Welcome to Fully Fit 2026, GOLF’s new platform for providing you with real-golfer insights into what 2026 gear might be best suited for your game. To this end, we assembled six GOLF content creators of varying abilities and ran them through the gauntlet of six full-bag fittings (driver to putter!) at six major club manufacturers in Phoenix and Carlsbad, Calif. Our hope: that you might see shades of your own game in one of our panelists’ and take some learnings and inspiration from their fitting experiences. In this installment (below), Jack Hirsh details his low-torque putter journey around Fully Fit 2026. You may browse each of our panelists’ full 2026 dream bags here:
The biggest surprise for me during our six-day club-fitting bonanza back in December was during a putter fitting at TaylorMade’s Kingdom.
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No, I wasn’t knocked off my feet by how good the Spider Tour and Spider Tour X putters are — although they are tremendous putters.
Instead, my “Aha” moment came with the newer of TaylorMade’s Spider models, the Spider ZT, TaylorMade’s take on the low-torque, or “zero-torque,” putting phenomenon that has captivated the marketplace over the past two years.
Editor’s note: Given that even “zero-torque” putters still have torque to get them to balance toe-up, GOLF refers to these types of putters as “low-torque.”
During a putter fitting, I came with two “gamers.” A face-balanced blade and a low-torque mid-mallet that I had committed to using for several months to see what it would do to my putting stroke.
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After a couple of strokes with a comparable TaylorMade blade, we jumped into the Spider ZT, where the result left me in a rare speechless moment.
On the first attempt, I recorded a face angle of 0.01 ° at impact on the GEARS system. That meant I returned the putter face nearly perfectly square. Good putters typically have up to a degree of face angle variance. A professional golfer typically records anywhere within a half degree. After a few more attempts, I kept getting within that half-degree threshold.
Am I the ideal candidate for low-torque putters? As I have found out, it’s not that simple.
My low-torque putting experiment
For some background, until I had this job as GOLF’s associate equipment editor, I had used either a Scotty Cameron Newport 2 or Newport 2.5+ with Teryllium inserts for 15 years. I never knew a mallet, and I liked a soft feel.
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A putter fitting — realistically, my first ever — with Bettinardi last spring showed me that the short slant on my Newport 2.5+ had too much toe hang and I’d be better off using something more face-balanced. My stroke was more like a pendulum, with very little face rotation, rather than an arc like I thought it was.
I was using blades like that and seeing improvements, especially from short and mid-range, until Scotty Cameron released their Onset Center Fastback and Phantom 11R, the company’s first low-torque putters. Immediately, I was intrigued, especially by the Fastback OC, as it was a shape that I already knew I liked — a mid-mallet that was far off spaceship territory — had little shaft lean and had Scotty Cameron’s new and very soft Studio Carbon Steel insert.
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Scotty Cameron Studio Style Fastback OC Putter
As an extension of the popular Studio Style Fastback design, the Studio Style Fastback OC is a low-torque model featuring the same ring-weighted, high-alignment, multi-material design of the other Fastback models, but with Scotty’s tour-validated OC technology package. Featuring onset center shaft placement behind the putter face’s leading edge, the straight shaft is precisely positioned in line with the putter head’s CG location and leans 1° forward. This allows for low-torque performance and face alignment that stays square to the path.
STUDIO CARBON STEEL (SCS) FACE INSERT
The Studio Style Fastback OC includes a chain-link milled Studio Carbon Steel (SCS) insert for soft sound and feel, treated with an electroless nickel plating for enhanced durability with aerospace-inspired vibration damping for tuned sound, feel and performance.
CUSTOM BLACK SHAFT
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Custom made for the new OC putters, each model includes a special black KBS x Scotty Cameron shaft with optimal flex, unimpeded alignment and precise feel.
CUSTOM MATADOR GRIP
With a debossed chain-link texture built-in, each new OC putter includes a custom 11-inch mid-size Matador grip in black with racy red and cool gray accents.
In my first tests, I didn’t have a left miss, which to that point, I’d experienced with almost every low-torque putter I’d tried except the Spider ZT. I put some impact tape on the face just out of curiosity and saw my strike was dead center.
My first rolls with the Scotty Cameron Fastback OC.
Jack Hirsh/GOLF
That was when I came up with this experiment, and my experience at the Kingdom only further proved to me that I was on the right track.
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For the next few months, I planned to putt exclusively with low-torque putters as a means of resetting my putting stroke.
Until my putter fitting with Bettinardi, I felt like my putting was holding me back. I struggled big time with pulls, especially from short range and couldn’t convert enough 10-20 foot mid-range putts. I started putting better after the putter changes, but I figured, why not try to reset everything and potentially start fresh in 2026?
After TaylorMade, I wondered if the experiment would ever end. But by April, it was, and I had learned a ton.
My results with low-torque putters
The primary putters I used for the experiment were the Scotty Cameron Fastback OC and the Spider ZT, both at 35″ and standard lie angles of 70 degrees. I also dabbled with a L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i and had some good initial success, but the milled steel insert was too firm for me, and I struggled with pace.
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The blade putters I used in 2025 were slightly longer at 35.5″ and flatter at 67 degrees, but with both putters, my stroke was consistent and my eyes were in similar positions in the stock length and lie.
Both putters I gripped with the Golf Pride Reverse Taper Pistol Medium, slightly larger than the small version I’d been using on all my other putters. I did this because, to be most effective with a low-torque putter, I needed to remove my hands from the stroke, and a bigger grip helps that.
At first, the results were good. I trended toward the Cameron a little more because of its more compact shape and the softer insert, which I felt helped with distance control.
The Spider ZT had plenty of advantages, though, thanks to its larger, high-MOI shape. With that putter, I knew I could make a bad stroke and still have it go in.
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TaylorMade Spider 5K-ZT Black Putter
LOW TORQUE DESIGN
The KBS putter shaft is bored directly toe-ward near the CG at a 1° shaft lean with 25mm onset behind the face allowing golfers to realize the benefits of a new stable, toe up design.
UNIQUE SOLE SHAPING
New and improved sole shaping to work specifically with this unique hosel configuration, engineers worked tirelessly to find new ways to improve accuracy from the moment the putter is placed behind the ball. The new sole curvature accommodates different player types and ball positions, giving golfers the ability to find a consistent and repeatable stroke.
SPIDER STABILITY
Combining high density stainless steel and low-density aerospace quality aluminum provides the perfect foundation for a design that is high MOI and allows for a shaft orientation that sits closer to the face.
MILLED TRUE PATH™ ALIGNMENT
Based on tour player feedback, we were tasked to find a new premium alignment system. Building on the classic TaylorMade True Path™ technology, milled lines the width of the golf ball were added helping golfers properly index to center face.
For the most part, my pulls on short putts, especially right-to-left breakers, were eliminated, but I didn’t realize at what cost for a few months.
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Eventually, my left miss came back because I became fearful of a right miss. The thing with low-torque putters is that they resist the urge to twist either direction. I’ve putted for years with the feeling of the blade opening and then closing. Whether it matched my stroke or not, I needed to feel like the blade closes through the stroke.
This is when I got into a phase of battle golf on the green, either pushing the putt because I was actively trying to avoid feeling my natural release through the putt, or pulling it because I forced myself to close the blade, even though the putter was already square.
I had grown up on a feel and now that feel was dulled.
What I’m using now
Ironically, the putter I’m using now was presented to me during Fully Fit, and I passed because I didn’t understand what it was.
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The Ping Scottsdale TEC Ally Blue Onset looks like a low-torque putter, but it’s actually something entirely different. For starters, the Ally Blue Onset has toe hang. It’s minimal, just five degrees, but the toe does not point up when balanced.
That’s because instead of aligning the Ally Blue Onset’s shaft through the center of gravity of the putter, Ping placed it in front of the CG, meaning the stroke pulls the CG, like a truck towing a trailer. The configuration does lower the putter’s torque profile, but it’s not far off from Ping’s Anser either.
The shaft is still back off the face, but it gives a completely unobstructed view of the face to aid alignment. The Scottsdale TEC EyeQ technology also has a number of alignment aids built in that GOLF’s Jake Morrow just dove deep into.
With that unique CG placement relative to shaft axis, what I got is a super stable putter that gave me just the right feeling of release through the ball. Finally, I had a putter that I could stroke freely and trust the ball would come off on my intended line.
The Scottsdale TEC insert is made of super-soft PEBAX material. It’s the first non-milled putter I’ve ever used, but the soft feel is very similar to what I’ve liked my whole life.
When at Ping’s PLD Putting Lab for my fitting last December, the fitter asked if I wanted to try the then-unreleased Ally Blue Onset. I thought it was another low-torque option and I wasn’t ready to commit to either a traditional-sized mallet or a putter without a milled insert. My tune changed after my Kingdom experience.
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Would I like to go back to the PLD Lab and see if we could get this Ally Blue Onset further dialed in? It will probably happen at some point, but until then, I’m not worried that I’m leaving anything on the table.
What I learned
Let me be clear: If anyone asked to make an eight-foot, dead straight putt for a million dollars, I’d be comfortable using any one of these putters. In an indoor fitting environment where I know the target is a straight putt with no break, a low-torque putter is simply point-and-shoot.
But for a golfer like me, who has thousands upon thousands, maybe even millions(?) of reps of releasing the toe of a putter, breaking putts becomes challenging.
So I learned that an indoor putter fitting is great, but I need to validate that experience on the golf course and hit breaking putts.
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The second thing is that using a low-torque putter did have a pretty significant impact on my stroke.
While I did fight the concept for a while, my stroke was refined through months of trying to reduce the manipulations of my hands. Now I can still feel the release of the putter while also keeping my hands quiet through the stroke.
The Ping is the best putter for me. But I find that whenever I pick up my old Scotty Cameron blades, I have a much easier time hitting the center than before.
“Going to the Jailbird, kind of that longer length, a lot heavier, helped kind of quiet and take the hands out of it a bit,” Fowler, who moved from a L.A.B. putter to a center-shafted Scotty Cameron GoLo this year, said. “And then from there went into messing with the L.A.B.s, still helping take the hands out of it a bit, but at a lighter, kind of shorter setup to help try and bring some feel back into it.”
Like Fowler, I also got over any aversion to center-shafted putters.
Not really a low-torque putter, but it still fits in the category if we define it by onset putters. This has been my gamer, somewhat surprisingly, in my first two competitive rounds of the year, and I’ve yet to have a competitive three-putt.
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Despite the onset shaft, there’s no shaft lean, which makes this feel just like a traditional putter to me; I just place the ball a little more forward in my stance.
The insert also really surprised me for how responsive it is. The original Scottsdale line from 2025 had a similar PEBAX insert, which even I found was too soft. The Scottsdale TEC — probably because the rest of the putter is a milled aluminum and steel construction — feels much more like the soft milled putters I’ve used before.
Scotty Cameron Fastback OC
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Scotty Cameron Studio Style Fastback OC Putter
As an extension of the popular Studio Style Fastback design, the Studio Style Fastback OC is a low-torque model featuring the same ring-weighted, high-alignment, multi-material design of the other Fastback models, but with Scotty’s tour-validated OC technology package. Featuring onset center shaft placement behind the putter face’s leading edge, the straight shaft is precisely positioned in line with the putter head’s CG location and leans 1° forward. This allows for low-torque performance and face alignment that stays square to the path.
STUDIO CARBON STEEL (SCS) FACE INSERT
The Studio Style Fastback OC includes a chain-link milled Studio Carbon Steel (SCS) insert for soft sound and feel, treated with an electroless nickel plating for enhanced durability with aerospace-inspired vibration damping for tuned sound, feel and performance.
CUSTOM BLACK SHAFT
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Custom made for the new OC putters, each model includes a special black KBS x Scotty Cameron shaft with optimal flex, unimpeded alignment and precise feel.
CUSTOM MATADOR GRIP
With a debossed chain-link texture built-in, each new OC putter includes a custom 11-inch mid-size Matador grip in black with racy red and cool gray accents.
I like the feel and look of this low-torque putter the best.
Unlike most low-torque designs, this isn’t a high-MOI shape, so it’s easier for someone who has played a blade to transition to it.
What did me in here was the heavier-designed weight, which didn’t totally mesh with my quicker stroke tempo. I also found that I was launching this putter with backspin, again potentially having something to do with the heavier headweight. This could potentially be solved with the adjustable weights, but I haven’t tried that yet.
For someone with a more deliberate pace who likes the soft feel, this could work out really well.
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TaylorMade Spider ZT Black
TaylorMade Spider 5K-ZT Black Putter
LOW TORQUE DESIGN
The KBS putter shaft is bored directly toe-ward near the CG at a 1° shaft lean with 25mm onset behind the face allowing golfers to realize the benefits of a new stable, toe up design.
UNIQUE SOLE SHAPING
New and improved sole shaping to work specifically with this unique hosel configuration, engineers worked tirelessly to find new ways to improve accuracy from the moment the putter is placed behind the ball. The new sole curvature accommodates different player types and ball positions, giving golfers the ability to find a consistent and repeatable stroke.
SPIDER STABILITY
Combining high density stainless steel and low-density aerospace quality aluminum provides the perfect foundation for a design that is high MOI and allows for a shaft orientation that sits closer to the face.
MILLED TRUE PATH™ ALIGNMENT
Based on tour player feedback, we were tasked to find a new premium alignment system. Building on the classic TaylorMade True Path™ technology, milled lines the width of the golf ball were added helping golfers properly index to center face.
This is one of the most popular low-torque putters on the market for good reason.
Due to the Pure Roll insert’s great forward roll, I tried to give this putter as much of a chance as possible after the fitting. But it just didn’t translate to the course, and I found myself trying to steer it.
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If you’re someone who wants a point-and-shoot putter with tons of forgiveness, look no further.
L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i HS
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L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i HS Custom Putter
It’s heel-shafted. It’s still L.A.B. Heel-shafted putters have been around forever. No reason they shouldn’t be balanced. OZ.1i HS is the first heel-shafted putter with Lie Angle Balance, giving golfers the traditional look so many love with the ease of use that defines L.A.B.
This isn’t just an OZ.1 i with a different neck. Lie Angle Balance demands precision, so we re-engineered the OZ.1 i chassis for a no-compromise heel-shafted design. Our proprietary aluminum riser connects the shaft to the head in a way that maintains Lie Angle Balance and delivers the same forgiveness as the OZ.1i.
Golfers who prefer a heel-shafted look no longer have to compromise on performance. And because it’s a L.A.B., you can count on every putter being individually built and balanced. With OZ.1i HS, it’s not where the shaft goes. It’s where the ball goes.
This is my favorite L.A.B. putter so far, but I just didn’t vibe with the super firm feel off the face, despite pairing it with the softer Accra shaft.
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I also used a 0 ° shaft-lean option, which really helped me avoid a left start line.
Honorable mention: Spider Tour Torched Small Slant
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TaylorMade 2026 Spider Tour Small Slant Custom Putter
TORCHED PVD FINISH
The durable PVD coating creates a beautiful high-quality finish.
THIN WALL UNDERCUT CONSTRUCTION
We’ve engineered a super stable structure by removing excess weight to create high MOI and legendary Spider performance.
CG LOCATION PROGRESSION
Each Spider Torched model features different CG locations for optimal putter fitting.
HYBRAR ECHO® DAMPENER
HYBRAR is behind the face to dampen unwanted vibrations, delivering premium sound and feel on every putt with the best possible sensation.
I just received the Spider Tour during the run-up to the release of the 2026 line, and I’ve never had the chance to try out the small slant necks on the Spider before.
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Turns out they work really well with my stroke, and I look forward to more testing. However, I’m not looking to change anything with my gamer at the moment.
Honorable mention: Bettinardi BB28 2026 and Scotty Cameron Catalina
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Scotty Cameron Studio Style Catalina Custom Putter
STUDIO CARBON STEEL (SCS) FACE INSERT
Designed to deliver the unmistakably soft sound and feel of carbon, the new precision milled Studio Carbon Steel (SCS) insert is treated with an electroless nickel plating for enhanced durability in a re-engineered concept that includes the line’s new chain-link face milling technology and aerospace-inspired vibration damping for tuned sound, feel and performance.
CHAIN-LINK FACE MILLING TECHNOLOGY
New chain-link face milling technology reduces the putter face insert’s touch points at impact with the ball using a texture that softens the sound and provides improved roll characteristics while preserving feel and feedback off the putter face.
FULL CONTACT SLIM GRIP
With a comfortable chain-link texture to match the new putter face milling pattern, the custom crafted Full Contact Slim paddle-style grip was designed to complement stroke and performance of blade and mid-mallet putters. Its uniquely contoured profile and flat top provide superior comfort and contact between the hands and the putter, and enhanced body alignment.
MID-BEND SHAFT
The Studio Style Catalina is designed with a stepless steel shaft engineered to minimize face rotation—or arc—in the putting stroke by incorporating a single “mid” bend aimed directly down the target line.
SAN FRANCISCO — Gabby Williams scored 16 points, Kaila Charles came of the bench to finish with 13 points, eight rebounds and five assists, and the Golden State Valkyries beat the Los Angeles Sparks 78-58 on Monday night for their third straight win.
Rae Burrell scored 13 points for the Sparks while Kelsey Plum and Nneka Ogwumike were held to nine points apiece in an off-night shooting for Los Angeles, which had a three-game winning streak snapped.
Charles scored the final seven points of the first half and went 5 of 7 from the floor overall with two 3-pointers for Golden State, helping the Valkyries build a 45-26 lead at the break. Veronica Burton scored 12 points and Cecilia Zandalasini contributed 10 for the Valkyries.
They made eight of their first 13 shots to take a quick lead and 25-10 advantage after one quarter. They pushed the ball inside all game for 36 points in the paint and scored 30 bench points.
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Sparks guard Kate Martin received a warm welcome back — a video tribute and rousing ovation from the sellout crowd at Chase Center — after she played the inaugural 2025 season for Golden State and started this year with the team.
She had three points, three rebounds and a pair of assists in 11 minutes.
Golden State jumped out to an 8-0 lead making three of its first six shots while Los Angeles missed its first five before Plum hit a 3 with 6:43 left in the opening quarter.
Veteran and former Stanford star Ogwumike missed her first three shots as Los Angeles began 3 of 13 and 1 for 6 from deep. The Sparks wound up 33.3% on field goals.
We live in a college football world of lists, rankings, and countdowns. Many players on Notre Dame’s roster have been talked about and written about over the last few months — so let’s fall in line.
This will be my official Top 20 Notre Dame Football Players ranking. I will unveil each player, and list the three things I like about them. It seems simple enough, but I have no doubt that some of these ratings will be highly criticized, but you can always share your thoughts in the comments below.
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#54 ANTHONIE KNAPP OL
Veteran by fire
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With all due respect to the other Notre Dame offensive linemen, there really isn’t one that I trust more than Knapp. Without expectation, Knapp was forced into action at a position he wasn’t recruited for, and helped get the Fighting Irish to the National Championship game. He put in the work — as arduous as it was.
Unselfish at an unselfish position
Knapp is moving inside in 2026. Left tackle is a glory position in football, and Knapp has played it well for the past two seasons, but there are better fits at left tackle than him — and that’s fine (and he knows it’s fine).
Best is yet to come
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This definitely ties in with the above reason, but no matter… I fully believe knapp is about to have a breakthrough season at left guard. While some would say he has already broken through as the starter at LT for the last two seasons (and only allowed 1 sack in 334 pass blocking attempts) and they would be right — but now he is going to where he was meant to be, and that means Notre Dame’s line is only going to be better for it in 2026.
Iran began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a spirited 2-2 draw against New Zealand in Los Angeles on Tuesday morning, but football was only part of the story as political tensions, protests and a dispute over pre-revolutionary Iranian flags formed the backdrop to the Group G encounter.
Twice New Zealand took the lead through Eli Just and twice Iran responded, first via veteran defender Ramin Rezaeian and later through Mohamed Mohebi’s superb second-half header.
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The result leaves all four teams in Group G level on one point after Belgium and Egypt also played out a 1-1 draw earlier in the day.
New Zealand strike first as Just shines
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New Zealand made the brighter start and were rewarded when Elijah Just volleyed home from close range after being picked out by captain Chris Wood.
The goal gave the All Whites an early advantage and briefly silenced large sections of a crowd that appeared overwhelmingly supportive of Iran.
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Team Melli gradually settled into the contest and found a route back into the match shortly after the half-hour mark.
Following a blocked effort inside the penalty area, Rezaeian reacted quickest to poke the loose ball beyond the advancing goalkeeper and restore parity.
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The equaliser sparked loud celebrations among Iranian supporters, many of whom had spent the build-up to the game navigating the emotional intersection of football and politics.
Just and Wood combine again
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New Zealand regained control early in the second half through another piece of quality involving their two standout performers.
The move began on the left flank through Liberato Cacace before Just drove forward and exchanged passes with Wood. The veteran striker returned the ball with a clever lay-off, allowing Just to race through and finish emphatically past Alireza Beiranvand.
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The strike restored New Zealand’s lead and threatened to derail Iran’s comeback hopes.
Mohebi’s moment of magic
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Iran’s response arrived 10 minutes later and featured one of the finest goals of the tournament so far.
A magnificent diagonal pass switched play from the left side of the pitch to the advancing Ramin Rezaeian on the right flank. The experienced defender controlled the ball, steadied himself and delivered a precise cross into the area.
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Mohebi escaped the attention of defender Michael Boxall and met the delivery with a glancing header that flew in off the far post.
The finish gave the goalkeeper no chance and ensured Iran secured a share of the points.
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For Iran, the goal was reward for their persistence. For New Zealand, it extended an unwanted statistic as the All Whites remain without a victory in seven World Cup matches.
Anthem boos and divided loyalties
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The football unfolded against a politically charged backdrop.
Before kick-off, some supporters booed Iran’s national anthem while others responded by loudly chanting “Iran, Iran” throughout the match.
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The atmosphere reflected divisions within sections of the Iranian-American community, many of whom remain deeply split over how to support the national team while also expressing opposition to the government in Tehran.
Outside SoFi Stadium, several hundred protesters gathered carrying anti-government placards and banners.
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Some Iranian supporters said attending the match would amount to endorsing the current regime, while others argued that the players should be supported regardless of political developments.
The tensions were heightened by the broader geopolitical situation involving Iran and the United States, adding another layer of significance to the fixture.
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Pre-revolutionary flags return despite FIFA ban
One of the biggest talking points came from the stands, where dozens of supporters displayed Iran’s pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag despite FIFA’s efforts to prohibit it.
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The flag, associated with Iran’s Shah-led monarchy before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has become a symbol used by sections of the Iranian diaspora and opponents of the current government.
In one particularly symbolic moment, a group of supporters unfurled the flags in response to the display of the official Iranian state flag during pre-match ceremonies.
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Iran’s Pre-revolutionary flags return despite FIFA ban
Although FIFA had secured legal backing for its ban only hours before the match, several supporters appeared to have brought the flags into the venue.
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Court upholds FIFA’s decision
The controversy had reached the courts on the eve of the match.
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An Iranian supporter, backed by the Institute for Voice of Liberty, challenged FIFA’s decision to prohibit the Lion and Sun flag from World Cup venues, arguing that the restriction infringed freedom of speech.
The case was heard at an emergency hearing in Los Angeles just hours before kick-off.
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Judge Curtis A. Kin rejected the challenge and ruled that FIFA’s ban could remain in force.
“Free speech is incredibly important, it is sacred, a bedrock of our society, but it is not without limitation, such as private actor, on private property, and as shown by previous cases, regulating in reasonable way. I deny the application.”
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The judge also cited practical concerns around security and event management.
“There may be harm to some 2,500 staff members who have to deal with safety protocols,” he said.
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“It is a tremendous burden to change a long-standing stadium protocol for a massive event in a period of hours.”
FIFA’s political balancing act
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FIFA has consistently argued that political symbols should not be displayed inside World Cup venues.
Its tournament regulations prohibit banners, flags and other materials deemed political, offensive or discriminatory.
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The governing body has maintained that the restrictions are intended to preserve security and ensure football remains free from political messaging.
Yet the scenes in Los Angeles illustrated how difficult that task can be when national identity, political opposition and global sporting events collide.
Jesse Rodriguez became a three-division world champion on Saturday when he halted Antonio Vargas inside six rounds, but a further move up to face pound-for-pound rival Naoya Inoue may be stalled.
Following Inoue’s latest defence of the undisputed super-bantamweight world titles against Junto Nakatani last month, Rodriguez has been the name that he has been linked to with many reports suggesting it is in the works to take place next.
‘Bam’ vacated his unified super-flyweight world titles and, at the weekend, made his bantamweight debut, claiming Vargas’ WBA title via sixth-round knockout. Despite the statement win, many feel that the move up in size was noticeable and took its toll.
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Speaking on the DAZN broadcast, his trainer Robert Garcia confirmed that he wants Rodriguez to ‘pace himself’ and have one more fight at bantamweight before moving up to 122lbs and challenging for Inoue’s throne.
“After the fight, he did tell me, ‘Listen, I did feel the strength’, he is a bigger guy so why would we go straight into another division which is going to make a big difference. We have got to pace ourselves.”
“I have no doubt that he is going to go out there and perform against Inoue and that he is going to beat Inoue. But, I need that one more fight before that.”
When discussing possible bantamweight opponents, Garcia then picked WBO champion Christian Medina over WBC ruler and brother of ‘The Monster’, Takuma Inoue.
“Me personally, I would prefer Medina because he is a very strong fighter and he is going to give us a test.”
Whilst Rodriguez is eyeing up unifications, he has also been ordered to take on WBA ‘champion-in-recess’, Seiya Tsutsumi, and will be stripped of the WBA title if he fails to face him within six months of Saturday’s win.
A huge return of a former United States Champion happened much earlier than expected, and the star made a career-changing offer to Je’Von Evans. This, however, was rejected.
This week on RAW, Je’Von Evans was out and wanted to make his next moves. He was immediately cut off by Logan Paul, who recently underwent surgery to fix an issue with his triceps. However, he shockingly returned on the June 15 episode of RAW, wearing a brace, of course. His arm was completely covered, and he asked fans and Je’Von if they were surprised at his return. Nobody seemed particularly happy about it, although it was quite surprising because nobody expected to see him until the latter part of this year. But that doesn’t mean that he can’t appear anyway – it simply means he can’t compete.
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Thanks for the submission!
Logan Paul and Austin Theory entered the ring and offered Je’Von Evans a spot in The Vision. When Evans thoroughly rejected them, they both told him that it wasn’t a request, it was a mandate. Evans still rejected this, leading to a match against Austin Theory.
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There was no doubt that joining The Vision would have been a career-changing move for the young OG. However, he could also argue that he doesn’t need The Vision to alter the course of his career. Evans is one of WWE‘s hottest young prospects and is still in his early 20s. It’s not often you see superstars this young getting a shot on the main roster.
The Vision might end up having more success with female superstar Maxxine Dupri. For a few weeks now, Dupri has been engaged in and invested in conversations with Austin Theory backstage, and all signs point to her potentially leaving The Alpha Academy to join The Vision. Evans paid the price during his match against Theory.
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After a seven-day battle that spanned multiple courtrooms, Brendan Sorsby has decided that he will not play college football this season at Texas Tech.
The decision comes on the same day that the Big 12 filed a lawsuit in a Texas federal court that was aimed at being provided the power to sanction Texas Tech for playing the quarterback this season, even with the NCAA ruling him ineligible to play.
Over the past three months, Sorsby had been embroiled in an NCAA investigation tied to thousands of bets placed during his college career, with a number of them coming while he was on the roster at Indiana. These bets were flagged by law enforcement officials, who then turned them over to the NCAA.
During these last few weeks, Sorsby filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in Lubbock district court, where an injunction was granted that would have allowed him to suit up this season for the Red Raiders. Then came the backlash from across college athletics, with the Big 12 conference searching for ways in which it could possibly punish Texas Tech.
That lawsuit from Sorsby is expected to be dropped on Tuesday morning, sources tell OutKick. The school will also continue to support the quarterback in his battle off the field with an addiction to gambling.
Also, Texas Tech officials are not going to be seeking a return of money already paid to Sorsby, with sources noting that the quarterback had already taken home a significant amount of earnings.
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Board of Regents chair, Cody Campbell, released a statement on Monday night, confirming these details.
“Texas Tech will not seek return of any amounts already paid to Brendan through his NIL agreements with the University,” Campbell noted.
Future Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby shouts during the first half of the game between the Houston Cougars and Texas Tech Red Raiders at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas, on Jan. 24, 2026.(John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
This quickly got out of control for Red Raiders
The unfortunate part for all involved was how far Texas Tech was going in its route to potentially get him on the field this season. Last week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a letter to Big 12 officials, warning them that if the conference were to punish the school for playing Sorsby, the state would take them to court in return.
Then came a scathing letter from Sorsby’s attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, who also threatened to sue the Big 12 conference, on behalf of Texas Tech, if there were any punishments handed down by the conference.
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Quarterback Brendan Sorsby of the Cincinnati Bearcats speaks with the media during Big 12 Media Days at The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on July 8, 2025.(Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
To make the situation even messier, Texas Tech officials released a 21-minute video last week, where they went over certain guardrails that were put into place for Sorsby once he was granted an injunction.
The video was obviously not received well, and officials at Texas Tech were enduring a tremendous amount of backlash from opposing conference leaders from across the Big 12.
After Big 12 filed lawsuit, pressure intensified for Sorsby and Texas Tech
Over the last 24 hours, the conversation shifted within Lubbock, as the school knew that Big 12 officials were preparing to file a federal lawsuit regarding Sorsby.
Those within Sorsby’s inner circle were starting to feel the pressure to go ahead and enter his name into the NFL Supplemental draft, and not have to deal with the immense pressure that was not going away any time soon.
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“I have no idea why they would try to justify this over the past week, it just made zero sense. The amount of heat that young man was getting, along with what was still to come, was not worth the hassle,” one Power Four athletic director told OutKIck. “Texas Tech should’ve made this decision on their own when he was first confronted by the NCAA. This is the reason why we have language in rev-share and NIL contracts that also correlate with NCAA rules.
“Once the school knew rules had been broken, this should have been the end of the conversation.”
Brendan Sorsby of the Cincinnati Bearcats looks on before the game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Nov. 1, 2025.(Bryan Byerly/ISI Photos)
In reality, Texas Tech overplayed its hand in this one, and the past few days that included Cody Campbell making an appearance on the Dan Dakich show and trying to compare the situation to the fallout at Penn State with Jerry Sandusky only made this worse.
Now, for all of the damage this has done over the past few weeks, Sorsby will move on to a professional career. In the meantime, Texas Tech will do whatever is needed to repair any type of fractured relationships within the Big 12 this has caused.
For Brendan Sorsby, the focus will be on his continued battle with a gambling addiction, while he also prepares himself for life outside of college football.
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Trey Wallace is the Sr. College Sports Reporter for OutKick.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Iran opened its politically charged World Cup by playing to a 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday night, overcoming two deficits and getting the tying goal from Mohammad Mohebbi in the 64th minute.
Ramin Rezaeian scored an early goal and assisted on Mohebbi’s goal for the Iranians, whose World Cup cycle has been in upheaval since the U.S. and Israel began a war against Iran on Feb. 28. Iran ultimately decided to compete even after FIFA rejected its request to move its three group-stage matches out of the U.S.
Iran moved its training base during the tournament from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, and the team is flying into the U.S. on the day before each game before returning quickly to Mexico. Captain Mehdi Taremi acknowledged that this World Cup has been a difficult experience, containing little of the joy that soccer represents to him and his teammates.
Team Melli began the tournament before a strong pro-Iranian crowd at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles, which has the world’s largest population of Iranians outside Iran.
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While several hundred Iranian Americans protested the government outside, many fans from the diaspora jeered and turned their backs on the field during the national anthem — but almost all appeared to support the Iranian players once the match kicked off.
Elijah Just scored early in each half for New Zealand, but Iran responded twice to keep the All Whites winless in their World Cup history. New Zealand still matched its entire goal total from each of its two previous World Cup runs while posting an impressive result against a team ranked 65 places higher by FIFA.
After the raucous pre-game atmosphere, New Zealand stunned the crowd in the seventh minute when captain Chris Wood intercepted a goal kick and eventually forced the ball to Just, who volleyed home a beautiful goal in traffic.
Iran found its footing and equalized in the 32nd minute when Rezaeian chipped a goal with the outside of his boot.
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Just connected again in the 54th minute with more help from Wood, who held up play and found Just for a shot through traffic.
But Iran equalized again in the 64th minute when Rezaeian put a perfect long pass on the head of Mohebbi. Both teams had scoring chances afterward, but couldn’t connect.
Players from both teams embraced and shook hands after the final whistle, with at least one jersey swap occurring. While Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei sat by himself in the dugout, his players gathered together and walked around the field applauding their thousands of flag-waving, roaring fans.
Iran is ranked 20th in its seventh World Cup appearance, including four straight. Team Melli has never advanced from the group stage.
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New Zealand qualified for its first World Cup since 2010 despite being the lowest-rated team in the field, entering at 85th in the world. The All Whites seized the first automatic qualifying berth for the 13-member Oceania Football Confederation after the World Cup expanded to 48 teams.
On tonight’s episode of WWE RAW, Chad Gable faced off against Rusev in a highly anticipated singles match. After the bout, a Hall of Famer rushed down to the ring to save Gable from the post-match attack.
Rusev did not come to the ring alone, as he was accompanied by Ethan Page. The latter made his presence felt early and got involved in the bout multiple times to give the Bulgarian Brute an advantage.
Thanks for the submission!
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As the match began, Rusev used his massive size and strength advantage to completely overpower Gable. The 40-year-old star executed quick single-leg takedowns to keep Rusev grounded.
Despite Page’s distractions, Gable shifted the momentum by hitting a rolling neckbreaker. He stopped Rusev from stomping him and delivered an Angle Slam. Chad Gable then made Rusev tap out to his Ankle Lock and won the match.
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The bell rang, but the celebration was short-lived for the Olympian on WWE RAW. Right after the match ended, Ethan Page stormed the ring. He ambushed Chad Gable from behind and brutally beat down the exhausted superstar. Rusev quickly joined him, making it a severe two-on-one assault. The duo stomped Gable into the mat, and it looked like things were going to get much worse.
However, suddenly, the arena erupted, and WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio rushed to make the save. Ethan Page tried to go toe-to-toe with Mysterio in the middle of the ring, but the veteran was too quick. Mysterio hit a flurry of strikes and sent Page packing to the outside.
The chaos did not stop there as Dragon Lee rushed out to back up his mentor. Gable stood tall in the ring alongside Mysterio and Lee. Rusev and Page retreated up the ramp, realizing they were completely outnumbered.
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Last week on the red brand, Chad Gable rushed the ring to save the WWE Hall of Famer from Rusev and Ethan Page’s attack, and this week Mysterio returned the favor.
It remains to be seen if a tag team match between the two teams takes place in the future.
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Saudi Arabia continued their impressive record against South American teams at the World Cup after earning a 1-1 draw against Uruguay in their opening Group H match.
The Green Falcons shocked the football world at the 2022 World Cup when they defeated Argentina, who later went on to win the tournament. This time, Saudi Arabia were close to another famous victory before Uruguay fought back late in the game.
Saudi Arabia took the lead four minutes before half-time through Abdulelah Al Amri. The defender reacted quickest after Hassan Al Tambakti’s powerful header from a corner was pushed away by Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
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The goal gave Saudi Arabia a deserved advantage and raised hopes of another memorable World Cup upset.
Uruguay struggled to create clear chances in the first half, and coach Marcelo Bielsa responded by making two substitutions at the break, including replacing former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez.
The changes improved Uruguay’s performance as they increased the pressure on the Saudi defence. Goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais produced several important saves, including a fine stop to push Manuel Ugarte’s low effort onto the post.
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Uruguay finally found an equaliser with 10 minutes remaining. Maxi Araujo was in the right place to score after Al Owais had saved Federico Vinas’ header.
Al Owais continued to shine and finished the match with nine saves. One of his best moments came in stoppage time when he tipped a powerful strike from Federico Valverde around the post to secure a valuable point for his team.
Uruguay ended the game with 28 shots but could not find a winner thanks to Saudi Arabia’s determined defending and excellent goalkeeping.
Following Cape Verde’s surprise draw against Spain, Group H remains wide open. Saudi Arabia will now hope to build on this result as they chase a place in the knockout stage for the first time since the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
Sep 27, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Minnesota Vikings fans tour the city. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings just finished off mandatory minicamp (read some coverage on VT in Exhibit A, Exhibit B, Exhibit C, and Exhibit D). Next up is training camp, something that gets rolling in 47 days, at least as it relates to fans being welcome.
The word arrives courtesy of the team itself. The critical date to know is Saturday, August 1st. Check out the blurb: “Training Camp kicks off Saturday, August 1 with Back Together Weekend: Saturday Edition In addition to practice, the day will feature MVC and SKOL Line performances, player autographs, and, new this year, the integration of Legends Weekend. The Omni Hospitality Tent will feature a Legends Q&A available as part of an upgraded experience.”
The Minnesota Vikings Set August 1st as Key Date for Fans
Lifting the information from the team website means relaying certain key dates.
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On August 1st, the Vikings will welcome fans for the beginning of training camp. Safe to say that all eyes will be on the QB battle even as there are a variety of broader stories that are worth fan interest. The team’s first padded practice takes place on August 3rd. The practice on August 4th will involve a girls flag football clinic.
Reasonably humdrum training camp practices will take place on August 5th and then from August 7th-9th, all of which are open to fans.
Circle Saturday, August 9th as a key date since it’s the night practice that will take place at TCO Stadium. There are then a cluster of three practices ranging from August 11th to 13th. A practice on August 17th is the next one that’s open to fans.
But then there are two that everyone is circling: August 19th and August 20th. The Baltimore Ravens are in town, meaning there will be 180 players battling on the same field(s). Pure chaos that’s a ton of fun to watch.
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Getting a ticket costs $10 for adults. The youngsters (17 and under, per the team) get in at just $5. All things considered, that’s a decent deal in this topsy-turvy world of ours.
Nov 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) and Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Keep in mind that the Minnesota Vikings have a trio of preseason games. The schedule:
Saturday, August 15th, 2026: at New York Giants (12 p.m.)
Saturday, August 22nd, 2026: Baltimore Ravens (12 p.m.)
Friday, August 28th, 2026: at Denver Broncos (8 p.m.)
Currently, the football news is pretty skimpy. Sitting in the middle of June means operating from within one of the unique parts of the calendar where the Vikings aren’t offering at least some form of real football news. What’s notable about today’s update, though, is that the countdown is officially on.
The players and coaches will get to work ahead of that August 1st date. Welcoming fans does have a firm timeline that means people can start making plans to visit Eagan.
;)
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