By Stephen Vilardo, SuperWest Sports
Sports
Baker Mayfield to MIN, Fabian Moreau, Ty Simpson
NFL free agency has ground to a halt, and the Minnesota Vikings were quiet before and after signing quarterback Kyler Murray. Next up is the draft in less than four weeks, so we take a look at the current state of affairs in the rumor mill.
Three Vikings rumors are floating again as April gets closer.
Sportsbooks expect the Vikings to win eight or nine games in 2026, a forecast that follows Minnesota pretty much every year.
Sorting through Minnesota’s Newest Rumor Speculation
A glance at the Vikings’ current rumor mill, some 3.5 weeks before the draft.
Rumor: The Vikings could target Baker Mayfield in free agency next offseason.
Jeff Howe of The Athletic laid it out clearly, mapping why Baker Mayfield is positioned to push for an extension now while keeping his options open for 2027, when the market could expand. Minnesota showed up as a logical future landing spot in that framework.
He wrote, “Mayfield has a chance to be the first QB to exceed $50 million in free agency. Considering the likely competition for his services, it’s not farfetched to believe he could corral the biggest contract in NFL history. And if quarterback Matthew Stafford retires after the 2026 season, the Los Angeles Rams and Mayfield might feel compelled to reunite. The Minnesota Vikings would be another obvious fit, but there would be a handful of teams ready to pursue the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner.”
“Mayfield should be very much aware of his potential market if the Bucs balk at the going rate. If he can’t reach a long-term deal this offseason, don’t be surprised if he adjusts his strategy to negotiate a clause that prevents the Bucs from using the franchise tag on him in 2027. It wouldn’t come with the desired raise, but it would get him to free agency next offseason.”
It all points to Mayfield holding the cards entering the final year of his deal. Tampa Bay has to account for that reality as extension talks heat up.
Of course, generally speaking, Mayfield landing in Minnesota is a long shot. The Vikings have Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy to choose from for the future.
Rumor: Fabian Moreau would be a free-agent fit for the Cowboys.
Moreau landed on Pro Football Network‘s Tom Kennedy’s list of the NFL’s top remaining free agents — a level of recognition he rarely commands.
Kennedy noted, “Projected Contract: 2 years, $9.4 million AAV. In his last two years as a Viking, Fabian Moreau hasn’t started a game, serving in a heavily rotational role for Minnesota’s secondary. That said, he’s provided quality depth as an outside cornerback for their defense, allowing a passer rating of just 57.6 in 2025.”
“Moreau’s ball production doesn’t jump off the page because of his smaller sample size compared to other cornerbacks on this list. But he’s been quite efficient on the field, adding a No. 33-ranked 79.5 CBi score in 2025. He’s a high-level depth piece who could slide into a stopgap starting role if need be. Potential Landing Spots: Vikings, Cowboys.”
As of now, there’s been no real momentum or credible buzz connecting Moreau back to Minnesota after his 2024 and 2025 run under Kevin O’Connell.
In 2025, Moreau excelled as a CB3, earning a 70.9 PFF grade and holding opposing quarterbacks to a 47.4 passer rating on 19 targets. He solidified a position that had been uncertain in August, consistently executing his assignments with reliable play. Though his playing time was limited, he consistently performed well when on the field.
The performance adds value heading into 2026. At 31 years old, Moreau remains a dependable CB3 or CB4, whether in Minnesota or with another team. Kennedy says Dallas for Moreau.
Rumor: The Vikings should draft Ty Simpson, per former NFLer Chase Daniel.
Simpson to the Vikings should be in play, according to Daniel, a former Chicago Bears passer.
He said in a video on Twitter (X) late last week, “The second that Kyler signed with KOC, in my opinion, J.J.’s done there. They’re not giving J.J. a chance to win the QB1 job. It would surprise me, very much so. You don’t sign there to be a backup to J.J. McCarthy. I think J.J. McCarthy’s days with the Vikings are done.”
“I do, and so that’s why I think you have to entertain drafting Ty Simpson. You’re not sure what Kyler’s going to do. It’s a one-year deal, $1.3 million. I just think if Ty can go to KOC, and there’s a lot of things that can happen, but with that offense, come on, man.”
Most Vikings fans dismissed Daniels’s video — Minnesota has a full house at quarteback.
Daniel also doubled down, bizarrely linking Carson Wentz’s $3 million contract to McCarthy’s potential departure, a connection that seemed tenuous at best. Daniels has cultivated a social media reputation for making outlandish claims, and this latest assertion was no exception.
Continue Reading
The 2026 NFL Draft starts on Thursday, and we’re gearing up for our coverage of the players expected to be selected from the West.
We begin with a look at the region’s Top 25 defensive prospects, ranked by their projected selection rounds or free agency (UDFA).
I have provided summary evaluations for the Top 10 best prospects and projections for the rest.
This year’s Draft will be held in Pittsburgh, PA, and runs from April 23–25. It will be broadcast on NFL Network, ESPN, ABC, and ESPN Deportes.
Coverage starts at 5 p.m. PT on Thursday, and continues at 4 p.m. on Friday, and at noon on Saturday. Streaming is available on NFL+, ESPN App, Hulu, and Disney+
Let’s get on to the list!
1. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Projection: Mid-to late first round
Statistically speaking, Johnson was the best pass defender in the nation in 2025, allowing just 18 
catches for 185 yards and picking off 4 passes.
He also had a huge week at the Senior Bowl against elite competition.
Johnson is excellent in coverage and route recognition. He makes plays on the ball in the air, anticipates where it’s going, and does not rely on his hands too much to defend.
2. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Projection: Mid-to late first round
Thieneman can play multiple positions in the secondary and is effective in coverage. He is a huge 
asset in run support and will make stops at the line.
He is a sure tackler who rarely allows broken tackles, but tends not to square up and will occasionally miss ball carriers, as he had a 12.7% missed-tackle rate in 2025.
Thieneman has the speed to match up on the outside and ran a 4.25 40-yard dash at the combine.
3. Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
Projection: Second round
Abney plays very well with his eyes on the quarterback and locks down on short and 
intermediate routes.
He will enter the league ready to play as a Number Two cornerback or as a nickel against the slot. He can high-point the ball and make the play over the receiver.
Abney welcomes contact at the line and plays physically. That physicality can get him in trouble down the field, though, as he was flagged on vertical routes from time to time.
4. Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona
Projection: Second round
Stukes looks like a prototypical corner to line up against the slot, something he has already 
primarily done over the last three seasons.
A rangy corner with speed to burn, he ran a 4.33 at the combine. That speed should help on the outside as well, but his technique needs to get better outside.
Stukes plays tall and reads the QB with a nose for the football. His length allows him to attack the ball even if he is a step behind.
5. Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
Projection: Third/Fourth round
Ramsey can play either the free safety or strong safety role in the NFL. He will also have the 
ability to slide into the nickel spot, as he excels in coverage and route recognition.
The former USC safety’s biggest strength may be his ability not to give up on a ball and compete for it through the catch, trying to outmuscle it from the receiver.
Ramsey needs to get better in run support and meeting ballcarriers downhill.
6. Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
Projection: Third/Fourth round
Davis has elite height and length for a cornerback. His long arms are disruptive and cause all 
kinds of problems for wideouts.
A matchup problem for receivers, he is excellent in press-man coverage and jams opponents at the line. As a boundary corner, he could struggle with deep routes if safety help is not there.
Davis’ speed is at a level to keep up, but he will need to adjust to the NFL not allowing as much downfield physicality as we see in college.
7. Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
Projection: Third/Fourth round
Smith is a versatile safety with speed to close in the middle of the field. He’s very effective against 
tight ends and backs in the passing game.
He will meet them at the line and disrupt timing with his physicality. He has long arms and will make plays in the passing game, high-pointing the ball.
Smith is excellent in coverage, but could struggle against a shifty slot receiver. He is an effective run-support player who needs to shore up his tackling.
8. Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon
Projection: Fourth/Fifth round
Canady has great route recognition and closing speed. He could struggle with physical receivers, 
though, and could afford to bulk up.
His footwork is a strength, and he has a feel for route breaks, frequently sliding his feet to cut direction in advance. His closing speed is a huge factor in late pass breakups.
Canady could develop into a top NFL corner, but he should be a nickel or slot defender early in his career.
9. Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC
Projection: Fourth/Fifth round
A ball-hawking safety who will make plays downfield, Fitzgerald should be a Day Three selection.
He can match up inside with a TE or back, but can also help over the top. He will pounce on a QB mistake and is quick to realize a takeaway opportunity.
Fitzgerald can step in and help stop the run, but his pursuit angles need to improve.
10. Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon
Projection: Fourth/Fifth round
Boettcher has average size for an NFL linebacker, but makes up for it in his play recognition.
A two-sport star for the Ducks, he has already been selected in the MLB Draft. Now the former football walk-on should hear his name called in the NFL Draft this weekend.
He has the speed to match up on coverage and the instincts to be productive against the run; he just needs to avoid overpursuing and losing containment. He will be an instant impact player on special teams.
11. Keyshaun Elliott, LB, Arizona State — Projection: Round 4-5
12. Hezekiah Masses, CB, California — Projection: Round 5-6
13. Lander Barton, LB, Utah — Projection: Round 6-7
14. Clay Patterson, DT, Stanford —Projection: Round 6-7/UDFA
15. Dalton Johnson, S, Arizona — Projection: Round 5-7
16. Collin Wright, CB, Stanford — Projection: Round 6-7
17. Jack Kelly, LB, BYU — Projection: Round 5-7
18. Logan Fano, Edge, Utah — Projection: Round 6-7
19. Anterio Thompson, DT, Washington — Projection: Round 6-7
20. Eric Gentry, LB, USC — Projection: Round 6-7
21. Gary Smith III, DL, UCLA — Projection: Round 6-7
22. Anthony Lucas, Edge, USC — Projection: Round 5-7
23. Brent Austin, CB, Cal — Projection: Late Day 3/UDFA
24. Skylar Thompson, S, Oregon State — Projection: Late Day 3/UDFA
25. Zach Durfee, Edge, Washington — Projection: Late Day 3/UDFA
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)
The Minnesota Vikings opted to tender linebacker Ivan Pace Jr., a restricted free agent, last month, and about six weeks later, the man has locked in his fourth season in Minnesota.
Minnesota got one linebacker move done early.
Pace Jr. won’t be going anywhere, signing his tender this week and adding depth to Minnesota’s 2026 linebacking corps.
Pace Jr. Still Matters in Minnesota’s Linebacker Mix
He’s the single, somewhat young LB in Minnesota.
Officially Back for Year No. 4
It’s draft week, and Pace Jr. back in the fold means the Vikings don’t urgently need an extra off-ball linebacker, though one couldn’t hurt.
NBC Sports‘ Josh Alper wrote Monday, “Linebacker Ivan Pace has signed a contract with the Vikings for the 2026 season. Pace’s agents Drew Rosenhaus and Kyle Lincoln said that Pace has signed the restricted free agent tender the team used on him earlier this offseason.”
“The Vikings tendered Pace at the right of first refusal level, which would have given them a chance to match any outside offer sheet without entitling them to any compensation if Pace moved on. Pace is now set to make $3.52 million for the coming season.”
It’s worth noting that Monday’s development was the expected outcome, making the news a formality for most Vikings fans.
Career So Far
Eric Wilson’s rise to late-career stardom did Pace Jr. no favors last offseason. As Wilson gained traction, Brian Flores increasingly relied on him, rapidly shifting the depth chart and significantly reducing Pace Jr.’s snaps, quickly leading to his demotion.
Pace’s early struggles with missed tackles in 2025 created an opening, which Wilson capitalized on with steady, reliable play. Consequently, the team’s defensive rotation solidified. While Pace’s opportunities didn’t vanish entirely, they were less consistent.
The ripple effect was evident in the numbers. Pace’s Pro Football Focus grade plummeted to 42.3 in 2025, a stark contrast to the 77.1 mark he posted after starting 27 games across 2023 and 2024. Such a steep decline made Pace Jr.’s future in Minnesota feel up in the air heading into the 2025 offseason.
Despite this, Minnesota retained the advantage. As a restricted free agent, it’s easy to keep such players, and that’s what the Vikings did with Pace Jr., evidently betting on a resurgence.
The easiest way to think of Pace Jr. so far? Fantastic in 2023 as a rookie, decent in 2024, and forgettable in 2025.
Our Kyle Joudry wrote about Pace Jr. on Monday, “What has been discouraging is that Pace hasn’t fully been able to build off of that early promise. As a sophomore, Pace functioned alongside Blake Cashman as the LB2. Still a starter, Pace started taking a smaller bite of the pie, limited to a smaller percentage of the defense’s snaps.”
“With a cap charge sitting at $3,520,000, Ivan Pace operates in a middle-class range for NFL linebackers, albeit on the lower end. Essentially any path forward is possible, meaning an extension or a trade could occur. Or, perhaps, the Vikings let him function in a prove-it year to see if he can reclaim some former magic while demonstrating improvement.”
The Vikings’ LBs before the Draft
With Pace Jr. back in the mix, the Vikings don’t have to panic about ILBs in the draft. Here’s the group:
- Blake Cashman
- Eric Wilson
- Ivan Pace Jr.
- Jacob Roberts
- Josh Ross
Wilson and Cashman will be 30 or older during the 2026 regular season. Pace Jr. will turn 26 shortly before Christmas. Minnesota picking an off-ball linebacker somewhere early in the draft cannot be ruled out, but having Cashman, Wilson, and Pace Jr. around doesn’t mandate it.
The Flores defense will just flow much better if Pace Jr. can turn the clock back to 2023.
Getting Rid of Kobe King and Austin Keys
Still, the Vikings, under former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who has since been fired, made some curious ILB decisions down the stretch of 2025. The club drafted King from Penn State in Round 6 last year. Out of the blue, it released him in October. He stayed in the Twin Cities for about six months altogether. King remains with the New York Jets after New York grabbed him from the waiver wire.
On Keys, the Vikings scooped him from undrafted free agency — like Pace Jr. — and he contributed on special teams. But like King, the Vikings cut him on New Year’s Eve, and he was claimed by the Arizona Cardinals the next day.
Before too long, probably from the draft or undrafted free agency, Minnesota will need a couple of depth linebackers to replace King or Keys, making the case for dropping in the first place all the more confusing.
Flores’s defense ranked third in the NFL last year per DVOA.
19-year-old Stan Moody is “proud” to be making his World Championship debut as the teenager competes in round one at the Crucible.
The filly Snitzel Dancer proved trainers Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou right by notching her stakes debut win in the Group 3 $250,000 James HB Carr Stakes (1400m).
Ryan expressed confusion over Snitzel Dancer’s two early-season Warwick Farm runs.
But her rebound success at Hawkesbury led Ryan and Alexiou to target the Carr Stakes.
“This filly shows us a lot at home so we couldn’t work out what happened in those two Warwick Farm runs,” Ryan said.
“It’s possible she just doesn’t like Warwick Farm because she was back to her best at Hawkesbury.
“I know she was big odds today but we were confident she would run very well. I told the owners she would finish top three.”
Kerrin McEvoy guided the $21 Snitzel Dancer to a strong finish, winning by near a length from resilient Plaintiff ($2.15 favourite) who had a wide passage with cover and placed second closely, while Karinska ($7.50) overcame interference to grab third half a length away.
Snitzel Dancer has now qualified for the stable’s Brisbane winter carnival squad, per Ryan, with the Group 1 Queensland Oaks in sight.
“We will go to perhaps the Guineas against the boys or the Bracelet on the Gold Coast, because I’ve always believed this filly will run 2000 metres.
“The Oaks is only 2200m, but we’ll just see how she’s going. We won’t stretch her too far.
“It’s good to see her live up to what she’s shown all the way along.”
McEvoy feels Snitzel Dancer can handle extended journeys.
“She hit the line strongly late and will get 1600m at least,” McEvoy said.
“I think she’ll stay further because she’s such a nice attitude. She’ll keep developing and no doubt strengthen a bit more.
“If Gerald and Sterling want to head towards the Oaks, then it’s worth a try because she’s a promising filly who is only going to get better.”
Plaintiff aimed for a perfect record and Jordan Childs praised her.
“She has gone extremely well,” Childs said.
“We had a nice run in transit, got into the three wide moving line and travelled up like the winner. “She probably just didn’t quicken up as good as she did the other day, being fresh. This was her first go 1400m I thought it was a good run.”
Visit Australian betting sites for betting markets for the race and future Oaks contenders.
Sports
Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians LIVE Score | GT vs MI LIVE Updates, IPL 2026: MI Star Scalps 2 Wickets In 1 Over, GT 5 Down; Tilak Varma Slams Record 100
20 Apr 2026, 22:36 PM
OUT! GT 6 down
20 Apr 2026, 22:29 PM
GT 71/5 after 10 overs
20 Apr 2026, 22:15 PM
OUT! 2 wickets in 1 over!
20 Apr 2026, 22:12 PM
OUT! Superb catch!
20 Apr 2026, 22:07 PM
GT 45/3 after powerplay
20 Apr 2026, 22:02 PM
OUT! Shubman Gill gone!
20 Apr 2026, 21:46 PM
4, 4, 4! GT star on a roll
20 Apr 2026, 21:42 PM
OUT! Hardik strikes, GT 2 down!
20 Apr 2026, 21:36 PM
OUT! Bumrah strikes first ball!
20 Apr 2026, 21:33 PM
Chase begins!
20 Apr 2026, 21:29 PM
Tilak’s record-breaking ton
20 Apr 2026, 21:26 PM
MI post 199/5 in 20 overs
20 Apr 2026, 21:20 PM
6, 4! 45-ball 100 for Tilak Varma!
20 Apr 2026, 21:10 PM
OUT! Hardik departs
20 Apr 2026, 20:59 PM
6, 4, 4, 6, 6! 33-ball 50 for Tilak!
20 Apr 2026, 20:44 PM
6, 4, 4! MI star goes on rampage
20 Apr 2026, 20:37 PM
Frustration growing for Tilak; 100 up for MI in 13.3 overs
20 Apr 2026, 20:32 PM
OUT! Dhir misses out on 50
20 Apr 2026, 20:23 PM
6, 4! Dhir nears half-century
20 Apr 2026, 20:20 PM
MI 75/3 after 10 overs
20 Apr 2026, 20:04 PM
MI 46/3 after powerplay
20 Apr 2026, 20:01 PM
BOWLED! Suryakumar departs!
20 Apr 2026, 19:57 PM
6, 4! Suryakumar enters party
20 Apr 2026, 19:49 PM
4, then OUT! Rabada strikes again
20 Apr 2026, 19:41 PM
6, then OUT!
20 Apr 2026, 19:35 PM
Play begins!
20 Apr 2026, 19:09 PM
GT playing XI
20 Apr 2026, 19:08 PM
MI playing XI
20 Apr 2026, 19:02 PM
GT win toss, opts to bowl!
20 Apr 2026, 18:27 PM
Shubman Gill eyes Orange Cap
20 Apr 2026, 18:24 PM
Rohit Sharma fitness update
20 Apr 2026, 18:21 PM
MI’s mega batting worry
20 Apr 2026, 18:15 PM
Selection dilemmas for MI?
20 Apr 2026, 18:10 PM
Will Rohit Sharma play?
20 Apr 2026, 18:09 PM
GT in great form
20 Apr 2026, 18:07 PM
MI desperate for a win
20 Apr 2026, 18:05 PM
GT vs MI!
Myles Garrett and his girlfriend, Chloe Kim, are enjoying their downtime away from their respective sports. On Sunday, the three-time Olympic snowboarder posted a photo on her Instagram Story of her laying next to Garrett.
Kim smiled in the photo and used just a simple caption to proclaim her excitement in the moment.
Thanks for the submission!
“yay!!” Kim said.
•
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Kim and Garrett have shown support for each other since debuting their relationship in 2025. The Olympian was spotted at several Cleveland Browns games throughout the regular season.
The reigning NFL defensive player of the year made the trip to Milan, Italy to support Kim at her third Olympic games. She won the silver medal in the halfpipe event.
Chloe Kim shared heartfelt post for Myles Garrett for first Valentine’s Day
Just two days after she claimed her third Olympic medal, her first silver, Chloe Kim celebrated her first Valentine’s day with Myles Garrett. She shared a carousel of photos of their relationship and expressed her gratitude for him.
Amongst the photos, she included a glimpse of Myles Garrett wearing a shirt that read, “I heart my Super Hot Beautiful Girlfriend so please stay away from me,” to which the Olympian revealed she bought him.
“blinked and suddenly I had a Valentine ❤️ and yes I bought him the shirt,” Kim said.
Kim and Garrett debuted their relationship in May while attending the Crunchyroll Anime Awards. In a recent interview the snowboarder revealed that they were introduced by a mutual friend, who happened to her physical therapist. She was unaware at first that Garrett was a football player until after she attended an NFL game.
Edited by Bethany Cohen
Mar 14, 2026; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toledo Rockets guard Leroy Blyden Jr. (2) dunks against the Akron Zips during the first half of the men’s Mid-American Conference Championship at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Kansas snagged MAC Freshman of the Year point guard Leroy Blyden Jr. from Toledo in the transfer portal.
He made the All-MAC Third Team in 2025-26 after averaging 16.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.8 steals while shooting 40.7% from 3-point range in 34 games (32 starts) for the Rockets.
Blyden visited St. John’s but opted to join the Jayhawks, who previously received a transfer commitment from Utah forward Keanu Dawes.
Blyden was runner-up to Michigan freshman Trey McKenney for Michigan’s Mr. Basketball honor in 2025. –Field Level Media
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Matt Fitzpatrick thoroughly enjoyed silencing a rowdy group of American golf fans after his playoff victory over World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler at the RBC Heritage on Sunday.
The Englishman began the final round of the PGA Tour signature event with a three-shot cushion over Scheffler, but as is often the case, the best player in the world refused to go away. Fitzpatrick carded his lone bogey of the afternoon on the 72nd hole to fall back to 18-under and into a playoff against the American, who posted a bogey-free round of 67 on Sunday.
Matt Fitzpatrick plays from the rough during the first round of the British Open at the Royal Portrush Golf Club, Northern Ireland, July 17, 2025. (Francisco Seco/AP)
SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER DROPS COLD-BLOODED QUOTE REMINDING EVERYONE HE’S THE BEST IN THE WORLD
As Fitzpatrick’s par putt from just inside 25 feet slid past the cup on the final hole, chants of “USA-USA-USA” broke out among the crowd on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The 31-year-old is no stranger to hearing it from American fans, having represented Europe in the Ryder Cup four times.
Fitzpatrick drew something not only from his experiences competing in the Ryder Cup, but also from winning the biennial event in 2023 and 2025, a fact he was sure to remind folks of after defeating Scheffler on the first playoff hole on Sunday.
Matthew Fitzpatrick hits from the bunker at the Ryder Cup, Sept. 28, 2025, in Farmingdale, New York. (Robert Bukaty/AP)
“Americans are incredibly patriotic, and I think that was amazing,” Fitzpatrick said when asked if he thought the “USA” chants were strange. “I guess the only issue is they just have shorter memories because we won in October.”
MATT FITZPATRICK GETS TASTE OF NEW YORK FANS WHILE BEING HECKLED DURING RYDER CUP PRACTICE ROUND
While walking off the 18th green after making a birdie to win the playoff, Fitzpatrick put his finger to his ear to playfully taunt the pro-American crowd.
Aside from the Europeans taking down the Americans in dramatic fashion, the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black will be remembered for the fan experience getting out of hand. Fitzpatrick and his European teammates were berated by fans throughout the three-day event in New York, and while the majority agrees things crossed the line at the Ryder Cup, it certainly wasn’t the case during the closing moments at the RBC Heritage.
“No, it didn’t get out of line in terms of no one was shouting on backswings or anything like that, which was great. I’m all for it. I love the people – they’re supporting Scottie; that’s great,” Fitzpatrick explained. “You want golf to have an atmosphere in my opinion. I grew up watching football. I’m paid so much money to be out there in front of those crowds, having them chanting at you every week, it’s a great feeling.
“However, there’s no better feeling than coming out on top against that. There isn’t a better feeling.”
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Matt Fitzpatrick acknowledges the crowd during The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 17, 2025, in Portrush, Northern Ireland. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Fitzpatrick’s victory on Sunday marked his second RBC Heritage title and his second win in his last three starts on Tour after winning the Valspar Championship in March. The Englishman won the RBC Heritage in 2023 in a playoff over Jordan Spieth.
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Following his unanimous decision defeat to Conor Benn last Saturday, Regis Prograis has considered how a clash between ‘The Destroyer’ and Ryan Garcia might unfold.
The two-time world champion faced Benn on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov, announcing his retirement shortly after losing their contest at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Fighting at a catchweight of 150lbs, this was Benn’s first outing since his middleweight rematch with Chris Eubank Jr, which saw him claim a dominant points victory in November.
As the WBC’s No.1-ranked welterweight contender, though, the 29-year-old now looks like he could be about to earn a shot at Garcia’s green and gold strap.
The American secured his world title at 147lbs in February, dethroning Mario Barrios with a unanimous decision victory after scoring a first-round knockdown.
In doing so, Garcia claimed his first win since stopping Oscar Duarte in 2023, which was followed by his controversial clash with Devin Haney in 2024.
Despite managing to edge a majority decision on the night, ‘King Ry’ was ultimately handed a year-long ban – and had his career-best triumph overturned to a no-contest – after it emerged that he had twice tested positive for banned substance ostarine.
Similarly, Benn twice tested positive for clomifene in 2022, a few months after his last welterweight outing saw him stop Chris van Heerden in the second round.
With Benn now looking to return to 147lbs and face Garcia, though, Prograis has offered his take in an interview with Fight Hub TV.
“Ryan is fast. Ryan might catch him, but I think that Conor could catch Ryan [as well].
“Conor does have some power, and Conor reminds me of me when I was younger. I was just a dog – I came to fight and I was unpolished.
“That’s what Conor is. He’s strong; he’s going to come to fight; he has a chin; he’s durable.
“With Ryan, it would be interesting. It depends [on] who catches who first.”
Indeed, both Benn and Garcia appear to carry plenty of power, but have not engineered any stoppages since 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Sports
IPL 2026: Who is Danish Malewar? MI’s 21-year-old debutant set for big stage vs GT | Cricket News
A new name has entered the spotlight for Mumbai Indians as 21-year-old Danish Malewar made his IPL debut against Gujarat Titans in the 2026 season clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium.Born on October 8, 2003, in Nagpur, Malewar is a right-handed top-order batter who also bowls right-arm leg-spin. He has been steadily building a reputation in domestic cricket, particularly for his consistency in the longer format and his aggressive intent in white-ball cricket. His rise earned him an IPL contract with Mumbai Indians, who secured him at his base price of INR 30 lakh.
Malewar’s cricketing journey began early at the City Gymkhana Academy under coaches Swaroopraj Shrivastava and Nitin Gawande. Joining at just seven years old, he quickly progressed through the ranks and was representing Vidarbha at the Under-14 level by the age of 12.His breakthrough came in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season, where he played a key role in Vidarbha’s title-winning campaign. Malewar amassed 783 runs in nine matches at an impressive average of 52, including two centuries and six fifties, finishing as the team’s third-highest run-getter.He has also shown his prowess in the shortest format. In the Vidarbha T20 League, he emerged as the second-highest run-scorer, piling up 318 runs at an average of 79.5 and a strike rate of 161.42, underlining his ability to shift gears.Malewar’s debut comes at a crucial time for Mumbai Indians, who are struggling in IPL 2026 with four consecutive losses after their opening win and currently sit near the bottom of the table. With senior players under pressure, the franchise has turned to fresh talent in search of a turnaround.Facing a confident Gujarat Titans side led by Shubman Gill, who opted to bowl first after winning the toss, Malewar now has an early opportunity to showcase his potential on one of the biggest stages in franchise cricket.
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