Sports
The 4 Biggest Losers of 2026 Vikings Free Agency
Most of the splashy happenings from Minnesota Vikings’ 2026 free agency — there weren’t many, other than Kyler Murray’s arrival — are over. The club can still sign depth free-agent pieces, but the firestorm of free-agent movement is done. So, let’s look at the “losers” from the process.
Minnesota’s roster shuffle came with collateral damage.
The criteria? Players most affected — not in a good way — by new arrivals and the front office’s decision-making. The players on this list are in ascending order (No. 1 = biggest “loser”).
Some Vikings Now Face Steeper Climbing This Summer
Who do you consider the biggest loser?
4. Dwight McGlothern (CB)
McGlothern may not have been the smoking-gun candidate to earn Minnesota’s CB3 job in 2026, and the signing of veteran defensive back James Pierre made sure of that.
Minnesota found McGlothern via undrafted free agency in 2024, and since then, many fans have held high hopes for a breakout performance because of his tremendous size and production at LSU and Arkansas. So far, it’s just not meant to be, as he’s banked just 50 defensive snaps in two seasons.
McGlothern still profiles as a practice squad candidate in 2026 and could even make the active roster, but with the Vikings likely to draft a cornerback or two in April, his outlook is shaky. He probably needed to contribute more in 2024 and 2025 to have a puncher’s chance at the CB3 or CB4 post this autumn.
3. Will Reichard (K)
Reichard’s fine; no need to worry. He is not a real “loser.” Still, he lost his holder at the start of free agency when the New Orleans Saints stole punter Ryan Wright, handing the specialist a contract worth $14 million over the next four years.
In return, the Vikings signed six-time All-Pro punter Johnny Hekker this week, whom Minnesota hopes will turn back the clock to his glory days of a decade ago. Hekker was an average punter last season.
The 36-year-old also holds extra points and field goals. Reichard will need a competent holder to continue his All-Pro career. If it’s not Hekker, look for Minnesota to find a rookie punter late in the draft or from undrafted free agency.
2. Max Brosmer (QB)
Minnesota rarely carries four quarterbacks on its regular-season roster, sometimes keeping only two, suggesting a roster reduction is coming. Brosmer was already likely headed for the practice squad or outright release, but Carson Wentz’s re-arrival earlier in the week brought a significantly narrower path for Brosmer to potentially secure the QB3 role.
Brosmer’s prospects have now shifted dramatically. Once an intriguing undrafted free agent—with some even drawing loose comparisons to Brock Purdy — he is now likely destined for the practice squad or outright release. The momentum simply isn’t there.
With the recent additions and re-signings, the quarterback depth chart now includes Murray, J.J. McCarthy, Wentz, and Brosmer, leaving little room for surprises when final cuts are made. It was a tough week for Brosmer.
Our Janik Eckardt on Brosmer’s hellish week: “Sure, he hasn’t particularly earned more reps or trust, but it’s important to note that he didn’t enter the league with high expectations. A developmental undrafted quarterback needs time to grow as a player to become a reliable backup down the line.”
“Completely writing him off after 71 passes is not entirely fair, given his draft status. However, the NFL isn’t fair and if a player can’t get it done, he’ll be replaced, regardless of whether he was supposed to be ready or not. The good news is that Brosmer’s career isn’t over with a stint on the practice squad.”
1. J.J. McCarthy (QB)
McCarthy has encountered an extremely wicked, shockingly evil, and vile offseason. There’s no way around it.
The Vikings don’t have to trade McCarthy — at 23, he has time to develop — but recent developments cast doubt on the team’s long-term commitment to him. If the Vikings were fully behind McCarthy, their quarterback situation would likely look different, especially with Murray now expected to be QB1.
Some speculate that McCarthy was general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s preferred pick, while head coach Kevin O’Connell favored alternatives like Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, Aaron Rodgers, or Drake Maye. If that’s the case, Minnesota might move on from McCarthy sooner than anticipated, potentially trading him to a team such as the Arizona Cardinals or Pittsburgh Steelers for a mid-round pick.
This offseason, Minnesota replaced the executive who drafted McCarthy, acquired Murray, and re-signed Wentz, presumably as a QB2 contender. None of these moves suggests a promising future for McCarthy with the team.
The last couple of months have been a nightmare for McCarthy’s long-term outlook.
There’s no hiding place for a manager when decisions go against them and for Mikel Arteta, his choice to stick by cup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga will be one that haunts him.
Arteta is known for his ruthlessness but, by opting to stick with cup goalkeeper Kepa for the Carabao Cup final, he showed a rare glimpse of his sentimental side – especially with Arsenal having not won a major trophy since 2020.
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Kepa’s error – when he let Rayan Cherki’s cross slip through his fingers – allowed Nico O’Reilly to head Manchester City into the lead. And Pep Guardiola’s side never looked back as O’Reilly headed in again just four minutes later to seal the win.
Arteta’s decision to play Kepa over first choice David Raya was highlighted further because of the performance of City’s own cup goalkeeper, James Trafford.
Trafford was re-signed during the summer to be City’s number one before Gianluigi Donnarumma became available and the club moved to sign him from Paris St-Germain, which meant Trafford became second choice.
Trafford made an excellent triple save early in the game, when he denied Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka twice, to keep the scores level.
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He went on to keep a clean sheet, while the questions about Kepa’s selection will dominate the headlines.
Former Blackburn striker Chris Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I never understand why managers play their second-choice goalkeepers in cup finals.
“You’re trying to win a trophy, why wouldn’t you play your number one to give yourself the best possible chance? That’s common sense.”
Why Arteta continued to play Kepa
For Arteta, it did not enter his mind to not play Kepa in the final.
The Arsenal manager said it would have been “very unfair” if he had not stuck with the Spain international, who had played every round of the cup competition before the final, and said he accepts the scrutiny coming his way.
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“I understand that, but I have to do what I feel is right, which is honest and which is fair,” Arteta said.
“And I think we have an understanding keeper in Kepa – he’s played all the competition and I think it would have been very, very unfair for him and for the team to do something different.”
The former Chelsea goalkeeper signed for the Gunners in the summer to compete with first choice David Raya.
Raya has 15 clean sheets in the Premier League, the most in the division, and has produced some standout saves during this campaign as Arsenal look to end their wait for a trophy.
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And Arteta says that despite Kepa’s limited game time this season he did not guarantee that the goalkeeper would play in Arsenal’s cup fixtures.
“I can never promise a player to play certain competitions, because at the end they have to earn it and they have to do enough like any other position,” he said.
“We are guided by what we’ve seen and what he’s done in the competition, and he helped us to go all the way through here.
“I believe it’s the right thing to do and that’s it. Errors are part of football and today it happened unfortunately in a crucial moment.”
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The EFL Cup brings bad memories for Kepa Arrizabalaga. The keeper has now lost all three of the finals he has played in the competition.
When playing for Chelsea in 2019 he refused to be substituted with the game heading to penalties, in 2022 he put his penalty over the crossbar as Chelsea lost to Liverpool in the shootout – and his error in this year’s final handed the lead to City.
“I would never have started Kepa today,” European football expert Julien Laurens told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“In a final like this, at this moment in the Arsenal project, there is no moment for sentiment. Your best team has to play. Kepa instead of David Raya for me, was the wrong call.
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“I know it is harsh but I think Arteta and his players will learn a lot from today because those finals are won on decisions made, not just on the pitch but at half-time.”
Kepa was booked before conceding the opener, when he misjudged a clearance and pulled back winger Jeremy Doku as he looked to score.
“Mikel Arteta did not have to play him,” former England and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart told BBC Sport.
“That’s a decision made by a manager who’s potentially going to win quite a lot this season. So he’s played Kepa because he believes he’s ready.
“But I’ll always say it, don’t ever feel sorry for a goalkeeper. That’s the life that he’s chosen.
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“And again most of the game he was faultless. But in that big moment obviously he’ll have something to reflect on.”
A pivotal moment for Trafford
After re-signing for the club where he started his career for £30m in the summer, Trafford expected to be the number one at City.
But since Donnarumma’s arrival the England Under-21 international has had to make do with domestic cup appearances and a rare chance in the Champions League.
Trafford has said that this season “hasn’t been easy at all” as he finds himself second choice.
But his performance during the win over Arsenal could be a pivotal moment in his career.
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“They were obviously big saves because they happened quite early on in the game, but I can’t really remember them because they were quite quick,” Trafford said.
“I’m just happy to play my part in it, and then Nico [O’Reilly] scored two, which is brilliant from him.”
“This moment means a lot to me. Four or five years ago when they [City] beat Spurs to win it, I think I was fourth or fifth choice, and I always imagined that I would win it one day.”
Guardiola confirmed before the game that Trafford would be starting, and Trafford says that it “means a lot” to have the backing from his manager.
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“It’s a testament to how I believed in myself, and how I acted in training, when I’ve been brought in for club games. Every time that I play I just give it my best shot,” he added.
Pep Guardiola said “I am a human being” as he defended his wild celebrations in Manchester City’s 2-0 Carabao Cup final victory against Arsenal.
Guardiola channelled his inner Jose Mourinho as he sprinted along the Wembley touchline before kicking an advertising board following Nico O’Reilly’s quickfire second-half brace.
Riccardo Calafiori hit a post, and Gabriel Jesus struck the crossbar, as Arsenal went in search of a response but City saw out the win as Guardiola landed the 19th trophy of his remarkable 10-season City tenure.
“I wanted another yellow card and that is why I did it,” joked Guardiola when quizzed about his celebration. “That was the target.
“Listen, if I can’t celebrate in the moment against a team like Arsenal, and the way we were playing… My emotions are related to the way we are playing. I react when it is OK, we scored a goal, and emotions came out.
“I am not artificially intelligent, I am a human being, and I want to celebrate. It was not showing disrespect to Arsenal or for the other fans, I just celebrated with my people. And when I feel it, I express it.”
Guardiola became the first manager in history to win the Carabao Cup five times, and, despite question marks over his City future, he indicated he has no desire to walk away at the end of the season.
“It is so difficult to win titles, it doesn’t matter if it is the Premier League or the Champions League, but to win against that team made the title special,” he added.
“Alongside Barcelona and Bayern Munich as well, they are the best team in Europe. And what we have done by winning 19 titles in 10 years in the modern era, in England, in Europe, it is hat’s off to the whole organisation.
“I still have the joy to compete. Today was a real challenge, nobody gave us anything. I said to the players: ‘Today, we are going to see what our level is’. They are the best so far, no doubt about that, so let’s prove ourselves and in the second half, I could not believe we could do it against Arsenal, and we did it.”
City are nine points behind the Gunners in the race for the Premier League title. However, Guardiola’s side have a game in hand, and host Arteta’s men at the Etihad next month.
Arsenal will also be wounded by City derailing their outside chance of an unprecedented quadruple.
Guardiola continued: “I would like to be nine points in front of Arsenal, and I don’t know if I would change the trophy for the nine points to fight for the Premier League.
“It is a different competition, and they will be more controlled when they come to the Etihad. Maybe for that game it will help us, but the Premier League is in their hands. Is that team going to drop points? We will try to win our games and then see what happens.”
This weekly column will address the rumors that seem unlikely and reexamine persistent narratives that lack substantial support.
With free agency slowing down and the draft approaching, speculation around the Vikings is intensifying — especially given the team’s current lack of a general manager. While some rumors are purely entertaining, others warrant closer scrutiny.
A few loud narratives still didn’t hold up.
This weekly column will address the rumors that seem unlikely and reexamine persistent narratives that lack support.
Several Vikings Talking Points Now Need a Reality Check
The weekly Nopedy Nopes are here.
The Nopedy Nope: Carson Wentz is the current odds-on favorite to earn the Vikings’ QB1 job in September.
When Minnesota re-signed Wentz on Thursday, the move barely registered with most fans. Some even expected it. He performed reliably as a replacement for J.J. McCarthy, who was sidelined with a high ankle sprain last September and October. That performance evidently impressed some, including Ben Leber, who speculated that Wentz might even compete for the starting position in 2026.
Leber tweeted after the Wentz addition, “I believe there will be a true QB competition. So as of right now I would guess the depth chart would be: Wentz, Murray, McCarthy. May the best man win.”
Many Twitter (X) users had to reread Leber’s comments multiple times to confirm the account wasn’t a parody.
The account was genuine, however, and Leber stood by his opinion. Wentz recently met with the New York Jets to discuss a potential role on Aaron Glenn’s team, where he could have competed for a starting position or served as QB2 behind Geno Smith. Ultimately, no agreement was reached, and Wentz returned to Minnesota.
This decision suggests Wentz believes he has a legitimate opportunity in Minnesota, likely aiming to secure the QB2 position over McCarthy. If Leber’s assessment is accurate, training camp in Eagan could feature a competitive battle between Murray and Wentz, drawing significant attention.
But let’s face it: the Vikings didn’t sign Murray just to turn around and give the job to Wentz, a journeyman passer.
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Wentz as the QB1 solution. That is Murray’s calling.
The Nopedy Nope: Minnesota is the NFL’s eighth-worst team.
The Vikings subtracted four starters in free agency: Jalen Nailor (WR, Las Vegas Raiders), Jonathan Allen (DT, Cincinnati Bengals), Javon Hargrave (DT, Green Bay Packers), and Ryan Wright (P, New Orleans Saints).
For NFL.com’s Eric Edholm, that’s a death sentence. He called Minnesota the NFL’s 25th-best team this week and explained, “The Vikings have had an odd and uncomfortable March so far, getting noticeably weaker up the middle on both sides of the ball. Losing linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave hurts the defensive front, and Ryan Kelly’s retirement leaves a hole at center.”
“Receiver Jalen Nailor’s exit was quietly a big one for a team that needs all the non-Justin Jefferson targets it can hold on to. Fullback C.J. Ham retired, and longtime stalwart Harrison Smith could do the same, potentially creating a major void at safety.”
While most fans believed Murray’s arrival improved the team, Edholm wasn’t buying it.
Edholm added, “Even signing Kyler Murray to a league-minimum deal, cheap as it was, delivered a certain awkwardness, thanks to the presence of former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. Murray’s no-tag clause tells me he’s more likely to start than not, which would make McCarthy’s future even more muddled.”
Edholm even ranked the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons ahead of the Vikings.
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on the Vikings living in the league’s bottom tier. They finished 9-8 last year with putrid quarterback play and will only improve in 2026. Book it.
The Nopedy Nope: Andy Dalton was a serious offseason option at quarterback via trade.
The Philadelphia Eagles are now the proud owners of an Andy Dalton
CBS News’ Tom Dougerty reported Wednesday, “The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly adding a veteran quarterback to add experience and depth behind Jalen Hurts. The Eagles have acquired 38-year-old Andy Dalton from the Carolina Panthers, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Birds are sending a 2027 seventh-round draft pick to the Panthers.”
“Dalton, a long-time starting QB who made three Pro Bowls with the Cincinnati Bengals, spent the last three seasons in Carolina. In 2024, Panthers head coach Dave Canales benched Bryce Young, who was born in Wynnewood, for Dalton after Week 2. Dalton started five games before he sprained his thumb in a car accident before Carolina’s Week 8 game against the Denver Broncos.”
A few weeks ago, national media whispered Dalton as an option for the Vikings at QB2. That died when Kyler Murray entered the mix.
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Dalton as Minnesota’s big quarterback fix behind McCarthy.
Ireland’s Kate O’Connor won a bronze medal at the World Indoor Championships this evening and in the process becomes the first Irishwoman to win two World Indoor medals.
The Dundalk St Gerard’s AC athlete began the final event of the day, the 800m, in Poland in a strong position.
O’Connor produced a personal best of 2:10.26 to take the bronze medal. She finished only 49 points behind gold medallist Sofie Dokter of The Netherlands on a score of 4,888. American Anna Hall took silver with 4,860 points.
𝐒𝐇𝐄’𝐒 𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐈𝐓 𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍!!!🙌
It’s BRONZE for Kate O’Connor who continues her remarkable medal-winning-run at major championships🤩 The first Irishwoman to win two World Indoor medals👏Outstanding!!!!
⏱️2:10.26 PB over 800m for a new 4839 National Record🤯… pic.twitter.com/5ZDYtc4fw9
— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) March 22, 2026
Kate O’Connor’s reaction
Reacting to her achievement this evening, Kate O’Connor stated:
“I came here with very high expectations and although I maybe didn’t meet them, I’m coming away a world bronze medallist and I really can’t complain with that. I think it’s probably a good thing that I am walking away thinking I could do a little better, but ultimately I’m delighted.”
Hear from our World Indoor bronze medalist Kate O’Connor! 🥉#IrishAthletics #WorldIndoorChamps pic.twitter.com/UuAOuPQ8ch
— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) March 22, 2026
Good start in 60m hurdles
O’Connor started the 60m hurdles strongly this morning as she clocked 8.23 seconds – just 0.02 outside her personal best set at the recent National Indoor Championships. She then achieved a best clearance of 1.81m in the high jump, achieved on her final attempt despite tripping on a cable during her opening run-up.
In the shot put, the final event of the morning session, the 25-year-old opened with 14.59m, improved to a 1cm personal best of 14.65m in her second round, and then extended that further to 14.70m with her final throw.
The Irish athlete began the evening session with a foul in the long jump before producing a best of 6.38m on her final attempt.
Array of medals
This result continues a remarkable run of success at major championships for O’Connor. In 2025, the Dundalk athlete claimed a bronze medal at the European Indoor Championships, took silver at the World Indoor Championships, struck gold at the World University Games, and silver at the World Outdoor Championships.
Only two Irish athletes, Sonia O’Sullivan and Catherina McKiernan, have now won more individual global medals at senior championships.
Outlining her plans for this season, O’Connor explained:
“My plan is to do the Commonwealth Games and European Championships. I’ll open at the Commonwealths, and then the Europeans are the main aim for me. I want to try and win gold. It’s going to be a tough competition, but if you don’t go in with the mindset to win gold, you’re never going to do it. I’m going to work really hard for the next four or five months and put myself in the position to win that gold.”
Day 3 Results Summary
- Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – 60m Hurdles: 8.23
- Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – High Jump: 1.81m
- Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – Shot Put: 14.70m
- Sarah Lavin – 60m Hurdles Heats – 8.08 (5th, did not advance)
- Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – Long Jump: 6.38m
- Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – 800m: 2:10.26 PB
- Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – BRONZE (4839 Points NR)
Team Ireland Results Summary
- Kate O’Connor – Women’s Pentathlon – BRONZE NR
- Nick Griggs – Men’s 3000m – Final – 9th overall
- Andrew Coscoran – Men’s 3000m – Final – 13th overall
- Mark English – Men’s 800m – SF Stage – 14th overall
- Bori Akinola – Men’s 60m – SF Stage – 15th overall
- Maeve O’Neill – Women’s 800m – SF Stage – 18th overall
- Lauren Roy – Women’s 60m- SF Stage – 19th overall
- Emma Moore – Women’s 800m – Heats – 22nd overall
- James Gormley – Men’s 1500m – Heats – 29th overall
- Ciara Neville – Women’s 60m – Heats – 31st overall
- Sarah Lavin – Women’s 60m Hurdles – Heats – 32nd overall
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Mikel Arteta defends ‘fair’ decision to play Kepa Arrizabalaga despite Carabao Cup final blunder
Mikel Arteta said it would have been “very unfair” to drop Kepa Arrizabalaga for the Carabao Cup final as he defended his decision to pick the goalkeeper whose mistake gifted victory to Manchester City.
Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper David Raya was left on the bench as his deputy Arrizabalaga started and spilled Rayan Cherki’s cross for Nico O’Reilly to open the scoring in City’s 2-0 win at Wembley.
The Spaniard, a summer signing from Chelsea, has played throughout Arsenal’s Carabao Cup run but defeat means they have still not won a major trophy since 2020, while Raya has the most clean sheets in the Premier League.
“I understand that but I have to do what I feel is right, which is honest and which is fair,” said Arteta. “I think we have understanding with Kepa, he’s played all the competition and I think it would have been very, very unfair for him and for the team to do something different.”
Arteta denied he had guaranteed Arrizabalaga he would play in domestic cup competitions when he joined, saying he felt the 31-year-old had deserved to play.
“I can never promise a player to play certain competitions because at the end they have to earn it and they have to do enough like any other position to do that,” he explained.
“We are guided by what we’ve seen and what he’s done, what he’s done in the competition, and he helped us to go all the way through here. I believe it’s the right thing to do and that’s it. Errors are part of football and today it happened unfortunately in a crucial moment.”
Arteta said defeat left a “bad taste” for Arsenal as he struggled to process his disappointment.
He added: “I’m very sad. It’s a very hard one to take, especially for our players and our supporters because we know how much it means to them and how much we want it, and the fact that we haven’t managed to deliver that obviously is disappointing and sad, and it leaves you with a really bad taste.”
Premier League leaders Arsenal still have a potential treble to play for and Arteta believes they will have more hunger now.
He added: “What this team has done in the last eight months has been incredible, and we’re going to use this disappointment and this fire in the belly to have the most amazing two months that we have ever had together.”
Eberechi Eze was ruled out of the final with a calf problem and will undergo a scan later this week but Arteta has ruled him out of the England squad to play Uruguay and Japan.
Akor Adams was left out of the starting line-up as Sevilla lost 2-0 to Valencia, with coach Matías Almeyda explaining his decision after the match.
Adams, who is Sevilla’s top scorer this season with seven goals and four assists in 23 games, had been expected to start the match. The Nigerian striker has been one of the team’s key players since returning from international duty.
However, Almeyda chose to start Neal Maupay instead. The decision did not go well for Sevilla, as they went two goals down before half-time through strikes from Hugo Duro and Largie Ramazani.
Adams was introduced at the start of the second half and made an immediate impact, adding energy and attacking threat to the team. Sevilla improved after the break and controlled much of the game, but they were unable to score.
The defeat leaves Sevilla in 15th place with 31 points from 29 matches, just three points above the relegation zone. Valencia, meanwhile, moved up to 11th place and are now comfortably clear of danger.
After the game, Almeyda said he dropped Adams because he was not satisfied with his performance in their previous match against Barcelona. He also explained that he wanted to rotate his strikers and give others a chance.
“We have three strikers and I am trying different options to see who can score,” Almeyda said. “I was not happy with Akor’s last game, so I decided to make a change.”
Sevilla now face a difficult run of matches as they try to move away from the relegation zone, and Adams is expected to return to the starting line-up in their next game.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Olivia Olson had all 27 of her points in the second half and Canada’s Syla Swords bounced back from a slow start to score 26 and help second-seeded Michigan rout short-handed N.C. State 92-63 on Sunday and earn a spot in the women’s Sweet 16.
The Wolverines (27-6) will play the winner of third-seeded Louisville vs. sixth-seeded Alabama in the NCAA Tournament Fort Worth Regional semifinals.
The seventh-seeded Wolfpack (21-11) were without All-ACC guard Zoe Brooks, who had a protective boot on her right foot after being injured in Friday night’s win against 10th-seeded Tennessee.
That hurt against Michigan’s swarming and trapping defence that forced 22 turnovers, including 10 in the third quarter that helped the Wolverines take a 16-point lead into the fourth after a closely contested first half.
Zamareya Jones, who had a career-high 30 points against the Lady Vols, scored 16 and Khamil Pierre had 15 points and nine rebounds.
The Wolfpack led 13-12 after the first 10 minutes as Olson was held scoreless and Swords to two points.
Swords, of Sudbury, Ont., responded by scoring seven in the opening two minutes of the second quarter as part of a 14-0 run that included forcing six turnovers to put the Wolverines ahead 26-13. The Wolfpack clawed back to trail by just three at halftime.
Olson, a third-team Associated Press All-America player, started 0 of 6 and was held scoreless until making two free throws with 5:59 left in the third quarter. She scored on a three-point play about a minute later and followed up with a pair of mid-range jumpers to suddenly give Michigan a 49-35 lead.
Canadian Mila Holloway finished with 13 points, nine rebounds and six assists for the Wolverines.
Brooks was replaced in the starting lineup by freshman Destiny Lunan, who had two fouls in the opening five minutes and didn’t play the rest of the half. Lunan fouled out midway through the fourth quarter with six points, limited to 15 minutes due to foul trouble.
Michigan is in the Sweet 16 for the third time in school history. The round begins on Friday.
R Ashwin feels playing home matches at different venues might be detrimental for RR.© YouTube
Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has opened up on Rajasthan Royals (RR) playing their IPL 2026 home matches at multiple venues, claiming that the 2008 champions’ title bid could be affected by this factor. The Riyan Parag-led side will play their first three home matches in Guwahati, while the remaining four will be held at a different venue. Ashwin, who played for RR for three seasons, suggested that while the overall team combination looks better than it was last season, playing home matches at different venues might be detrimental for them.
“I thought their team got a slight upgrade when they got both Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. But they have a lot of things going for them, as well as not going for them. They haven’t been playing at one venue and that is just not fair. I know Riyan Parag is the captain and he will get Support in Assam. I understand all that, but if you want to play, play the entire season there only,” said Ashwin.
Ashwin also recalled his time as captain of Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) when his side had to play some of its home matches in Indore.
“I was the Kings XI Punjab (now renamed as Punjab Kings) captain when we had to play a few matches in Indore and that is a huge factor. I know there is gate collection and fan support,” he added.
PBKS have maintained their tradition of splitting their home matches across multiple venues, with a portion of their matches at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.
The venue hosted two games last season; however, their match against the Delhi Capitals was abandoned midway due to security concerns following a red alert in Jammu and cross-border tensions.
RR’s campaign will get underway against the Chennai Super Kings on March 30 in Guwahati.
Topics mentioned in this article
Arsenal and Manchester City will face off at Wembley on Sunday in the Carabao Cup final, in what promises to be a defining moment in their battle this season.
This is not just another final. Both teams are chasing success on multiple fronts, and the result at Wembley could shape how the rest of the campaign unfolds.
Arsenal arrive in strong form under Mikel Arteta. They currently sit nine points clear at the top of the Premier League and have also reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Confidence is high, and the Gunners will see this as a big chance to win their first trophy in several years.
For Manchester City, the situation is different. Pep Guardiola and his team are looking to respond after their recent exit from Europe. Winning this final would offer them a chance to bounce back and regain momentum as the season enters a crucial stage.
Both sides are still involved in the FA Cup, and they are also set to meet again in the league next month. There is even a chance they could face each other once more before the season ends. That makes this final even more important, as it could give the winner a psychological advantage going into those matches.
For Arsenal, the game is also about ending a long wait for silverware. Since lifting the FA Cup in 2020, they have come close on several occasions but failed to go all the way. Reaching the final is a step forward, but they will be determined to finish the job this time.
Manchester City, on the other hand, have enjoyed great success in recent years, winning several major trophies under Guardiola. However, they will be eager to add another title and avoid ending the season without silverware.
Kick-off is set for 5pm, and with both teams having plenty to play for, a tense and exciting contest is expected at Wembley.
The SWAG Golf Vandal isn’t just another oversized mallet trying to buy its way into the high-MOI conversation. It’s a statement from the Chicago-based outfit that they’re done being pigeonholed as the “cool headcover brand.”
With the Vandal and its beefier sibling, the Vandal X, SWAG is proving that precision milling and “save-your-round” forgiveness can actually live in the same zip code.
;)
Jake Morrow / GOLF
If you’ve followed SWAG Putters, you know they don’t do subtle, but the Vandal is a different kind of loud — it’s engineered volume. Here is why this mallet is currently one of the most interesting sticks in the boutique golf market.
The Heavy Lifting: Multi-Material Perimeter Weighting
High MOI (Momentum of Inertia) is a math problem, and SWAG solved it with a dual-material build. The main chassis is carved from lightweight 6061 Aluminum, which acts as the skeleton. The “meat” of the putter — the face and the internal weights — is precision-milled from 303 Stainless Steel. By marrying these two, they’ve managed to shove the mass exactly where you need it without making the head feel like a literal brick on a stick.
;)
Jake Morrow / GOLF
That aluminum-to-steel ratio allows for some aggressive weight redistribution. In the standard Vandal, roughly two-thirds of the head’s mass sits within a half-inch of the perimeter. This results in a head that stays remarkably square even when you start catching it off the toe.The X pushes it even further.
Vandal vs. Vandal X: Picking Your Mallet
The choice here comes down to your visual preference and how much “help” you want. The Vandal is the sleeker of the two, offering a more compact look at address.
The Vandal is a great shape and feel for players who may be in something like the SWAG Boss, and are looking to go to a fuller, larger mallet. There’s nothing really offensive about the shape and its clean, sleek lines help frame the ball well to make a confident stroke. The Vandal X goes much deeper.
;)
Jake Morrow / GOLF
;)
Jake Morrow / GOLF
The Vandal X model goes deep. This is the one you want if you’re fully ready to commit to a large-and-in-charge profile. Its profile is pushed further back to move the Center of Gravity (CG) seemingly into the next time zone, encouraging the ball to get into a true forward roll much faster.
Just a heads up here, I noticed a decent amount of ball speed gain with the X over the standard Vandal shape. Enough to notice!
Signature Drip Face Milling
It wouldn’t be a SWAG Putter without the signature Drip Face milling. Beyond the “if you know, you know” aesthetic, the milling pattern serves a functional purpose. It’s designed to provide soft, crisp feedback at impact while neutralizing the side spin that usually plagues off-center strikes. I quite like the feel off the face of these putters. There’s enough audio and feedback coming into the hands without sounding tinny or thuddy. It’s a nice satisfying click off the face that makes you feel like you made a good stroke at it.
;)
Jake Morrow / GOLF
Alignment that tracks
The top line features a clever bit of kit: a rear alignment ridge that is exactly the width of a golf ball. It creates a natural visual “track” that frames the ball, making it nearly impossible to set up closed or open without noticing it.
To keep all that stability in check, the Vandal comes stock with a black chrome double-bend KBS Tour shaft. This setup produces a near-face-balanced hang, making it the weapon of choice for players who prefer a straight-back, straight-through stroke.
;)
Jake Morrow / GOLF
The “Swag” Tax: Made in Chicago, at a price
While many OEMs are outsourcing their mallet heads to massive casting houses, SWAG is keeping it local. Every Vandal is designed, milled, and hand-finished right in the Chicago area. You’re paying for 100 percent CNC-milled quality, and you can see it in every tight tolerance and sharp edges where the materials meet. It’s also nice for me that SWAG is a hometown company about 45 minutes away from me!
The Vandal X is another take on a high MOI mallet putter, precision-milled in the Chicago area from 303 stainless steel and 6061 aluminum.
At address, the Vandal inspires confidence with a ball-width rear alignment ridge that mirrors the diameter of a golf ball for intuitive, precise setup. The shape provides a larger footprint for added stability, while maintaining a clean, uncluttered look highlighted by a single visible fastener.
SWAG Golf Vandal X Putter
SWAG Golf Vandal Putter
Quality like this doesn’t come cheap. Expect to shell out $777.77 for a Vandal or Vandal X. The good news is that unlike SWAG’s traditional “drop” model, the Vandal series is a regularly stocked item, so anybody can get their hands on SWAG’s tech-filled Vandal series of putters.
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