Since arriving in Edo State on February 19, 2026, I have been closely following the 2nd Niger Delta Games. Before coming, I wondered how the organisers, Dunamis-Icon Limited, sponsored by The Niger Delta Commission, would manage to maintain the high standard set at the maiden edition in Akwa Ibom.
I must admit, I feared that the flashes of brilliance we witnessed in Akwa Ibom, the transparency, the excellent officiating, the accurate medal computations, the welfare of athletes, and the prompt release of medal tables, might have been just a one-off. From my experience, I knew the challenge ahead for the organisers was not small.
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As the 2nd Niger Delta Games draws to a close in Edo State today, I can confidently say that the organisers have not only met expectations, they have taught us important lessons.
First, they have shown that it is possible to treat athletes well. From the warmth and convenience provided to states to transport their athletes, to the comfortable accommodations and support throughout the competitions, the organisers demonstrated that athlete welfare is a priority.
Second, they have proved that it is possible to bring together officials and ensure competitions are conducted with fairness and integrity. Watching referees and judges officiate without bias and without undermining other competitions was truly exemplary.
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Third, they have shown that medal computation can be done correctly and transparently. Every medal table was accurate, with winners’ names listed correctly, and updates were released on time. This level of organisation sets a standard for sports administration across the country.
As we approach the closing ceremony at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State lead the medal standing with 102 medals (50 Gold, 30 Silver and 22 Bronze), with Delta State in second place with 91 medals (34 Gold, 26 Silver, 31 Bronze). 1st edition winners Bayelsa State occupy third place with 66 medals (23 Gold, 20 Silver and 23 Bronze). Akwa Ibom complete the top four with 47 medals (12 Gold, 15 Silver and 20 Bronze).
As we wind down in Benin City, I can only applaud the organisers and their sponsors for a job well done. More importantly, I hope this standard is maintained for future editions. The Niger Delta Games have proven that with proper planning, transparency, and care for athletes, regional sports competitions can reach new heights, and we all stand to benefit from it.
Let this standard continue. We want it to continue.
Oct 19, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) warms up before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings finished 2025 ranked 13th in rushing offense DVOA, its highest standing since the Dalvin Cook days. They ran the ball 43% of the time, which ranked 19th leaguewide. And because these marks still need improvement, the team’s running back strategy is among the top topics this offseason. So, here’s what we would do.
It’s a balanced blueprint: salary cap, touches, and an upside swing.
Yes, it’s the VikingsTerritory RB endorsement plan of 2026.
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A Three-Step RB Blueprint That Fits Minnesota’s Budget and Backfield Identity
A blend of in-house solutions, free agency, and the draft.
Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) carries the football Dec 21, 2025 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey during first-half action against the New York Giants. Mason handled a consistent rushing workload during the season, providing physical inside running and dependable yardage as part of Minnesota’s evolving backfield rotation. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images.
Step 1: Release Aaron Jones
Minnesota can save up to $7.7 million by cutting Jones. It’s time. He’ll turn 32 in December, and he will not improve as a playmaker. The team needs a youth injection at running back for the first time since the aforementioned Cook nine years ago. Jones is the antithesis of youth.
Jones is a fabulous locker room guy, and he’ll be missed, but the experiment has run its course. The business aspect of the NFL should prevail, and Minnesota should seek more pop in the ground game by severing ties with an aging tailback.
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Step 2: Temporarily Nominate Jordan Mason for RB1
In 2025, despite Minnesota’s quarterback carousel, Mason received 159 carries and rushed for 758 yards, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt. He also recorded 14 receptions for 51 yards and scored 7 total touchdowns, maintaining consistent production despite the team’s offensive instability.
Mason’s performance mirrored his 2024 season in San Francisco, where he gained 789 rushing yards on 153 carries. Although his yardage remained similar after joining the Vikings, he found the end zone more frequently.
However, a costly fumble against Cleveland in London allowed Jones to reclaim the lead running back role. It’s time to move back toward Mason as the RB1, at least for a while in 2026.
In 2025, Gainwell quietly amassed 1,023 scrimmage yards and 8 touchdowns, showcasing his reliability and versatility as both a runner and receiver, and providing consistent offensive production throughout the season.
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Notably, Gainwell delivered an efficient, momentum-shifting performance against Minnesota after Jaylen Warren’s pre-game injury in Dublin back in October.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) celebrates after reaching the end zone Jan 4, 2026 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania following a touchdown run against the Baltimore Ravens. Gainwell’s versatility as a runner and receiver has helped him carve out a steady offensive role while providing reliable production in multiple situations. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images.
If Minnesota moves on from Jones and promotes Mason to the lead back role, Gainwell would be a good fit, especially considering his next contract is projected to be in the $3–5 million per year range.
Gainwell is also one of the best pass-blocking running backs in the NFL. The Steelers seem to cultivate and covet such players. Minnesota’s coaching staff, too, is all about its halfbacks who can pass-block. Gainwell is therefore a fit.
Step 4: Use a Mid-Round Pick on Nick Singleton of Penn State for Eventual RB1 Duty
Singleton is big, fast, young, and versatile. What more do you need? That’s enough for the Vikings to take the plunge in the draft on his services. He’s 6’0″ and 225 pounds with 4.39 speed. The man can catch the ball out of the backfield. And from Round 3 or 4, he’s easily attainable.
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He played 53 games at Penn State, totaling 4,448 yards from scrimmage and 54 touchdowns. The production gene is there.
Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton (10) rushes the football Nov 29, 2025 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey during first-half action against Rutgers. Singleton’s combination of speed and power has made him one of college football’s most recognizable runners and a closely monitored prospect for future NFL draft classes. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.
The Consensus Big Board has Singleton listed at No. 111 as of late February, meaning Minnesota can probably get him in Round 4. The only problem? The Vikings don’t have a 4th-Rounder because of the ill-fated Adam Thielen trade. They’d either have to “reach” for him or trade down into Round 4.
Here’s some of Singleton’s early Penn State footage:
Pro Football Focus‘s Trevor Sikkema on Singleton’s scouting report: “At 6-foot and 220 pounds, Singleton is a gifted athlete who converts top-tier speed and acceleration into power. He is also utilized frequently as a receiver out of the backfield. While he possesses all the physical tools teams look for in a running back, his style is fairly straightforward — when runs are blocked well, he maximizes yardage, but when they are not, he can leave evaluators wanting more.”
“That limitation stems from inconsistent creativity with his vision and an inability to consistently force missed tackles in space. At times, his tempo can feel one-speed and linear. If he develops more playmaking nuance to complement his athletic profile, he has the potential to be an impactful NFL back. If not, he risks becoming more of a “what if” than a consistent contributor.”
For a mid-rounder, Singleton is more than worth it. Mason, Gainwell, and Singleton would do the trick for the 2026 Vikings.
In doing so, ‘Bud’ became a three-division undisputed champion against Canelo, who had unified all four major titles at 168lbs earlier that year.
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The Mexican therefore entered their showdown as a slight favourite, having established himself at the weight with previous victories over the likes of Caleb Plant and Callum Smith.
Prior to confirming his exit from the sport, the unbeaten technician had reportedly been exploring a potential rematch with Canelo, whose next outing has since been slated for September of this year.
Not only that, but while extending his partnership with boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh, the 35-year-old is set to secure a world title shot in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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But despite looking forward to enhancing his legacy, Canelo has told Ring Magazine that, without being given the opportunity to exact his revenge, he cannot quite bring himself to give Crawford all the credit he deserves.
“I always give [Crawford] credit, but we need to run it back.
“After the fight I said, ‘We need to run back this fight’, because I don’t feel I really won and I need to make this fight happen again. [If the rematch happens], it’s going to be different.
“For him to deserve all the credit, he needs to give me the rematch. But he decided to retire, and we need to accept that and move forward.”
While an opponent is yet to be confirmed, it appears likely that Canelo will face a world champion at 168lbs later this year.
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Potential options include Christian Mbilli and Jose Armando Resendiz, who respectively hold the WBC and WBA titles, while Crawford’s old IBF and WBO belts remain up for grabs.
Four-time super-middleweight world champion Carl Froch has continuously flirted with a return to the fight game since his retirement in 2014.
Froch hung up the gloves after a legendary knockout of George Groves at Wembley Stadium settled their fierce rivalry and allowed him to walk away from boxing off the back of a phenomenal win.
There could now be an opportunity for the Nottingham-born fan-favourite to make a move into the bare knuckle scene.
In an interview with Boxing Social, BKB CEO David Tetreault unveiled that he has held talks with Froch regarding a move into bare knuckle boxing.
“We have had conversations with Carl, we have. Carl was at one of our events just this past summer and there is an open door there.”
Should Froch opt to compete over at BKB, the reigning middleweight and super-middleweight BKB champion, and thus assumed target, is Colorado-based Lorawnt T Nelson, who boasted a 5-4 pro boxing record before taking off the gloves.
Professional golfer Andrea Pavan withdrew from the DP World Tour’s Investec South African Open due to injuries he sustained in a freak elevator accident.
Pavan, 36, was hospitalized and “thankful to be alive” after he fell down an elevator shaft in the building he was staying in near Cape Town, South Africa, for the tournament, according to Monday Q Info.
“By all accounts, he’s in good spirits, thankful to be alive and FaceTiming with his kids,” Pavan’s former Texas A&M coach, J.T. Higgins, told the Golf Channel. Higgins hadn’t spoken to Pavan yet, but he was updated on his condition.
Andrea Pavan of Italy tees off on the sixth hole during round one of the Qatar Masters 2026 at the Doha Golf Club in Doha, Qatar, Feb. 5, 2026.(Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto)
Golf Channel learned through sources within Pavan’s inner circle the golfer had called for an elevator within the building where he was staying. However, when the doors to the elevator opened, a cab had not come up.
Pavan didn’t realize that as he stepped through the doors and fell three stories below.
Pavan sustained multiple injuries, including to his back and shoulder. He underwent “extensive surgeries” Wednesday night to repair the damage.
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Andrea Pavan of Italy tees off on the sixth hole during round one of the Qatar Masters 2026 golf tournament at the Doha Golf Club in Doha, Qatar, Feb. 5, 2026.(Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto)
No known recovery timeline for Pavan has been released.
The Italian golfer has eight professional wins in his career, including two on the DP World Tour. His latest was in 2019 when he took home the BMW International Open.
Pavan defeated Matt Fitzpatrick, a fixture on the PGA Tour, in a playoff at the event.
Andrea Pavan of Italy tees off on the 16th hole at the Qatar Masters 2026 at Doha Golf Club Feb. 6, 2026, in Doha, Qatar.(Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
During this season, Pavan has tallied two top 15 finishes, which includes a tie for ninth at the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship earlier this month.
Welcome to I Tried It, a GOLF.com series about golf items — apparel, gear, accessories, etc. — that we’ve recently taken out for a spin. We’re here to give our honest, no-frills takes on the latest and greatest golf or golf-adjacent items. So, scroll down to read about what we love about golf’s newest (or new to us) products.
***
The recent blizzards slamming into the Northeast have me dreaming of warmer days, which, in reality, aren’t too far away.
But even once the snow melts and the golf courses reopen, there will still be some cold mornings and spring days where bundling up will still be essential.
Fortunately, I — not realizing just how bad Winter Storm Hernando was going to be when I left — slipped away to South Carolina last weekend for some bonus golf. But even destinations South of the Mason-Dixon line aren’t immune to the power of Old Man Winter.
While the first two days of the trip were in the 70s, the last two days, temperatures dropped significantly, barely reaching highs of 50 and sub-freezing in the mornings. My days of reporting the weather on TV are behind me, but I’m venturing to guess the harsh drop had something to do with the storm battering the I-95 corridor some 600 miles to the North.
Shorts quickly gave way to sweaters and rain pants for the third day, which not only saw temperatures in the 40s, but also 20-30 mph winds. That’s when I was really glad I had a G-Tech Sport 4.0 Hand Warmer.
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Now, one thing you need to understand about me is that while I run pretty hot — it’s not uncommon for me to wear shorts and a light pullover in the 50s with no wind — my hands don’t get the same memo. Back in high school, I used to have to do a lap around a driving range before playing a cold-weather tournament to get the blood flowing to my hands.
Even as I shed layers when I start walking and the round gets going, I still have trouble getting and keeping my hands warm. We all know what it’s like to catch a shot thin with cold hands in cold weather, too.
That’s where the G-Tech Sport 4.0 Hand Warmer comes in handy.
What is a G-Tech hand warmer?
Akshay Bhatia used a G-Tech hand warmer at Pebble Beach.
Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
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We’ve all seen the fanny-pack style hand warmers NFL players use to put their hands in between plays, but easily stay out of the way during them. I call them “Quarterback Warmers.”
G-Tech took the concept and added electric heat powered by a battery that’s sealed off from the elements by a waterproof zipper, allowing it to be used in all conditions.
It’s super easy to use and heats up extraordinarily fast to the point where you could turn it on, hit a golf shot and by the time you put your hands back in, it’s already heated up.
The 4.0 version has new batteries that not only support USB-A and USB-C charging, but they can also charge other devices (like your phone) too. They also display the charging level on the front so you always know when you need more juice.
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You also won’t have to worry about running out of charge on the course with a 12-plus hours of battery life, thanks to a new optimized circuit board and software within the pouch. It also has new 3M Insulation.
While you’re wearing it, it’s just like any other waist-strapped hand warmer that you put either in front of or behind you, but you can grab on to the heated bar inside for a nice warm-up.
The heat has three settings, with red being for sub-freezing temperatures, green being the economy mode for long battery life, and orange being in between. I found myself using green the most while it wasn’t THAT cold, all things considered, but all three settings got warm pretty fast.
Playing golf with a G-Tech hand warmer
I like to move my hand warmer around to my back to hit a shot.
Jack Hirsh/GOLF
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When you’re actually on the golf course, you basically have two choices on how to use your G-Tech hand warmer: When it’s time to hit your shot, you can simply unbuckle the adjustable strap and hang it on your bag while you make a swing, or you can flip it around to your backside, out of the way of your arms.
Both options work just fine. During the cold weekend at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am two weeks ago, we saw 54-hole leader Akshay Bhatia taking off his G-Tech hand warmer and hanging it on his bag to hit his shot.
I found that flipping the hand warmer around to my back was enough to get it out of the way and not impede my swing.
I also have one big tip for players who like to walk when you use these hand warmers: carry your bag.
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Over the years, I’ve become a card-carrying member of the push cart mafia, but when it’s cold and I want to use a hand warmer, it’s much better to hoof it and throw a lightweight bag over your shoulder.
It’s easier to use the hand warmer when you walk and carry.
Jack Hirsh/GOLF
Why? Because when you’re carrying a double-strap bag, both of your hands are free to take advantage of the hand warmer. Trying to push a cart with both of your hands in the warmer is a bit awkward.
If you like to ride, then the G-Tech hand warmer will be awesome for keeping you warm in the open air as you zoom down the fairways.
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Bottom Line
Sport 4.0
Embrace the unrivaled power of G-Tech’s Heated Hand Pouch, meticulously crafted to deliver the ultimate hand comfort for all outdoor enthusiasts. Harnessing our patented heating technology, this hand warmer stands as the epitome of innovation, offering the hottest and fastest warmth in the industry.
Stay Warm. Stay Active: Specifically designed for those who don’t let cold weather hinder their passion. Whether you’re a golfer, skier, hunter, or athlete, our hand warmer ensures your hands stay cozy throughout.
Marathon Warmth: Equipped with a long-lasting battery, expect up to 12+ hours of consistent, unwavering heat.
Winter’s No Match: With its weather-resistant and ultra-fast heating capabilities, say goodbye to the biting cold and hello to endless warmth.
Built for Champions: Trusted by the top names in NFL, PGA, and other professional sports circuits. Your performance deserves nothing less than the best.
This G-Tech hand warmer is going to be the difference between wanting to play and not on some days.
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That said, I could see myself using this in plenty of other places too, such as a football game or even doing work in my garage workshop while it’s still cold out.
But most importantly, this is going to keep my hands warm, which will make playing cold-weather golf significantly more enjoyable for me. No more cold stingers!
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Getting more speed in your swing is a popular goal for lots of recreational golfers. But for many of them, the distance gains they crave are achievable simply by hitting the center of the clubface more frequently.
LPGA pros are a prime example of this. Despite the fact that their swing speeds are not outrageously fast, they can all generate plenty of distance by virtue of the quality of their strikes. For most recreational players, this blueprint is a good one to follow. One of the easiest ways to promote a solid strike on the ball is by swinging with better tempo.
At the GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher Summit a couple of years back, instructor EA Tischler explained a great feel that recreational players can use to find this smooth tempo.
“You’re going to go to the top of the backswing,” Tischler said. “And once you get there you’re going to count to three. Then, you’re just going to transition and swing through, feeling like you;re staying on cruise control.”
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Tischler stressed that although it’s important to accelerate through the ball, having that thought in mind when swinging can lead to a poor transition and bad sequencing.
“We don’t want to feel like we are accelerating through the ball too much,” Tischler said. “You always hear that, but that’s mainly so you don’t end up decelerating.”
Instead of feeling like you speed everything up from the top, try taking a quick pause to collect yourself and then start the transition. By doing that a few times when you practice, you’ll get your swing on cruise control early and have much better tempo and ball striking.
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Divot Board
The Divot Board is a revolutionary golf training aid that gives golfers instant feedback on every swing. By showing exactly where your club contacts the ground, the Divot Board makes it easy to spot errors and correct them on the spot. Whether you’re practicing indoors or outdoors, this tool helps you improve ball striking, swing path, and low-point control. With consistent use, the Divot Board builds muscle memory so you can strike the ball cleaner, hit straighter shots, and lower your scores.
Instant Feedback for Faster LearningResearch shows that immediate feedback can accelerate learning by 50–70%. The Divot Board provides real-time feedback on your swing so you can make quick adjustments and refine your technique instantly.
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Using a Divot Board consistently will transform your practice routine. It’s the easiest way to gain awareness, develop better ball striking, and see results faster.
The opening day of on-field drills at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis presented defensive linemen, edge rushers and linebackers at Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the Indianapolis Colts. Some prospects uplifted their stock with standout efforts while others caused teams to go back and look at their college film with a fine tooth comb.
Here are some of the intriguing things from Thursday’s on-field drills for the linebacker position, beginning with the measurements and testing numbers of the top prospects in CBS Sports’ top 50 rankings, courtesy of NFL Draft analyst Mike Renner:
Ohio State first-team All-Big Ten linebacker Sonny Styles entered the combine as a projected top-10 pick, and after displaying jump-out-of-the-gym athleticism with a 43.5-inch vertical, he may be making a case to go in the top five in April, positional value be damned. NFL Media reported fellow linebackers were rooting him on and jumping in unison during his attempt. He blew away his positional peers.
His 11-foot-2 broad jump put an exclamation point on his elite athleticism. Styles recorded the highest vertical jump by a player 6-foot-4 or taller since at least 2003, when NFL Network began collecting combine data.
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His combine performance was so explosive that he tested similarly to Pro Football Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson, the artist formerly known as Megatron.
That helped him generate a nearly perfect Relative Athletic Score, ranking as the No. 4 linebacker in the metric since 1987.
Anthony Hill Jr. is similar to Arvell Reese as a linebacker with edge-rush experience, though he is not quite on the same level as Reese or Styles. Still, he acquitted himself well Thursday. A 4.51-second 40-yard dash at Hill’s size is a strong result, and his 9.93 Relative Athletic Score reflects an excellent day in Indianapolis.
He remains a tier below Styles, who delivered a historic performance, but Hill’s showing was strong enough to earn a B+.
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Grade: B
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Jake Golday measured and jumped well at the combine. He did not get out of the blocks quickly in the 40-yard dash, as reflected in his early split times, but he showcased strong closing speed to finish with a 4.62. Overall, Golday helped himself Thursday.
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Grade: N/A — Josiah Trotter opted out of doing on-field drills on Thursday.
Texas Tech‘s Jacob Rodriguez was the most decorated linebacker in college football in 2025. He earned the Bronko Nagurski Award (nation’s top defensive player), the Chuck Bednarik Award (defensive player of the year), the Dick Butkus Award (top linebacker), the Vince Lombardi Award (top lineman), unanimous All-American honors and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year recognition.
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His tape is outstanding, and he moved smoothly during Thursday’s workouts in Indianapolis, posting a 38.5-inch vertical, a 10-foot-1 broad jump and a 4.57-second 40-yard dash. Rodriguez’s measurables were decent, but the way he moves — combined with his production at Texas Tech — earns him a B grade.
Eric Gentry is a certified freak. He is both the tallest linebacker and owns the largest wingspan recorded at the NFL Scouting Combine since NFL Media began tracking data in 2003. A creative defensive coordinator could have plenty of fun deploying him at the next level.
Brady Tkachuk has found himself in a rather awkward position.
Days after crushing the hearts of Canadians by helping the United States win a gold medal over its northern neighbor, Tkachuk is back with his Senators, who play in Canada’s capital of Ottawa, for a playoff push.
A TikTok posted by the White House probably didn’t help matters because it featured footage of Tkachuk’s conference at a 4 Nations game last year that was doctored by artificial intelligence to make it appear as if he spoke disparagingly of Canada and its citizens.
Brady Tkachuk of the United States celebrates after winning the gold medal during the men’s gold medal game against Canada at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games Feb. 22, 2026, in Milan, Italy. (Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
“They booed our national anthem, so I had to come out and teach those maple syrup-eating f—- a lesson,” Tkachuk allegedly says in the video. Tkachuk and his brother, Matthew, were part of three fights in nine seconds against Canada last year.
Tkachuk celebrated his gold medal in Washington, D.C., but was not pleased with the video.
“Well, it’s clearly fake, because it’s not my voice, not my lips moving. I’m not in control of any of those accounts. I know that those words would never come out of my mouth. So, I can’t do anything about it,” Tkachuk told reporters Thursday ahead of his NHL return, via ESPN.
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When asked if he enjoyed the video, he repeated his sentiments.
Brady Tkachuk (top) of the U.S. fights Canada’s Sam Bennett (9) during first-period 4 Nations Face-Off hockey action in Montreal Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)
“It’s not my voice. It’s not what I was saying,” he added. “I would never say that. That’s not who I am. So, I guess I don’t like that video because that would never come out of my mouth and never had that thought.”
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Some have also accused Tkachuk of saying, “Close the northern border” while on the phone with President Donald Trump after the team won gold.
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“I’ve been seeing stuff that people think it’s me. But if you watch the video, it’s not my voice or something that I never say,” Tkachuk said. “I don’t know how that took a storm on its own when I give everything I have here.
“It’s crazy when things go on social media, how fast they go. I would never say anything like that.”
Brady Tkachuk (7) and Matthew Tkachuk (19) of the United States celebrate after their game against Canada during the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena Feb. 22, 2026.(Geoff Burke/Imagn Images)
Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood (8) and the Tennessee defense celebrate after a play stopping the New Mexico State offense in an NCAA college football game on November 15, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
We are at the NFL Combine stage of the pre-draft process, where the Vikings brain trust will watch this year’s potential draftees perform physical and mental tests in front of coaches, general managers, and scouts. The chance for players to give their draft stock a boost by showing elite traits or proving fitness if there have been injury issues.
Seven Names That Match Minnesota’s Biggest 2026 Draft Priorities
I have picked out seven prospects who should be high on the Vikings’ agenda and worth extra attention this weekend. Mainly focusing on defense, the area of the team that I think is a priority in this draft, but also a couple of players on offense, too.
Caleb Banks (DT), Florida
Many are focusing on the Vikings’ secondary in this draft, but my early draft crush has been Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks. The Gators DT can be a long-term partner for Jalen Redmond in the center of the Vikings’ defensive line.
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Jul 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida State Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks answers questions from the media during the SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
At 6’6″, 325 pounds, with arms over 35″, Caleb Banks has overwhelming size, length, and forklift power, to pair with inhuman burst and quickness at that size. An impressive display at The Combine can confirm his round one status. Given the history of injuries, the medical side will be closely monitored.
Dillon Thieneman (S), Oregon
Dillon Thieneman has been earmarked as the Harrison Smith replacement should Minnesota choose to do that through the draft rather than free agency. Brian Flores’ defense demands safeties who can blitz, drop into coverage, and diagnose plays pre-snap — Thieneman does all of this while reading the field like a veteran at 21 years old.
Thieneman’s draft projection is hovering around the early Day 2 and late first-round range. His Combine performance may dictate where the Vikings have to go to get him, should they want to.
Jermod McCoy (CB), Tennessee
The search for an outside CB ready to shut down WR1s has been a long one for Minnesota. Jermod McCoy can provide that while also being a ball hawk. He’d likely be well out of reach for the Vikings at 18 if it weren’t for the fact that McCoy tore his ACL in a preseason workout and missed the entire 2025 season.
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Interestingly, McCoy won’t work out at The Combine, which leaves more mystery around his recovery. Teams will look closely at his medical reports, which will be one of the big stories of the weekend.
Avieon Terrell (CB), Clemson
A CB in a different mold to McCoy, Avieon Terrell is an undersized but feisty corner who also has a knack for taking the ball away. Terrell – younger brother of Falcons All-Pro A.J. Terrell – has inside/outside versatility but would probably find more success playing in the slot in the NFL.
Nov 1, 2025; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell (8) reacts to a pass interference call during the NCAA football game against the Duke Blue Devil at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Alex Martin-Imagn Images
He will hope to impress with his elite quickness and short-area burst, convincing a team like Minnesota he is worth a mid-first-round pick.
Kenyon Sadiq (TE), Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq provided Oregon with a big play whenever it needed one last season. A dependable threat on third down or in the red zone, Sadiq is the top-rated TE in this year’s draft. He caught a team-high 51 passes for 560 yards and eight touchdowns, showing a penchant for getting open at various levels.
Sadiq is big and strong and moves as well as any tight end in this class. A good 40 time will put Sadiq’s draft over the top and start a serious conversation over whether he’s an option to replace the highly paid TJ Hockenson.
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Colton Hood (CB), Tennessee
Another option to be the lockdown CB the Vikings need is McCoy’s teammate at Tennessee, Colton Hood. At 6’0, and 195 lbs, Hood has an enticing blend of explosiveness, corrective twitch, proportional length, and physicality.
He had the opportunity to step up in McCoy’s absence and did just that. An impressive outing at The Combine can secure him first-round status and put him firmly on the Vikings’ radar.
Nick Singleton (RB), Penn State
The Vikings need a young, exciting prospect at RB, but with Jeremiyah Love likely to go in the top 10. The next group of RBs is, at best, Day 2 prospects. One player who can boost his draft stock at The Combine is Penn State’s Nick Singleton.
Penn State has a history of producing freak athletes, and Singleton is the latest at 220 lbs while expected to run in the low 4.4s on top of a massive broad jump. With three Day 2 picks to play with, that sort of performance will put Singleton in the Vikings’ eyeline.
Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.
No. 1-ranked Duke Blue Devils will host No. 11-ranked Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday, Feb. 28. The Blue Devils are looking to extend their winning streak to six, while the Cavaliers are aiming to reach 10.
With the game occurring at Noon, let’s look at the prediction, venue, odds and tips for today’s game.
Duke vs. Virginia Prediction
Here’s a look at the odds and forecasts for the showdown:
KenPom: Duke 75-65
BartTorvik: Duke 74-65
ESPN BPI: Duke +12.5
KenPom and BartTorvik have the Blue Devils winning by ten and nine points, respectively. They’re currently the No. 1-ranked team in the nation and will be a tough team to beat in March Madness.
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Duke vs. Virginia Preview
The Duke Blue Devils are having arguably their best season since Coach K announced his retirement. Cameron Boozer and Co. have lost just two games this season, with both coming against Top 20-ranked opponents. They lost by three points or less.
The Blue Devils are led by freshman phenom Cameron Boozer, the son of former Duke great Carlos Boozer. The younger Boozer is widely projected as a Top 3 pick in the 2026 NBA draft, and he’s been on a tear lately. The Cavaliers will have to contain him in the post and pay attention to a supporting cast stacked with future NBA talent.
The Virginia Cavaliers enter today’s game as one of the in-form teams in college basketball. They’re on a nine-game winning streak with a vast majority of those wins coming by comfortable margins.
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The Cavaliers are filled with experienced collegiate players out for one last national championship hurrah. Their 86-83 win over Miami last weekend featured three freshmen, one junior and four seniors. That’s in contrast to a Duke team that’s become a hub for high-profile freshmen in recent years.
Today’s game has all the markings of a late-season classic with both teams looking to close out February with a statement win. Ultimately, it could come down to the better-coached team and the set of players that want it more.
Where to watch Duke vs. Virginia
Date: Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026
Time: Noon ET
TV Channel: ESPN
Venue: Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina
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