By Stephen Vilardo, SuperWest Sports
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Adam New’s NFC North Predictions for 2026
The NFC North is as competitive as a division gets in the NFL. It proved so again last season when the Lions fell to last place after winning back-to-back division titles. It’s not an easy division to predict – last year the Vikings’ third-place finish was all that I got right – but I’m going to give it a go.
Adam New’s NFC North Predictions for 2026
In 2025, the Bears won the division with 11 wins, just two more than the other three teams in the division, all of whom had 9 wins. The Bears and Lions both only won two games inside the division, while the Packers and Vikings had four wins in the division. I expect the division to be hotly contested again.
1st Place – Detroit Lions
Win-Loss Record: 12-5
Key Additions: C Cade Mays, OT Blake Miller, RB Isiah Pacheco, DE DJ Wonnum, LB Devin White, CB Roger McCreary, DE Derrick Moore.
The loss of both coordinators to head coaching roles saw the Lions take a bump back down to earth as they went from “first to worst” last season. They still have a roster full of talent that would be the envy of most teams across the league. It’s an important season for Dan Campbell to prove he can do it with different coordinators, and they have the advantage of the fourth-place schedule this year.
Their once dominant offensive line isn’t what it used to be and new arrivals Cade Mays and Blake Miller need to help them get back to where they once were. Detroit has added depth to their squad but no “wow factor” signings; however, the squad in place is strong enough to win the division and make a deep playoff run.
2nd Place – Minnesota Vikings
Win-Loss Record: 10-7
Key Additions: QB Kyler Murray, WR Jauan Jennings, FB Max Bredeson, DT Caleb Banks, CB James Pierre, LB Jake Golday
Can a Kyler Murray-led offense help the Vikings to one extra win in 2026? That’s the question. The rest of the offense is full of talent, as long as the offensive line isn’t as ravaged with injury as it was last season. Minnesota should be massively improved on offense.
They managed to reach nine wins last season largely due to Brian Flores’ defense. The DC was passed over in another head coaching cycle meaning he’s back in Minnesota for another year. The Vikings lost their top edge rusher Jonathan Greenard but the success of the Flores defense has never been about star players and the Vikings have Dallas Turner ready to step up.
It’s a tough division but Kevin O’Connell’s team has enough to compete, and if they can get at least three wins from the divisional games. There should be enough wins in the rest of the schedule to get them to 10 wins without the need for causing any major surprises.
3rd Place: Chicago Bears
Win-Loss Record: 9-8
Key Additions: C Garrett Bradbury, C Logan Jones, WR Kalif Raymond, WR Zavion Thomas, LB Devin Bush, S Dillon Thieneman, DT Neville Gallimore
Ben Johnson had an excellent first season as a head coach in Chicago, but there were only two wins inside the division and they were aided by a last-place schedule. This year they have the extra games from first-place teams from last season – Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles. The marquee signing this year is linebacker Devin Bush who will add some top-level coverage in the middle of the field as well as solid run defense.
There are two key areas for Chicago when it comes to maintaining what they achieved last season. Firstly, can Johnson continue to help Caleb Williams develop as a QB. Secondly, can the Bears defense keep the high level of turnovers they created in 2025? I’m not sure about Williams but Johnson’s ability to make an offense efficient with what he has should keep the offense competitive. Chicago’s defense created 33 turnovers last season, that is a staggering number and it’s very unlikely they can repeat that, which is why I have them regressing slightly.
4th Place – Green Bay Packers
Win-Loss Record: 8-9
Key Additions: WR Skyy Moore, DE Javon Hargrave, LB Zaire Franklin, DT Chris McClellan, CB Benjamin St-Juste, CB Brandon Cisse
The Green Bay Packers went big on the trade for Micah Parsons last season, which ultimately didn’t work out because of serious injury. It left Green Bay without much power to add to their roster this offseason and a lot resting on the shoulders of Parsons this year. Matt LaFleur has always had his team competitive since becoming the Packers head coach, making the playoffs in six out of seven seasons.
It’s been a few years now since the Packers made any noise in the playoffs and LaFleur is under pressure. It feels like a mediocre season waiting to happen in Wisconsin that could ultimately lead to the end of the LaFleur era. The Packers have some good players and they will get 8/9 wins but with the lack of reinforcements this offseason I’m not seeing more than that.
Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.
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As we approach Week Zero and the first games on August 29th, it’s time to present our 2025 Preseason All-SuperWest College Football Teams and Awards.
We start with my picks for Coach of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year, followed by player selections at every position, three teams deep.
I’m sure to be proven wrong in some cases, so let the debates over the region’s best performers begin.
Offensive Player of the Year: Dante Moore, Oregon
If I were forced to pick the Heisman winner today, I’d lean towards Dante Moore taking home that honor in December.
So, if I think he will be the nation’s best player, I also will make him my SuperWest Offensive Player of the Year for 2026.
Last season he played with a very depleted receiving corps.
This season the Ducks are loaded up at the WR spot, and the QB’s production should be through the roof as he guides one of the most explosive offenses in the country.
Defensive Player of the Year: A’Mauri Washington, Oregon
Washington will be one of the first defenders selected in the NFL Draft next April, but before that happens, he will cause a lot of problems for collegiate offenses this fall.
As a defensive tackle, his numbers might be overshadowed by others and, in many cases, some of his own teammates. But his impact can’t be questioned.
Washington will stuff the run and demand double teams. Last season he amassed backfield stops and should have more this season. His long arms are disruptive in the passing game, as evidenced by his eight passes defended at the line a year ago.
Look for a ton of production from Oregon’s big man in the middle of the defense.
Offensive Freshman of the Year: Mark Bowman, USC
The Trojans lost a lot of pass-catching production from last season; among that production were some pretty good tight ends.
Mark Bowman should step in and produce immediately. He will be a vertical threat up the seam and should play a major role in the USC attack this season.
Defensive Freshman of Year: Derek Coleman-Brusa, Washington
A gifted rush edge from the Seattle area, Coleman-Brusa stayed home and will provide an impact for the Huskies in his first season with Washington.
There is no question he will be disruptive off the edge. An elite talent with a Power Four-ready frame, he should provide a lift on the edge for the Huskies in 2026.
Coach of the Year: Jason Eck, New Mexico
The Lobos could take a lot of teams by surprise in 2026.
After a very successful debut season with New Mexico, Eck and his staff have UNM in position to challenge for the Mountain West conference crown—and with that, perhaps crash the national party with a chance at the Group of Five bid to the playoffs.
This offseason, his name will certainly be mentioned for some bigger jobs and perhaps even at his alma mater, Wisconsin. The Lobo faithful would be wise to enjoy the ride in 2026, as there is no telling how long it might last in Albuquerque.
First Team Offense
QB Dante Moore, Oregon
Perhaps no position among my First Team was more difficult than this one.
As mentioned above, I think Moore might be taking home some hardware in December, but I don’t think he’ll be the only player from the West invited to New York.
When you read my postseason All-SuperWest team, I might not be surprised if Jayden Maiva has this spot. It is that close.
But for now, Moore is my pick as not only the best QB in the West, but also the best at the position in the nation.
RB LJ Martin, BYU
The reigning Big 12 Player of the Year ran for 1,305 yards in 2025, and the production should be huge again in 2026.
Martin has a terrific line to run behind and will be among the best backs in the nation.
The Cougars should be poised for a lot of success and leading the way will be the legs of Martin.
RB Waymond Jordan, USC
Jordan’s season was cut short last year due to an ankle injury in October.
In the six games he played, the back averaged nearly 100 yards per game rushing, and proved to be a threat in the passing game as well.
King Miller will also get a lot of touches, but the one-two punch should keep a now-healthy Jordan fresh and productive.
WR Tanook Hines, USC
The Trojans have lost a lot of talent at receiver, but look for Hines to break out in 2026.
He came on strong at the end of the year, with nine receptions for 172 yards over the last two regular-season games, and then stepped up in the bowl game as the primary target with six receptions for 163 yards against TCU.
The SC offense should be explosive, and Hines will be the top target in the passing game.
WR Omarion Miller, Arizona State
Miller has the size to make all the catches for the Sun Devils.
He will win balls with his size and an unmatched catch radius.
He is not going to run away from a lot of defenders, but he will create matchup issues and break some tackles after the catch.
WR Evan Stewart, Oregon
An injury last June wiped out the entire 2025 season for Stewart, but he is ready to go in 2026.
He has the speed to create issues with his 40 in the 4.3 range as an elite deep threat with NFL-ready ball control who will win balls by catching them high.
Look for the chemistry with Dante Moore to pick up again and the Ducks’ attack to be high-flying with a healthy Stewart in the mix.
TE Jamari Johnson, Oregon
The Ducks just continue to reload.
Kenyon Sadiq has moved on to the NFL, but Jamari Johnson is set to be among the best TEs in the nation in 2026—and he could prove even better than his former teammate.
Johnson runs fluid routes and is a dangerous runner after the catch. At 6-foot-5, he is a huge target with incredible athleticism.
OL Bruce Mitchell, BYU
Mitchell will be among the best linemen in the Big 12 this season and should help the Cougars put up big numbers on the offensive side of the ball.
On the interior of the line, he will help lead the way for LJ Martin and keep Bear Bachmeier upright.
OL John Mills, Washington
Big John Mills might have the best hair in the nation , and he will be among the best linemen in the Big Ten.
Best of all, the second-year lineman might only be scratching the surface of his talent.
He started 11 games in his debut season in Seattle and can play at either guard or tackle with equal success.
OL Iapani Laloulu, Oregon
An All-American and Outland semifinalist in 2025, Laloulu will look for even more production in 2026.
Among the best centers in the nation last season, he allowed just 11 pressures and one sack in 442 pass-blocking opportunities.
OL Kyle Sfarcioc, BYU
Sfarcioc made the jump to D1 last year and excelled for the Cougars.
Look for him to have even more success in 2026.
Paired up with Bruce Mitchell, the Cougs might have the best group of interior linemen in the nation.
OL Alexander Doost, Arizona
Last season, the Wildcats ran the ball for nearly 2,000 yards, and Doost was a huge part of paving the way for that success on the ground.
He is adept in the pass game as well; on 529 pass-blocking snaps in 2025, he allowed just one sack, one hit, and only 11 hurries.
In his career at Arizona, he has allowed just four sacks on over 1,200 snaps.
First Team Defense
DL A’Mauri Washington, Oregon
Washington is the best defender on the best team in the West.
He will demand double teams and open up rush lanes for teammates while being disruptive himself.
Last season, he was a force in the backfield with 4.5 TFLs despite constant doubles. He also gets his big paws in the passing lanes.
DL Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon
Uiagalelei is a force off the edge and will spend a lot of time in opponents’ backfields in 2026.
He collected six sacks and 9.5 TFLs in 2025 and could spend even more time in opposing backfields this fall.
Uiagalelei has the skills to drop into coverage or stuff the run in addition to rushing the passer.
DL Jayden Virgin-Morgan, Boise State
The edge rusher has been a sack machine for the Broncos over the last two seasons, collecting 16 sacks and 28.5 TFLs.
Expect the fifth-year player to take the new Pac-12 by storm and create havoc for opposing QBs.
DL Keanu Tanuvasa, BYU
Tanuvasa looks like he is ready to have a breakout season for what should be a dynamic BYU defense.
He will anchor the line and should make a lot of plays in the backfield.
Tanuvasa can stop the run and put a lot of pressure on QBs.
LB Cade Uluave, BYU
The Cougars under Kalani Sitake are turning into a bit of Linebacker-U.
BYU just keeps cranking out playmakers in the middle of the defense, and in Ulave they pick up a transfer ready to carry on that moniker.
Ulave was an impact player for Cal even as a freshman. Now, as a senior, his game is proven and refined. He should be a huge cog in what will be a tough BYU defense.
LB Jaxton Eck, New Mexico
Eck was the Co-Mountain West Defender of the Year in 2025, and figures to have another huge season in 2026.
The Lobos will be among the favorites in the conference this season, and Eck will be a playmaker on defense once again.
He was among the national leaders in tackles per game last fall, and he should repeat as a playmaker all over the field this season.
LB Isaiah Glasker, BYU
Glasker has been a stalwart in the middle of the Cougars’ defense since stepping foot on campus in Provo.
A do-it-all linebacker, he can create problems in the backfield, chase down running backs in the open field, and drop into coverage and be a ballhawk against the pass.
His five career interceptions and 10 career passes defended both rank among the most in the nation for active LBs.
DB Jontez Williams, USC
Williams is coming off a knee injury that cut his 2025 season short.
He comes to USC after three years with Iowa State and could be a shutdown corner.
He won’t get beat on the deep ball and has the skills to make plays on the outside.
DB Faletau Satuala, BYU
Satuala was a mainstay in the backend of the Cougars’ defense last year, finishing the year with seven passes defended and three interceptions.
He also created plays in the backfield with 7.5 TFLs, a sack, and a pair of forced fumbles.
His ball-hawking ability makes him dangerous to throw against, while he has shown an ability to step up and make tackles.
DB Brandon Finney Jr., Oregon
A Freshmen All-American in 2025, Finney will be even more productive in 2026.
There was no learning curve as a true freshman, as he started all 15 games for UO and led the Ducks with three interceptions and eight pass breakups while recording 42 total tackles.
He also had 3.0 tackles for loss, a sack, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
Finney’s second year in Eugene figures to be just as huge.
DB Koi Perich, Oregon
For the second straight season, Oregon picked up a transformative transfer at safety from a fellow Big Ten program.
Last season it was Dylan Thieneman; this season it is Koi Perich.
An excellent tackler at Minnesota, Perich should make an immediate impact for the Ducks and could challenge for the title of Big Ten Defender of the Year.
First Team Specialists
K Kian Afrookhteh, Utah State
Afrookhteh has a big leg and connected on four of five field goals of 40+ yards for Coastal Carolina in 2025.
He should provide the Aggies with the comfort of knowing they can put points on the board anytime they reach the opponents’ 35.
P Hunter Green, Washington
A year ago, Green had the sixth-best average in the nation as he punted for 46.96 yards per boot for San Diego State. That average ranks third in the nation among returning punters.
Last season he had 22 punts of 50+ yards and had 26 punts downed inside the 20.
He could be a weapon for the Huskies this season with his ability to flip the field.
RET Tony Freeman, Washington State
Freeman was fifth in the nation in 2025 in punt return average.
An explosive playmaker in the open field, Freeman will be among the best in the Pac-12 and the nation in returns and will be a home run threat for Wazzu.
AP Wayne Knight, UCLA
Perhaps no player in the nation is as versatile as Wayne Knight. He will provide the kind of production that has been missing from the Bruins in recent seasons.
Last season at JMU, he tallied 1,373 yards on the ground and added 40 receptions, proving to be a real dual threat out of the backfield.
In addition to his 1700+ scrimmage yards, he had 270 return yards in 2025, averaging nine yards per punt return and 22.3 per kickoff return.
Second Team Offense
QB Jayden Maiava, USC
RB Lucky Sutton, San Diego State
RB Wayshawn Parker, Utah
WR Dakorien Moore, Oregon
WR Dezmen Roebuck, Washington
WR Danny Scudero, Colorado
TE Zach Atkins, Colorado
OL Dave Iuli, Oregon
OL Alani Noa, USC
OL Maki Stewart, Arizona State
OL Keith Olson, Utah
OL Leon Bell, Colorado
Second Team Defense
DL Sahir West, UCLA
DL Bear Alexander, Oregon
DL CJ Fite, Arizona State
DL Deijon Laffitte, Fresno State
LB Taye Brown, Arizona
LB Gideon Lampron, Colorado
LB Tano Letuli, San Diego State
DB Evan Johnson, BYU
DB Jay’Vion Cole, Arizona
DB Raider Damuni, BYU
DB Elijah Davis, Utah
Second Team Specialists
K Joe McFadden, Nevada
P Bart Edmiston, Wyoming
RET Mana Carvalho, Utah
AP Jaren Hamilton, Arizona State
Third Team Offense
QB Devon Dampier, Utah
RB Jordon Davison, Oregon
RB Jai’Den Thomas, UNLV
WR Braden Pagan, Utah
WR Pofele Ashlock, Hawaii
WR Reed Harris, Arizona State
TE Juice Vereen, Colorado State
OL Edward Fonua, Fresno State
OL Jimmy Liston, Utah State
OL Malik Aliane, New Mexico
OL Roger Carreon, Boise State
OL Austin Boyd, UNLV
Third Team Defense
DL Mays Pese, Arizona
DL Dylan Labarbera, Nevada
DL Jide Abasiri, USC
DL Linus Zunk, Washington State
LB Ethan Stuhlsatz, Wyoming
LB Harrison Taggart, Utah State
LB Johnathan Hall, Utah
DB Avery Helm, UNLV
DB Trey Glasper, Oregon State
DB Jayden Mickey, Boise State
DB Ashton Stamps, Arizona State
Third Team Specialists
K Jack Stevens, Washington State
P AJ Windsor, Oregon State
RET Caden High, Stanford
AP Rayshawn Luke, Fresno State
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).
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The Wuthering Waves 3.6 update is set to be released on August 20, 2026. The new version will add new main story quests, and Rovers can also look forward to meeting new characters, such as Qingxiao and Jingran. Furthermore, WuWa 3.6 will feature several new events, including some recurring ones, and Rovers can complete them to obtain in-game rewards.
This article covers the Wuthering Waves 3.6 release dates and timings across different time zones.
Wuthering Waves 3.6 release timings and countdown
WuWa 3.6 will be released on August 20, 2026, at 11 am (UTC+8). It will be another major update for the Mengzhou region, and Rovers can look forward to a new Act in the main story quests and Resonators. However, the exact release time for the new update will vary for each player depending on their location.
Here’s a list of release dates and timings for WuWa 3.6 across different time zones:
America (August 19, 2026)
- Pacific Daylight Time (PDT): 8 pm
- Mountain Daylight Time (MDT): 9 pm
- Central Daylight Time (CDT): 10 pm
- Eastern Daylight Time (EDT): 11 pm
Europe (August 20, 2026)
- Western European Summer Time (WEST): 4 am
- Central European Summer Time (CEST): 5 am
- Eastern European Summer Time (EEST): 6 am
Asia (August 20, 2026)
- India Standard Time (IST): 8:30 am
- Philippine Time (PHT): 11 am
- Japan Standard Time (JST): 12 pm
- Korea Standard Time (KST): 12 pm
Here’s a universal countdown that shows the exact time until the new update goes live:
These timings also apply to Qingxiao and Denia’s banner, since they will be available in the first phase of the version 3.6 update. Do note that before WuWa 3.6 goes live, the servers will be down due to maintenance, and once that is over, players can check their in-game mailboxes for compensation.
Also read: WuWa 3.6 events and rewards (Wuthering Waves)
WuWa 3.6 Phase I banners
The following characters will be available on the character banners during Phase I of WuWa 3.6:
- Qingxiao (5-star Aero – Sword)
- Denia (5-star Fusion – Rectifier)
- Yangyang (4-star Aero – Sword)
- Baizhi (4-star Glacio – Rectifier)
- Sanhua (4-star Glacio – Sword)
Additionally, the following items will be on the weapon banner:
- Glint of Clouds (5-star Sword)
- Forged Dwarfstar (5-star Rectifier)
- Commando of Conviction (4-star Sword)
- Fusion Accretion (4-star Rectifier)
- Lunar Cutter (4-star Sword)
These banners will be available until September 10, 2026.
Follow Sportskeeda for more Wuthering Waves updates and guides.
Are you stuck on today’s Wordle? Our Wordle Solver will help you find the answer.
Edited by Hijam Tompok
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Chaos! Daniil Medvedev loses cool, breaks two advertising boards at Cincinnati Open – Watch | Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev loses cool (Screengrabs)
Daniil Medvedev endured a dramatic night at the Cincinnati Open, missing three match points before losing 6-7(3), 7-6(4), 6-1 to Brandon Nakashima.The Russian also damaged advertising boards, knocked over microphones and argued with the umpire during a frustrating third-round defeat.
Missed chances spark meltdown
Medvedev had to fight hard to win the first set after Nakashima led 5-2 and had chances to close it out. He recovered and took the tiebreak, but the second set slipped away despite Medvedev having three match points.Nakashima saved all three chances and levelled the match at 5-5. Frustrated, Medvedev threw his racket into an advertising board, damaging it.Later in the tiebreak, he kicked another board twice after falling 4-2 behind. Umpire Mohamed Lahyani responded with a code violation.
Frustration boils over
The situation became worse in the deciding set as Nakashima quickly moved into a 3-1 lead and then extended it to 5-1. Medvedev’s frustration boiled over again as he kicked a microphone before knocking it down.After it was replaced, he knocked it over once more and then dragged another microphone to the ground with his hands.Medvedev eventually lost the match and exited Cincinnati in the third round. The result continues a difficult run at the tournament, where he has failed to reach the fourth round in his last four appearances.Nakashima, who recently reached the Canadian Open final, advances to face Nuno Borges as he targets another Masters 1000 quarter-final.
The 2026 BMW Championship kicks off Thursday with the opening round at Bellerive C.C. in St. Louis. You can find full BMW Championship tee times for Thursday’s first round at the bottom of this post.
BMW Round 1 tee times: What to know
Heading into this week’s BMW Championship, the second event of the PGA Tour playoffs, everyone is looking up at Scottie Scheffler.
The World No. 1 got the playoffs started in style, capturing his second win of the season at the FedEx St. Jude Championship by an impressive eight shots. Now Scheffler will try to further cement his FedEx Cup lead with another win at the BMW, which he triumphed at last year.
Scheffler will be joined by 49 other Tour pros who made the cut to qualify for the second playoff event. They’ll be fighting to get within the top 30 to qualify for the Tour Championship.
Scheffler tees off for Round 1 at 2:33 p.m. ET alongside Matt Fitzpatrick.
You can watch Thursday’s first round of the 2026 BMW Championship from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. ET on ESPN, and then 3-7 p.m. ET on Golf Channel. PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will provide exclusive early streaming coverage starting at 9:15 a.m. ET on Thursday, in addition to featured group and featured hole coverage.
Check out the complete Round 1 tee times and groupings for the BMW Championship below.
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2026 BMW Championship tee times for Thursday: Round 1 (ET)
Tee No. 1
10:03 a.m. – Justin Thomas, Sahith Theegala
10:14 a.m. – Sepp Straka, Sungjae Im
10:25 a.m. – Aaron Rai, Ben Griffin
10:36 a.m. – Gary Woodland, Adam Scott
10:47 a.m. – Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Åberg
11:05 a.m. – Ryan Fox, Tom Kim
11:16 a.m. – Justin Rose, Alex Smalley
11:27 a.m. – Kristoffer Reitan, Alex Fitzpatrick
11:38 a.m. – Akshay Bhatia, Hideki Matsuyama
11:49 a.m. – Wyndham Clark, Sam Burns
12:07 p.m. – Cameron Young, Si Woo Kim
12:18 p.m. – Michael Brennan, Eric Cole
12:29 p.m. – Patrick Cantlay, Ryo Hisatsune
12:40 p.m. – Michael Thorbjornsen, Nico Echavarria
12:51 p.m. – Jake Knapp, Alex Noren
1:09 p.m. – Robert MacIntyre, Rickie Fowler
1:20 p.m. – Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele
1:31 p.m. – Bud Cauley, Nicolai Højgaard
1:42 p.m. – Viktor Hovland, J.J. Spaun
1:53 p.m. – J.T. Poston, Kurt Kitayama
2:11 p.m. – Ryan Gerard, Min Woo Lee
2:22 p.m. – Chris Gotterup, Tommy Fleetwood
2:33 p.m. – Scottie Scheffler, Matt Fitzpatrick
2:44 p.m. – Russell Henley, Jacob Bridgeman
2:55 p.m. – Maverick McNealy, Matt McCarty
The seven most compelling QB transfers for the 2026 college football season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Indiana and Miami, the participants in last year’s College Football Playoff championship game, are among several teams who have a transfer portal QB. This strategy paid off for the Hoosiers and Hurricanes each of the last two seasons.
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While Kurtis Rourke led Indiana to its first College Football Playoff appearance in 2024, Miami’s Cam Ward was a Heisman Trophy finalist who ended up being selected with the NFL Draft’s top overall pick. Last season, Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy and led the Hoosiers to a victory in the national title game over the Hurricanes and quarterback Carson Beck.
Who are the new quarterbacks for Indiana and Miami? And who else will make an impact in 2026? Here is a closer look at seven transfer quarterbacks capable of creating headlines in 2026 and beyond.
MORE:Order SN’s 2026 College Football Preview magazine
(via Duke)
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A redshirt junior, Mensah was a late addition to the transfer portal. In his one year at Duke, he led the Devils to an ACC championship with an ACC-best 3,973 yards and 34 TDs. Beck and Ward improved their downfield passing the last two years with offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson. Look for Mensah to do the same, which makes him a trendy Heisman candidate.
(via Arizona State)
A redshirt junior, Leavitt will help Lane Kiffin usher in a new era at LSU. Leavitt is coming off foot surgery, but he’s 16-4 as a starter and led Arizona State to a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024. Assuming Leavitt can still make those improv scrambling plays, he should make an instant impact for the Tigers.
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(via North Texas)
Mestemaker, a redshirt sophomore, followed coach Eric Morris from North Texas to Oklahoma State. Mestemaker led the FBS with 4,379 passing yards and was tied for second with Mensah with 34 TD passes. Mestemaker had a 185.7 QB rating in the fourth quarter—and that will be tested in a Big 12 conference known for frantic finishes.
(via South Florida)
Brown led the nation in total offense with 347.2 yards per game in 2025. The fifth-year senior followed coach Alex Golesh from South Florida to Auburn, which means a chance to compete in the SEC. Brown averaged 268.5 passing yards against Florida and Miami last season, and he added 1,008 rushing yards and 14 TDs.
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(via Iowa State)
Becht, a fifth-year senior and three-year starter at Iowa State, followed Matt Campbell to Penn State. He’s the perfect transition quarterback, one who compiled a 24-12 record with the Cyclones. Becht has 64 TDs and 27 interceptions, and he should thrive in his new surroundings against a friendly Big Ten schedule.
MORE:Comparing the 2026 preseason AP, coaches polls
(via Nebraska)
A junior and two-year starter at Nebraska, Raiola made a bold decision to transfer to Oregon, where he will reset for a year behind Dante Moore. Raiola suffered a broken fibula against USC in 2025. The former five-star quarterback might be out of sight this year, but don’t be surprised if this pays off long term.
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(via Florida)
Lagway, a junior whose father Derek played at Baylor, should benefit from a fresh start. Lagway led the Power 4 with 14 interceptions as a sophomore at Florida, but he maintained a 62 percent completion percentage the last two years. That will play off well in the Big 12, where the five-star quarterback should re-emerge as a playmaker.
Knicks owner jabs Mamdani at city celebration
Knicks owner James Dolan appeared to take a jab at Mayor Zohran Mamdani during the team’s championship parade, questioning whether he was a ‘real Knicks fan.’ The remarks came days after the two publicly clashed over championship watch parties.
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Former New York Knicks forward Charles Oakley’s lawsuit against Madison Square Garden and owner James Dolan was dismissed for a third time Friday.
The legal drama between the former Knicks star and Dolan dates back to February 2017, when Oakley was thrown out of MSG after an altercation with arena security guards.
The case was initially tossed in early 2020, then again in 2021 and revived in early 2023 before once again being tossed this week.
Former New York Knicks player Charles Oakley exchanges words with a security guard during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers at Madison Square Garden in New York Feb. 8, 2017. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
After Oakley’s removal from MSG, he was subsequently arrested and, although the charges were eventually dropped, Oakley filed suit claiming false imprisonment and defamation, among other claims.
MSG released a statement saying it plans to pursue legal action against Oakley’s lawyer, Douglas Windsor, and his “unscrupulous law firm,” according to the New York Post.
“For more than nine years, Mr. Oakley’s lawyers have pursued claims they knew were false,” MSG said in its statement to the Post. “Those claims have now been dismissed by the court in their entirety — for a third time.
“We are pursuing legal action against Douglas Wigdor, and his unscrupulous law firm, to hold them accountable for years of frivolous litigation and their blatant abuse of the judicial system.”
In this Feb. 23, 2017, file photo, former New York Knicks player Charles Oakley is shown before an NBA basketball game between the Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
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Oakley’s legal team released a statement of its own concerning the dismissal of his lawsuit.
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“We are disappointed with the court’s rulings. We believe there are conflicting accounts, and only a jury can decide what exactly happened. We are hopeful that the Second Circuit will agree for a third time and remand the case for an immediate jury trial.”
The 6-foot-8 Oakley played for the Knicks for more than a decade, helping the team reach the NBA Finals in 1994 and earning All-Star and All-Defensive Team considerations during that same season.
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Lights illuminate the exterior of Madison Square Garden May 8, 2023, in New York City. (Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
His long-standing public feud with Dolan hasn’t stopped Oakley from supporting the team, though.
The former Knicks enforcer attended several road playoff games en route to New York’s first NBA championship in over 50 years.
FILE – Crypto Arena is viewed before a Los Angeles Lakers NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Jan. 4, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope, File)
LOS ANGELES — Five of the six children of former Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss still intend to sell their remaining minority ownership of the NBA team despite the opposition of their sister, Jeanie.
Johnny, Jimmy, Janie, Joey and Jesse Buss reiterated their stance Tuesday in a statement issued to ESPN, saying they “remain united in that decision. … We intend to move forward thoughtfully, respectfully and through the appropriate process.”
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The five Buss siblings said Monday they had voted to sell the family trust’s remaining 17.8% stake to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, who are acquiring majority ownership from Mark Walter.
READ: NBA: Buss family will sell minority ownership stake in Lakers
President of the Los Angeles Lakers Jeanie Buss speaks during a banner unveiling ceremony for the Los Angeles Lakers 2020 NBA Championship before the game against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on May 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. Harry How/Getty Images/AFP
Jeanie Buss announced her intention to fight back against the plan later Monday through a letter from her attorney, Adam Streisand. Jeanie Buss claims the siblings can’t sell the trust’s ownership shares without her approval.
If the five siblings are able to sell their remaining ownership, Jeanie Buss would no longer be able to serve as the Lakers’ governor, a position she is scheduled to hold until at least 2030 under the deal struck with Walter last year when he purchased majority control of the team at a valuation of $10 billion.
The Buss siblings reportedly made nearly half a billion dollars apiece in that sale, but the 17-time NBA champion team is considered to be worth even more with Walter flipping his ownership to Kushner and Iger at a valuation of $12.5 billion.
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READ: Lakers sold in blockbuster $12.5B deal to Josh Kushner, Bob Iger
Jeanie Buss has been the Lakers’ governor since Jerry Buss’ death in 2013, and she led the family’s decision to sell to Walter, who is now under federal investigation for tax issues. Not all of the siblings were in favor of relinquishing majority control of the Lakers last year, and Joey and Jesse were fired from their front-office jobs with the team last November.
The Buss siblings have been in frequent conflict since their father’s death in 2013, with Jeanie firing Jim from his job as the Lakers’ head of basketball operations in 2017, followed a week later by a lawsuit against her brothers amid an attempt by Jim and Johnny to oust Jeanie from her role as the Lakers’ controlling owner.
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Former France midfielder Paul Pogba has left Monaco after his contract was terminated after just one season.
Pogba, a 2018 World Cup winner, had a deal with the Ligue 1 side until June 2027 but Monaco said it had ended early because objectives, set by both parties, had only been “partially achieved”.
The 33-year-old played six matches for Monaco last season, five of which came as a substitute.
“Representing this club and the principality was an incredible experience,” said Pogba.
“AS Monaco is an incredible club and although I did not play as many games as I had hoped, I will always be grateful for the opportunity to wear their colours.”
Pogba joined Monaco last summer after he was permitted to return to professional football following a doping suspension he received while at Juventus.
Pogba maintained that it was a mistake and he was permitted to return to football in March 2025 following the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s decision to reduce his ban from four years to 18 months.
BBC Sport understands Pogba is attracting interest from Major League Soccer. He has previously been linked to DC United and Inter Miami.
However, he sustained a hamstring injury at Monaco’s pre-season training camp in England last week, which could delay any move.
Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro said: “When [Pogba] joined, we explained that this was a major challenge, that was audacious and ambitious.
“While the outcome is not what we had hoped for, it should not overshadow the enthusiasm that surrounded his return to club football, nor the fact that Paul was able to return to the pitch and to professional football during this period.
“We wish Paul all the very best for the future.”
MILWAUKEE — The long ball hasn’t been the Milwaukee Brewers‘ strength this season, but the team with the best record in the majors put its power on full display on Tuesday night in a record-matching 22-0 rout of the Seattle Mariners.
The Brewers equaled baseball’s modern-era record for the biggest shutout with a power surge that included three-run homers from Christian Yelich, David Hamilton and Luis Lara and a two-run shot by Jake Bauers.
The Brewers have 117 home runs this season, the fewest in baseball, but as was pointed out by Seattle manager Dan Wilson, they have multiple players with the ability to go deep.
“They’ll put bunts down and put pressure on the bases and steal bags,” Wilson said before the game. “They also have the ability to hit the home run. You kind of have to prepare for all areas of the game.”
The Brewers also generated offence doing what they do best, pulling off a double steal in a five-run fifth inning that helped break open a tight game.
The 78-48 Brewers matched a franchise record for runs in a game, tying the 22 runs they scored against the Toronto Blue Jays on Aug. 28, 1992. The Brewers also had a season-high 22 hits.
“It’s one game but a pretty darn good performance,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said. “I’d like to order that every night.”
The only other 22-0 victories since 1901 were by Pittsburgh over the host Chicago Cubs on Sept. 16, 1975 and by Cleveland at the New York Yankees on Aug. 31, 2004.
Yelich connected for his ninth homer of the season, a three-run shot off Bryce Miller in the fifth. The Brewers tacked on five more runs in the sixth.
“It’s kind of crazy. It happened fast,” Yelich said. “It’s always fun to be on this side.”
Bauers smiled as he struggled to find words to describe the Brewers’ offensive outburst.
“I’ve got nothing for you on that one,” Bauers said. “It was just good performance all around. Just good at-bats all night up and down the lineup.”
Bauers hit his team-leading 22nd home run of the season in the sixth inning and he’s now reached base safely in 20 consecutive games.
The Brewers tagged Mariners infielder Leo Rivas, who came on to pitch in the eighth, for nine runs, which included a three-run home run from 21-year-old rookie Lara, his first career homer.
Lara took some good-natured ribbing about whether the homer counted since he hit it off a position player, but he was in a celebratory mood.
“For me, it all counts,” Lara said through an interpreter. “But I understand that it may not be common to get your first (home run) against a position player.”
Bauers and Yelich backed their young teammate.
“It’s a hard game. Every bloop single, dribbler single, home run off a position player, they all count,” he said.
Yelich urged Lara to embrace the moment.
“The first career homer is always cool,” he said. “Anytime you get to jog around the bases in a major league game is always special. It was cool for him to get his first one and smile and laugh about it.”
The Brewers also used a position player on the mound, veteran catcher/first baseman Gary Sanchez, with a much different result. Sanchez pitched a scoreless ninth with many in the announced crowd of 36,870 standing and cheering.
It was the third career pitching appearance for Sanchez and second this season. He has tossed two scoreless innings in the pair of outings this season.
“He did great. He was a showman as always,” Bauers said. “The crowd was involved. They loved it. He loved it. We loved it. But I still think he’s a better catcher than a pitcher.”
Teofimo Lopez has won and lost big fights in a series of good nights and bad nights in the boxing ring. On Saturday, he fights Rolly Romero in Las Vegas for the WBA’s Super version of the welterweight title, and nobody is sure which Teo will climb through the ropes at the T-Mobile Arena.
Romero is equally inconsistent, and that is what makes the fight such an entertaining proposition; they are both capable of boxing out of their skin and are equally likely not to deliver when the lights go down.
The truth is that it will take a very good performance from the winner to walk out of the ring with the WBA bauble, which is one of 37 that the sanctioning body currently recognises in their male category. Three different men hold versions of the WBA’s welterweight title.
The pair have held several versions of world titles at different weights during the last five or six years; it is Lopez’s first fight at welterweight, and it will be the first fight for Romero since dropping and outpointing Ryan Garcia in May last year.
Romero missed the chance to take full advantage of the win, which was surely a mistake. Activity is certainly not an affliction in modern boxing; it is a business where boxers wait and wait and wait for a big payday. Luckily for Romero, it came along, and the WBA rewarded his inactivity by upgrading him from regular champion to Super champion.
Garcia is fighting Conor Benn in a massive fight in Las Vegas next month, and the winner of Romero vs Lopez will inevitably be linked with a huge payday against the winner of that one. However, there is a disorderly queue of contenders holding out for the riches attached to the Garcia and Benn fight.
Lopez has held world titles at lightweight and super-lightweight and has beaten, in style, excellent fighters like Josh Taylor, Vasyl Lomachenko and several other quality boxers. His points defeat by Shakur Stevenson earlier this year only highlighted how good Stevenson is, but he was unimpressive in the 2021 loss to George Kambosos.
There were also wins where he looked uninspired; Lopez has acted like a man on the very edge in fights, his self-doubt dominating his performances. It has made for uncomfortable viewing at times.
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Romero dropped Garcia last year en route to a decision win, with which he easily won the vacant title, but the stoppage defeats by Gervonta Davis and Isaac Cruz were disturbing. Romero was considerably lighter in both fights, and weight might have been an issue.
Romero has fought just five times in over four years, losing twice and gaining 13lb; his resume is typical of too many quality modern boxers who are simply circling and waiting for a payday. The Garcia win has kept him in the game and rightly so.
Lopez has been a young veteran for a long time, which is often a compliment in the boxing business. At just 29 years old and after 24 fights, he is still young and fresh and should be too slick for Romero.
These are the unknowns that make the fight such an attraction; can Romero repeat the Garcia form, and will Lopez enter the ring with a head full of swirling demons?
It’s a good fight, and the WBA’s gaudy belt is an irrelevance – just a tool to allow the sanctioning body to acquire a few seats and levy a few dollars for the dubious pleasure of being their champion.
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