The 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season is here, and with the opening fixtures already underway, the big question is who will finish where when the campaign ends.

Last season produced a thrilling title race, with Rangers International eventually lifting the trophy ahead of Rivers United and Shooting Stars. This season, however, I expect the battle at the top to be even tighter.

For me, Rivers United, Kano Pillars and Rangers International are the three teams most likely to challenge for the title, while Shooting Stars could also push the leading sides.

Here is how I see the season playing out.

1. Rivers United — Champions

I am tipping Rivers United to win the 2026/27 NPFL title, although I don’t expect it to be an easy campaign.

The Port Harcourt club came agonisingly close last season, finishing just one point behind champions Rangers. That experience could prove valuable this time around.

Finidi George has retained the core of his squad and the club has added more quality and depth during the transfer window. With a settled technical structure and a squad capable of competing over 38 matches, Rivers United have what it takes to go one step further.

Prediction: 1st — Champions

2. Kano Pillars — Runners-up

Kano Pillars are my surprise pick for second place.

The arrival of Daniel ‘Ijaball’ Ogunmodede, formerly of Remo Stars, has raised expectations around the club. Pillars endured a disappointing 15th-place finish last season, but I expect a completely different side this time.

Ogunmodede is a coach who understands the Nigerian league and has the tactical ability to get the best out of his players. With the backing of their supporters and the quality available in the squad, Pillars could become genuine title contenders.

I don’t think they will win the title, but I expect them to finish much higher than last season.

Prediction: 2nd — CAF Champions League spot

3. Rangers International — Third place

Defending champions Rangers will remain in the title conversation, but I expect them to struggle to retain the trophy.

The biggest concern for me is their home situation. With the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu undergoing renovation, Rangers will play their home matches at the MKO Sports Arena in Abeokuta.

Home advantage can be extremely important in the NPFL, and constantly playing away from Enugu could make the difference in a tight title race.

There is also the additional pressure of CAF Champions League football. Rangers have a strong squad and an experienced coach in Fidelis Ilechukwu, but balancing continental and domestic football will be a major test.

I still expect them to finish among the top three and secure continental football.

Prediction: 3rd — CAF Confederation Cup spot

4. Shooting Stars — Fourth place

Shooting Stars are probably the team I found hardest to predict.

The Oluyole Warriors finished third last season and have a talented squad, but the decision to change coaches just weeks before the new campaign is a major factor in my prediction.

Salisu Yusuf is an experienced coach and should eventually get the team playing the way he wants, but he needs time to properly build his system and understand his squad.

With domestic and continental football on the agenda, the demands will be even greater.

I believe Shooting Stars will still have a good season, but I don’t see them finishing in the top three.

Prediction: 4th

5. Plateau United — Sixth place

Plateau United could be one of the teams to quietly surprise people this season.

The appointment of Gbenga Ogunbote gives them an experienced coach who knows the NPFL very well. He now has the opportunity to shape the team from the beginning of a full season.

I expect Plateau United to be competitive and finish comfortably in the top half.

Prediction: 6th

The Relegation Battle

At the other end of the table, I expect the fight for survival to be just as interesting.

Inter Lagos face a difficult first season in the NPFL. They have plenty to learn about life in the top flight, and I am predicting them to struggle throughout the campaign.

Kun Khalifat survived relegation by the narrowest of margins last season, and I fear they could find themselves in trouble again. This time, however, I think they could go down.

Niger Tornadoes are another side I expect to be involved in the relegation battle, particularly with questions surrounding their home ground and the disruption caused by its renovation.

Katsina United and Doma United could also find themselves looking over their shoulders, while newly promoted sides will have to adapt quickly to the demands of top-flight football.

My 2026/27 NPFL Predictions

Champions: Rivers United

Runners-up: Kano Pillars

Third: Rangers International

CAF Confederation Cup: Rangers International

Fourth: Shooting Stars

Sixth: Plateau United

Relegation candidates: Inter Lagos, Kun Khalifat and Niger Tornadoes

The NPFL is rarely predictable, and that is exactly what makes it exciting. Rivers United may be my favourites, but Rangers, Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars all have enough quality to prove me wrong.

One thing is certain: it could be another very close title race.

Ryan Gerard finished 17th in the final FedEx Cup standings ahead of the 2026 Tour Championship. It was the first time the 27-year-old had qualified for the PGA Tour’s season finale.

But heading into Sunday’s final round at East Lake, Gerard has a great opportunity to actually win the FedEx Cup title in his first attempt. And that’s partly thanks to an enormously fortuitous collision with the Rules of Golf.

Late in Saturday’s third round, Gerard made clever use of the rules to turn an impossible lie into a perfect one, helping finish off a 66 that has him one-shot back with 18 holes to play.

Ryan Gerard gets free drop to avoid disaster at Tour Championship

Gerard captured his first PGA Tour win at last year’s Barracuda Championship. That event was played opposite of the 2025 Open Championship and featured exactly none of the best players in the world.

On Sunday, Gerard could earn his second Tour win at the Tour Championship against all the best players in the world.

He got there with consistent play throughout the first 54 holes. Gerard opened with back-to-back 65s to tie Viktor Hovland for the 36-hole lead.

On Saturday, he showed few nerves, calmly making three birdies and no bogeys over his first 12 holes to keep pace. When the final pairing of Gerard and Hovland reached the par-4 17th hole, they were knotted at 13 under.

While Hovland ended up making birdie at 17, Gerard did not. But if not for a hugely beneficial free drop, Gerard’s chances at a Tour Championship win may have disappeared right then and there.

After hitting his drive 312 yards into the right rough, Gerard was left with a 133-yard approach shot into the 17th green. But guarding the front side of that green was a bunker with steep banks loaded with thick rough.

Gerard sent his wedge shot toward the green, but it came up short, slamming into the face of the bunker. TV cameras found the ball, or at least a glimpse of it, buried in deep rough just above the bunker’s edge. The steep slope made just addressing the ball a near-impossible task.

If Gerard had to swing at it, there’s no telling where it would have gone, if anywhere at all. Taking a penalty stroke and drop for an unplayable lie would have had to be considered.

But the Rules of Golf offered Gerard a clear escape route from imminent disaster.

According to Rule 16.3, golfers are allowed free relief for any ball embedded “in the general area.” The only exceptions are in a penalty area or in a bunker.

Since Gerard’s ball was embedded in the face of the bunker and not in the actual sand, he was awarded a free drop. The rules call for a drop within one club-length where the ball is embedded but no closer to the hole.

After getting confirmation from a rules official, Gerard took out his driver, and when he laid it down the handle came to an end on flat ground just above the bunker. He made a great drop from there, ending up with a perfect lie propped up in the rough.

On the CBS broadcast, analyst Dottie Pepper called Gerard’s new lie “exponentially easier” than his original one.

You can watch the moment below or by clicking here.

The final week of the NFL preseason is underway, and some quarterbacks are making some strong final impressions before the regular season gets started.

Both Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson and Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel had standout showings, while Las Vegas Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza didn’t have as great a night. Beyond the gridiron, there were multiple deals done on Thursday in the NFC West as the Rams and the Seattle Seahawks prepare for the year ahead. 

Here are the headlines you need to know from Thursday around the NFL. 

After plenty of speculation and criticism surrounding his selection at No. 13 overall, quarterback Ty Simpson continued his strong preseason on Thursday.

Simpson led the Rams to three scoring drives against the Los Angeles Chargers, completing 18 of 23 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown while adding 11 yards on the ground.

Head coach Sean McVay still hasn’t officially named a backup quarterback behind MVP Matthew Stafford. Stetson Bennett has been in the system for a few years, but with Simpson continuing to impress, he’s certainly made a case for himself to be considered for the job. 

The Las Vegas Raiders played their starters against the San Francisco 49ers, and veteran Kirk Cousins once again looked every bit the part.

However, the story was completely different for No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. For the second consecutive week, the former Indiana star and Heisman Trophy winner struggled on the field, throwing another interception.

Mendoza took over late in the first quarter and played into the third. He completed just 7 of 14 passes for 57 yards and a pick. 

Head coach Klint Kubiak has been on record all offseason favoring a redshirt year for Mendoza to learn behind Kirk Cousins. So, Thursday’s performance might not mean much for Mendoza in the long run.

The Cleveland Browns named veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson their Week 1 starter earlier this week, with Shedeur Sanders winning the backup job. With the top two spots solidified, former third-round pick Dillon Gabriel had a clear runway to show he’s worthy of being Cleveland’s third-string quarterback.

Gabriel completed 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns against the New England Patriots on Thursday night. It’s unclear if head coach Todd Monken plans to carry three quarterbacks this season, leaving both Gabriel’s roster spot and the future of Arkansas rookie Taylen Green up in the air.

If Gabriel wanted to establish himself as a viable option at some point this season, he certainly proved it. If he’s not in the long-term plans for the Browns, he might have put enough on film to show the other 31 teams in the league that he’s worth a serious look ahead of final roster cuts.

The Seattle Seahawks agreed to a three-year, $90 million contract extension with defensive lineman Leonard Williams on Thursday.

The deal carries an average annual value of $30 million, tying Williams with Tampa Bay Buccaneers nose tackle Vita Vea for fifth-highest among interior defensive linemen. Williams was entering the final year of a three-year, $64.5 million contract.

The 32-year-old earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2025 after recording seven sacks, 62 combined tackles, and 58 quarterback pressures. 

Originally selected sixth overall by the New York Jets in the 2015 NFL Draft, Williams was acquired by Seattle from the New York Giants during the 2023 season. The extension follows major offseason deals by Seattle for wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon.

The Miami Dolphins agreed to trade wide receiver Tutu Atwell back to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for running back Jarquez Hunter on Thursday. 

The move reunites Atwell with the Rams five months after he departed Los Angeles in free agency to sign a one-year contract with Miami in March.

Atwell was originally selected by the Rams in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft and appeared in 64 games over four seasons with the franchise. He rejoins head coach Sean McVay’s offense to complement a receiving room featuring Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. 

Hunter, a 2025 fourth-round pick out of Auburn who appeared in five games as a rookie, joins Miami to provide depth in the backfield. The Rams open their regular season against San Francisco on Sept. 10, while Miami opens against Las Vegas on Sept. 13.

The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers are both navigating contract standoffs with their young star cornerbacks ahead of the regular season, according to ESPN.

The Patriots and cornerback Christian Gonzalez remain far apart in negotiations despite early optimism, ESPN reported Thursday. Patriots owner Robert Kraft previously said the team offered a deal to make Gonzalez the highest-paid cornerback in team history, but Devon Witherspoon’s four-year, $132 million contract extension with Seattle raised the market benchmark. 

Gonzalez admitted this week that the process has been “frustrating.” He has two years remaining on his rookie deal. 

Meanwhile, the Steelers and cornerback Joey Porter do not appear close to a contract extension either, according to ESPN. Porter remains on Pittsburgh’s physically unable to perform (PUP) list with a back injury as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. 

• Tennessee Titans wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson is being evaluated for a concussion after what head coach Robert Saleh labeled a “cheap” hit during a joint practice with the Chicago Bears.
• Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert played against the Rams during Thursday night’s preseason finale. He led a scoring drive on his only series of action, completing a 65-yard touchdown to wide receiver Quentin Johnston.
• Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters that wide receiver Keenan Allen and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner will play in Saturday’s preseason game against the Detroit Lions.
• The Colts are officially activating wide receiver Alec Pierce from the PUP (physically unable to perform) list.

A long list of PGA Tour winners and former FedEx Cup champions are battling on Sunday to win the 2026 Tour Championship. Whoever comes out on top after the final round at East Lake will take home the FedEx Cup trophy. They’ll also leave with a huge winner’s share from the enormous total Tour Championship purse.

In fact, players are fighting for the largest purse all season this week. The total payout for the Tour Championship is a whopping $40 million.

Even better news for the competitors at East Lake is that the purse will be shared among just 30 players.

That’s far more money than was dished out at the 2026 Masters ($21 million), the 2026 Players Championship ($25 million), the PGA Championship ($20.5 million), the U.S. Open ($22.5 million) and the Open Championship ($17.75 million).

The leader heading into the final round is Viktor Hovland, who won the FedEx Cup title back in 2023. If he wins again on Sunday, this time around he’ll earn $10 million for first place.

But he’s going to have to fend off the likes of World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Aberg, Adam Scott and Ryan Gerard, who starts the final round in second, to do so.

The consolation prize for second place, $5 million, should help nurse any wounds from missing out on the Tour Championship’s top prize.

And the third-place paycheck isn’t bad either: $3.705 million.

You can see the full 2026 Tour Championship payout breakdown below.

2026 Tour Championship payout breakdown

1: $10 million
2: $5,000,000
3: $3,705,000
4: $3,200,000
5: $2,750,000
6: $1,900,000
7: $1,400,000
8: $1,065,000
9: $900,000
10: $735,000
11: $695,000
12: $660,000
13: $625,000
14: $590,000
15: $560,000
16: $505,000
17: $490,000
18: $475,000
19: $460,000
20: $445,000
21: $430,000
22: $415,000
23: $400,000
24: $390,000
25: $380,000
26: $375,000
27: $370,000
28: $365,000
29: $360,000
30: $355,000

The current version of VT’s Vikings postgame breakdown considers Minnesota’s final preseason game in Denver.

To begin, the Vikings took down the Giants by a score of 13-3. There was then a loss to the Ravens by a score of 13-3. Finishing off the preseason’s three-game lineup was a tilt in Denver. The game concluded with a score of 34 for the Broncos and just 6 for the Vikings.

A Quick-Hitter Vikings Postgame Vikings Breakdown

1 — The Safety Position is Getting Walloped by Injury

Awful seeing Jacob Thomas go down to injury. He’s been terrific all offseason, leading to a scenario where he’s been looking like a sure thing for the final roster. Where things go from here remains to be seen.

So, too, was it concerning to see Jakobe Thomas need to take a moment. Fresh off a back injury, Thomas is looking to ensure he’s fully ready in time for Week 1. Thankfully, he came back, having an up-and-down game.

The Vikings still boast Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson, and Jay Ward as the top options. Part of the issue there is that Jackson has been dinged up. Moreover, there’s that earlier injury to Jamal Adams, ending his season.

Consider what Andrew Krammer (The Star Tribune) said of Jacob Thomas going down: “Safety Jacob Thomas being carted into the locker room with an apparent right leg injury is not the first quarter development they were looking for in this one.”

2 — A Guard Moonlights at Center

Last year, an undrafted guard by the name of Joe Huber made the Vikings’ final roster. Better yet, he earned some playing time, filling in when called upon to start for the injured Donovan Jackson.

In Denver, the interior offensive lineman got the chance to snap the ball to Carson Wentz. The starting center spot belongs to Blake Brandel but there’s some concern out there about whether that’s the best approach. Michael Jurgens looks like the main backup. Does Huber snuggle into a depth job across the three interior spots?

3 — Caleb Banks Has Room to Grow

On that first Broncos touchdown, Caleb Banks was left reaching a long arm to try to slowdown the runner. It didn’t work:

Sometimes, he’s just a half step away from the play, unable to get his body onto the player, left to reach rather than tackle. That’s not going to be good enough for a player who has immense ability.

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4 — The Final Tally on the Punter Battle from Tonight’s Game

Today’s stats for the punters:

• Johnny Hekker: 3 Punts, 156 Yards, 2 Inside the 20
• Brett Thorson: 3 Punts, 156 Yards, 2 Inside the 20

The field goal operation involved Will Reichard having another perfect day. Flip of the coin.

5 — 5 Players Who Look Like Strong Bets for a PS Minimum

As a worst case, these fives players should be on the practice squad:

• S Kahlef Hailassie
• WR Dontae Fleming
• LB Bangally Kamara
• CB Zemaiah Vaughn
• TE Gavin Bartholomew

Seeing them totally out of Minnesota’s orbit would be odd.

6 — An Ugly, Torturous Preseason Ends

Truth be told, the Vikings’ preseason games weren’t great. Losing sleep to watch the Broncos game was the sort of thing that people shouldn’t have done.

In Week 1 the Green Bay Packers will roll into U.S. Bank Stadium. Overcoming the NFC North foe will mean getting an early edge in what’s promising to be a formidable division.

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On Sunday, August 30th, the Minnesota Vikings need to ensure they have no more than 53 players. Start looking ahead to these things as you scrub your memory of these boring ball games.

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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

Week Zero featured a light schedule, with only seven FBS teams from the West competing in five games.

USC from the Big Ten was among the winners, as was Stanford from the ACC.

Among the week’s losers were San Jose State, Hawaii, Sacramento State, New Mexico State, and UNLV.

Here are brief game summaries for each matchup.

[[2026 SuperWest Combined College Football Standings]]

The Vikings roster is a living, breathing organism. As a result, we’re considering a dynamic being that’s going to be undergoing change.

In fact, we’re on the eve of major change. The NFL’s deadline for teams to drop from 90-man offseason rosters to the 53-man maximum is tomorrow evening. Since the news is arriving quick, keep swinging by VT’s tracker to ensure you don’t miss any updates.

Vikings Roster Tracker Ahead of NFL’s August 30th Deadline

Quick Updates to Begin: Goodbye, Nudie

At least some notable news has already emerged. Perhaps the best-known players to have been shown the door so far has been the decision to say goodbye to DT Taki Taimani and CB Dwight McGlothern.

Expect Lots of J.J. McCarthy Chatter

Kevin O’Connell sounded reasonably optimistic about where the kid’s health is following that Broncos disaster. Going into the game, O’Connell’s desire was to see J.J. McCarthy play a full half but health prevented such an outcome.

Presumably, GM Nolan Teasley is working the phones to see about any trade possibilities that make sense. Offloading McCarthy would be about turning the page, recouping some modest cap space, and adding a Day 3 selection. Is that going to be enough?

Positive Outcome for Jacob Thomas Injury

Alec Lewis of The Athletic sends the nice update: “Vikings UDFA safety Jacob Thomas has a Grade 1 ankle sprain, a source tells The Athletic. Considered very positive news after Friday’s injury. Thomas has had an exceptional training camp and has been in line to make the 53-man roster.”

Nobody wants to see an injury arrive. When they inevitably do occur, the injuries can hopefully be minor. Look for Thomas to be kept as he works toward fulfilling so much offseason promise.

Vikings Go from 91 to 90 Players by Cutting a Corner

Corner Tre Hawkins III has been shown the door, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. He got added to Minnesota’s roster late in the offseason and never appeared to be a contender to get onto the final team. Look for four or five corners to be kept on the 53.

Rookie Large Lad Cut

At first, the Vikings signing C Delby Lemieux inspired some optimism. However, the rookie failed to distinguish himself through the offseason.

Chris Tomasson shared the news: “#Vikings have waived OL Delby Lemieux, who played 31 snaps last night vs. #Broncos.”

— Keep Checking Back on VT’s Vikings Roster Move Tracker —

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.