Hull City Manager Sergej Zakirovic believes they need 12-15 signings this summer to compete in the Premier League next season.

sports news Today is a comprehensive interview with the Hull City manager, in which he explains his plans for the summer transfer window.

Hull City Summer Plans

Sergej Zakirovic has become one of the most intriguing coaching stories in European football over the past year, thanks to his immense, unexpected success at Hull.

He took charge of Hull last year with the apparent luxury of remaining in the Championship or at least achieving a comfortable mid-table finish. Instead, they defied expectations and sent them into the playoffs in the first place Defeated Middlesbrough in play-off final.

It means he is now a Premier League manager and faces the difficult task of keeping the Tigers at the top. And to do that, he believes they need a big summer transfer window.

“We have calculated that the core structure of 12 players who have performed this season will remain in place, which means we need 12 to 15 reinforcements,” he said.

“The owner and I talked, but he didn’t say anything about money, we still have to sit down seriously.

“However, we know some information. As winners of the Championship last season, Coventry plan to invest around €40m in reinforcements, but they already have an expensive and strong team with which they have attacked the Premier League for two years.

“Ipswich are reportedly preparing around €80m. For comparison, Sunderland, as a newcomer to the Premier League last summer, invested around €120m in reinforcements and immediately finished seventh after winning the Europa League.”

Spend €120 million like Sunderland?

While Sunderland could be a shining example of how to do it, Zakirovic does not believe Hull will have the same kind of spending power this summer.

He said, “Sunderland is my guiding principle, the club has identified excellent, conditionally, cheap, but very good players, mainly in Belgium and France.”

Getting €120 million of reinforcements… It’s already a dream, I don’t believe we will have that much money, but we’ll see. “Basically, there are no restrictions now, we can compensate.”

Manchester United Atalanta are making solid progress towards the signing of Ederson, after surpassing Atletico Madrid.

The midfielder was an unused substitute in the Serie A team’s last match of the season against Fiorentina.

After the match, La Dea manager Rafael Palladino gave a hint His appointment was due to negotiations with Manchester United. The coach was happy that a top club was behind the 26-year-old player.

On 27 May, Game Witness Covered claims from Italy Major turning point in deal worth €45m.

There was no mention of what it was, but reports state he is close to a move to the Premier League.

move away from manchester united

TuttoMercatoWeb Consider that, and his headline says he is ‘one step away’ from joining Manchester United.

In the report, they reveal that the Brazil international is living out his last few days as an Atalanta player.

That’s because negotiations between Michael Carrick’s side and La Dea are in the final stages. Both clubs are sorting out the final details, and the Red Devils should finalize the deal in the ‘coming days’.

The Italian club paid €22.9m to sign Ederson from Salernitana in July 2022 and will make a profit from his sale this summer. TMW state Manchester United will pay €45m plus €3m in easily accessible bonuses.

Earlier claims put the price at €50m while some put it at €45m including bonuses. The final figure should clarify when and how this step forward occurs.

The Red Devils have revamped their midfield this summer due to Casemiro’s exit and uncertainty over Manuel Ugarte’s future.

After completing the deal for Ederson, Manchester United are likely to sign at least one more midfielder.

Contracts, prices, statistics and agent information

The Atalanta player has 13 months left on his contract, and transfer market He is worth €45 million.

Brazilian agency Link Sports, headed by agent Andre Cury, represents Ederson.

He played 3,169 minutes in 41 matches this season and scored three goals and two assists.

Aston Villa Star Emi Buendia has detailed the conversations he had with Unai Emery this summer which led to his return under the Spaniard this season.

AS held an interview with the 29-year-old man today. He is on a high after playing a key role in Aston Villa’s Europa League success Heading towards the World Cup with Argentina.

Best Aston Villa Season

The midfielder has enjoyed his best season to date at Aston Villa. He scored 11 goals and nine assists in 54 games in all competitions and played a key role under Emery after returning in the summer.

He returned to Aston Villa in the summer after a loan spell from Bayer Leverkusen for the second half of last season.

The perception was that Aston Villa would focus on different players and make moves in the summer. However, a difficult summer window gave the Argentine a chance to impress. He has done just that and explained how.

When asked what the key to the transformation was, she said, “A lot of hard work. A lot of hard work, a lot of confidence too.”

“I always knew and told both the coach and the coaching staff that I felt capable of staying at the club this season.

“Then, throughout the season, with hard work, you see things start to go well. That’s important in this game. And well, it’s also about personal confidence, confidence in my teammates, confidence in the coaching staff and trying to have my best season individually.”

unai emery conversation

His return to Aston Villa last summer saw him in talks with Unai Emery about what he could do going forward.

The midfielder has previously struggled to impress under the Aston Villa boss but is now one of his star men. And he revealed what their conversation was like before the season started.

“When the transfer window opened, we had a conversation where we discussed what I could contribute to the team,” he said.

“I made it clear that I want to stay at the club and help. Emery knows how to get the best from each player. Personally, in my role on the field and taking into account the demands he makes on each player, we work individually to be able to deliver what he needs as a coach.

“From the beginning, with a lot of hard work, paying close attention to every detail, paying attention to everything that can make a difference. We grew with the team throughout the season.”

move flop to success

The turnaround is interesting for Emi Buendia, who was considered a major flop before impressing under Emery.

After impressing for three years at Norwich City he moved to Villa Park in 2021 on a €38.4m deal. He was a star for the Championship team but struggled to make the step up to the Villans. Now he is a major player and is thrilled to remember that move from five years ago.

“It wasn’t that big a leap because I spent three incredible seasons with Norwich, in which we won all four championships. In mid-season we played in the Premier League, but we couldn’t avoid relegation,” he concluded.

“When I signed for Villa, I already had experience of playing at the highest level in the world. I grew up embracing the pace of English football, which is essential to playing this dynamic style. And then developing technical skills which are very important.

“I remember the call from Aston Villa with great emotion because the project they presented to me, fortunately, gradually became reality over the years.

“The club’s ambition was to achieve the things we are experiencing now. It was a big step in my career. I’m personally very proud of it, and today I can enjoy all these wonderful things.”

Nick Nemeth turned WWE down on multiple occasions before agreeing to return for John Cena’s farewell tournament, he revealed on the Sweet Pop Podcast.

Nemeth said that when WWE first called him he was not interested. When he came to know that the comeback would be related to Cena, he changed his mind.

“He’s asked me to come back a few different times for some other things, and I said, ‘Uh, I don’t know,'” Nemeth said before explaining what led to the situation. When he was told the opportunity was linked to Cena, he said the decision was made easier given their shared history and what Cena has done for talent in and out of the ring.

Nemeth competed in the Last Time Is Now tournament and returned to Madison Square Garden to face Solo Sequoia in a match to determine Cena’s final opponent.

Nick Nemeth regrets selfless approach in WWE

In the same interview, Nemeth reflected on his nearly two-decade WWE run under the name Dolph Ziggler, admitting that his tendency to overpower others led to his rise to the top of the card. He described himself as someone who prioritized making matches and his opponents look good rather than preparing himself for bigger opportunities, calling this both a strength and a liability.

“To a fault, I was a little selfless,” Nemeth said. “I want this match to be great. I want everyone to be talking about it – rather than ‘I want to be talked about as world champion.’

He credited this approach with keeping him on the job for 20 years, while acknowledging that it was probably this approach that kept him from consistently competing in the main event. Nonetheless, fans will remember him for being one of the best in-ring workers of his era and a missed opportunity by WWE management in charge. Currently, he is making a splash as a top star in TNA Wrestling.

There’s an old saying in football that if you have two quarterbacks, you really don’t have anyone. The theory is that having two starting-caliber QBs causes drama, friction and divides the locker room. The Atlanta Falcons are out to prove that old adage wrong.

This offseason, we saw Falcons team president Matt Ryan sign former Pro Bowl quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. It was a noteworthy move, considering that the team selected Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.

However, Penix has made only 12 starts combined over the past two seasons, and is now working towards a return from a torn ACL on November 16, 2025. Along with Tagovailoa and Penix, both plan to compete for the opportunity to start at QB for new Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski.

With Falcons OTAs underway, we now know how the team is divvying up first-team reps.

according to athleticFalcons insider Josh Kendall plans to split first-team reps in OTAs for Tagovailoa and Penix. Still, Penix isn’t quite ready to start the teamwork yet, but he’s busy bowling on the field, where he “looks good” according to Kendall.

Stefanski says the composition of the team’s delegates “is all very intentional.” The Falcons have more than four months to find out, with their first regular season game scheduled for September 13 against Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers’ Pittsburgh Steelers.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings after Aaron Rodgers rejoins the Steelers

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A rival executive sabotaged the new contract the Los Angeles Lakers were supposed to give LeBron James, and it looks like it’s a win-win deal for both parties.

On Monday, the Lakers saw a disappointing end to their 2025-26 campaign as the Oklahoma City Thunder completed a stunning four-game sweep of the NBA Playoffs semifinals. Following their 115–110 loss at home, speculation immediately began regarding James’ future.

Over the next few weeks, the 22-time All-Star will have to decide if he wants to play another season in the NBA. If he returns for a 24th season, while other teams like the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers would be interested, a return to the Lakers makes the most sense.

“It’s hard to fit him anywhere,” a West scout told ESPN’s Tim Bontemps on Friday. But James won’t come cheap, and the prospect of them trading a veteran to capture a title doesn’t make business sense for them. An East team strategist also told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, “According to our metrics, he remains a top-25 player in the league, and if it weren’t for his age, we probably would have rated him at the max player level.”

Should the LA Lakers give LeBron James a one-year deal with a no-trade clause?

So what type of deal should the Lakers offer that makes sense for them in the short and long term, but doesn’t offend one of the greatest players of all-time, who is still playing at an All-Star level at age 41? An executive from an Eastern Conference team has an idea.

James earned more than $52 million this season. Still, with the team willing to give Austin Reeves a big pay raise in a new long-term deal this summer, it doesn’t make sense to pay him that amount again. Would the four-time MVP be willing to consider a contract in the $35 to $40 million range? Perhaps.

One-year James deal makes long-term sense for LA Lakers

While he wants to chase championships, James is a smart businessman and won’t waste his value to benefit a billion-dollar NBA club. The Lakers are one of the few competitive teams that can offer him the money he’s worth.

Additionally, LA showed over the final two months of the season that they can be a threat in the West if James, Reaves and Luka Doncic are healthy. If the front office can better complement the roster around him, James has a chance to chase a title in the city he wants to live in, and closer to market value.

For the Lakers, it makes sense to keep James for another season. As mentioned, they will be a very good team again. And if this is his final year, the club could pocket a hefty sum from a pseudo-retirement tour. But at the same time, re-signing him and waiting for the summer of 2027 makes long-term sense.

Big stars like Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jimmy Butler, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Donovan Mitchell, Karl-Anthony Towns and Kyrie Irving could be available next summer.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

In a moment of surprising honesty, Milwaukee Bucks star Myles Turner revealed the chaos delivered by former head coach Doc Rivers during the 2025-26 season. That includes preferential treatment for franchise legend Giannis Antetokounmpo.

To the disappointment of Bucks fans, their favorite NBA team was a mess last season. Despite Damian Lillard rupturing his Achilles tendon last spring and spending a ton of money to cut ties with Turner after signing him in free agency, Milwaukee won just 32 games in 2025-26. It was their first sub-40 win in a decade.

Currently, Rivers is on the receiving end of his poor performance and was fired last month. Some NBA pundits have suggested that Antetokounmpo’s injury problems and the front office are largely to blame. However, new comments from Turner after his first season in Milwaukee suggest that taking Rivers out would make a big difference as he allowed extremely unprofessional conditions last season.

Myles Turner says Bucks teammates were late or missed practices and meetings all the time

During a new edition of their game recognize game Podcast with New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart, Turner’s co-host asked her about the penalty for the Bucks, as she often includes them on her current team.

In response, the 11-year veteran acknowledged that it varies between coaches, but “Doc Rivers never fined anybody.” He then revealed that teammates were late to practice and film sessions all the time and sometimes missed team meetings altogether.

“It was one of the craziest things I’ve ever personally experienced,” Turner said.

Turner also noted how bad his teammates were when it came to showing up for team flights. If the plane was supposed to depart at 2:00 pm, by the time everyone had arrived, it would have departed at least a few hours later. “I’m being very serious, brother. It was crazy,” Turner said.

This became so frequent that Turner deliberately did not appear until an hour after the flight’s departure. When Stewart asked who was the biggest culprit in terms of delays, Turner admitted it was 10-time All-Star Antetokounmpo.

He said, “Giannis will really play whenever he wants. I think it just comes with the territory.”

Obviously, this is a terrible look for the players, their professionalism and respect for their teammates’ time. But if Rivers isn’t holding them accountable, that’s not surprising. It is now up to new head coach Taylor Jenkins to set a new standard of professionalism and lead the Bucks back to competitive play next season.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

A new rumor reveals how much it would cost the Cleveland Cavaliers to make a blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer, and the front office should make it happen.

After blowing a 2-0 lead and surviving the seven-game series against the Toronto Raptors, the Cavaliers will look to pick up a road win in Game 2 of their series against the Detroit Pistons tonight. Their performance against the Raptors and their 111–101 Game 1 loss has NBA analysts not confident that the Cavs will upset the No. 1 seed Pistons in this series.

That’s why there’s already speculation about what the Cavaliers will do this summer. While James Harden is enjoying his time in Cleveland, many expect him to opt out of the final year of his deal to receive a new multi-year contract from the Cavs or the highest bidder. There are also rumors that if Donovan Mitchell does not sign an extension this offseason, the team could consider trading him with one year left on his deal.

Even if Mitchell returns, this is an expensive roster that has never gone beyond the second round of the playoffs. If they don’t upset Detroit, change is coming, and it could be in the form of a trade for Milwaukee Bucks veteran Giannis Antetokounmpo. But does Cleveland have the trade chips to make a deal? It appears that they do.

Cleveland Cavaliers trade cost for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Marc Stein reports, “The Cavaliers contacted the Bucks about Giannis before the deadline and were told it would take Evan Mobley and all of Cleveland’s available draft capital to make it happen.” “It’s a business creation that Mobley’s leaders would probably scoff at, but it’s a move that no shortage of rival executives I’ve discussed it with have said they would do.”

Giving up future draft picks (perhaps more than five) for an aging great who is having trouble staying healthy is a huge risk. However, in an era where you can’t trade first-round picks in consecutive seasons and upcoming NBA lottery rules improvements, it could be worse.

If the Cavaliers hold on to Mitchell, this is now a must-win team. A healthy Antetokounmpo could easily become the winning star they seem to be lacking. The Cavs could also go away for a season, and if that doesn’t work, let both Mitchell and Antetokounmpo walk in free agency and start from scratch. Either way, they should seriously consider that trade if it’s still on the negotiating table this summer.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

tottenham Manager Roberto De Zerbi has always been known as a highly emotional personality. Italians are demanding, radical, and often belligerent.

This appeared in Marseille, where he was public about many of his concerns.

This played a role in his exit earlier this year, as he fell out with many in Ligue 1. De Zerbi seems to have adapted to Tottenham’s delicate situation with surprising ease, but stories about his personality and approach are well documented.

Details about her broken relationship with Ismail Kone have now emerged.

player recalls problems

The Canadian midfielder has become a rising name in Serie A due to his performances at Sassuolo.

I have now talked to him gazzetta dello sport And he was asked about his relationship with De Zerbi in Marseille. The two were involved in an infamous training ground scrap at the French club, which led to the 2025 Canada international’s exit.

Describing the conflict, Kone said: “We are two people who love football, but with two different viewpoints. He is really incredibly passionate. At the time, I was facing some difficulties and maybe I was not able to immediately give him what he wanted.”

The Sassuolo player explained how the tactical approach did not suit his playing style.

“I would never say anything bad about Roberto. Maybe he could have been more patient with me, and I could have avoided responding. Things happen. It was an argument like many others.

“He wants one or two touches in the middle of the pitch, but I want a little freedom. I want to watch the game. He knew that, but he got angry that day.”

Despite this, Kone has no regrets about his time at Marseille.

“I had a great time at Marseille. It was a great experience. I remember the skill of my teammates and the warmth of the fans. I will never be more grateful for what I experienced there, even if it didn’t go the way I wanted.”

This couple has ended their mutual rift

Kone revealed that he recently met De Zerbi during his current stint at Tottenham. Both of them have accepted it and have overcome their problems.

“A few weeks ago I went to London with two friends, I met Roberto and he hugged me tightly. We talked about many things, as if nothing had happened. Sometimes social media and the media make everything too big.

“Marseille’s decision. I didn’t know they would include it in the documentary celebrating that special season with the return of the Champions League. This episode has not changed me.

“I know where I’m coming from. I’m sorry that this may be affecting people around me. And there’s something that no one knows.”

tottenham players will know

This is an excellent example of how De Zerbi typically works. He wants his teams to play faster between the lines, rather than slowing down the pace of the game.

Although it has been seen at Tottenham, it seems like a softer version of the Italian so far. He has understood the situation very well and is constantly praising the players for lifting their mood.

At the same time, this 46 year old version will not work. Things will be different next season. De Zerbi will focus more on imposing his views and that is when Spurs players will see a more radical version of him.

Max Holloway has addressed the growing speculation about being linked to a rematch with Conor McGregor at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas, admitting that he has been appealed by the fight for personal reasons, while confirming that he has yet to receive a formal offer from the UFC.

McGregor plans to return to action for the first time in five years after suffering a broken foot in his trilogy against Dustin Poirier in 2021, with UFC 329 emerging as the most likely destination during International Fight Week. Holloway, who lost to McGregor in 2013, has been widely discussed as a potential opponent for that comeback, and he explained in an interview with Paramount that the idea of ​​settling unfinished business is attractive.

“I mean, we have the history,” Holloway said. “We fought a long time ago. I told you guys, if someone attacked me, I’d bring him back. I’d love to bring him back. There’s so much talk about him coming back, and everybody’s talking about how serious he really is. It seems like he’s been training and taking and really wants to come back to fight. It’s exciting.

He said, “He looks hungry. He looks extremely hungry. He did a boxing exhibition not too long ago, so it was great to see him. I would just like to get one back. It’s a huge fight.” “Anything with Conor McGregor is huge, but having history with that guy, it would be nice to be able to get someone back. I’ve got to get my payback on one of the guys. If I can continue to move down the list, that would be great.”

Max Holloway vs. Conor McGregor contract has not been proposed yet

Holloway’s most recent outing included a lopsided decision loss to Charles Oliveira that cost him the BMF title, and he was honest about his motivation to erase that performance from the conversation as quickly as possible.

He said, “You’re only as good as your last fight, and we’re going to make everyone forget about that last fight as quickly as we can.”

Despite mutual interest, Holloway confirmed that no contract has yet been offered.

“Maybe, we’ll see what happens,” he said when asked about UFC 329.

The date for Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury is now set for late 2026 after years of failed negotiations. Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed on 27 April that the fight was “signed, sealed and delivered”. The fight is expected to take place in November, although the exact date has not been announced. This confirmation brings clarity to one of boxing’s most talked-about bouts.

The Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury fight has been in the news for almost a decade, with both fighters rising to the top of the heavyweight division at different times. Broadcast plans point to a global audience on Netflix, underscoring the program’s expectation of worldwide reach.

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury date, venue and broadcast plans

The date for Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury is currently targeted for November 2026, although officials have not released a full schedule. Site details also remain open. Initial discussions include a larger stadium in the United Kingdom or a Saudi-backed event. Croke Park has already been ruled out as an option.

The Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury fight will stream globally on Netflix, which is a huge step forward for boxing broadcasting. This ensures wider reach for fans in different regions.

Before this, Anthony Joshua is scheduled to fight Christian Prenga on July 25 in Riyadh. This fight will serve as preparation for the main event.

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury fight background and career record

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are two of the most recognizable names in heavyweight boxing. Joshua won a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics and has won several world titles during his career. Fury retained the WBC title and lineal championship and became world champion by defeating Wladimir Klitschko.

The Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury matchup brings together different styles. Joshua relies on power and direct strikes, while Fury utilizes speed, reach and ring awareness. These contradictions have kept the fight relevant at different stages of his career.

The deal came after talks with Saudi boxing personality Turki Alalshaikh. Reports confirm a two-fight structure for Joshua, including his July return and main event at the end of the year.

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury fight: who will win

The Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury fight has been officially confirmed, with key details yet to be announced. Organizers are expected to announce the official venue, full fight card and final event in the coming weeks.

Both the fighters are expected to complete their preparation through scheduled bouts and training camps before the scheduled date.

Dogley Wilberforce is a boxing writer for SportsNaught, covering fight news, fighter reactions and major bouts in the sport… More about Dogley Wilberforce

The Sacramento Kings were one of the few teams linked to NBA trade rumors in February with genuine interest in acquiring All-Star point guard Ja Morant. Months later, new information has shed light on why the deal fell through.

According to ESPN’s Tim McMahon and Michael C. Wright, the Kings were one of a select few teams involved in talks with Memphis before the NBA trade deadline. However, Sacramento wanted Memphis to include a first-round pick in any deal.

RELATED: Russell Westbrook Addresses Future With Sacramento Kings

• Yes Morant contract (Spotrac): $42.166 million cap hit (2026-27), $44.886 million cap hit (2027-28)

In the past, the Kings were widely viewed as a team likely to make a questionable deal to acquire an All-Star player. The most recent example of this came in the De’Aaron Fox trade, when they took less future assets to acquire Zach LaVine in a three-team deal with the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls.

However, under general manager Scott Perry, it appears that the franchise is no longer willing to make such deals. It appears that Sacramento has legitimate interest in acquiring Morant, hoping a change of scenery will revitalize the All-Star point guard’s career. Apparently, based on this reporting, Sacramento wanted to be compensated by Memphis for taking over Morant’s contract and the injury and off-the-court risks that come with it.

“There will be teams that feel like they didn’t get what they wanted in the draft or free agency, and that’s when something might happen for Ja.”

Unknown Western Conference executive to ESPN on Ja Morant trade market this summer

Unsurprisingly, Morant’s trade value has declined in recent years. However, there is expected to be more interest in him this summer, with teams feeling more confident that they can add him to the team throughout the offseason rather than in a mid-season trade.

It’s also possible that Sacramento may no longer be one of those contenders. If the Kings land in the four to six range of the 2026 NBA Draft, they could take either Houston point guard Kingston Flemings or Arkansas point guard Darius Acuff Jr. In any case, the team will likely re-sign Russell Westbrook as a veteran mentor and have no need for Morant.

On the other hand, if Sacramento moves up in the 2026 NBA Draft lottery and acquires a wing like AJ DiBuntsa or Caleb Wilson, or potentially forward Cameron Boozer, there could be an even bigger incentive to acquire Morant for the next two seasons.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

John Cena did not become the 17-time world champion without reason. And believe it or not, his brothers ultimately played a role in helping shape the WWE icon.

Before the bright lights and main events, Cena was hard at work in the Backyard Wars with his first rivals Stephen, Dan, Matthew and Sean. We’re talking cardboard title belts, a DIY ring, and five Cena guys cutting promos and throwing hands like it’s WrestleMania every day.

That chaos created the ultimate competitor. Those early sibling conflicts shaped Cena into a relentless, never-back-down superstar who dominated the headlines in WWE for years. And even now, despite the fame and Hollywood glamour, Cena is still tight with his brothers. However, an interesting fact has emerged about one of them.

Who is John Cena’s brother?

John Cena has four brothers. Stephen, Dan, Matthew and Shawn.

Who is John Cena’s gay brother?

Stephen is the one whose sexuality became a public story in 2024. He is a voice and theater actor who has appeared in Avenue Q, Bloody Island, And Return to Clark County. He has won two New York State Theater Association awards for his work.

John Cena’s support for his gay brother

For more than a decade, he guarded his brother Steve’s truth like a championship secret – no leaks, no omissions, just pure loyalty. The 17-time world champion never violated kayfabe on something that was so important, he stood by his brother until Steve was ready to step into the spotlight and tell his story on his own terms.

“Life was hard for my brother in high school,” Cena said on Dax Shepard’s podcast. ‘Not only was he introverted and interested in computers, but he was also gay. And being gay in a small town in Massachusetts in the ’80s, man, it’s a tough climb.

Cena said that his brother is still not out, but he is still being criticized for being different. He explained, “He had a lot of character traits that the group of cool kids didn’t have, and he also had this secret that he couldn’t tell anyone or talk about.” He said that now looking back, he realizes deeply what his brother went through.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi is not happy with the Carolina Hurricanes.

This isn’t a bit of a surprise, as for the first time in his tenure with Carolina, he has been the most frequently scratched player for the team. In a recent interview, he discussed the Hurricanes’ issues with coaching, management and their season overall.

Kotkaniemi talks about lack of communication, trust with organization leaders

On Wednesday, Ilta-Sanomat, Finland’s largest newspaper, released his interview with Kotkaniemi – an interview in which the 25-year-old centerman lifted the lid on the rift between himself and the Hurricanes organization.

“It hasn’t really been explained to me why I’m not allowed to play,” he told the outlet. “It’s a little difficult.”

He expressed his frustration in the narrative that he is not equal to a second-line centerman when he has rarely performed as one throughout his time in Carolina, citing an oft-forgotten discrepancy between his position on nightly lineup sheets versus ice time and the matchups he was actually given.

However, it seems like the thing that has frustrated him the most is, as you would expect, a lack of meaningful ice time and an absence of trust from the coaching staff.

“Playing time was limited from the beginning of the season. Then came bench assignments. And after a long injury, the coaching staff was in no hurry to get me back into the lineup.

“It’s a shame, because I worked hard over the summer.”

Between the failed trade and lack of ice time, Kotkaniemi’s future with the Hurricanes remains uncertain.

He subsequently faced frequent trade rumors and was repeatedly said to be moved, but this never seemed to happen.

With only eight points this season, and averaging just over 11 minutes of ice time whenever he has been given the chance, this is a stark contrast to last season, in which he had three times the points and average ice time per night was almost three minutes more.

As for Kotkaniemi’s career, and his potential return to the Hurricanes if he is ultimately traded, this season has undoubtedly taken its toll on both sides. Before the trade deadline, the team began making calls about a possible move, but those lined up were reportedly unwilling to pay the price set by general manager Eric Tulsky. Since then, except for the occasional game, he has simply been left on the shelf, gathering dust and losing the opportunity to improve his numbers, and in turn, his trade value.

“The future here doesn’t look very good, at least not right now.”

Translation via Google Translate, Microsoft Translator

Rachel Barkley is a beat writer covering the Carolina Hurricanes for Carolina Hockey Now on SportsNote. Painting Stories…More About Rachel Barclay

A top New York Giants insider has offered a fresh update on what the team is reportedly looking for during rumored trade talks for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.

After a breakout season in 2022, Lawrence emerged as one of the core members of the Giants’ roster. In his fourth year, the former first-round pick finally began to reach his potential, and the team’s front office smartly locked him into a new four-year extension worth $87.5 million.

Everything seemed good between the team and the three-time Pro Bowler. However, despite having a poor season in 2025, the 28-year-old has made it clear he wants a raise, or he wants out. While the team has said all the right things, on Tuesday NFL Network reported that recent negotiations have reached an “impasse” and the Giants have begun trade discussions with interested teams.

With a trade always possible, what are the Giants looking for in a deal for a key member of their roster? On Wednesday, SNY NFL insider Connor Hughes offered an update on exactly that. They claim they are “looking for an equitable trade value that they feel is fair.” Whatever the best offer is right now, they will not take it forward.

What could the New York Giants get in a Dexter Lawrence trade?

Hughes said that when talking to sources, he compared the situation to the one the New York Jets faced last year when their own star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was asked to transfer. Gang Green also waited until they got what they felt was the best “wow” offer for them. It ended up being a first-round selection the following year, a second-round pick this month, and a trade of Mazzie Smith from the Dallas Cowboys.

Hughest believes the Giants won’t get that return for Lawrence, but they won’t move him unless they get a clear offer they can’t refuse. Williams has another Pro Bowl appearance and All-Pro honors that Lawrence has yet to earn.

So, a deal that includes a few second-rounders and a Day 3 pick could be what the team is looking for in a Dexter Lawrence trade.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The main event of UFC 327 will feature a 205-pound bout as Jiri Prochazka takes on Carlos Ulberg for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title. “BJP” is winning continuously in its last two battles. Rebel Ulberg has won nine consecutive battles through 2022.

How to watch UFC 327: Wolk vs. Ulberg

• UFC 327 will go down on April 11
• The event will take place at the Kasia Center in Miami, Florida
• The card begins at 9:00 PM EDT
• UFC 327 will air live on Paramount+

UFC 327: Wolk vs. Ulberg card

Main Card (9 p.m. EDT)

• Jiro Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg
• Azamat Murzakanov vs. Paulo Costa
• curtis blades vs josh hokit
• dominic reyes vs johnny walker
• Cub Swanson vs. Nate Landwehr

Preliminary Card (7 p.m. EDT)

• Patricio Pitbull vs. Aaron Pico
• Kevin Holland vs. Randy Brown
• Mateusz Gamrot vs. Esteban Ribovics
• Tatiana Suarez vs Lupi Godinez

Preliminary Card (5:30 p.m. EDT)

• Chris Padilla vs. Marquel Mederos
• Kelvin Gastelum vs. Vicente Luque
• Charles Radtke vs. Francisco Prado

upcoming ufc schedule

Take a look at the upcoming UFC schedule after this weekend’s card.

UFC Winnipeg: Burns vs. Malott (April 18)

The UFC Fight Night headliner will feature the return of veteran Gilbert Burns when he faces Mike Malott in a 170-pound bout. Burns is currently facing defeat in four consecutive matches. His last win came three years ago in April 2023 against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 287. Since his UFC debut in 2022, Canadian-born Malott has won six of his last seven contests. The victory of only two of them could be decided.

How to watch UFC Winnipeg: Burns vs. Malott

• UFC Winnipeg will close on April 18
• The event will take place at the Canada Life Center in Winnipeg, Canada
• The card begins at 8:00 PM EDT
• UFC Winnipeg to air live on Paramount+

UFC Winnipeg: Burns vs. Malott card

Main Card (8 p.m. EDT)

• Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Malott
• kyler phillips vs charles jordan
• Mandel Nalo vs. Jay Herbert
• Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Karin Silva
• Thiago Moises vs. Gage Young
• Dennis Buzucza vs. Marcio Barbosa

Preliminary Card (8 p.m. EDT)

• Julian LeBlanc vs. Robert Valentin
• Tanner Boser vs. Gokhan Sarikam
• Melissa Crowden vs. Daria Zhelezniakova
• Mitch Raposo vs. Alan Nascimento
• JJ Aldrich vs. Jamie-Lynn Horth
• John Castaneda vs. Mark Vologdin
• Jaime Siraj vs. John Yannis

UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal (April 25)

In the main event of UFC Fight Night, former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling will face Youssef Zalal in a 145-pound bout. The “Funk Master” is coming off a unanimous decision win against Brian Ortega last August. Only one of Jalal’s last five wins has reached the judges’ scorecards.

How to watch UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal

• UFC Fight Night starts on April 25
• The event will take place at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada
• The card begins at 8:00 PM EDT
• UFC Fight Night will air live on Paramount+

UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal card

Main Card (8 p.m. EDT)

• Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal
• Rafa Garcia vs. Alexander Hernandez
• Davy Grant vs. Juan Martinetti
• montel jackson vs raoni barcelos
• Norma Dumont vs. Jocelyn Edwards
• Talita Alencar vs. Julia Polastri
• Rodolfo Vieira vs. Eric McConnico
• Jaffel Filho vs Lucas Rocha
• Marcus Buchecha vs. Ryan Spann
• Mayra Bueno Silva vs Michelle Montague
• Jackson McVey vs. Cedrics Dumas

Born and raised in New York City, Jimmy Robles received a journalism degree from Queens College in 2017. Before… More About Jimmy Robles

Dereck Chisora ​​will face Deontay Wilder in a heavyweight main event at The O2 Arena in London on Saturday, April 4, 2026. The fight is billed as “The 100”, the 50th professional fight for both fighters.

Chisora ​​has confirmed that this will be his final professional fight and enters the bout on a three-fight winning streak, which includes wins over Otto Wallin and Joe Joyce.

Wilder, known as “The Bronze Bomber”, is looking to regain form after going 2-3 in his last five fights. The event also attracted attention after a minor issue involving Wilder’s gloves at the official weigh-in, which was later resolved by officials before fight night.

fight start time

The main card is scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm BST, which is 2:00 pm ET and 11:00 am PT.

The main event ring walk is expected to take place at around 10:26 PM BST, 5:26 PM ET, and 2:26 PM PT. These times are approximate and may change depending on how long the undercard fights last.

The undercard begins early in the day, with several bouts scheduled before the main event. Fans planning to watch the entire event should tune in at the beginning of the main card to avoid missing the headline bout.

How to watch and stream

The fight will air worldwide on DAZN. Fans can watch on the DAZN app or web browser.

The platform supports a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, mobile phones, tablets, and gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. Viewers can also watch via desktop browser.

Full fight card and event details

The event features a full fight card leading up to the main event between Chisora ​​and Wilder.

The event features a full undercard for the main event between Dereck Chisora ​​and Deontay Wilder at the O2 Arena. At cruiserweight, Vidal Riley will face Mateusz Masternak.

Denzel Bentley will face Andre Saavedra in a middleweight bout scheduled for 8:15 pm BST, which is 3:15 pm ET and 12:15 pm PT.

Matty Harris meets Franklin Igantius in a heavyweight fight at 7:40pm BST, which is 2:40pm ET and 11:40pm PT.

Rich Anderson will face Jordan Dujon in a middleweight bout at 7:00 pm BST, which is 2:00 pm ET and 11:00 pm PT.

Ashton Sylve faces Raul Antonio Galaviz Hernandez in the first super lightweight bout on the card.

Additional bouts include Vidal Riley against Mateusz Masternak at cruiserweight, with Connor Bain and Hopey Price both planning to compete against opponents to be confirmed.

The card builds towards the main event, where both fighters enter their 50th professional bout in a scheduled heavyweight contest.

The main event brings together two seasoned veterans at a crucial point in their careers. Chisora ​​has confirmed that this will be his final fight for which he enters the ring. Wilder enters with a record that includes the first ten successful WBC title defenses of his career.

The fight takes place at the O2 Arena, a venue that has hosted major boxing events over the years. With both fighters reaching their 50th professional bout, this event marks a significant milestone for each as they meet in London.

Dogley Wilberforce is a boxing writer for SportsNaught, covering fight news, fighter reactions and major bouts in the sport… More about Dogley Wilberforce

Manchester United’s summer transfer window plans may include an unexpected twist as their roster includes one of Germany’s most reliable defenders.

image reportAnd supporting other claims that Borussia Dortmund defender Waldemar Anton is a target ahead of the summer.

Leadership and Reliability from Waldemar Anton

Waldemar Anton has been a rock for Borussia Dortmund this season, making 37 appearances so far.

He is also in contention for Germany before the World Cup. He did not feature in the recent friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana, but coach Julian Nagelsmann has strongly hinted that he will be in his World Cup squad. That level of trust speaks volumes.

Inside Dortmund, Anton is valued as a vocal leader, a player who sets standards in the dressing room and brings structure to the back line. No one paid attention to those qualities.

A report yesterday said Manchester United were interested And BILD now supports that. They confirm there is interest from both Spain and England, adding real significance to what initially seemed like an unusual move by United.

Atletico’s long-standing admiration

Spanish interest comes from Atletico Madrid. He had pushed for VfB Stuttgart to sign him in the past and his praise never waned. In fact his development at Dortmund has only strengthened his position.

Now Manchester United is in the picture. This report from BILD is the second separate report on their interest, which suggests there may be something to it.

But their possible involvement makes no sense. At 29, Waldemar Anton does not fit the long-term profile they have been targeting in recent windows. They are also well-stocked at centre-back, with Harry Maguire in particular expected to sign a new deal.

However, Waldemar Anton provides immediate leadership and reliability at the back. This could be something that is in charge of the Old Trafford price.

However, for now, it seems an agent is pushing his client ahead of a busy summer rebuild at Borussia Dortmund and nothing more.

🇵🇹Samuel Dahl | Manchester United for Benfica left-back

➡️ Viewed 10+ times by club officials
🇸🇪Interest in Sweden goes back a long time
📅 #MUFC protectors are on their agendahttps://t.co/mWvKMxT3sl #free

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) April 1, 2026

Ohio State linebacker Arvel Reese put on a show during the NFL Scouting Combine. Participating with the edge rushers at the combine in Indianapolis, Reese ran a 4.46 40-yard dash with a 10-yard split of 1.58 seconds. Measuring 6-foot-4 1/8 and 241 pounds were also some of the most impressive measurements for a player at his position.

Reese totaled 69 tackles and 6.5 sacks last season in Columbus. He is widely expected to be taken in the top five of April’s NFL Draft and could go as high as No. 2 overall to the New York Jets. Reese has taken the college football world by storm this season, as he has seen his draft stock rise.

Now, as he prepares for the draft, let’s take a deeper look at what made Arvel Reese who he is today.

What high school did Arvel Reese go to?

Arvel Reese attended Glenville High School, where he won a state football championship playing for coach Ted Ginn Sr. He was also named a finalist for the 2022 high school Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top high school linebacker.

What college did Arvel Reese go to?

Reese attended The Ohio State University. He is currently majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences. His GPA is still not public information.

What is Arvel Reese’s draft projection?

Reese is projected to be a top 5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

arvel reese college statistics

Reese put together a strong two-year college resume, showing clear development and defensive impact. In the 2025 season, he recorded 69 total tackles, including 34 solo stops and 35 assisted tackles, while adding an impressive 6.5 sacks and two pass deflections.

This is a significant jump from his 2024 campaign, where he recorded 43 total tackles (18 solo, 25 assisted) and 0.5 sacks. In both seasons, Reese did not record any forced fumbles, fumble recoveries or interceptions, but the increase in his pass-rushing production and overall tackle volume in 2025 highlighted his evolution into a more disruptive defensive presence.

Fernando Mendoza has already made a serious name for himself ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Indiana Hoosiers QB has stepped into leadership roles both on and off the field. Climbing up draft boards after having what was called one of the best single seasons by a Big Ten quarterback.

After transferring from Cal, the Miami native helped transform Indiana from a struggling program into a serious contender. That run ended with a perfect 16–0 record and the school’s first national championship. His statistics supported it, but what stood out was his composure in the big moments. This led to his Heisman win, where he received 84.6% of the votes.

Now, as he prepares for the draft, let’s take a deeper look at what made Fernando Mendoza who he is today.

What high school did Fernando Mendoza go to?

Mendoza went to Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, where, as quarterback on the football team, he completed 133 of his 203 pass attempts for 1,396 yards and 16 touchdowns with four interceptions, while also adding 137 yards and a touchdown on the ground in two seasons. He was just as good in the classroom, receiving a 4.7 GPA from school.

What college did Fernando Mendoza go to?

Mendoza graduated from Indiana University’s Haas School of Business; Before this, he attended the University of California.

What is Fernando Mendoza College GPA?

Mendoza has a 3.4 GPA in college after graduating from Indiana University.

What degree does Fernando Mendoza have?

Mendoza holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley. According to his LinkedIn, he also has a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Indiana University Bloomington.

Why did Fernando Mendoza transfer from Cal to Indiana?

When discussing his transfer, Mendoza said he saw Indiana as the best place for development, choosing the program instead of “blue bloods” like Georgia and Missouri because Cignetti promised to turn him into “the best Fernando Mendoza.” Mendoza stated that the primary reason for his departure was to find a system that could turn him into a “pro-ready quarterback”.

Another reason Mendoza decided to go to Bloomington was his younger brother, Alberto, who was already a redshirt freshman quarterback at Indiana.

How much did Fernando Mendoza make with zero money?

According to NFL sources, Mendoza is worth $2.6 million, which ranks him in the top five nationally among college football players.

Fernando Mendoza’s college statistics

Mendoza accumulated 8,267 passing yards and 71 TDs at California and Indiana. At Cal, during his 2 seasons, he has racked up 4,712 yards and 30 TDs. And at Indiana (2025): 3,535 yards, 41 TDs.

Will the Las Vegas Raiders draft Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall?

According to multiple reports, the draft is interested in drafting Mendoza as the No. 1 pick.

“The Mendoza Mafia is deeply entrenched.” That’s how the quarterback describes his family — and for Fernando Mendoza, that support system has been everything.

The Indiana Hoosiers QB is officially taking his talents to the next level in April after declaring for the NFL Draft in 2025 following a dream season. Once a lightly recruited guy coming out of high school who began his college career at Cal, Mendoza flipped the script in a big way — winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Indiana to a national championship victory over Miami in January.

At the center of it all is her mother, Elsa. Living with multiple sclerosis, she has been his constant source of strength and inspiration.

Who are Fernando Mendoza’s parents?

Fernando Mendoza’s parents are Elsa and Fernando Mendoza Sr.

Why is Fernando Mendoza’s mother in a wheelchair?

Elsa Mendoza has been one of Fernando’s toughest fighters. And his story reaches deeper than football. A former college tennis player at the University of Miami, Elsa was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007 and is now confined to a wheelchair. Like the rest of the family, she is of Cuban origin, with her parents having settled in Miami. That flexibility? It’s clearly part of the Mendoza DNA.

In December 2025, Elsa shared a heartfelt letter Players’ Tribune This gave fans a closer look at his journey. He admitted that he once saw Fernando following his path in tennis. “My dream was for you to play tennis like me,” she wrote, recalling how she had coached him from his college practice when they were younger.

What does Fernando Mendoza’s father do?

According to his bio and LinkedIn, his father, Fernando Mendoza Sr., is a medical director at Nicklaus Children’s Health System in Miami. Of Cuban roots, his parents immigrated from Cuba and settled in Miami. Mendoza Sr. brings a strong cultural and business foundation.

But before the white coat, he had real athletic chops. A gold medalist in rowing at the 1987 Junior World Championships, he later competed at Brown while studying biology. From there, he progressed academically – earning his medical degree from the University of Florida, completing his residency at Jackson Memorial in Miami, and adding a fellowship at Boston Medical Center.

Does Fernando Mendoza have siblings?

Fernando Mendoza has two brothers – Alberto and Max. Alberto plays football with Fernando for the Indiana Hoosiers and Max is in Miami.

Norway manager Stel Solbakken has revealed that Manchester City’s Erling Haaland will not be part of his team against the Netherlands.

The national team has qualified for the World Cup and has two friendly matches against Oranje and Switzerland in the current international break.

Norway face the Netherlands at the Johan Cruijff Arena on Friday and the Manchester City star will not be considered.

Solbakken wants to rest the striker and have him back in the team against Switzerland on March 30. The decision has been taken to manage his workload, following an extensive season with Pep Guardiola’s team.

The 25-year-old, who is leading the Premier League team’s attack, has played 3,418 minutes in 43 matches, scoring 30 goals and providing seven assists. He played the full 90 minutes of his team’s 2–0 EFL Cup Final win over Arsenal at Wembley on Sunday.

Haaland missed Manchester City’s win over Leeds United last month. This is the only league match he has not played this season and below are some of his league statistics.

Special treatment for Manchester City players

tv2 Met Solbakken in Norway, who explained the importance of managing a frontman’s workload.

“We have taken into account the total stress Erling has been under over a long period of time and have concluded that the best solution for all parties is for him to now take a much-needed break.” He said.

“Our conclusion is that it is best for Erling to be involved in one of the matches of this gathering, and then we think it would be good if he can show himself in front of the Ulleval crowd against Switzerland.”

Norway return to Oslo on Saturday and that’s when Erling Haaland will join the team. The national team boss admits to giving his star special treatment.

“It’s special behaviour. Certainly because of what Erling has done on and off the field. There’s a lot of pressure on him, and for me it’s by far the most important thing he does at the World Cup in June.” Solbakkan explained.

Beneficial for Guardiola’s team

Solbakken’s decision with Erling Haaland could help the Citizens in their efforts to win two more domestic competitions this season.

Manchester City are second and nine points behind leaders Arsenal with a game in hand. In the FA Cup, Guardiola’s side will face Liverpool in the quarter-finals at the Etihad on 4 April.

The Norway international could take advantage of this week’s rest to recharge himself ahead of Manchester City’s upcoming fixtures at the end of the season.

Last month, Sports Witness broadcast news That Norwegian from Spain is an alternative to Barcelona.

His contract runs until 2034 and that puts the English club in a comfortable position to retain him. transfer market He is worth €200 million.

🇮🇹Wesley | The pieces of Manchester City are falling into place

➡️ There will be suspicion that Roma are selling the building
🔵 The Brazilian can adapt to Pep’s system
📈 Salary inducement is a good angle #mcfc https://t.co/XhWt1Z2Gig

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 5 March 2026

Chelsea’s growing influence in South America could take another step forward, with fresh details emerging about a potential partnership with River Plate.

The idea of ​​two clubs forming a relationship focused on young talent spread quickly across Europe this week. Now, outlets in Argentina are providing a clearer picture of what that might actually look like in practice.

The reports from the Argentine press all point in the same direction – a strategic agreement that would reshape the way Chelsea operate in the South American market, while giving River Plate new access to elite-level prospects.

How the conversation started – Kendry Pays as the trigger

The current negotiations stemmed from discussions candy page.

Chelsea’s decision to send the Ecuadorian youngster on loan to River Plate has opened the door to something big. According to Infobae, negotiations around that deal quickly moved beyond a simple loan to a broader collaboration.

TYC Sports Reinforce that perspective. They described Paez’s move as a “first step” towards a wider agreement between the two clubs focusing on youth development and player pathways.

Chelsea have already created a multi-club structure through Bluco, with Strasbourg serving as a major European hub. Expanding that network into South America, even informally, will give them earlier access to talent and greater control over development pathways.

Priority section and transfer control

The most important detail in the proposed agreement is the level of control that Chelsea can gain.

infobae Report that River Plate will receive priority access to any Chelsea player made available for loan. This would give the Argentine club a clear advantage over its competitors by being strengthened with young prospects.

Also, Chelsea will get a big advantage of their own. The Premier League side will have the right to match any offer received by River for one of their players.

That system is already familiar to other areas of River’s business. However, applying it to player transfers would give Chelsea first refusal on some of South America’s most valuable emerging talent.

TyC Sports adds another layer. He claims the agreement could streamline deals for Rivers academy players moving to Chelsea, making negotiations faster and more predictable.

In practice, this creates a two-way pipeline. River gains access to Chelsea’s surplus talent, while Chelsea put themselves first in line for the next big sale of River.

Bluco strategy and South America expansion

It fits well into Chelsea’s broader strategy under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

The club already uses Strasbourg to manage player development in Europe. A similar relationship with Rivers would extend that model to a market that consistently produces high-value talent.

The Millionaire Page Highlight that River has explored similar partnerships before, including talks with Real Madrid. However, nothing came of it at that time.

This time it feels different. And the presence of Enzo Fernandez as ‘group leader’ at Chelsea strengthens the connection, while Páez’s move shows there is already operational alignment there.

what happens next

Despite extensive reporting, the agreement has not yet been finalized.

Infobae stressed that talks would continue, with no official confirmation from either club. La Página Millonaria also notes that key elements still need to be formalized, including the precise structure of the transfer and priority rights.

Still the direction is clear. Chelsea are looking to strengthen their presence in South America. River Plate is open to a model that gives them a competitive advantage without large upfront expenses.

If completed, it would not be a standard partnership. This will be a strategic alignment that will reshape the way both clubs operate in the transfer market.

For Chelsea, it provides earlier access to specific prospects and tighter control over player routes. For Rivers, it provides a steady flow of talent and a strong position in the conversation.

And for the broader market, it could set a precedent that others would quickly want to follow.

🇵🇹 Maxi Araújo | tottenham and chelsea keen

✈️ Both clubs sent officials this week
⚽️Saw Uruguay score important goals
🔁The 26-year-old versatile fullback
📊 €80m clause to be negotiatedhttps://t.co/noKuKvwg6h #thfc #cfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 21 March 2026

A new report explains why the running back problem for the Minnesota Vikings could spell disaster for Kyler Murray in 2026.

After a tremendous sophomore season, the Vikings could not deny that they needed a secondary option behind young quarterback JJ McCarthy. However, when the Arizona Cardinals decided to waive two-time Pro Bowler Kyler Murray, Minnesota was given the option to take a player who could do more than just compete with McCarthy for the starting job.

Since the signing, there has been much discussion among NFL pundits that Murray could return to his Pro Bowl form under head coach Kevin O’Connell and lead the Vikings to the Super Bowl the following season. However, a new report from The Athletic’s Jacob Robinson dashes those grand expectations.

In Thursday’s newsletter, the football analyst reported that, in general, the Vikings’ offensive line has performed poorly over the past few seasons, and their interior has been a particular weakness. That’s bad news for Murray, the shortest QB in the league.

“Internal pressure wreaks havoc on an undersized quarterback like the 5-foot-10 Murray,” Robinson writes. “Small passers need extra space to see their linemen and good throwing lanes to get the ball out. That’s why the Panthers invested heavily in the interior for Bryce Young, as the Saints did with Drew Brees.”

The Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line could be much better in 2026

Internal concerns with the smaller QB are a good reason to believe Murray could have a bad first season in Minnesota. Especially when he has struggled with injuries over the last few years and hasn’t looked like a Pro Bowler for quite some time.

However, Robinson did not just bring bad news and offered legitimate hope. First, he reported that “the injuries are gone.” [the offensive line] There were 26 different combinations last season.” Additionally, they have a new coach in Keith Carter, and notable talent on the O-line.

Robinson wrote, “Left tackle Christian Darrisaw and guard Donovan Jackson were selected in the first round. On the right side are high-paid guard Will Friesz and tackle Brian O’Neill.” He also said that Murray’s ability to extend the play due to his athleticism is something that Vikings QBs have been lacking recently.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Watford are working on a deal to sign Mohamed Diop from AJEL Roufisc.

After playing with another Senegalese team, Wally Dan, the striker joined the Senegalese club on a free transfer in September 2025.

Diop has had a blast in his first season at AJEL Rufisch. This has not gone unnoticed in Europe, especially in Britain where Watford are showing keen interest.

The 17-year-old has scored nine goals and provided two assists in 19 league appearances so far this season.

Over the weekend, the youngster continued his good form by scoring the winner in his team’s 1–0 win over Casa Sports. This helped AJEL Rufisch extend their lead at the top of the table.

They have 39 points from 19 matches and are seven points ahead of the second-placed US Whites. The Watford goal is directly involved in at least 10 points. The frontman’s performances have attracted the attention of the Hornets and other European clubs.

Watford submit offer for signing

Last week, Sports Witness Covered Claims The French and Senegalese sides are said to be leading the race for Watford’s signature after beating Marseille.

Africa Foot Now pick him up and cover the Championship side’s latest efforts to try to bring him to London.

Edward Still’s side have offered €500,000 to bring the ‘Senegalese prodigy’ to Vicarage Road. Both the player and his club will analyze his offer. Discussions are going on between the two teams to reach an agreement.

The English club will have to be wary of competition from both Fenerbahçe and ES Sétif. The Turkish club are still unwilling to let go of Diop while top division Algerian side are also in the race for his signature.

Ibrahima Niane scored 19 goals for Generation Foot during the 2016/17 season. Africa Foot says this is the record for most goals scored in Senegal’s top division. Diop aims to break that record and is 10 goals away from equaling it.

Why do Watford need to worry about Fenerbahçe?

Still’s side are 10th in the table, eight points behind sixth-placed Wrexham, meaning a place in the Championship play-offs remains difficult.

Fenerbahçe, on the other hand, are second in the top division in Türkiye. Diop could play in Europe with an Istanbul club that Watford may not be able to offer any time soon.

The Hornets will have to convince the attacker to get his signature. If they do, Diop will have to wait until he turns 18 in January 2027 to reach the UK due to Brexit.

transfer market He is valued at €250,000 and Watford have offered their club double that amount. His contract is until 2028 and he is represented by British agency, Asfan Sports Management.

On Sunday night the Houston Rockets got another chance to test themselves against one of the NBA’s best teams in the San Antonio Spurs. However, it turned out to be nothing more than a test, in which he failed completely. They didn’t look like they were on the same court as the upstart Spurs as Houston lost 145-120 to their division rival.

The Spurs continued to hum offensively throughout the game, as they once again rained down shots from beyond the arc against the Rockets. It’s certainly a big concern that a team that should be proud of its defense is stumbling on that end, especially against a team that could be up against come playoff time.

After the game, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said the problem for Houston isn’t the talent level on the roster – it’s basically everything else that’s intangible.

Udoka told Varun Shankar of the Houston Chronicle, “We have no doubt the talent is there. The identity, the mentality, the toughness, the poise, it’s all missing right now. We’ll see if we can get it back by the end of the season.”

However, fans don’t feel like that’s all that’s missing from the Rockets.

Rockets fans protest Ime Udoka’s statements

Rockets fans urged Udoka to take a long look in the mirror and assess his shortcomings in setting up his team. Some fans believe that the team’s offensive system is substandard and needs to be overhauled.

“Lmao. Every great team plays hard bro. The difference is in your system. The Spurs don’t have that many incredible shooters but their system consistently creates a lot of open 3s, movement off the ball and doesn’t bring up the experience factor many teams younger than us have out there now,” wrote X user @AbdulMu079.

“I focus so much on toughness that he gives his team even the toughest shots… Every possession in half court feels like a dentist pulling teeth… The Rockets have probably reached their limits with this coaching staff… I need an offensive coordinator in the worst way,” @LarryLe97168426 said.

New details have emerged regarding the DUI arrest of Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks, who was taken into custody Friday morning after attending the team’s game against the Chicago Bulls.

According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix, Brooks was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence shortly after the Suns’ 105–103 loss to the Chicago Bulls. Gambadoro shared an update Friday on X, formerly known as Twitter, and said the incident was not alcohol related.

“From a source – Dillon Brooks was arrested on suspicion of DUI last night after the game. It was not alcohol related but I’m told it was marijuana. He was released without charges. Brooks was asked to blow into a portable breathalyzer and he blew 0, showing no alcohol in his system. Like alcohol, marijuana also debilitates you and impairs your fine motor functions and ability to drive a motor vehicle. Affects.”

TMZ Sports reports that the incident happened around 2:00 a.m. Friday in Scottsdale, Arizona. Brooks was released about an hour later, at about 3:20 p.m. The report said Brooks was “respectful and cooperative” during conversations with authorities before his release. TMZ Sports also published Brooks’ mugshot after his arrest.

Brooks participated in Thursday’s game wearing a black brace on his right hand as he recovers from a broken hand. The veteran forward has not played since the Suns’ 113-110 double-overtime win over the Orlando Magic on Feb. 21.

In that game, Brooks logged seven minutes before being forced out due to injury. He finished with five points and three rebounds while shooting 2-for-7 from the field.

The Suns announced on February 23 that Brooks would be reevaluated in four to six weeks as his recovery progressed.

Suns acknowledge Dillon Brooks DUI situation as new details emerge

Phoenix acknowledged the situation Friday but declined to provide additional comment.

“We are aware of the situation involving Dillon Brooks and are gathering more information. We have no further comment at this time,” the Suns said in a statement reported by AZCentral’s Duane Rankin.

The 30-year-old has been one of Phoenix’s most impactful players this season after arriving in the historic multi-team trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. Brooks quickly emerged as a central part of the Suns’ new identity, providing scoring, defensive intensity and leadership on the wing.

Through 50 games this season, Brooks has averaged a career-high 20.9 points along with 3.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and one steal per game. He is shooting 44% from the field, 34.3% from three-point range, and a career-best 85.6% from the free-throw line, while averaging 30.6 minutes per contest.

Phoenix entered Friday with a 35-27 record as it continues its push for a playoff position in the Western Conference. Despite the off-court situation involving Brooks, the team is focused on its upcoming schedule.

The Suns are set to face the New Orleans Pelicans (20-44) on Friday night at 6:00 pm PT as they look to maintain momentum during the second half of the season while waiting for further clarity on Brooks’ recovery timeline.

A wild new report details the messy situation inside the Las Vegas Raiders that has alienated top star Max Crosby, including a teammate of Tom Brady who has few fans in the organization.

One of the biggest stories in the NFL as we approach the start of the new league year is the future of Raiders star pass rusher Max Crosby. During a rough stretch in franchise history, the seven-year veteran has been one of the few bright spots as he has earned Pro Bowl honors each of the last five seasons.

Unfortunately for the 28-year-old, his efforts have mostly gone in vain as the Raiders have reached the playoffs only once during his tenure. Additionally, he has had five different head coaches, and it could be six if he remains with the organization in 2026. It’s understandable why Crosby would be frustrated and want out.

Raiders aren’t consulting Crosby during trade talks

However, Crosby has remained loyal to Raiders fans despite consecutive losses. But the team threw him into the deep end when he requested that he miss the final two games of the season as they vie for the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. Which he did. Nevertheless, this caused a rift between the team and Crosby and it was expected that he would soon be traded. Or maybe not.

According to a new report from Michael Silver of The Athletic, the Raiders have made the process of moving the fan-favorite more “messy” than necessary despite overwhelming interest.

“The Raiders are not assuring him that he will accept the best offer he gets or asking him for input on where he would like to play,” writes Silver. “Theoretically, this saga could extend to the draft – or even the season.

“If that happens, it would continue a pattern of dysfunction that has plagued the Silver and Black throughout Crosby’s tenure, and which no sane superstar would ever welcome.”

Tom Brady’s servant is causing trouble at the Raiders facility

However, an interesting piece of information in Silver’s report reveals another reason why Crosby has soured on the organization: minority owner Tom Brady’s top in-house minion, Alex Guerrero. The man with the title of “Wellness Coordinator” has surprising influence in the Raiders offices and has reportedly used his unusual power to rub many people in the organization the wrong way.

“Guerrero, who regularly attends practices and meetings, is claimed to have significant organizational power, informing players of impending transactions and even signaling to staff members who do not follow his instructions that their jobs may be in jeopardy,” Silver’s report said.

“Guerrero is believed to have direct access to Brady, who lives in Florida and serves as Fox’s lead NFL analyst, limiting his in-person appearances. Suffice it to say, trust issues are rampant at the Raiders’ training facility in Henderson, Nev.”

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Timothy Fosu-Mensah has detailed his struggles following Manchester United as he goes almost three years without taking to the pitch.

Voetbal Primeur covered the defender’s comments today. He speaks to ESPN about his struggles after leaving Manchester United in 2021.

The 28-year-old currently has no club after becoming a free agent in July 2024. He was previously at Bayer Leverkusen, whom he joined from Manchester United on a €1.7m deal in January 2021.

He was a youth product at Old Trafford after joining Ajax’s U17 side in 2014 in a €380,000 deal.

manchester united story

Two years later he made his Premier League debut under Louis van Gaal in February. He also made his European debut in the Europa League later that year under José Mourinho.

A further 30 appearances for Manchester United followed, including a Champions League debut under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2020.

He also spent time on loan at Crystal Palace and Fulham but could not settle at either club, Ultimately departing for Leverkusen in 2021. However, he managed only 30 appearances in Germany, totaling 942 minutes.

His career at each club was severely hampered by long-term knee and hamstring problems. Those problems mean he has not played a competitive match since April 2023.

10 year anniversary

It’s a sorry state of affairs for a man who, exactly a decade ago, was making his professional debut for Manchester United. Now he has revealed what his current situation looks like.

“I’m an added value for many teams,” he said.

“I train a lot with other players. I am in a specific position where you have to deal with others in the same situation. They understand the situation very well.

“I feel good, I stay fit and busy every day. Not a day goes by when I’m not busy. Of course, you ideally want to stay fit for your entire career, but that’s part of it.

“If a player has won as well as me and played at the same level, but has never been injured, it is logical that they should choose him. God willing, I will return to the field.”

UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanaugh (February 28)

With the third consecutive edition of UFC Fight Night, the UFC will travel abroad for the second time this year.

Former two-time UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno makes his first appearance in 2026 when he takes on rising Lon’er Kavanagh. “The Assassin Baby” will aim to bounce back from a TKO loss against Tatsuro Taira at UFC 323 last December.

How to watch UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanaugh

• UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanaugh on February 28
• The event will take place at Arena CDMX, Mexico DF, Mexico
• The card begins at 8:00 PM EST
• UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanaugh will air live on Paramount+

UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanaugh card

Main Card (8 p.m. EST)

• Brandon Moreno vs. Lon’er Kavanagh
• marlon vera vs david martinez
• Daniel Zellhuber vs. King Green
• Edgar Chairez vs. Felipe Buenas
• Imanol Rodriguez vs. Kevin Borjas
• santiago luna vs angel pacheco

Preliminary Card (5 p.m. EST)

• Ryan Gandra vs. Jose Daniel Medina
• Elin Perez vs. Macy Chiasson
• Christian Quinones vs Chris Moutinho
• Douglas Silva de Andrade vs. Javier Reyes
• Regina Tarin vs. Ernesta Carecate
• Erick Silva vs. Francis Marshall
• Damien Pinas vs. Wes Schultz

Upcoming Events

Take a look at the upcoming UFC schedule after this weekend’s card.

UFC 326: Holloway vs. Oliveira 2 (March 7)

The main event of UFC 326 will feature a 155-pound showdown as Max Holloway makes his second defense of the UFC “BMF” title against former UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira. In his first defense of the title, “Blessed” defeated Dustin Poirier by unanimous decision at UFC 328 last July.

UFC 326: How to watch Holloway vs. Oliveira 2

• UFC 326 will go down on March 7
• The event will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada
• The card begins at 9:00 PM EST
• UFC 326 will air live on Paramount+

UFC 326: Holloway vs. Oliveira card

Main Card (9 p.m. EST)

• max holloway vs charles oliveira
• Caio Boralho vs. Rainer De Ridder
• Rob Font vs. Raul Rosas Jr.
• Drew Dober vs. Michael Johnson
• Gregory Rodriguez vs. Bruno Ferreira

Preliminary Card (7 p.m. EST)

• Cody Garbrandt vs Xiao Long
• Donte Johnson vs. Dusko Todorovic
• Ricky Turcios vs. Alberto Montes
• Cody Durden vs. Nyamjargal Tumendemberel

Quick Preliminary Card (5 p.m. EST)

• Sumudaerji vs. Jesus Aguilar
• josung yoo vs josung yoo gaston bolaños
• Luke Fernandez vs. Rodolfo Bellato

UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Vallejos (March 14)

The main event of UFC Fight Night will feature a matchup at flyweight, when Josh Emmett faces Kevin Vallejos. Since his UFC debut in 2025, “El Chino” has won three consecutive fights, as well as two stoppage victories. Experienced Emmett is going through a difficult phase at the moment and has faced four defeats in the last five matches.

How to watch UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Vallejos

• UFC Fight Night ends March 14
• The event will take place at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada
• The card begins at 8:00 PM EST
• UFC Fight Night will air live on Paramount+

UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Vallejos card

Main Card (8 p.m. EST)

• Josh Emmett vs. Kevin Ballejos
• Amanda Lemos vs. Gillian Robertson
• Ion Katelaba vs. Omar Sy
• Andre Fili vs. Jose Miguel Delgado
• Marwan Rahiki vs. Harry Hardwick
• Vitor Petrino vs. Steven Asplund

Preliminary Card (5 p.m. EST)

• Charles Johnson vs. Bruno Silva
• Bolaji Oki vs. Manoel Sousa
• Luan Lacerda vs. Hecher Sosa
• Bea Mesquita vs. Montez Rendon
• Elijah Smith vs. Suyoung Yoo
• pierra rodriguez vs sam hughes

Born and raised in New York City, Jimmy Robles received a journalism degree from Queens College in 2017. Before… More About Jimmy Robles

Things are looking bleak for the Chicago Bulls. They are going through a nine-match losing streak and some of their key players have been injured. One of which is Afernee Simmons, who is out with a wrist injury.

According to Casey Johnson of Chicago Sports Network, the Bulls announced a change to Simmons’ status for Tuesday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets. Although Simmons will not play, his left wrist is bruised, not sprained.

Simmons injured his wrist during Saturday’s game against the Detroit Pistons. He played 14 minutes and scored four points.

Meanwhile, Jalen Smith was listed as “questionable” due to a left calf strain. Smith was ejected in the third quarter against the New York Knicks on Sunday.

Simmons is averaging 15.2 points and 2.8 rebounds during six games played with Chicago. He arrived in Chicago as part of a trade that sent Nikola Vucevic to the Boston Celtics. Before that trade, Simmons had played 49 games with Boston and averaged 14.2 points per game.

The Bulls are 24-34 and have not won a game this month. After Tuesday, Chicago will be at home and close out the month on Thursday against the Portland Trail Blazers.

On Sunday, the Bulls begin March at home against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Additionally, Jaden Ivey is out with a sore right knee. Additionally, Jack Collins is out for a year after having toe surgery.

The Bulls once again struggled with a shaky, depleted roster in the second half of the season.

Nike and Jordan Brand have already seen an active 2026 with a slate of retro releases around NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, but the Jumpman is just getting started in terms of its collaborative efforts in the coming months. Soon, Union and Fragment will team up to release one of the most hyped releases of Air Jordan 1 sneakers in recent memory.

Check out our sneakers news for more upcoming releases and breaking content!

The fragment design, created by streetwear designer Hiroshi Fujiwara, first teamed up with Air Jordan in 2014 to create a simple yet iconic black/white/blue design. To date, the original pair fetches over $1,500 on the resale market, forming the basis for Fragment’s upcoming work with the Travis Scott line.

Los Angeles-based Union, founded by Chris Gibbs, first collaborated with the Jordan 1 in 2018 with their popular deconstructed ‘Piece-Together’ take on classic colorways. Mixing and matching each OG colorway of the Jordan 1, high-end pairs run around $1,500, even on the aftermarket.

Already released exclusively in Los Angeles during the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend, the highly anticipated collaboration between the two known brands will have a global online release in the coming weeks.

Union x Fragment x Air Jordan 1

The Union x Fragment x Air Jordan 1 to launch on Nike SNKRS on February 27th 🧵✓ pic.twitter.com/LrLAYIp8oY

– Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) 17 February 2026

The Union x Fragment x AJ1 “Black/Navy” raffle is live on Undefeated via EQL Raffle and closes at 1pm PST. The sneaker will drop in Undefeated La Brea, Silver Lake, Santa Monica, Glendale, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and New York.

📸: @UNDEFEATinc pic.twitter.com/5Jq6sTmmxf

– Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) 17 February 2026

The “Varsity Red” Union x Fragment x Air Jordan 1 is dropping this month. Here’s everything you need to know about the release. ✓️🧵

Check out more details here: https://t.co/7swu21uyyd pic.twitter.com/H4Q5atNYK9

– Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) 17 February 2026

The “Varsity Red” colorway first released on February 14 via Union Los Angeles and select Fragment showrooms a week earlier on February 7. Just today, Nike confirmed a wider release of the colorway via the Nike SNKRS app, giving global access to the hyped release at a retail price of $205. This pair is slated for a February 27th, 2026 release and should come in fairly limited numbers in full adult sizes.

An early bird raffle for the second “Black/Navy” pair is already underway, with select entries given early access to the pair on February 18th. A wider Nike SNKRS release has not yet been scheduled for this release, but expect one to follow the “Varsity Red” closely.

The highest-paid college football coaches have annual salaries that’ll make anyone’s head spin, but that’s why they’re put in charge of numerous young men and tasked with shepherding powerhouse programs to perpetual prominence.

While some coaches on this list at the nation’s premier football schools probably aren’t going to surprise, the order may well be a shock to many. One thing to keep in mind, being among the highest-paid college football coaches doesn’t guarantee job security. From our list in 2021, three prominent names were fired.

Without further ado, here are the highest-paid college football coaches by annual salary as of the most recent season. This group is compiled from USA Today‘s list, but takes into account coaching changes, compensation information, or lack thereof, and the latest available information.

Just missed:

• P.J. Fleck, Minnesota — $6 million
• Sonny Dykes, TCU — $6 million
• Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern – $5.748 million
• Chip Kelly, UCLA Bruins – $5.6 million
• Steve Sarkisian, Texas – $5.45 million

Highest-paid coaches fired in 2021:

• Gary Patterson, TCU – $6.1 million salary
• Dan Mullen, Florida – $7.57 million salary
• Ed Orgeron, LSU – $9.01 million salary

One thing to keep in mind, the salaries of the highest paid coaches in college football aren’t slowing down. Even before it landed USC and UCLA, the Big Ten wanted huge money for the TV rights to its games. When college football realignment leads to super conferences, even more coaches will make $10-plus million each year.

Let’s dive into the highest paid college football coaches in 2022.

13. James Franklin salary: $7 million (Penn State)

Penn State Nittany Lions head coach is one of the best at using leverage to land an extension. Rumored to be a coaching candidate for the LSU Tigers, Miami Hurricanes and USC Trojans, Franklin turned that into a pay raise and more job security in Happy Valley.

Keep in mind, the Nittany Lions didn’t have a great season. For the second consecutive year, Penn State finished with five losses and ended the regular season outside the top-25 college football rankings. But the new James Franklin contract, a 10-year deal worth $70 million, makes him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football and Penn State seems pleased with the results.

There are some enticing contract incentives for Franklin, including a $250,000 bonus for appearing in the Big Ten Championship Game and a $350,000 bonus for winning it. If Penn State makes a bowl game, Franklin receives $200,000 and that skyrockets to a $400,000 bonus if the Nittany Lions reach the CFB Playoffs.

Considering the Nittany Lions are 0-10 against top 10 teams since 2017 and James Franklin is now 2-14 vs top 10 opponents, we’re not too worried about him earning those incentives.

12. Jim Harbaugh salary: $7.05 million (Michigan)

After flirting with the NFL, Jim Harbaugh landed the contract extension he wanted. The University of Michigan officially announced his new extension, rewarding the head coach for a phenomenal 2021 season. After taking a pay cut to stick around last year, Harbaugh now joins the list of the highest-paid college football coaches.

• Jim Harbaugh record: 73-24 at Michigan, 1-5 in bowl games

The new deal provides a $7.05 million base salary in 2022, per The Detroit News. Importantly, there is also a clause regarding a buyout. If Harbaugh leaves Michigan next year, he owes the university $3 million. Departing in 2023 would result in a $2.25 million buyout and a $1.5 million buyout to Michigan if he exits in 2024.

Harbaugh now has consecutive victories over Ohio State, wins that put the Wolverines into the College Football Playoff. Quite frankly, how far the Wolverines advance in the playoff doesn’t matter as much now. Harbaugh finally has Michigan back on top of its biggest rivalry and that’s worth every dollar of his salary and more.

11. Luke Fickell salary: $7.8 million (Wisconsin)

The Wisconsin Badgers knew in order to lure Luke Fickell away from the Cincinnati Bearcats, they needed to make him one of the highest-paid college football coaches in 2023. Considering this was a program that underfunded recruiting, we could be seeing a new commitment to football at Wisconsin.

Fickell will earn a $7.5 million salary in 2023, one of the largest head-coaching salaries in college football. However, the deal comes with escalators each year that raise the average annual value of the contract to nearly $7.9 million.

• Luke Fickell contract: 7 years, $7.8 million per season

With the massive pay raise comes greater support to build the program his way. Fickell turned down multiple other Power 5 jobs in the past, but Wisconsin finally offered the resources he wanted. This could be a massive turning point for the Badgers’ football program.

10. Mario Cristobal salary: $8 million (Miami)

The Miami Hurricanes are finally taking football seriously once again and it leads to a new entrant in our highest-paid coaches in college football rankings. Fresh off a 10-win season with the Oregon Ducks, Mario Cristobal is headed back to Miami.

It doesn’t come as a surprise. Cristobal grew up in Miami and played offensive tackle for the Hurricanes. With a 35-13 record in five seasons at Oregon, he was always considered a potential candidate to leave for another job. But the Hurricanes haven’t spent money like this before and the sudden change is why they landed their top target.

A former 247 Sports’ National Recruiter of the Year, Cristobal lands in one of the most talent-rich regions in the country. It’s going to take some time to build the Hurricanes back up, but the new commitment being shown by administrators and boosters is a sign that “The U” could be back soon.

• Mario Cristobal coaching record: 67-66

As of now, though, the Mario Cristobal contract looks bad. Miami already lost to Middle Tennessee State, North Carolina and Texas A&M this year and the offense isn’t meeting expectations. Cristobal isn’t going to approach any of his contract incentives and it’s fair to wonder if one of the highest paid coaches in college football will be shown the door by December 2023.

9. Jimbo Fisher salary: $9 million (Texas A&M)

When Jimbo Fisher resigned from Florida State, it was unclear what his coaching future held. Texas A&M turned to him to get its program trending in the right direction, and Fisher has done just that. A 9-1 mark in 2020, including 8-1 in the SEC, saw the Aggies just miss out on the College Football Playoff.

The Aggies were viewed as a disappointment last year, compared to the expectations placed on this team. But beating Alabama, many felt that sent a message about the emerging state of Texas A&M’s football program.

Fast forward to the 2022 season and there are now many calling for Jimbo Fisher to be fired. Even for a program like Texas A&M, which has wealthy boosters who are more than willing to spend to get what they want, that seems unlikely to happen right now.

However, the frustration in Texas is undeniable. A program that entered No. 6 in the preseason top-25 rankings now can’t even win six games. Meanwhile, Florida State looks better off without Fisher. It would take a massive booster to get Fisher pushed out the door, but it seems far more plausible than before after this disastrous season.

• Jimbo Fisher buyout: $80 million

9. Lane Kiffin salary: $9 million (Ole Miss)

The Mississippi Rebels hired Lane Kiffin with the hope the polarizing coach could turn their program around within a few years. Following a 5-5 season in 2020, Kiffin’s Rebels became a college football power this season and finished with a 10-2 record.

Unsurprisingly, Kiffin was rewarded. With plenty of bigger programs inquiring, Ole Miss added Kiffin’s name to the growing list of highest-paid coaches in college football. Kiffin received a $3 million raise from his current salary and will pull in an average value of $7.25 million. Of course, the deal carries additional incentives that can make it worth even more.

• Lane Kiffin salary: $9 million per season

Thanks to the Auburn Tigers, Kiffin received a contract extension for the second consecutive year. According to Ross Dellenger, Ole Miss is signing Kiffin to a six-year contract extension with roll-overs that extend it to eight seasons. Far more importantly, Kiffin’s salary climbs to an average of $9 million per year beginning in 2023. Once an underappreciated coach, Kiffin has now climbed the list of the highest-paid college football coaches in consecutive years.

8. Matt Rhule salary: $9.25 million (Nebraska)

Months after being fired by the Carolina Panthers, Matt Rhule returns to where he always belonged. A top college football coach at both Temple and Baylor, Rhule is taking over as the Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach at a critical time.

The Cornhuskers, once one of the best teams in college football, have plummeted to irrelevancy for the majority of the last decade. Many hoped that alum Scott Frost would turn things around, but the weight of the job and poor decisions led to his termination.

• Matt Rhule salary 2023: $5.5 million

Rhule knows how to build out a coaching staff at the college level and his background in identifying unheralded three-star recruits and helping them develop into impact players is exactly what the Cornhuskers need.

The details of the Matt Rhule contract won’t make him one of the highest-paid college football coaches in 2023, only set to earn a $5.5 million salary. However, it’s a $74 million deal over eight years, averaging at $9.25 AAV. By 2027, Rhule will be earning a $10 million salary and it will top at $12.5 million in 2030.

7. Ryan Day salary: $9.5 million (Ohio State)

Stepping in as Urban Meyer’s successor couldn’t have been easy for Ryan Day, but the Buckeyes haven’t missed a beat since he took the reins. In four seasons as the Ohio State head coach, Day boasts a phenomenal 34-4 record with one College Football National Championship Game appearance (2020).

After earning $6.614 million in 2021, Ohio State finally bumped up the salary for the leader of its program. The new two-year Ryan Day contract extension is worth $9.5 million per season, immediately making him one of the highest-paid college football coaches in 2022.

However, fans will rightfully be wondering whether or not Day is earning his salary right now. Consecutive losses to Michigan, this time at home with Blake Corum out it’s an awful look for one of the highest paid coaches in college football.

6. Mel Tucker salary: $9.5 million (Michigan State)

Hired in 2020, Mel Tucker turned a great opportunity into becoming of the highest-paid college football coaches within two years. The Spartans went 2-5 in a COVID-impacted 2020 season, but everything came together this year. On the verge of a double-digit win year, Tucker earned a 10-year extension worth $95 million. While his contract has just a $5.9 million base salary, there is an additional $3.2 million in supplemental compensation and it averages $9.5 million per year.

Things aren’t nearly as good in 2022. Michigan State already reached four losses before mid-October, a disappointment even for a program that everyone expected some regression from. While Tucker deserves some time to turn things around, it’s clear one of the highest paid coaches in college football isn’t one of the best in the sport.

It’s fair to say Kenenth Walker deserves a portion of Tucker’s salary. While the Spartans showed some life late in the year, improving from 2-4 to 5-6, there is more than enough evidence to suggest Tucker is one of the most overpaid coaches in college football, behind Jimbo Fisher.

Now, let’s dive into the top 5 highest paid coaches in college football.

5. Brian Kelly salary: $9.5 million (LSU)

Days after saying he would never leave the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, unless he was offered $250 million, Brian Kelly became the LSU Tigers head coach. Fourth amongst the active leaders in coaching wins (166), Kelly’s “Irish Exit” from Notre Dame is a repeat of his departure from Cincinnati to join the Fighting Irish.

While he didn’t land $250 million, he easily grabs a spot among the highest-paid college football coaches. Previous reports indicated the deal is worth $100-plus million over 10 years. However, the official terms per LSU are $95 million over 10 years. There are likely reachable incentives that will push the total value well past $100 million.

• Brian Kelly contract: 10 years, $95 million

LSU’s coaching change is going to be the costliest in college football history. Ed Orgeron received a $17 million buyout and when combined with Kelly’s contract, it’s a staggering total being spent. But the Tigers are confident that a coach who posted a 113-40 record at Notre Dame with five consecutive double-digit win seasons will bring a national championship to Baton Rouge.

It feels fitting that LSU’s first regular season with Kelly ended with a loss to Texas A&M. The Tigers sat on the doorstep of a playoff berth, just like so many Notre Dame teams in the Kelly era, ending with the same fate as the Fighting Irish in previous years. LSU should’ve known what it was getting when it paid Kelly.

4. Lincoln Riley salary (estimated): $10-plus million (USC)

What is Lincoln Riley’s salary? We don’t really know. The USC Trojans aren’t required to provide financial details on his deal thanks to the program being a private school. Based on the limited information reported, we can pretty safely say Riley is the highest paid college football coach.

• Lincoln Riley record: 65-11

Early estimates project the deal worth over $10 million per season in average salary with incentives for Pac 12 Championships, College Football Playoff appearances and national championships. Given his resume, that’s easily worth it if he can turn around the Trojans. We could be on the verge of USC becoming a football factory, too. With NIL deals for quarterback Caleb Williams, top assistants and staffers from around the country joining Riley’s program, USC is going beyond having the most paid college football coach.

If you’re wondering what one of the highest-paid college football coaches does with his money, we already know. Riley bought a mansion in Los Angeles, worth $17.2 million. Just take a look for yourself, the features and views are absurd. It might only be a few years in the Big Ten before Riley gets a pay raise, given the revenue those TV rights deals will generate.

The Trojans fell just short of the CFB Playoffs, but this season can only be described as a smashing success. In Riley’s first year, USC reached the No. 4 spot in the penultimate playoff rankings. Keep in mind, the Trojans had to learn on the fly this season with an unusual number of transfers. All of this bodes well for USC’s outlook in 2023.

Check Out: 10 Amazing Walmart Deals This Week

3. Kirby Smart salary: $11.25 million (Georgia)

Following a lengthy tenure as Nick Saban’s defensive coordinator at Alabama, Kirby Smart made the leap to head coach at Georgia in 2016. Smart’s maiden year in Athens produced a meager 8-5 record, but he’s been lights-out since then.

The Bulldogs were ranked No. 1 in the country for the first time since 1982. With the best defense in college football and a quality offense, it looked like everything was coming together for Smart’s program. But an ugly loss in the SEC Championship Game made everyone wonder if the Dawgs would ever get over the hump against Alabama.

That’s no longer a question. Georgia’s playoff run, which culminated with a three-touchdown fourth quarter vs. Alabama in the title game, brings a national title back to Georgia. As everyone celebrates, the Kirby Smart contract incentives kick in. He received an additional $850,000 in on-field bonuses for the playoff run, including a $200K bonus for the title.

Finally, the Kirby Smart contract extension arrives. According to Chris Low of ESPN, Smart signed a 10-year contract with a total of $112.5 million. With the Bulldogs headed toward another CFP Semifinal.

As for additional Kirby Smart contract details, his salary climbs to $10.5 million in 2023, $10.75 million in 2024 and hits $11 million in 2025. By 2030, Smart will be making $12 million in salary alone. The Bulldogs coach will also receive a $100,000 bonus for the SEC title game appearance, a $300,000 bonus for winning the SEC and a $500,000 bonus for making the CFB Playoff. If Georgia wins the national championship, Smart receives a $1 million bonus.

2. Dabo Swinney salary: $11.5 million (Clemson)

Dabo Swinney has led Clemson to the College Football Playoff in the past six seasons, claiming two national championships in that span. The Tigers are an absolute juggernaut in the ACC, and Swinney is deservedly among the highest-paid college football coaches.

However, it’s fair to say Swinney didn’t entirely earn his salary in 2021. Clemson’s offense never showed up in the season-opening loss to Georgia and it barely made an appearance in a 14-8 win over Georgia Tech. But that 27-21 loss to North Carolina State gave this program two losses in September for the first time in years. Maybe it was the generational quarterbacks carrying Clemson and not the coach.

But now the Tigers are all-in on their head coach again, giving Swinney a 10-year, $115 million contract extension, locking him in until 2031. It’s the largest college football contract in the history of the sport. Facing questions entering the season about the inexperienced coaching staff, Swinney is stepping up in his “CEO” role when the program needs it. After an underwhelming 2021 season, this is a lot closer to what we expect from one of the highest paid coaches in college football.

1. Nick Saban salary: $11.7 million (Alabama)

Who is the highest paid college football coach? It’s hardly a surprise that the best coach to ever do it on the NCAA gridiron is also once again the highest-paid college football coach. Nick Saban’s “process” is the stuff of legend, and it’s led to a 183-25 record at Alabama, along with six national championships.

In August, the Alabama university’s board of trustees approved an extension to his current deal that would take it all the way to February of 2030. However, and more importantly, they also bumped up his pay by $2 million annually. He will now make $11.7 million each year which now makes him the highest-paid coach in all of college football…again.

Unfortunately for Alabama, we could be at the end of an era. The 2022 season for the Crimson Tide was a massive disappointment by their standards, meaning Saban won’t be reaching any of his contract incentives in 2022.