By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
Sports
Florida’s Jadan Baugh, Notre Dame’s CJ Carr among 13 players experts pick to be superstars
The great thing about college football is there’s always a next wave of superstars.
Some of them are obvious entering the 2026 season. Arch Manning is arguably the most famous college athlete of the century. Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams have already graced the covers of video games. Dylan Stewart and Colin Simmons have been considered future first-round picks since their first month as college football players.
The list of household names is certain to expand next fall. Think of the 2025 offseason. Who would have seen Fernando Mendoza, Jacob Rodriguez or Trinidad Chambliss coming?
Those are the type of players we’re trying to identify at CBS Sports. We’re attempting to highlight the players who could become the faces of the sport in 2026
From reasonably under-the-radar Heisman candidates to likely Day 1 draft picks, looking ahead to the 2027 draft, these are college football players set to emerge as household names this upcoming season.
Josh Hoover, QB, Indiana
Big 12 fans are well aware of Hoover after his three-year run as QB1 at TCU. He also happens to be the leading active passer in college football with 9,629 yards in his career. Still, Hooever isn’t a household name or someone you’ll see atop 2027 mock drafts. He’s been a productive player, just not one who’s elevated TCU the last few seasons.
That could change in Indiana’s offensive context. Curt Cignetti has developed back-to-back draft picks at quarterback out of the portal. That includes Mendoza, the assumed No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft.
At 6-feet-2 and 200 pounds, Hoover doesn’t have Mendoza’s prototypical physical tools. He does, however, have above-average accuracy and should be an excellent fit in Curt Cignetti’s RPO-heavy scheme.
Don’t be shocked if he’s in the Heisman mix at the midway point of next season. He’s always had the ability. Within a different offensive system, Hoover can emerge as one of the nation’s top passers.
Brendan Sorsby, QB, Texas Tech
Sam Leavitt is the top-ranked quarterback in the 247Sports portal rankings. But it’s Sorsby who personnel sources believed to be the top arm in the portal this cycle. NFL scouting sources also had Day 2 grades on Sorsby if he were to have left for the draft — and those in his camp believed he could have jumped into Round 1 consideration. So huge upside is coming to Lubbock.
Sorsby thrived at Cincinnati in a QB-friendly scheme. What positions him to emerge as a 2026 CFB superstar is opportunity. Texas Tech is the most talented roster in the Big 12, and Sorsby is a massive upgrade over Behren Morton.
Expect Sorsby to throw for 3,000-plus yards, Texas Tech to win 10-plus games and Sorsby to be in the mix for the Heisman. He’s already enjoyed outsized success in the Big 12 the last two seasons. Now, he’ll benefit from a new scheme and the most talented roster in the conference.
CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame
If you’re looking for a sleeper candidate to jump up draft boards in a 2027 quarterback class that could include Manning, Dante Moore, Leavitt and Sorsby — I’d bet Carr.
A classic pocket passer with solid athletic ability when asked to make plays on the move, Carr had an excellent 2025 debut for Notre Dame. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Michigan native — and grandson of former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr — threw for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns against eight interceptions while completing 66.6% of his passes.
He improved as the season progressed. After an 0-2 start, Carr completed 68% of his passes with a 7-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio as the Irish finished the regular season with 10 straight wins. In 2026, Carr will benefit from playing behind one of the nation’s top offensive lines. His role within the offense will also increase with the departure of running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. Add a very friendly schedule, and Carr has all the ingredients to emerge as a superstar.
Waymond Jordan, RB, USC
A season-ending injury in Week 6 caused it to be a small sample size — just 88 carries — but Jordan was DYNAMIC as USC’s lead back. He ran for 576 yards and five touchdowns on 6.5 yards per tote. He created a ton of yardage on his own, too, averaging 5.15 yards after contact, which ranked second nationally.
The top-ranked JUCO back in the 2025 class, Jordan boasts a sub-4.5-second 40-yard dash and has excellent vision and quickness in the open field. Given an entire season of health, he could emerge as one of the true star backs in the country.
Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida
In talking with sources around Baugh’s will-he, won’t-he transfer flirtation this offseason, a big reason he opted to stay in Gainesville is the chance to be the face of a program. He’ll have every opportunity to do that for Florida in 2026.
Baugh never did go into the portal, but personnel sources viewed him as the potential top back in the 2026 transfer class. He’s a bruising 6-feet-1 and 231 pounds and is coming off a 1,170-yard, eight-touchdown season. Baugh created a lot of those yards himself, finishing eighth nationally with 81 forced missed tackles.
Given Florida offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner’s run-heavy scheme and an unproven quarterback room, Baugh is going to be counted on to carry Florida’s offense for stretches. Don’t be shocked if he emerges as an All-American.
Cooper Barkate, WR, Miami
You know Malachi Toney. You know Darian Mensah. You’ll get to know Barkate, who is transferring in from Duke along with his 2025 QB. Barkate cleanly translated his FCS success at Harvard to the ACC last year, catching 72 passes for 1,106 yards and seven touchdowns on 15.4 yards per catch.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder is a classic outside receiver whose go, hitch and post routes account for 55% of his route tree last year. Given how much attention defenses have to give Toney in the middle of the field, Barkate will be given plenty of one-on-one opportunities. As Mensah showed at Duke, he isn’t shy about pushing the ball downfield to his top WR.
Barkate and Tony will form the best one-two wide receiver duo in the country this season.
Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon
Nobody helped themselves more at the NFL Combine last week than Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq. This time next year, another Ducks tight end, Jamari Johnson, could have a similar showing in Indianapolis.
Johnson is an athletic freak. Plenty of college coaches wondered if he’d eventually develop into an offensive or defensive lineman out of high school. Johnson is both a high-level basketball player and a former QB capable of throwing the ball 70-plus yards. He has an 82-inch wingspan at 6-feet-5 and 257 pounds, and he’s plenty fast when you turn on the tape.
You could even argue that Johnson (32 catches, 510 yards, 3 TDs) was the more effective weapon than Sadiq (51 catches, 560 yards, 8 TDs) at times this season, particularly with his ability to create yards after the catch.
With a starter’s share of targets and a second year in Oregon’s system, Johnson could emerge as the nation’s top tight end.
Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
A prototypical left tackle at 6-feet-7 and 312 pounds and excellent length, Goosby emerged as a difference maker at left tackle for Texas this year. While the Longhorns’ offensive front had its struggles, Goosby largely excelled in 13 starts with an 83.3 PFF grade, which ranked in the top 15 nationally among all offensive tackles.
Getting Goosby back for his redshirt junior year was a huge win for the Longhorns. He could have gone to the NFL Draft and was all but assured of being an early-round draft pick, potentially rising into the first round.
By returning to school, however, he can show himself to be an anchor on the left side for Manning and emerge as a no-doubt top 10 pick. With a good season, he could go higher than his predecessor in Austin, Kelvin Banks, who was taken No. 9 overall in the 2025 draft.
David Stone, DT, Oklahoma
Stone’s stats (42 tackles, 8 TLFs, 1.5 sacks) won’t leap off the page from his sophomore season, but he clearly emerged as one of the top defensive linemen in the country. He won’t have Gracen Halton, a potential Day 2 pick, playing next to him next year, but Stone has all the tools to be a dominant interior presence.
Stone is already an excellent run defender, and he can create a bit more pressure inside. He’s the type of player who could emerge as a Day 1 pick in an interior d-line 2027 class without a slam-dunk top option.
The Sooners had the No. 2 run defense in the FBS last year. Stone was a huge reason why. Expect Oklahoma to be elite against the run again with him anchoring the middle of the defense in 2026.
Yhonzae Pierre, EDGE, Alabama
Even five-star recruits can take a few seasons to incubate, and that was the case with Pierre. A little-used piece during his freshman and redshirt freshman seasons, Pierre emerged as arguably Alabama’s most important front-seven piece last season. He posted 52 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks, emerging as a critical pressure creator for a defense that struggled to bother the quarterback outside of LT Overton.
Pierre could have easily gone to the draft. But by returning to college, he has the chance to join the likes of Colin Simmons and Dylan Stewart as one of the top EDGE players in the country. Pierre isn’t huge at 6-feet-3 and 248 pounds. But he’s an elite athlete with excellent bend and explosiveness.
He should be a game-changer for Alabama this year and emerge as one of the best overall defensive players in the sport.
Sammy Brown, LB, Clemson
You’re not going to have a Jacob Rodriguez emerge in the FBS most seasons. It’s extremely rare for an inside linebacker to even garner a mention in the Heisman race. Looking ahead to the 2026 season, if I were going to spotlight someone at the position who could draw that sort of acclaim, it’d be Brown.
A true one-of-one athlete coming out of Jefferson High School in Georgia, the 6-foot-2, 234-pound Brown is a state champion wrestler who’s hit 10.7 seconds in the 100-meter dash and could have easily played running back in college. After drawing comparisons to Brian Bosworth as a high school recruit, Brown totaled 186 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and an interception as an underclassman.
Brown is an excellent player in the box, with a good sense in the run game and the ability to shed blocks and generate pressure. He needs to improve in coverage, but unquestionably has an All-American-caliber ceiling. If Clemson has a defensive resurgence this year, which is very possible given the team’s portal additions, Brown will be the biggest reason why.
Ellis Robinson, CB, Georgia
The second-highest rated cornerback in 247Sports history — behind only Travis Hunter — Robinson emerged as a starter for Georgia last year. Unsurprisingly, he was awesome. Opposing passers completed only 39.5% of their passes against him and he tied the SEC lead with four interceptions.
Robinson is a starter kit for an elite cornerback. He’s not overly big at 6-feet and 180 pounds. He is, however, long with sub-4.5-second speed in the 40, a 40-inch vertical, elite ball skills and an excellent feel for space.
Leonard Moore of Notre Dame enters the 2026 season as the nation’s top cornerback. Robinson may not pass him for that title, but he will be among the SEC’s best overall players.
Ty Benefield, S, LSU
It’s OK if you haven’t watched a lot of Boise State football the last few seasons. Let me give you the rundown on Benefield — he covers space like an all-star center fielder. There are few safeties in the sport with Benefield’s range. He covers open field with ease and has done it since his freshman year in 2023. Benefield has 235 tackles, 18 TFLs and five interceptions in his career.
Benefield could improve as a tackler, and will have to adjust to the speed of the SEC. But he’s as good as it gets at safety in the FBS. Given his new stage in Baton Rouge — much like Mansoor Delane this year — expect Benefield to emerge as a national name.
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Sports
Pakistan cricketer in big trouble! PCB cracks down after ‘Queen’ jibe at Maryam Nawaz | Cricket News
PCB accuses pacer Naseem Shah of “central contract violation” following post aimed at Punjab CM Maryam
Naseem Shah has come under the scanner of the Pakistan Cricket Board after a now-deleted social media post from his official X account appeared to take a dig at Punjab (province of Pakistan) Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during the opening game of the Pakistan Super League.What was the incident?The post, which quote-tweeted a PCB update from the opener between Quetta Gladiators and Hyderabad Kingsmen in Lahore, read: “Why is she treated like the Queen at Lord’s?” It was widely seen as a remark aimed at Maryam Nawaz’s high-profile arrival at Gaddafi Stadium, where she was escorted by a large security convoy and later interacted with players.The tweet was quickly deleted, with a follow-up message claiming the account had been hacked. However, as per The Daily Star, the explanation did not convince PCB officials. Within a day, the board served Naseem with a show-cause notice, citing a breach of his central contract and violation of media guidelines.The alleged offence is understood to fall under a clause barring players from publicly criticising board officials, sponsors, or associated entities. Despite the disciplinary action, Naseem remains available for selection and is likely to feature in his team’s next match.The controversy comes during a subdued PSL season, which began on March 26 under tight restrictions. After consultations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and franchise stakeholders, the PCB limited the tournament to Lahore and Karachi, with matches being held behind closed doors. Venues in Peshawar, Multan, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad were removed from the schedule to conserve fuel amid ongoing regional tensions linked to the Gulf conflict.Earlier, the Pakistan-based militant group Jamaat-ul-Ahrar had issued a warning to overseas players, urging them to withdraw from the league.“The current internal security and political landscape of the country is volatile and precarious. In a climate where military operations and civil unrest dominate significant portions of the territory, the safety of international athletes cannot be guaranteed.”The group added, “Given these dire circumstances, we strongly advise you to prioritise your personal security and withdraw from the tournament immediately. The environment is currently unfit for any peaceful sporting activity.”Despite the warnings and the security concerns, the PSL has gone ahead as planned, with several overseas players, including David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne, continuing to take part.
Frank Bruno has given an honest assessment of how he would measure up against today’s leading heavyweights and who he would have liked to have faced.
The popular Londoner had three cracks at the whip – losing to Tim Witherspoon, Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis – before claiming world honours against Oliver McCall in 1995.
It was a unanimous decision victory at Wembley Stadium that saw him capture the WBC title, before suffering a third-round stoppage defeat in his rematch with Tyson the following year.
Bruno had also been halted by Witherspoon, Lewis and James ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith, while the first Tyson fight resulted in a brutal fifth-round finish in 1989.
But while Bruno was often accused of lacking sufficient durability to triumph at the highest level, he nonetheless showed lots of heart and commitment to eventually secure his WBC heavyweight title.
Now looking across the current heavyweight landscape, the 64-year-old has considered how a prime version of himself might fare against the likes of Fury and Joshua.
While speaking with Boxing Now, Bruno also highlighted Arslanbek Makhmudov, who will face Fury on April 11, as an opponent that would have potentially brought the best out of him.
“I think I’d be up there with them boys. I fancy me chances. I think [fights with] Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and [Makhmudov would interest me].
“When you go in there [with people who can] hit you, hurt you and knock you down, you’ve got to be on your toes.”
While Fury and Joshua represent accomplished former world champions in the four-belt era, it must be said that Oleksandr Usyk has cemented himself as the greatest heavyweight of this generation.
Bruno did not mention the Ukrainian but, by saying he would be “up there” with the top dogs, perhaps he would also fancy his chances against Usyk.
Sports
UFC Fight Night odds, fight card, predictions: MMA expert reveals picks for Adesanya vs. Pyfer, other fights
Ranked UFC middleweights battle when fourth-ranked Israel Adesanya faces 14th-ranked Joe Pyfer in the main event at UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Pyfer on Saturday at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. The preliminaries are set to begin at around 5 p.m. ET, with the main card at approximately 8 p.m. ET on Paramount+. Adesanya is coming off a loss by TKO to Nassourdine Imavov on Feb. 1, 2025. Pyfer, meanwhile, earned a submission win at 1:46 of the second round over Abusupiyan Magomedov at UFC 320 on Oct. 4, 2025.
Adesanya is a -142 favorite (risk $142 to win $100), while Pyfer comes back at +120 in the latest UFC Fight Night odds at DraftKings Sportsbook. The co-main event features a women’s flyweight bout between third-ranked Alexa Grasso (+160) and fifth-ranked Maycee Barber (-192). Before locking in any UFC Fight Night picks, make sure you see the MMA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine expert Kyle Marley.
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Over the past three-plus years, $100 bettors who have followed Marley’s picks are up nearly $10,000, and since May 2018, he has returned well over $21,000. The accomplished MMA analyst has provided consistent winners for SportsLine members for the past five years. His accomplishments include hitting five consecutive main-event underdog winners in 2020 following the UFC’s brief pause in action because of the pandemic. He also went 11-3 on his picks at the last UFC card. Anyone who has followed Marley could be way up.
Now, Marley has studied Israel Adesanya vs. Joe Pyfer from every angle and revealed his top betting picks and best bets. Head to SportsLine to see them.
Adesanya vs. Pyfer preview
Adesanya, 36, looks to snap a three-bout losing streak. His last win came against Alex Pereira at UFC 287 on April 8, 2023. He knocked Pereira out to win the UFC middleweight championship and earned Performance of the Night honors. Adesanya began his professional career in 2012, and first joined UFC in February 2018. He won his first 20 professional bouts.
In 29 career matches, he has compiled a 24-5 mark. He has 16 wins by knockout and eight by decision. His accomplishments have led him to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in the Fight Wing and is in the Class of 2025. He is a two-time middleweight champion and successfully defended his title five times. Check out SportsLine to see Marley’s picks and analysis.
Pyfer, 29, turned pro in 2018 and has been competing in UFC since making his debut on Sept. 17, 2022. He defeated Alen Amedovski by knockout in his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Song, where he earned Performance of the Night honors. Pyfer has won six of his seven UFC bouts. In 18 career matches, he has compiled a 15-3 record.
He has nine wins by knockout, four by submission and two by decision. He is a four-time Performance of the Night winner. He was a 2022 Fan’s Choice Debut of the Year nominee and a 2025 President’s Choice Performance of the Year nominee. Pyfer is a one-time Ring of Combat middleweight champion and a one-time Art of War Cage Fighting middleweight title holder. You can only see Marley’s picks and analysis at SportsLine.
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UFC Fight Night predictions
One of of Marley’s UFC Fight Night picks: He is backing Chase Hooper (-325) to beat Lance Gibson Jr. via submission in a lightweight bout on the preliminary card.
“Gibson is the more well-rounded striker and wrestler, and he will be the stronger guy/better athlete,” Marley said. “He isn’t great anywhere, but he needs to keep this fight standing. Hooper is a dangerous submission grappler, and he knows he isn’t a good striker. He should sell out for takedowns, and I’ll take him to get a submission.” See who else to back here.
How to make UFC Fight Night picks
Marley also has strong picks for Adesanya vs. Pyfer and other bouts on the UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Pyfer card. He’s also backing a fighter who “will be much more active and dangerous,” to emerge with a big victory. He’s sharing who it is only at SportsLine.
Who wins Adesanya vs. Pyfer, and how exactly does the fight end? Visit SportsLine now to get detailed picks and analysis from the incomparable expert who is up over $21,000 on his UFC picks since May 19, 2018, and find out.
UFC Fight Night main fight card, odds
See picks at SportsLine.
(Odds from DraftKings and subject to change)
Israel Adesanya (-142) vs. Joe Pyfer (+120)
Alexa Grasso (+160) vs. Maycee Barber (-192)
Michael Chiesa (-900) vs. Carlston Harris (+600)
Julian Erosa (+280) vs. Lerryan Douglas (-355)
Mansur Abdul-Malik (-135) vs. Yousri Belgaroui (+114)
Terrance McKinney (-185) vs. Kyle Nelson (+154)
A trip to the Final Four is on the line tonight when Arizona takes on Purdue in San Jose.
The entire season has led up to this moment. It’s the culmination of the Tommy Lloyd era in Tucson. Can he deliver the result and break the two-and-a-half-decade-long drought?
Or will this be another season that comes to a heartbreaking end in the Elite 8?
Here’s my preview of the matchup.
(Full disclosure: I’m a lifetime Arizona supporter. Be sure to read my bonus fan rant in the boxed section at the bottom.)
No. 2 Purdue vs. No. 1 Arizona
Saturday, March 28
5:49 pm PT, TBS
San Jose, CA
There are only a handful of opportunities that a program ever gets to reach a Final Four.
One of those moments is here and now for the Arizona Wildcats.
The fanbase has too many traumatic memories of losing in the Elite 8.
2003, 2005, 2011, 2014, and 2015.
The City of Tucson can’t handle another one. This has to be the team that finally breaks through.
Standing in the way is the Purdue Boilermakers, a new-age blue blood built on elite coaching and loyalty.
Trey Kaufman-Renn, Fletcher Loyer, and Braden Smith were all on that 2023-24 squad that beat Arizona in Indianapolis and went on to the Final Four later that season.
They know what it takes to get there because they’ve done it before.
On the other hand, none of the Arizona players were even born the last time the Wildcats made it beyond this game.
The Final Four drought is the only thorn in the side of the fanbase’s psyche.
It’s the only chirp that hits home. Because it’s true.
Arizona hasn’t been to the Final Four in 25 years. A 25-year dry spell for one of the most storied programs in college basketball. Five consecutive losses. Five missed Final Fours.
But that streak ends tonight. It ends with this team.
Brayden Burries, Koa Peat, and Ivan Kharchenkov. The three freshmen who have put together one of the best seasons in program history have a chance to cement their legacy.
And it’s not just the freshmen. The Cats are led by a senior point guard, upperclassmen bigs, and a coaching staff that has found its sweet spot.
It’s a storybook synergy that deserves to break the drought.
So, how do they get it done?
You guessed it: defense and rebounding. Arizona is No. 9 in field goal percentage defense and No. 4 in rebounding margin.
KenPom has UA at No. 3 overall in defensive efficiency.
How can they take advantage of that? By pushing the tempo.
Purdue operates at a much slower pace than Arizona. Get them into a high-possession game, and empty trips down the court will happen.
The Boilermakers are awful in the fastbreak, coming into the matchup No. 303 nationally in fastbreak points per game. Speed them up, don’t allow them to grind the game down into the halfcourt, and play efficient on offense.
And for the love of God, do not let Loyer get hot from three. The senior can change the game and single-handedly beat Arizona if he gets going from deep.
The X-Factor, though, is Koa Peat.
Known as “Mr. Arizona,” Peat understands what this game means. He knows the weight that comes along with playing for UofA.
From the first game of his career, he has willed Arizona to this moment. Without him, this team wouldn’t be in this position.
If Peat can finish around the rim with efficiency and knock down his free throws, Arizona will be in a good position.
Go win it for the City, Koa.
Lord knows we deserve it.
Redemption? Or Am I Wrong About Purdue Again?
Opinion: Dane Miller
This one is personal.
Flashback to December 16, 2023.
Arizona is the No. 1 team in the country, matched up against No. 3 Purdue in downtown Indianapolis.
Trusted sources had informed me that the Boilermaker guards were not very good, and I sent a provocative pre-game tweet claiming they were outclassed.
Suffice it to say that the take was a major whiff.
I’ll do the honors: @OldTakesExposed
— Dane Miller (@DaneMiller_SWS) December 16, 2023
Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith combined for 53 points on 20-for-33 from the field, leading the Boilermakers to victory.
After the game, Purdue Twitter made it go viral and the Big Ten Network even posted a graphic of the tweet to troll me. A total of 270,000 views for what was easily the worst take of my career.
But this Arizona squad is nothing like that 2023-24 team. And the Boilermakers don’t have Zach Edey.
Am I supposed to be afraid of Trey Kaufman-Renn? Or should I be more worried about the dirty play reputation that the Boilermakers have?
But wait, I know what it is.
Arizona fans should be concerned about Oscar Cluff.
You know, the guy who went to junior college just outside of Tucson in an attempt to catch the attention of the Arizona staff.
The same guy that Tommy Lloyd refused to recruit because he wasn’t good enough.
The same guy who was held to three points on 1-for-5 shooting in his lone game at McKale Center.
Yes, that’s the guy that I should be worried about.
Please.
This Arizona team is destined for the Final Four. I don’t even need to get into the analytics, or the metrics, or any of the blah, blah, blah.
This team wants it more. This city needs it more.
F*#%k Purdue.
Another rare opportunity to reach a Final Four is within reach for the Arizona Wildcats, and this is their time.
With all the noise surrounding Tommy Lloyd, driven primarily by has-been North Carolina fans desperate to stay relevant, this is the time to take advantage.
You want more real analysis for how Arizona will win? Defense, rebounding, and forcing turnovers. All while keeping Loyer from killing you from three.
Play physical against Smith, keep elbows out against Kaufman-Renn, and bully Cluff whenever he gets the ball.
Arizona has the better players. Arizona has the better system. Arizona is deeper.
Go bring a Final Four banner back to McKale.
And send a message to Purdue while you’re at it.
Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.
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Veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh on Friday rubbished rumours of a fall-out with Hockey India supremo Dilip Tirkey, clarifying that the former India skipper has in fact encouraged him to surpass his record of being the most-capped player for the senior national team.
Tirkey currently holds the record of making 412 international appearances, the most by an Indian men’s hockey international and Manpreet, at 411, is just two matches shy of breaking his long-standing record.
While there were rumours that all was not well between Manpreet and Tirkey after the veteran midfielder was dropped from the list of core probables for the FIH Pro League earlier this year, the duo came out in public to clear the misunderstanding.
Manpreet on Friday expressed his desire to continue playing at least till the Asian Games and then will take a call on his future depending upon his fitness.
“At present my focus is on the Asian Games and I will continue to play till the Asian Games as I am fit and training daily. My body is responding to what I am asking it but after that I will take a call looking at my fitness,” Manpreet said on the sidelines of the eighth Hockey India Annual Awards here.
“Coach (Craig) Fulton’s idea is simple. He will pick the players who are fit. For me also, if I am not fit, I cannot play. In world hockey, fitness is the most important thing.
Manpreet said an unnecessary controversy was created after his ouster from the probables list and it he decided to sit out to spend time with his family..
“A lot of things happened. I have spoken to Dilip sir personally as well. He told me he does not have any problem if I play the 412th game. He wants me to break the record. He wants me to become the first Indian to play 500 games. That’s what he wants. He said that he would be very happy if I break the record,” Manpreet said.
Tirkey also cleared the air on his part, insisting that he never cared for his record.
“He (Manpreet) has played 411 matches, and I wish to clarify that it is absolutely not the case as has being suggested in the media and on social media that he is being prevented from playing simply to stop him from breaking a record.
“Had that been our intention, he could have been dropped immediately after the Pro League, when the team’s performance was lackluster. However, we have always prioritized treating our players with respect and encouraging them to perform well,” the HI president said.
Tirkey said looking at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics HI’s focus on development of young players..
“The roadmap for the future was established during the 2024 Paris Olympics cycle. Under this framework, a list of six or seven senior players was drawn up who would not be part of the Los Angeles Olympics squad. The objective was to groom new players for the upcoming Olympics.”.
At 33, Manpreet boasts of two consecutive Olympic bronze medals in 2020 and 2024, three Commonwealth Games medals including two silvers, and three Asian Games medals including two golds. He was also awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021.
“The journey has been long and had many upsets. But I think it was good. I am very lucky to have reached here. My team has contributed a lot to this. In 2012, we finished at 12th, then we have got back-to-back bronze medals. It has been such a great journey.
“When I came as a teenager of 18-years of age and finished 12th in Olympics, it was a low point. But the bronze medals at Olympics are the high point,” he said.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team will wear black armbands during their Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday to pay tribute to fans who tragically lost their lives in the stampede outside the venue following team’s historic title win last year. A statement from RCB said, “Royal Challengers Bengaluru will pay tribute to the eleven members of the RCB family who tragically lost their lives in the unfortunate incident on June 4.” “As a mark of respect, players will wear practice jerseys bearing the number 11 during the warm-up, followed by black armbands during the match.”
“In a lasting gesture of remembrance, eleven seats at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will remain unoccupied, serving as a permanent tribute to the fans whose unwavering support will always be a part of the RCB family,” the statement concluded.
11 people died, and several were injured in the stampede outside the stadium during the victory celebrations last year. Cricket at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium had been suspended since June 2025, when a stampede during RCB’s IPL title celebration resulted in 11 deaths and multiple injuries. Since then, high-profile tournaments, including the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, and the state’s KSCA Maharaja Trophy league, were relocated at short notice amid safety concerns. Also, the stadium did not get any T20 World Cup matches this year.
Following the recommendation from a govt-appointed expert committee, the Karnataka cabinet had given approval for the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches to be held at the venue back in February.
In March, The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) successfully obtained permission from Home Minister G Parmeshwara to host the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 matches, including playoffs and finals, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Represented by Vice President Sujit Somsundar, KSCA completed all phase one safety and infrastructure improvements recommended by various departments, including the police, PWD, fire force, and medical authorities. These improvements involved widening gates, enhancing exit areas, and setting up medical emergencies.
An expert committee, led by Maheshwar Rao, inspected the stadium and approved the measures.The stadium is permitted to host matches at full capacity (33,000 spectators) due to the implemented safety measures.
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Despite being stripped of their title, the Senegal national team are expected to present their AFCON 2025 trophy to fans in the build-up to their friendly match against Peru at the Stade de France on Saturday. The country’s football federation has also lodged an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport over CAF’s decision to award the title to Morocco.
Mar 27, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Riley Nelson (4) drives against the Louisiana State Tigers during a Sweet Sixteen game of the Sacramento Regional 2 of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images Ashlon Jackson’s rim-circling 3-pointer as time expired gave third-seeded Duke an 87-85 win over second-seeded LSU in a roller-coaster Sweet 16 matchup on Friday in the Sacramento Region 2 nightcap.
The win sends Duke to the regional final on Sunday, when the Blue Devils will face top-seeded UCLA. The Bruins cruised past fourth-seeded Minnesota in the first Sweet 16 contest on Friday, 80-56.
Duke (27-8) led most of the night and by as many as 11 points, including a 78-67 edge in the fourth quarter after an 11-0 run.
LSU (29-6) rallied multiple times in the game. The teams exchanged the lead six times in the third quarter with their big spurt, punctuated with three consecutive converted and-one opportunities.
Facing another double-digit deficit in the final period, the Tigers chipped away again, however, holding Duke without a field goal for more than five minutes. LSU had an opportunity to take the lead with 37 seconds remaining after MiLaysia Fulwiley intercepted a pass near midcourt.
However, with the Blue Devils’ Taina Mair bearing down on her on the fastbreak, Fulwiley attempted a reverse layup going left-to-right that rimmed off. Duke regained possession, and LSU sent Jackson to the foul line — where she missed both attempts with 19 seconds left.
After a disputed ball knocked out of bounds, LSU pulled ahead on a pair of Mikaylah Williams free throws with nine seconds to go.
Mair had an open look at a corner 3-pointer on the ensuing Duke possession and missed, but in the scrum for the loose ball, it went out off LSU to set up the game-winning inbounds play. Jackson sank a 3-pointer from the right wing to cap a 19-point night.
Fulwiley led all scorers, finishing with 28 points for LSU. She added four assists and four rebounds. Williams scored 22 points in the loss, and Flau’jae Johnson had 13.
–Field Level Media
Mar 27, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Ashlon Jackson (3) celebrates with forward Delaney Thomas (12) and forward Toby Fournier (35) after making a game-winning shot against the Louisiana State Tigers during a Sweet Sixteen game of the Sacramento Regional 2 of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images Ashlon Jackson’s rim-circling 3-pointer as time expired gave third-seeded Duke an 87-85 win over second-seeded LSU in a roller-coaster Sweet 16 matchup on Friday in the Sacramento Region 2 nightcap.
The win sends Duke to the regional final on Sunday, when the Blue Devils will face top-seeded UCLA on Sunday. The Bruins cruised past fourth-seeded Minnesota in the first Sweet 16 contest on Friday, 80-56.
Duke (27-8) led most of the night and by as many as 11, including a 78-67 edge in the fourth quarter after an 11-0 run. LSU (29-6) rallied multiple times in the game. The teams exchanged the lead six times in the third quarter with their big spurt, punctuated with three consecutive converted and-one opportunities.
Jackson sank a 3-pointer from the right wing to cap a 19-point night, while teammates Toby Fournier and Taina Mai each scored 22. MiLaysia Fulwiley led all scorers, finishing with 28 points for LSU. She added four assists and four rebounds. Mikaylah Williams scored 22 points in the loss, and Flau’jae Johnson had 13.
No. 1 UCLA 80, Minnesota 56
Kiki Rice put up 21 points to lead four scorers in double figures for the Bruins, who overwhelmed their Big Ten Conference counterpart, the Golden Gophers, in the second half en route to a win in a Sweet 16 game.
UCLA (34-1) moved one victory away from repeat Final Four trips. The fourth-seeded Golden Gophers (24-9) trailed the Bruins by just three points late in the first half, but Gianna Kneepkens’ buzzer-beating layup marked the beginning of a 17-3 run that extended more than six minutes into the third quarter.
Through a combination of breakaway opportunities and pounding the ball to Lauren Betts (16 points) on the interior, UCLA attacked the lane to ignite the decisive push. The Bruins finished with 52 points in the paint while allowing only 22 to Minnesota, which was led by Grace Grocholski’s 12 points.
No. 1 UConn 63, No. 4 North Carolina 42
Sarah Strong’s 21-point, 10-rebound effort propelled the Huskies to a victory over the Tar Heels in the Fort Worth Regional 1 semifinals.
Blanca Quinonez shot 7-for-11 for 16 points off the bench and Azzi Fudd had 10 points and five assists to boost the Huskies to their 53rd straight win, in their lowest-scoring game of the season. They scored at least 71 points in every other game. UConn, the defending national champion, will face Big East rival Notre Dame on Sunday.
Indya Nivar had team highs of 20 points, eight rebounds and four steals for North Carolina, which shot 28.3% from the field and committed 24 turnovers.
No. 6 Notre Dame 67, No. 2 Vanderbilt 64
Hannah Hidalgo poured in 31 points with 11 rebounds and 10 steals as the Fighting Irish held off the Commodores.
Hidalgo was 14 of 25 from the floor and added seven assists, while her 10 steals set a record for an NCAA regional. She broke the single-season steals record along the way, upping her total to 199. Cassandre Prosper, who scored the game’s final three points, finished with 15.
Mikayla Blakes scored 26 points and Aubrey Galvan had 24 for Vanderbilt (29-5), which tied the game at 64 in the final minute of a tight fourth quarter but could not answer Prosper’s go-ahead bucket with 22 seconds remaining.
–Field Level Media
Aryna Sabalenka is getting support from outside tennis ahead of the Miami Open 2026 final.
After her semifinal win over Elena Rybakina, Kai Trump granddaughter of Donald Trump shared a message backing the world No. 1.
Posting on Instagram after watching the match, she wrote:
“Had so much fun watching Aryna Sabalenka.”
“Let’s get it Saturday.”
Sabalenka now faces Coco Gauff in the final after Gauff’s dominant win over Karolina Muchova.They’ve faced each other 12 times and it’s 6–6.
So this final? Could go either way.
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