There have been many changes to the Vikings’ roster this offseason, but here, let’s fast forward a year and look at what might be in store for us.

Veteran Vikings Facing High-Stakes 2026 Campaigns

The futures of head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores could well come under scrutiny again, depending on how the 2026 season goes. However, here I am just looking at players, particularly players who have had or could have this season, important roles on the team, and are due to hit free agency next year.

There is a case to be made that these players should be allowed to leave when that happens.

Brian O’Neill

We start with the big name and the most difficult to replace should he move on: Brian O’Neill. The stalwart right tackle has sured up the right side of the Vikings’ offensive line for the past eight seasons since being drafted in the second round of the 2018 draft by Minnesota.

I don’t expect O’Neill’s play to drop off a cliff suddenly, but he will be 32 next September, and recent activity shows the Vikings have been parting ways with expensive veterans and getting younger on the roster.

With that in mind, do the Vikings offer O’Neill another big, multi-year contract? An extension to help solve the team’s salary cap problems was an option early in the offseason, but that wasn’t taken. O’Neill could still get one before this season starts, or they could wait and see how his ninth season with the team pans out. If he has an exceptional year, a new contract can be offered; if he has a down or injury-hit season, the team has an out. 

Blake Brandel

Blake Brandel has done everything on the Vikings OL during his five seasons with the team. He is set to start Year 6 as the team’s starting center, a position he had never played before filling in for Ryan Kelly last season. Many expected the Vikings to bring in a new starting center after Kelly confirmed his retirement, but that didn’t happen. Seventh-round rookie Gavin Gerhardt is the only new addition at the position. 

Brandel may turn out to be a success at center, but I didn’t see much evidence of that in his time playing there last season. If the move doesn’t work out, it could spell the end of Brandel’s time in Minnesota, with Ryan Van Demark signing in free agency and Caleb Tiernan drafted in the third round, taking up his role as swing tackle/interior cover.

Jay Ward

One of the stories of the Vikings’ offseason was the potential retirement of Harrison Smith and his replacement after over a decade as the Vikings’ best safety. We still await official confirmation, but as it stands, the job could be Jay Ward’s. His development has been slow and steady, and in the last year of his rookie contract, he could be about to get his chance. He has to take it, or he will likely be out the door next year.

Ivan Pace Jr.

The rise of the undrafted Ivan Pace was one of the success stories of 2023 in Minnesota. It seems like the linebacker peaked in his rookie season, and the issues that led to his going undrafted were never fully resolved. Pace is small for the position, and despite being explosive coming downhill, he misses too many tackles.

With a second-round pick spent on Jake Golday, Pace could potentially go from a former starter down to fourth choice on the depth chart. He will need to earn a new contract for next year on the field, but unless there are injuries to the players ahead of him, he might not get much of a chance.

Aaron Jones

It looked like the Vikings and Aaron Jones were set to part ways this offseason, but the two sides agreed to a reduced deal that kept Jones in Minnesota. It will be one last run for Jones with the Vikings, not about to give him a new contract for a season when he will turn 33.

In recent years, not many RBs have been able to stay relevant on a team into their 30s, which is a great credit to Jones, but his time is running out.

T.J. Hockenson

It was a similar situation for TJ Hockenson, which points to an exit for the team’s leading tight end. However, I’d suggest that it isn’t completely set in stone, and if Hockenson can return to his best form from a couple of years ago – before his knee injury – then there should be interest in retaining his services.

Of course, Hockenson will now have the position of strength that comes with being a pending free agent.

Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.

Reigning world champions Argentina enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a clear objective, to become the first team in 64 years to successfully defend the title. After Lionel Messi finally fulfilled his destiny by lifting the long-awaited trophy in Qatar four years ago against France, Argentina now proudly wear a third star above their crest.

Under Lionel Scaloni, La Albiceleste arrive as one of the most battle-tested and confident squads in world football. Messi’s iconic triumph marked a defining moment in football history, and now the legendary captain prepares for what is expected to be his sixth and final World Cup appearance on the biggest stage.

Argentina arrive in North America after an impressive qualification campaign, finishing with a record of 12 wins, 4 losses, and 2 draws. They scored 31 goals and conceded just 10, showcasing balance in both attack and defence.

Lionel Messi once again led from the front, finishing as the team’s top scorer with 8 goals. He also shared playmaking responsibilities with Enzo Fernández, Julián Álvarez, and Exequiel Palacios, each registering 3 assists.

Argentina topped the CONMEBOL standings with ease, becoming the only South American side to record double-digit wins. Their campaign was defined by attacking efficiency and defensive solidity, finishing with the highest goal tally and the second-most clean sheets in the region.

Argentina’s Group J in FIFA World Cup 2026

• 
  Argentina
• 
  Algeria
• 
  Austria
• 
  Jordan

 
Lionel Messi’s last dance for Argentina

Lionel Messi remains the heartbeat of Argentina heading into his sixth World Cup, still carrying the same extraordinary left foot and generational talent he first showcased in 2006. Even as he approaches 39 during the tournament, the Argentine captain continues to be a constant highlight reel, capable of outclassing and humiliating any defender in world football. 

Alongside him, Nico Paz emerges as a promising breakout star. The 21-year-old Como forward may not rely on pace, but his exceptional close control, balance, and refined technical ability make him extremely difficult to dispossess and a valuable attacking option for Argentina’s future.

Argentina schedule for FIFA World Cup 2026 

Argentina Strengths

Argentina’s 4-3-3 system is built on a possession-based style of play, allowing them to control games through sustained ball retention and intelligent build-up. Their biggest strength lies in a technically gifted midfield, which dominates possession and dictates the tempo with sharp, accurate passing from the first whistle.

The team also benefits from a highly cohesive structure, where players function seamlessly as a unit, making them extremely difficult to break down. Their defensive setup is notably stingy and well-organised, giving them stability even when under pressure. Once control is established, Argentina can patiently work openings, often using a decisive final pass to unlock defences and create scoring chances.

Argentina Weaknesses

Despite their dominance, Argentina can be overly reliant on Lionel Messi, with much of their attacking output and creativity still flowing through him. If he is neutralised or unavailable, their effectiveness in the final third can drop significantly.

Another concern is the presence of aging superstars, which could affect intensity and consistency over the course of a demanding tournament. While the backline and Emiliano Martínez provide reliability and can rescue difficult situations, Argentina may struggle at times if their attacking rhythm breaks down or if they lack sharpness in high-pressure moments.

Defenders: Agustín Giay (Palmeiras), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atlético de Madrid), Nicolás Capaldo (Hamburger SV), Kevin Mac Allister (Union Saint Gilloise), Lucas Martínez Quarta (River Plate), Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Nicolás Otamendi (SL Benfica), Germán Pezzella (River Plate), Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique de Marseille), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Lautaro Di Lollo (Boca Juniors), Zaid Romero (Getafe CF), Facundo Medina (Olympique de Marseille), Marcos Acuña (River Plate), Nicolás Tagliafico (Olympique Lyonnais), Gabriel Rojas (Racing Club)

Midfielders: Máximo Perrone (Como 1907), Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Guido Rodríguez (Valencia CF), Aníbal Moreno (River Plate), Milton Delgado (Boca Juniors), Alan Varela (FC Porto), (Ezequiel Fernández (Bayer Leverkusen), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Nicolás Domínguez (Nottingham Forest), Emiliano Buendía (Aston Villa), Valentín Barco (RC Strasbourg)

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolás Paz (Como 1907), Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid), Thiago Almada (Atlético de Madrid), Tomás Aranda (Boca Juniors), Nicolás González (Atlético de Madrid), Alejandro Garnacho (Chelsea), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético de Madrid), Matías Soulé (AS Roma), Claudio Echeverri (Girona FC), Gianluca Prestianni (SL Benfica), Santiago Castro (Bologna FC), Lautaro Martínez (Internazionale), José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Julián Álvarez (Atlético de Madrid), Mateo Pellegrino (Parma Calcio)

Rishabh Pant (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)

NEW DELHI: Though Lucknow Super Giants registered a win over Chennai Super Kings on Friday at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, the dejection was clearly visible on captain Rishabh Pant’s face. After Nicholas Pooran went hammer and tongs in the 17th over, smashing four consecutive sixes off Anshul Kamboj to seal the chase for LSG, Pant quietly got up from his seat in the dugout and hugged his teammates. The victory was significant, but for an already-eliminated LSG side, it carried little meaning in the bigger picture.At the post-match press conference, Pant reflected on the disappointing IPL 2026 season despite the win. LSG have endured a poor campaign and are placed at the bottom of the table with just four wins in 12 matches and eight defeats. “It feels good. Getting a win definitely feels good. There are things we talk about, that there is a lot to play for, regardless of where our season ends. We take a lot of pride in playing this way,” Pant said.After Akash Singh claimed three wickets to help CSK restrict LSG to 187/5, the hosts produced a sensational chase, powered by Mitchell Marsh’s blistering 90 off 38 balls and Pooran’s late fireworks, to thrash CSK by seven wickets in just 16.4 overs.Akash, who was making his IPL debut, picked up three wickets, including the prized scalps of Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Urvil Patel.Sharing the new ball with Mohammed Shami, Akash conceded seven runs in his opening over. In his second over, he dismissed CSK skipper Gaikwad for 13. He struck again in his third over, removing star batter Samson for 20. Pant then trusted him with a fourth successive over, and the young pacer responded by dismissing Urvil Patel for six.“(On Akash Singh) See, definitely he’s been working hard throughout IPL. You know that sometimes it’s harder to give everyone a game. But when people are preparing really well and he’s one guy, who stick to the plan more often than going anywhere else. So yeah, definitely it paid off. The way he bowled, stick to the plan for a longer period of time. That’s really good to see,” Pant said.Pant also opened up about the decision to send two overseas batters – Marsh and Josh Inglis – to open the innings, an experiment that paid rich dividends for LSG. The duo stitched together a solid 135-run opening stand.“(On the opening partnership – is this what they had in mind?) Definitely that was the first thought that, getting two overseas players to open the inning and Nicky batted number three. That was the idea, sometimes it’s difficult when thought process is not being implemented all the time. But at the same time we take pride and we are confident as a team. The only thing I would say is, it’s frustrating when you know what you have as a team, just because of little thought process here and there and you can’t implement things the way you want, things can happen,” Pant added.Asked whether LSG were close to cracking a successful formula at their home ground, Pant said:“(Do you think you’re close to cracking a formula for success at this home ground of yours?) We are working out and it’s been working for us, four fast bowlers, especially in the home condition, depending on the opposition we play, definitely works out for us. As at the same time, the team we have, I’m going to say this again, it’s so amazing. The only thing gonna can harm us [is] having too many processes,” he said.On batting lower down the order and not coming in earlier, Pant explained:“I was ready to bat and the idea came up, I was in the dressing room, the idea came in like, why not try players who have not played much, they haven’t got much chances. And that was the idea, I was thinking again and again, should I do it or not? Because I still wanted to be out there in the field, but sometimes you have to respect the think tanks decision. So that’s the thing.”LSG will next face Rajasthan Royals on May 23.

Going into the tournament there was a lot of talk centering on how Aronimink could prove too easy for the world’s best.

The last men’s tournament held here, a PGA Tour event in 2018, was won by Keegan Bradley who defeated Justin Rose in a play-off after they finished on 20 under par – although rain helped soften the greens and contribute to low scoring.

And this week, even if bombed drives missed wide fairways, the belief was that players would be able to gouge wedges out of the thick rough onto greens and lead to a putt-off.

The PGA of America has responded by setting up the course in a manner which aimed to disprove that.

The rough has largely been penal for those who have been unable to keep the ball on the fairways, while the severity of the slopes on the greens have generally caused havoc, with more three-putts after two rounds than during the whole of the Masters.

McIlroy suffered on Thursday when his wayward driving was heavily punished, but spending extra time on the range after his opening round to “find feeling” paid off on Friday.

Hitting more fairways set up more birdie chances and eliminated mistakes in one of only two bogey-free rounds.

“I saw that no-one was really getting away so I thought if I could get back to even par for the tournament I’d be right in there,” McIlroy told BBC Sport NI.

“I didn’t quite get there but I still think at one over I’ve got a great chance over the last couple days.”

Missing fairways did not hamper McNealy too much, however.

The 30-year-old former world number one amateur ranks tied 143rd – out of a 156-man field – with his driving accuracy – but has used his short irons superbly to launch a challenge.

“I think this is one of the few courses I can compete on without hitting enough fairways, I think the missed fairways penalty isn’t as bad as other places,” he said.

“Fairways are definitely easier to control the ball and I hope to hit more this weekend.”

Post positions for the 2026 Preakness Stakes have been drawn, and several familiar faces from the Kentucky Derby will return for the second leg. Ocelli, who ran a big third in the Run for the Roses, leads the Derby contingent, joined by Incredibolt and Robusta. Meanwhile, surprise Derby champion Golden Tempo is taking a pass on this race, skipping the Preakness to prep for the Belmont Stakes.

The 151st Preakness is scheduled for 6:50 p.m. ET on Saturday at Laurel Park, about 30 miles south of usual spot, Pimlico Race Course. Iron Honor is the favorite at 9-2 in the 2026 Preakness Stakes odds, but nine of the 14 horses in the field are at 15-1 or lower odds. Before making any 2026 Preakness Stakes picks, be sure to see the 2026 Preakness Stakes predictions and best bets from SportsLine’s elite horse racing expert Jody Demling.

A fixture in the horse racing world who has been writing about, talking about and betting on races for years, Demling hit the top three finishers in the 2025 Kentucky Derby in the correct order. He also called 11 of the last 21 Preakness winners, including 2023, when he hit the winner, exacta, trifecta and superfecta. He hit the trifecta in the 2024 Preakness Stakes and nailed Journalism as the 2025 Preakness winner. Anyone who has followed him on horse racing betting sites could be way up. 

Claim the latest DK Horse promo code to win a share of $151,000 if you wager $5 on the winning horse:

Now, with the 2026 Preakness Stakes horses finalized, Demling is sharing his 2026 Preakness Stakes betting picks and 2026 Preakness Stakes predictions over at SportsLine. Go to SportsLine to see them.

Top 2026 Preakness Stakes picks for Taj Mahal, Incredibolt, Iron Honor

One of Demling’s surprising 2026 Preakness Stakes picks: He has Taj Mahal outside the top 5 on his projected leaderboard despite him being tied with Chip Honcho and Incredibolt for the second-lowest odds at 5-1. He’s a perfect 3-for-3 in his career, with all his wins coming at Laurel Park. That comfort level around this track is a big factor in why he’s among the favorites. Level of competition, however, is a question mark since he hasn’t faced the caliber of horses that many who were on the Derby trail have, so Demling does not have him as a top-3 pick in his early Preakness predictions.

Demling has also locked in his picks for Iron Honor, the 9-2 morning-line favorite. Chad Brown’s Preakness horse finished a distant seventh at the Grade 2 Wood Memorial on April, bogged down by traffic and post placement. His prior two races, he won them both, rolling the competition with speed figures that project very well for Preakness Stakes 2026. Demling believes in Brown, who is taking the blinkers off Iron Honor, and has taken similarly experienced horses to Preakness success.

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Demling has also evaluated the chances of Incredibolt, who is 5-1 on the morning line. Incredibolt raced strong at the Kentucky Derby, finishing four lengths behind and in sixth. In six career races, Incredibolt has won three of them.

Trainer Riley Mott was happy with the Derby run and it sets up for a productive ride at the Preakness Stakes. That’s a factor Demling takes into consideration. “I love a horse on a turnback as well as one bouncing out of the Derby,” Demling writes at SportsLine. “There’s good juju here.” See what horses Demling is backing at SportsLine. 

How to make 2026 Preakness Stakes predictions, bets

Demling is also especially high on an epic double-digit longshot “with a chance” to win it all. Anyone who backs this sleeper pick could hit it big. Demling is sharing which horse it is, along with his entire projected 2026 Preakness Stakes leaderboard, over at SportsLine.

Which horse wins the Preakness Stakes 2026, and which stunning longshot is a must-back? Check out the latest 2026 Preakness Stakes odds below, then visit SportsLine to see Demling’s picks for the Preakness Stakes, all from the expert who has nailed the last three winners.

2026 Preakness Stakes odds

Peter Snowden is ideally placed with a host of stakes contenders in his sprint division, enabling careful allocation across a slate of elite races.

Zealously delivered the Hawkesbury Gold Rush (1100m) win a fortnight past, with King Of Roseau and Beadman then scoring stakes victories from other states last week via the Takeover Target Stakes (1100m) at Gosford and Gold Coast Guineas (1200m).

“We’re lucky we’ve got some troops back and they’ve all been firing,” Snowden said.

“It’s a bit of a juggling act, but it’s a good problem to have.”

Beadman seeks to pile on the success backing up Saturday in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m), securing a start after initial emergency status thanks to two prompt withdrawals.

At Scone Snowden’s quick types comprise King Of Sparta paired with Fire Star for the Listed Ortensia Stakes (1100m), Tuileries tackling the Dark Jewel Classic (1400m), and fillies Akaysha, Miss Freelove for the Denise’s Joy Stakes (1100m).

From Brisbane, Miss Freelove was pulled to run at Scone benefiting from draw four.

After a Group 3 placing at Flemington through spring, her fresh run saw a fair midfield placing trailing Golden Straand at Warwick Farm last month amid pace unsuited to her rearward tactics.

Winkers are now applied by Snowden for the weekend, with the youngster delighting in every way since resuming.

“She went back and they weren’t making ground. She did run on, but she was a bit too far back,” Snowden said of the performance.

“I have added some headgear, and hopefully that just gets her a bit more involved.

“She is going well, and she trialled really well the other week when she flew home, so she will be heading there will her tail up and she’ll be a chance of winning.”

Akaysha requires luck wide in barrier 16 for that race but holds recent Listed success from Brisbane alongside a Woodlands Stakes (1100m) placing on last year’s equivalent.

King Of Sparta makes his return post-18-month layoff since 2024’s Russell Balding Stakes (1200m), while Fire Star freshens up from good summer form with sharp fresh credentials.

Discover racing betting markets on offer for the Doomben 10,000 this weekend.

The Minnesota Vikings are always going to draw a crowd for their first game of the season. It represents new hope for the most popular team in the state, and Kevin O’Connell is trying to lead his team to their first Super Bowl.

This season, though, the stakes are raised. Kyler Murray was brought in on a contract that has Minnesota paying him relatively peanuts. Barring something unforeseen, he’s going to be under center for Week 1. That game will also be played at home, and it will feature a matchup against the Vikings’ most hated opponent. The Green Bay Packers are coming to town.

Murray Faces Enormous Spotlight in Debut Opener

Last season, the Vikings and Packers finished with the same number of wins. The only thing that kept Green Bay out of the playoffs rather than Minnesota was a tie against the Dallas Cowboys. The rivals split their contests as Minnesota won the Week 18 matchup 16-3, with Green Bay resting their starters and packing it in despite the premium matchup.

This time around, neither side will be looking to take it easy on one another. Jordan Love is fully entrenched as the Packers quarterback, and Matt LaFleur will be looking for him to take another step. Given the departure of Malik Willis in free agency, there is no safety blanket behind the Packers’ top dog.

Minnesota has tried to figure out the quarterback position for some time. They believed they had found a young prospect in J.J. McCarthy, but he’s been both injured and mediocre. With Murray getting a fresh start and the most loaded offensive cast he’s ever had, this could be his time to thrive.

Just 28 years old, Murray is still looking for his next payday. That can certainly come from the Vikings if he performs to expectations this season. There is no better place to start than with a top rival to open the season. It’s a landing spot that could immediately pour gasoline on the fire that is hope for the year, and Murray conducting the train won’t have any momentum-halting movement if he leans into the raucous early crowd.

We’re still months away from September, but fans will be licking their chops over the opportunity to believe again. The hope that springs eternal is what drives such agony for Minnesota fans, but there’s no reason not to lean into the opportunity to be hurt again.

Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, … More about Ted Schwerzler

Eket will take centre stage in Nigerian youth football as the city has been selected to host the N – Youth League Cup National Super 8 Championship 2026.

The tournament will hold from May 26 to May 31, 2026, at the Eket Township Stadium, bringing attention and football action to the oil-rich city.

The championship will feature the best eight youth teams from across the country competing for the national title in a high-level competition.

Eket is expected to enjoy a busy football week, with teams, officials, scouts, and fans arriving from different parts of Nigeria. The event will also boost local activities such as hospitality, transport, and small businesses.

Organisers say the tournament will include live match coverage, digital streaming, and full media analysis, making Eket a centre of attention in Nigerian youth football during the period.

The event is part of efforts by the N – Youth League Cup to grow youth football and create more opportunities for young players.

With the Super 8 Championship coming to Eket, the city is set to experience one of its biggest youth football events in recent years.