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McLaughlin: Big Ten, SEC ‘Protect’ Act Changes Realistic? > Spencer also talks with Tyler Wojciak about the much-anticipated BYU-Notre Dame matchup

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  By Spencer McLaughlin of Locked on CFB for SuperWest Sports

July 3, 2026


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Big Ten logoSEC logoThe Big Ten and SEC have released another statement regarding the ‘Protect College Sports Act’ and what they want to change.

Are their requests unrealistic or are they actually making sense?

On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin is joined by ‘Locked On Irish’ host Tyler Wojciak.

Together, we go through Notre Dame’s weak 2026 schedule and predict their record for the season.

espn%2Blsu.pngLSU traveling to Ole Miss in Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford is among the most exciting games of the 2026 season.

Which other ones will be the most exhilarating to watch? 

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00:00 Big Ten and SEC lobby Congress
06:01 College football revenue sharing
07:31 Discussing NCAA liability protection
12:32 Notre Dame’s win total prediction
15:12 Notre Dame’s early season struggles
17:49 Preview of Notre Dame vs Syracuse
22:06 Previewing the season schedule
25:36 Evaluating Alabama’s Season Prospects
28:11 Notre Dame vs USC recruiting rivalry
31:23 Indiana’s major home game developments
34:06 Excitement for BYU vs Notre Dame game 3
5:44 Pete Golding vs. Lane Kiffin drama
39:14 Miami vs. Notre Dame predictions

/ @lockedoncollegefootball  

Follow and subscribe to the Podcast on these platforms…

Follow on Twitter: https://x.com/smclaughlinCFB
Follow the show on Twitter: https://x.com/LockedOn_CFB

<h3>McLaughlin: Big Ten, SEC ‘Protect’ Act Changes Realistic?</h3><span style='color:gray;font-size:18px;'> > Spencer also talks with Tyler Wojciak about the much-anticipated BYU-Notre Dame matchup</span> first appeared on <h3>McLaughlin: Big Ten, SEC ‘Protect’ Act Changes Realistic?</h3><span style='color:gray;font-size:18px;'> > Spencer also talks with Tyler Wojciak about the much-anticipated BYU-Notre Dame matchup</span> and was syndicated with permission.

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Master this simple move to transform your short game — and your swing

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Most golfers have been taught to keep their heads down when chipping. But according to three-time major champion Padraig Harrington, the opposite feeling may be the key to cleaner contact, more spin and a better short game.

The secret? Learning to use the ground.

If you watch elite players closely, you’ll notice something most amateurs haven’t mastered quite yet. As the club approaches impact, they apply pressure to their lead foot and then rise up through impact.

“We’re not trying to stay down. We’re not trying to keep our head down,” Harrington says. “I’m actually pushing myself back up with that left foot. It gives an absolutely beautiful strike.” 

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It’s a subtle move that’s almost impossible to spot at full speed, yet it plays a major role in producing those crisp, spinny chips.

While it’s difficult to detect in another golfer’s swing, it’s surprisingly easy to learn yourself.

Train ball-first contact with a simple alignment stick drill

As Harrington demonstrates, a simple alignment stick drill is a great way to groove this feeling. Just place a stick‚— or other alignment tool — on the ground to mark the midline of your stance. Then, play the ball two or three inches in front of it.

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Your objective is simple: strike the ball without touching the stick. If you can consistently miss the stick, you’re training yourself to bottom out after the ball, producing the clean, ball-first contact every good chip requires.

Once that strike becomes second nature, add in the pressure shift. As your club approaches the ball, press into the ball of your lead foot and allow that pressure to push you upward through impact.

“Get yourself left. Stay left. You have to trust that, okay?” Harrington says, “We don’t want any of this backing up.”

An easy way to check whether you’re doing it correctly is to look at your lead leg after impact. If your lead knee remains bent, there’s a good chance your weight has drifted back during the swing. If your lead leg has straightened, you’ve likely used the ground properly.

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“If your knees bend … that’s because your center of mass has gone backward and that’s counterbalancing it by going forward,” Harrington says. 

“Whereas, if you get yourself left, you’re just going to post up like so.”

Perhaps the biggest benefit is that this feeling doesn’t stop at your short game. The same pressure shift and ground force that Harrington teaches for chipping are a fundamental part of an athletic full swing. Master it around the greens first, and you’ll not only hit crisper chips with more spin, but you’ll also build a movement pattern that carries through the rest of your game.

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Omolong primed for 2026 Coolmore Stud Stakes after Rosehill triumph

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Two jockeys on thoroughbreds race neck-and-neck on a grass track

The undefeated colt Omolong is being targeted for the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes during the 2026 Melbourne spring carnival, following his recent stylish victory at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday which kept his perfect record intact.

Omolong unleashed a powerful finishing surge to achieve his second win from as many starts in the Thank You ATC Members Handicap over 1100 metres.

Leading trainer Chris Waller indicated that Omolong would now enjoy a brief spell before being set for feature races later in the spring carnival.

“I’m predicting he will have a great future,” Waller said of Omolong. “A race like the Coolmore down the straight (Flemington) later in the spring I think will be ideal. Obviously, there is a lot of improvement still to come for him to do that but he’s still very raw, still developing, and I think there is a lot of upside to him. He has always shown us a lot of promise, he’s a bright, shining star.”.

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Omolong, who was a drifting favourite at $3.10 with Australian betting sites, came from off the speed and sprinted impressively to catch Seeiaye ($6.50), with Satin Summer ($5.50) finishing third just over a length behind.

Kotor, a $3.10 equal favourite on debut, showed early speed but faded from the turn and finished seventh.

Waller commented that “Omolong has a lot of natural talent” and is expected to continue improving with racing experience and maturity as a spring three-year-old.

“The Golden Rose will come around too quickly for him so we will pick out something mid-spring and aim him at the Coolmore Stud Stakes,” Waller stated. “I remember Northern Meteor started late in the spring before winning the Coolmore so it will be that style of preparation for this colt.”

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Star apprentice Siena Grima recorded her 29th city winner of the season on Omolong, placing her just one win behind Braith Nock in the Sydney apprentices’ premiership race.

“Omolong was a bit sweaty behind the gates, but he was still walking in nice, relaxed circles,” Grima reported. “He got into a beautiful spot and travelled lovely from there. He is very leggy and raw. He’s still got a lot to learn, so I didn’t want to upset him. I had him on the bridle travelling, which is what I was happy about. I just let him build from the five (hundred), got a lovely cart into the straight and once he was balanced up and in a good rhythm, once I went for him he continued to find.”

Waller praised Grima’s handling of the pressure in Sydney racing, noting her maturity exceeded her years.

“This is one of the toughest (riding) jurisdictions in the world but Siena continues to deal with that and is doing a fantastic job,” Waller remarked.

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Omolong, the promising son of Newgate’s highly-rated sire Extreme Choice, was a late-season foal, born on December 19 three years ago.

Breeder Gerry Harvey, who retained 10 percent of the colt after selling him to Yulong for $850,000 at last year’s Magic Millions June Sale, was instrumental in convincing Newgate Farm supremo Henry Field to extend Extreme Choice’s breeding season into January.

Field admitted that without Harvey’s persistence, Omolong may not have been born. He recalled his conversation with the breeder about Extreme Choice as if it were yesterday.

“I was actually at a Keeneland Broodmare Sale (USA) when Gerry called,” Field told Racing And Sports earlier in the week. “Gerry asked if he could breed some mares to Extreme Choice in January. I told him no as the season traditionally finishes at the end of December. But I have to thank Gerry for ripping into me and giving me the kick up the backside I needed to have a rethink about Extreme Choice.”

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Harvey, who doesn’t often accept rejection, ultimately convinced Field to take a different tack with Extreme Choice. When Field relented, Harvey sent several mares to Extreme Choice that January three years ago, including Samarmeteors, who was already the dam of stakes winner Prost. Omolong is the result of that particular mating.

Keep an eye on the latest racing odds for the Coolmore Stud Stakes as the spring carnival approaches.

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Serena Williams – live: Wimbledon 2026 latest scores, results and order of play as comeback with Venus Williams cancelled at last minute

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Serena Williams’ children watch her as she makes comeback at Wimbledon

Serena WilliamsWimbledon comeback has been brought to a premature end after the 44-year-old was forced to withdraw from her first-round doubles match with sister Venus Williams due to a knee injury.

With a combined age of 90, the tennis legends were set to play their first match together in four years against Solana Sierra and Camilla Osorio. Serena returned to singles on Tuesday, but injured her knee in a defeat to Maya Joint.

“I’m heartbroken to have to withdraw from doubles,” Williams posted on Instagram. “Coming back to compete again has been a gift, and the opportunity to play alongside Venus once more meant the world to me. I did everything I could to be ready, but unfortunately my knee just isn’t ready to compete.”

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Elsewhere, Alexandra Eala made more history for the Philippines as the 21-year-old rising star stunned defending Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek to extend her record run to the fourth round. Eala, the 29th seed, won 7-6 6-2 in two hours and 14 minutes for the biggest win of her blossoming career as well as the most significant upset of this year’s Championships.

Meanwhile, Arthur Fery, the last British player left standing in the singles, kept his Wimbledon run alive with a stunning five-set win over Zizou Bergs to reach the fourth run for the first time. In the all-American on Centre Court, former Australian Open champion Madison Keys knocked out last year’s runner-up Amanda Anisimova.

Follow latest scores and updates from Wimbledon, below

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Alexandra Eala comes of age at Wimbledon and brings 112 million people with her

The 21-year-old, who knocked out reigning champion Iga Swiatek, has embraced becoming a source of inspiration for the Philippines after breaking new ground by reaching the fourth round of Wimbledon

Jamie Braidwood4 July 2026 20:52

Wimbledon rises for Arthur Fery, the last Brit standing

Serving to stay in the biggest match of his life, as the shadows began to lengthen across Wimbledon’s Court 18 and fans climbed onto fold-out seats on the balcony and clambered onto benches to look down below, Arthur Fery was suddenly ground to a halt. A third nosebleed of the match stopped Fery in the his tracks and forced him to think.

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He had been battling Belgium’s Zizou Bergs for over four hours for a place in the last-16, scrapping from the brink after being a double-break down in the fourth set and a single break down in the fifth. Fery trailed 4-1 in both sets, but the deeper a hole the British wildcard faced, the tougher he fought, and the higher he climbed.

Once again, Fery managed to block out the distractions, with his epic 2-6 7-5 2-6 7-6 (3) 7-6 (10/5) over Bergs ensuring there will be a British player in the fourth round of Wimbledon.

Arthur Fery was emotional as he celebrated victory over Zizou Berg to reach the fourth round
Arthur Fery was emotional as he celebrated victory over Zizou Berg to reach the fourth round (PA)

Jamie Braidwood4 July 2026 19:41

Arthur Fery flies British flag at Wimbledon with epic five-set victory

Arthur Fery defied persistent nosebleeds to win a five-set roller coaster against Zizou Bergs and reach the fourth round of Wimbledon for the first time.

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The 23-year-old wild card needed treatment three times for the issue, which has dogged him throughout the tournament, while he was 4-1 down in both the fourth and fifth sets.

But Fery showed huge courage and belief to fight back both times before claiming a 2-6 7-5 2-6 7-6 (3) 7-6 (10/5) victory after four hours and 38 minutes.

Eleanor Crooks 4 July 2026 19:05

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Why Arthur Fery, the last Brit standing at Wimbledon, is ready for his moment

The contentious subject of British wildcards has been a theme throughout the opening week of Wimbledon, particularly after the dismal Monday that brought 10 defeats and the snubbing of Dan Evans from singles ahead of his final tournament before retirement. But it is clear the decision to award Fery direct entry into the main draw, offering him a fourth appearance at the Championships, was a sound one.

His run at Queen’s, when he reached the quarter-finals, also as a wildcard, brought his ranking to a career-high 118th in the world. Having also qualified for the main draw of the Australian Open in January, where he defeated an ill Flavio Cobolli, Fery could walk through the gates of the All England Club and feel like he could belong there.

Jamie Braidwood4 July 2026 19:03

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GAME, SET, MATCH! ARTHUR FERY THROUGH TO FOURTH ROUND

Incredible scenes on Court 18! Arthur Fery fights from a break down in both the fourth set and the fifth set to beat Zizou Bergs in five and reach the fourth set of Wimbledon! A massive effort from Fery, whose back was pushed to the wall. But the British wildcard came back swinging, beating the Belgian in a match tiebreak! He falls to his back in disbelief.

He will play either Matteo Berrettini or Grigor Dimitrov in the last-16 on Monday!

(PA)

Jamie Braidwood4 July 2026 19:00

FOURTH SET! Arthur Fery forces a decider against Zizou Bergs

That’s an outstanding tiebreak from Arthur Fery! A forehand winner spanked down the line and an instinctive flicked volley from the net gets the British wildcard into the fifth. A brilliant fight from Fery, who was a break down in this fourth set.

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(Reuters)

Jamie Braidwood4 July 2026 17:33

Arthur Fery and Zizou Bergs into fourth-set tiebreak

Arthur Fery is not going down without a fight in the fourth set. He breaks back, then has a look at set point to force the decider as Zizou Bergs commits a double fault. Relief for Bergs, though, as he steadies behind serve to get through to the decider.

Jamie Braidwood4 July 2026 17:26

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Arthur Fery trails Zizou Bergs by two sets to one

The 23-year-old wildcard is getting lots of support from the fans hanging over the balcony on Court 18, but he was always going to face a tough ask against the Belgian Zizou Bergs. After Fery battled back in the second, Bergs has assumed control. He leads by a set and break.

(PA)

Jamie Braidwood4 July 2026 16:54

Alexandra Eala on inspiring the Philippines

“It’s incredible to have my countrymen cheering me on and, and knowing that we’re all in this together.

“So this is, goes out to them, this goes out to my family, this goes out to all the little girls with ruffled socks and chubby cheeks.

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“It means the world.”

(AP)

Jamie Braidwood4 July 2026 16:44

Venus Williams returned to mixed doubles yesterday

Venus WIlliams, 46, played in the mixed doubles tournament on Friday together with Kevin Krawietz, losing in straight sets to Tereza Mihalikova and Lloyd Glasspool.

(AP)

Jamie Braidwood4 July 2026 16:30

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McLaughlin: Cal a Dark-Horse Contender Under Tosh Lupoi?

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New Pac-12 LogoThe new “5 in 5” eligibility rule is a welcome change that adds stability to the landscape of college athletics.

What will this mean for roster construction at the G6 level?

On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, recruiting analyst Brian Smith joins Spencer McLaughlin to discuss the fallout.

Will there be an impact in recruiting strategy from the high school ranks?

Cal bears logoCal enters its first year under head coach Tosh Lupoi, who will get a real test in his first game as a head coach against UCLA and Bob Chesney.

Are they a true dark-horse with some odd scheduling quirks? 

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00:00 Discussing new 5 and 5 rule impacts
06:03 Choosing the right college for athletes
09:33 Transfer portal opportunities in college football
11:51 New college eligibility rules
16:30 Discussion on sports player development
19:19 Analyzing Cal’s coaching challenges
21:04 Predicting Cal’s Football Season
26:49 Predicting Cal’s end-of-season success
27:22 Coaching changes and team records

/ @lockedoncollegefootball  

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Serena Williams pulls out of Wimbledon doubles with knee injury

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Serena Williams' Wimbledon comeback is over after the American legend pulled out of the doubles due to a knee injury on Saturday.Serena Williams' Wimbledon comeback is over after the American legend pulled out of the doubles due to a knee injury on Saturday.

Serena Williams of the United States sits during a changeover in her first round women’s singles match against Maya Joint of Australia, at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Maja Smiejkowska)

LONDON–Serena Williams’ Wimbledon comeback is over after the American legend pulled out of the doubles due to a knee injury on Saturday.

Williams and her sister Venus were due to play in the first round on Saturday, but Serena announced just hours before the match that her knee had not healed enough to play.

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“I’m heartbroken to have to withdraw from doubles,” the 44-year-old said on Instagram.

READ: Venus Williams relishes Wimbledon reunion with sister Serena

Serena, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, suffered the injury during her defeat against Australia’s Maya Joint in the first round of the Wimbledon singles on Tuesday.

That was her first singles match since the 2022 US Open after four years in retirement.

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The sisters, who won the Wimbledon doubles six times, were scheduled to face Solana Sierra and Camila Osorio after being given a wild card entry into the event.

But no court was specified by tournament organisers in the order of play, raising the possibility that seven-time Wimbledon singles winner Serena could withdraw.

To the disappointment of her legion of fans, Serena did just that, revealing the fluid on her injured knee made it impossible to continue her sensational return to Wimbledon.

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“Coming back to compete again has been a gift, and the opportunity to play alongside Venus once more meant the world to me,” she said.

“I did everything I could to be ready, but unfortunately my knee just isn’t ready to compete. The photo of the syringes shows the fluid they drained from my knee after my singles match…yikes!”

Serena made an astonishing return to tennis at Queen’s Club last month, where she played in the doubles with Canadian Victoria Mboko.

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But an injury to Mboko curtailed Williams’ run in the Wimbledon warm-up event after the pair won their first match.

 ‘Stay tuned’

Maya Joint vs Serena Williams Wimbledon 2026Maya Joint vs Serena Williams Wimbledon 2026

Serena Williams of the United States, left, and Maya Joint of Australia shake hands at the end of their first round women’s singles match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Maja Smiejkowska)

Serena then crashed out in the first round of the Berlin doubles with Karolina Muchova before accepting Wimbledon’s offer of a wild card into the singles last week.

Serena had been motivated by a desire to play in front of her two young daughters Olympia and Adira, but they saw their mother feature in just one match at Wimbledon.

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Serena competed gamely in her three-set defeat against Joint — a player 24 years younger than the American — on a packed Centre Court.

She did not fulfil her scheduled post-match press conference and her agent later said that was due to the knee injury, setting off speculation she would have to quit the doubles.

Williams posted footage of her limping in a heavy bandage, as well as some syringes full of fluid, as she confirmed her withdrawal.

“The good news is my knee shouldn’t swell or collect that much fluid again. The bad news is that, as hard as I tried, I just wasn’t able to get it ready for doubles,” she said.

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“I’m especially grateful to tournament director, Jamie Baker, and the entire tournament team for giving me every opportunity to play here.”

Now questions will be asked about her ability to recover in time for the US Open later this year, while it is far from certain how much longer Serena’s comeback tour will last.



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Hinting she is not finished yet, Williams said: “Thank you to the fans for your incredible support and for making this comeback so meaningful. All I can say is stay tuned to a city near you…”

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2026 eero 400 odds, predictions, time: NASCAR at Chicago picks from proven model

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The Cup Series makes its first visit to Chicagoland Speedway since 2019 as the eero 400 2026 takes place on Sunday. It’s the second race of the NASCAR In-Season Challenge, and the green flag for 2026 NASCAR at Chicago drops at 6 p.m. ET. Just three active drivers have prevailed at this track in two-time winner Brad Keselowski, plus Denny Hamlin and Alex Bowman, who have one win apiece. Others like Tyler Reddick, Chase Briscoe and Shane van Gisbergen, who won last week, will make their track debuts at the 2026 eero 400.

Despite that, Reddick is the second-favorite at +430, trailing only Hamlin (+380), per the latest NASCAR Chicago 2026 odds. Kyle Larson is priced at +600 as he searches for his first checkered flag of the season. As the last winner at Chicagoland, Bowman carries interest within eero 400 DFS picks but is a +4000 NASCAR longshot. Before locking in any NASCAR Chicago predictions or NASCAR DFS lineups, you need to see the projected leaderboard from Mike McClure’s proven model.

Visit our DraftKings promo code review to see their latest offers and get started.

McClure is a legendary professional DFS player with more than $2 million in career winnings. He uses a powerful prediction model that simulates every lap of NASCAR action 10,000 times. All told, the model has nailed a whopping 30 winners since 2021 and nailed Denny Hamlin’s back-to-back wins at Michigan and Pocono last month. Anyone following his NASCAR betting picks at their favorite sportsbooks could have seen huge returns.

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Now, McClure has turned his attention to the NASCAR eero 400. He’s only sharing his best bets at SportsLine.

2026 NASCAR at Chicago predictions

For NASCAR at Chicago 2026, McClure is fading Denny Hamlin (+380), saying despite him being the favorite, simulations have Hamlin barely even cracking the top 5. After three straight victories, Hamlin has regressed in his last two starts, placing 14th in San Diego and then 26th last week at Sonoma. While he did win at Chicagoland in 2015, even with that victory, Hamlin has twice as many finishes 15th or worse (six) at this track than top 5s (three). While he’s a contender this week, he’s being overvalued at sportsbooks, making him one to avoid with NASCAR Chicago bets.

Another surprise: The model is high on Ty Gibbs (+1500), who is projected to make a strong run towards the title. Gibbs is coming off a successful race at Sonoma, notching a pair of stage wins and finishing third in the main race. That was his seventh top 5 of the year, which ranks fourth in NASCAR, while his 11 top 10s are topped by just two other drivers. Gibbs is finally realizing his full potential in his fourth year as a full-timer on the Cup Series as he sits fourth in the standings after never placing better than 15th previously. See which other drivers the model is backing at SportsLine.

Visit our Kalshi promo code review to see their latest offers and get started.

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How to make 2026 eero 400 picks

McClure is also high on two other longshots of at least +1800 who make runs for the top of the leaderboard, including an enormous longshot of around +4000, potentially netting any backer a huge payday. You can only see who they are here.

So who wins the 2026 eero 400, and which massive longshots could stun NASCAR at Chicago? Visit SportsLine now to see the 2026 eero 400 picks and best bets from a NASCAR model that nailed back-to-back Denny Hamlin wins last month, and find out.

2026 NASCAR at Chicago odds, lineup

See full NASCAR eero 400 picks at SportsLine

(Odds from FanDuel, subject to change)

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Denny Hamlin +380
Tyler Reddick +430
Kyle Larson +600
Christopher Bell +900
Chase Elliott +1000
Ryan Blaney +1200
Chase Briscoe +1400
Ty Gibbs +1500
William Byron +1800
Chris Buescher +1800
Bubba Wallace +2000
Carson Hocevar +2000
Daniel Suarez +3000
Brad Keselowski +3000
Alex Bowman +4000
Joey Logano +4000
Austin Cindric +5000
Corey Heim +6000
Erik Jones +6000
Ryan Preece +8000
Ross Chastain +10000
Shane Van Gisbergen +10000
Zane Smith +10000
Riley Herbst +17500
Michael McDowell +25000
Connor Zilisch +25000
Austin Dillon +25000
John Hunter Nemechek +30000
Austin Hill +40000
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. +40000
Cole Custer +50000
JJ Yeley +50000
Todd Gilliland +50000
AJ Allmendinger +50000
Cody Ware +50000
Ty Dillon +50000
Josh Berry +50000
Josh Bilicki +50000
Noah Gragson +50000

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Heavyweight champion begged to face Moses Itauma after his last performance: “Bring him on”

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Moses Itauma was selected as the most desirable opponent for a world champion but, instead, he will now be facing Filip Hrgovic on August 29.

The pair have agreed to collide at London’s O2 Arena, with Itauma coming off a fifth-round finish over the typically durable Jermaine Franklin in March.

Against Hrgovic, though, the heavyweight prodigy is set to encounter his sternest assignment thus far, testing whether he is capable of competing at world level.

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Up to this point, the 21-year-old has shown signs of genuine world-class potential, albeit against opponents he was largely expected to dispatch within a few rounds.

Hrgovic, meanwhile, has only suffered the one defeat against Daniel Dubois, in June 2024, when he remained fiercely competitive before getting stopped on cuts in round eight.

But while the Croatian is seen as a credible opponent, Itauma could have ended up with a world title opportunity if only his team had entertained a showdown with Murat Gassiev.

The Russian was elevated from ‘regular’ to full WBA champion after Oleksandr Usyk, his former cruiserweight foe, decided to vacate his three belts.

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Before that, promoter Al Siesta told Seconds Out that Gassiev was particularly keen on defending his title against Itauma.

“[Gassiev] watched that fight against Jermaine Franklin and the trainer called me instantly and said, ‘I will have him – please, please’.

“When I went back to Frank [Warren, Itauma’s promoter], I comfortably said, ‘Frank, we’re happy with Itauma. Bring him on’.

“They were like … ‘Right, okay. Let’s see. Let’s revisit that later’.”

Gassiev was set to lock horns with Tony Yoka on July 11 but, with the Olympic gold medallist sustaining a back injury, the WBA champion is now searching for a new opponent to face at Moscow’s VTB Arena.

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“People said I should retire”: Anthony Joshua names the two best wins of his 33 fight career

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Anthony Joshua has named the two standout wins of his career, remembering the immense pressure attached to both contests.

In terms of magnitude, it must be said that his showdown with Wladimir Klitschko was the most significant, given the manner in which it unfolded at Wembley Stadium.

At the time, in April 2017, Joshua was the unbeaten IBF champion and had won every fight by stoppage, swiftly becoming the biggest star in British boxing.

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Klitschko, meanwhile, had not fought since getting dethroned by Tyson Fury, who upset the odds by scoring a unanimous decision victory when they collided in November 2015.

Yet the Ukrainian was still a serviceable operator at world level and, after getting dropped in round five, he stunned the Wembley crowd by flooring Joshua in the following frame.

‘AJ’ then ultimately scored an 11th-round stoppage and, given the manner in which he did so, was able to reach a new level of stardom.

During a conversation with Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn and Frank Smith on DAZN, though, the 36-year-old named wins over Dillian Whyte and Andy Ruiz Jr as his absolute best.

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“Klitschko – a lot of pressure. Ruiz 2 – immense pressure. But what was the best win? Can I pick two?

“I would probably pick Dillian Whyte – maddest fight. Good, good scrap. And then [I would pick] Ruiz 2, because people were saying I should retire and that, if I didn’t win, I’d have no chance of getting back in the heavyweight rankings.”

Joshua stopped Whyte in round seven of their all-British grudge match in 2015, before exacting his revenge over Ruiz just under four years later.

After losing their first encounter via a major upset, which resulted in a sixth-round stoppage, ‘AJ’ kept to a strict gameplan and unanimously outpointed his Mexican-American rival.

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Miami Heat 2026 NBA free agency tracker: Live signings, updates, trades, and more

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Miami Heat 2026 NBA free agency tracker: Live signings, updates, trades, and more originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Miami Heat have already made their big offseason splash by trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but all eyes will still be on the team entering NBA free agency.

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Miami won’t have much money to spend, but the franchise does have a plethora of exceptions to use, including the nontaxpayer mid-level exception for around $12 million. Miami also has $20.5 million in first apron space.

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As NBA free agency kicks off at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, follow along with our tracker below to stay up to date on the latest signings, updates, and trades for Miami.

Heat free agency moves

UPDATE: There hasn’t been a reported signing for the Heat since Tuesday, when they agreed to terms with Tim Hardaway Jr. The team continues to show interest in guards, including Bradley Beal, per Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald.

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Lebron James is also still a possibility. It’s unclear when the 41-year-old will make his decision.

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UPDATE: Like Day 2, Day 3 of free agency has been quiet for the Heat. The team passed on signingAnfernee Simons, who landed with the Philadelphia 76erson a two-year deal. Hardaway remains the lone signing so far for Miami.

UPDATE: It’s been a quiet Day 2 for the Heat, but there are still plenty of options left on the market. According to Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald, the Heat have recently had discussions with Bradley Beal. Khris Middleton and Anfernee Simons are also still options.

UPDATE: Miami has yet to sign any other free agent other than Hardaway. The team had interest in veteran point guard Mike Conley, but the Heat ended up passing (Barry Jackson). Conley signed with the Celtics on Wednesday.

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UPDATE: Miami has officially lost Norman Powell. The All-Star guard is signing a two-year deal with the Chicago Bulls worth $45 million (Shams Charania).

UPDATE: The Heat are signing Tim Hardaway Jr., who spent last season with the Denver Nuggets(Chris Haynes). The contract is for one-year at $6.5 million, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Hardaway will provide some much-needed perimeter shooting to Miami.

Miami extended forward Andrew Wiggins on a three-year deal worth $64 million. The deal includes a player option in the third year (Shams Charania).

The Heat have also retained forward Simone Fontecchio on a one-year deal (Charania).

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Heat free agents

According to Spotrac, the Heat have five free agents, with Norman Powell headlining the list. All signs point to Miami losing the All-Star guard.

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Here is the full list of the Heat’s free agents:

  • C Vladislav Goldi (Restricted Free Agency)

Heat trades

The lone Heat trade so far this offseason is the blockbuster Giannis trade, which can’t be finalized until July 6. Let’s take a look at the details of the franchise-altering deal.

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MIAMI received: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis

MILUWAKEE received: Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas JakucionisNate Ament (No. 13 overall pick), two first-round picks, one pick swap, and a 2033 second-round pick.

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Nigel Benn says one unbeaten fighter would’ve beaten all the Four Kings: “We’ll never see his like again”

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Nigel Benn believes there is one British boxing legend who would have been able to overcome the iconic quartet known as the ‘Four Kings.’

The famous group consists of Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran, and saw the fighters each involved in epic battles against one another throughout the 1980s.

Fans often debate how the ‘Four Kings’ may have fared against fighters from different eras, and two-weight world champion Benn has weighed in with a view of his own.

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Benn competed in a similar timespan as Leonard, Hagler, Hearns and Duran, and so was confident with his view when telling The Sun that Joe Calzaghe would have beaten them all.

“Old timers will tell you [Calzaghe] would never have lived with Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler or Tommy ‘Hitman’ Hearns.

“I disagree – Joe would have beaten them all. How many fighters would love to finish with a record like Joe’s?

“Outside of Wales, I don’t think he got the recognition he deserved. Forty six fights unbeaten is a heck of an achievement. I don’t think we will ever see his like again.”

Calzaghe is one of a few world champions to have retired unbeaten, after becoming unified super middleweight world champion before moving up to light heavyweight and ending his career with wins over Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr.

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It is perhaps his size that may have given Calzaghe an edge over the other ‘Four Kings’, with Hearns the only one of group that ever held gold at 175lbs.

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