lifestyles part of everyday life.”
Construction is expected to be completed in autumn 2027.
Notre Dame and USC are going to renew their rivalry starting in 2030.
The move comes at the expense of a scheduled matchup between the Irish and Indiana.
This has to stop.
On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin and ‘Locked On Utes’ host JT Wistrcill discuss Utah’s 2026 season outlook.
Will Utah under HC Morgan Scalley be able to keep the Utes in Big 12 title/Playoff contention?
Northwestern never makes much noise in the Big Ten and was quietly a 7-win team last season.
Will the Wildcats, with new OC Chip Kelly at the helm calling plays for QB Aidan Chiles, surprise anyone in the best league in the country?
00:00 Notre Dame’s scheduling decisions
03:16 Complaints about scheduling in college football
07:05 Cignetti’s coaching philosophy and practice methods
13:16 Discussing Utah’s performance consistency
17:23 Analyzing Utes’ football schedule
22:24 Inviting Utah fan reactions
26:03 Northwestern’s coaching changes impact
28:06 Discussing Northwestern’s tough schedul
Manchester United are in the market for a left-back with their transfer alternative to Lewis Hall favouring a move to Barcelona
Reported Manchester United transfer target Jorge Salinas is hoping to join Barcelona from Racing Santander ‘without creating conflict’. The Spanish left-back is a transfer alternative to Lewis Hall with the Newcastle United star of firm interest to those at Old Trafford.
While United certainly appear as Hall’s preferred destination if he were to seal a switch this summer, Salinas is in favour of joining Barca over other transfer suitors, according to Sport. Their report does, however, state that United could still make a move with the La Liga champions firmly aware of their interest.
The advantage does remain with Hansi Flick’s side, though, as the 19-year-old is of the belief that is where he will develop best and he is now waiting for the two clubs to reach an agreement.
It has also been specifically stated he wants to depart the newly-promoted Spanish side ‘without creating conflict’. Barcelona have an easy solution to avoiding that which is paying his €16million (£13.7m) release clause.
However, it has previously been claimed they are not willing to do that which has resulted in negotiations continuing. United are reportedly prepared to pay that fee but focus is on Hall with Eddie Howe’s surprise exit boosting their chances of signing him.
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The Magpies have already sold Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali with Bruno Guimaraes also set to be moved on. Hall could be the next big player that departs if United step up their interest.
It has been a number of weeks since United signed all of Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow within 24 hours with the trio as the only permanent additions this summer.
Outgoings have seemingly been the priority with Tyler Fredricson and Radek Vitek departing on permanent deals while Altay Bayindir has sealed a loan to Celta Vigo.
A third midfield signing is expected before the summer window closes with Manu Kone, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchoaumeni and Carlos Baleba all linked.
Several forward have also been under consideration but any potential arrival is linked to Marcus Rashford’s future, which looks set to be in Manchester.
Left-back is not a priority area to strengthen but with Luke Shaw as the only natural fit, especially as Michael Carrick prefers Patrick Dorgu further forward, it could soon become as such. Salinas and Hall are joined by El Hadji Malick Diouf in being linked while signing Myles Lewis-Skelly could solve their midfield and left-back problems.
Corner Charles Demmings — he prefers to be called Chuck — is impressing onlookers at TCO Performance Center. The Vikings rookie keeps proving that he may have been a steal in the 5th Round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Consider, for instance, what Thor Nystrom had to say on social media: “Chuck Demmings is gonna force his way onto the field at some point this fall. Extremely aggressive/energetic presence on D — your eyes gravitate to him. Had a slick breakup today, and got under [Jauan] Jennings’ skin late on a short checkdown that Demmings screamed down on.”
Go ahead and consider what Will Ragatz had to say: “Rookie CB Chuck Demmings is maybe the best story of training camp thus far. He just keeps making plays, with two more PBUs so far today. And he isn’t shy about celebrating afterwards. Vikings might’ve found something in the fifth round.”
Never one to turn down a chance to praise Mr. Demmings, Brevan Bane wrote about the Vikings rookie doing some good things over on PurplePTSD. “All indications continue to point towards rookie CB Charles Demmings being an absolute stud,” Bane explains. “Admittedly, I love soaking up every bit of the Demmings praise.”
Vikings Rookie Charles Demmings is Turning Heads
Consider a best guess for what the corner depth chart looks like as of early August. The starters:
- CB1 Byron Murphy Jr.
- CB2 Isaiah Rodgers
- CB3 James Pierre
The Vikings are still sorting through what the depth chart is going to look like for the September 13th game against the Packers. Could other young guys like Dwight McGlothern or Zamaiah Vaughn force their way into the lineup?
Moreover, there needs to be a consideration of the safety talent. Josh Metellus is coming off a disappointing year but he’s going to play. Next up are some combination of Theo Jackson, Jay Ward, and Jakobe Thomas. All of these guys are trying to force their way onto the field.
Lingering among all of these options is Charles Demmings.
Consider what the scouting report looked like going into the draft. The insight from Lance Zierlein from the NFL website: “Demmings is capable of mixing into a variety of coverages but is at his best starting from a press look. He has the hips/feet to match route breaks and the speed to stay with routes as they unfold. His recognition and instincts are average from off coverages and he can be a step slow to drive on throws in front of him. While Demmings lacks ideal play strength and is not a firm tackler, his ball skills and man-cover consistency could land him a roster spot as a future CB4 with gunner potential.”
Maybe the main knock on Demmings is that he played for a modest college program. Pretty reasonably, analysts struggle to confidently proclaim him capable of making the jump to the NFL.
Demmings, for whatever it’s worth, doesn’t appear to be drowning at Vikings training camp. To the contrary, the young fella is carrying himself with a lot of confidence, which is a basic prerequisite for playing the position. Nobody can be a great corner, especially a press-man corner, without being confident.
Admittedly, the practices back in June weren’t at the same standard, but here is what I saw when watching Demmings.
The Vikings rookie looks long. He’s tall and has long arms, a great attribute for the position. So, too, is he fast. Again, that’s excellent. But then there’s something intangible that nevertheless shows up in a physical way. The kid is willing to get over top of the receiver’s toes before the snap, lining up directly across from the player he’s covering.
Essentially, Demmings is saying, “I’m covering you and am not at all concerned about hiding that basic fact. Good luck trying to catch the ball.” The NFL is a workplace where actions speak louder than words. Demmings says much in those moments.
Charles Demmings is 23.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
The last of the PGA Tour’s 34 regular-season events is Thursday’s Wyndham Championship from Greensboro, N.C., and it’s the one tournament on the slate where the drama on Sunday is really less about the winner and more about which players make the FedExCup playoff field or not. Only the top 70 in points after Sunday will do so. CBS has weekend coverage.
As you would expect, nearly every golfer around the cut-off line of 70th in points is teeing it up this week. Rookie sensation Jackson Koivun, 21, is in the 70th spot despite winning just two weeks ago at the 3M Open in Minnesota. He would be ninth-youngest golfer in history to make his first playoff appearance. Fellow American Mac Meissner is the first player out at No. 71.
Among players sitting between Nos. 60 and 80 in points, the only golfer not teeing it up in North Carolina is Ireland’s Shane Lowry, but he should be safe to reach next week’s FedEx St. Jude Championship as he sits 60th in points.
There are a handful of bigger-name guys currently on the outside looking in, led by the USA’s Keegan Bradley (No. 72 in points) and Aussie Jason Day (No. 75). Day tries to reach the playoffs for a 19th straight season and Bradley could make his 16th in a row.
The only other time Day played the event was in 2022, when he shot a first-round 67 but then withdrew. His streak of 18 straight playoffs is the longest active, while Bradley’s run of 15 in a row is the second-longest. Bradley missed the cut last year – that would spell doom in 2026 – and was 22nd in 2024. Last year, the only player to move into the top 70 at the Wyndham was Chris Kirk after he tied for fifth.
A win would do it for either Day (+10000) or Bradley (+4000), and you can wager on many different outcomes on the top sports betting apps. Day hasn’t won since the 2023 Byron Nelson, while Bradley doesn’t have a top 10 this year, with four missed cuts. But a top 30 would get Bradley into the top 70, and he’s +340 for that. Day needs no worse than a two-way tie for 12th and is +660 for a top 10, and he has two in 2026. But in his past four tournaments, Day has missed two cuts, withdrawn and finished T-55.
Most players would move into the top 70 this week with a win, other than guys who are sitting No. 182 in points or worse. Two guys who need nearly a victory to advance are Brooks Koepka (+4400 to win), sitting 86th in points, and Tony Finau (+12500) at 89th. Koepka needs no worse than a solo fourth, and Finau, who has never missed the playoffs since earning his Tour card in 2014, needs no worse than a two-way tie for third.
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Since the inception of the FedExCup in 2007, the Wyndham Championship has been the regular-season finale, and it has been held since 2008 at Sedgefield Country Club, a very easy par 70 at 7,131 yards. It has taken at least 20 under par to win here eight of the past 10 years. American Cameron Young tied the tournament-record score of 22-under 258 last year when he won by six shots – his first Tour victory (he’s since added two this year) and the biggest margin of victory in this event since 1961. The Over/Under for winning score this year is 260.5.
No player has repeated in the tournament since Sam Snead in 1956. Young is the clear +820 favorite (his shortest favored price ever after opening +1000 last week in Detroit and finishing T-8). He’s clearly the best player in the field at No. 3 in the world and played collegiately only 30 miles away at Wake Forest.
The next highest-ranked player is No. 19 Aaron Rai of England, this year’s surprise PGA Championship winner. He won this tournament in 2024 and is +3100 this week. Rai and Young are two of eight past champions in the field. There hasn’t been a playoff since 2021, and that there is Sunday is priced +325, and I’ll likely play a little something on that.
File phot of the Indian cricket team© AFP
The BCCI was supposed to conduct a review meeting after three straight losses in the T20I series in Ireland and England, which was followed by an ODI series loss against the latter. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had said then: “It will be strictly about the performance of the team and how course correction can be done with regard to the shortcomings. Nothing else will be discussed.” The India vs England ODI series ended on July 19, while the Indian cricket team reached Sri Lanka on Tuesday for a two-Test series starting on August 15. The review meeting is yet to take place.
So, when will it happen? According to a report in Dainik Jagran, quoting sources, the review meeting did not take place as Saikia is ill. The review meeting is supposed to happen in the future, with Gambhir joining it virtually.
India’s review comes after a disappointing T20I campaign in Ireland and England. Led by newly appointed captain Shreyas Iyer, the visitors conceded the five-match series after suffering a nine-wicket defeat in the fourth T20I in Bristol, giving England an unassailable 3-0 lead after the opening match ended in a no-result. Earlier, the Indian team also suffered a clean sweep against Ireland in T20Is.
India had earlier lost the second T20I by four wickets before enduring a crushing 125-run defeat in the third game, where they were bundled out for just 76 while chasing 202.
The ongoing series also marks India’s second successive T20I series defeat after their 2-0 loss to Ireland earlier this year, their first bilateral series defeat to Ireland in the shortest format. Both setbacks have come since the BCCI replaced 2026 T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav with Iyer as India’s T20I skipper.
Earlier, speaking to ANI, Saikia termed the series loss a “purely bad phase”. “The BCCI is currently observing the performance of the Indian T20 team, which has not been up to the mark in the ongoing series against England. However, this is not something abnormal and can happen in international cricket. We consider it a purely bad phase,” Saikia said.
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Akwa United have thanked former captain Ubong Essien, popularly known as Kante, following his move to Katsina United ahead of the 2026/2027 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
The 2021 Nigerian champions shared a farewell message on social media on Wednesday, appreciating the defensive midfielder for his commitment and memorable moments with the club.
“Thank you, our former captain Ubong Essien, for your commitment and the countless memorable moments in our colours.
“A chapter closes here, but the memories remain.
“As you begin a new journey, keep flying high.
“Once a Promise Keeper, always a Promise Keeper ,” the club wrote.
Katsina United have confirmed the signing of Essien on a two-year contract as he begins a new chapter in his career.
The midfielder captained Akwa United during the 2025/2026 season, when the Uyo-based club competed in the second tier of Nigerian football.
His move to Katsina United will see him return to the NPFL, where he will bring his experience and leadership to the Katsina-based side.
The 2026/2027 campaign will not be Essien’s first experience of northern Nigeria. Having grown up in the region, he is familiar with the weather, culture and language, which could help him settle quickly at his new club.
For Akwa United, Essien leaves behind memories of his time at the club, including the 2021 NPFL title-winning season, while Katsina United will hope his experience can help strengthen their squad for the new NPFL season.
The Round of 64 continues in both Montreal and Toronto on Wednesday at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers.
On the women’s side in Toronto, some heavy hitters will make their 2026 NBO debuts, with second-ranked Elena Rybakina, third-ranked Jessica Pegula, fourth-ranked Coco Gauff and fifth-ranked Mirra Andreeva all set to hit the court.
In Montreal, the most anticipated debut of the tournament will take place when Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime swings into action.
Let’s have a look at the biggest stories of the day.
Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime will take the court in his hometown on Wednesday night at IGA Stadium. The Montrealer, who turns 26 years old on Saturday, has attained the highest ranking of his career with his current status as No. 4 in the world. “FAA” is ranked No. 2 at the NBO, behind only No. 1-ranked Alexander Zverev (who also begins his NBO on Wednesday afternoon in Montreal).
Auger-Aliassime will kick off his tournament versus Titouan Droguet of France. The Canadian will be looking to build on the success he experienced at the most recent two tennis majors, having advanced to the quarterfinals at both Wimbledon and the French Open. Auger-Aliassime’s top finish at the NBO was a quarterfinal showing in 2022.
Leylah and Kayla carry the flag
The only two Canadians left in the women’s draw will both be in action on Wednesday in Toronto. Leylah Fernandez, ranked No. 30 in the tournament, begins her tournament with a Round of 64 match versus Mexican Renata Zarazua under the lights at Sobeys Stadium.
Meanwhile, wild-card entry Kayla Cross will take on No. 28-ranked Ann Li of the United States during the morning session. Cross earned a thrilling 7-6, 7-5 victory over Katie Boulter of Great Britain on Monday to register her first career tour-level win. The 21-year-old from London, Ont., cracked 11 aces against Boulter and will be hoping for similar success versus Li.
Eala brings the Filipino flavour
Fresh off her stunning win at the DC Open, Alexandra Eala will play her first match of the NBO on Wednesday night in Toronto versus American Alycia Parks. The 21-year-old from the Philippines became the first player from her country to win a tour-level event in Washington, doing so with boisterous support from the Filipino community in that city. “It’s been an amazing 24 hours for me,” Eala said on Tuesday. “Of course, so many emotions, so many things to process, and processing also the transition from one tournament to another. So I’m very excited to reset and be here in Toronto for the first time.”
With Fernandez — who has Filipino roots — and Eala playing back-to-back matches on Wednesday night, surely the Greater Toronto Area’s Filipino diaspora will show out with lots of support for both players, too.
Broadcast schedule (all times ET)
Women’s: 11 a.m. (Sportsnet 360, Sportsnet+); 7 p.m. (Sportsnet ONE, Sportsnet+)
Men’s: 11 a.m. (Sportsnet ONE, Sportsnet+); 7 p.m. (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+)
Match schedule (all times ET)
Centre Court (starts at 12:30 p.m.)
Daria Kasatkina (AUS) vs. [2] Elena Rybakina (KAZ)
[Q] Kayla Day (USA) vs. [4] Coco Gauff (USA)
Not before 7 p.m.
Renata Zarazua (MEX) vs. [30] Leylah Fernandez (CAN)
Alycia Parks (USA) vs. [25] Alex Eala (PHI)
Grandstand (starts at 11 a.m.)
[28] Ann Li (USA) vs. [WC] Kayla Cross (CAN)
[3] Jessica Pegula (USA) vs. Magdalena Frech (POL)
[5] Mirra Andreeva vs. Karolina Pliskova (CZE)
Not before 5 p.m.
Panna Udvardy (HUN) vs. [11] Naomi Osaka (JPN)
[6] Linda Noskova (CZE) vs. Caty McNally (USA)
Court 1 (starts at 12:30 p.m.)
[Q] Sloane Stephens (USA) vs. [12] Belinda Bencic (SUI)
[13] Iva Jovic (USA) vs. Magda Linette (POL)
[29] Maria Sakkari (GRE) vs. Zeynep Sonmez (TUR)
Liudmila Samsonova vs. [22] Barbora Krejcikova (CZE)
Court 4 (starts at 12:30 p.m.)
[21] Marie Bouzkova (CZE) vs. Taylor Townsend (USA)
[Q] Allina Korneeva vs. [23] Emma Navarro (USA)
[20] Elise Mertens (BEL) vs. Anna Bondar (HUN)
[14] Sorana Cirstea (ROU) vs. [Q] Maya Joint (AUS)
Center Court (starts at 11 a.m.)
[Q] Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) vs. [22] Joao Fonseca (BRA)
Jenson Brooksby (USA) vs. [5] Ben Shelton (USA)
[1] Alexander Zverev (GER) vs. Tallon Griekspoor (NED)
Not before 7 p.m.
[Q] Titouan Droguet (FRA) vs. [2] Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN)
[12] Learner Tien (USA) vs. [WC] Gael Monfils (FRA)
Rogers Court (starts at 11 a.m.)
[Q] Nicolas Mejia (COL) vs. [11] Lorenzo Musetti (ITA)
[9] Casper Ruud (NOR) vs. Juan Manuel Cerundolo (ARG)
Thiago Agustin Tirante (ARG) vs. [7] Taylor Fritz (USA)
Not before 6 p.m.
[4] Daniil Medvedev vs. Botic van de Zandschulp (NED)
Valentin Royer (FRA) vs. [17] Tommy Paul (USA)
Court 5 (starts at 11 a.m.)
[14] Valentin Vacherot (MON) vs. Mariano Navone (ARG)
Zachary Svajda (USA) vs. [18] Arthur Fils (FRA)
[20] Rafael Jodar (ESP) vs. Corentin Moutet (FRA)
Not before 3:30 p.m.
[21] Karen Khachanov vs Terence Atmane (FRA)
[Q] Jacob Fearnley (GBR) vs [13] Jakub Mensik (CZE)
Court 9 (starts at 11 a.m.)
[31] Zizou Bergs (BEL) vs. Sebastian Baez (ARG)
Not before 12:30 p.m.
[29] Ignacio Buse (Per) vs. Cameron Norrie (GBR)
Hubert Hurkacz (Pol) vs. [25] Alejandro Tabilo (Chi)
Alex Michelsen (USA) vs. [16] Francisco Cerundolo (Arg)
[24] Ugo Humbert (Fra) vs. Daniel Merida (Esp)
Court 2 (starts at 11 a.m.)
Nuno Borges (Por) vs. [26] Tomas Martin Etcheverry (Arg)
Miomir Kecmanovic (Srb) vs. [23] Arthur Rinderknech (Fra)
[32] Raphael Collignon (Bel) vs. [Q] Alexei Popyrin (Aus)
Not before 3:30 p.m.
Fabian Marozsan (Hun) vs. [30] Matteo Arnaldi (Ita)
Cynosure Football Club has formally appealed to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) against a decision by the Ebonyi State Football Association Disciplinary Committee to ban the club and its chairman, Prince Chidiebere Nwaeze, from all football-related activities in the state for two years.
According to Sports Concave, the appeal, dated August 4, 2026, was addressed to the Chairman of the NFF Organising and Disciplinary Committee in Abuja and has been received by the office of the NFF General Secretary.
In the appeal, Nwaeze challenged the ruling issued by the Ebonyi State FA Disciplinary Committee on August 3, asking the NFF to review the sanctions.
The appeal also challenges the recommendation that the NFF should impose a nationwide ban on both Nwaeze and Cynosure FC.
Cynosure FC said the appeal was filed in line with the dispute resolution process provided under the NFF Statutes (March 2026) and the Nationwide League One (NLO) Rules and Regulations 2025.
The club said it is a duly registered NLO team and is scheduled to take part in the South-East Centre playoffs, which are due to begin on August 7, 2026, in Aba, Abia State.
Cynosure FC also pointed out that it had previously appealed an earlier sanction imposed by the NLO before the NFF Organising and Disciplinary Committee. The decision was later overturned and the ban lifted.
The club is now asking the NFF Organising and Disciplinary Committee to review the Ebonyi State FA decision and determine whether the sanctions are in line with the rules and regulations governing Nigerian football.
With the appeal pending, the decision could affect the NLO South-East Centre playoffs. Cynosure FC is therefore calling for the competition to be put on hold until the NFF reaches a decision on the matter.
The NFF is expected to consider the appeal and communicate its decision in line with its disciplinary and appeals procedures.
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