Nov 28, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) looks on during the third quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
After months of rumors and speculation, the 2026 NFL Draft is finally upon us.
With just a few days until the draft officially begins on Thursday, April 23, here is my final 2026 NFL mock draft before the event officially gets underway.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
This is the only “sure thing” of this spring’s draft. Fernando Mendoza is the top quarterback prospect this spring; the Las Vegas Raiders have a need at quarterback even with the signing of Kirk Cousins. Mendoza will be wearing black and silver by the end of Thursday night.
Advertisement
2. New York Jets: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Arvell Reese is an interesting prospect, and that is precisely why Aaron Glenn is going to want to take a chance on him for his defense. The New York Jets just overhauled their defense this past season by trading away Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, and now they need to start finding new cornerstones to build around. Reese’s versatility to play both as an edge rusher and as an off-ball linebacker will propel him to second overall. At just 20 years old, there is plenty of time for him to develop either skill.
3. Arizona Cardinals: OLB David Bailey, Texas Tech
David Bailey is a prototypical edge rusher with great size and athletic ability. The Cardinals certainly could be considering offensive tackle here, but Bailey looks like one of the few “sure thing: prospects this spring, making him hard to pass up.
A decade after the Tennessee Titans landed Derrick Henry in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, they are hoping to find their next franchise running back. Jeremiyah Love is arguably the best player in this draft class, and he will put together plenty of explosive plays for the Titans.
A true off-ball linebacker hasn’t been selected in the top five since Devin White in 2019, but Sonny Styles has the talent to buck that trend. Styles has tremendous size and instincts at the linebacker position, and he showed off every ounce of his ridiculous athleticism at the combine. John Harbaugh loves getting difference makers at this middle linebacker spot, and he gets one here.
6. Cleveland Browns: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
The path has been clear for Cleveland for a while: wide receiver and offensive tackle in the first round. They get the first half of that job taken care of here by landing Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, who is the latest in a long line of Buckeye receivers headed to the NFL as first-round prospects.
7. Washington Commanders: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Wide receiver certainly is a need for Washington, but they also need to figure things out on defense in 2026. They added a few players to their defensive front in free agency, but the cornerback position still has question marks. They land this year’s CB1.
8. New Orleans Saints: OLB Rueben Bain, Miami
Rueben Bain has a couple things working against him heading into this draft. He has very short arms, and his off-the-field issues could cause a pretty big tumble down the draft board. However, the Kansas City Chiefs need to find someone who can consistently play opposite George Karlaftis. Bain didn’t get short arms overnight, and he was consistently productive in college. He should still land somewhere in the top 10.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
The Chiefs have parted ways with Jawaan Taylor, and for now, their solution has been Jaylon Moore, who is not a proven player. They go ahead and take one of the top offensive tackles in this class to create a long-term solution at that spot.
Advertisement
10. New York Giants (via CIN): S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
This may be a bit more of a tumble than some expect for Caleb Downs, but as a safety, it’s hard to know exactly when NFL teams will feel comfortable taking him despite the talent and upside. New York just acquired the 10th overall pick by trading away Dexter Lawrence, and after grabbing Styles with the fifth overall pick, they are now the winners of the night by also landing Downs.
11. Miami Dolphins: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
The Miami Dolphins desperately need to build up their offensive tackle situation in this draft, especially without there being a QB worth taking at this point, and Spencer Fano is a player who has the versatility to either play tackle or at guard on either side of the line.
12. Dallas Cowboys: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Dallas fielded one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season, and they need help all over. Dillon Thieneman can be an anchor on the backend capable of playing free safety while also helping out in run support.
Sep 27, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) reacts after defeating the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Outside of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, a pair of precision route runners, the Rams don’t have a ton of options at wide receiver right now. Jordyn Tyson’s injury history could make some NFL teams wary of picking him early, but the Rams need a true deep threat to open things up in the passing game.
14. Baltimore Ravens: G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
The Ravens just have a knack for landing top talent at a position in the draft. This time, they land the top guard on the board to shore up their interior offensive line and protect Lamar Jackson.
Advertisement
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy lost his 2025 season to injury, but the tape from 2024 speaks for itself. He is one of the best cornerbacks in this draft class, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers desperately need some help at the position.
16. New York Jets (via IND): WR Makai Lemon, USC
If the Jets are going to have any success with Geno Smith as their new quarterback, they need to figure out the WR2 spot opposite Garrett Wilson. Makai Lemon is an explosive athlete who can take on the role in New York.
17. Detroit Lions: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
Edge rusher could be high on Detroit’s list, but Dan Campbell is going to get back to his roots this season and find a player that bites kneecaps. Kayden McDonald can be a true nose tackle player at the NFL level, and the Lions need to be much better at defending the run in 2026. McDonald will be a cornerstone for a team that had defensive tackle struggles last year.
18. Minnesota Vikings: DT Caleb Banks, Florida
The Minnesota Vikings spent big at defensive tackle last offseason with signings of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, but neither really panned out. Brian Flores has had success in Minnesota without true difference makers at the position, but if the Vikings are ever going to take the next step toward being a contender, they need to find that difference maker. Caleb Banks put together a ridiculous combine despite performing on a foot injury, and once that heals up, he will be a starter at the NFL level.
Advertisement
19. Carolina Panthers: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Three straight drafts with wide receiver selections in the first round may seem like a lot for Carolina, but it’s warranted here. The Panthers are in now or never territory with Bryce Young, so they go all in on giving him as much talent at the position as possible.
Dallas doubles up in the secondary here to help a defense that allowed the most passing yards, second-most passing touchdowns, and tied the second-fewest interceptions in the NFL last year. With Jermod McCoy out last year, Colton Hood stepped up as a true CB1 for Tennessee last season, and that emergence propels him into the first round.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
The Pittsburgh Steelers need as much help at wide receiver as they can get right now, and Omar Cooper is a versatile player who can line up outside or in the slot. That versatility along with his athleticism and large catch radius will make him a favorite target for Aaron Rodgers or whoever is at quarterback this fall.
Jan 1, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) runs against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the second half of the 2026 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
22. Los Angeles Chargers: G Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
It may be early for another guard to go off the board, but the Chargers can’t risk there being a run at the position between now and their next pick at No. 55. Chase Bisontis is a bulldog in the middle of the offensive line, and he will open up plenty of running lanes for Omarion Hampton. Jim Harbaugh will love having him on his team.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
The Philadelphia Eagles love planning for the future with their high end picks, and this selection comes at the perfect time with Lane Johnson missing eight games in 2025. Howie Roseman grabs the future Hall of Famer’s successor here in the massive 6’7″, 352-pound frame of Kadyn Proctor.
Advertisement
24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Cleveland’s job comes to completion here with the selection of Monroe Freeling. While he is still a bit raw with only 17 collegiate starts under his belt, Freeling showed up for the Bulldogs in 2025 as a great pass protector. The Browns were not good in that department last season, so hopefully, this can be a solution.
25. Chicago Bears: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
After back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons for Jaylon Johnson, he missed a large chunk of the 2025 season because of injury. As of now, the Bears aren’t necessarily in desperate need of a cornerback, but they are an injury away from being in that situation. Chris Johnson is a great security blanket with the talent to blossom into a starter as a boundary CB.
26. Buffalo Bills: OLB Malachi Lawrence, UCF
The Bills have both Greg Rousseau and Bradley Chubb on the roster, but both players utilize more power than athleticism and explosive ability to get after quarterbacks. Malachi Lawrence can bring that energy to the defensive front while also being a capable run stopper. He’s a player that can be on the field at all times and carve a role out for himself.
27. San Francisco 49ers: OLB Akheem Mesidor, Miami
John Lynch said at the combine that his team would address their pass rush in this year’s draft, and they do exactly that here in the first round with the selection of Akheem Mesidor. He brings relentless effort with multiple moves in his tool bag to get around opposing tackles to run down quarterbacks.
Advertisement
28. Houston Texans: OT Blake Miller, Clemson
The offensive line has been a fickle position group for the Texans They started the rebuilding process with the signings of Braden Smith and Wyatt Teller as well as a new contract for Ed Ingram, but that can’t be the end of their improvements. Blake Miller gives the Texans an answer for their other tackle spot.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR): TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq to the Chiefs is too easy of a fit. Travis Kelce very well could be entering his final NFL season, and we have seen some cracks in the armor over the past couple seasons that have contributed to delaying another Lombardi Trophy coming to Kansas City. Sadiq is the successor who could end up taking on the majority of the snaps by the end of the season.
Dec 7, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) reacts after a touchdown during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 2024 Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
The Dolphins addressed one side of the trenches earlier in this draft, and now they go ahead and grab an athletic pass rushing presence for their pass rush. Keldric Faulk is an explosive player, and he is much more impactful than the two sacks he recorded last season suggest.
31. New England Patriots: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
A lot of things went wrong for the New England Patriots in last season’s Super Bowl, but the main takeaway was their offensive line needs to be better for the next time they get in that position. Caleb Lomu could play either at tackle or guard at the NFL level, and New England will take either at this point.
32. Seattle Seahawks: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has been a steady riser throughout this draft process, and it culminates with him sneaking into the end of the first round. He is a massive player at 6’3″ and has terrific ball instincts when passes are headed his way. He can step up and contribute as a blitzer as well. It’s not the biggest need in the world for Seattle, but they go ahead and make an already great defense even better here.
Advertisement
Josh Frey is a senior writer at both PurplePTSD.com and VikingsTerritory.com, with a fascination for the NFL Draft. To … More about Josh Frey
A Clemson Tigers helmet rests on the sideline bench at BB&T Field, on Oct 6, 2018 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, sitting unattended during game action against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons as players remained on the field in the middle of a competitive ACC matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings have nine picks between now and Saturday evening, but everyone cares about the first one at the moment. Accordingly, we’re here to publish our 1st-Round prognostication for the Vikings, and in 2026, that’s defensive tackle Peter Woods, whether via trade or remaining at the No. 18 spot.
Woods gives Minnesota juice inside.
Interim general manager Rob Brzeznski could reasonably pick about 10 different players, and no one would be too befuddled, but for the official forecast, we say Woods.
Advertisement
Woods Fits the Vikings’ Long-Term Defensive Plan
The Clemson DT could marry “best player available” and roster need.
Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) stands on the field during pregame warmups as he prepares for a high-profile matchup, showcasing his size and presence along the defensive front on Aug. 31, 2024, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta before Clemson faced Georgia in a nationally watched season opener. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images.
The Main Case for Woods
Brian Flores presumably has more control over the defensive personnel now that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is no longer employed, and when he ran the Miami Dolphins, his very first draft pick seven years ago was Christian Wilkins, a defensive tackle.
Meanwhile, Minnesota tossed Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave to the curb in March, signing no replacements from free agency. If the Vikings’ season started tonight, they’d play Jalen Redmond, Levi Rodriguez, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins in the middle of the defensive line. It is unclear if that’s enough oomph and experience.
Advertisement
Too, Minnesota has drafted offensive players in Round 1 in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025. It’s time for a defensive player.
Woods is gettable at pick No. 18 and possibly after a slight trade back. He’s also the top defensive tackle in the draft, per most pundits. So, we say Woods to Minnesota on Thursday night.
Dropping Allen and Hargrave Isn’t Nothing
During Adofo-Mensah’s final free agency, he added two starting defensive tackles: Allen and Hargrave. The excitement was palpable because, although not overly young, the two had plenty of experience and Hargrave had a Pro Bowl to his name. Then, the regular season played out, with each man playing decently but nowhere near the value of their contracts.
Advertisement
So, the Vikings kicked them out. Allen landed in Cincinnati and will play next to Sexy Dexter Lawrence. Hargrave picked the Green Bay Packers.
Combined, the pair played over 1,300 defensive snaps. It would just seem strange to hand those snaps to Rodriguez and Ingram-Dawkins. The Vikings would be gambling on “maybes.”
Therefore, the evidence points to a DT addition early in the draft. Remember: in 2023, Minnesota needed a wide receiver. It drafted Jordan Addison. In 2024, it needed a quarterback. J.J. McCarthy was the first pick. How about 2025? A guard was the most pressing need. Donovan Jackson joined the Vikings. If you don’t overcomplicate it, Woods to Minnesota make sense.
Time to End the Drought
Advertisement
The Vikings haven’t drafted an interior defensive lineman in the first three rounds of the draft since 2013. If you remember Sharfif Floyd, he was the last guy. Minnesota got away with this, mainly because Linval Joseph cooked for six seasons.
Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods (11) celebrates after bringing down Duke quarterback Darian Mensah (10), flashing his interior pass-rush ability and energy following a key defensive play on Nov. 1, 2025, at Memorial Stadium in Clemson during an ACC matchup that highlighted his disruptive presence. Mandatory Credit: Alex Martin-Imagn Images.
Generally speaking, the Vikings and all other teams should take a swing at a promising DT at least once every five or eight years or so. In that regard, the purple team is overdue.
Draft Woods. End the drought. Complement the Vikings’ fantastic outside linebackers from the inside out.
Get to Know Woods
At 6’2″ and 300 pounds, Woods possesses surprising agility for his size. His exceptional 4.75-second forty-yard dash, especially notable for a defensive tackle, demonstrates a quick first step and impressive leverage when engaging opponents. His signature swipe move is particularly effective on film, allowing him to penetrate the backfield rapidly. Over his last two seasons at Clemson, he amassed 5 sacks and consistently disrupted plays.
Advertisement
The Ringer‘s Todd McShay on Woods: “He locates the ball quickly, violently sheds blocks as a run defender, and uses his quick hands and feet to make plays in the backfield. He’s on the lighter side (298 pounds) with shorter arms (31 1/4 inches), and the latter shows up on tape. He can win with his hands and still get stuck on the block as a pass rusher.”
“He doesn’t get enough separation to locate the ball at times as a run defender. He gets washed down the line of scrimmage and needs to do a better job of getting vertical when defending zone runs. And he’s an inconsistent tackler. He has upside as a pass rusher, but he did not take the next step as one in 2025.”
For context, defensive tackles often take a few years to hit their groove — longer than players at other positions — so Woods may not be a total stud as a rookie. Give him time.
Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) walks through the stadium before kickoff, focused and composed as he prepares for a rivalry matchup on Nov. 29, 2025, at Williams-Brice Stadium, with his size and build standing out among players during pregame arrivals ahead of Clemson’s regular-season finale. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images.
McShay continued, “His hands are powerful, and he has an effective push-pull move. He can advance his rush while remaining engaged when he stays low. Woods compares well with New England defensive tackle Milton Williams, who lacks ideal length and mass but wins with his hands and athletic ability.”
“He should compete for a starting role as a rookie. Woods compares well with New England defensive tackle Milton Williams, who lacks ideal length and mass but wins with his hands and athletic ability. He should compete for a starting role as a rookie.”
Advertisement
McShay also mock-drafted Woods to Minnesota on Wednesday in his final set of predictions.
Woods turned 21 last month.
If the Woods prediction is wrong, the Vikings will likely draft Dillon Thieneman (Oregon), Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo), or Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) instead.
LPGA star Charley Hull resumes the quest for her first major title this week at the 2026 Chevron Championship. While Hull will be too busy playing to catch much action on TV, this week presents the type of golf she still enjoys watching.
However, the genre of golf male pros play most weeks on the PGA Tour is not the popular English pro’s cup of tea.
Hull revealed that she doesn’t “really watch golf” when she’s not competing and laid one specific reason she finds the modern pro game “boring” in her Chevron Championship press conference.
Charley Hull on modern golf: ‘It’s quite boring watching a birdiefest’
Hull, 30, has three LPGA wins in her career and is currently ranked No. 4 in the world. She turned pro way back in 2013, and in that time she’s seen pro golf change drastically.
Advertisement
Those changes hit the men’s game hardest, where increases in distance has turned every regular PGA Tour event into a “birdiefest,” as Hull described them on Tuesday.
The majors, on the other hand, have undergone less change. In both the men’s and women’s game, major courses typically feature treacherous setups meant to provide fierce challenges to the best players in the game.
Hull is expecting this week’s Chevron Championship to follow that tradition, requiring players to hit long irons into many greens. That’s exactly how Hull thinks it should be at a major, and why she doesn’t usually watch non-major golf on TV.
Advertisement
To put it more simply, she prefers watching pros “when they’re struggling.”
“I much prefer that. I think that’s the way golf should be. It’s way more interesting,” Hull said on Tuesday at the Chevron. “I don’t really watch golf, but when I watch the men’s golf I watch the majors and I enjoy it a lot more when they’re struggling on the golf course. I think it’s a lot more fun.”
She then put a finer point on her issue with the golf played at most pro golf tournaments, which, in her view of the PGA Tour, has turned into a driver-wedge game.
“It’s quite boring watching a birdiefest. All you see is hitting a long drive, hitting a wedge on the green and holing a putt,” Hull said.
Hull continued by saying she preferred the pro golf played decades ago, when it was more of an “art.”
“It’s nice to see golf be played as an art, like when they have to create shots,” she explained. “I much prefer that. That’s why I preferred golf 20, 30 years ago.”
Advertisement
Hull later revealed that “pretty much the only tournament I watch is the Masters or the men’s British Open. I find them pretty exciting to watch.”
Though Hull has never won a major, she’s come remarkably close several times. She finished T2 at the 2016 Chevron Championship, to go along with a T7 in 2014 and T6 in 2018. She also earned a T2 at the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open and has twice finished runner-up at the AIG Women’s Open in 2023 and in 2025.
Delhi Capitals conceded their highest total of IPL 2026, 242 runs, powered by a sensational unbeaten 135 from Abhishek Sharma, who batted through the entire 20 overs. Following the defeat, former Australian captain Aaron Finch has criticised Axar Patel for bowling just two overs while allowing part-time Nitish Rana to complete his full quota during Delhi Capitals’ (DC) clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Sunrisers Hyderabad continued their strong run with a commanding 47-run win, driven by Abhishek’s 68-ball masterclass, which included 10 fours and 10 sixes. He was well supported by Travis Head (37) and Heinrich Klaasen (37* off 13), helping SRH post a daunting 242/2.
In reply, Delhi Capitals showed early promise through a partnership between KL Rahul (37) and Nitish Rana (57), but lost momentum after their dismissals. Eshan Malinga starred with the ball, picking up 4/32, as DC were restricted to 195/9.
Finch was openly critical of the decision, saying, “We’ve been sitting there scratching our heads, haven’t we? Your two Indian premier spin bowlers, Axar Patel, the skipper, and Kuldeep Yadav, bowled four overs between them. A part-time offspinner in Nitish Rana has wheeled out four overs. To me, that makes no sense,” he told ESPNcricinfo.
Advertisement
He further questioned Axar’s reluctance to bowl to left-handers, even after dismissing Travis Head, suggesting it reflects an issue with mindset.
“It’s the responsibility of your captain, your senior player, your retained player, your best bowler, an Indian bowler, he’s one of your core bowlers in the Indian cricket team. That’s no small bit. He’s a double World Cup winner. So the fact that he doesn’t trust himself to execute under pressure and to defend himself against any left handers, as soon as a left hander walks to the crease, not for me today, thanks. To me, that says more about his attitude towards it than anything else,” he added.
130440619
Advertisement
Advertisement
Earlier, Ravichandran Ashwin also highlighted the overuse of part-time bowler Nitish Rana, while frontline spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel bowled just two overs each.
“In DC’s bowling attack, they have Axar Patel, Kuldeep, Lungi, Mukesh, and Natarajan. But the first player to complete his 4-over quota was Nitish Rana, and that’s where they lost the match. It has to be the biggest blunder so far,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat.
Ferrari star Lewis Hamilton and his girlfriend took to a beach in Malibu, California, with images and videos from the same surfacing on the internet. The couple’s cozy moments, which were captured in the videos and images, broke the internet.
With the F1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia cancelled due to the conditions in the Middle East, the F1 drivers have the months of April to themselves. While Max Verstappen decided to race in the NLS, Hamilton has been spending time with his girlfriend, Kim Kardashian.
On April 21, 2026, images and videos of Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian on a beach in Malibu surfaced. The seven-time F1 champion gave the supermodel a surf lesson before the couple spent time on the beach and in the shallows.
Advertisement
The images included the couple standing on the shore, with Hamilton’s arm around the supermodel’s waist. A video of Hamilton giving his girlfriend a surf lesson also surfaced.
Another couple of images showed the couple sharing some pleasant moments together. The first one was of Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian hugging in the shallows, with the other one being an image of the Briton kissing his supermodel girlfriend.
As the images and clips surfaced, they spread like fire on the internet with multiple accounts sharing, reposting, and uploading them on various social media platforms, including X and Instagram. The images were reshared thousands of times with millions of views.
Advertisement
Image credits: X/ @TMZ and @TheSun
Kim Kardashian was spotted with Lewis Hamilton in Tokyo ahead of the Japanese GP. The supermodel also featured in his Instagram reel of him drifting through Tokyo. After the Japanese GP, the couple was spotted together at Coachella attending Justin Bieber’s performance.
Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian’s dating timeline: From Paris Hotel reports to Instagram hard launch
Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton have known each other for over a decade and were first seen together at the GQ Men of the Year awards. Over the years, the Briton became a good friend and was even invited by the Kardashians to family events.
Earlier this year, after the Barcelona shakedown, Hamilton and Kim Kardashian were spotted getting out of the same car at a hotel in Paris, which gave birth to the dating rumors. This was followed by their appearance at Super Bowl LX, where they sat together in the VIP box.
Just before the 2026 F1 season began, Kim Kardashian and Hamilton were spotted in Arizona, enjoying a sunset. The seven-time F1 champion was recently seen in Tokyo with his girlfriend, and eventually hard-launched his relationship via an Instagram reel uploaded by him, captioned “TOKYO DRIFT VOL. III”.
VJ Edgecombe delivered a standout performance as the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Boston Celtics in Game 2 to level the series at 1-1.
Edgecombe finished with over 30 points and 10 rebounds, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to reach those numbers in a playoff game. At 20 or younger, he is only the second player to do it, joining Magic Johnson. He is also the first rookie to hit those marks in the playoffs since Tim Duncan in 1998.
Alongside him, Tyrese Maxey added 29 points and nine assists, while Paul George contributed 19 points in the win.
Advertisement
The result sees Philadelphia respond after losing Game 1, taking a road win to bring the series level heading into the next game.
Manchester United are in the market for midfield additions this summer as they seek a replacement for outgoing veteran Casemiro and Bournemouth star Alex Scott is a man in demand
Manchester United are making transfer checks on Bournemouth’s Alex Scott over a potential summer move.
England midfielder Scott, 22, is catching admiring glances from a host of top clubs with United and Chelsea looking at him.
Advertisement
Scott got an England call-up in November but was dropped from the last squad in March but since then produced a man of the match display against United and scored the winner at Arsenal.
That has shown his determination and quality and that is why top clubs now see him as a big prospect for the future.
Clearly, Bournemouth will not want to lose one of their main assets but several scouts have watched him and Chelsea and United are keeping tabs.
Click here to find out the latest Manchester United news in our daily newsletter
United definitely want to strengthen their midfield this summer and Scott’s character and ability to run with the ball and get forward has really impressed.
United are likely to look at two top midfield signings as they target that department having spent big in the forward line last year.
They bought Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha and now they are going through a clear plan to improve.
United have run the rule over Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton but they already have Kobbie Mainoo who is expected to sign a new deal.
Veteran midfielder Casemiro is expected to go so United still need two midfielders to ensure they build on this season.
While Scott is likely to be on a list of targets, the Bournemouth midfielder is catching the eye.
Advertisement
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
Former Premier League champion Leicester will be playing in the third tier of English soccer next season.
Leicester, which sealed the unlikeliest title win of the Premier League era in 2016 at odds of 5,000-1, needed a victory Tuesday to maintain hope of avoiding relegation but drew 2-2 with Hull.
The midlands club, which also won the FA Cup in 2021 and played in England’s top flight last season, is second to last in the second-tier Championship.
In a statement to fans, Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, said responsibility sat with him.
Advertisement
“There are no excuses,” he said. “We have experienced the highest highs and now the lowest lows, and the pain is shared by all of us. I am truly sorry for the disappointment we have caused.”
Relegation comes after Leicester was docked six points in February for breaching the English Football League’s financial rules when it earned promotion in the 2023-24 season. Earlier this month, it lost its bid to overturn that punishment, leaving it mired in the relegation zone.
It is a dramatic fall after Leicester’s fairytale-like title triumph 10 years ago.
It had spent the 2014-15 season battling relegation from the top flight and only an unlikely winning run in the final weeks of that campaign.
Advertisement
What followed was a remarkable title charge that saw it finish 10 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the standings.
In 142 years of existence, Leicester has played just one season in the third tier of English soccer. It won the League One title in 2008-09 and was promoted back to the Championship.
Slipping down English soccer’s pyramid is costly mainly because of the decreasing broadcast revenue.
In the 2023-24 season, League One clubs’ average total revenue was $12.2 million, which was about one-quarter of Championship clubs’ average revenue, according to Deloitte. The average revenue for Premier League clubs that season was $422 million.
Advertisement
“Our focus now is on what comes next. We will take the necessary decisions to move the club forward, working together to rebuild, improve, and restore the standards expected of Leicester City,” Srivaddhanaprabha said. “Our objective is clear – to respond strongly and compete to move this club forward again.
In early April, with just five games remaining in the regular season, the Los Angeles Lakers announced that star guard Luka Doncic would be sidelined at least until the NBA playoffs.
Doncic’s setback was a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, an MRI confirmed. The reigning NBA scoring champion sustained the injury during an April 2 game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers also entered the playoffs without another key member of their backcourt, Austin Reaves.
The shorthanded Lakers upset the Houston Rockets in the opening game of their first-round Western Conference series Saturday. Ahead of Game 2 on Tuesday, the Lakers reportedly received a clearer update on the health of at least one of their injured stars.
Lakers guard Austin Reaves brings the ball up court against the Washington Wizards in Los Angeles on March 30, 2026.(Ryan Sun/AP)
Reaves, who was diagnosed with an oblique strain, appears to be progressing toward a return later in the first-round series if it extends to six or seven games. If the Lakers advance sooner, he could be on track to return for the Western Conference semifinals.
According to ESPN, Reaves recently returned to the practice court for 1-on-1 drills. The 27-year-old will still need to progress to 2-on-3 and then 5-on-5 work before he can be cleared for playoff action, but he appears significantly further along than Doncic, who remains out indefinitely.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center on March 21, 2026.(Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn Images)
Doncic is unlikely to play in the first round, regardless of the series length. ESPN footage showed him on the practice court on Tuesday, though the six-time All-Star was not doing high-intensity work.
The Rockets, despite being widely favored in the opening round playoffs series, also contended with key injuries. Kevin Durant missed Game 1 with a knee contusion. He was cleared to play in Game 2 on Tuesday night.
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. shoots the ball against the Lakers during Game 1 in the NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, on April 18, 2026.(Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
There’s a growing sense that Tarleton State could be the next FCS team to make the jump to FBS College Football.
Could the Mountain West give them a look?
On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, I discuss Virginia Tech after their Spring Game became known for a parachuting incident.
Will that become a metaphor for James Franklin’s first season?
Indiana DC Bryant Haines, like his head coach Curt Cignetti, is not afraid to take shots and speak his mind.
Why did he go after Alabama fans on Twitter following Ty Simpson’s comments?
Advertisement
00:00 Tarleton State’s FBS aspirations 04:25 Considering Texas for expansion 07:57 Discussing potential league membership 14:17 James Franklin’s coaching potential 19:06 Virginia Tech’s football challenges 23:04 Winning a national championship 24:20 Indiana’s transfer portal strategy 27:50 Embracing confidence with success
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has secured the media rights for the 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026, bringing the continental multi-sport event back to the Sony Sports Network for the fourth consecutive edition.
The Games will be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026, with live coverage available on Sony Sports Network channels and streaming platform Sony LIV.
Advertisement
The agreement covers India and the wider Indian subcontinent, ensuring viewers across the region can follow one of Asia’s biggest sporting events. According to some media reports, the broadcasting rights deal for the tournament is valued at an estimated $3.5–4 million.
Sony brings Asian Games back to its network
The 2026 edition marks another major multi-sport acquisition for SPNI, which said it aims to deliver extensive coverage of the Games through live broadcasts, expert analysis, and multi-language programming.
Notably, Sony’s 2026 broadcast of the Asian Games will mark its fourth consecutive edition, as it has retained the rights to the tournament since acquiring them for the first time in 2024.
Advertisement
Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer and Business Head – Sports and International at Sony Pictures Networks India, said the Asian Games remains an important platform for sporting excellence and national pride.
He added that India’s record medal haul in the previous edition had significantly increased interest in multi-sport events, and the network looked forward to bringing another strong Indian campaign to audiences.
Advertisement
Major sports on the programme
The Asian Games remains one of the largest multi-sport events in the world, and the 2026 edition will feature 41 sports, including 32 Olympic disciplines.
Alongside athletics, swimming, badminton, hockey and wrestling, the programme will also include sports popular in Asia such as cricket, kabaddi, e-sports, sepak takraw and kurash. New additions such as mixed martial arts (MMA) and surfing are also set to feature.
Advertisement
For Indian fans, cricket is expected to be one of the biggest attractions, with both the men’s and women’s teams likely to compete for medals.
Asian Games 2026 full schedule
The 20th Asian Games will take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Dates: September 19 to October 4, 2026
Opening Ceremony: September 19, 2026
Closing Ceremony: October 4, 2026
Duration: 16 days
Sports: 41 disciplines
Coverage in India: Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV
OCA welcomes new broadcast deal
Husain Al-Musallam, Director-General of the Olympic Council of Asia, welcomed the agreement and said it marked a new phase in distributing the Asian Games across the Indian subcontinent.
India eyes new records in Nagoya
India heads into the 2026 Games after its best-ever Asian Games performance at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where it won 107 medals — 28 gold, 38 silver and 41 bronze — to finish fourth in the standings.
Advertisement
With a stronger pool of athletes, growing medal prospects across multiple sports, and cricket returning to the programme, India will aim to surpass that tally and produce another record-breaking campaign in Nagoya.
;){kind=icon}
;)
Indiana DC Bryant Haines, like his head coach Curt Cignetti, is not afraid to take shots and speak his mind. 
You must be logged in to post a comment Login