Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Photo by @BCCI on X)

NEW DELHI: Teen cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stole the show in India’s U-19 World Cup final on Friday, smashing a breathtaking 175 off just 80 balls to guide India to a 100-run win over England and a record-extending sixth title. After the match, he dedicated his Player of the Final award to the team’s support staff.“I can’t express what I am feeling but the way we have all been working hard for the last 7-8 months and our support staff who have been with us for a long time and always made sure we are alright, I would like to dedicate the award to them,” Sooryavanshi said.

“For the last eight to nine months, the support staff and the team have been working together. That preparation has played a huge role in getting us to where we are today.”The 14-year-old became the first player in U-19 World Cup history to win both the Player of the Final and Player of the Tournament awards. His innings included 15 sixes and 15 fours, and he reached the fastest 150 in Under-19 cricket in just 71 balls, propelling India to a commanding 411 for 9 after winning the toss.England fought valiantly, with Caleb Falconer scoring a 115 off 67 balls, but regular wickets prevented them from keeping up with the required rate. They were eventually bowled out for 311, handing India a dominant victory.Sooryavanshi, who had already made waves in last year’s Indian Premier League, now holds the record for the highest individual score in any ICC tournament final, further cementing his reputation as one of cricket’s brightest young talents.This remarkable performance not only secured India’s sixth U-19 World Cup title but also showcased the impact of preparation, teamwork, and raw talent on the world stage.

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr after leaving Manchester United in December 2022, becoming the best-paid player in football history with an annual salary of £177m.

The club, who have won 10 Saudi Pro League titles, called the signing “history in the making” but Ronaldo has only won the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023 since the move.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner signed a new two-year contract in June 2025.

Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal – the country’s most successful club with 19 league titles – are among the teams controlled by the PIF, which also backs Newcastle United.

BBC Sport has been told former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema’s move to league leaders Al-Hilal from Al‑Ittihad earlier this week was the principle reason for Ronaldo’s frustration at Al-Nassr.

French striker Benzema, 38, scored a hat-trick on his debut for Al-Hilal in a 6-0 win over Al-Okhdood on Thursday.

Al-Nassr are third in the league, four points behind leaders Al-Hilal.

Colts legends Reggie Wayne and Frank Gore were among the 11 Pro Football Hall of Fame modern-day player finalists on this year’s ballot who won’t be sporting gold jackets at this summer’s induction ceremony. And from the looks of next year’s potential first-time ballot members, the pair may very well remain on the outside of the Hall for a bit longer.

Longtime Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri – arguably the best kicker in NFL history – was among the five members voted to make up the Class of 2026, unveiled Thursday night during the NFL Honors ceremony. The Class’s other modern-day players included Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald, Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly. Vinatieri and Kuechly were voted in on their second years of eligibility, with Brees and Fitzgerald joining the esteemed list of first-ballot Hall of Famers.

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Gore, along with Brees, Fitzgerald and longtime Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, was in his first year of eligibility for the Hall. Wayne, on the other hand, was tied this year with fellow star wideout Torry Holt for being a finalist the most times (7) without being voted into the Hall. Wayne has been a finalist in each of his seven years of eligibility.

But he continues to struggle to break the threshold – particularly with the Hall’s new more exclusive voting process. Under the new Pro Football Hall of Fame voting rules, each year a group of 25 (and ties) of semifinalists is whittled down to 15 finalists, and that group then shrinks through subsequent rounds of voting to 10 and then seven. The Hall’s pool of 50 voters have five picks among that pool of seven modern-day players, and the top-three vote-getters will be inducted into the Hall of Fame with as many as two more players able to join the group if they garner 80% of the vote.

Longtime Colts beat writer Mike Chappell, who is on the Hall’s voting committee as the Indianapolis-area representative, lifted the curtain a bit on X Thursday night regarding how the voting process went this time around. Wayne, he said, did not make the first cut-down from 15 to 10, meaning, at best, he remains the seventh-highest returning vote-getter for next year with Vinatieri, Brees, Fitzgerald and Kuechly off the list.

Gore, according to Chappell, made the cut-down to 10, but was not among the seven ‘final’ finalists who were among the Hall-deciding vote. The three ex-players from that final seven who weren’t voted into this year’s class – Bengals tackle Willie Anderson, Ravens edge rusher Terrell Suggs and Ravens offensive lineman Marshal Yanda – will automatically advance to become finalists for the Class of 2027.

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Those who made the initial cut from 15 finalists down to 10, according to Chappell, included the aforementioned seven plus Gore, Witten and Cowboys safety Darren Woodson.

After last year’s 3-9 campaign, Colorado football has played 136 seasons, dating back to 1890.

The Buffs have compiled a record of 735–556–36 (.577) through the 2025 season.

The program ranks 27th on the all-time win list and 40th in all-timewinning percentage.

Colorado also has two Heisman Trophy winners in Rashaan Salaam (1994) and Travis Hunter (2024).

Since the program’s initial season, the Buffaloes have appeared in 29 bowl games, winning 27 conference championships, five division championships, and an AP National Championship in 1990.

Planet Red, the Caulfield Guineas placegetter, prepares for his seasonal reappearance in a high-class Stakes race at Caulfield.

On Saturday, the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) stands as Planet Red’s singular foray before the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington set for February 28.

Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr’s charge, a three-year-old gelding, was last seen placing second to Autumn Boy during the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) in October.

With three prior Australian Guineas triumphs under his belt, Price admitted Planet Red was drained following his Caulfield Guineas exertions.

“He had five weeks off after the Caulfield Guineas,” Price said.

“When he went into the Caulfield Guineas, he only had a certain amount of energy left in him, but we got it to come together in the last two weeks before that race and he ran super.

“He had five weeks off, but I haven’t got enough horse to do the Space Rider prep.

“Space Rider is going to have three runs into the Australian Guineas, but I’m going to take a punt on Planet Red. He runs in the 1400 metres and then it is three weeks to the Guineas.

“He has improved a little bit as a gelding, but it’s a quick turnaround from the spring.”

Space Rider placed 11th when last facing the Caulfield Guineas field and resumed winning the Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield January 26.

His trajectory leads to the Group 3 C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington a week from Saturday.

Price’s Australian Guineas ledger shines with Light Fantastic (2008), Heart Of Dreams (2009), Grunt (2018) victories, plus Tarzino’s near-miss against Palentino in 2016 where the protest failed.

Teaming with Kent Jnr, Price eyes his first joint Guineas score.

“The Australian Guineas has been good to me,” Price said.

“Planet Red will be pretty cherry ripe come the Australian Guineas and I think he’ll run well.”

Those keen on the Autumn Stakes action have plenty of options in the racing betting markets to consider for Planet Red’s performance.

The post Caulfield return for Guineas hope first appeared on Just Horse Racing.

All eyes will be on Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., when the New England Patriots take on the Seattle Seahawks in the Big Game. It’s an unlikely matchup after the Patriots came into the season off back-to-back 4-13 seasons and hadn’t been to the NFL playoffs since the 2021 season. Seattle hadn’t been to the playoffs since the 2022 season, but made huge strides in the second season under head coach Mike Macdonald and quarterback Sam Darnold, a free-agent acquisition.

Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 8. The latest Seahawks vs. Patriots odds from DraftKings Sportsbook list Seattle as the 4.5-point favorite, with the over/under at 45.5 points. The Seahawks are -230 money line favorites (risk $230 to win $100), while the Patriots are +190 underdogs. Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III is -195 (risk $195 to win $100) to score a touchdown, Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is -110 and Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson is +140. SportsLine’s NFL experts teamed up to give exact score projections for the Big Game, and while they’re unanimously backing the Seahawks to win, their score predictions lead to some different spread and total picks. 

The team of NFL betting experts includes R.J. White, who is SportsLine’s all-time No. 1 NFL spread expert and Larry Hartstein, who enters the game on a 43-33 run on NFL ATS picks (+596). Other NFL betting experts featured include Alex ‘PropStarz’ Selesnick, who is on a 62-44 (+916) roll on NFL player props and Jeff Hochman, who is 83-66-3 (plus +1217) over the past four NFL seasons.

Now, SportsLine’s NFL experts have analyzed the NFL odds and locked in their final score predictions for Seahawks vs. Patriots. 

Patriots vs. Seahawks score predictions

R.J. White 

Big Game score prediction: Seahawks 19, Patriots 16

“The last four Big Games have seen both teams get to 20 points, but I think there’s a chance touchdowns will be hard to come by in this game. The Seahawks defense is elite, allowing just two touchdowns in the six games since Week 12 where they haven’t faced the Rams. The Patriots defense has risen to that level in the postseason thanks to getting key players back in the front seven as well as playcaller Zak Kuhr putting on a masterclass each week. There’s no denying the talent on these offenses, but I see two defensive units that will be tough to crack in the red zone and a lot of kicking points in this game.” New users can target the DraftKings promo code, which offers $300 in bonus bets if your bet wins, and target the Patriots +4.5: 

Larry Hartstein 

Big Game score prediction: Seahawks 23, Patriots 16

“It’s been four months since a team not named the Rams excelled offensively versus Seattle’s No. 1 defense. Unless Drake Maye runs wild, I have a hard time seeing the Patriots getting to 20 points. New England’s defense is stout too, with a front that shuts down the run and Christian Gonzalez patrolling the back end. But Seattle has better weapons, led by the unstoppable Jaxon-Smith Njigba. He, Rashid Shaheed and Cooper Kupp will make enough plays to complete the Sam Darnold redemption story.” You can bet Seahawks (-4.5) at DraftKings:

Jeff Hochman

Big Game score prediction: Seahawks 27, Patriots 20

“Seattle’s edge in Net Yards Per Play (+1.4 vs. +1.0) is even more impressive considering they played the fourth-toughest schedule, while New England had the league’s easiest. Since 2000, just four teams have captured the title with a negative sack differential, while teams with a +20 or higher sack differential — such as Seattle — have won six times. The Patriots’ sack differential of -13 is the lowest ever for a championship team in this span. After monitoring both teams all season, Seattle appears superior in every phase: offense, defense and special teams.” You can go Over on the total (45.5) at DraftKings:

Alex ‘PropStarz’ Selesnick 

Big Game score prediction: Seahawks 23, Patriots 19

“This looks like a game where both offenses could find it difficult to score touchdowns. New Englands defense has been dominant through the playoffs and features the type of scheme and personnel that could potentially give Sam Darnold fits coupled with limiting Seattle’s run game. I also expect Mike McDonald’s defense to make life really difficult on Drake Maye who has not been same player that was a bonafide MVP candidate through the entirety of the regular season. I think this is ultimately a low scoring game decided by 4 points or less. The Seahawks have been very fortunate in high leverage situations and I do expect some major regression in the turnover department, however that may not come to fruition until next season. Seattle feels like a team of destiny.” You can pick Under (45.5) the total at DraftKings:

How to get more Patriots vs. Seahawks picks

SportsLine’s model has simulated Seahawks vs. Patriots 10,000 times and revealed its picks. See who wins and covers the spread here, all from the model that’s on a 53-37 roll on top-rated NFL picks. 

Soon enough, a Vikings decision needs to arrive on Eric Wilson.

The off-ball ‘backer soaked up plenty of snaps at edge rusher, filling in for the injured Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel at various points. He did so despite being in his early 30s, not having a ton of experience at the position, and being undersized for the task at 6’1″ and 231 pounds. Wilson responded by dropping down a career-high 6.5 sacks alongside 17 tackles for loss. Not too shabby.

The Vikings Decision on Eric Wilson Looks Risky

Bringing Brian Flores back makes keeping Wilson more likely.

Coach Flores, affectionately called “The Mad Scientist” in Minnesota, figured out how to unlock Wilson’s various skills. Not just someone who could run down running backs and tight ends, Wilson could pin his ears back to create havoc as a pass rusher. Essentially every linebacker prefers to run forward rather than backward, so one has to assume to Wilson enjoyed playing for Flores.

Originally, Eric Wilson got added to Minnesota’s roster as an undrafted talent who turned pro after getting completely overlooked in the 2017 NFL Draft.

At the time, Mike Zimmer’s Vikings were on the cusp of one of the franchise’s all-time great seasons. The linebacker spot was being led by Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks, both of whom were very good players in Minnesota.

Wilson came to town as a speedy, athletic linebacker who looked like he could stick around as a special teams menace and depth defender. For most of his career, Wilson lived up to that description, though he did earn a solid amount of playing time on defense over the years.

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What’s notable is that he has had staying power. He’s impressive on the field in a physical sense, often demonstrating good speed and physicality. So, too, have coaches uplifted his acumen, an intelligence that allows him to stay a step ahead while also helping his teammates. Add it all together and there’s a veteran defender who possesses nice athleticism (though undersized) as well as someone who thinks and communicates the game at a high level.

In February of 2026, Eric Wilson is coming off a career-best season just as he jaunts into free agency. Soon, he’s going to get paid.

Wilson’s NFL journey has involved working for the Vikings, the Texans, the Eagles, the Saints, the Packers, and now for the Vikings again. At the high-end of his past paydays has been a yearly amount coming in at $3,259,000, which was when he worked for Minnesota in 2020.

Wilson is going to smash that number in March, blowing it to smithereens.

Spotrac offers an estimate that puts Eric Wilson at roughly $4.3 million per season. If that’s indeed what he’ll play for, then Minnesota would be wise to keep him around. Goodness, pay Wilson more than that. A two-year deal for $5 million per season would be a great deal for the Vikings.

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Given the success Wilson had in 2025, then the ask on the open market may be much higher. Journeying over to the linebacker section of Over the Cap clarifies that there are a lot of linebackers who make $5 million per season or more. Wilson, very likely, is going to find himself among them. How high is too high?

In the NFL, the contracts that get handed out should be all about the future. Looking to the past is helpful only insofar as past play offers hints about future play.

Eric Wilson is coming off a sizzling season and he legitimately has earned a hearty payday. Whether that comes in Minnesota remains to be seen; the budget is snug and the roster needs to get younger. Is it too risky to pay for a breakout season for Wilson?

Eric Wilson will turn 32 in September of 2026.

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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.

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