Trish Stratus has dropped a bombshell about a WWE finale. Despite not being an active member of the roster and having retired years ago, Stratus hasn’t had a proper farewell in WWE.
She has continued to make part-time appearances in the company and even competed in the women’s Royal Rumble match in 2025.
Thanks for the submission!
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Last year, she teamed up with Tiffany Stratton during her feud with Nia Jax and Candice LeRae. The Hall of Famer also faced the Buff Barbie for the WWE Women’s Championship at Evolution 2.
Since the loss in that match, Stratus hasn’t made any in-ring appearances in WWE. In a recent interview with Wrestlezone, the veteran revealed that there were more plans for her following the Title match.
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However, after her mother got sick and then tragically passed away, those plans had to be dropped. Stratus mentioned that she is still looking for closure to her WWE career and teased one more run.
“So, I do think there should be a bit of a finale moment. I’m very much about closure. So I feel like that I would need a little bit of closure. And I think maybe you guys need some closure on your Stratusfaction as well. Maybe,” she said.
Trish Stratus set for big appearance on the Road to WrestleMania
While it remains to be seen when Trish Stratus gets her WWE finale, she is set to make a major appearance during WrestleMania weekend in April.
A few weeks ago, it was announced that she will be at the Flanker restaurant from April 13 to 20 to meet fans.
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The restaurant made the announcement on Instagram, and the former WWE Women’s Champion responded to the news in the comments section of the post.
Nov 8, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The wide receiver position group seems to get deeper and deeper every year as we head into a new draft.
This year’s 2026 NFL Draft class is no different with a number of stars at the top of the list, and a handful of players who could develop into WR1/WR2 type players over the course of their careers. One name who is firmly in the mix to be selected early on in the draft is Washington WR Denzel Boston.
Background
Sep 6, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) returns a punt for a touchdown against the UC Davis Aggies during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Denzel Boston spent much of his first two collegiate seasons at Washington as a staple on the special teams units, shining in kick and punt coverage. He then moved into the starting lineup during the 2024 campaign, and he never let that role go, totaling 30 receptions for 412 yards and seven touchdowns over the first five games of that 2024 season.
Strengths
Oct 10, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
Boston has ideal size and length for an NFL receiver, allowing him to consistently win one-on-one battles downfield. He had just two drops on passes deeper than 10 yards over the past two seasons (106 targets), and his sturdy frame along with nearly 10-inch hands are big reasons for that.
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He uses those big mitts to create leverage on the line of scrimmage against opposing cornerbacks. He thrives against press coverage. More often than not, Boston finds a way to give himself inside leverage when running routes over the middle of the field, allowing his QB to have a clear passing lane.
That build has also turned Boston into a relatively consistent presence as a run blocker. It’s a skill that got noticeably better in 2025 compared to 2024.
Finally, Boston is a twitchy athlete as well who can shake defenders while moving downfield with a full head of steam.
Weaknesses
Oct 18, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) makes a reception in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
While Boston has a strong first step off the line of scrimmage and can haul in contested catches, he doesn’t have the jaw-dropping long speed that many deep threats at the NFL level possess. He relies on that big build a little too much for my liking, which is something he won’t always be able to do in the pros.
At this point in time, Boston’s route tree won’t blow anyone away, either, limiting what he can do as an X receiver. His targets were filled with go routes, comebacks, and slants over the middle of the field. When he did attempt more intricate routes, he noticeably got slowed down when he tried to plant his foot and change direction.
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NFL Draft Projection
Michigan linebacker Ernest Hausmann (15), right, and defensive back TJ Metcalf (7) tackles Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
Draft Projection: Late Day 1- Day 2 (Late First Round – Mid Second Round)
Team Fits: Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants
While Denzel Boston probably won’t be a WR1 candidate immediately at the NFL level, he certainly has a role in the league, particularly if he can land with a team that does have a true No. 1 receiver already on the team drawing some attention away from him. If Boston can prove he can win downfield at the NFL level while shoring up some of his routes, he can be a very dangerous player.
Editor’s Note: Statistics from Pro Football Focus helped with this article.
Josh Frey is a senior writer at both PurplePTSD.com and VikingsTerritory.com, with a fascination for the NFL Draft. To … More about Josh Frey
Formula 1 has undergone a radical overhaul ahead of the 2026 season opener in Australia.
The cars are shorter, narrower and lighter, but perhaps most decisively now 50% of the power comes from the battery rather than from the combustion engine. The aerodynamics are also different, and instead of the usual DRS, drivers have a “boost” button that allows them to unlock more power during the race.
Some experts have called the changes “the biggest ever,” and not everyone is happy about it.
What has changed in the car?
Other than the aforementioned changes to the car, the tires have also become slimmer. In addition, the underbody is no longer curved but flat. The front and rear wings can be adjusted by the driver during the race from “corner mode” where there is more downforce in the corners, to “straight mode” where there is less drag on the straights. All these adjustments have significantly changed the aerodynamics of the car.
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However, the biggest change has been to the drive system. The cars still have a 1.6-liter V6 turbo engine. Last season it generated 80% of its power, but now the split between engine and battery is 50:50. This increases the importance of the battery, which is constantly charged and discharged while driving. Drivers can release the stored energy at the touch of a button and use it to accelerate or overtake.
What does this mean for driving?
It means drivers must work together with their race engineers to continuously manage energy. Drivers collect energy when braking, when they lift their foot off the gas (lift and coast), or when they shift down to a lower gear in corners (engine braking). A single charge is not sufficient for an entire race. In fact, you can’t even go full throttle for an entire lap with it.
Many of the drivers are not at all enthusiastic about the new reliance on battery power. Four-time drivers’ champion Max Verstappen was particularly vocal during preseason testing in Bahrain.
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“It actually has nothing to do with Formula 1,” grumbled the Dutchman. “It feels more like Formula E on steroids.”
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton called the energy management requirements “ridiculously complex” and feared that it would often be difficult for spectators to understand why the driver was not going full throttle.
“None of the fans will understand it,” predicted the Briton, who is aiming to win a record-setting eighth drivers’ title.
The Aston Martin team is in utter despair. The new power unit is causing such severe vibrations that there are fears prolonged driving could lead to nerve damage in the drivers’ hands. It seems the team doesn’t intend to complete the first few races.
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“We will have to severely limit the number of laps we complete in the race until we have gotten to the bottom of the vibrations and made improvements,” team principal Adrian Newey said.
Max Verstappen is not thrilled by the new regulationsImage: Florent Gooden/DPPI media/picture alliance
Which teams and drivers are new to the series?
Four years after announcing their return, Audi will finally join the grid this season. Their gradual takeover of racing team Sauber is now complete and by competing with their own team, they will become the fourth German car manufacturer (after Mercedes, Porsche, and BMW) to venture into the premier class.
Apart from Formula E, Audi has not been particularly active in the Formula series to date. Most of its successes have come in rally and touring car racing.
Nevertheless, Audi are ambitious and they want to win the world championship by 2030. First though, it’s all about gaining experience and improving.
“You also have to be humble in the face of the challenge ahead,” said team boss Jonathan Wheatley. “You don’t just beat teams like Ferrari, Red Bull, Mercedes, or McLaren because you’re Audi. It doesn’t work like that.”
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While Audi was welcomed with open arms, Cadillac, the other newcomer, had to fight long and hard for permission to join as the 11th team. The US luxury brand has previously been more active in endurance racing. With Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, the team is relying on two very experienced drivers, and they will drive in a car with a Cadillac chassis and a Ferrari engine.
The only real newcomer to the premier class of motorsport is Arvid Lindblad. The 18-year-old Briton will be racing for Racing Bulls, where he takes over from Isack Hadjar, who has been promoted to Red Bull and given Yuki Tsunoda’s seat.
Lando Norris is the defending champion, but Ferrari appear fastest after testingImage: Nicolas Economou/SportPix UK/IMAGO
Who are the favorites for the title?
With completely new cars and a different set of rules, predictions are harder to make this time around. Only once the season starts, will it be clear who is capable of consistently finishing at the front.
The early signs from testing are that Ferrari might be the team to look out for. On the final day, Charles Leclerc set the fastest time overall in Bahrain. Behind him were the defending drivers’ champion Lando Norris (McLaren), Verstappen, and Mercedes driver George Russell.
Have there been any changes to the tracks?
Just like in 2025, there will be 24 races. The season begins on March 8 in Melbourne and ends on December 6 in Abu Dhabi.
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New to the racing calendar is the Madrid street circuit, replacing the race at Imola. The Spanish Grand Prix will be held there on September 13. The Barcelona race in June remains on the calendar, but is now called the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
However, as the contract with the circuit is expiring, 2026 may be the last time we see an F1 race in Barcelona for a while. The Dutch track in the dunes of Zandvoort is also on the way out, albeit in 2027. With the organizers withdrawing from Formula 1 for financial reasons, Max Verstappen will enjoy a home race for the last time for the forseeable future this year.
Alcaraz, Dembélé, Sinner among Laureus Sportsman of the Year Nominees
Some of the biggest names in global sport have been shortlisted for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award, one of the most prestigious honours in international athletics.
The nominees for the 2026 edition include Carlos Alcaraz, Ousmane Dembele, Armand Duplantis, Marc Marquez, Tadej Pogacar, and Jannik Sinner.
The Laureus World Sports Awards recognise the best athletes across different sports each year. Winners are selected by the Laureus World Sports Academy, a group made up of legendary athletes from around the world.
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The 2026 ceremony is scheduled to take place in Madrid, bringing together some of the most accomplished figures in sport.
The Laureus World Sports Awards celebrate athletes whose performances have defined the sporting year. With such a strong lineup of nominees, the race for the 2026 World Sportsman of the Year award promises to be closely watched by fans around the world.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will travel to Spain for treatment on a hamstring injury that is “more serious” than first thought.
The 41-year-old forward, who has scored 21 goals in 22 games this season in the Saudi Pro League for leaders Al-Nassr, was substituted in a 3-1 win against Al-Fayha on Saturday.
He had earlier missed a penalty.
Speaking before the side’s match against Neom on Saturday, Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus said Ronaldo would visit Madrid where “he will need treatment from his personal physiotherapist”.
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“In the last game, Cristiano left with a muscle injury. After the tests he underwent, it became clear that it is a more serious injury than we were expecting,” he added.
“He will need rest and recovery. We hope he will return soon to help the team.”
It is unclear whether the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will be fit to play in Portugal’s friendlies against Mexico on 29 March and the United States on 1 April.
Kelani Jordan and Lola Vice’s feud will come to a head on Saturday when the two meet in an underground match at NXT Vengeance Day.
In an underground match, WWE officials remove the ropes around the squared circle and the ring turns into an impromptu mixed martial arts-style match. The only way to win is to knock out your opponent or make them submit.
Kelani Jordan enters the ring during NXT at the WWE Performance Center on Jan. 13, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. (Conor Kvatek/WWE via Getty Images)
For Jordan, she may be considered the underdog as Vice has a legitimate MMA background that could provide the edge in the matchup. However, Jordan told Fox News Digital that she’s ever confident in what she’ll be able to bring to the ring.
“I feel like I’ve been ready because I stay ready, but I reached out to Shayna Baszler to help me just learn the techniques of a martial artist,” Jordan said. “But also, she’s a former UFC fighter, so I’ve been training with her and I feel more than prepared for the match on Saturday.”
Baszler had a brief stint in UFC before she tried her hand in pro wrestling. She was a two-time NXT women’s champion and WWE women’s tag team champion before she departed the company last year.
But Baszler returned to NXT TV this week to give Jordan a helping hand.
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Kelani Jordan in action against Lola Vice during NXT at the WWE Performance Center on Jan. 13, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.(Kevin Sabitus/WWE via Getty Images)
“One, she’s taught me all the techniques and just being able to, like, how to get out of things that Lola goes for, submissions, Lola throws a lot of kicks because she’s based in taekwondo background,” Jordan said of the help Baszler gave her. “So, I was able to learn ways to counter that but also up my offense because I’m not a specialist in submissions and Shayna is known for being the ‘submission magician.’ She helped me learn actual submissions, things that I could go for or counter for Lola. But also, she made me realize and humbled me to make sure like, OK, she’s the real deal. She definitely taught me a lot in that aspect.”
Jordan has already made Vice submit in recent weeks and suggested she could hone in on some of the frustration she’s felt with her colleague.
“Two weeks ago, Lola was able to see a different side of Kelani Jordan. Me and Lola go way back. We were in the finals of the (NXT) Breakout Tournament together,” she said. “We also had many big (premium live event) moments together. But also she was my best friend in the locker room and she kicked me out.
“I feel like when things like that happen, a different side of you comes out. I think Lola’s gonna be in for a rude awakening when she realizes, one, I’ve been training from one of the best, someone who paved the way in NXT. Also, I have a lot of vengeance to get out on her.”
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Kelani Jordan and Lola Vice kick each other during NXT at the WWE Performance Center on Jan. 13, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.(Kevin Sabitus/WWE via Getty Images)
Vengeance Day is set to take place at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. The event will start at 7 p.m. ET and can be seen on Peacock.
All three players were acquired in two trades with the Chicago Blackhawks earlier this week.
Murphy, a right-shot defenceman, is a 13-year veteran known more for his play in his own end than his offence. Dickinson and Dach are both forwards who will add some depth on the bottom two lines.
Nov 21, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) and offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) and wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) and guard Ezra Cleveland (72) in action against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
For a little while, the recent Vikings move has been anticipated. Why not restructure Justin Jefferson? He is, after all, the franchise’s cornerstone player.
Consider the update that arrives courtesy of Tom Pelissero of The NFL Network: “The Vikings are doing simple restructures on the contracts of star WR Justin Jefferson and LT Christian Darrisaw to clear salary cap space, per sources. Still work to do to get under the cap by Wednesday.”
Consider, for instance, what is already known. Veteran DTs Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen are being shown the door a year after signing reasonably pricey deals. Likewise, veteran runner Aaron Jones is going to be cut unless there’s an 11th hour trade partner. Starting edge rusher Jonathan Greenard is being mentioned as a trade option, too.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard celebrates after sacking Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud during the third quarter on Sep. 22, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, delivering a momentum-shifting defensive play that ignited the home crowd and highlighted his role in disrupting Houston’s offensive rhythm in the Week 3 showdown. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
Those who are keeping score at home will note that the money saving moves have been for cuts and trades. It’s now time for restructures.
Essentially, the Vikings will shuffle money around, pushing some of the compensation for the high-end WR and high-end LT into the future. Short-term gain, long-term pain. Classic NFL move.
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Per Over the Cap, the Vikings can clear north of $18 million via restructure with Jefferson. For Darrisaw, it’s more than $9 million. Combined, that’s a potential savings in 2026 sitting at $27 million. Not bad, right?
Add that total onto the cuts that haven’t occurred yet: Allen, Hargrave, and Jones. Using easy-to-digest numbers that round down means the Vikings will liberate $25 million in room through these subtractions. The expected cuts alongside the restructures could clear around $52 million, meaning Minnesota could be out of the red since the projected debt was sitting at around $45 million.
Nov 6, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the first half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Worth remembering, as well, that TE1 T.J. Hockenson, RT1 Brian O’Neill, C1 Ryan Kelly, and several others are likely to see their deals adjusted somehow. For Hockenson, the best path is a restructure; for O’Neill, the best path is an extension; for Kelly, the likeliest path appears to be a cut.
Look for the Vikings to have somewhere around $25 million in open cap space to navigate free agency next week.
Last year during the Florida Swing, Berger finished T25, T15 and T20 in his three starts in The Sunshine State. And after tying for 32nd in a decent showing at the Cognizant Classic last week, he’s off to another (even better) start this week, as he lit up Bay Hill Club & Lodge for a nine-under 63 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Thursday, good for a three-shot lead after Day 1.
The secret for the Florida kid and Florida resident? Easy.
“I get to drive my own car up here, slept in my own bed last week,” said Berger, who lives two hours down the road in the Jupiter, Fla., area. “This is a place I played many times. There’s many years in the past where I’ve skipped a couple of those West Coast Swing events, and this year being in the elevated events you don’t have that opportunity. So yeah, it’s just nice to be in Florida. I love it.”
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He also loves the fact he’s injury-free.
Berger injured his right ring finger at the BMW Championship in August (on one swing on the 14th hole, though he’s unsure exactly what happened) and thought it would get better on its own. It did not — not that day, nor the next. He withdrew, and the broken finger was in a splint for two months. He went nearly three months without swinging a club and didn’t return until the RSM Classic in late November, where he tied for 51st.
“Just one of those things, like the finger that I broke and where I broke it actually ended up being more of a pain in the butt than I thought it was going to be,” he said Thursday. “I thought it would be just like four, five weeks and it turned out to be three months.”
It was an unfortunate way to end what had been a strong bounce-back season. After missing all of 2023 with a back injury, Berger struggled to find his form when he got back on the course and finished 140th in the FedEx Cup standings in 2024. Last year, it started to come together, as he made 18 of 22 cuts and had strong showings at the WM Phoenix Open (T2) and RBC Heritage (T3) to finish inside the top 70 and retain his PGA Tour card.
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He opened 2026 with a T6 in Hawaii and has missed just one cut, at the Genesis Invitational, so far this season.
“When you come back you’re just kind of getting back into the flow of things and getting into your routine,” he said. “I’ve played not really that poorly, just haven’t had the results. So you just kind of keep doing the same things and good things will come.”
On Thursday, Berger never made a bogey and was six under on the back nine. His 63 was also just one shy of the tournament record, which has been recorded four times. He led the field in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green (5.088) and was second in putting (3.718).
He begins his second round at 11:55 a.m. ET on Friday alongside Alex Noren. He knows he still has 54 holes left though.
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“It’s going to be an incredibly difficult and challenging week,” he said. “The greens are like white. So a little bit of wind, a little bit less moisture, and it’s just going to be like a U.S. Open. I think when you come to Bay Hill to play this event you know what you’re getting, and so it doesn’t shock me. You’re ready for it.”
Oct 26, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (1) on the field before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings may be in the market for a WR3 in 2026 next to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and as of Thursday, Darnell Mooney is available.
Mooney offers speed and experience, and his availability arrives as Minnesota weighs WR depth this offseason.
The Atlanta Falcons dropped Mooney this week, casting him into the open market, where the man will have at least a few suitors.
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Mooney’s Skill Set Could Fit Minnesota’s WR3 Role in 2026
This one makes plenty of sense.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (1) secures a reception during second-half action against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The NFC South matchup on Oct. 13, 2024, featured Mooney stretching for the ball while working across the middle as Atlanta pushed for yards late. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images.
Mooney Out in ATL
When the new league year opens on Wednesday, Mooney will be officially free to sign anywhere in the league.
NFL.com’s Kevin Patra wrote Thursday, “Add another receiver to the free agency pile. The Atlanta Falcons plan to release WR Darnell Mooney, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday, per sources informed of the situation. Mooney was set to count $18.4 million against the salary cap but had no guaranteed money left on his deal.”
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“The Falcons will save $7.42 million on the cap with $11 million in dead money by releasing the wideout. The 28-year-old Mooney signed a three-year, $39 million contract in Atlanta after being a field-stretching weapon for four seasons in Chicago.”
Atlanta followed this same path with quarterback Kirk Cousins, a former Viking, so the Falcons will lose two notable offensive pieces in the 2026 offseason.
The Career Production
Mooney can ball when afforded targets in an offense. These are his numbers over the last six seasons:
If one assumes the Vikings will have a prolific passing offense in 2026 — maybe, maybe not — Mooney could feast as the third wide receiver. It’s what he does in a high-volume passing offense.
His next contract should pay him around $8 million per season, which would be within Minnesota’s slim 2026 budget.
Draft Sharks‘ Jared Smola mentioned Mooney on Thursday, “It’s certainly worth noting that Mooney suffered a shoulder injury in late July that sidelined him for a month and cost him the season opener. He missed another game in October with a hamstring injury.”
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“Mooney was much better back in 2024, posting a 64-992-5 line on 106 targets. He ranked top-37 among 89 qualifying WRs in yards per target, yards per route, and PFF grade that year. And he finished WR39 in PPR points per game.”
A Would-Be WR in Minnesota
With Mooney, the 2026 Vikings WR room would look like this:
Justin Jefferson
Jordan Addison
Darnell Mooney
Tai Felton
Myles Price
Dontae Fleming
Jeshaun Jones
Joaquin Davis
Minnesota picked Felton last year from Round 3, but hardly used him on offense. It is unclear if he’ll take a year-two leap or be relegated to a special teams role. If one assumes that Felton is sitting on a breakout campaign, Mooney isn’t needed.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (1) reaches for a pass during first-quarter action against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The divisional game on Sep. 21, 2025, showed Mooney extending toward the ball as Atlanta opened its offensive series early. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images.
But if Felton is another failed draft pick courtesy of former boss Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the Vikings will need a credible WR3. It’s as simple as that.
Waiting on the Nailor Verdict
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The Vikings have one giant free agency mystery in 2026: Jalen Nailor.
Reports suggest that 10 teams are circling his availability next week, and if one of those clubs pays Nailor $10 million or more per season, he probably won’t return to the Vikings. Nailor has never posted over 500 yards in a season, but this offseason, the league appears to have determined that he’s a sleeper awaiting eruption.
The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis noted on Nailor this week, “More than 10 teams are eyeing Vikings receiver Jalen Nailor, according to league sources. Nailor recently turned 27 and will be one of the more coveted free-agent wide receivers next week. Even though he has caught only 69 NFL passes and never reached 450 yards in a season, multiple evaluators think he has the potential to become a priority signing.”
“The Vikings don’t want to lose Nailor. The coaches — especially receivers coach Keenan McCardell — have watched him progress into one of their best developmental stories. He can absorb a complex playbook. He is a willing run blocker. He possesses vertical speed, and he displays separation ability, too.”
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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (1) celebrates after catching a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The NFC South contest on Nov. 23, 2025, featured Mooney reacting with excitement after reaching the end zone during second-half action in the heated divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images.
Minnesota can probably afford Nailor at a price point of $4 million to $8 million, but a reported four-year, $48 million deal from another team would price the Vikings out of the conversation.
Mooney is a guy Minnesota can target if Nailor leaves and Felton isn’t quite a WR3.
Feb 3, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; DePaul Blue Demons head coach Chris Holtmann directs his team against the St. John’s Red Storm during the first half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Since DePaul joined the Big East in 2005, it has experienced just one winning record in league play.
The Blue Demons finished alone in last place 10 times in their first 20 Big East years and shared the basement two other times.
With that as the backdrop, there’s more on the line than the records suggest when DePaul (16-14, 8-11) hosts Butler (15-15, 6-13) in a regular-season finale Saturday morning in Chicago.
If the Blue Demons win, they’ll clinch the No. 5 seed and a first-round bye in the Big East tournament. They’ve never had a bye or such a high seed. They’d also clinch the school’s first winning season since 2018-19.
“This program was once good,” said DePaul guard Brandon Maclin, one of four Senior Day honorees. “And then it dropped from being good. We’ve got to rebuild it back up and I believe we are the foundation to the program getting right back where it needs to be.”
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Second-year boss Chris Holtmann, among the 20 finalists for the Jim Phelan Award that goes to the national coach of the year, has rebuilt the Blue Demons on defensive effort and unselfishness.
Per KenPom, DePaul entered Friday’s action ranked No. 39 in defensive efficiency (100.6 points allowed per 100 possessions) and 27th in assists per field goal (60.8%).
One area of concern? The Blue Demons have played so hard to get where they are, they might be wearing down. They made just 2 of 16 from 3-point range in Wednesday’s 19-point home loss to Villanova.
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“It’s crossed my mind that do we have some guys out there that have logged a lot of minutes throughout the course of the season and it’s caught up with them a little bit,” Holtmann said. “We’ve got to figure out a way to keep them fresh, which is why I kept some of those guys on the bench a little bit more (Wednesday night).
“The clean looks that we’ve had, that some of our guys have had, that they’re missing is a little bit uncharacteristic.”
Butler enters Saturday after a similarly disappointing Wednesday result at home. The Bulldogs suffered a 17-point loss to Creighton while hitting just 4 of 24 from 3-point range. Head coach Thad Matta suggested it was a new low for his squad, which has dropped eight of their last 10 games.
“It was one of those games where we didn’t have it,” Matta said after the 76-57 loss to Creighton. “The thing that bothers me most is that, you know, you sit at home and watch games at night, like, whoo, that team, there’s one that got drilled (and) they got drilled (and) they got drilled. I told my wife, ‘We haven’t done that yet. We’ve continued to fight. We’ve continued to scrape. We’ve continued to claw.’”
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On an individual basis, Butler’s Michael Ajayi (16.4 ppg, 11.1 rpg) and Finley Bizjack (17.0 ppg) and DePaul’s CJ Gunn (13.5 ppg) and NJ Benson (11.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg) have their last chance to put up numbers and improve their all-Big East candidacies.
