By Stephen Vilardo, SuperWest Sports
Sports
2026 Week 2 Selected Big Ten College Football Previews
Week two in the Big Ten brings three head-to-head matchups with the SEC, a trio of contests with the ACC, and two games with the Big 12.
Among the Big 12 tilts, Oregon travels to Oklahoma State and Iowa battles Iowa State for the Cy-Hawk Trophy.
Rounding out our West Coast schedule are a pair of games against the Pac-12, and USC’s final non-conference game vs Louisiana.
This week, in addition to the four regional contests, I opted for the two marquee matchups between the Big Ten and SEC: Oklahoma at Michigan and Ohio State at Texas.
The Wolverines didn’t impress last week, but given the controversy surrounding their opener, their matchup with the Sooners will draw plenty of viewers.
(Minnesota hosts Mississippi State for the third meeting between the two conferences)
Here are my previews for all six games.
No. 6 Oregon Ducks at Oklahoma State Cowboys
Saturday, September 12
9:00 AM PT, ESPN
(Dave Pash, Dusty Dvorcek, and Taylor McGregor)
Line: Oregon –22.5
Over/Under: 57.5
A year ago, when these teams met, the Ducks absolutely dominated the Cowboys. Oregon averaged 10.2 yards per play in a 69-3 beatdown that was the beginning of the end for then-OSU coach Mike Gundy.
The rematch in Stillwater this week will be the home opener for new head coach Eric Morris. The season opener did not go as planned for the Big 12 outfit as they suffered a second consecutive loss to in-state foe Tulsa on the road.
Nonetheless, the home crowd is expected to turn out for the No. 6 Ducks, who bring the nation’s longest active road win streak (12 games) to Boone Pickens Stadium.
While some Duck fans may be disappointed by UO’s season-opening performance vs. Boise State, a win against a potential Playoff team makes it easier to accept. By contrast, OSU’s loss to Tulsa has to have Cowboy fans scratching their heads.
Sure, it was Game One for the new staff, but Morris brought a slew of North Texas players with him from a team that went 12-2 and played for the AAC title, the same AAC that saw Tulsa go 1-7 in league play in 2025.
Oregon was less than stellar last week, committing 10 penalties, but that can be fixed. Defensively, UO probably should have dominated against Boise, but had way too many missed tackles.
The UO secondary will be challenged by Drew Mestemaker and the Cowboy passing attack, but I look for much more solid play this week.
This outcome isn’t likely to mirror last year’s 69-3 thrashing, but it will be one-sided in favor of the Ducks.
Winner: Oregon
ATS: Oregon
O/U: Over
No. 11 Oklahoma Sooners at Michigan Wolverines
Saturday, September 12
9:00 AM PT, FOX
(Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, and Jenny Taft)
Line: Oklahoma –5.5
Over/Under: 43.5
Oklahoma looked like world-beaters in their opener against UTEP. Michigan looked dreadful in their season-opening “win” over Western Michigan.
Perhaps the only thing more embarrassing than the Wolverines’ performance on the field was their fans storming the field after barely sneaking past the Broncos thanks to the inexplicable actions of Big Ten replay officials.
Aside from the game-opening and closing drives, Bryce Underwood and the Michigan offense looked dreadful against WMU. How do we think they will move the ball on a Brent Venables-led squad? The answer is they won’t!
The Wolverine defense will stifle John Mateer and the Sooner QB will not have an easy go of it in the Big House, but the Sooners will score enough to get the win,
Winner: Oklahoma
ATS: Oklahoma
O/U: Under
Utah State Aggies at No. 19 Washington Huskies
Saturday, September 12
12:30 PM PT, BTN
(AJ Kanell, Marcel Reece, and Alyssa Charleston)
Line: Washington –26.5
Over/Under: 55.5
For the second time in as many weeks, the Huskies will meet a Pac-12 opponent. The Apple Cup win in the opener may not have been as crisp as UW fans would have hoped, but they came away with the win on Sunday.
Utah State and Bronco Mendenhall are looking for answers in Week Two following a stunning season-opening loss to Idaho State.
Washington can make one simple change to improve over Week One: Limit penalties. The Huskies were flagged 12 times in the uneven win over the Cougars.
Defensively, UW limited WSU for most of the game, getting them off the field on third downs and forcing three turnovers.
That is winning football, even if you have to overcome 130 yards in penalties.
USU entered the season with a perceived QB strength in McCae Hillstead. After Hillstead’s poor performance in the opener, perhaps due to a forearm injury, the Aggies now have questions under center.
Whether the QB struggles stemmed from his health or a lack of production against Idaho State, the Huskies’ opportunistic defense could create far more issues for the Utah State offense on Saturday.
Demond Williams Jr. looked sharp at QB, making plays with both his arm and his legs, and it appears he will need to do more of that with injuries sidelining RBs Quaid Carr and Jayden Limar for the foreseeable future.
Washington wins this one, and hopefully Utah State starts to get things figured out.
Winner: Washington
ATS: Washington
O/U: Under
San Diego State Aztecs at UCLA Bruins
Saturday, September 12
4:15 PM PT, BTN
(Wayne Randaazzo and Brett Huntley)
Line: UCLA –12.5
Over/Under: 55.5
Another Big Ten vs. Pac-12 matchup graces the Rose Bowl on Saturday, with UCLA welcoming San Diego State. Both teams are looking to open the young season 2-0.
Both offenses shined in the openers, as the Bruins dispatched Cal 45-24 and the Aztecs exploded for 53 points in their defeat of Portland State.
This offseason, I couldn’t say enough about the potential impact Wayne Knight could have on the UCLA offense.
The running back delivered on that promise in the opener, racking up 151 yards of total offense and three TDs.
He should continue to open things up for Nico Imaleava, both through the air and on the ground. Sean Lewis knows containing both will be a challenge for his defense.
The 12.5-point line seems excessive, especially considering the 53 points SDSU put up in the opener. But the Aztecs failed to crack 400 yards of offense last week, and special teams set up or delivered three of their scores.
The UCLA defense did a good job of limiting the Cal attack, especially after halftime, forcing a pair of interceptions that led to touchdowns.
I like UCLA to keep rolling and see them two touchdowns better than the Aztecs on Saturday.
Winner: UCLA
ATS: UCLA
O/U: Under
No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes at No. 4 Texas Longhorns
Saturday, September 12
4:30 PM PT, ABC
(Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Holly Rowe, and Laura Rutledge)
Line: Texas –1.5
Over/Under: 49.5
All eyes will be on Texas Saturday night in this showdown of top-five opponents in Austin as the Longhorns look to avenge their 14-7 loss in Columbus a season ago.
This one looks to be another defensive slugfest. Arch Manning should be better than he was against the Buckeyes last season, but how much better?
The OSU defense is not quite as loaded this time around, but it’s still formidable.
The Texas defense won’t make it easy on the Buckeyes either, but OSU has more weapons on that side of the ball than the Longhorns do.
This should be tightly contested and hopefully an extremely entertaining primetime showdown.
Simply put, I have a lot more faith in Julian Sayin, Bo Jackson, and Jeramiah Smith to make plays against the UT defense than I do in Manning, Cam Coleman, and the Horns.
I’m taking the Buckeyes to leave with the win.
Winner: Ohio State
ATS: Ohio State
O/U: Under
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns at No. 14 USC Trojans
Saturday, September 12
8:00 PM PT, BTN
(Mark Followill, Rhett Lewis, and Caroline Hendershot)
Line: USC –30.5
Over/Under: 59.5
Perhaps no team in the nation has looked better in the early season than USC.
(Okay, maybe LSU, but they look a lot like the USC teams Lane Kiffin assisted on under Pete Carroll).
Two weeks into the 2026 campaign, the Trojans certainly look every bit the part of a championship contender.
Sure, the competition has not yet been elite, and it is not going to get much stiffer this week. Plenty of those challenges await the Trojans down the road.
After two games, though, USC has looked dominant on both sides of the football.
The offense was expected to dominate, but the defense pitched a shutout against Fresno State, just the second clean sheet under Lincoln Riley and the first since 2024.
And, while Fresno State may not be a top-15 opponent, the Bulldogs were expected to challenge for the Pac-12 crown in preseason. The 39-0 result was nothing to scoff at.
In the inaugural meeting with the Ragin’ Cajuns, USC will face a team that will try to establish the run game.
USC has been good against the run in the opening two games, limiting foes to just 70.5 yards on the ground. UL will have a hard time getting things going on offense.
Look for Jayden Maiava and the USC offense to continue cooking and put a lot of points on the board.
The Trojans win big and conclude the non-conference slate perfect. The total should stay under 60 points as the Cajuns try to limit the total number of possessions.
Winner: USC
ATS: USC
O/U: Under
Straight-Up Staff Picks for Selected Games
writes about various topics for SuperWest sports, including stats and records, college sports, and motorsports. He also founded and runs the Sports and Entertainment Research Center (SERC).
Latest posts by Stephen Vilardo (see all)
Continue Reading
Sep 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) takes the field for warm ups before a game against the New England Patriots at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots again in the first game of the NFL regular season.
But if either of these teams want to get back to the Super Bowl, where Seattle defeated New England in San Francisco back in February, they’ll both need to answer some major questions.
The Seahawks are 1-0 after the 13-10 comeback victory, but should either of these two teams feel good after Wednesday night’s opener?
How serious is Sam Darnold’s hip injury?
The Seahawks lost quarterback Sam Darnold with a hip injury in the opening minutes of Week 1.
Drew Lock did enough to win a low-scoring affair, but that’s really thanks to Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s eight catches for 122 yards and one touchdown. If Lock can keep feeding JSN, the Seahawks could be okay if Darnold needs a few weeks to recover.
But losing your Super Bowl winning quarterback in Week 1 of the following season is never ideal. Darnold left the stadium to get imaging done, but the results were inconclusive, resulting in more tests on Thursday.
How serious is A.J. Brown’s ankle injury?
Sep 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown (1) reacts after an injury during the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Brown is believed to have suffered a high ankle sprain in his debut with the Patriots on Wednesday.
And that could be bad news for a New England team that struggled offensively.
The Patriots were already without Treyveon Henderson, and Rhamondre Stevenson couldn’t get anything going against Seattle’s front. Trading for Brown was always a risk, and now the former Eagles receiver looks like he’s going to miss some time. Down the stretch, Maye was absolutely terrible and got outplayed by Lock.
His three interceptions in the fourth quarter were crushing.
Against talented defenses, the young quarterback needs to cut back on the turnovers. Maye holds an 0-12 record against teams with a winning record, which is going to become a point of emphasis if he continues to put up stinky games against good teams.
It wasn’t a banner debut for the rookie running back out of Notre Dame, but the Patriots are stout defensively. Price rushed 10 times for 52 yards and caught two passes for six yards, not the sort of production you were expecting if you started him in fantasy football.
But 5.2 yards per carry? That’ll work in the NFL! Price showcased some serious playmaking ability, even though he wasn’t able to break a big run loose. If he improves against some worse defenses throughout his rookie season, the Seahawks should be in good shape.
Doubs had a fourth quarter to forget, dropping a huge pass that would’ve led to a first down that instead turned into a Maye interception on the next throw.
He vowed to be better for New England after the brutal showing. The Patriots will need their $80 million free agent receiver to be better, especially if Brown misses time.
Drake Maye, what the hell was that?
Can Jadarian Price get better?
Romeo Doubs can’t be the best New England has now, right?
Timothy Bradley has advised Andy Ruiz Jr to abandon his dream of becoming a two-time world heavyweight champion and hang up the gloves.
The Mexican-American claimed three of the four major titles in 2019, pulling off an almighty upset by dethroning Anthony Joshua with a seventh-round stoppage.
Since losing their rematch by unanimous decision, though, Ruiz has incurred lengthy spells of inactivity and is now coming off a third professional defeat.
This came against Damian Knyba over the weekend, with the 30-year-old causing an upset of his own by scoring a seventh-round knockdown and winning unanimously on the scorecards.
The 6ft 7in contender was coming off a third-round stoppage defeat to WBC champion Agit Kabayel in January, but nonetheless represented a high-risk opponent and has now put himself in the shop window for future opportunities.
For Ruiz, on the other hand, it is difficult to see where he goes from this disastrous start to his promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.
In fact, Hall of Famer Bradley said on the DAZN and TNT Sports live broadcast that the 36-year-old should even start thinking about retirement.
“I would tell him to hang ‘em up because I’m telling you: If you can’t beat a guy like [Knyba, you might as well retire].
“I think there’s a lot of guys out there that can [beat Knyba]. I think Kabayel stops him again.”
Regardless of Bradley’s comments, Ruiz said during his post-fight interview that he will remain in the sport but needs to keep himself busy, having just ended more than two years of inactivity.
What could be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last chance to win a first Asian Champions League title for his Saudi club will get underway next week.
Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr is one of five Saudi Pro League teams in the tournament. Combined, they’ve spent more than $2 billion on foreign players since 2023, with Al-Ahli lifting the continental trophy in each of the last two seasons.
Al-Ahli captain and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is hoping to make it three in a row in the 32-team tournament.
“This is the biggest club in Saudi Arabia and Asia and we will do everything to win,” Mendy, who signed from English Premier League club Chelsea in 2023, told The Associated Press. “Last year, we won the Champions League and we will have to use all the things we did then to be successful this time, too. We are building year after year.” One competition, two zones The tournament is divided into two geographic zones until the playoffs, with the top eight teams from each progressing to the Round of 16.
Al-Ahli starts its defense against Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan in the in the western zone. Saudi league champion Al-Nassr’s roster contains 41-year-old Ronaldo and his Portugal teammate Joao Felix, last year’s domestic league player of the season. Al-Nassr was a finalist in the second-tier continental championship last season.
Felix, who joined the Riyadh club in 2025 for a fee of around $60 million, is determined to win a major title under new coach Ange Postecoglou.
“We have a really good squad, a deep squad, our goal is to win every competition we can,” Felix told AP. “We want to win the league, the cup and the Champions League everything. We don’t play to dream – we play to win.” Riyadh rival Al-Hilal has won a record four Asian titles. After spending more than $200 million in the summer on English Premier League stars and three internationals – Ollie Watkins of England, Brazil’s Gabriel Martinelli and Crysencio Summerville of the Netherlands – Hilal will be dealing with high expectations.
Al-Ittihad, winner in 2004 and 2005, is aiming for a third continental crown. Al-Qadsiah, under former Liverpool and Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, is making a first appearance in the competition.
The Saudi teams have avoided Iran’s two representatives – Esteghlal of Tehran and Tractor – in the group stage.
With tension high due to war in the region, the Iranian clubs are set to host home games in neutral countries. Esteghlal will host Al-Sadd of Qatar in the Iraqi city of Basra in the opening round. Tractor will travel to the United Arab Emirates to face Shabab Al-Ahli in Dubai.
Eastern zone contenders Clubs from Japan have lost the last two finals to Al-Ahli. And Japan, like Saudi Arabia, has five representatives in the tournament. Of them, only Gamba Osaka and Kashima Antlers have lifted the trophy before, in 2008 and 2018 respectively.
South Korea is the most successful nation in terms of combined Asian titles. South Korean hopes will rest with three-time champion Pohang Steelers and two-time winner Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors this season. Shanghai Port and Beijing Guoan are China’s representatives in the tournament. Thailand has three teams for the first time. Australia’s hopes rest on Newcastle Jets, making just a second appearance in the group stage.
Former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez believes a Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria rematch could be disastrous.
Gaethje and Topuria threw down in a lightweight title fight at UFC Freedom 250 in June. While most thought Topuria would breeze past Gaethje, the American put the Georgian-Spanish fighter through the wringer for 4 rounds and ultimately won after his opponent’s corner threw in the towel before the final round began.
In the aftermath, many began wondering whether a rematch between the two men was on the cards. Given Topuria’s resume and reputation, a portion of MMA fans believe he deserves an immediate rematch. However, Alvarez doesn’t think that is a good idea.
In an interview with MMA Junkie, Alvarez explained why Topuria shouldn’t get a rematch and said:
Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more
“No [there shouldn’t be a rematch]. He beat the s**t out of him. If someone beats the s**t out of you, you don’t get a rematch. It needs to be close. He beat the sh*t out of him. You don’t get a rematch… That was bad.”
He added:
“I could see the UFC wanting to crown Topuria. They want that whole market. The guy’s a big deal, and he makes a lot of money, and he can make a lot of money for the company. But it could be a disaster for the UFC. Giving him that other shot, Justin and Trevor [Wittman] kind of got his number, and he’s not just going to go in and forget about what just happened.” [H/t: MMA Junkie]
Watch the full interview below:
Eddie Alvarez believes Justin Gaethje should retire before facing Ilia Topuria again
In the same interview, Eddie Alvarez explained why Justin Gaethje should consider retirement instead of facing Ilia Topuria again and why he must be picky about his opponents.
Pointing out the UFC lightweight champion’s age, the former 155-pound titleholder said:
“If I’m Justin, I retire before I fight Ilia again. I’m not sh***ing on Justin, but Justin is getting older. You can’t go backwards. You really need to select your opponents properly and you can’t just fight to fight, especially when you’re older. It needs to be deeper than that, there has to be a lot of meaning behind it. It can’t just be for money. There needs to be meaning behind it and invoke your ego and get your competitive drive in order.”
Edited by Nishant Zende.
Sports
Days before Asian Games, Tanya Chaudhary shatters national record in big boost for Indian athletics | Asian Games 2026 News
File Pic: Tanya Chaudhary (PTI Photo)
NEW DELHI: Indian athletics received a major boost just days before the Asian Games as Uttar Pradesh’s Tanya Chaudhary shattered the women’s hammer throw national record at the Indian Athletics Series Final on Thursday.Tanya sent the hammer to a distance of 68.35m, bettering the previous national record of 67.02m set by her state-mate Anushka Yadav in June. Anushka finished second with a best effort of 66.34m.Both Tanya and Anushka are part of India’s Asian Games squad, making Tanya’s record-breaking performance particularly significant with the Games beginning on September 19.Tanya pocketed Rs 1 lakh for winning the event, while Anushka received Rs 50,000.
A huge jump from Tanya’s last Asian Games outing
The new national record represents a massive improvement from Tanya’s previous Asian Games performance. She finished seventh at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou with a throw of 60.50m.Her latest effort of 68.35m is also well beyond the 64.14m that earned South Korea’s Kim Tae-hui the women’s hammer throw bronze medal in Hangzhou.With the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games now just days away, Tanya’s breakthrough provides an encouraging sign for India’s athletics contingent and could give her significant momentum heading into the competition.
Expanded athletics squad adds to India’s strength
The Athletics Federation of India had initially named a 77-member athletics squad — 34 men and 43 women — for the 20th Asian Games in Japan. The contingent has since been expanded to 79 athletes.The squad features several Asian and national record holders, including Gulveer Singh, Avinash Sable, Sreeshankar M, Ancy Sojan, Praveen Chithravel, Tejaswin Shankar, Rohit Yadav, Annu Rani, Jyothi Yarraji and Priyanka Goswami.India’s overall Asian Games contingent has also been expanded to 503 athletes across 36 sports, following the inclusion of surfing.Athletics, which will be without injured javelin star Neeraj Chopra, has the largest support staff among India’s disciplines, with 31 members, including 20 coaches led by national coach P Radhakrishnan.Tanya’s national record has thus arrived at an ideal time, giving Indian athletics another timely boost ahead of the Games.
When the Toronto Blue Jays took a hybrid approach at the Aug. 3 trade deadline, their post-season odds were slim.
The Blue Jays traded significant players with expiring contracts and a top prospect for controllable pieces that could contribute both now and in the future. In the short term, it’s worked, as Brett Bateman, Josh Smith, José Soriano and Spencer Arrighetti have combined for more fWAR (1.9) than Kevin Gausman, Daulton Varsho, Jeff Hoffman and Adam Macko (1.2), and the Blue Jays’ FanGraphs playoff odds have jumped from 5.8 per cent to 32 per cent, thanks to a 20-14 run.
Of course, the players who departed the Blue Jays joined teams that were also eyeing an October push. The longest-tenured and most meaningful outbound star, Gausman, is now backed by a Chicago Cubs offence that has been the best in baseball since the deadline.
The right-handed splitter artist is off to an uneven start in Wrigleyville. He did seem to be finding his form, but then was shelled for six earned runs in his first couple of innings against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday. The Blue Jays and their other outbound players have similarly struggled lately as they simultaneously try to find their footing in the playoff race.
Breakups are sad, but sometimes necessary to move on to better things, and there’s nothing better than meaningful September baseball. Let’s check in on how Toronto’s “exes” are faring with their new clubs during the stretch run.
Kevin Gausman, Chicago Cubs
Since the trade: 7 starts, 5.31 ERA, 39 innings, 44 strikeouts, 10 walks
Gausman’s start on Wednesday night was his shortest since joining the Cubs, and came just as he had started to make a case as an important member of their post-season rotation. He lasted only four innings and was rocked for three home runs in the first 12 batters.
The former Blue Jays ace allowed 11 runs over his first three starts with Chicago (6.19 ERA), but signs suggested his results would return to normal. Over this stretch, he gave up several soft-contact hits; his opponents’ slugging percentage on balls in play exceeded what was expected, based on their exit velocity and launch angle; and he struck out 16 batters and walked just four.
It was unsurprising when his next three starts trended positively. Gausman gave up just six runs over his next 19 innings (2.84 ERA), struck out 22 and walked four, highlighted by seven shutout frames in a win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, who are directly trailing the Cubs in the National League wild-card race.
But it’s been two steps forward and one step back. No fan base is more familiar with Gausman’s work than Toronto’s; they know he hasn’t had his best stuff this season. His fastball velocity, whiff rate and strikeouts are all down and, as a result, his 4.60 ERA is his worst since a disastrous 2019 season, when he had to remake himself.
At times, Gausman has overcome his diminished stuff with command and guile, but he was at his best when he was overpowering hitters with his high-90s fastball and devastating splitter. Those weapons don’t seem to be what they once were, making Gausman’s margin for error razor-thin.
Daulton Varsho, Houston Astros
Since the trade: 32 GP, 4 HR, 13 RBI, .193/.256/.345, 69 wRC+
Varsho had a reputation for extraordinary defence and mashing the odd home run with the Blue Jays, and has roughly met those expectations with the Astros.
His results at the plate have been poor — far worse than his career numbers. But Varsho has been a below-league-average hitter throughout his career (.227 average, .295 OBP, 97 wRC+), and he’s clubbed four home runs in 125 plate appearances with the Astros, roughly a 20-homer pace over a full season that’s right in line with his usual production.
It’s a far cry from the 46-home-run pace Varsho had during his transcendent yet injury-marred 2025 campaign (20 home runs in 71 games). Still, Varsho’s profile as an elite defensive centre fielder who can run into one every once in a while has been good for an average of four wins per season throughout his career.
For that to hold up, Varsho needs to maintain the elite defence that earned him a gold glove and more fielding run value (plus-49) and defensive runs saved (85) than any other outfielder from 2022-25, and he hasn’t this season.
His strong jumps on fly balls have helped maintain his range, but his sprint speed has declined to league average, and he also had a couple of uncharacteristic drops earlier in the season with the Jays. That’s sure to come around to some degree, and it already has with the Astros. But it’s all amounted to a pedestrian plus-four fielding run value and minus-one defensive runs saved, limiting Varsho’s value.
Jeff Hoffman, Minnesota Twins
Since the trade: 13 appearances, 3.00 ERA, 6 holds, 12 innings, 17 strikeouts, 7 walks
Of all Toronto’s departures, Hoffman has performed the best since being shipped out. Also, unlike Gausman and Varsho, he has one more year of control remaining on his contract in 2027.
But despite his undeniable talent and bizarrely bad luck (or perhaps because of it), Hoffman became a change-of-scenery candidate. His 25 per cent strikeout minus walk rate is a top-10 mark among qualified relievers, and his .376 BABIP is first.
It appears the grass really is greener in Minnesota, as Hoffman’s BABIP has dropped to a still-high but more normal .321 and not a single fly ball he’s allowed has left the yard. He’s settled in nicely to a setup role behind Twins closer Yoendrys Gomez, despite striking out fewer batters and walking more than he did with the Blue Jays.
He’s still had a couple of small blow-ups, allowing a few runs to score to break ties with the Brewers and San Diego Padres, but otherwise it’s been smooth sailing.
Adam Macko, Texas Rangers
Since the trade: 6 appearances, 5.68 ERA, 6.1 innings, 7 strikeouts, 2 walks
Macko made only 22 appearances with the Blue Jays this season, but was still a fan favourite because of his Canadian roots.
Acquired along with Erik Swanson from the Seattle Mariners for Teoscar Hernandez just after the 2022 season, Macko’s rise through the Blue Jays’ minor-league system was monitored closely in Canadian baseball circles that had been tracking his progress since he was a standout at the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball in Alberta.
The 25-year-old Slovakian-Canadian was called up on May 15, got off to a strong start with the Blue Jays, and eventually received another shot post-trade when the Rangers recalled him on Aug. 28. The left-hander hasn’t performed as well in his brief time in the Lone Star State, but still has plenty of potential to develop into a useful arm in the future.
Arjun Nimmala, Los Angeles Angels
Since the trade: 24 GP, 5 HR, 12 RBI, .231/.375/.462, 128 wRC+
Nimmala was the most surprising player dealt by the Blue Jays on deadline day, as moving their No. 2-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline signalled that Toronto wasn’t strictly selling despite its narrow chance of making the post-season.
Nimmala has picked right up with the Angels’ double-A affiliate, the Rocket City Trash Pandas, since he was traded with fellow minor-leaguers Eddie Micheletti Jr. and Angel Rivero, for Soriano. It’s an aptly named destination considering the way the 20-year-old shortstop has been blasting off at the plate.
He scalded two doubles and walked twice in his second game with the Madison, Ala.-based club and has only continued to heat up. Nimmala has four home runs in his last eight games, including an inside-the-parker.
The Blue Jays haven’t often been burned by trading highly touted prospects, with Simeon Woods Richardson, Austin Martin, Gunnar Hoglund and Jordan Groshans failing to pan out so far. But bearing in mind Nimmala’s outstanding performance and his No. 38 ranking in MLB Pipeline‘s top 100, he has a good chance of developing into an impactful big leaguer.
Bilal Hasan is officially the hottest prospect in the UFC flyweight division. After securing a staggering, record-breaking two knockout victories within a span of just 18 days, the Indonesian standout is looking to capitalize on his skyrocketing momentum. Catching up in a recent interview, Hasan detailed his whirlwind month, his aspirations for a spot on the UFC’s upcoming marquee event at Madison Square Garden this November, and exactly who he wants to be standing across the octagon from him next.
When pressed on potential opponents for his highly anticipated return, Hasan revealed he had his eyes set on a fellow recent competitor who fought on his undercard. “I called out Andre Lima,” Hasan explained. “I literally, right before my fight, I was watching his fight ’cause of course he was right before me, and I was like, damn, like, I’m not impressed. He won, and I think it’d be a good fight for me to, you know, put another highlight on.”
However, Hasan acknowledged that Lima’s recent struggles on the scale might force the Brazilian out of the weight class altogether. In the meantime, Hasan remains open to all challengers, including media-ranked veterans like Charles Johnson. He is keeping a company-man mentality as his profile continues to rise. “I’m just gonna do my job,” he stated. “I’m gonna stay ready and whatever the UFC wants, if it makes sense with me and my management and my coaches, let’s run it.”
The Joshua Van Superfight and Shanghai Chaos
For Hasan, the ultimate goal involves the absolute top echelon of the flyweight division, which naturally brings up surging prospect Joshua Van. While Van currently has his hands full with a massive test against former champion Alexandre Pantoja, Hasan is confident that their paths will inevitably cross. Early on in Hasan’s UFC tenure, some fans dismissed his chances against Van, but his historic 18-day knockout run has rapidly shifted the public consensus. Hasan embraces the newfound respect from the MMA community.
“It just makes sense, you know? Like, after two highlight performances, I think it’s smart that the fans view it as more realistic,” Hasan noted. He envisions a massive stylistic and cultural clash down the road that the UFC brass will undoubtedly love. “Maybe sometime in the future, you know, I think it’s a great fight. I think it sells, you know, Southeast Asian versus Southeast Asian. I mean, why not, man?”
Hasan’s record-breaking run was capped off during the UFC’s wildly chaotic Shanghai event, a card filled with viral moments both inside and outside the cage. Hasan reflected on the crazy post-fight cage-jumping altercation involving Umar Nurmagomedov, Yadong Song, and Usman Nurmagomedov. Watching from his hotel room, Hasan was thoroughly entertained by the optical illusion of Usman appearing to throw a spinning elbow at Song.
“Song was just running around the cage, and he just happened to run behind Usman, and I think literally Usman probably just, like, instinct was just like, ‘Oh, shit, he’s kinda running towards me. I’m gonna look the other direction,’” Hasan recounted with a laugh. “But just imagine… if Song knocked out Umar and then gets knocked out by a spinning elbow by Usman. The clips would go more crazier than it’s already been going.”
Despite the chaos, Hasan cherished the experience of being around the legendary Dagestani camp. “This is my first time meeting Umar and, like, all the Dagestani guys. It was super cool,” he said, though he lamented that he hasn’t yet met Khabib Nurmagomedov in person.
Looking ahead, Hasan is eager to keep delivering for his fiercely loyal fanbase. Delivering a heartfelt message to his supporters, he promised that his return is right around the corner. “Indonesia, thank you guys so much for your support. I will always appreciate you. You’ll always be my number one,” Hasan promised. “November, December, I’m gonna look to get another one and bring it home.”
Once the Nevada sun has finished beating down on the circular roof of T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, a cloud will hover above the south end of the Sin City strip.
When Ryan Garcia defends the WBC welterweight title against Conor Benn, the main-event contest pits one of America’s most-divisive boxers against one of Britain’s. These are two fighters who so often entertain in the ring, but whose places in a bout of this magnitude are questionable to say the least.
Garcia is defending the belt he won in May – fairly, even impressively – but his title shot against Mario Barrios came within nine months of his previous outing: a loss to Rolly Romero with the WBA strap on the line, when “King Ryan” was dropped and outpointed in New York City’s Times Square.
Go back one fight further, and Garcia did drop Devin Haney three times en route to a stunning decision win, but this victory was reversed upon the revelation that the 28-year-old had failed a drug test.
Garcia has always proclaimed his innocence, and one might argue that he did his time by serving a one-year ban. But how he went from failing a drug test to fighting for a world title on his comeback, to losing but fighting for another world title in his next bout, is frankly near-impossible to justify.
Looking back at the American’s last five results, they read: win, loss, no-contest, win, loss.
And there are similar questions around the legitimacy of Benn’s place as challenger this weekend.
He will enter Las Vegas with the momentum of back-to-back points wins over former world champions – Regis Prograis and Chris Eubank Jr – but these don’t quite convey the reality of the Briton’s position.
The win against Prograis (past his best, to the point that he retired afterwards) took place at a 150lb catchweight, with Benn hurting the American once but failing to capitalise. The victory over Eubank Jr, whom Benn admittedly dropped twice late on, took place up at middleweight, and it followed a loss to Eubank Jr seven months prior – also at middleweight, where some feel Benn’s rival was drained.
Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing
Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime.
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing
Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime.
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
So, when Benn faces Garcia for the WBC’s prestigious welterweight strap, the 29-year-old will be fighting at 147lb for the first time in two-and-a-half years.
And tracing our way back to Benn’s fight in February 2024 is pertinent. That outing was his second in the US in five months, after he was provisionally suspended from boxing in the UK, having failed two drug tests in summer 2022.
Before those drug tests, Benn was largely living up to his nickname of the “Destroyer”, and he had just dismantled Chris Algieri and Chris van Heerden in legitimate challenges. Since those drug tests, however, he is yet to score a stoppage – including since he was cleared to box in the UK again, in late 2024 – with his style arguably evolving from a seek-and-destroy approach to a volume-heavy one. It is important to note that Benn maintained his innocence throughout the entire drug-test saga.
In any case, against Garcia, he will be keen on a long-awaited trademark performance, especially after his rumoured $15m deal with Zuffa Boxing.
When Benn spoke to The Independent ahead of Saturday’s fight, he said of Garcia: “We’re just not the same. My pillars are very different to his. Mine’s family, working hard, choosing the hard way – because the hard way pays off later on – whereas he’s one of these Gen Z kids, ‘kid-men’ who want an easy life. I’m just not wired that way. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion is my sort of mindset.”
Benn was not speaking about Garcia’s drug-test controversy, but some boxing fans might take issue with the Briton’s words anyway; for all of Benn and Garcia’s protestations, both have been accused of not pursuing the tougher path.
It will be interesting to see who garners the greater support throughout fight week. This year, the term “hate watch” has entered the vernacular of many sports fans: the idea of watching a match with an intense desire for one particular competitor to lose. Arsenal’s loss to PSG in the Champions League was a prime example for many English football fans.
Benn and Garcia both have their detractors. But in Las Vegas, as Mexican Independence Day looms, the Mexican-American boxer is likely to be seen as the hero in T-Mobile Arena – regardless of Garcia’s alleged missteps in recent years.
As a rebrand into MVP MMA is just months away, the PFL has been taking chances and reshaping its future following John Martin’s appointment as CEO last year. One of its star fighters, A.J. McKee, is about to take a chance of his own in a major opportunity.
McKee flies to Japan this week to compete in the main event of Super RIZIN 5 on Thursday, September 10. He will represent PFL and challenge undefeated RIZIN featherweight champion Razhabali Shaydullaev – with the winner also claiming the PFL featherweight championship (watch here).
McKee is not a complete stranger to Japan. The former Bellator featherweight champion competed in the country in a Bellator vs. RIZIN cross-promotional event that took place on New Year’s Eve 2022. That night, McKee memorably made a spectacular walkout for the main event in a $100,000 samurai suit before going on to defeat Roberto de Souza.
And now McKee is relishing the opportunity to experience the country one more time in a higher-stakes environment.
“That’s a piece of memorabilia I’ll be able to give my kids’ kids’ kids,” McKee said in an exclusive interview with Deadspin. “‘Your great-great-grandfather fought in that in Japan!’ You know what I mean? Like it’s ‘he walked out as a samurai,’ and then you look at both cultural backgrounds, and you’re able to see the similarities of the warriors and whatnot.”
McKee last fought a few months ago at PFL San Diego, scoring a unanimous decision win over Salamat Isbulaev. McKee practically dominated the whole fight and took little to no damage. The PFL gave McKee an offer: take this opportunity in RIZIN or wait until the end of the year to fight another PFL fighter for the PFL featherweight title on the PFL card.
McKee jumped on the opportunity with RIZIN for more than one reason. Not only was it about trying to stay active and not wait a while between fights, but it was also about the unique high-stakes nature of the contest.
Bellator fans may remember current UFC fighter Kyoji Horiguchi holding both the Bellator and RIZIN bantamweight championships simultaneously. But that came as a result of two separate fights with Darrion Caldwell – one at a RIZIN event for RIZIN’s title on New Year’s Eve 2018 and one at Bellator 222 for Bellator’s title in June 2019. This opportunity McKee holds feels more like something out of the world of boxing, when multiple sanctioning bodies’ championships in one weight class are on the line in a fight, or something out of a championship unification storyline in the world of professional wrestling.
That also means higher pressure, but it’s a pressure McKee welcomes.
“Not only one, but two world titles will be conquered in that one night,” McKee said. “Nowhere in the world has mixed martial arts done this at all to put two titles on the line.
“I’m putting everything I’ve built up over the years on the line for this one fight – for a young up-and-comer who’s undefeated, who’s hungry, who I don’t think has had any tough battles or fights yet. But this is going to be that battle, that fight. Do you want it? Are you capable of it? Do you have the skill set for it? So, for me, I’m always game to run the big risk, high reward. In the midst of the pressure is where I feel I am formed.”
McKee mentioned the opportunity also came with a quick turnaround time. Just two weeks after the win over Isbulaev, he was back in training camp and back in weight management mode – and that came after quite the indulgence in his small break.
“It was rough that first week,” he said. “Getting back into the gym was a little rough. I was about 185 pounds, eating Cheesecake Factory twice a day, and I was just being disgusting. I’ll probably do the same thing after this fight. It is what it is.
“You know, it takes a lot for me to make 145 pounds – a lot of dieting. A lot of just sacrificing the donuts that are in the kitchen, sitting in the cabinet right now, to the right portions of eating salads and broccoli all day-it’s-it’s a lot. So afterwards, I indulged to the fullest. I turn into like a little mini Paddy Pimblett, and I just eat straight up.”
McKee added that the feelings get worse when he looks at social media while cutting weight, admitting he has an entire Instagram page saved for trying new restaurants and recipes. He jokes the algorithm knows when he’s in a weight cut and decides that to be the perfect time to put food and drink videos in his feed.
“The closer I get to the fight, they know what to push,” McKee said. “So I’m just scrolling, looking at eating videos. I’m like, ‘Ugh…’
“And then the worst part about it is right when we hit the very end of the weight cut, they start showing me drinking videos. So I’m looking at crazy cold-pressed juices and just crazy drink combinations. I’m like, ‘You guys are trying to torture me. This isn’t right.’”
Shaydullaev is the 19-0 RIZIN featherweight champion and has built a strong reputation as a physical, damaging fighter. In fact, all 19 of his professional MMA victories have not gone to the scorecards (12 submissions and seven KO/TKOs), and six of his current seven RIZIN victories have come in under five minutes.
Shaydullaev has taken out a former Bellator champion before in Juan Archuleta, but one can argue McKee is a much different fighter – and perhaps the toughest test Shaydullaev has faced. McKee may be older by about six years, but he’s certainly the more seasoned and experienced fighter, as well as the one with the size advantage in this matchup.
Having sized up Shaydullaev in person, McKee respects the tools his RIZIN foe brings to the matchup – even if he is already noticing limitations and weaknesses.
“He doesn’t have as much head movement. He’s more of a straightforward-and-back fighter compared to my last opponent,” McKee said. “I think his wrestling and grappling is a little bit better. I shook his hand; he’s got really big hands, so now I see why people have struggled with him on the ground. He gets that wrist control, he grabs, and he holds on, and then he gives him something to pay for in between. That’s kind of his whole MO.
“But I don’t think anyone’s had enough wrestling base to kind of neutralize his wrestling and make him scramble and make him fight. That’s where I think this is going to be a fight where he’s going to have to fight.”
One unique twist McKee will be experiencing in this fight? The RIZIN ruleset. RIZIN fights are competed in a ring instead of a cage, and it resembles the ruleset longtime MMA fans may remember from the days of PRIDE Fighting Championships. This means certain things disallowed under the Unified Rules of MMA, including soccer kicks to the head of a grounded opponent, knees to a ground opponents, and stomps, are legal.
While the Unified Rules have these restrictions in place due to concerns over the long-term health and safety of fighters, McKee is excited for the chance to compete in a “beast mode” ruleset that presents new strategic openings and comes closer to a high-school-era street-fighting atmosphere.
“I love it! It makes me horny,” McKee chuckled. “I love Japan’s rule set. It’s way more barbaric…There’s a lot more damage that can be done. I’ve always wished that they implement those rules into Mixed Martial Arts.”
McKee is now 4-1 in the PFL since arriving in the promotion following its acquisition and the eventual closure of Bellator. Having had the unique opportunity to compete under the bright lights of MMA – he had competed in Bellator for his whole career before the acquisition – McKee felt a rough adjustment when starting with the PFL.
McKee, however, has been complimentary of the PFL and says they have honored contracts and maintained star treatment, as well as granting opportunities like the one he has in front of him. He looks forward to more opportunities with the PFL following this fight, even if it means having to work things out with two promotions’ championships if he wins.
And McKee said after this fight, there may be some unfinished business at lightweight. McKee moved up to 155 in late 2022, after losing the Bellator featherweight title, and he fell just short in a split decision loss to Paul Hughes in an October 2024 PFL lightweight title eliminator.
Not only does he desire a potential opportunity to avenge the loss to Hughes and win gold at lightweight, but perhaps find a way to win welterweight gold as well.
“I think people forget who the best and baddest 145-pounder in the world is, and his name’s AJ “The Mercenary” McKee,” he said. “So this was just me reminding everybody who I am.”
Sports
2026 Ballon d’Or Ceremony Set for London as Messi, Yamal, Mbappé and Arsenal Stars Make Nominees List
The 2026 Ballon d’Or awards will take place on Monday, October 26, at the London Palladium Theatre in London, England.
It will be the first time the prestigious football awards ceremony will be held in London.
The 2026 edition is also special as the Ballon d’Or, created by France Football in 1956, celebrates its 70th anniversary.
Since 2024, the awards have been jointly organised by France Football, owned by the L’Équipe Group, and UEFA.
The decision to hold the ceremony in London is also a tribute to Stanley Matthews, the first-ever Ballon d’Or winner in 1956.
Messi, Yamal, Mbappé Lead Men’s Nominees
A total of 30 players have been nominated for the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or.
The list includes eight-time winner Lionel Messi, Real Madrid stars Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane.
Arsenal have three players on the list, with Gabriel, Declan Rice and William Saliba all nominated.
Other notable names include Jude Bellingham, Ousmane Dembélé, Achraf Hakimi, Luis Díaz, Bruno Fernandes, Sadio Mané, Lautaro Martínez and Vitinha.
Arsenal Well Represented
Arsenal also have strong representation in other categories.
Manager Mikel Arteta is nominated for the Men’s Coach of the Year award, while David Raya is among the nominees for Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo are both nominated for the Women’s Ballon d’Or.
Arsenal are also among the five nominees for Men’s Club of the Year, alongside Bayern Munich, Bodø/Glimt, Flamengo and Paris Saint-Germain.
Women’s Ballon d’Or
The Women’s Ballon d’Or list features 30 players, including Barcelona stars Alexia Putellas, Caroline Graham Hansen and Ewa Pajor.
England’s Alessia Russo, Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw and Vivianne Miedema, and Real Madrid’s Caroline Weir are also among the nominees.
The awards will also recognise the best young players, goalkeepers, coaches and clubs in both men’s and women’s football.
The Sócrates Award will be presented for outstanding solidarity projects and social causes supported by footballers.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is expected to bring together some of the biggest names in world football as the sport celebrates 70 years of the prestigious award.
Business40 seconds ago
Incyte Corporation (INCY) Presents at 12th Annual Cantor Fitzgerald Global Healthcare Conference Transcript
Crypto World2 minutes ago
Retirees sue fund linked to public Dogecoin miner Z Squared
Politics3 minutes ago
Roadtrip Ideas: Goboony Campervans Are Perfect For An Autumnal Forest Retreat
-
Tech2 days agoMemory prices are slowing because buyers ran out of money
-
Crypto World2 days agoBitcoin price risks $76K drop as $78K support weakens
-
Business14 hours agoMicron Stock Climbs Above $1,031 as AI Memory Crunch and a $50 Billion Outlook Fuel the Rally
-
Business16 hours agoAMD Stock Climbs After Management Lifts 2027 Data Center Outlook Toward $70 Billion in AI Sales
-
Crypto World2 days agoEthereum price stalls below $2,500 as ADX drops to 11
-
Crypto World2 days agoRobinhood Stock: How To Take Advantage With Reduced Risk
-
NewsBeat2 days agoWhat went right this week: an ‘historic’ fall in violent crime, plus more
-
Crypto World17 hours agoBitcoin price risks $70K if $78K neckline breaks
-
Crypto World1 day agoBitcoin price holds near $79K as cycle drawdowns narrow
-
Sports2 days agoPhones confiscated, players sent home: Pakistan’s England tour turmoil revives memories of Mohammad Amir, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif’s 2010 Lord’s spot-fixing scandal | Cricket News
-
NewsBeat2 days agoEngland up in reading, maths and science rankings as Scotland and Wales dip
-
Business2 days agoMeta debuts long-awaited personal AI agent, Muse
-
Crypto World2 days agoBrent Crude Oil Moves Above $100 for the First Time in 3 Months
-
Crypto World2 days agoIntel Stock Jumps 9% on Chip Price Hike Report, US Stake Gains $36 Billion
-
Crypto World2 days agoPump Fun and Kraken delete Hunter Biden $LAPTOP promotion
-
Crypto World2 days agoVisa expands stablecoin card network to 160 programs
-
Business2 days agoEgyptian TV Presenter Sarah Khalifa, 11 Others Sentenced To Death In Major Drug Trafficking Case In Cairo
-
Business2 days ago
Xometry at Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference 2026: growth, AI and Siemens
-
Business2 days agoServiceTitan, Inc. (TTAN) Q2 2027 Earnings Call Transcript
-
Tech2 days agoStrong Password Policy and Password Manager Guide
You must be logged in to post a comment Login