Last season was disappointing, as most Vikings players struggled to meet their expectations. The result was a 9-8 record and a season that virtually ended around Thanksgiving.

One guy, meanwhile, stood out, or exploded onto the scene, one could argue. Jalen Redmond was the discovery of Minnesota’s 2025 campaign, but he’s still flying under the radar, it seems.

Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report nominated the best-kept secret of every roster entering the summer and he actually landed on Redmond for the Vikings, although his breakout season is already in the rearview mirror.

“Jalen Redmond’s story alone deserves attention after being an undrafted free agent, needing the United Football League as a pathway to the NFL and growing into an underappreciated defensive lineman,” he wrote.

Redmond’s story has been fantastic. After missing time in college due to blood clots and later opting out of the COVID season for the reason, Redmond went undrafted in 2023. The Panthers signed him, but he failed to stick around for the regular season. Ultimately, Redmond joined the UFL.

Four games were enough to catch Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s eye, who eventually signed him to a contract in the 2024 offseason. A solid rotational season in 2024 was followed by a true breakout campaign in 2025.

Sobleski continued, “There’s a standard to his play. It’s shown up every single week, and it goes back a lot before everybody started to notice it,” Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters in November. ‘For us, just felt like he was a guy that we wanted to make sure was on the field as much as possible. He’s a really good player. I think he’s developed throughout his time here and really is starting to understand how he fits within the defense.’”

Appearing in all 17 games with 15 starts, Redmond logged 6 sacks and 62 tackles on Minnesota’s defensive line, slowly carving into the reps from former Pro Bowlers Allen and Hargrave. He ended up as the top defensive lineman on the roster.

While Allen and Hargrave were exed in March, Redmond was re-signed. The Vikings had the exclusive rights and handed him a fresh one-year minimum deal. He’ll be a restricted free agent next year, unless the Vikings sign him to an extension.

PFF analyst Zach Tantillo recently wrote about the two-year Viking, “Redmond emerged as one of the Vikings’ most reliable interior defenders in 2025. He earned a 73.5 PFF overall grade, ranking third among Minnesota defenders. He was especially dominant against the run, where his 30 run stops, 1.46-yard average depth of tackle, and 19.4% positively graded play rate all ranked second-best on the defense.”

In the upcoming season, Redmond will be joined by a couple of rookies, including first-rounder Caleb Banks.

Sobleski finally concluded, “The Vikings employ an attacking defensive front. Redmond fits in nicely, with six sacks and numerous pressures last season. Minnesota wanted a disruptive interior presence, hence the selection of Caleb Banks in this year’s first round. He will join Redmond and give the unit an explosive, upfield duo.”

Redmond and Banks are both penetrating linemen who could benefit from the other rookie, Domonique Orange, whose two-gapping presence can open up lanes for his more explosive counterparts. In base defense, those three project to be the starting trio, unless another depth player, primarily Levi Drake Rodriguez, can surprise this summer.

Vikings fans have already seen Redmond explode, but the national media is a little behind. Another good season should do the trick and give him the attention he deserves.

Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.

Janik Eckardt is a German sports nerd, who likes numbers and stats. He chose the Vikings to be his … More about Janik Eckardt

The teams behind Terence Crawford and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez’s blockbuster clash last year will go head-to-head again this weekend in Egypt.

Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre trained Crawford from debut until retirement, and the same will be said about Eddy Reynoso and Canelo when the Mexican decides to hang up his gloves. The two camps went head-to-head in the most significant bout of 2025, with the Americans coming out on top to crown Crawford undisputed super-middleweight champion and hand Alvarez just his third defeat in 68 fights.

This coming weekend at the Pyramids of Giza, ‘BoMac’ and Reynoso will be sitting in opposite corners once again, as heavyweights Richard Torrez Jr and Frank Sanchez battle it out in an IBF final eliminator for a shot at champion Oleksandr Usyk, who fights kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in the main event.

Unlike Sanchez, who has been with Reynoso for some years, other than a stint away in 2022, Torrez has only just linked up with McIntyre at the B&B Sports Academy in Omaha.

The well-respected trainer, who also has Lester Martinez in his stable and previously coached Keyshawn Davis, told Top Rank that he has been impressed so far and expects his new heavyweight charge to shine this weekend.

“Frank Sanchez is a great fighter. He has a great team behind him, a great coach. I know for a fact that over there with Eddye Reynoso those guys stay ready. I wouldn’t accept nothing less, and the [inactivity] doesn’t matter to him.

“It’s going to be a tough fight for the first couple of rounds, cause the guys are gonna feel each other out, taste each other’s power, but the will and determination is gonna come down. And I know one thing – Frank got a loss. He got stopped. So he knows how to lose. Richard’s undefeated, silver medallist. Kid ain’t lost in umpteen years. I’m just looking for him to go out there and do his thing and definitely get the win.”

After his amateur success for the US, Torrez has built a professional record of 14-0 at 26 years old, scoring 12 knockouts and boasting his biggest win over Guido Vianello. Cuba’s Sanchez, 25-1 (18 KOs), lost to Agit Kabayel in 2024 to set his world title dreams back a little, but is right on the verge again now.

Given Usyk-Verhoeven is more spectacle than high-level boxing, their clash may prove the most intriguing heavyweight contest on the card, which also includes Jack vs Shakhram Giyasov for the WBA Regular welterweight belt and Hamzeh Sheeraz against Alem Begic for the vacant WBO super-middleweight title, previously held by Canelo and Crawford.

Carlo Ancelotti’s first Brazil World Cup squad has already sparked major debate after Neymar was included ahead of João Pedro following late fitness concerns surrounding the Santos star.

According to reports in Brazil, Ancelotti reportedly prepared two separate squad lists before making his final decision — one including Neymar, and another featuring João Pedro instead.

The uncertainty emerged after Neymar reportedly felt discomfort in his calf during Santos’ recent match, forcing Brazil’s medical staff to carry out further examinations before the final squad announcement.

Despite the concerns, Ancelotti ultimately decided Neymar would travel to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The decision immediately divided supporters across social media.

While many fans insisted Neymar’s experience, leadership, and legendary status made him impossible to leave out, others argued João Pedro had been Brazil’s best-performing attacker this season based on form, consistency, and overall numbers.

Neymar Still Carries Brazil’s Trust

Ancelotti strongly defended Neymar’s inclusion in the squad, insisting the forward remains one of Brazil’s most important players heading into the tournament.

“We spent the entire year analyzing Neymar,” Ancelotti said during the squad announcement.

“We realized that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition.”

The Brazil manager also described Neymar as a player who “will be important for us at the World Cup.”

Neymar’s recall represents another opportunity for the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star to finally deliver World Cup glory for Brazil after several injury-disrupted international tournaments.

Now 34, Neymar remains one of the defining figures in Brazilian football history.

Brazil may no longer depend entirely on Neymar on the pitch, but emotionally, the Seleção still revolves around him.

João Pedro’s Omission Sparked Huge Debate

One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement was the omission of João Pedro.

The Brazilian forward later released an emotional statement following the decision.

“I tried to give my best at all times. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to fulfill this dream of representing my country in a World Cup, but I remain calm and focused, as I always try to be,” João Pedro said.

“Joys and frustrations are part of football. From now on, I wish good luck to everyone who is there and I will be just another fan cheering for them to bring the sixth title home.”

Ancelotti also admitted sympathy for players who narrowly missed out on selection.

“I am sad for players who have been left out, like João Pedro. They will have chances in the future,” the Brazil manager said.

The reaction online was immediate.

Many supporters questioned whether Brazil had prioritized legacy and trust over current form, with João Pedro widely viewed by some fans as Brazil’s most productive attacker this season.

Statistically, many supporters believed João Pedro had earned his place more than several forwards selected ahead of him.

Neymar’s Fitness Scare Added Last-Minute Drama

Reports from Brazil claim Ancelotti had already planned to take Neymar to the World Cup before concerns emerged over the seriousness of the forward’s calf discomfort.

Brazil’s football department reportedly kept both squad versions ready until the final moment, with João Pedro effectively becoming Neymar’s direct alternative.

The situation reportedly created tension inside the Brazil camp before positive medical feedback ultimately convinced Ancelotti to keep Neymar in the final squad.

That detail has only intensified debate around the final selection.

Brazil’s Full 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Alisson Becker — Liverpool

Ederson — Fenerbahce

Weverton — Palmeiras

Defenders

Alex Sandro — Flamengo

Gleison Bremer — Juventus

Danilo — Flamengo

Douglas Santos — Zenit Saint Petersburg

Gabriel Magalhaes — Arsenal

Ibanez — Al Ahli

Leo Pereira — Flamengo

Marquinhos — Paris Saint-Germain

Wesley — Roma

Midfielders

Casemiro — Manchester United

Bruno Guimaraes — Newcastle United

Fabinho — Al Ittihad

Lucas Paqueta — Flamengo

Danilo Santos — Botafogo

Attackers

Endrick — Olympique Lyonnais (on loan from Real Madrid)

Gabriel Martinelli — Arsenal

Igor Thiago — Brentford

Luiz Henrique — Zenit Saint Petersburg

Matheus Cunha — Manchester United

Neymar — Santos

Raphinha — Barcelona

Vinicius Junior — Real Madrid

Rayan — AFC Bournemouth

Brazil Head Into Another World Cup Under Huge Pressure

Brazil’s squad reflects Ancelotti’s attempt to balance legacy, leadership, experience, and emerging talent as the Seleção chase their first World Cup title since 2002.

With Neymar returning, Vinicius Junior entering his prime, and Endrick viewed as one of football’s brightest young stars, expectations around Brazil will once again be enormous.

But if Brazil struggle in attack during the tournament, questions surrounding João Pedro’s omission may continue following Ancelotti throughout the competition.

Few players in NBA history have entered the league with as much hype as Victor Wembanyama. And somehow, some way, the giant Frenchman continues to exceed even the wildest expectations. 

Late on Monday night, Wembanyama authored one of the finest playoff performances we’ve ever seen to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 122-115 double-overtime victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in an instant classic in Game 1 of the 2026 Western Conference Finals. 

This was the first double-overtime game in the Western Conference Finals since 1976, and Wembanyama finished with 41 points, 24 rebounds, three assists and three blocks on 14 of 25 from the field in 49 minutes to become the youngest player in NBA history to record a 40-point, 20-rebound game in the playoffs. 

“Just like, sheer willpower,” Wembanyama said of his performance during his walk-off interview. “Everything was going really fast tonight. I guess I was — I wasn’t really thinking.” 

Wembanyama set new playoff career-highs in scoring, rebounds and minutes, joined David Robinson as the only players in Spurs history with a 40-point, 20-rebound game in the playoffs, became the first player since Charles Barkley in 1993 to record a 40/20 game in the conference finals, and joined Shaquille O’Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the only players with at least 40 points, 20 rebounds and three blocks in the conference finals or later (blocks did not become official until the 1973-74 season). 

40 points, 20 rebounds and three blocks in the conference finals or later

The Thunder had no answer for Wembanyama, who made big play after big play on both ends of the floor all night long. He had a go-ahead bucket in the closing seconds of regulation that looked like it would be the game-winner until Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored to force overtime. 

Then, in the first overtime, Wembanyama hit an absurd 27-foot 3-pointer — it seemed even further, but that’s the distance the NBA’s stats site gives — to tie the game with less than 30 seconds to play. And in the second extra frame, Wembanyama scored nine of the Spurs’ 14 points and outscored the Thunder by himself. His and-one dunk over rival Chet Holmgren was the defining play down the stretch. 

Thanks to Wembanyama’s heroics, the Spurs have grabbed a 1-0 lead and stolen home-court advantage from the reigning champions, who had not lost a single game in the first two rounds of the playoffs. The Spurs are now just three wins away from their first trip to the NBA Finals since 2014, but the job is far from finished. 

“It might be a long series,” Wembanyama said. “Winning one game means something, but it doesn’t mean everything.”

With an iconic Game 1 in the books, let’s rank Wembanyama’s five best plays

5. An absurd block on J-Dub

Jalen Williams made his return to action in Game 1 after missing the Thunder’s last six games, including the entire second round against the Los Angeles Lakers, with a hamstring strain. He was a bit rusty, as expected, but finished with 26 points, seven rebounds and three assists. 

He easily could have had 28 points if not for an absurd block by Wembanyama on a putback attempt. 

4. A driving dunk to set the tone in double-OT

Everyone was gassed to start the second overtime, and the first few possessions for both teams were sloppy. Wembanyama eventually took matters into his own hands to open the scoring. He caught the ball at the top of the key, pump-faked Cason Wallace out of the way and threw down a huge one-hand jam. 

In terms of a pure highlight, this was far from Wembanyama’s best play of the night, but it was one of his most important moments. The game could have gone either way in the second overtime, and that dunk set the tone for the Spurs to go on and win. 

3. A near game-winner

The Spurs led by double digits early in the fourth quarter, but with De’Aaron Fox sidelined, they struggled to get good looks late in regulation as the Thunder’s defense tightened. Throwing the ball to Wembanyama is usually a good strategy, though, and that’s what they did with less than 30 seconds to play. 

Wembanyama caught the ball near the free-throw line, squared up, dealt with the physicality from Williams and spun his way into an extremely tough runner which rattled around and in. That bucket nearly held up as the game-winner, but Gilgeous-Alexander’s layup on the other end forced overtime. 

2. Putting Chet on a poster

Victor Wembanyama is not Chet Holmgren’s biggest fan, so it had to feel especially nice when he put the Thunder big man on a poster late in the second overtime. With just under 90 seconds to play, Williams had hit a huge 3 to cut the deficit to one, and the Paycom Center was rocking. 

Wembanyama silenced it 20 seconds later by sealing Alex Caruso, catching a great pass from Dylan Harper and throwing down a huge and-one slam on Holmgren, who tried in vain to come over and help. The three-point play put the Spurs back up by four with a minute left and effectively sealed the game. 

1. A 3 from Steph Curry range

Back in 2016, during the Golden State Warriors‘ record-setting 73-win season, Stephen Curry hit arguably the most iconic shot of his career in Oklahoma City: a 37-foot pull-up 3-pointer in overtime to beat the Thunder in a truly incredible game. The stakes were much higher on Monday, and Wembanyama was a bit closer, but his pull-up 3 late in the first overtime was eerily similar to Curry’s shot. It even came on the same side of the floor. 

After the Spurs had taken a four-point lead in the first overtime, the Thunder ripped off a 7-0 run — capped by a Gilgeous-Alexander dunk — to go ahead by three with less than a minute to play. The Spurs were truly on the ropes, but Wembanyama got them back into the fight with a ridiculous 3 to tie the game. 

If Wembanyama misses that shot, the Spurs almost certainly lose, and every talk show on Tuesday would have been asking why he didn’t go to the basket with so much time remaining. But he hit it, and the Spurs won, and now all those segments will instead be about where this performance ranks all-time, and whether he’s the best player in the world. 

Called up by Carlo Ancelotti, Neymar is set to play in his final World Cup with Brazil. Pep Guardiola is expected to leave Manchester City, whilst Benjamin Pavard is set to leave Marseille. The NBA will return to Paris in 2027.