Connect with us
DAPA Banner
DAPA Coin
DAPA
COIN PAYMENT ASSET
PRIVACY · BLOCKDAG · HOMOMORPHIC ENCRYPTION · RUST
ElGamal Encrypted MINE DAPA
🚫 GENESIS SOLD OUT
DAPAPAY COMING

Sports

March Madness 2026: What Jon Scheyer, Dan Hurley can learn from Tom Izzo, Rick Pitino

Published

on

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Jordan Scott had no shortage of options regarding where he’d play college basketball. A consensus top-100 recruit with offers from across the country, he was looking for a differentiating factor. He found them during his visit to East Lansing for Michigan State Madness in October 2024.

Other programs have preseason fan events and hallowed student sections like the “Izzone.” But Scott found something more.

“[Tom Izzo] being a huge part of the community here, for lack of better words, you don’t see that everywhere — you don’t see that anywhere besides here,” Scott said. “He trusts his community, and his community trusts him. … Just comparing this place to other places, it was like night and day, just how they do things here. It’s a special culture.”

It’s a trust Izzo built over 43 years — 31 as the head coach — and a trust that is becoming increasingly rare. Izzo is the second-longest tenured active head coach at one school, behind only close friend Greg Kampe’s 42 years at Oakland University.

Advertisement

“I’m not sure anybody will stay in one place 31 years,” Izzo said, mentioning Purdue’s Matt Painter as one he hopes proves him wrong. “I’m fortunate to have the job I have. I am fortunate for the 31 years of success. I do not think people are going to stay in the same place like Jim Boeheim did. Mike Krzyzewski had a long run there.”

In an era when players and coaches change colors more often than not, the on-court bona fides of the four coaches in the nation’s capital for Friday’s Sweet 16 are unimpeachable. Izzo, Rick Pitino, Dan Hurley and Jon Scheyer have combined for 2,026 Division-I wins, five national championships and, including this year, 37 Sweet 16s. For as good as the players are — and in Cameron Boozer, Zuby Ejiofor, Jeremy Fears Jr. and Tarris Reed Jr. and others, they are very good — the coaches are driving the star power for this 2026 NCAA Tournament East Regional site. 

Each is a pillar of the sport, each in his own way. And the careers of Izzo and Pitino show the fork in the road that Scheyer and Hurley face as they build their own Hall of Fame résumés.

“I think that’s what makes it exciting, right?” said Scheyer, who is 38 and in his fourth year at the helm of his alma mater. “It’s going to be an exciting atmosphere, high-level basketball, high-level coaching for sure. … I just keep going back [to] having great respect and admiration, at the same time having great confidence when you step on the floor. That’s what I want our players to have, too.”

Advertisement

The winding backroads to the HOF


Getty Images

Scheyer’s sideline opponent, Pitino, was a forebearer of this era of movement. He got his head coaching start at Boston University, left for an assistant role with the Knicks, returned to the college ranks as Providence’s coach, left for the Knicks’ head role and then resigned to take the top job at Kentucky — all within a seven-year stretch.

He’d leave for the NBA one more time, taking the Celtics job, but not after lifting a Kentucky program mired in scandal to a 1996 NCAA title and a 1997 runner-up finish. But after four unsuccessful years in Bean Town, he returned to coach Louisville from 2001-2017, when he was fired amid multiple scandals (it was later re-worded to a resignation after a lengthy legal battle). After a brief stint in Greece, he returned to coach Iona and, in 2023, got hired by St. John’s.

“I’ve loved every place I’ve lived,” Pitino said. “I’m a different guy. I’m not a nester. Everybody is different. I don’t want to live in the same place my whole life. I enjoyed Greece probably more than any place I’ve ever lived for those two years, not knowing one person, just exploring all the islands. For me it was great. For Tom, it’s great being in East Lansing. He loves it there. Everybody is different.”

East coaches’ head coaching résumés

Jon Scheyer Rick Pitino Tom Izzo Dan Hurley
Duke (2022–present) Boston University (1978–83) Ishpeming (MI) High School (1977–79) St. Benedict’s (N.J.) Prep (2001–10)
Providence (1985–87) Michigan State (1995–present) Wagner (2010–12)
New York Knicks (1987–89) Rhode Island (2012–18)
Kentucky (1989–97) UConn (2018–present)
Boston Celtics (1997–2001)
Louisville (2001–17)
Panathinaikos (2018–20)
Iona (2020–23)
St. John’s (2023–present)

St. John’s is the fourth different program Pitino has led to the Sweet 16. He has mastered the ability to fit into new surroundings while still standing out. After all, beyond the coaching ingenuity, what 73-year-old — let alone a 73-year-old Hall-of-Fame coach — dons an all-white suit for big games, invites Bad Bunny to sit courtside and says his point guard, Dylan Darling, has “balls as big as church bells?”

Advertisement

“Since he’s 73, you would think that he’s slowing down, but I think he’s only getting better,” Bryce Hopkins said.

“I think that coach still coaching at his age helps keep him young, honestly,” Oziyah Sellers said. “I remember he told me earlier in the year that he wouldn’t know what he would do with his life if he wasn’t coaching.”

Pitino has certainly taken the road less traveled, but perhaps that has given him the edge in identifying and courting players whose careers have taken several turns, too. The Red Storm’s top seven scorers are all former transfers.

“His resume, it speaks for itself,” said Sellers, who started his career at USC and transferred to Stanford before landing with the Johnnies. “He’s succeeded at every school he’s been at, and he’s ‘The Godfather’ in this college basketball world.”

Advertisement

The open road ahead in youth


Getty Images

Pitino’s junior by 35 years, Scheyer is his third Sweet 16 in four years as Duke’s head coach. The two are, in some ways, polar opposites. If Pitino is “The Godfather,” Scheyer is the prodigy. They will form the eighth-largest age gap between opposing coaches in any NCAA Tournament game. All Scheyer has known is Duke. He won a national championship as a senior in 2010 and, after a brief pro playing career, returned to Durham to be part of Krzyzewski’s staff before taking over the program in 2022.

Since then? The trajectory has him with the most wins of any head coach in his first four years on the job — and approaching that same record just in March Madness:

Coach School (first four years) Wins
Steve Fisher Michigan (1989–93) 12
Brad Stevens Butler (2007–11) 11
Ed Jucker Cincinnati (1960–64) 11
Jon Scheyer Duke (2022–present) 10
Fred Taylor Ohio State (1959–63) 10

Krzyzewski fielded several NBA offers over his 42 seasons leading Duke and declined each. In 2023, Coach K said, “I love Duke, and I love college, especially how it was then. I’m not sure that if it was today, and I was that age, I wouldn’t have gone.”

The “then” Krzyzewski refers to is when top players often spent their entire careers at one program. Christian Laettner, Grant Hill, JJ Redick and Shane Battier stayed for all four years. Jay Williams stayed for three. It’s a long-gone era, and Scheyer knows it. And the transaction-driven nature makes even the offseason more of a grind.

Advertisement

When asked if he believes coaches will continue into their 70s, as Pitino and Izzo are and Krzyzewski did, Scheyer smiled and shook his head.

“I know from Coach K, initially when you start coaching, you have months, you finish the season, your players aren’t going anywhere, you go to the beach, you go wherever you want for a few months, you come back in the fall, and you’re ready to roll,” Scheyer said. “That’s just not the world we’re in. As you all know, it’s right to recruiting mode the next day, as soon as the season ends.

“But I think it’s incredible what [Izzo and Pitino] have done. … You look at the reflection of both of their teams. They still have the identity of how they’ve always coached: the toughness, the defense, all those things, but they’ve done it a different way.”

After all, the 2020s have been marked by high-profile departures, not just from septuagenarians such as Krzyzewski, Boeheim, Roy Williams and Jim Larrañaga, but from Jay Wright and Tony Bennett, too.

Advertisement

The exit ramps and left turns not taken


Getty Images

Hurley could be the best example of the thin line between staying and going — and, as of now, choosing the former. He turned down Kentucky in early 2024 and the Lakers a few months later, though he admits that turning down the Lakers was a difficult decision, one that Izzo, now his Sweet 16 opponent, helped with.

His players were briefly in a lurch. Reed, who had transferred from Michigan just months before the Lakers’ courtship of Hurley, remembers the immense relief of finding out Hurley was staying in Storrs.

“I came to UConn to play for a coach like Coach Hurley,” Reed said. “When Coach said he returned, I remember that first practice when he leaked out to the media, posted it on Twitter, he was ready to go from there.”

Returnees such as Alex Karaban and Solo Ball remember the uncertain few days of that July — long after rosters and coaching searches had formed, leaving them with fewer options if they needed to pack up.

Advertisement

“Whatever he wanted to do, whatever would make him happy, his family happy, that’s ultimately what we all wanted,” Karaban said. “For him to come back and want to stay at UConn was a blessing for us. We greatly appreciated that. We just want to repay with him with how we play on the basketball court.”

“I thought he was going to be gone, to be honest, when it first came out,” Ball said. “Over time, when you get to know Coach, how he is as a person, all he wants to pour into is college athletes. It’s been great.”

The long road home

Perhaps the difference between staying and going can come down to personalities. Pitino has always wanted to move around. Izzo values the ability to “pump your own gas, wave to a neighbor, be around.” He had the same NBA rumor mill, the same opportunities to jump to marginally bigger college programs.

Or perhaps there’s more. The pressure of one spot can be downright grating. The nationwide monetary arms race gives more programs more opportunities to offer big paydays, better NIL, upgraded facilities and impressive support.

Advertisement

“It’s nice to be in the same place,” Izzo said. “There’s pressure being in the same place, too. I don’t think most people are going to want to do that. I hope they do. I think it’s good for the university. I think it’s good for the players.”

Future offers will come for Hurley, one of the premier basketball minds at any level, and for Scheyer, who ticks the boxes of youth, smarts and experience coaching NBA players in-waiting. Both acknowledged the immense challenges they face.

“We talked about his opportunity with the Lakers and other places,” Scheyer said of Krzyzewski. “Down the road, that’s something you cross that bridge when you get there. For me, it’s 100% being at Duke, the place I want to be. We have unfinished business. That’s what this is all about for me.”

Hurley admitted it’s been a challenge, that turning down the Lakers two summers ago wasn’t easy and that coaching, period, even as a two-time reigning national champion, wasn’t easy.

Advertisement

“Listen, I wanted a gap year last year,” Hurley said with a laugh that belied his serious answer. “I don’t know how Coach Izzo has done it. I don’t.

“I hope I’m looked upon when my career’s over, I don’t know that I’ll have his longevity, I can just only hope that people look at me as a coach the way they look at him and the way I look at him.”

Four disparate but remarkably successful coaching paths converge at Capital One Arena on Friday night. By Sunday night, one will continue to the Final Four, and three will return home. Where any of those four paths go — in the short and long terms — could be anyone’s guess.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Sports

England vs New Zealand: Tilly Corteen-Coleman and Charlie Dean give reasons for optimism despite familiar failings

Published

on

Those words showed maturity but also the teenager’s high standards.

Corteen-Coleman perched herself next to England’s coaches on the balcony for much of her side’s chase. She believed her work for the day was done, but her most consequential moment was still to come.

Ten runs were still needed when she emerged as the last batter to join Dean.

Crucially, she helped Dean run twos and, with solid defence, bettered her previous high score of one not out in The Hundred to finish unbeaten on three and sealed the win.

Advertisement

“I am glad I looked calm because I definitely wasn’t,” she said.

“The main point for me was to keep it really simple.”

Corteen-Coleman did not, of course, complete the win alone.

Central was the role of Dean, who admitted to exposing her team-mate more than she intended by taking singles early in the over, but otherwise played the situation well.

Advertisement

Much has been made of Dean’s ability to hold her mettle in chases. There has been some success but failure too – notably in the Mankad ODI at Lord’s in 2022 and the second ODI of the Women’s Ashes last year.

This time, standing in as England captain for the first time, Dean dragged her side over the line.

If England’s training camp with the army last week was supposed to develop leaders, this was Dean’s Passing-Out Parade.

“I have worked on having that calmness and being ready in any situation but that mainly came from Deano,” added Corteen-Coleman.

Advertisement

“If I came out and she was panicking I would have been under the pump.”

Corteen-Coleman emerged with the words of coach Charlotte Edwards in her ears. She told her to back her strengths and keep a clear mind.

That was backed up by Dean in the middle.

“She came out with good clarity,” said Dean.

Advertisement

“I said, ‘Yorkers have been successful for them so they will probably look to get under your bat’.

“We decided getting forward was the best option.

“Tilly is really proactive with her thinking. She has a good cricket brain.”

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Twins recall LHP Kendry Rojas, option LHP Kody Funderburk

Published

on

MLB: Minnesota Twins at New York MetsApr 22, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Kendry Rojas (60) pitches against the New York Mets during the sixth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Twins recalled Kendry Rojas from Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday and optioned fellow left-hander Kody Funderburk to the affiliate.

Rojas will be making his second stint with the Twins this season. He made his major league debut on April 22 and allowed two hits and three walks over two scoreless innings in a no-decision against the New York Mets.

Rojas, 23, is 1-1 with a 2.20 ERA in six appearances (two starts) with St. Paul.

Funderburk, 29, is 1-1 with one save and a 2.81 ERA in 19 relief appearances this season with Minnesota. He has pitched in 96 games for the Twins since 2023 and owns three saves and 20 holds.

Advertisement

–Field Level Media

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Carson Wentz, Defensive Rookie of the Year, Deebo Samuel

Published

on

Advertisement

Carson Wentz looks downfield during a Vikings international game against the Steelers in Dublin.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz scans the field during second-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL International Series game at Croke Park. On Sep. 28, 2025, Wentz operated Minnesota’s offense during the overseas matchup as the Vikings continued expanding the NFL’s global presence with another showcase event in Dublin. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings are less than 12 weeks from training camp, when roster battles will take center stage. In the meantime, the rumor mill remains ablaze, and we chronicle the most important ones each weekend.

Minnesota’s latest rumor batch centers on quarterback depth, rookie patience, and a wide receiver idea that faded fast.

This week’s edition is scattered across the board in terms of positional importance.

Advertisement

The Wentz Update Leads a Practical May Rumor Batch

The Purple Rumor Mill for May 10th, 2026.

Khalil Mack tackles Carson Wentz during a Vikings-Chargers game at SoFi Stadium. Vikings rumors
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) wraps up Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) during first-half action on Oct. 23, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Wentz later returned to Minnesota in a familiar backup role, providing veteran quarterback insurance behind the Vikings’ revamped depth chart entering 2026. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images.

Rumor: Carson Wentz’s shoulder is healed, and he’s 100% ready to go.

Talking to KFRY-TV’s Luke Gamble on Tuesday, Wentz said he was all set for 2026: “Physically, I feel great. Shoulder’s more or less behind me now. It wasn’t fun by any means, but surgery went well, and rehab’s gone really well too. So for me, it’s behind me. I’m healthy, and I’ll be ready to roll.”

Wentz’s October shoulder injury made a May return seem realistic, and he is now back.

Advertisement

Should the Vikings need Wentz in 2026 — ideally, they won’t — he is healthy enough to step in. It’s the primary purpose of his deal. Minnesota doesn’t require him to threaten anyone’s job or spark a quarterback controversy; they need him prepared in case unforeseen circumstances affect the depth chart.

Following Wentz’s re-signing, some fans speculated he could displace J.J. McCarthy or lead to a trade. Such notions never really made sense, as there is ample room for all three quarterbacks on the current depth chart: Kyler Murray as QB1, McCarthy as QB2, and Wentz as QB3. McCarthy has not been traded, and Wentz was never re-signed to create such drama.

Overall, Vikings fans praised Wentz for his toughness. When he returned this offseason, the reaction was largely positive because his role was clear: a proven veteran securing the QB3 spot, remaining ready, and providing the Vikings with an additional layer of protection at quarterback. Can’t go wrong.

Rumor: Caleb Banks could be a dark horse to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Advertisement

ESPN’s Ben Solak sized up the Rookie of the Year stakes last week, and regarding Banks, he wrote: “No defensive tackle has won Rookie of the Year since Aaron Donald in 2014, and the only other tackle to do it this century was Ndamukong Suh. Banks is that sort of talent and an enticing bet accordingly. But he has a foot injury that’s impossible to overlook.”

“He also plays in a Brian Flores defense that doesn’t allow defensive tackles to play the sort of unhinged, penetration-oriented style that leads to sacks. Sure, the Vikings spent an early pick on Banks — but as head coach of the Dolphins in 2019, Flores used the No. 13 pick on Christian Wilkins, and he had two sacks as a rookie. It’s hard to see the path for Banks.”

Caleb Banks celebrates after recovering a fumble during a Florida-Florida State game in Gainesville. Vikings rumors
Florida Gators defensive tackle Caleb Banks (88) celebrates after recovering a fumble against the Florida State Seminoles on Nov. 29, 2025, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. Banks later climbed into first-round NFL Draft territory because of his athleticism, disruptive traits, and upside as an interior defensive lineman. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images.

Second-round linebacker Jake Golday also got some love: “Golday is an off-ball/on-ball tweener who will be stuck behind established starters at both positions: Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner at outside linebacker; Eric Wilson and Blake Cashman at inside linebacker.”

“He will undoubtedly have flashy plays in subpackages, but he simply will not see enough snaps — barring injury — to contend for this award.”

Rumor: Deebo Samuel might’ve made a lot of sense as the Vikings’ WR3.

Advertisement

Bleacher Report‘s Bradley Locker walked through the NFL’s top 1o free agents last week. On Samuel, he nominated the Vikings and wrote, “The Vikings put an emphasis on retooling their impressive defense in the draft, grabbing Caleb Banks, Jake Golday and Domonique Orange with their first three picks.”

“However, Minnesota could use more at receiver after losing Jalen Nailor to the Raiders. Samuel’s effectiveness has taken a step back over the last two campaigns, but he still finished 2025 with a 70.3 PFF receiving grade and 1.66 yards per route run.”

Minnesota later signed Samuel’s former teammate, Jauan Jennings.

Deebo Samuel Sr. celebrates after scoring a touchdown for the 49ers against the Lions at Levi’s Stadium. Vikings rumors
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions on Dec. 30, 2024, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Samuel remained one of the NFL’s most versatile offensive weapons, blending wide receiver production with physicality and backfield usage in San Francisco’s offense. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images.

Locker added, “Further, Samuel’s 6.5 yards after the catch per reception was fourth among wideouts with 95 or more targets. Next to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, Samuel could help fill Nailor’s void in the slot while infusing more juice after the catch and overall creativity for Kevin O’Connell.”

Samuel would be in play for Minnesota if the Jennings contract didn’t come together. But now, the Vikings don’t need another popular wideout and cannot afford one. If any free agents are signed in the next couple of months, Minnesota might want an extra outside linebacker after Jonathan Greenard left the team via trade. Players like Jadeveon Clowney. Joey Bosa, and Leonary Floyd might make sense.

Advertisement

avatar
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

How to watch Round 4

Published

on

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Devyne Rensch speaks after Roma’s comeback win: “What a crazy game. Now we focus on the derby.”

Published

on

Roma fullback Devyne Rensch was on the scoresheet tonight as he helped lead the comeback against Parma to secure three crucial points at the Tardini.

After the match, Rensch discussed the importance of this victory.

Advertisement

“What a crazy match, Parma is a good team, the most important thing was to win, a goal and the penalty make me even happier but I’m happy for the team. Now we’re focused on the derby.”

Advertisement

“Top 4? We’ve fought all season, we’ve always believed in it all together, we put a lot of effort into training even if it doesn’t show. We deserve it.”

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Jeeno Thitikul’s new mindset won her Mizuho. Will it help her answer major question?

Published

on

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

The Vikings’ 4 Most Improved Roster Spots

Published

on

Advertisement

Domonique Orange sacks Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara during a game at Kinnick Stadium.
Iowa State defensive lineman Domonique Orange brings down Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara during fourth-quarter action at Kinnick Stadium. On Sep. 7, 2024, Orange continued showcasing his power and interior disruption skills while helping the Cyclones pressure Iowa’s offense during the rivalry matchup in Iowa City. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings have completed free agency and the draft this offseason, and regarding the roster right now, what you see is what you get. The club may make or move or two before it’s all said and done before Week 1, but the depth chart is full. Therefore, it’s time to peek at the most improved roster spots.

Minnesota’s offseason plan becomes clearer when ranking where the roster actually improved.

Truth be told, this exercise is pretty straightforward.

Advertisement

The Biggest Jump Starts at Quarterback and Defensive Tackle

Ranked from medium improvement to the most, here’s the list.

Jauan Jennings celebrates after a San Francisco 49ers win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Vikings roster
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) celebrates after a victory against the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 13, 2022, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Jennings later emerged as a frequently discussed trade or free-agent target for teams seeking dependable wide receiver depth and physicality. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images.

4. Wide Receiver

Notable Newcomer(s):
Jauan Jennings
Dillon Bell

Some might argue this should be higher, and the case for that contention would be sound.

Advertisement

On Thursday night, the Vikings signed Jennings, a transaction that gives Minnesota its best wide receiver trio since Randy Moss, Cris Carter, and Jake Reed. The purple team has employed other decent WR3s since — like Bernard Berrian, Jerome Simpson, K.J. Osborn, and Jalen Nailor — but none are quite like Jennings.

Jennings is a willing blocker and just what the doctor ordered for Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Had the Vikings not lost Nailor to free agency, this spot might’ve ranked at No. 2 on the list.

Bleacher Report‘s Adam Wells on Jennings: “Jennings isn’t a burner who runs past cornerbacks, so he will need to maintain that aggressive style of play that has not always endeared him to other players around the NFL.”

“The Vikings will be more than happy to have Jennings’ aggression, attitude and swagger on their offense as they look to put together a roster capable of competing for a playoff spot in 2026.”

Advertisement

3. Offensive Tackle

Notable Newcomer(s):
Caleb Tiernan
Ryan Van Demark

Perhaps planning for the future or strictly picking “the best player available,” Minnesota added Northwestern’s Tiernan in Round 3 of last month’s draft. Of course, the club has Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill ready for LT and RT duty, but Tiernan inserts youth into the pipeline.

Van Demark has played 43 games in his career and can be considered this year’s Justin Skule or David Quessenberry.

Advertisement

Here’s the Pro Football Focus skinny on Van Demark:

  • 2025: 74.4 (312 snaps)
  • 2024: 53.3 (199 snaps)
  • 2023: 60.2 (47 snaps)

The pass-blocking:

  • 2025: 65.6
  • 2024: 51.8
  • 2023: 27.2

The run-blocking:

  • 2025: 74.9
  • 2024: 51.4
  • 2023: 64.4

In the last few years, the Vikings lean on one veteran OT as a contingency plan. Now, they have two.

2. Defensive Tackle

Notable Newcomer(s):
Caleb Banks
Domonique Orange

Out with the elderly, in with the babies — was the Vikings’ mantra at defensive tackle this offseason.

Advertisement
Caleb Banks pressures Carson Beck during a Florida-Georgia football game in Jacksonville. Vikings roster
Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) pressures Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) during third-quarter action on Oct. 28, 2023, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. Banks later climbed into the NFL Draft’s first-round conversation because of his size, explosiveness, and disruptive defensive traits in the SEC. Mandatory Credit: Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

The club released Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, who landed with the Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers, respectively. In March, fans wondered if Minnesota would roll with Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. The answer? An emphatic hell no.

Minnesota spent two of its first three picks on interior defensive linemen in the draft. Banks is the almighty gamble, coming off a foot injury, and most think big humans with bad feet isn’t a straightforward outcome. Still, if Banks’s foot heals and stays 100%, he has an All-Pro upside.

The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis noted this week on Banks’s foot injury: “Minnesota isn’t planning to rush Banks back from the most recent procedure on his fractured fourth metatarsal. The team also believes its top player health and performance staffers, Tyler Williams and Matt Duhamel, are at the forefront of recovery around the NFL.”

“Also important in the Banks discussion is the coaching component of his development when he does return from injury. All young players need different coaching personalities to maximize their skill set. Banks is different, according to Florida defensive-line coach Gerald Chatman, in that he responds to intense challenge and urgency.”

On Orange, he’s a nose tackle, and players from that position are just easier to scout for some reason or another. For the trajectory of the long-term roster, Banks and Orange instead of Allen and Hargrave is seismic.

Advertisement

1. Quarterback

Notable Newcomer(s):
Kyler Murray

You don’t have to be the almighty Murray stan to appreciate the Vikings’ value during his onboarding. Minnesota paid $1.3 million for Murray; the Arizona Cardinals are paying Murray to play for the Vikings. That is not spin. That is the truth.

Kyler Murray scrambles outside the pocket during a game between the Cardinals and Bills. Vikings roster
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) rolls outside the pocket while scanning downfield against the Buffalo Bills on Sep. 8, 2024, at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Murray later joined the Minnesota Vikings, immediately becoming the favorite to lead Kevin O’Connell’s offense entering the 2026 season. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images.

Over the course of a 17-game season in his career, Murray averaged these numbers:

  • 3,997 Passing Yards
  • 30 Total Touchdowns
  • 11 Interceptions
  • 67.1% Completion Rate
  • 623 Rushing Yards

Last year, J.J. McCarthy produced 11 passing touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His team still finished 9-8.

Murray at $1.3 million might be the best value in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL.

Advertisement

avatar
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Liverpool stunned as Brighton reach their first ever Women’s FA Cup final

Published

on


Liverpool stunned as Brighton reach their first ever Women’s FA Cup final

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Vikings Players from the 2025 Roster Who Still Need Jobs

Published

on

Advertisement

Fabian Moreau stands on the field during a Vikings playoff game against the Rams.
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Fabian Moreau stands on the field during an NFC Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. On Jan. 13, 2025, Moreau contributed to Minnesota’s secondary during postseason action as the Vikings attempted to advance deeper into the playoffs under head coach Kevin O’Connell. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Multiple waves of free agency have come and gone, and in NFL speak, the wire is down to slim pickings, except for some aging, once noteworthy stars like Tyreek Hill. All the productive young players have found new employers. For the Minnesota Vikings’ sake, seven players from the 2025 roster remain unsigned.

The productive departures are gone. These names remain in limbo.

Here’s a peek at those men in alphabetical order.

Advertisement

Familiar Vikings Veterans Still Waiting for Their Next Shot

Who’s the most likely player to rejoin the Vikings, perhaps on the practice squad?

Zeke Correll participates in Notre Dame’s Blue-Gold spring football game at Notre Dame Stadium. Vikings free agents
Notre Dame offensive lineman Zeke Correll participates in the school’s annual Blue-Gold spring football game at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend on April 22, 2023. Correll developed into a steady presence along the Fighting Irish offensive line during his collegiate career, bringing experience, versatility, and leadership to one of college football’s most tradition-rich programs. Mandatory Credit: Greg Swiercz / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK.

Zeke Correll | C

Merely mentioned for full disclosure, Correll was a Vikings practice squad candidate last summer. He then suffered an injury in August and spent the entire season on injured reserve.

Minnesota waived him on March 13th and now has Blake Brandel, Michael Jurgens, and rookie Gavin Gehardt lined up for the center spot in 2026.

Advertisement

Fabian Moreau | CB

As a CB3, Moreau quietly had a solid 2025 season. He allowed a 54.2 passer rating in 11 games, a performance that largely went unnoticed due to his lack of name recognition. Minnesota should consider bringing him back as a CB4-CB5, especially if he remains a cost-effective option.

Matt Nelson | OT

Nelson remains largely anonymous in the NFL, typically occupying a practice squad role, providing swing depth, or filling in during emergencies. Unsurprisingly, he remains unsigned after the initial wave of free agency. He will likely have to wait until a team requires additional personnel for training camp.

Advertisement

Jeff Okudah | CB

Okudah had a difficult stint as Minnesota’s CB3, hampered by concussions and poor play. When on the field, opposing quarterbacks frequently targeted him, exploiting his struggles. The former third overall pick appears to be in the later stages of his career, with the “2020 draft bust” label now firmly attached.

Ladd McConkey scores a touchdown against the Vikings while Jeff Okudah trails the play. Vikings free agents
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey breaks free from Minnesota Vikings cornerback Jeff Okudah for a touchdown reception during the second half at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Oct. 23, 2025. McConkey continued his rapid rise as one of the NFL’s most dependable young receivers, showcasing his route-running precision and separation ability against Minnesota. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images.

The Viking Age‘s Adam Patrick on Okudah last month: “Unfortunately, multiple concussions resulted in Okudah only appearing in six games with the Vikings last season, but even when he was able to get on the field, his performance wasn’t anything close to what Minnesota was hoping to see from him.”

“Now that concussions could potentially be a lingering issue, and the fact that he just hasn’t been good during his tenure in the league, his career in the NFL could already be nearing the end, despite it beginning just six years ago.”

Brett Rypien | QB

Advertisement

In May 2025 — so, a year ago at this time — Rypien was the Vikings’ QB2, believe it or not. The rapid change in circumstances now sees him seeking a QB3 role elsewhere, likely with a team looking for an inexpensive veteran for camp in the coming months.

Harrison Smith | S

The Vikings “released” Smith in March, but his tenure in Minnesota is not necessarily over. Smith performed well late in 2025, making a 2026 return seem plausible, even if only for situational play.

Can one truly imagine the Vikings winning a Super Bowl in 2026 with Kyler Murray under center, while Smith watches from home? The thought should be unsettling for both fans and Smith himself.

Advertisement

The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis noted on rookie safety Jakobe Thomas as a possible Smith replacement this week, “Can Jakobe Thomas be the new Harrison Smith? In 2025, Thomas entered the transfer portal. He had played safety at Tennessee, mostly in a role that asked him to focus on deep coverage. The University of Miami’s staff kicked the film over to defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman.”

“He believed the Hurricanes could weaponize Thomas’ all-around abilities more powerfully. Thomas took to the idea. Part of the intrigue, for him, was the fact that one of his heroes, a fellow product of the state of Tennessee named Harrison Smith, was asked to play multiple roles in the Vikings’ defense.”

Harrison Smith speaks during a Vikings press conference at Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin. Vikings free agents
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith speaks during a press conference at Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin, Ireland, on Sep. 26, 2025. Smith remained one of the Vikings’ most respected veteran leaders entering another international showcase game, continuing a long tenure defined by versatility, intelligence, and consistent defensive production throughout his accomplished NFL career. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

Thomas was direct fruit of the Jonathan Greenard trade.

Lewis added, “Thomas is now playing for Smith’s longtime NFL team. Smith’s status remains up in the air, but O’Connell said Friday that one of the elements of Thomas’ pre-draft visit was watching film of Smith.”

“The reps Thomas takes with the full roster will be telling. The Vikings selected him in the third round, but he was one of the team’s priorities when the draft began.”

Advertisement

John Wolford | QB

Wolford served as the Vikings’ emergency QB3 last season, when injuries and crappy play hit the quarterback room. He will not return in 2026. At best, Wolford might secure a practice squad position or serve as emergency quarterback insurance for a new team.


avatar
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Barcelona vs Real Madrid LIVE, El Clasico: Marcus Rashford Scores Stunning Free-Kick, Barcelona Take Early Lead | FCB 1-0 RMA

Published

on

5′ Barcelona go through on the left with Marcus Rashford, who swings a low cross into the box. However, Real Madrid left-back Fran Garcia recovers in time to prevent any danger.

A minute later, Barcelona attack again, but this time it’s Raul Asencio who recovers and makes a superb tackle! Remember, Asencio came in last-minute after Dean Huijsen felt discomfort during warm-up.

FCB 0-0 RMA

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025