The Las Vegas Raiders finished the season as the NFL’s worst team.
Immediately after the season, the Raiders fired head coach Pete Carroll. While the Raiders have not played a game since the first week of January, Las Vegas is already in a better position than they were last year.
Hiring Carroll never made much sense. Perhaps the Raiders viewed it as a bridge coach, as the 74-year-old Super Bowl winner could breathe some life into a zombified organization. Even if that was the rationale, it didn’t work. The Raiders were far and away the most embarrassing team in football, wasting another season of Maxx Crosby’s prime and burning up the first year of standout running back Ashton Jeanty’s rookie season.
On Sunday, the Raiders moved closer to hiring Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as their next head coach. This hire will not be allowed to become official until after the Super Bowl, as Kubiak will lead Seattle’s offense against the New England Patriots next week.
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There’s no guarantee that Kubiak, 38, will be the right hire for the Raiders. But it’s a decision that signals that Las Vegas is finally ready to get serious about building their football team the right way.
As the worst team in the NFL, the Raiders will have the No. 1 overall pick. That selection is likely to be used on Indiana Hoosiers Heisman quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who just won the national championship in one of the most dominant college football seasons ever.
While Mendoza isn’t regarded as a “can’t miss” quarterback prospect like Andrew Luck, Peyton Manning or even Trevor Lawrence, ushering in a new franchise quarterback with a first-time head coach completely resets the timeline in Vegas.
There are countless examples of teams that are able to capitalize on quarterbacks on rookie contracts. That’s exactly what the Raiders need to do with Mendoza. Geno Smith was a colossal failure. Keep that project in the rearview mirror while adding protection on the offensive line and a few more playmakers to complement Brock Bowers.
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In the AFC West, the Raiders will still need to compete with the Denver Broncos and Patrick Mahomes, who look to be the class of the division for a long time. Don’t forget that the Los Angeles Chargers are entering a make-or-break year with Justin Herbert and Mike McDaniel in the saddle as offensive coordinator.
The Raiders just need to focus on building around Mendoza, Kubiak and Jeanty, while allowing Crosby to contend for meaningful games in the postseason during the rookie contracts of the premier young offensive talent.
Vegas’ roster has plenty of holes, but hiring Kubiak is a big step in the right direction for a team that was wandering the desert long before it ever moved out there.
As major sporting events go, the Masters rarely disappoints.
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Even if the tournament itself doesn’t produce high-level drama, fans by the millions will tune in every year to soak in the unique atmosphere of Augusta National. But when the golf lives up to the aesthetics, as with Rory McIlroy’s emotional playoff win over Justin Rose last year, this weekend transcends sports.
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Though longtime favorites Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, who have eight green jackets between them, will not compete this year, the stars of the game will be out. In addition to McIlroy trying to repeat, Scottie Scheffler will try for his third win in five years and Jon Rahm will look to add a second Masters title, among many others.
The gatekeepers at Augusta National have continued to open up access for viewers, with coverage now starting hours before the traditional 3 p.m. ET broadcast start time of years past.
While additional viewing opportunities are always welcome for fans, the broadcast and streaming platforms are more varied than ever, especially with the introduction of a new outlet this year.
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The Sporting News has everything you need to know to soak up all the action and ambiance from Augusta this week, from practice rounds through the green jacket presentation. See below for the full day-by-day broadcast and streaming schedule.
Where to watch the Masters in 2026
Fans can watch the Masters across multiple TV and streaming platforms, including a new partner for 2026 in Prime Video.
Coverage begins Monday with “On The Range” on CBS Sports Network and continues Tuesday and Wednesday with live practice round coverage on the ESPN app, plus the beloved Par 3 contest Wednesday on ESPN platforms.
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The tournament proper tees off Thursday morning with live feeds of featured groups and holes, then the main broadcast begins in the early afternoon. Live broadcasts also will be available via Masters.com and the Masters app. See the full day-by-day television and streaming schedule below.
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) lines up during first-half action against an NFC opponent, Dec 7, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The blindside protector continues working back into form following a major knee injury that impacted his availability and consistency during the season. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Minnesota Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw’s ACL recovery never unfolded cleanly in 2025, and according to head coach Kevin O’Connell, the 2026 offseason is trending much better.
O’Connell sounded upbeat, and Minnesota still has reason to plan carefully in late April.
All eyes have turned to Darrisaw’s recovery because if he encountered another roadbump, it would signal a grim outcome for the long haul.
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Darrisaw Update Puts Vikings Plans into Focus
LT1 sounds like he’s in a good spot.
A loose ball sparked chaos in the fourth quarter as Minnesota’s line scrambled to secure possession, with Christian Darrisaw diving into the pile after pressure forced a turnover. During the sequence on Dec 26, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; the Vikings battled the Rams at U.S. Bank Stadium, where Darrisaw ultimately recovered the fumble. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
O’Connell on Darrisaw
O’Connell was asked about Darrisaw’s ACL at the NFL’s league meetings last week, and he replied, “I do believe we’re at that point now. He’s having a really good offseason. And what that looks like, what his daily practice schedule and plan looks like, we’re going to do what we think is best to get Christian ready to play 17 games and feel at his absolute best to do so.”
“I was proud of the way Christian battled through the offseason and the recovery portion, but then it was frustrating for him at times because he did put in all that work, all that tireless work, that in his mind, ‘Hey, I want to move past this,’ But with an injury like that, sometimes time is truly the only thing that will ultimately get us to where we want to get to.”
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The Vikings signed a backup offensive tackle last month from the Buffalo Bills, Ryan Van Demark.
O’Connell added, “He’s so impactful. That is one position where I don’t think we put enough credence and weight into the impact of winning and losing every snap, every down in the NFL at that left tackle position.”
Our Janik Eckardt noted on Van Demark, the newcomer, last week: “In case of continued health struggles, the Vikings signed backup Ryan Van Demark from the Buffalo Bills. Last year, Skule signed a one-year, $2 million deal, and Van Demark was acquired for one season and $4.27 million. Given the contract value, Van Demark should be expected to be an upgrade.”
“The Vikings realized that they can’t afford to save money at that position, which makes sense given O’Connell’s comments about the left tackle’s importance. It remains to be seen if Darrisaw is fully ‘back’ or if we’re in store for another 2025. We’ll monitor his reps throughout the spring and summer.”
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The 2025 Outcome
Darrisaw lasted 10 games in 2025 after tearing his ACL in late October of 2024. During the build-up to last season, there wasn’t too much prominent paranoia that his recovery would bend poorly, but when the regular season arrived, the Vikings seemed to have Darrisaw on a willy-nilly pitch count. Sometimes he would play; in some games, the club would pull him in the 4th Quarter with the game on the line.
Minnesota shut him down, along with others like Jonathan Greenard, when playoff contention died, and all told, Darrisiaw missed 41% of games.
He’s the NFL’s fourth-highest-paid left tackle, so missing any time or battling a mysterious ACL recovery is overly noteworthy.
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The Money
Speaking of money, the Vikings extended Darrisaw in June of 2024, agreeing to a deal worth $113 million over four seasons, including $77 million guaranteed. They locked in the contract about one year early, capitalizing on a smaller market because the NFL’s salary cap resets annually, and the new biggest earner is usually the “highest paid x-position in NFL history.”
Christian Darrisaw sets his stance at the line, preparing to anchor the edge against a tough Philadelphia front in a primetime road environment. The matchup unfolded on September 19, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; as the Vikings faced the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field, highlighting Darrisaw’s role protecting the blindside in a hostile setting. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.
It’s also worth noting that Darrisaw’s huge annual cap numbers haven’t kicked in yet: $27.9 million in 2027, $34.1 million in 2028, and $31.5 million in 2029. His deal, like many of its kind, featured an affordable cap number at the beginning of the extension, so it’s important for Darrisaw to heal this offseason properly and be “worth it” for the long haul.
Draft Clues?
Thankfully, the Vikings have an NFL draft in about two weeks, and that would be the place for Darrisaw-themed clues, if applicable.
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Minnesota has nine picks this go-round, with four in the Top 100. No one expects interim general manager Rob Brzezinski to draft an offensive tackle early — the Vikings have Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, after all — but if he selected a tackle in the Top 100 it would spell more anxiety about Darrisaw’s long-term prognosis. Brzezinski basically has a chance to put his money where his mouth is: if no OTs are selected early, the Vikings believe Darrisaw’s ACL recovery is in a good place. The alternative would feel more foreboding.
Minnesota’s offensive front settles in before the snap as quarterback Donovan Jackson surveys the defense alongside Christian Darrisaw, coordinating protection at the line. The moment came on Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; during a home matchup with the Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium, emphasizing communication and timing in the Vikings’ offense. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Overall, the Vikings are expected to target a defensive tackle, safety, or cornerback in Round 1, according to sportsbooks.
Darrisaw will turn 27 in June and was born two weeks before Justin Jefferson.
Last year newly minted Masters champion Rory McIlroy strode into the press building, took his seat and spoke directly to the group of assembled writers.
“I’d like to start this press conference with a question myself,” he said. “What are we all going to talk about next year?”
Everybody laughed. The subtext was clear: For a decade-plus, the biggest Masters story was some version of can Rory get it done this year? He’d famously blown a 63-hole lead in 2011. He’d famously completed the other three quarters of the career Grand Slam. He’d famously spent a decade winning everything in the sport except a major championship. By last year the Rory Story was the only Masters story — or at least that’s how it felt given how much bigger and how much weightier it felt with him in the mix.
So whose story now needs a green-jacket ending? To McIlroy’s question: Who are we supposed to be talking about now?
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There’s no logical successor to McIlroy, who teed it up at Augusta every year with a very specific pressure. He needed a Masters title to round out his resume — and was so good at golf that he and the rest of the golf world felt it would be a tragedy if he failed to do so. We knew the way we’d talk about McIlroy post-Masters would be radically different, if only he could just get across the line.
Everybody’s resume changes dramatically when they win a Masters, of course. But whose conversation changes the most? Using those two factors — gap in the resume plus the talent required to fill it — here are the five guys who need this Masters most.
Honorable mentions
Scottie Scheffler would catch McIlroy and Koepka at the five-major mark with a win but given the clip he’s been on — not to mention the recent birth of his second child — he does not “need” anything at the moment … Rory McIlroy will have plenty of attention on him but doesn’t “need” this one either, he deserves at least one Masters before we pile expectations on him again … Jon Rahm will be among the favorites but already has a Masters … our expectations for Brooks Koepka are currently in a safe, middling space … Chris Gotterup and Jacob Bridgeman lead the Masters first-timers, who should consider this year a free roll … Cameron Young gets a grace period post-Players, any strong form at Augusta would be a win … Collin Morikawa’s recent injury mean we’re pressing pause on the expectation game … Patrick Cantlay, Viktor Hovland, Tyrrell Hatton, Russell Henley and Robert MacIntyre are among the top active players yet to win a major, so this would be massive, there’s just no clear sign this will be the week.
Anyway, you get the idea. It would be big for anybody. It would be just a little bigger for the following:
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5. Ludvig Aberg
Ludvig Aberg’s history at the Masters is short but sturdy. In 2024, his debut showing, he finished runner-up to Scheffler. In 2025 he actually had an even better chance to win; had he played his final three holes in one under he would have made it into a playoff, instead he finished bogey-triple and wound up seventh.
Does Aberg need a Masters? No. He’s still among the youngest top players on the PGA Tour and he remains ascendant. But also, of course he needs one! He’s been knocking on the door in big-time tournaments, letting the Players Championship slip away last month (and the Texas Open on Sunday). He’s still young but he’s not getting younger. At Aberg’s age (26-and-a-half) Jordan Spieth had three majors, Rory McIlroy had four, Tiger Woods had six. In fairness Brooks Koepka had zero, Phil Mickelson had zero and Scottie Scheffler had just snagged his first. So there’s plenty of time. But he comes in on form, which makes this a hell of a chance.
4. Xander Schauffele
There’s extra credit here for guys who have come close before, and on Masters Sunday in 2021 Xander Schauffele stood on Augusta National’s 16th tee at 10 under par — the eventual winning score — and made triple bogey.
No need to fixate on the negative, though. Schauffele’s on this list because he’s been the most consistent major championship performer of the last four years; since his last major missed cut at the 2022 Masters he’s played 15 majors and has won more times (twice) than he has finished outside the top 12 (once, a T28 at last year’s PGA). He also enters off third at the Players and T4 at the Valspar, suggesting his game is rounding into form at the right time.
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A Masters win would do something else interesting, too: it would give him a third leg of the career Grand Slam, setting up a U.S. Open at Shinnecock in which both Scheffler and Schauffele would be one win away from joining McIlroy in history.
Still, let’s see Schauffele pick off this one before we start giving him a U.S. Open, too.
3. Bryson DeChambeau
This is as much an upside play as anything; DeChambeau’s career would suddenly enter radically different territory if he added a green jacket to his two U.S. Open trophies. Going from two majors to three suddenly rarefies the air you occupy.
He should have an excellent shot at contending this year, too. He enters in strong form off two consecutive LIV wins, he’s finished T6 and T5 in his last two Masters starts and seems to finally have found some answers to a place that vexed him his first six tries as a pro. There’s also the matter of some unfinished business after he played alongside McIlroy on Sunday last year and faded with 75.
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DeChambeau’s resume is excellent. But to keep climbing the ranks of this generation’s best — and to continue bolstering his reputation as someone who can do it anywhere — he’d benefit greatly from a green jacket. (His YouTube channel would, too.)
2. Tommy Fleetwood
The best active player without a major is playing the best golf of his life. Last fall he won the Tour Championship, he won in India, he won at Bethpage. He’s logged four top 10s in five PGA Tour starts in 2026. He also has seven career top-fives in majors, most recently a T3 at the 2024 Masters.
East Lake was massive for Fleetwood. This represents the next step.
1. Justin Rose
Even McIlroy felt for Rose last year even as he vanquished him with a birdie on the first playoff hole.
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And while there was no sense that Rose “lost” the tournament — McIlroy was 14 under par for the tournament through 10 holes on Sunday, while Rose was 7 under, his charge was a wild and dramatic bonus — there is a more general sense that he should be part of this club. Rose is a major champ and an Olympic gold medalist. He’s also the only man to lose in two playoffs at Augusta National. It would be poetic if this year was his turn.
Does Rose “need” a Masters title? Not really. That’s the point of this piece, of McIlroy’s quip, of the current pro landscape entering this year’s first major. Nobody needs this one like he needed that one.
Mar 31, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Ryan Feltner (18) delivers a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the third inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Ryan Feltner had a scary moment in his first start of the season, but it wasn’t as frightening as the one the Colorado Rockies’ right-hander experienced three years ago.
Feltner took a line drive off his hip in Toronto on Tuesday and left the game after three innings with tightness in his right glute, but he won’t miss any playing time.
Feltner (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will make his scheduled start when Colorado faces the Houston Astros on Monday night in the opener of a three-game series in Denver.
Houston will send right-hander Cody Bolton (0-0, 3.00) to the mound.
It is a testament to Feltner’s mental fortitude that he didn’t have a big reaction to taking a liner off his hip. On May 13, 2023, Feltner suffered a fractured skull when Nick Castellanos, then with Philadelphia, hit him with a 92-mph liner behind his right ear.
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Feltner missed four months before starting two games that September and then made 30 starts in 2024, but injuries limited him to six outings last season for the Rockies.
He looked sharp in his three scoreless innings against the Blue Jays on Tuesday, giving up only one hit, one walk and striking out four.
“He pitched awesome,” catcher Hunter Goodman said. “He had command of all of his pitches. That was the best I have seen him throw this year, including spring training. I’m excited for his next few outings. I think he can build momentum off those.”
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Feltner has faced the Astros once in his career — on June 26, 2024, in Houston. He allowed four runs — two earned — on six hits over six innings and was the pitcher of record in Colorado’s 7-1 loss.
He will try to pitch the Rockies to their first winning streak of the season. Colorado salvaged the finale of a three-game series with Philadelphia on Sunday, 4-1.
Houston is coming off a disappointing 12-10 loss in 10 innings to the Athletics on Sunday and enter the series in Denver with some uncertainty. Astros ace Hunter Brown was slated to start Monday night but went on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain.
“He’s disappointed,” Houston manager Joe Espada told reporters on Sunday. “Never been injured, and this is new for all of us, so we’ll see. He didn’t sound concerned, which is good. But also, it’s new, right, so we’re going to let the doctors evaluate him and then we’ll see where we go from there.”
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Before deciding on Bolton — who pitched one scoreless inning in his lone career appearance against the Rockies in April 2024 — to start, the Astros were considering bringing up Jason Alexander from Triple-A Sugar Land.
Alexander last pitched Wednesday and would have been on four days’ rest.
Other options went away Sunday when Espada used Christian Roa, who was recalled from Sugar Land before the game, and AJ Blubaugh out of the bullpen. However, either could have served as an opener Monday night but would have been limited in innings.
Houston’s offense has been putting up runs heading into hitter-friendly Coors Field. The Astros, who had won five games in a row before losing two of the three games against the A’s, have scored 10 or more runs three times already this season. They have 21 in the last two games and are averaging 8.5 runs over the last eight.
Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Gabriel have trained before Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final with Sporting.
Midfielder Rice, 27, left the England squad following a medical assessment during March’s international break and missed Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final loss to Southampton.
Brazil defender Gabriel, meanwhile, was forced off with a knee issue after taking a knock during the defeat on the south coast.
Both players were involved in first-team training at the club’s London Colney base on Monday before Mikel Arteta’s side travel to Lisbon for the first leg.
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Belgian winger Leandro Trossard also returned to training but Bukayo Saka was not involved after he also left the England camp early.
OTTAWA — Outside forces have been good to the Ottawa Senators but, more importantly, their inside forces have been even better.
“We want playoffs!” and “Brady, Brady!” chants punctuated the Canadian Tire Centre on Sunday during a monumentally important and convincing 6-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. The game was potentially a preview of a first-round matchup. As a result, as of Sunday’s end of business, the Senators sat one point ahead of their nearest rivals in a wild-card spot to make the playoffs.
Stars got to be your stars, and the Senators sure have good ones.
“You always think back to you being a kid, and you never expect that to happen ever in your life,” said Tkachuk, about the fans chanting his name. “And, yeah, I mean, it still brings a smile to my face.”
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The night before, Senators head coach Travis Green felt his best players didn’t play well enough against the Minnesota Wild in a deflating 4-1 loss. Well, their stars responded.
“You got to love playing in these types of games. You want players that step up when the stakes are the highest,” said Green.
At his best, Tkachuk has been the emotional leader and a driver of play for his team, and his play was elevated Sunday night with two goals in a must-win game.
In a memorable game several weeks ago, Tkachuk dropped the gloves off the opening face-off and then snatched a win against the New York Islanders with a goal in the final seconds of regulation. Now, the Senators have vaulted past the Islanders in the standings.
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The analytics back it up: Tkachuk is fourth in the NHL in expected-goals share (minimum 500 minutes played) at five-on-five. His line, along with Dylan Cozens and Ridly Greig, is first in the league in expected goals share amongst forward lines that have played at least 250 minutes.
The Sens captain has been criticized for his podcast, which can stir the waters among fans and in the locker room. And his coach admitted that No. 7 was fatigued after the Olympics. Nevertheless, the ol’ Brady was in gear Sunday with five hits.
Meanwhile, Stutzle’s goal on Sunday was peak German engineering.
“It was a superstar moment,” said Tkachuk.
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Since the 2024-25 campaign, Stutzle is 11th in wins above replacement, according to Evolving Hockey. We’ve said this before, but when a stat has Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Quinn Hughes, Nathan MacKinnon and Nikita Kucherov in the top 10, you know it’s indicative of superstardom.
Don’t forget the contributions by Sanderson, whose insertion into the lineup completely changes the dynamic of the Senators. Sanderson said he was rusty in his debut on Saturday against the Wild; not so much on Sunday, quarterbacking what had been a dormant power play to success while helping to keep one of the best shot-generating teams in the NHL to just 28 shots.
“He’s a Norris defenceman for a reason,” said Tkachuk. “When you have a top-five defenceman in the NHL back in your lineup, it just gives you a boost of energy.”
The Sanderson-Artem Zub pairing is legitimately one of the game’s best and gives the Senators a weapon most teams don’t have. The Senators sorely missed that for the previous month when their No. 1 defenceman was out with an injury.
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Among defensive pairs that have played over 400 minutes this season, the Senators have the top two pairs in terms of expected goals shared: Tyler Kleven and Jordan Spence are first, with Sanderson and Zub second. Given that Sanderson-Zub routinely matches up against the likes of McDavid and MacKinnon, that’s an indication of their effectiveness.
The Senators didn’t carry the play in most games without Sanderson; expect that to change now in Ottawa’s favour.
The stars may be aligning in Ottawa for a deep playoff run.
32 Thoughts: The Podcast
Hockey fans already know the name, but this is not the blog. From Sportsnet, 32 Thoughts: The Podcast with NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas is a weekly deep dive into the biggest news and interviews from the hockey world.
Resiliency: There’s a reason the Presidents’ Trophy winner rarely wins the Stanley Cup: they haven’t faced enough adversity.
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And, boy, have the Senators faced enough injuries, made-for-TV drama and on-ice adversity.
On Jan. 24, the Senators were 10 points out of a playoff spot; today, they are at a 71 per cent chance of participating in the fight for Lord Stanley, according to Moneypuck.com.
The out-of-town scoreboard has blessed the Senators lately. Before Sunday, the Senators had gone 1-3-1 yet maintained their playoff position because the Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings and the New York Islanders (now led by Pete DeBoer) have fallen off a Parliament Hill-sized cliff. Unlike the Senators, most of them have flawed teams who routinely get outshot most nights but get propped up by excellent goaltending.
“That’s a team that plays playoff hockey,” said Carolina’s Taylor Hall, talking about the Senators after Sunday’s game.
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For two months, it seemed like every Senator win was immediately followed by wins for the teams they were chasing. Their opponents’ plunge back to reality is a welcome relief.
Puck don’t lie: To do all of this while missing four of your top-six defencemen, and now three with Sanderson back, says how good this Senators team is.
“It’s been crazy. I think we’re a little bit cursed right now on the back end. But guys have been playing awesome,” said Sanderson upon his return.
The Senators have done well despite going up against a battle of attrition. Since Sanderson went down on March 7, the Senators have lost six defencemen to injury, including Sanderson until this weekend. In that time, they’ve gone 9-5-1, the ninth-best record since March 7.
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For a few worrisome moments on Sunday, it looked like Stutzle could be casualty after a nasty collision in the third, but he later returned. Stutzle did not speak to the media post-game because he was receiving treatment. But Green indicated Stutzle would be OK.
Plus, don’t think the drama surrounding Tkachuk and his podcast, and the unfortunate negativity surrounding Linus Ullmark’s mental health struggles haven’t made this season more draining than most seasons for the team.
The Senators can look to the 2023 Florida Panthers that got into the playoffs in the last game of the season, only to make the Stanley Cup Finals. The Senators sit high in every statistical analytic category, from shot share to expected goal share, and their goaltending and penalty kill are improving.
It all counts for nothing if the Senators don’t get in. If they do, you’d rather be a battle-tested warrior than a regular-season darling with few meaningful games down the stretch.
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Ullmark proves he’s ready:Ullmark played back-to-back nights on the weekend. After missing a game on March 28 to rest, some fans and hockey people were questioning his commitment to the team. Well, it’s clear he wants it. He’s now played in six of the Senators’ last seven games. Ullmark’s save percentage wasn’t great this weekend, but the Senators scored on themselves twice, so take that with a grain of salt. Ullmark is 25-12-8 this season. If Ullmark plays four of Ottawa’s remaining five games, he’ll have hit the 50-game benchmark for the first time in his career.
Stats of the night: The Senators have the 15th-easiest strength of schedule remaining, easiest than any of the teams chasing them. … The Senators have reached the 90-point threshold in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2006-07 and 2007-08.
The current men’s basketball coaches at the top college programs in the West have won a combined 4,081 games while coaching at schools in the region.
The table below shows those coaches, listed by total wins both in their careers and while at programs in the region.
Oregon’s Dana Altman leads in career wins with 792, followed by Gonzaga’s Mark Few with 773, and Nevada’s Steve Alford with 724.
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All of Few’s wins have come in the West, giving him the most victories in the region, followed by ASU’s Randy Bennett with 589, all of which came while he was at Saint Mary’s.
You can search and sort in the table below.
Last updated on April 6, 2026.
Current Head Coach Wins in Career and at Programs in West
Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive back Treydan Stukes (2) against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
All the focus is on the Minnesota Vikings’ draft pick at No. 18 — and rightfully so. But this week, we asked VikingsTerritory writers to predict the second draft pick of the event, and Minnesota currently holds the 49th selection.
Minnesota’s second-round outlook sparked a wide mix of predictions from the VikingsTerritory staff.
These are their formal predictions, with the draft 2.5 weeks away.
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The Prospects Who Stand Out for Minnesota at Pick No. 47
Which player do you think the Vikings will draft in Round 2?
Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard goes through pregame warmups, preparing for action and working through routes ahead of kickoff Oct 11, 2025, at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri. Bernard focused on timing and movement as the Crimson Tide readied for a road matchup against the Missouri Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
1. Germie Bernard | WR, Alabama
Predictor: Sean Borman
From a roster-building standpoint, getting a talented WR like Bernard with pick 49 makes sense. The Vikings just picked up Jordan Addison’s 5th-year option for 2027. While interim GM Rob Brzezinski said the team has budgeted for an Addison extension, picking Bernard not only adds a WR3 who can play immediately, but also provides insurance and leverage for future Addison negotiations.
2. Treydan Stukes | CB, Arizona
Predictor: Brevan Bane
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The kid could fit in Minnesota, playing corner (mostly in nickel) or even at safety, next to a potentially returning Harrison Smith or a replacement to be determined.
3. Logan Jones | C, Iowa
Predictor: Kyle Joudry
Going to Minnesota will be Logan Jones, the center from Iowa (after a trade down in the 2nd). He fits their preferred details for the spot as a smaller option who is an excellent athlete.
4. Jadarian Price | HB, Notre Dame
Predictor: Henrique Gucciardi
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There are multiple reports that the Vikings are targeting an RB early in the Draft. Price is an explosive and patient runner who could also contribute as a kick returner. He also doesn’t have much mileage, as he was Jeremiyah Love’s backup in college.
5. Jonah Coleman | RB, Washington
Predictor: Josh Frey
The Vikings need to inject some youth into their running back room, and Coleman is a player who can impact the game in all aspects, whether it be running the ball, catching passes, or blocking.
t6. Anthony Hill Jr. | ILB, Texas
Predictor: Cole Smith
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Smith aligns with the 49th overall pick on the PFSN Industry Consensus Big Board and was one of the nation’s most reliable tacklers in 2025. This gives the Vikings a young linebacker alongside Blake Cashman and allows Brian Flores to be even more creative with Eric Wilson.
t6. Anthony Hill Jr. | ILB, Texas
Predictor: Dustin Baker
Eric Wilson will turn 32 this year, and the other starting off-ball linebacker, Blake Cashman, will be a free agent in 2027. Minnesota needs youth at linebacker.
Flores favors versatile players, and Hill perfectly exemplifies a do-it-all linebacker. While at Texas, he demonstrated the ability to rush the passer from the edge, play off-ball linebacker, and drop into coverage. This hybrid skill set is a mainstay among players who have thrived in Flores’s system, such as Andrew Van Ginkel and Josh Metellus.
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t8. D’Angelo Ponds | CB, Indiana
Predictor: Janik Eckardt
Indiana defensive back D’Angelo Ponds stands on the practice field during summer workouts, taking reps and sharpening technique Aug 5, 2025, at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Ponds worked through drills with teammates as the Hoosiers prepared for the upcoming season and evaluated defensive depth in camp. Mandatory Credit: Rich Janzaruk-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Ponds thrives in zone-heavy schemes that feature nickel defenders. His awareness, quick reaction, and strong ball skills are best utilized in these systems. He is particularly effective in off-coverage and zone concepts, where he can quickly read the quarterback and react. He’ll be a Viking on Day 2 of the draft.
t8. D’Angelo Ponds | CB, Indiana
Predictor: Steve Hoikkala
The biggest knock on Ponds is that he is undersized at only 5’9, 182 lbs, but he plays a lot bigger than that with his top CB vertical at the Combine at 43.5″, and ran a 4.31 40-time at his pro day. He has a nose for the ball and in (2) seasons at Indiana in the Big 10, he only allowed 1 TD, caught 5 INTs, and allowed a meager 52.4 passer rating to opposing QBs.
If he is there at pick #49, D’Angelo Ponds may be tough to pass on for the Vikings. If the Vikings don’t select a CB in the first round, the second round may be the last chance to get a potential starter for the future in this draft.
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t10. Lee Hunter | DT, Texas Tech
Predictor: Adam New
The Vikings need a big nose tackle, and Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter ticks that box. A 24-year-old rookie, he brings plenty of experience and should be able to make a big contribution in Year 1.
t10. Lee Hunter | DT, Texas Tech
Predictor: Tony Schultz
Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter speaks with reporters during conference media availability, discussing preparation and expectations Jul 8, 2025, at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Hunter represented his program at Big 12 Media Days, offering insight into the Red Raiders’ defensive outlook heading into the season. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
After taking a starter and a player of need in round one, the Vikings can follow that up immediately in round 2. Safety, cornerback, center, or running back can be addressed in the first round. However, this may be a surprise pick at wide receiver or defensive tackle.
I say they take defensive tackle Lee Hunter over wide receiver Chris Brazzell because Brazzell has some driving violations. Sound familiar? Hunter would shore up the middle on run plays and has some push to collapse the pocket and make plays in the backfield. If his projection pans out, he, Jalen Redmond, and Levi Drake Rodriguez would make a formidable front.
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t10. Lee Hunter | DT, Texas Tech
Predictor: Wes Johnson
This pick is obviously based on what happens in the first round, but let’s assume the Vikings go safety — Dillon Thieneman or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren — with their first pick. Hunter fills a need for depth along the defensive interior and should help shore up the defense upfront in a division where they like to run the ball.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings LIVE Updates, IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Punjab Kings (CSK) in a pivotal IPL 2026 clash in Kolkata on Monday. KKR are in desperate need of a win, having lost their opening two games without much of a fight. Led by Ajinkya Rahane, KKR will be aiming to solve their middle-order and bowling problems. On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings have started IPL 2026 with two consecutive wins, and will go top of the table with another victory today. There is a major threat of rain, with thunderstorms predicted. (Live Scorecard)
KKR vs PBKS LIVE Score | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings LIVE Updates, IPL 2026, straight from Eden Gardens, Kolkata:
CHICAGO — After the 2025 post-season, Kevin Gausman did something he’d never really done before.
Still stinging from the Blue Jays’ loss to the Dodgers in the World Series, Gausman felt compelled to look back and relive the October experience, good and bad. When he’d work out, he’d often put on radio or TV broadcasts of his starts.
It wasn’t something he ever set out to do, but once he started he felt it worked for him. First off, he could watch the game as a pitcher and analyze what he could have done differently. And the experience also reminded him “what a fun, exciting time” the 2025 post-season had been in Toronto.
As the winter progressed, Gausman went back through all of his playoff starts. Sometimes he’d listen to the home radio broadcast, other times he’d flip to the road feed, curious what they might have said. As the weeks went by, he watched “probably every pitch (he) threw,” all 436 of them. By his final appearance — Game 6 of the World Series — it could be painful to relive.
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“Kind of heartbreaking at times,” Gausman said. “But I kind of needed it to get over it in a sense. It’s almost like when you have a bad breakup, I guess. If you have some voicemails, you’re going to listen to them for a while until you finally delete them.”
With a series against the Dodgers set to begin in Toronto on Monday, many of Gausman’s teammates will be coming face to face with similar emotions. On the schedule, it’s just another series in April, but any early season meeting between World Series opponents would inspire some strong emotions — and that’s especially true after a series that was closely contested all the way through extra innings of Game 7.
“It’ll bring back some memories for sure,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. “It feels like we just played them. We still know they’re a damned good team. We still know they’ve got superstars up and down their lineup and really good pitching. I’m sure you guys (in the media) will have fun with it. There’s plenty of stories to write and I’m gonna get some sleep tonight with the media hours the next couple days.”
While the media presence will surely be significant, they aren’t alone in caring about this story. Near-sellout crowds are expected all week, and the players themselves have a heightened awareness of what’s ahead, as expected.
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For instance, Gausman’s parents told him they planned to make a point of being there for the Dodgers series.
“It’s something we can’t ignore,” Gausman said. “We know we lost to them in the World Series last year.”
Others within the Blue Jays’ clubhouse were looking forward to the series for their own reasons. After starting Sunday’s loss to the White Sox, Eric Lauer said he’s hopeful playing the Dodgers can help the Blue Jays collectively reach a higher level of play.
“Everybody knows it’s going to be a good series,” he said. “It’s going to be another showdown. It’s going to be a good one for us to get back on track. We stumbled this (0-3) road trip, but it’s going to be a good reset for us to getting back to playing baseball the way we know how. Going against the Dodgers you can’t make stupid mistakes and you’ve got to really throw the ball well so hopefully this series really locks us back in.”
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While Lauer’s not slated to pitch against the Dodgers this week, Gausman’s set to pitch Tuesday. And not only is he pitching, he currently lines up opposite World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who pitched opposite Gausman in Games 2 and 6 of the World Series, winning twice despite quality starts from Gausman both times.
Gausman knows the lineup he’ll face Tuesday is “really good — that’s why they won it back-to-back years.” So as the series approached, his focus was on attacking the Los Angeles hitters, not whether Yamamoto’s start day would line up with his again.
“You never know how it’s going to line up, a lot of things can change from day to day, so I don’t really look too much at who I’m going to be facing,” he said. ”But I will say at the same time, when you’re facing other established guys it’s fun. We kind of expect that the other guy is going to pitch well and I think they expect you to pitch well, so there’s the level of understanding that we’re both going to go out there and do our thing.”
Gausman then added that he hopes the Blue Jays score 10 runs per game. An offensive outburst like that would certainly help flip the narrative around the 2026 Blue Jays, a team that’s now struggling to find its footing.
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Yet the story of 2025 has been told by now. When the games counted most, the Dodgers found a way, leading to a painful ending for a particularly likeable Blue Jays team. Nothing that happens now will change that — but even with that knowledge in mind, the next few days may still be emotional.
“It’s just funny because it’s so early in the season still,” Gausman said. ”But yeah, I get it. I get the excitement behind it. It’s just two of the best teams from last year facing each other for the first time, so yeah, it’s going to be fun. I know there’s probably going to be a little bit more reactions from the fans during that series. But that’s what sports is all about.”
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