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Besiktas has identified armoryLeandro Trossard is a top target to improve their attack this summer.

Arsenal signed the forward from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2023, and he Denied their local rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, To switch to Emirates.

Trossard won the title with the Gunners losing to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.

He had the opportunity to leave last summer but decided to remain with Arsenal and now needs to sort out his future.

New attempt to sign Arsenal man

Besiktas wants to take him away from the English champions. is according to sporesWho report that they failed to sign the Belgium international last summer

Arsenal are planning to revamp their attack and could see Leandro Trossard allowed to leave.

The Turkish club could take advantage of this after identifying him as their main attacking target. They have already taken the necessary steps and are in contact with Mikel Arteta’s side and the forward’s agent.

Sporx makes no mention of the details of their discussions or how the negotiations progressed.

However, Besiktas are expected to make a ‘serious offer’ to the Gunners in the next few days. There is nothing to reveal or suggest how much fee the Istanbul club is willing to pay or what Arsenal are demanding.

With his future uncertain, the player is also attracting interest from other European clubs.

Trossard, meanwhile, is now focusing on World Cup preparations with Belgium.

If there is no movement before the tournament begins on June 11, supporters may have to wait until the end of Belgium’s World Cup campaign.

Contract, price and agent information

The Belgian has less than 13 months left on his contract, and transfer market He is worth €18 million.

This summer will be Arsenal’s last chance to make money from his sale and they will not be in a position to demand too much, also due to his age. Agency Focus represents Leandro Trossard.

of liverpool Portugal’s pursuit of Francisco Trincao is being heralded as something much bigger than a manager’s choice.

Liverpool is preparing for a new era. Salah’s nine-year tenure at Anfield has come to an end. Arne Slott is set to step down from his post and Andoni Ierola is expected to take over.

Yet according to the Portuguese report, one transfer target is stuck exactly where he was before that uncertainty.

has been a sporting star Linked with a transfer to Anfield for weeks. Now morning mail ClaimLiverpool’s upcoming managerial change has also done nothing to dampen interest in the Portuguese international.

In fact, the newspaper says that Trincao is at the top of the club’s shortlist to replace Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool’s plans survive managerial change

According to the Portuguese press, Liverpool’s admiration for the 26-year-old runs deeper than a coach’s preferences.

The feeling coming from Portugal is that Trincao has become a club target rather than a manager target. And it’s easy to see why.

He was Sporting’s most-used player this season, amassing over 4,600 minutes in 54 appearances. This season, he recorded 13 goals and 15 assists. Additionally, he served in many different roles.

He started on the wing, spending most of the season as a creator behind the striker and even filling in at right-back when Sporting needed him.

Portuguese reports have also spent a lot of time recently highlighting something that Liverpool may find particularly attractive: availability. Trincao almost never gets injured.

As we have already coveredIf Liverpool’s concern after Salah is to find someone who can stay on the pitch week after week, then Trincao looks like a very obvious solution.

PSG is helping Trincao’s chances

The other development vehicle belongs to Diomande. The RB Leipzig attacker is regularly mentioned alongside Trincao in Liverpool discussions. However, Correiro da Manha believes the path is becoming too difficult.

PSG have joined the race and Leipzig are demanding €100m (£84m) to sell the Ivory Coast international, according to reports.

The Portuguese media now present him as a more attainable option. Sporting’s €60m (£50.5m) release clause is already significantly lower than Leipzig’s reported demands. Correiro da Manha Go one step further.

The newspaper claims club president Frederico Varandas is ready to discuss a sale below the release clause. This possibility has come up before in Portugal, but this is by far one of the most obvious claims Sporting could negotiate.

However, there is a catch. As we covered earlier this weekThe Portuguese club does not want to discuss any deal until after the World Cup.

Trincao is expected to be a part of the Portugal team. Sporting knows that a strong tournament can increase both his value and the number of clubs pursuing him.

But Liverpool remain the most tightly linked club, and even a change of manager is unlikely to change that.

of liverpool The name continues to follow Francisco Trincao around Portugal, and the Reds are now being presented as the leading candidates if the Sporting player decides to return to England.

recent reports The Reds have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old attacker, while Borussia Dortmund have also been credited with interest. Now, record Claim Liverpool top the list of clubs keeping an eye on the Portugal international.

The newspaper’s latest report focuses on Sporting’s summer plans and the players most likely to generate big transfer income. And Trincao is firmly one of them.

According to the Record, Sporting believe the winger has all the prerequisites for a Premier League return after rebuilding his career in Lisbon over the past four years.

While several clubs have been linked, Liverpool in particular have been identified as the team with the most interest at this stage.

Liverpool strongly linked

Portuguese reports have repeatedly suggested that Trincão’s future would not be seriously considered until after the World Cup. That tournament is expected to provide another opportunity for the player to increase his value and visibility on the international stage.

So there is no hurry for sporting.

The attacker signed a new contract earlier this year until 2030, while his €60m (£50.5m) release clause remains unchanged. Records show that any activity regarding his future is expected to revolve around that figure.

Liverpool’s continued presence at the front of the queue will draw attention to Merseyside.

The Reds are expected to make attacking adjustments this summer and Trincao’s profile has been increasingly highlighted in Portugal, As we covered earlier.

He finished the season with 13 goals and 15 assists in 54 games. He also established himself as Sporting’s most used outfield player.

Sporting expects big sales

The Record’s extensive reports make it clear that Sporting are hoping for another lucrative summer.

The Lisbon club made more than €181 million (£152 million) from player sales last year and are targeting at least €120 million (£101 million) in outgoing deals this summer.

Trincao is considered one of the players capable of helping them reach that figure. And according to records, the Reds currently top the list among the clubs willing to unlock the deal.

tottenham Joao Palinha may be out of the running. However, this does not mean that the saga is close to ending.

The Portugal international spent the season on loan at Spurs and played a big role in the club’s Premier League survival. However, report from portugal It was suggested at the weekend that Tottenham would not activate their €30m (£25.8m) option to purchase him from Bayern Munich.

For weeks discussion focused on whether Tottenham would keep Palhinha and whether the midfielder would push for a return to Sporting.

Now it seems that the answer to the first question has been found. But the second has hardly changed.

Recent reports have consistently indicated that Pelhinha wants to return to Lisbon. Plus, Sporting are acting like they 100% expect him to come… The only problem is Bayern Munich.

Sporting already has big plans

according to morning mailSporting are prepared to go much further than simply giving Palhinha a way home.

The newspaper claims the club are prepared to make him the highest-paid player in the squad if they can secure a deal.

Sporting are also reportedly willing to hand him the captain’s armband, with Morten Hjulmand expected to leave this summer. And that tells you everything about how Palahinha is viewed internally.

It appears that the club is preparing a central role for him in the next sporting project.

However, the issue of pay remains complex. As explained in detail earlierPalhinha currently earns around €9m (£7.6m) per year, which is far more than Sporting’s normal salary structure.

Nevertheless, multiple Portuguese reports state that the midfielder is willing to make a significant sacrifice to return. Correiro da Manha now suggests Sporting are ready to push their limits financially too.

Bayern is now the main obstacle

game Draw an absolutely identical picture. The newspaper described Palhinha as Sporting’s last wish. He will complete their midfield rebuild following the moves of Issa Doumbia, Pedro Lima and Silas Anderson.

The expectation is that the former Tottenham loanee will arrive as Hjulmand’s successor and slot straight into Rui Borges’ starting eleven. The problem is that Bayern still holds all the cards.

The German club paid around €50m (£43m) to sign Pelhinha from Fulham in 2024 and are unlikely to say goodbye without recouping as much value as possible.

Sporting’s preferred solution remains a loan with the option – or obligation – to buy. The hard part now is to find a formula that works for Bayern.

Either way, as things stand, the Tottenham chapter looks to be coming to a close. Now the entire discussion is about whether Bayern can be persuaded to play along.

Tottenham HotspurLuka Vuckovic spent this season on loan at Hamburg SV and has already said goodbye to them.

The Croatian international was one of the standout players for the Bundesliga side and his excellent performances did not go unnoticed.

Hamburg have spoken publicly about their desire to extend the Tottenham man. Also, the 19-year-old player has attracted the attention of top European clubs such as Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

Last week, centre-back expressed his desire To remain at the German club.

He is also happy with transfer links but said he is concerned Spurs are in control of his future.

Tottenham player’s return to Hamburg rejected

The latest claims from UK state that Roberto De Zerbi’s side want to extend his contract and send him back to Hamburg SV on loan.

sky germany There has been no time in ruling out the possibility of Luka Vuckovic’s return as there have been no talks with the German club over a new loan deal.

The defender has two options; ‘A long-term contract extension with Spurs or a transfer to a top club.’ He is now preparing for the World Cup with the national team.

nova tv diary The British claim has also been broadcast in Croatia and their journalist, Stipe Antonijević, provides his own updates.

Sources, presumably from the Spurs man’s camp, have informed him that a new loan move to Hamburg has ‘not been considered at all’.

Antonijevic says ‘it is true’ that the north London club are planning to offer an improved contract without giving details. They want to reward him after impressing during his loan spell in Germany.

Awaiting Vuckovic’s decision

Tottenham Hotspur managed to avoid relegation on the last day of this season.

Earlier this month, Sport Witness broadcast news Luka Vuckovic prefers to change clubs this summer. If this is true, it will be a difficult task for Spurs to secure his renewal.

Croatia’s contract expires in 2030, and his value, accordingly transfer marketIs €60m.

Manchester United Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is ‘top of the list’ for Besiktas, who are planning to sign a new goalkeeper this summer.

A spore, relayed by photomacReport the Manchester United goalkeeper will be a target for the Turkish side this summer.

top of the list

According to the newspaper, Besiktas intend to strengthen their goalkeeping ranks this summer. A shortlist is already being drawn up, but Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir sits at the top of it.

The Black-and-Whites plan to become Manchester United’s number two after selecting their new head coach. There is no mention of whether they would need to approve the move first.

Bayandir is expected to leave Manchester United this summer after falling down the pecking order behind Sane Lammens. The 28-year-old is the number two forward at Old Trafford.

He has made only six appearances in all competitions this season, his last coming in September. That was after a 3–1 defeat to Brentford.

He started the season as first choice, but ended the season with 11 goals conceded in six matches. Reports have repeatedly linked him with a move to Besiktas Manchester United goalkeepers are also discussing this.

Manchester United’s demand

Now she is on the top of the list and they are planning to move in soon. It remains to be seen what Manchester United will demand in terms of transfer fee.

They are paid €5m in 2023 and the goalkeeper is currently rated at €7m. Given that his current contract expires in 2027, there is no immediate need to sell. His contract also includes an option to extend for another year.

So, power is very much in their hands. But Lammens said impressively, there is no reason for this deal to be particularly difficult this summer.

Manchester City Bayern Munich are keen to sign target Givero Reed in the summer.

In November, Manchester City and Bayern Munich sent his officers To see the right-back in action for Feyenoord.

On 22 April, Game Witness broadcast news The Bundesliga winners are keen to sign him.

The same source said the Dutch club are happy that Manchester City has joined the race.

feyenoord manager Robin van Persie insists The 19-year-old is ready to take a big step.

The Premier League side regard Reid as a ‘serious candidate’ to improve the right-back position next season.

is according to 1908.nlWho covers the latest on Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

Manchester City took the lead

Vincent Kompany’s side have been following the Netherlands U21 international for some time and are showing the most interest. However, the Citizens are now in ‘pole position’, indicating that they have overtaken the Bavarian club.

Pep Guardiola has used midfielder Matheus Nunes as his first-choice right-back and Rico Lewis has provided cover.

The Etihad club consider right-back to be a ‘vulnerable position’ and are, therefore, keen to strengthen this key area. His search has seen him settle on Giver Reed and now wooing him.

He suffered a hamstring injury in November and returned to action in January but suffered the same injury later that month. Read returned to action in April. His injuries do not bother Manchester City, and their interest pleases the player.

Feyenoord, for their part, are prepared to let the fullback leave, but for a club-record fee. Their current record, according to 1908.nl, comes from the sale of Igor Paixão to Marseille for almost €35m last summer.

It has also been reported that the Eredivisie side have requested €40m for Reid. The final fee may be at least close to this figure.

Contract, price and agent information

Givairo Reed will turn 20 on June 2. His contract expires in 2029 and is worth €25 million transfer market.

Dutch agency Muy Manero is representing the Feyenoord youth.

The Sacramento Kings were expected to be the winner of the 2026 NBA Draft lottery, putting them in a position to land one of the four top-tier prospects available. With the club finishing 7th overall, the draft targets changed significantly.

According to Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports, many around the league “widely believe” the Kings are targeting Arkansas Razorbacks point guard Darius Acuff Jr. with the seventh overall selection.

RELATED: Sacramento Kings join big man in free agency

• Darius Acuff stats (ESPN): 23.5 ppg<6.4 apg<3.1 rpg, 48.4% FG, 2.5 3pm per game, 44% 3pt

It should come as no surprise that Sacramento is in the market for a point guard. This has been an issue plaguing the franchise since All-Star point guard De’Aaron Fox was traded away. The organization’s hope was that the lottery would turn out in their favor and that they would have elite chances of their choice among the top three.

Instead, by selecting seventh overall, Sacramento will likely take a top guard who hasn’t already been snatched up. That group of prospects is headlined by Acuff, Arizona guard Brayden Burries and Illinois guard Keaton Wagler.

RELATED: Kings linked to bizarre trade for superstar

Acuff, who turns 20 in November, earned SEC Player of the Year honors last season and received unanimous first-team All-American honors as a freshman. Sam Veseni of The Athletic called Acuff potentially “the most polished freshman guard prospect ever.”

The 6-foot-2 guard’s shot creation, ability to get to the paint and passing ability all give him the potential to become a high-level contributor offensively. However, he is also seen as one of the worst guards in the 2026 NBA Draft.

In an era where NBA teams have shown greater reservations about making long-term commitments to undersized guards who struggle defensively, drafting Acuff appears to go against that thinking.

Potentially, Sacramento could draft Acuff and then re-sign Russell Westbrook to serve as a mentor for the rookie this upcoming season. At best, he could develop into a Deron Williams-archetype player.

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

The Detroit Red Wings are looking to make big moves during the 2026 NHL offseason that will get them back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. As of 2026, the Red Wings have the NHL’s longest playoff drought, so Detroit will have to make the playoffs next season. In fact, one NHL insider has labeled one of the NHL’s best free agents as a potential fit in Detroit.

The Athletic’s Max Bultmann named Seattle Kraken forward Bobby McMann as the free agent Detroit should sign this offseason. McMann, who was traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Kraken at the NHL trade deadline, scored 29 goals and 46 points in 78 games between the two organizations.

The 29-year-old forward would bring much-needed five-on-five attack to Detroit on a potentially big payday. However, who else did Bultmann suggest for the Red Wings?

Other potential NHL free agent targets for the Detroit Red Wings

While McMann was the top selection, Bultmann also suggested other players, including Buffalo Sabers forward Alex Tuch. The 30-year-old forward may be the top NHL free agent on the market, but will Buffalo really let him walk? Tuch has scored more than 30 goals in three of the last four seasons.

Meanwhile, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Mason Marchment was another option. Marchement doesn’t provide as much offense as Tuch or McMann, but he could be a cheaper option. However, if Detroit wants to add one of the top free agents, it will have to make a big move or go home.

This leads us to Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin. The Pittsburgh legend is nearing the end of his career, but he has become a Red Wings fan. Malkin can still score around 20 goals per season, and there’s a possibility he’ll get a hometown discount for his favorite team as he grows up.

At the end of the day, McMann, along with Tuch, appears to be one of the top options for Detroit. The latter will be a larger pickup; However, there are doubts that it will reach the market. In this case, McMann appears to be one of the top options left.

Either way, the Red Wings need to take a big step forward this offseason to make the 2027 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

READ MORE: Brady Tkachuk added to Florida Panthers? what will it actually take

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

New York Mets star prospects Carson Benz and AJ Ewing are set to be joined by one of the club’s top minor league outfielders this week.

Entering May, things were looking pretty grim for the Mets. They lost 12 in a row at one point in April and had one of the worst records in MLB. However, he started to show some life earlier this month and, to the delight of New York fans, has gained some real enthusiasm over the past two weeks.

They have won six of their last seven, including defeating two of the city rivals New York Yankees over the weekend and a blowout 16-7 win against the Washington Nationals on Monday, where they struck out 10 in 12 innings. Interestingly, both Ewing and Benz have played a role in the team’s improved play recently.

The youth are bringing life to the clubhouse and energy to the field. Well, it looks like the Mets’ decision-makers want to mine more of that power for the benefit of their big league roster. According to The Athletic’s Will Sammon, the team plans to promote stud outfield prospect Nick Morabito this week.

What can Nick Morabito bring to the NY Mets roster?

Morabito is ranked 11th in the Mets farm system on MLB.com and brings more versatility to the outfield as he can play all three positions. The righty was the 75th pick in the 2022 MLB Draft and has slowly progressed through his system over the past four years.

He made his Triple-A debut in 2026 and played well in his first 41 games. Posting a .253/.364/.390/.754 slashline with four homers, 17 RBI and 14 stolen bases. Although his bat does not have notable pop, he has shown good plate discipline and bat-on-ball skills at a young age. But his speed is his big calling card. Making Morabito a base-stealing threat at all times.

The Mets plan to designate outfielder Austin Slater for assignment, and Morabito will be brought in to replace him. He will get opportunities against lefties and as a pinch runner and defensive replacement option. The idea is to take a look at them and give them a taste of the big leagues before some of their injured veterans return over the next few weeks.

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

Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway marks the midpoint of the NASCAR Cup Series regular season. With 12 points worth of NASCAR stats to analyze, now is the perfect time to give out some awards at this stage of the season.

Let’s take a look at our midseason NASCAR awards ahead of the Coca-Cola 600.

Best Driver: Tyler Reddick

Who else will receive this honor besides Tyler Reddick? Has the No. 45 team had any luck this season? Definitely. What can’t be denied is the results and how Redick consistently finds a way to finish at the front of the field. He starts (6.6 average starting position, first in the Cup Series) as strong as he finishes (5.7 average finishing position), and he has finished in the top five in 66.7 percent of his races with a top 10 finish in 75 percent of his races. With a 129-point lead at the end of May, Reddick seemed destined to win the regular season title.

Best Team: Joe Gibbs Racing

23XI Racing needs a little consideration here, but Joe Gibbs Racing has clearly been the best team in NASCAR so far. Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs have both won this season, and JGR is the only team with two drivers in the top six points leaders. Additionally, Hamlin (624) and teammate Christopher Bell (325) are first and third in laps, with Tye in 11th (78). While it’s been a relatively quiet season for Chase Briscoe in his first year with JGR, the driver of the No. 19 car ranks eighth in average finishing position (13.0) over the last six races with three top-10 finishes.

Biggest Surprise: Ty Gibbs

Ty Gibbs remains one of the least popular drivers in NASCAR, and during the year a lot of questions were asked about whether he would prove if he was really meant to drive the No. 54 car. Let us tell you that the results of this season speak volumes about the improvements made by the 23-year-old player. In 2025, Gibbs had five top-fives, 10 top-10s and recorded an average finishing position of 17.86. Through 12 races this season, he already has six top-five finishes and is on pace to break his career high (eight) in the Cup Series. Similarly, he has finished in the top-10 eight times and will look to surpass his previous season’s best points tally (12 in 2024). Additionally, Gibbs recorded his first Cup Series win, capping a seven-week stretch of top-10 finishes, which has dramatically improved his average finishing position in the Cup to the sixth-best mark (13.8).

Biggest Disappointment: Joey Logano

A year ago we would have put Kyle Busch on this list, but he avoids it this season because of how low the expectation level has now reached for Richard Childress Racing and the No. 8 team. So, Joey Logano is left as the biggest disappointment in the NASCAR Cup Series this season. Logano has had the same number of top-10 DNFs this season (three) with an average finishing position (22.417), which ranks 26th in the Cup Series, behind AJ Allmendinger (19.5), Zane Smith (19.9) and Erik Jones (20.0). Since Darlington, Logano’s average finishing position is 26.5, and he is third at Martinsville and seventh at Bristol. Logano has no chance to challenge for the championship this year, and the best-case scenario might be him finishing outside the top-10 in The Chase.

Best Pit Crew: No. 20 Team

A lot has gone wrong for Christopher Bell this season, some of which is out of his control. JGR and Bell are feeling pretty good right now about how amazing the No. 20 pit crew is. NASCAR.com rated them as the No. 1 pit crew entering the All-Star Race, and the numbers support it. Bell’s pit crew has the second-fastest average pit stop of the season (10.52 seconds), with the fastest average pit stop of the season (8.92 seconds). Additionally, according to PitCrewRank.com, only nine of 47 pit stops have taken 11.6 seconds or longer, tying the No. 20 crew for first in PCR (1,072).

Worst Pit Crew: No. 8 Team

Kyle Busch’s winning streak in the Cup Series has reached triple digits. The future Hall of Famer deserves much of the blame for what happened, with his struggle to adjust to the Next Gen car and his anger playing a role in the conflicts that led him to perform better. What can’t be ignored is how poorly the No. 8 pit crew has performed this season. Busch’s pit crew ranked 35th in PCR with a 12.22 average pit time. While Bell only required pit stops of 11.6-plus seconds 19.2 percent of the time, the No. 8 team required 12-plus seconds in 17 of 49 qualifying pit stops, or 34.7 percent of the time. We wouldn’t predict Busch winning a Cup race in the near future.

RELATED: Insiders reveal which team Kyle Busch could race for in 2027

Most Improved Driver: Carson Hocevar

Carson Hocevar is the next superstar NASCAR has been waiting for. The 23-year-old’s first career Cup Series win at Talladega and the celebration that followed was perhaps the best moment of the Cup Series this season. What’s really different with the driver of the No. 77 car is how he’s channeling his aggression and racing smarter, which results in more consistency in the end. Hocevar (14.6) currently leads William Byron (16.0), Kyle Larson (17.3), Chase Briscoe (17.5) and Christopher Bell (17.8) in average finishing position. He’s already set career highs for top-fives (three), and he’ll break personal bests for top-10s (nine) and laps led (131) in just a few weeks. Keep in mind, Hocevar is having all this success while overcoming bottom 10 pit crews.

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

The Green Bay Packers were relatively quiet in NFL free agency this offseason, with general manager Brian Gutekunst looking to preserve compensatory selections in the 2027 NFL Draft. Now that that is no longer a factor, the team is being linked to a potential role player who is still available.

ESPN’s Matt Bowen reports the Packers are the best fit for free-agent edge rusher AJ Epenesa.

“The Packers lost rotational edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare to the Jets in free agency, so the team could add his replacement in Epenesa. He’s a long, powerful mover who can break the edge with his 6-foot-6, 260-pound frame. He can also make disruptive plays under new coordinator Jonathan Gannon, as he recorded 24.5 sacks and four interceptions in six seasons with the Bills. Are.”

Matt Burrows on AJ Epense as fit for Green Bay Packers

RELATED: Contract extensions planned for 4 Green Bay Packers players

Once the 2026 NFL Draft concludes, free-agent signings have no impact on the compensation formula for the 2027 NFL Draft. That’s why Green Bay wasted little time in signing veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor.

There are still obvious areas for improvement on the Packers’ roster. Green Bay could use an in-line blocking tight end to pair with Tucker Craft, depth at running back is an issue due to Marshon Lloyd’s durability issues, and depth at nose tackle is still needed.

Connected: Green Bay Packers players who may be out in 2026

6-foot-6 edge rusher Epenesa has been a rotational player for most of his career. Last season, he played 438 snaps for the Buffalo Bills, and he played less than 50 percent of the team’s defensive snaps in five of his six seasons in the NFL.

In 2025, Epenesa recorded 12 pressures, 9 quarterback hits and 17 solo tackles with 4 pass deflections, 2.5 sacks and 2 interceptions in 16 games. Epenesa, who turns 28 in September, earned a 48.6 PFF run-blocking grade along with a 63.5 pass-rushing grade in 2025.

RELATED: Green Bay Packers who could be on the roster bubble in 2026

With All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons likely to miss the first four games of the season recovering from ACL surgery, pass-rushing depth is essential. Signing Epenesa would allow Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon to rotate him with Carl Brooks, Lucas Van Ness, Brenton Cox Jr. and Barry Sorrell.

Realistically, any veteran Green Bay signs in NFL free agency at this point will be landing a one-year contract. Beyond Epenesa, there are also options like Derek Barnett, Dante Fowler Jr., Brandon Graham, and Haason Redick.

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

The Chicago Cubs have been one of the best teams in baseball this season despite having a poor rotation due to injuries. While the Cubs’ lineup is apparently deep enough for the club to be ready to compete, one of Chicago’s hitters may need to be moved this summer to address the rotation.

USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale wrote Sunday that with Chicago in the market for a front-line starting pitcher, the front office has “no choice” but to trade infielder Matt Shaw.

RELATED: MLB Power Rankings Week 7, see where the Cubs land

Shaw, who is just 24 years old, is also not eligible for arbitration until 2029. He’s making just $804,500 this season and has made great strides. After posting a .226 batting average in his rookie season, Shaw has raised his average to .245 this year with an OPS near .700.

He has decreased his strikeout rate year-to-date (21.5% to 17.5%) and is showing good positional versatility. However, the Cubs’ roster is deep on the position-player side, with Moises Ballesteros, Michael Conforto, Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki and Alex Bregman needing consistent at-bats.

RELATED: Insider names 3 Cubs trade targets

For Chicago, the depth of hitters gives the front office the flexibility to move Shaw. The Cubs may be at an advantage over other suitors because Shaw can contribute immediately at the major-league level, while prospects may never reach the big leagues.

The challenge may be finding the right business partner. The San Francisco Giants may have some starting pitching available (Robbie Ray and Tyler Mahle), but they already have Matt Chapman at third base. Meanwhile, the New York Mets are loaded with young hitters in the corner infield.

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

of liverpool Alisson has been backed for an exit despite getting a new deal two months ago.

sports witness Italian interest in the goalkeeper has been widely covered over the past few weeks. Juventus have appeared most keen to almost agree personal terms with the Brazilian.

Juve are expected to speak to Liverpool soon, who will have a higher demand for the keeper to leave.

The Turin club are keen to sign a goalkeeper in the summer, amid doubts about Mattia Perin over Michele Di Gregorio. Alisson, who plays under Luciano Spalletti at AS Roma, is seen as the ideal choice.

age is not a problem

Talks to goalkeeping legend Edwin van der Sar gazzetta dello sport In a detailed interview. He was asked about Juve’s goalkeeping struggles and how they could fare with the Liverpool veteran in goal.

He described the Brazilian as ‘top-notch’ and someone who can make his mark in Turin.

“Alisson is a top-class goalkeeper, one of the best in the world. I have admired him in recent years at Liverpool. Transfer rumors are never pleasant for any player or goalkeeper, but if Juventus are considering a move, Alisson could be a credible option.

“We are talking about a top player. Playing in Italy with Roma will help him if necessary.”

Van der Sar was also questioned whether Alisson’s age could hold him back at the Old Lady.

Rejecting the idea, the Dutchman said:

“Yes, it is a question of confidence and calmness. The fact that Alisson is almost 34 is not a problem; on the contrary: there are many goalkeepers who play at a high level even at an older age.”

Van der Sar also gave his own example, when he left Manchester United at the age of 40.

“Buffon retired at 45, I played my last season at Manchester United at 40.”

Our opinion: Alisson could press for Juve

Alisson’s prominence at Liverpool has diminished this season. Injuries have been a factor but Giorgi Mamardashvili has shown he is capable of becoming first choice.

That won’t be the case in Turin, where he can become an unquestionable regular under a manager he knows well.

Spalletti’s time at Napoli shows his ability to drag teams to silverware. Juve will need that and a player of Alisson’s caliber would help immensely.

A top NFL expert offered a bold prediction for the New York Giants that will have Big Blue fans happy heading into the 2026 season.

In November, the Giants were a complete mess. After finishing 3-14 in 2024, head coach Brian Daboll began the 2025 campaign with a miserable 2-8 record that included some brutal losses. Unsurprisingly, this was the last straw for the management, and they fired him midway through the fourth season. It was the right move, but there was no obvious replacement they could turn to.

Then the Baltimore Ravens gifted the Giants with the perfect option: John Harbaugh. Although it wasn’t easy and they are giving a Super Bowl winning coach a lot of money and control over the roster, there is a lot of hope and excitement for the team next season.

Not just because of how good a coach Harbaugh is, but because the Giants have some very good pieces on the roster that were absolutely wasted last season. Additionally, many NFL experts believe the team played well in last month’s draft, which included a pair of first-round picks in Arvel Reese and Francis Mauigoa.

The new coaching staff and roster have many in New York thinking the team can compete for a playoff spot this season. However, ESPN NFL expert Peter Schrager believes they can do even better and compete for the NFC East title.

Peter Schrager loves the NY Giants roster and coaching staff for the 2026 season

In a new conversation with SNY, Scherzer explained why he’s confident the Giants can be an “11 or 12-win team.”

“I think Jimmy and Jose are there. They’ve got a pretty good roster,” Schrager began by saying. “I was a little bit like, ‘Okay, let’s see how this all goes. [with Harbaugh] Based on the appointment process and ‘He is coming, but we have to wait.’ What’s up [General Manager Joe] Schoen, but he’s on the board, and in that offensive room, you’ve got Matt Nagy, Greg Roman, Brian Callahan, three really talented play callers, and two of them are former head coaches.

“And then Harbaugh is the ultimate adult in the room. The way he handled the Malik Nabors podcast appearance during the draft, I thought, was a masterclass on leadership and dealing with this new generation… I don’t think double-digit wins are crazy for the New York Giants.’

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

The NHL has announced the winner of the Calder Trophy, given annually to the first-year player who makes the most impact, and although a few Montreal Canadiens players were in the running, the trophy was awarded to New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer.

It’s a fair decision, considering that Schaefer is an 18-year-old defenseman who somehow managed to score 23 goals. Full marks to the young blueliner for a fantastic year in an incredibly difficult situation.

Montreal Canadiens Brass Tacks

Ivan Demidov was the runner-up for the award, having a remarkable rookie season where he recorded 62 points in 82 games, leading all rookies in scoring in the process.

That being said, it was not a close vote. Schaefer won every first-place vote, leaving Demidov to receive the majority of second-place votes.

Demidov was given 120 votes in second place, while Beckett Seneca (Anaheim Ducks) was given just 41 votes.

Interestingly, Canadiens netminder Jacob Dobbs received the fourth-most second-place votes, enough to finish fourth in all Calder Trophy voting.

Coming into the season, there was no guarantee that Dobbs would play more than a handful of games, and yet, he not only managed to take over as the team’s de facto starter, but he has also been their most valuable player in the playoffs.

Full voting table for the Calder Trophy for Best Rookie, won unanimously #island Defender Matthew Schaefer. pic.twitter.com/mlxsfErw9v

– NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) 13 May 2026

We should also note that Oliver Kapanen received some votes, and despite the fact that he is currently in the playoffs, it cannot be denied that he was the surprise story of the season for the Montreal Canadiens.

Playing the majority of the season alongside Ivan Demidov, Kapanen scored 22 goals in 82 games. Yes, Demidov gave them plenty of high-end scoring chances, but Canadiens history is littered with players who failed to capitalize on their scoring opportunities, while Kapanen did a great job of complementing the team’s offense during his first season in the league.

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

The second major championship in men’s professional golf begins this week with the PGA Championship.

The 2026 PGA Championship will be held at Aronimink Golf Club, 20 miles west of Philadelphia.

Last year, Scotty Scheffler hoisted the Wanamaker Trophy and won by five strokes at Quail Hollow. Now, he’s trying to join Tiger Woods and Brooks Koepka as the only two golfers to hoist the Wanamaker Trophy in consecutive years since 1958.

Here are 10 stories to watch for this year’s 2026 PGA Championship

Scotty Scheffler looks to continue success at PGA Championship

Speaking of Scotty Scheffler, he became the first golfer to win back-to-back PGA Championships since Koepka won in 2018-19. His track record has been almost perfect. He has been runner-up three times in a row in each of his last three starts. Scheffler has also scored six top-five finishes this season, highlighted by winning The American Express in January. At the PGA Championship, he has five top 10s in his last six starts. This also includes being arrested before finishing eighth in 2024.

The injury at the Masters last month was a big deal. Injuries have started to increase ahead of the PGA Championship. Rory McIlroy, who won the Masters four weeks ago, cut his Tuesday practice round short. Three holes into his practice round, McIlroy walked to the clubhouse due to a blister on his right pinky toe. Last week, McIlroy played at the Truist Championship limping due to a blister problem.

RELATED: Masters 2026: Winners and losers, including Rory McIlroy

Who’s headed to Aronimink?

Cameron Young, who is looking for his first major win, has two wins and two third-place finishes in his last six starts. Wins at The Players Championship and the Cadillac Championship. Matt Fitzpatrick has three wins and a runner-up finish in his last six starts. Despite being one stroke behind Young in the Players, Fitzpatrick won the Valspar. He also went back-to-back at the RBC Heritage and teamed up with his brother Alex to win the Zurich Classic.

Will someone from outside the US win?

History says no, as each of the last 10 winners has been American. With the way Scheffler and Young are playing, as mentioned earlier, it looks like that trend will continue. From an American perspective, don’t forget Collin Morikawa, who has two top 10s in his last three starts since withdrawing from the Players due to a back injury.

Xander Schauffele, who will win the PGA Championship in 2024, recorded three consecutive top 10s, including a tie for third at The Players. Another player is Jordan Spieth. Although he hasn’t won a title in four years, Spieth is one Wanamaker Trophy away from becoming the seventh player to complete the career Grand Slam.

Non-Americans must watch

In addition to Fitzpatrick and McIlroy, there are some players from outside the United States to watch. Si Woo Kim is tied with Scheffler and Young with six top 10s this season. Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood are right behind that trio with Ludwig Aberg with five. Fleetwood, who won the FedEx Cup last year, is coming off a top-five finish at last week’s Truist Championship.

Also Read: President upset over LIV Golf Faces collapse, urges PGA Tour reunion

pga professional

One of the things that makes the PGA Championship different is the competition from the PGA professionals. The PGA Championship is operated by the PGA of America. They give PGA professionals, who teach golf across the country, the opportunity to compete in major championships. The top 20 and ties from their qualifying events make their way to that year’s PGA Championship.

This year, 20 PGA professionals are competing, including Michael Block from Mission Viejo, Calif. Block has competed in seven PGA Championships, including finishing in 15th.^th In 2023, highlighted by his hole-in-one while pairing with McIlroy in the final round.

notable groups

Here’s a look at when the notable groups competed in the first two rounds of the PGA Championship. All times ET. You can watch select groups exclusively on ESPN+.

• 8:18 am (Thu) | 1:43 pm (Friday): Ludwig Aberg, Rickie Fowler, Bryson DeChambeau
• 8:29 am 1:54 pm: Xander Schauffele, Brooks Koepka, Tyrell Hatton
• 8:40 am 2:05 pm: Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Jon Rahm
• 1:32 pm 8:07 am: Victor Hovland, Collin Morikawa, Shane Lowry
• 1:43 pm 8:18 am: Tommy Fleetwood, Chris Gotterup, Robert McIntyre
• 1:54 pm 8:29 am: Cameron Young, Keegan Bradley, Justin Thomas
• 2:05 pm | 8:40 am: Scotty Scheffler, Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Rose

How to watch the 2026 PGA Championship

Here’s broadcast information to watch the PGA Championship. (all times ET)

• Thursday: noon-7 p.m. (ESPN), 7-8 p.m. (ESPN2)
• Friday: noon-8 p.m. (ESPN)
• Saturday and Sunday: 10am-1pm (ESPN), 1-7pm (CBS)

hoisting the wanamaker trophy is my choice

It sounds chalky, but it’s Scotty Scheffler. He has come one step away from victory in each of his last three matches. Scheffler doesn’t seem to be fazed by anything, which leads to success in this game. Being so close to victory means that even on Sunday, the time to hoist another trophy is just around the corner.

When is the next PGA Championship?

Next year’s PGA Championship will be held in Frisco, Texas. The tournament will be held at Fields Ranch East as it marks the 100th anniversary of the 1927 PGA Championship and the first men’s major at the area since 1963.

Also Read: DeChambeau drops bombshell after LIV collapse – is this the end of competitive golf for him?

Braven Honda graduated from San Diego State with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism in May 2021. During his time at SDSU, … More about Braven Honda

Carson Hocevar is emerging as one of the next superstars in NASCAR, while rookie Connor Zylisch is a few years away from becoming one of the top drivers in the Cup Series. The future of the sport is bright and it has a huge impact on some of the emerging drivers.

Let’s dive into our list of the top NASCAR prospects in 2026 who are off to a good start this season and increase their chances of reaching the Cup Series.

corey day

Corey Day, who turns 21 in November, had a tough start to 2026 with a 27th-place finish at Daytona and an incident with Connor Zylisch. It was the latest in a series of mistakes and questionable moves by the young driver that raised questions about his preparation for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Since then, he has demonstrated why Kyle Larson and Hendrick Motorsports have so much confidence in him for the long term.

Through 13 races, Day has the fifth-most points (422) in the O’Reilly Series and has been showing great consistency recently. Even including a DNF (37th place) at Texas Motor Speedway, Day has boasted a 9.75 average finishing position in the last 12 races. He scored his first O’Reilly Series win at Talladega and had four top-five finishes along with nine top-10 finishes in that 12-race span. If Hendrick decides to move on from Alex Bowman, Day seems to be the favorite to take the No. 48 car. However, it would not be a surprise if the team waited until 2028 for Day to become a full-time Cup driver.

RELATED: Denny Hamlin ponders Corey Day’s future in the Cup Series

Caden Honeycutt

Even before winning four races in a single weekend, 22-year-old Caden Honeycutt was viewed as one of the top NASCAR prospects in 2026. He was the obvious choice for Tricon Garage to replace Corey Haim in the No. 11 truck, and the move has paid off. Honeycutt led the Truck Series points even before his first win in the series at Watkins Glen. Through eight races, Honeycutt leads the Truck Series in the top-five (five) and top-10 (six), and among full-time drivers he leads the third-most laps (68). Minimal experience in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series means Honeycutt is two years away from reaching the Cup. However, we may see him get some opportunities in 2027.

RELATED: Insider reveals when Caden Honeycutt could reach the Cup Series

jessie love

Of the top NASCAR prospects in 2026, other than Corey Haim, Jesse Love probably has the best chance to land a full-time Cup Series ride in 2027. A top development driver for Richard Childress Racing, Love is already driving part-time in the No. 33 car. The majority of his time is spent behind the wheel of the No. 2 in the O’Reilly Series, where he has already scored three career wins and currently sits third in points (479) with most top-10s (nine) and most laps led (279). Love will have a chance to become O’Reilly Series champion for the second consecutive year. Whether he can accomplish it or not, Love may have the option of driving full-time for RCR or Legacy Motor Club at Cup level next season at just 22 years old.

RELATED: Latest discussion on NASCAR Cup Series interest in Jesse Love

gio ruggiero

Gio Ruggiero entered the season ranked 15th by Bob Pockross among the top NASCAR prospects in 2026. It’s fair to say that the 19-year-old has been raising his stock this season. While he finished 15th at Watkins Glen, NASCAR admitted to the No. 17 team that Ruggiero should not have received a penalty for the early restart. The mistake cost him a top-five finish, which would have been his fourth finish in eight races this season.

Even after that mistake made by NASCAR, Ruggiero still has the fourth-most points (257) in the Truck Series and the third-most top-fives. If he can continue at this pace and finish the year in the championship mix, perhaps O’Reilly will have a full-time ride with Joe Gibbs Racing in the Series in 2027. Given that he doesn’t turn 20 until the end of August, it’s possible we see Ruggiero in a Cup car before he turns 21.

chandler smith

Chandler Smith is currently in the old age for NASCAR prospects, turning 24 in June. However, he has experience racing in the Cup Series with Front Row Motorsports. He spends most of his time driving in the Truck Series as a full-time driver for the No. 38. Through eight races, he has almost as many top-fives (four) as he had last season (five), and he is on pace for the best season-long performance of his career.

brent cruz

At 18 years old, Brent Cruz is already seen as one of the future stars in NASCAR. The California native’s age limited the number of O’Reilly Series races he could be a part of to start the season. So, rather than highlight that he is 11th in points (324) in nine races, there are better ways to look at his success this season.

Cruz is averaging 36 points per race in 2026, third in the O’Reilly Series behind only Justin Allgaier (49.2) and Sheldon Creed (37.3). He has improved even more as he has gained more experience at the level, recording five consecutive top-10 finishes with a 4.0 average finishing position over that period. If you want to know how high people inside the sport are regarding the crew’s future, he is widely seen as Denny Hamlin’s successor with JGR.

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

new york liberty And Marine Johannes has made it back-to-back wins to start the season by defeating the Washington Mystics 98-93 in overtime on Sunday at CareFirst Arena.

Johannes continued his hot shooting, scoring a game-high 25 points on 8-of-15 shooting, including 6-of-13 from three-point range. He also had two assists and two steals that night.

On his part, the Liberty veteran Breanna Stewart Added 23 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks in another all-around performance.

The pair also had stellar performances for the Liberty in their 106-75 opening win over the Connecticut Sun on Friday. Stewart had 31 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three blocks, while Johannes added 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting from long range, five rebounds, three assists and three steals.

According to the Liberty, Marin Johannes became the third player in league history to make at least 10 three-pointers in her first two games of the season.

“She joins Nikki McCray (2000) as the only players in league history to start a season with consecutive games of 5+ three-pointers,” the post on X (formerly Twitter) said.

The 31-year-old French guard has stepped up in the absence of superstar Sabrina Ionescu, who is out for two weeks with a foot injury sustained in the preseason.

Johannes went undrafted in 2017 and linked up with different teams in Europe. He signed with the Liberty last season, making it his third stint with the team. He played a career-high 44 games, averaging 6.4 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 18.3 minutes off the bench.

Since his first foray into online journalism in 2019, Peter Okereke has written widely on entertainment, politics and pop… More about Peter Okereke

The UFC 328 card delivered not one, but two championship matches on Saturday night. In the night’s co-main event, flyweight king Joshua Wan silenced some skeptics about his UFC 323 title victory by defeating Tatsuro Taira in a back-and-forth battle to retain his title with a big fifth-round score.

In the evening’s headliner, Sean Strickland proved the oddsmakers wrong when he was able to slow down the wrestling game of Khamzat Chimaev to begin his second reign as UFC middleweight champion. After those two big fights, let’s see where Strickland and Vann land in our new UFC pound-for-pound rankings.

10. Tom Aspinall (15-3)

Englishman Tom Aspinall is the best heavyweight in the UFC. It became official when MMA GOAT Jon Jones decided to step away from the sport earlier this year. The Englishman has defeated many of the best fighters in the division over the past three years and is the undisputed leader in the eyes of most UFC fans.

After definitively avenging the only defeat of his UFC career in the summer of 2024, he made his first defense of the undisputed title in October. Unfortunately, a nasty blow from opponent Cyril Game ended the UFC 321 main event after just a few minutes. An immediate rematch in early 2026 appears likely.

9.Joshua Vann (16-2)

Joshua Vann has quietly put in an impressive performance in the Octagon. At UFC 317, he got his big opportunity in a clash with top-five veteran Brandon Royval and earned a hard-fought career-defining decision victory. The win earned the Myanmar native a championship opportunity at UFC 323.

In the card’s co-main event, he became the second youngest champion, but it was bittersweet when Pantoja suffered a non-contact injury to his elbow, leading to an immediate end to the fight in Round 1. He’s the new king of the division, but he didn’t earn the top spot in that fight.

8. Charles Oliveira (36-11)

Charles Oliveria holds several UFC records and is considered one of the greatest Brazilian MMA fighters of all time. There’s a lot to like about his fighting style, and his resume is full of big wins. But age catches up with everyone, and it has taken its toll on “Du Bronx” over the years as he has split his last four fights.

Since he is out of the title picture, the former lightweight king decided to pursue the BMF title in March instead. At UFC 326, Oliveira had the best performance of his career, as he completely dominated fellow future Hall of Famer Max Holloway to win his second championship in the company.

7. Merab Dvalishvili

Merab Davlishvili is truly “The Machine”. His tenacity and wrestling have turned him into one of the best bantamweights on the planet. If there were any doubts after his 2024 win over Sean O’Malley, he silenced them with an even more decisive rematch victory at UFC 316.

Following that fight, the champ put his gold on the line against fan-favorite Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320, and like his previous 13 fights, he dominated with his wrestling and cardio. He seems invincible at this time.

6. Shawn Strickland (31-7)

Wildman Sean Strickland may not be the brightest fighter in UFC middleweight history, but he has consistently proven to be a tough test for the world’s best, which is why he proved many doubters wrong by winning UFC gold in 2023.

While he lost in his first defense two years ago, “Tarzan” battled back for a title opportunity at UFC 328 in May, and shocked the MMA world when he ended Khamzat Chimaev’s dominance to become a two-time UFC middleweight champion.

5.Petr Yan (20-5)

The three consecutive losses led many to wonder if Petr Yan’s days as a top five bantamweight were over. However, his recent wins over Yadon Song, Deiveson Figueiredo and Marcus McGhee helped rebuild his title contender status. Earning a title shot at UFC 323.

In a rematch with a man who had defeated him two years earlier, the Russian was the greatest version of himself as he decisively defeated Merab Dvalishvili to become a two-time bantamweight champion. “No Mercy” proved that he is fully back to being an elite fighter in the world.

4. Alexander Volkanovski (28-4)

Alexander Volkanovski has solidified his place as the best featherweight of all time. However, a move up in weight for a second title shot and the rise of Ilya Topuria led to “The Great” suffering three consecutive losses and speculation that his best days were behind him.

However, he has bounced back from those setbacks to establish his dominance at 145 pounds with back-to-back wins over Diego Lopes. Most recently appearing in front of his countrymen at UFC 325. Although he did not get the finish, he once again proved that he is a cut above the Brazilian native.

3. Alex Pereira (12-3)

Alex Pereira’s UFC story is legendary. After nine fights, he became a two-division champion and scored devastating victories over some of the best fighters of the era at middleweight and light heavyweight. The 38-year-old has been a revelation for the company and has connected with the MMA fanbase with a fighting approach similar to cage fighting icon Fedor Emelianenko.

After being on the wrong side of a disappointing decision loss in March, the Brazilian returned with a vengeance at UFC 320. He came out of the gate in his rematch with Magomed Ankalev and blew him away in a matter of minutes to regain his place at the top of the division.

2. Ilya Topuria (17-0)

Ilya Topuria will go down as one of the greatest featherweights of all time. But instead of further enhancing his 145-pound resume, “El Matador” moved to lightweight in search of history. Well, he achieved the feat in June by becoming just the 10th fighter to win gold in two divisions. Crushing former 155 pound champion Charles Oliveria and adding him to his hit list of veterans.

1. Islam Makhachev (28-1)

Islam Makhachev has solidified his place as one of the greatest UFC lightweights of all time with his wins over Dustin Poirier, Alexander Volkanovski (twice) and Charles Oliveira. Not only is he a dominant wrestler, but he has one of the most underrated standup games in the game.

At UFC 322, he made his mark in UFC history when he moved up in weight and became the latest fighter to win titles in two divisions, as he became the new welterweight king with a dominant win over Jack Della Maddalena.

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

With the MLB season in full swing, players and clubs have already begun to define what the remainder of the season will look like. Even though we’re less than a quarter of the way through the 2026 season, historic and memorable moments have already been created.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the 10 top moments of the MLB season so far.

adele looted three bombs

los angeles Angels Outfielder Joe Adell had perhaps the greatest defensive performance in MLB history. He hit three home runs off the Seattle Mariners and won the game for the Halos. It was a 1-0 win over Seattle, so every steal mattered.

The first two were relatively standard, though certainly impressive. but the third was scenic. Adell traveled all the way to the right field foul pole before leaping over the wall to take the catch. The result was a narrow victory for the Angels and a magical game for Adele, who later donated the glove to the Hall of Fame.

Miller sets franchise record with scoreless streak

The San Diego Padres have had a lot of success this season, which has given them a chance to remain in contention. The Friars are in second place in the NL West, just one game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. This is largely due to Mason Miller.

The Padres wrote a historic scoreless streak spanning 34 2/3 innings dating back to last season. It ended on a controversial foul call against the Chicago Cubs, but he removed Clay Meredith to record a scoreless inning in San Diego. That dominance has put him in the conversation for the NL Cy Young Award. It has not been won by a reliever since Eric Gagne won it in 2003.

3. Cubs, Braves exceed all expectations

Clubs that have exceeded expectations are the Atlanta Braves and Cubs. Both are off to ridiculously hot starts. Atlanta’s offense has been MLB’s benchmark, and their rotation has been equally good. They are tied for the best record in MLB at 27–13.

The North Siders have been just as good, sharing the title of best record with Atlanta. That’s because the Cubs already have two winning streaks of more than 10 games. This is only the fifth time in history that an MLB team has recorded multiple separate 10-game winning streaks before playing its 40th game.

Murakami proved the doubters wrong

Before this offseason, Munetaka Murakami was viewed as a prime international free agent. Many saw him receiving an expensive multi-year contract before ever taking an at-bat in MLB. But then… the offers never came. Murakami ultimately took a two-year, $34 million contract with the Chicago White Sox. He has spent this season making every club feel stupid for not signing him.

Murakami is tied with Aaron Judge for the MLB lead in home runs with 15. He has been a legitimate “three true results” player, with almost every at-bat ending in a strikeout, walk or home run. This helped the Sox post a record just three games below .500 and finish in third place in the AL Central.

Ohtani is making his bid for the Cy Young

The debate is over. Shohei Ohtani is the greatest baseball player of all time. Despite already receiving four MVP awards and having the first 50–50 season in MLB history, he has yet to win a Cy Young Award. The narrative that this was the only award Ohtani could not win has begun to change this season.

Wright has an MLB-best 0.97 ERA in 37 innings. He struck out 42 batsmen and also had a 0.81 WHIP. If Ohtani can keep this up throughout the season, he will have no trouble collecting his first Cy Young.

Alvarez returns from injury

Yordan Alvarez has been on a historic decline at the start of the season. Despite slowing down recently, the slugger still ranks in the top ten of MLB hitters in nearly every offensive category. He has been one of the few bright spots in a difficult stretch for the Houston Astros.

The slugger had a tough 2025, dealing with numerous injuries that caused him to play in only 48 games. But Alvarez’s performances so far this season have marked him out as one of the best hitters in the game. If he can keep this up, he could be on his way to beating Judge for the AL MVP award.

A historical novice class

The next generation is here in full force. One of the best rookie classes in MLB history is headlined by Travis Bazana, Chase DeLauter, Parker Messick, Kevin McGonigal, Nolan McLean, Murakami, Cam Schlitler, Sal Stewart and JJ Weatherholt. Those eight have heated up the Rookie of the Year race, not only being great “for a rookie” but actually leading their clubs into contention.

Should this group continue to produce the way it has, it will mark an incredible class of newcomers that hasn’t been seen in years. Of the eight, Stewart and Weatherholt have been the most steady offensively while Messick has been the Cleveland Guardians’ ace.

A Wide Open American League Cy Young Race

With the news that two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal will need elbow surgery, and with the Boston Red Sox’s Garrett Crockett uncharacteristically struggling to open the season, the race for the AL Cy Young is wide open. Four candidates have distanced themselves. Jose Soriano of the Angels, Max Fried and Schlitzer of the New York Yankees and Dylan Cease of the Toronto Blue Jays have taken over.

Soriano got off to great starts before looking human in his last few starts. Fried and Schlitzer have headlined one of the best Yankees rotations in recent memory. Cease has put up ridiculous strikeout numbers (66) and posted a 2.58 ERA with his new club.

But, Skubal’s return is somewhat imminent, with his return now speculated to come in 4-6 weeks. If he dominates his comeback he could still win the award. But the southpaw will be fighting an uphill battle in hopes of winning a third consecutive Cy Young.

Deloutre Club four straight nuclear weapons

Guardians rookie Chase DeLoutre firmly established himself in MLB history as the second player to hit four home runs in the first three regular season games of his career. He joins Trevor Storey, who was the first person to achieve the feat in 2016.

The Guardians outfielder remains hot, hitting .295/.378/.527 with a .905 OPS. He is in the running for the AL Rookie of the Year award, competing against fellow AL Central rookie Kevin McGonigal of the Detroit Tigers. But Delauter’s early power has since waned, with the rookie clubbing only two long balls since then. If he can rediscover that power, Delauter will be the premier rookie of the 2026 class.

trout looking vintage

Mike Trout is finally looking like himself again. He is off to a great start with 11 homers and a .947 OPS. He made headlines by becoming the first player in history to hit five home runs against the Yankees in New York.

But Trout has been the subject of trade rumors recently, with many wondering if the Angels will try to get something in return for him while his stock is high. The problem is that the veteran is owed $185.5 million through the 2030 season. The question is whether the trade would be worthwhile without eating up a large chunk of the Halos’ contract.

By then, Los Angeles was in fifth place in the AL West with a 15–25 record. Trout was stuck on a losing club for most of his career. The Angels have only three seasons with a winning record since Trout’s debut in 2012. It would certainly be good for him to try to win it all once in his historic career.

Many of the San Diego Padres’ top prospects have been traded in recent years, draining their farm system. Now it has suffered another blow after the alleged relegation of one of the top branches of the club in the smaller leagues.

Alex Riggins’s San Diego Union-Tribune Minor-league pitcher Humberto Cruz has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge related to transporting a man to the United States and it is a “virtual certainty” he will be deported, reports say.

READ MORE: MLB Power Rankings Week 6, see where the Padres are placed

Cruz, who is 19, is widely considered one of the Padres’ top prospects in 2026. MLB Pipeline ranks the 6-foot-1 standout as the fifth-best player in San Diego’s farm system. FanGraphs noted that Cruz was “one of the best arms” with an ACL tear last summer, and he had a good chance to develop into a mid-rotation starter for the club.

In 2024, the Padres signed Cruz and he received a $750,000 signing bonus as part of the deal. He was part of the club’s run in international free agency, headlined by Leo De Vries, who was traded to the Sacramento Athletics for All-Star closer Mason Miller last summer.

Cruz had not pitched yet this season after undergoing elbow surgery in August and undergoing an internal brace procedure to repair a UCL tear in his pitching arm. The recovery timeline caused him to miss the entire 2026 MiLB season.

Details on Humberto Cruz’s guilty plea, expected deportation

Cruz pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of receiving money in exchange for the transportation of noncitizen immigrants within the United States, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

As a non-U.S. citizen who worked in the country under a visa as part of the Padres organization, Cruz is expected to be deported. Before the guilty plea, the team had placed him on the restricted list.

According to the report, the Padres understand that Cruz will not be allowed a work visa to the United States for the next 10 years. However, he or she will have the opportunity to apply again after five years.

On October 28, in Arizona near the US-Mexico border, Border Patrol agents reportedly saw an SUV headed toward the border with only one person inside. Shortly afterwards, it was seen returning with two additional passengers.

When captured, Cruz told agents that he knew the people in his car had no documents and that he was told he would be paid $1,000 to transport each person.

If the five-year timeline is held, Cruz will be 24 when he is eligible to return to the United States for the first time. Given the long layoff from pitching in organized baseball, it is likely that his time with an MLB club has come to an end.

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

An MLB prospect expert believes New York Yankees Triple-A star Spencer Jones has a lot of potential. But he also believes that this young player could easily flop in the Bronx.

This week, Jason Dominguez endeared himself to Yankees fans when he went all out to make a catch during a game against the Texas Rangers. In the process of making possibly the best catch of his career, he sprained a low-grade left AC joint in his knee and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.

To fill his spot on the roster, the Yankees are pulling the trigger on something New York fans have wanted to see for a few years: top star Aaron Judge in the same outfield with stud prospect Spencer Jones. The pair of 6-foot-7 sluggers will now bookend the Yanks’ outfield for the foreseeable future.

Yankees fans have heard about Jones and his big power over the years. He has been a top prospect in their system and has been close to untouchable as a minor leaguer for the franchise. So, expectations are high as he joins a 26-12 team.

Could Spencer Jones be the next Race Hinds?

Baseball America editor-in-chief JJ Cooper spoke after news of his promotion on Friday foul territory show Regarding Jones, prospect experts admitted that Jones “scares” them because, in their time in this role, they have never seen a player with such a wide range of possible career outcomes.

He made it clear that he would never come close to being as good as Judge, but he believed he could become a player who hits 25 to 30 homers in the big leagues. But he also said his performance could be similar to that of Cincinnati Reds prospect Race Hinds. A player who was a beast in the minors but has a .172 average in 51 games played over the last three seasons.

The big reason he’s so unsure about Jones is not just his high strikeout rate that could lead to 0-4 with 4 Ks days, but it’s his miss rate in the zone. Jones is one of the top picks in the minor leagues. Cooper concluded by saying that Spencer Jones’ promotion to the Yankees’ big league roster this week carries “massive potential but also massive risk.”

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

It cannot be denied that the Montreal Canadiens would have been in a better position if they had won the first game of their second-round series against the Buffalo Sabres.

With that in mind, the 4–2 scoreline in Game 1 was a bit favorable for the Sabres, who scored four goals on their first nine shots. Given how much good luck the Canadiens have enjoyed in the shooting department, we can’t dismiss Buffalo’s small but efficient offense.

Still, there were some positives to look for as the Habs prepared for Game 2.

montreal canadiens positive

The Habs actually managed to beat the Sabres, and by a fairly wide margin. Montreal held an 18-11 edge in shots on net at 5v5, not to mention a 28-16 lead in all situations.

There are some mitigating factors to consider in this situation, including the fact that Montreal blocked a lot more shots than the Sabres, leading to a huge difference in shots on net. And the Sabers actually produced more high-danger shots than the Canadiens (12-11, all situations).

It’s also worth considering that the Habs were trailing the Sabers for the majority of the game, and thus, the score effect came into play.

And yet, the fact that Montreal managed to beat an opponent as talented as the Sabers is a very encouraging sign for a team that rarely beats anyone in the NHL.

Keep in mind, the Canadiens were only 23rd in shot share at 5v5 during the regular season, while the Sabers finished 16th.

The increase in shot volume from the Habs was not only encouraging, but it was a necessary step forward for a team that relies on quality rather than quantity when attempting to score.

Lane Hutson led all Canadians with four shots, although he was tied with forwards Alex Newhook and Juraj Slafkowski. Nick Suzuki and Ivan Demidov each had three shots apiece, while Cole Caufield, Jake Evans and Noah Dobson had two each.

In other words, most of Montreal’s best players were able to make above average shots in the series against the Lightning.

something’s Gotta Give

As for Montreal’s best players, Suzuki, Slafkowski and Caufield once again failed to score at 5v5, although the Captain did manage to find the back of the net on the power play.

Through eight playoff games, only Suzuki has managed to score at 5v5, which is a red flag when discussing a team that relies on its first line to drive offensive attack.

And yet, Wednesday’s game was arguably the first line’s best performance at 5v5 since the start of the playoffs.

They put more pucks towards the net than their opponents (9-7), and they were able to generate a respectable amount of movement through the neutral zone, which led to more scoring opportunities from the rush.

This should benefit Caufield, especially for a player who has struggled to find the net after having a career-best season with 51 goals.

Game 1 was far from a masterclass, but it featured a significant increase in shooting opportunities for Caufield and company. This is due in part to the Sabres’ style of play. They’re suffocating, but they’re also hell-bent on creating awkward rushes, which leads to a little more open ice than what we saw in the series vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning.

If the trend continues, expect Caufield to begin finding the back of the net with more regularity than he did with the Sabres.

Moreover, given the success of the first line in the regular season, there is no way left but to go to the playoffs.

canadians can be better

Without trying to make any excuses for the Game 1 loss, it’s fair to point out that the Sabers were rested and waited out the Canadiens for several days, while the Habs were coming off a hellish series against the Lightning that included an unreasonable amount of extracurricular activities.

As a result, the Canadiens approached the first period of Game 1 with the same intensity of a wild animal trapped in a gate for several days before finally being rescued.

With a little better preparation, not to mention some rest, the Habs should be able to avoid another multi-goal loss.

All Montreal Canadiens statistics are via Natural Stat Trick.

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

One way or another, the New Jersey Devils need to upgrade this summer.

Will it be via trade or free agency? This is for Sunny Mehta to decide. However, one has fewer options than the other.

In the link given below, I have explained which path Sunny Mehta should take aggressively.

Elsewhere, how does the official salary cap affect the Blueshirts, Pittsburgh and others.

Devil’s Trade Rumors and News

New Jersey Hockey Now: Now that we’ve established that the 12th overall pick should definitely be acquired aggressively, here are four Devils trade targets Sunny Mehta should explore.

There is still hockey to be played and several Devils players will be playing in the World Championships in Switzerland. Paul Cotter is the latest to be named to Team USA.

📺 devil’s rink report: There is debate over whether the Devils should retain their 12th overall pick or trade it for immediate help. On the Devils Rink Report YouTube channel, I explained clearly why they should be aggressive about doing this later.

Earlier this week, we went live with immediate reaction after the draft lottery. The full episode can be found here 👇🏼

Please like and subscribe our Youtube channel And turn on those notifications when we go live every Friday!

For podcast listeners, we have officially launched on multiple platforms. Listen to Devil’s Rink Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

Too! Devil’s Rink Report is now on TikTok – follow us here.

sign up for new jersey hockey now Newsletter for daily Devils intel straight to your inbox.

NHL Trade Talk, News and National Hockey Now

Forever Blueshirts: Here’s how much the New York Rangers will have to spend in free agency once the 2026-27 salary cap is officially finalized. This is a lot.

pittsburgh hockey now: Speaking of the new salary cap, here’s how it could affect the Pittsburgh Penguins’ rebuild.

San Jose Hockey Now: Sheng Peng says Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg are not the only ones to consider at second overall – if they are available. Here are five additional names the San Jose Sharks may consider.

Philly hockey now: The Philadelphia Flyers are coming. The Carolina Hurricanes are one game away from defeating a young Philly team. Here’s how they got there.

Montreal hockey now: Game 1 went to the Buffalo Sabers but despite the loss, here are three positives for the Montreal Canadiens.

Athletic ($): it’s early. However, here are Chris Johnston’s top-20 unrestricted free agents to watch.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

napoli has put brighton and hove albion Striker Ivan Ferguson is at the top of their wish list as they look for a replacement for Rasmus Hjolund.

courier del mezzogiorno The report adds that sporting director Giovanni Manna is already active in the transfer market for next season to find a replacement for the Danish forward.

Brighton striker tops this list

The newspaper reports that Romelu Lukaku is in the squad, but is expected to leave this summer. The Belgian has been left out of the Serie A squad after staying in Belgium for injury treatment against the club’s wishes.

This has strained his relationship with them And now options are being explored. Manna is working on multiple profiles while trying to save the bank from collapse.

According to the newspaper, Ivan Ferguson of Brighton is ‘at the top’ of current thinking. He has spent a season on loan at Roma, but it has not been good. They’re not buying him out at the end of the season.

It could give Napoli the chance to ‘take advantage of the opportunity’ for a striker they have ‘always admired’ for his physical strength. However, there is no mention of how much Napoli would be willing to spend.

However, Corriere makes it clear that Manna has to be careful with finances and needs to ‘cut costs’ at the club overall. This shows that they will not come and offer Brighton a big sum.

Loan deal looks likely

Transfermarket currently values ​​the 21-year-old at €25m. This is a significantly lower fee than his value of €65m in 2023. However, there is little chance of Napoli spending that kind of money on him at this point.

Instead, this interest is very likely to develop into a loan bid. That’s what they did with Rasmus Hjolund this season.

He paid a €6m loan fee to Manchester United for the season. They’ll make it permanent this summer. A similar deal for Ivan Ferguson could make sense and would be in line with the need to cut costs.

For now, it looks like Manna is simply preparing his list of options, but the Brighton striker is at the top of it.

napoli has put brighton and hove albion Striker Ivan Ferguson is at the top of their wish list as they look for a replacement for Rasmus Hjolund.

courier del mezzogiorno The report adds that sporting director Giovanni Manna is already active in the transfer market for next season to find a replacement for the Danish forward.

Brighton striker tops this list

The newspaper reports that Romelu Lukaku is in the squad, but is expected to leave this summer. The Belgian has been left out of the Serie A squad after staying in Belgium for injury treatment against the club’s wishes.

This has strained his relationship with them And now options are being explored. Manna is working on multiple profiles while trying to save the bank from collapse.

According to the newspaper, Ivan Ferguson of Brighton is ‘at the top’ of current thinking. He has spent a season on loan at Roma, but it has not been good. They’re not buying him out at the end of the season.

It could give Napoli the chance to ‘take advantage of the opportunity’ for a striker they have ‘always admired’ for his physical strength. However, there is no mention of how much Napoli would be willing to spend.

However, Corriere makes it clear that Manna has to be careful with finances and needs to ‘cut costs’ at the club overall. This shows that they will not come and offer Brighton a big sum.

Loan deal looks likely

Transfermarket currently values ​​the 21-year-old at €25m. This is a significantly lower fee than his value of €65m in 2023. However, there is little chance of Napoli spending that kind of money on him at this point.

Instead, this interest is very likely to develop into a loan bid. That’s what they did with Rasmus Hjolund this season.

He paid a €6m loan fee to Manchester United for the season. They’ll make it permanent this summer. A similar deal for Ivan Ferguson could make sense and would be in line with the need to cut costs.

For now, it looks like Manna is simply preparing his list of options, but the Brighton striker is at the top of it.

leeds unitedSebastian Bornou did not enjoy good performances in his first season in the Premier League.

The Belgian player moved to Germany when 1. FC Köln signed him from Anderlecht in August 2019. He spent two years with them and moved to VfL Wolfsburg in 2021.

His performances for Wolfsburg convinced Leeds United to spend around €6m in July 2025.

However, the centre-back has not performed well under Daniel Farke and has made only four Premier League starts.

His league statistics are as follows:

• Appearances: 9
• Start: 4
• Total minutes played: 215
• Minutes per game: 35

The 27-year-old’s last Premier League appearance was in a 2–2 draw against Chelsea on 10 February. Since then, he has made three appearances for the Whites in the FA Cup.

Back in January, FC Köln Vice President Ulf Sobek indicated His side were ready to wait for the defender in the winter market. However, he is still at Elland Road but that could change in the summer.

On March 31, Khel Witness Covered claims from Germany The Bundesliga side could offer him an escape route after this season.

Interest in Leeds United increased

image Now focus 1. FC Köln’s transfer plan for the next window. With the incoming, his main priority is to sign a striker and centre-back, who is experienced and ‘strong-in-the-air’.

Sébastien Bournau appears to suit their needs and is the ‘top candidate’ for the defensive position.

rioter Also report that FC Köln are looking for an experienced centre-back. The Leeds United player is mentioned because he already knows the club from his two-year stint between 2019 and 2021.

However, without mentioning the price, it ‘will not be cheap’ for FC Köln to lure Bornou away from the Whites.

Contract, price and agent information

Sebastian Bornau’s contract expires in 2029 and he is worth €8m transfer market.

Leeds United may attempt to recoup most of the fee invested to sign him a year ago. Belgian agency Stirer Associates represents the Whites defender.

In the months leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, many analysts thought there was a chance that the Carolina Panthers could draft a wide receiver in the first round for the third consecutive year. Heck, even Panthers general manager Dan Morgan admitted the team was set to select a pass-catcher first.

Ultimately, the Panthers did not select a receiver at No. 19, instead choosing Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling. However, the Panthers returned to the receiver position with their third pick, taking Tennessee tight end Chris Brazell with the 83rd overall selection in the third round. Brazell is expected to get playing time as a rookie, leading to the departure of another recent top player in Carolina.

recently, athleticJoseph Persson suggested that Xavier Leggett could emerge as a “potential trade candidate” this fall.

The Panthers made Leggett the 32nd overall pick of the first round in the 2024 NFL Draft. He started 13 of his 16 appearances as a rookie, recording 49 receptions on 84 targets for 497 yards and four touchdowns. Unfortunately, he was not able to increase those numbers in Year 2. Leggett started 12 of his 15 appearances, recording 35 receptions on 64 targets for 363 yards and three touchdowns.

Now heading into the third season of a four-year contract that can extend to a fifth season with a team option, Leggett risks falling behind on the depth chart in Carolina. Tate McMillan is top dog. Last year’s undrafted signee Jalen Coker recorded more yards despite playing in four fewer games and seeing 21 fewer targets. Additionally, the Panthers have now added Brazell.

In other words, the Panthers are likely ready to deal Leggett, who is just 25 years old. He should be able to get a third-day draft pick, but are the Panthers willing to give him up for such a low return? If Leggett doesn’t show development in the team’s minicamp, he may very well be gone.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Power Rankings: Evaluating the worst, best teams after the NFL Draft

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

armory There is a race to win both the Premier League and Champions League this season.

The Gunners top the table, three points ahead of second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

Arsenal face Atletico Madrid in a two-legged Champions League semi-final with the first leg in Spain later today.

The Premier League team reached the match with a 1-0 win over Newcastle United. Leandro Trossard was an unused substitute against the Magpies and is unlikely to start against the La Liga side.

Before the European Clash, Wednesday Edition Importance of LimburgHis performances and future at the Emirates remain under focus after this season.

Arteta has already banned Arsenal exit

The newspaper reports that Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund, Galatasaray and Besiktas were all keen on a move. However, Mikel Arteta vetoed his transfer and Arsenal reformed his contract.

As of now, it is unclear whether the Belgium international will continue at the north London club.

His contract expires in 2027 and hence, the next window will be Arsenal’s last chance to make money from his sale. there is ‘Strong Chance’ he is leandro trossard ‘Last week in an Arsenal shirt’.

The World Cup allows the former Brighton & Hove Albion man to keep himself in the spotlight if he chooses to move elsewhere.

Trossard has scored seven goals and nine assists in 44 matches so far. He failed to score and provided three assists in 2026. Despite this, HBVL say he is among the north London club’s top five ‘influential players’ this season.

If Arsenal and the 31-year-old decide to part ways in the summer, they will not be short of options.

He joined the Gunners in January 2023 and scored 35 goals and 32 assists in 168 appearances.

Arsenal is looking for the attacker

Mikel Arteta has the Belgian and Gabriel Martinelli as his two options on the left wing, and the future of both of them needs to be sorted out. Faced with the possibility of losing one or both of them, Arsenal have taken action.

The Gunners have identified Ajax star Mika Godes as a replacement. On Tuesday, Sports Witness broadcast news Their scout will follow them live this weekend against PSV Eindhoven.

two months ago, Agent of the Gods Niels de Jonck said He is not surprised by the Arsenal ties and has pushed for his client to secure a big move in the summer.

After gutting the roster and cutting millions in salary, the Miami Dolphins got much better during the 2026 NFL Draft. The Dolphins included 13 players in the draft, but that doesn’t mean the team addressed all of their weaknesses and needs.

Shortly after the draft ended, the Dolphins were already linked to one of the top remaining free agents.

according to miami heraldBarry Jackson The Dolphins have shown interest in wide receiver Jaun Jennings since the start of free agency. Nevertheless, there is no indication that the interests are mutual.

“In fact, according to a source, the Dolphins – since the start of free agency – have expressed interest in 49ers free agent receiver Jaune Jennings,” Jackson wrote. “But they don’t have the money to satisfy his contractual wishes, and Sullivan has said Miami is not going to spend big in free agency after June 1.”

The former San Francisco 49ers receiver is currently visiting with the Minnesota Vikings, and is expected to stay through Wednesday as well. Chances are, the Vikings will make every effort to ensure that Jennings does not leave their facility without a signed contract.

Come 4pm ET on April 29, teams will be able to sign free agents without impacting their future compensatory selection formula. This could be just what teams like the Vikings have been waiting for, but the real question may center on how much money Jennings is asking for.

Jennings, 28, recorded 643 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He’ll likely play a much bigger role in the Dolphins’ offense than the Vikings, where he’ll be behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Nevertheless, the Dolphins are expected to struggle in a rebuilding season, while the Vikings are expected to compete for a playoff spot again. This could be just what Jennings is looking for.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Power Rankings: Evaluating the worst, best teams after the NFL Draft

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

While there was a lot of criticism from the outside, especially after ‘reaching’ with the 18th overall pick for defensive tackle Caleb Banks, the Minnesota Vikings are happy with the results of their 2026 NFL Draft class. However, that doesn’t mean that the nine selections they made met all of their needs.

One noticeable absence was the fact that the Vikings did not select any wide receivers. It came as a surprise when the team let last year’s WR3, Jalen Naylor, sign with the Las Vegas Raiders. His potential replacement, last year’s third-round pick Tai Felton, had only 25 yards as a rookie.

Still, the Vikings freed up some extra cap space with the Jonathan Greenard trade, and now they’re trying to use some of it to address arguably one of their biggest needs.

According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Vikings are hosting free agent receiver Jaun Jennings for a visit from Tuesday through Wednesday. By setting up two-day meetings, it’s clear the Vikings are applying a full-court press, trying to get Jennings signed to a contract before he leaves the team facilities on Wednesday.

Jennings recorded a career-high 77 receptions for 965 yards with six touchdowns in 2024. Hoping to build on those strong numbers, the 28-year-old receiver’s numbers took off in 2025, where he recorded 55 receptions for 643 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns.

However, when he reached free agency, Jennings did not find the market he would have liked. Perhaps his asking price was a bit high.

Now that teams have addressed their most pressing needs through free agency and the draft, Jennings’ options have dried up, and they will certainly have to lower his asking price.

The 6-foot-3, 212-pound receiver should have an easy transition learning Kevin O’Connell’s offense, as he has just spent five seasons mastering Kyle Shanahan’s system. He will also add a unique element to the team’s receiver room, adding even more size to the table.

If he signs, Jennings will immediately become the team’s new No. 3 receiver, falling behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and he will give Kyler Murray another reliable pass-catcher to target in the red zone.

RELATED: Minnesota Vikings had one of the NFL’s ‘worst’ draft classes

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

In ESPN’s latest NBA mock draft, the Los Angeles Lakers find an interesting replacement for Deandre Ayton in the June event.

This has been a very good season for the Lakers. Despite some early bumps in the road and major questions about the team’s chemistry and dedication to defense, LA came into the season in a much stronger position. However, injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves seemed to end any hopes of a deep run in this year’s playoffs. Or so we thought.

Thanks to the brilliance of LeBron James and some shockingly good play from Luke Kennard, the Lakers actually lead 3-1 in their opening-round series against the Houston Rockets entering Game 5 on Wednesday at home. Still, while the chance to go far in the postseason is back, the front office needs to keep an eye on the impending offseason.

In a few months, the team will have to find out if LeBron James, Austin Reaves, or Deandre Ayton are in their plans after this season. It seems like they want James back – at the right price – and will certainly give Reeves a huge raise in free agency. It seems Ayton is a strange man. Although he has been solid for them in 2025-26, he hasn’t made a case that he will be difficult to replace.

Los Angeles Lakers predicted to draft UNC’s Henry Vissar

Perhaps that’s why the Lakers have selected Ayton’s replacement with their first-round selection in ESPN’s new NBA mock draft.

Jeremy Wu writes, “The Lakers have some roster uncertainty next season with James and potentially Reeves (player option) entering free agency. The most glaring need is at center, where they stand to move on from the stellar Deandre Ayton.” “Henry Vissar will elevate their skill level and add a floor-spacing element that the roster is lacking.”

The North Carolina center is 7-feet and 225 pounds. The junior had a breakout year for the Tar Heels after transferring from Arizona. Posting 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and shooting 42% from three.

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

NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver Corey Day is coming off his first win, driving to victory at Talladega Superspeedway and proving he is one of the top prospects in racing. With a seat potentially opening up next season in the Cup Series at Hendrick Motorsports, there has been some speculation that Day might get a ride at only 21 years old.

Speaking on Day’s win on the latest episode of Action Detrimental, future Hall of Fame driver Denny Hamlin was asked if he thought Hendrick’s top prospect could race in the Cup Series next season.

“Next year? Oh man, that’s quick. I wouldn’t recommend it, but you never know.”

Denny Hamlin on whether Corey Day can reach the Cup Series in 2027

RELATED: Denny Hamlin eyes revenge on fellow driver

• Corey Day Statistics (O’Reilly Series): 399 points, 1 win, nine top-10s, four top-5s, 1 pole, 1 DNF, 191 laps led, 8.09 average starting position, 8.36 average finishing position

Day, who won’t turn 21 until November, is widely viewed as one of NASCAR’s top prospects in 2026. He signed a development contract with Hendrick through 2024 and ran 11 races with the team in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series last season.

The young driver of the No. 17 Hendrick car got off to a poor start in his first full-time season in the O’Reilly Series. After qualifying sixth, Day finished 27th at Daytona to start the season. However, in the last 10 races he has finished 12th or better in every race with an average finishing position of 6.5.

Between Day being out at OARS and Alex Bowman having a disastrous contract year, it seems likely the young driver will take over the No. 48 car at least next season. It would be a short-term gamble, but Hendrick can see it as a long-term move to prepare Day for his future with a top team and he will gain valuable experience racing in a consistent Next Gen car.

However, Connor Zylisch is a perfect example of why HMS wants to play slowly with Day’s development. The 19-year-old had a historic dominance in the O’Reilly Series last year, winning 10 races and leading 1,013 laps. Now driving the No. 88 for Trackhouse Racing in his rookie season, he has the third-worst average finishing position (27.0) and fourth-worst average starting position (28.3) among full-time Cup Series drivers through 10 races.

The car and support staff that Day will have in the No. 48 car will certainly be better than the one that worked with Zillisch this season at Trackhouse. However, this could ultimately be detrimental to the young driver as expectations would be higher and his early struggles racing in a top-flight car would be more pronounced.

Hamlin’s advice that Day should spend two full seasons in the O’Reilly Series, with perhaps a few Cup starts mixed in, is probably the right approach for the rising player. If all goes well and he continues to sharpen his racing with experience in OARS, he will soon be in the Cup Series.

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

Texas Tech Red Raiders transfer quarterback Brandon Sorsby is checking into a treatment program for gambling addiction, as reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Sorbsey, who most recently played for the Cincinnati Bearcats, is one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2027 NFL Draft next spring.

The 22-year-old quarterback decided to seek gambling treatment after a recent discovery. Sorsby placed thousands of online bets on various sports through a gambling app, as first reported by Thamel. The NCAA is currently investigating Sorsby’s gambling as he enters treatment for the problem.

“we love [Brendan Sorsby] And support his decision to seek professional help,” said Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire. ”It takes courage to take this step, and our primary focus is on them as an individual. Our program is behind Brendan as he prioritizes his health.

In 2025, Soursby threw for 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns and five interceptions in 12 games with Cincinnati. This represents the 22-year-old quarterback’s second year with Cincinnati. He spent the last two seasons with the Indiana Hoosiers. Sorbsey was ranked as one of the top players in the NCAA transfer portal during this cycle.

Sorsby is set to replace former Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton, who was selected by the New England Patriots in the 2026 NFL Draft. Texas Tech was excited to land Sorsby, who was one of the top quarterback prospects in next year’s 2027 NFL Draft.

Sorsby’s future with Texas Tech is unclear after seeking treatment for gambling. Currently, the NCAA is trying to understand the extent of his actions through its investigation. Meanwhile, the Red Raiders aid Soursby in his recovery, hoping he can improve his health.

READ MORE: Highlights from Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, including the 2027 NFL Draft class

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

With the third game of the series, the Montreal Canadiens now hold a 2–1 lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

It’s still very early in the series, and things can change quickly, but the fact that the Canadians have the advantage in first place is rather encouraging, as they are clearly the underdogs in the series.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the factors that have helped the Canadiens take the lead in the series.

Quality Scoring Possibilities

The Lightning have controlled the majority of shots at 5v5, shooting 55.4%. However, it is the Montreal Canadiens who have managed to create the most risky scoring opportunities.

And it’s not even a relatively close contest.

In three games, the Canadiens have made 24 high-danger shots, while allowing the Lightning to take just eight. This means hubs has taken control 75% high quality shots Across the series, that isn’t just a modest gain, it marks a major lead in an important statistical category.

To make matters more interesting, the Habs allowed the Lightning to generate a total of two quality scoring chances in Games 1 and 3 combined.

This is coming from a team that ranked 27th in the league in high-danger scoring chances throughout the regular season with a 46.4% share.

Secondary and Tertiary Scoring

With Juraj Slajkowski’s powerplay hat trick in the rearview mirror, it has become clear that the first line is having difficulty generating much aggression at 5v5.

Even at the Bell Centre, where head coach Martin St-Louis controlled the matchup, Montreal’s first line barely broke even in shot shares.

Given that Slafkowski, Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield carried much of the load during the regular season, it’s fair to say the rest of the team will have to make up for the lack of goals at 5v5 in the playoffs, but that’s easier said than done.

Heading into Friday’s game, only Josh Anderson (2) managed to find the back of the net at 5v5, making goals from Alexandre Texier, Kirby Dach and Lane Hutson very important from a roster construction standpoint, giving the first line a little more time to work out their issues.

Kirby Dach tied the game after Arbor Zekaj kept the game alive.

2-2 #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/AqPB3WOkTX

– Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 25 April 2026

third pair

When evaluating defense personnel, it is always important to acknowledge that use yields results.

An easier assignment, such as playing on the third pairing, makes life easier on the depth blueliner.

However, Arbor Czekaj and Jaden Struble are not only playing well on the third pairing, but they are also effective physically, and when it comes to keeping the puck away from Jacob Dobbs as much as possible.

To put a fine point on the excellence of Czekaj and Struble, they lead the entire NHL in expected goal share. Xhekaj अभी तक 5v5 के मुकाबले एक उच्च-खतरे वाले स्कोरिंग मौके के लिए बर्फ पर नहीं है, एक अनुस्मारक कि लगातार उपयोग से उन खिलाड़ियों के लिए महान चीजें हो सकती हैं जो NHL में अपनी स्थिरता खोजने का प्रयास कर रहे हैं।

Sure, they face lower quality competition than most, but if it were that easy to produce 80 xGF% on the third pairing, we’d see it more often around the league.

The reality is that few, if any other pairings have managed to control the same percentage of shots, goals, scoring chances and expected goals as Czekaj and Struble.

All Montreal Canadiens stats are 5v5, via Natural Stat Trick, unless otherwise noted.

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is just hours away, and there is plenty of intrigue over what the Washington Commander could do with the seventh overall selection. After missing the playoffs and seeing their offense and defense decline massively, it is safe to say that the Commanders need help on both sides of the ball.

Still, Washington only has six draft selections overall, and moving up the draft board may not be an option for Commanders general manager Adam Peters. However, that’s probably not what head coach Dan Quinn wants to hear, as he reportedly has his eye on a special talent for his defense.

According to NFL insider Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports, Coach Quinn “loves” Ohio State linebacker Sonny Stiles. Still, he says Washington “knows they need a WR and they’ve done a lot of work on Ohio State’s Carnell Tate.”

Both are expected to be in the top-10. Styles, even though he is a linebacker, could be a top-five selection, meaning Washington will have to move up to reach target Quinn Cowets.

As for Tate, it seems more realistic for him to fall to seven, but there is some discussion that Cleveland could select the Ohio State receiver at No. 6. However, finding a franchise for a tackle could influence their decision, leaving Tate to Washington instead.

Either way, it appears the Commander is entering Thursday night with an open mind, which is what you need to do when there are six other teams making selections before Washington.

RELATED: Final 2026 NFL mock draft: Projecting Round 1 with trades

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

After realizing that there was no quarterback worth selecting with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York Jets moved quickly to acquire Geno Smith. He is expected to be the Jets’ starting QB for the entire season.

But what about 2027? After all, if Smith could only lead the Raiders to a 2-13 record last year, who’s to say he’d be any better for the Jets? Still, Jets general manager Darren Maugi is reportedly busy identifying other QB prospects who could develop into long-term solutions in New York.

According to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, the Jets have “done a lot of work” on Alabama QB Ty Simpson.

The Jets have really done a lot of work on Simpson, who is projected to be either a late first-round pick or a late-round pick. New York joined Simpson in a private workout, attended his Pro Day, and even took him out to dinner. The Jets have the second and 16th picks in the first round of the draft. They also have the 34th and 44th picks in the second round.

The Cardinals are another team that has been heavily linked to Simpson, and their QB situation is even more dire than the Jets. The Cardinals pick 3rd and 34th, and we could see both of these teams competing for the spot to make sure they get their guy.

RELATED: Final 2026 NFL mock draft: Projecting Round 1 with trades

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

With the series tied between the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning, it is the perfect opportunity to evaluate some key stats.

As a follow-up to our article discussing the team’s forward line, we will take an in-depth look at the play of the team’s defensive pairings.

Before we move on, it’s important to note that the loss of Noah Dobson cannot be underestimated. On the flip side of the coin, the Lightning are playing without Victor Hedman, which makes it a relatively fair exchange of lost starters, however, considering that Hedman already missed the majority of the regular season, Tampa Bay is used to playing without him.

Playing without Dobson in the lineup, the player who appeared in 80 regular season games has presented a significant challenge for the Habs.

Habs defenseman at 5v5

As noted in the article analyzing the Forward, there has been a significant discrepancy in the underlying numbers after only two games in the series.

This is par for the course when analyzing playoff hockey, but it comes with the caveat that the numbers can quickly change once data from another game is added into the mix.

Despite having a clear edge in expected goal share and high-danger shot share, the Canadiens have controlled less than 40% of shots and 33% of goals.

As far as defense personnel are concerned, there is a huge difference in the results too. The top four struggled, for lack of a better word. They are lagging, and lagging behind, by a large margin at 5v5.

On a more positive note, the pairing of Jaden Struble and Arbor Zekaj has been absolutely exceptional. Yes, they are facing a lower quality of competition, but you never want to look like a hot horse, especially in the playoffs.

The fact of the matter is that when the third pairing is on the ice, the Habs outscore, outscore, and outscore their opponents.

Montreal Canadiens Brass Tacks

It’s very easy to suggest that the Montreal Canadiens need better results from their top four finish.

However, head coach Martin Saint-Louis has limited options, especially if he wants to keep his excellent third pairing together.

Based on their experience over the past two seasons, I would argue that a reunion of Matheson and Hutson could be justified. In over 500 minutes together at 5v5, they made 54.9% of the shots. They also outshot their opponents by a margin of 32–21 (61.1%).

This will give Alexandre Carriere and Caden Guhle some more difficult moments to face, although, based on their history, they are quite suited to accomplish hellish tasks.

In over 600 minutes together at 5v5, Guhle and Carrier managed to be almost even, controlling 49.6% of the shots. They also outshot their opponents (56%), and led the way in high-danger scoring opportunities (53%).

With the changes in place, the Canadiens’ defensive shifts will be as follows:

Len Hutson – Mike Matheson

Caden Guhle – Alexander Carrier

Jaden Struble – Arbor Zekaj.

This was exactly the setup St.-Louis intended to play in game two, before the usual post-whistle antics derailed things, forcing special teams to spend an unreasonable amount of time on the ice.

Regardless, according to the numbers, if the Canadiens can somehow find a way to keep the pairings listed above intact, they will improve their chances of emerging from the series with an underdog win.

All Montreal Canadiens stats are 5v5 via Natural Stat Trick.

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

Lucas Giolito’s free agency saga has finally come to an end.

After being one of the top-rated free agents heading into the 2026 season, his offseason was relatively sparse. Despite interest from several clubs, his agents could not find a preferred number at any time in the offseason.

That changed this morning, as the San Diego Padres announced the signing of Giolito on the X. The move is a way for the Friars to strengthen their rotation after Nick Pivetta landed on the injured list for the indefinite future. He will be able to join the club around mid-May.

Giolito must be added to the roster within 25 days of his signing. Kevin Ace of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that he would begin his season with Low-A Lake Elsinore. This is likely so the Padres’ coaching staff can evaluate him after the offseason. Giolito has stated on several occasions that he has been pitching throughout his vacation, but trainers would still like to check his stuff.

Salary implications for ascetics

It is reported that the contract is worth $3 million and is prorated. This means the Friars are only paying Giolito for the time he has spent with them (not for the portion of the season he has missed so far).

If that amount is correct, it would be a steal for San Diego. General manager AJ Preller has been overpaid in the past. Starting pitching is also at a premium in MLB, so it’s surprising to see one of the top-rated free agent pitchers at $3 million by the end of April 22nd.

Giolito has been a great back-end option for the Boston Red Sox over the past few years. This culminated in a career-best 3.41 ERA in 2025. While there was speculation that this would not last long, their underlying metrics are painting a different picture. But the Padres (and their lack of starting pitching depth) are willing to take a gamble on the right-hander.

Over the years, he has battled countless injuries that have kept him off the field. The Padres are hoping to get a full, healthy season from Giolito. If that’s the case, he’ll be considered as a depth option for the rest of 2026. It’s possible that once everyone is healthy he will stop rotating between the big and the small. But if Giolito competes well enough to earn a spot, the Friars will have no choice but to keep him.

A new rumor points to the All-Star being the Golden State Warriors’ top target this summer. However, there is one important hurdle that must be overcome first.

After entering the season as a secret contender in the West, injuries to Golden State’s top two players completely derailed their NBA Finals aspirations. Finishing the season with a 37-45 record and missing the playoffs guarantees that change is definitely coming for the Warriors this offseason.

Over the past few weeks, rumors and speculation have been rife that NBA greats like LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard will be on the team’s radar. But who’s really at the top of their wish list? A new report has shed new light on that question.

“League sources say the Warriors were the team that most aggressively traded for the Clippers’ Leonard in the final stretch before the league’s Feb. 5 trade deadline, while the Clippers had already traded James Harden and Ivica Zubac that same week,” Mark Stein reported at Steinline.

Why will Kawhi Leonard be the Warriors’ top target this summer?

The Warriors reportedly made a play for James in a trade a few years ago. He has also been viewed as a top contender if he tests free agency this offseason. Golden State was reportedly very aggressive in looking for an Antetokounmpo trade even before the deadline.

If James does decide to retire this summer he will need to take a significant pay cut to play for the Warriors. While they will have more assets to offer this offseason, if their original trade package wasn’t enough to convince the Milwaukee Bucks in February, will it really be enough in a few months?

Leonard brings a lot of risk. But there is a real possibility that his contract could be voided, and he may be more willing than James to take a discounted rate to play for a contender. Or the Clippers may want to trade him. The cost to acquire the seven-time All-Star would be much lower than that of Antetokounmpo due to Leonard’s age and long injury history.

Considering how hard they were going after him before the trade deadline, it would make a lot of sense for Leonard to be the Warriors’ top target in the offseason. However, Steen noted a major obstacle in the pursuit of Leonard or any experienced star.

He wrote, “However, whether the Warriors re-emerge as a contender will depend on whether Steve Kerr returns as Golden State’s coach after 12 seasons.” “If Kerr is rehired as the coach of this team, it would be a very strong signal that the Warriors will try to assemble at least one more season of experienced players around Stephen Curry to try to compete. Conversely, if the two sides part ways, it could signal the beginning of a real Bay Area overhaul.”

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

Marcos Senesi has emerged as a target for Aston Villa and Tottenham in recent weeks. Now he is being discouraged by the Italian media.

The Argentine is set to leave Bournemouth in the summer, as his contract at Vitality expires at the end of the campaign. He has performed well in the campaign, offsetting the influence of Ilya Zbarny and Dean Huijsen.

sports witness have covered the Premier League’s interest in the 28-year-old, with Tuttosport previously reporting Juventus’ approach to him.

It was suggested that the player would make an important decision this week and was likely to end up in the Premier League.

tutomercatoweb Now add details to Juve’s approach and disrespect it to some extent.

Spalletti’s opinion is not high

The outlet makes it clear that Aston Villa and Tottenham are ‘hot on the heels’ of the Argentine. This has led the Bianconeri to now potentially pull out of the deal.

This is mainly due to competition, but also because Luciano Spalletti does not have a good opinion of the defender. He does not see him as a top player and feels that he will not be able to match Bremner’s influence at the club.

The Italian feels Senesi would be the only viable target if Lloyd Kelly were to leave, who is currently out of Juve’s plans.

The Bournemouth player has been further ridiculed through his decision to reject Italy. Roberto Mancini called him to the Azzurri in 2022 but Senesi made it clear he had nothing to do with the country.

It appears this did not go over well in Italy, with Senesi now likely living in England.

Our take: Sour grapes for Juve

It feels like the Old Lady’s inability to reach an agreement is helping them let the player down. The truth is that Senesi had previously been linked with a move to Italy, with clubs keen. He could easily make it in Italy, where the back three systems would suit him quite well.

Aston Villa and Tottenham would have no objection to this. Spurs, in particular, could lose Micky Van de Ven in the summer and Senesi is at the peak of his powers.

He has made his mark in the Premier League and signing him for free would be an incredible move.

We’ve already seen some of the top MLB prospects make their major league debuts this season, some of them even doing so with lucrative contract extensions. In what is already shaping up to be one of the best rookie classes in over a decade, another wave of talent could be on the horizon. Let’s take a look at 10 top MLB prospects who could debut in the coming weeks.

READ MORE: MLB Power Rankings Week 3

1. Max Clark

Max Clark is a former third overall draft pick who is currently ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 8 prospect. He’s currently slashing .344/.421/.500 in Triple-A, and while he hasn’t hit any home runs yet, he’s showing off his speed with six stolen bases and eight doubles. The Tigers could also easily make room for him; All it would take is sending down Jahmai Jones, who is currently slashing .077/.077/.077.

2. Bryce Aldridge

Bryce Aldridge has already spent time in the big leagues through 2025, and while that stint was about as bad as it could go, it feels like he deserves another chance. MLB Pipeline gives him a 70 power tool, which would be a perfect fit for a Giants team that currently ranks last in MLB with just nine home runs in their first 19 games.

3. Travis Bazana

Travis Bazana was the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, and he’s already knocking on the big league door. He is currently reaching base at a .389 clip in Triple-A and slugging at .451. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s big-league second baseman, Brian Roccio, has a .688 OPS. Rocio could be moved into a utility role to make room for Bazana, who could make an immediate impact on Cleveland’s lineup. He proved himself at the World Baseball Classic earlier this year as a member of Australia’s team.

4. Walker Jenkins

The former No. 5 overall pick is ranked as the No. 11 prospect by MLB Pipeline, and although his Triple-A numbers probably aren’t where the Twins organization would like them to be, it’s probably time to call him up. The Twins are making noise in the AL Central, and Walker Jenkins could be ready to make a big impact.

5. Jonah Tong

Jonah Tong made his debut with the Mets last season and was impressive in his first start, allowing one run in five innings. It was all downhill from there. Tong lasted five starts and finished with a 7.71 ERA in 2025. But the Mets once thought he was ready, and last year he had a 1.43 ERA between Double-A and Triple-A. It feels like there hasn’t been much development for Tong at the minor league level.

6. Jett Williams

Jett Williams is one of two Brewers infielders ranked in MLB Pipeline’s top 100. The Brewers have always found ways to win by using their youth, and Williams is part of their next batch.

7. Cooper Pratt

The Brewers have already extended Cooper Pratt an eight-year, $50.75 million contract. This alone is reason enough to call him. Obviously the team has confidence in him.

8. Harry Ford

Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz is hitting .171 with a -0.2 bWAR to start 2026. Washington gave up one of their top weapons in Jose Ferrer last season to bring in Harry Ford. Why keep Ford in Triple-A when their major league catcher is struggling?

9. Ryan River

Ryan Rivers is 27 years old and is projected to be a big league reliever. MLB Pipeline still likes him so much that he is ranked as the 100th best prospect in baseball. The Dodgers have been wasting a potentially high-leverage relief arm in Triple-A, and it seems like it’s time to get him in the show.

10. Colt Emerson

Colt Emerson would be higher on this list if there was a clear path to playing in the major leagues, but there isn’t. JP Crawford, Brandon Donovan and Cole Young have locked down the infield, and the Mariners don’t want to call on Emerson just to hide on the bench. At the same time, for a good prospect like Emerson, you find a way for him to find playing time. If it means moving the defense around, that might be what Seattle needs to do.

The San Francisco Giants were one of the biggest winners in the MLB Draft Lottery last year, moving up to get the fourth overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. While draft day is still a few months away, there is some early information on who the Giants may want to draft in 2026.

In a mini MLB mock draft, ESPN.com’s Kiley McDaniel reported that the Giants would “really like” they had the chance to draft high school shortstop Grady Emerson with the fourth overall pick. Although he appears to be the top target there, it appears they have plans for some quick returns.

At the beginning of the season, the consensus of evaluators was that UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowski would be the first overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft. However, as the season has unfolded, Emerson is now inserting himself into that mix. He is currently projected to be drafted second overall by the Tampa Bay Rays.

Emerson, age 18, is 6 feet 2 inches tall and plays left-handed. MLB Pipeline rates his hitting tool, fielding and arm strength at a 60 on a 20-80 scouting scale with 66-grade power and speed.

“Emerson is an all-around prospect who is a virtual lock to be at shortstop for a long time because of his plus range, action and arm strength. He’s a grinder in the box who takes a lot of pitches and spoils boundary line offerings unless opposing hitters give up and either give him something to hit or give him a walk.”

FanGraphs scouting report on Grady Emerson

If Emerson is off the board, McDaniel says San Francisco “would be happy to get” Georgia Tech catcher Von Lackey or UC Santa Barbara starting pitcher Jackson Flora.

Lackey could be an attractive option for San Francisco, as the catcher doesn’t seem to have a long-term plan. Patrick Bailey has provided Gold Glove-caliber defense behind the plate and is one of the best pitch framers in baseball, but he is also a well-below average hitter at catcher.

Flora, 6 feet 5 inches tall, entered the season as the consensus top 2026 MLB Draft prospect and has done nothing to change that this season. In 10 starts, he has a 0.71 ERA with a 0.84 WHIP and an 84-24 K-BB ratio with just 4.1 H/9 in 63.1 innings.

According to McDaniel, another name worth keeping an eye on is high school shortstop Jacob Lombard. The younger brother of New York Yankees top prospect George Lombard Jr., he offers some of the most attractive equipment among position players in the upcoming class.

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

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories and content you may have missed on Friday.

montreal canadiens news

With Game One of the first-round series between the Habs and Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, we continue our in-depth series previews, including a comparison of their respective special teams. [Playoff Preview: Canadiens Vs. Lightning Special Teams]

We also evaluated some X-factors coming into the series, including the importance of finding open space for Nick Suzuki and the rest of the first line. The Canadiens score a lot of goals, but if Tampa Bay’s shutdown line finds its rhythm, things will quickly turn sour for Montreal. [Playoff Preview: Canadiens Vs. Lightning Top X Factors]

ICYMI: There is no doubt, the Tampa Bay Lightning have been the better team at 5v5 this season. However, when the numbers between Montreal and the Lightning are evaluated against each other in their four games, the discrepancy is less noticeable, with the Canadiens managing to control more shots than the Bolts. [Playoff Preview: Canadiens Vs. Lightning Head-To-Head]

Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki is now officially a father! The 26-year-old player did not practice on Thursday in support of his wife Caitlin. They welcomed a daughter, Maya, into the world.

Prospect Alexis Cournoyer will be playing for one of the best NCAA teams next year. The 20-year-old netminder has utilized the transfer portal, and will be attending games for the Wisconsin Badgers, the team that lost to the Denver Pioneers in the national championship.

Cornell freshman Alexis Cournoyer (MTL 5th Round), the ECAC’s Ken Dryden Goaltender of the Year, has signed with Wisconsin.

– Brad Elliot Schlosman (@SchlosmanGF) 17 April 2026

I promise you that anything written by Michael Farber will be worth your time.

There is no team-town connection in Canada like Les Canadiens and Montreal, especially during the playoffs.

“It smells like a cup.”

This is fans’ favorite expression when playoff time comes @michaelfarber3 Explains how there’s something in the air: https://t.co/kYUYJTGCPc pic.twitter.com/bDNBOKAVgj

– TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) 17 April 2026

NHL 26 ran a simulation ahead of the 2026 NHL playoffs and the Montreal Canadiens came out on top. To be honest, it means very little historically. For the most part, the teams selected by EA Sports struggle in the playoffs.

Sim has spoken 🔮

Yours #NHL26 Playoff Simulation Stanley Cup Champions:
@CanadiensMTL 🏆 pic.twitter.com/riaefS08hQ

– EA Sports NHL (@EASPORTSNHL) 17 April 2026

Sportsknot Network

New Jersey Devils win general manager free agent frenzy. Sunny Mehta was named Devils GM on Thursday evening. Mehta, an analytical guru, will bring a fresh perspective to the position left by former GM Tom Fitzgerald. Said approach begins immediately. The Devils have a long list of things to address ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft and free agent frenzy. So, where does he start? [New Jersey Devils]

San Jose Sharks phenom Maclin Celebrini recently concluded a season where he broke the franchise’s single-season points record and reached milestones that were only achieved by the all-time greats. With this, he can break some new records with his next contract. [San Jose Sharks]

As the Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators face each other on Saturday to open the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they will do so after battling similar adversity in the regular season. [Carolina Hurricanes]

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

After being on the road to WrestleMania 42 since January’s Royal Rumble, the wait is finally over. This weekend brings the 2026 edition of WWE’s annual celebration for wrestling fans, and this year’s event includes two explosive nights of action at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

The card for WrestleMania 42 Night 2 will include two of the most anticipated matches of the event. One is the big fight between “The Beast” Brock Lesnar and “The Ruler” Oba Femi. The second is in the main event of the night, when CM Punk defends the WWE World Heavyweight Title against hated rival Roman Reigns.

With that in mind, we offer some bold predictions for each match on Night 2 of WrestleMania 42.

Brock Lesnar vs Oba Femi

Considering how many times Femi has gained the upper hand on Lesnar during their feud, WWE history suggests that the future Hall of Famer will get the last laugh, as he has done against many stars during his legendary career. But this is a different time and situation.

For some time now, reports have been saying that Lesnar is very close to the end of his WWE career. Like the greats of the past, “respecting” and helping create future stars is what he should do when he goes out. A victory for Femi, especially an impressive one, at WrestleMania 42 could create a new main event star. Hopefully the former NXT Champion will carry the torch as the new beast comes to WWE on Sunday night.

WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill (Captain) vs. Rhea Ripley

Regarding the ongoing feud between WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill and Elimination Chamber winner Rhea Ripley, different reports are coming that both of them are not fans of each other in real life. This added a unique tension and physicality to the situation. It also stands out because Cargill looks to be the smarter of the two and continues to improve into a future Hall of Famer.

WWE’s booking history shows that Ripley has got her revenge. But the heels are going to win at WrestleMania 42, and this feels like one of those examples. Look for Cargill’s new teammates – Mitchin and B-Fab – to join in and save the winner from imminent loss. This would lead to a long-rumored feud with former friend Bianca Belair.

finn balor vs dominik mysterio

The moment many WWE fans have been waiting for on Sunday night is the return of “The Demon” Finn Balor. And what a perfect time for his alter ego to reemerge as he looks to teach former Judgment Day brother Dominic Mysterio a violent lesson.

There were rumors that Baylor was expecting a big push when he signed his current deal two years ago. This never happened. Now seems like the right time for him and “The Demon” to re-establish themselves as a force on Raw. Expect an impressive victory from the first Universal Champion.

Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match: Penta (c) vs. Jevon Evans vs. Rusev vs. Dragon Lee vs. JD McDonagh vs. Rey Mysterio

One match that could easily steal the show at WrestleMania 42 Night 2 is the Six-Pack Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match. The reigning champ, Penta, will defend his gold against Rusev, high flyer J’Von Evans, fellow lucha star Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh and Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio.

This is a match ripe for a surprise win. While many may have expected Ja’Von Evans to pick up an unexpected victory in a match built on his skills, the expectation is that “Rusev Day” will return and the Bulgarian will win the bout. WWE had invested well in his return a year ago. They need to bring him back into a featured role, and a long-term feud with Penta for the belt would be fun.

United States Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Trick Williams

Rumors are swirling about a United States title match between Sami Zayn and Trick Williams. Zayn surprisingly drew the ire of fans by defeating Carmelo Hayes for the title just weeks before WrestleMania. Whereas since arriving from NXT late last year, Williams has become one of the most popular stars in the company, despite being a heel.

Rumors suggest we may be getting a rare wrestling double turn. Pulling the trigger on such an idea is perfect for this match, and like Femi earlier in the night, Williams’ title win and baby face turn would create a new top star. Expect to hear “and new” at the end of it.

World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns

Punk and Reigns have done a great job of generating huge interest in what was a dream feud for wrestling fans a few years ago. He made things personal, then just a week before the event, he revealed that even though they hate each other, he still has a lot of respect for his enemy.

Despite the hype, the result seems predictable, and Reigns will return to the top of the mountain after being defeated at WrestleMania 40 two years ago. But what’s the fun in it? We predict something different. Punk shocked fans by turning heel, reuniting with Paul Heyman and becoming the new leader of Vision. Is it a possibility? No, but how wild would that be?

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

A projected top 10 selection who would be a great replacement option for AJ Brown could fall right into the Philadelphia Eagles’ lap when they are on the clock in Round 1 of the NFL Draft.

One of the biggest storylines this offseason has been on the future of AJ Brown. Last season, the three-time Pro Bowler made no secret of his frustration with the team and how he was used in the offense. This led to obvious speculation that once the season ended, he could go on the trade block.

However, as we approach the end of April, Brown remains in Philadelphia. Most believe a trade hasn’t happened yet because it would cost Philadelphia far more in dead cap to move him before June 1. Assuming he is traded in a few months, it would make sense for the Eagles to find his replacement with a top pick in next week’s draft.

Philadelphia makes its pick at 23 in Round 1. This puts him outside the range of top wide receiver prospects in this year’s class. Or maybe not. Arizona State star Jordan Tyson has the widest selection range and floor among pass catchers this year, according to ESPN NFL expert Matt Miller.

Jordan Tyson could be available to the Eagles at pick No. 23

Miller wrote, “He missed 17 of the possible 51 games in which he could have played. Tyson’s most recent injury was a hamstring injury that has caused him to miss three games in 2025.” “Teams will have varying levels of acceptance with injuries, but because of this, Tyson is limited all over the place — and eight concussions heading into the 2024 season haven’t helped his stock either.

“If injury concerns prove valid he could come off the board early at No. 8 to the Saints or slip to No. 33 to the Jets.”

A few weeks ago, Tyson was in the news as the best pass catcher in this year’s draft. However, as teams get deeper into their evaluation process, his injuries are becoming a major issue. This makes him risky for the Eagles. But when he’s healthy, he’s extremely talented.

Tyson is a strong route runner, has size at 6 feet 2 inches and weighs over 200 pounds, has impressive upside to go up and receive passes, and is a great blocker for a receiver. In 2024, he posted 75 catches for 1,101 yards, 10 touchdowns and a 14.7 yards per catch average.

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

Lucas Giolito entered the offseason as one of the better starting pitchers available in MLB free agency outside of high-cost arms. He remains a free agent about a month into the 2026 season, but that could change soon.

MLB insider Robert Murray wrote for FanSided that he believes the San Diego Padres are the best fit for Giolito. San Diego is also one of two clubs that were recently linked to the veteran hurler.

RELATED: MLB Power Rankings Week 3, Padres Soar

San Diego is currently operating with a bit of a patchwork rotation. German Marquez and Walker Buehler have been placed in roles as back-end starters, with both veterans facing even more pressure to pitch innings now that Nick Pivetta has joined Joe Musgrove on the injured list.

Unfortunately for San Diego, the return timeline for neither Pivetta nor Musgrove is promising. Pivetta, who started on Opening Day, has been diagnosed with a flexor strain that will keep him from throwing for at least a month. There is no timetable for his return and he may not be able to pitch again in 2026.

RELATED: Padres GM could be on the hot seat

Musgrove, who missed all of last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, initially looked like he might rejoin the Padres rotation in late May. However, the club reported that he was in “a bit of a holding pattern” in early March and a month later he still has not pitched off a mound.

Giolito, who pitched 145 innings for the Boston Red Sox last season, recently said he has increased his pitch count to 75 pitches so far. However, given the poor track record of starting pitchers signing at the end of the season, it would be a risk for San Diego to sign him as well.

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

Coming off of their third consecutive trip to the Elite Eight, Rick Barnes and the Tennessee Volunteers have hit the college basketball transfer portal hard this summer and another significant change could be coming.

On3.com’s Joe Tipton wrote Friday that he would give the Volunteers “the edge” in the fight to remove VCU guard Terrence Hill Jr. from the portal.

RELATED: Tennessee Volunteers in top 3 for star portal player

The 6-foot-3 Hill arrived in Knoxville earlier this week and is staying for a long time. That’s what happened to Tennessee’s four current commits — Miles Rubin, Dai Dai Ames, Jalen Harrelson and Tyler Lundblad, who all attended the program at the end of their official visits.

The Kansas Jayhawks and Oklahoma Sooners have also been linked to the VCU transfer. However, Tipton says it “does not seem likely” Hill will travel to Norman.

RELATED: Tennessee Volunteers to spend big bucks on basketball

On3 and Rivals.com ranked Hill as the 24th-best player and eighth-best guard in the college basketball transfer portal this offseason. Jeff Borzello of ESPN ranked him the 21st best player available.

“Hill undoubtedly boosted his stock with his performance against North Carolina in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. He led VCU to a 19-point comeback and upset victory with 34 points, five rebounds and five assists. He earned first-team All-Atlantic 10 honors last season after averaging 15.0 points while shooting 37% from 3.”

ESPN’s Jeff Borzello defends Terrence Hill Jr.

In his final season with VCU, the 20-year-old emerged as one of the biggest breakout stars outside of the Power 4 conferences. He earned first-team All-Atlantic 10 honors and was named Atlantic 10 Tournament MVP, Atlantic 10 Sixth Man of the Year and the conference’s Most Improved Player.

In his final 15 games with the program, he averaged 15.7 points, 3.1 assists and 3 rebounds per game while shooting 44.7 percent from the field. Hill also played a key role in VCU’s conference title, averaging 17.3 ppg, and in the first round win over the North Carolina Tar Heels where he scored 34 points on 23 shots in an 82–78 overtime win.

RELATED: Insider sheds light on Tennessee’s approach to transfer portal

With Barnes looking to add more scoring ahead of next season, Hill will certainly help in that regard. He also provides perimeter shooting – 2.3 three-pointers per game at 37 percent – ​​for a team that ranks 296th nationally in three-pointers made per game (6.6) and 208th in three-point percentage (33.4 percent).

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

chelsea Moving to protect Moises Caicedo beyond the usual contract cycle, more details are emerging from South America on a situation already widely discussed in England.

The Ecuador international has become central to Chelsea’s structure this season. Despite inconsistent results, he has been a consistent presence in midfield.

His minutes underscore that importance, while his defensive reliability and passing volume keep the team strong.

That role explains why Chelsea are now acting quickly. Instead of waiting for the pressure to build, they are trying to remove it completely.

Contract extension driven by situation, not urgency

journalists cesar louis merlo And jose alberto molestina – Both experts on the South American market – outline the full picture Havoline Deportivo.

Moises Caicedo’s current deal already runs until 2031, which raises an obvious question.

Merlo addressed this directly:

“What Chelsea are doing is giving him a salary commensurate with the value of Caicedo, who is one of the best central midfielders in the world.” he explained.

“There are still some small details missing, but everything is in place for Moises Caicedo to extend his contract with Chelsea until June 2033. His current contract runs until 2031.”

This means it is about linking his salary with his importance and removing any future stress.

“So that he remains calm, so that there is no conflict… and if a club comes with a big offer, Caicedo becomes more relaxed and any possible exit is more harmonious and agreeable.”

The midfielder himself recently He said he wants to ‘stay as long as possible’So all roads ultimately lead to Chelsea.

Outside interest and Chelsea reaction

Molestina gave further details, particularly on how other clubs have affected the situation.

“I think Moyi will become one of the top three highest-paid players in the team, which is very important.”

He then pointed to growing attention from elsewhere:

“There are clubs that have started to ask about Moises, about his situation, especially considering that Chelsea’s sporting moment is not the best.”

That notion has evoked a clear internal reaction:

“They basically said: ‘No, no, no, let’s secure the players we want long-term.'”

In other words, Chelsea have already recognized the risk and decided to take action before it became more serious.

Relationship with the agency and long-term control

At this stage Moises Caicedo and Chelsea are in an alliance. The player is said to be happy at the club, wanna be a legend out thereAnd there is no current intention on the part of either party to proceed with the transfer.

At the same time, the structure around it has also played a role. His new agency, Base, has a strong relationship with Chelsea, which has helped with smooth discussions.

Merlo explained that dynamic:

“Chelsea have a very good relationship with the base… Obviously when each side has to defend their position, they will, but the idea is to avoid any friction or problems.”

This is part of a broader strategy. Chelsea wishes to reduce the possibility of future disputes, whether internal or motivated by external interest.

This is a move to cement Moises Caicedo’s place at the club as well as enhance his position within the team.

At the same time, they are also building security into that commitment. If interest continues to grow, as expected, any negotiations will take place from a position of strength.

For a player who is already viewed internally as one of the best in his role, this move reflects long-term planning rather than a short-term reaction.

The New Jersey Devils on Thursday named Sunny Mehta as their new general manager.

Mehta, 48, returns to the organization where he led the NHL’s first full-time hockey analysis department. The move follows the firing of previous GM Tom Fitzgerald following a disappointing season in which the Devils were eliminated from playoff contention.

Mehta, a native of Wyckoff, New Jersey, previously served as the Devils’ director of hockey analytics from 2014 to 2018. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he grew up in the area, played varsity hockey at Ramapo High School, and has a long association with the franchise.

He left the Devils to join the Florida Panthers in 2020 as Vice President of Hockey Strategy and Intelligence, later being promoted to Assistant General Manager and Head of Analytics in 2023. At Florida, Mehta contributed to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025.

In a statement following his appointment, Mehta said: “This is a dream come true for a kid from New Jersey who grew up watching Devils practices just 20 minutes away in Totowa. After meeting David Blitzer, Josh Harris, Bob Myers and other members of the organization, I knew this was where I wanted to be.

“Thank you to Vinny Viola, Bill Zito, and the entire Florida Panthers organization for a wonderful six years and for giving me the opportunity to take the next step in my professional career. New Jersey has a tremendous young core that wants to get back to being a contender, a complement of young assets and draft picks, and a passionate fan base hungry for success. I was fortunate enough to watch the New Jersey Devils lift three Stanley Cups and am excited to work to return to that level. “I am.”

Mehta’s background includes a master’s degree in data science and prior experience as a professional poker player and musician. He consulted with the Phoenix Coyotes in 2010 before joining the Devils.

Ownership, led by David Blitzer and Josh Harris, sees their analytics-driven approach and championship experience as key to rebuilding contention around the team’s young core, including assets and draft capital. The appointment signals a data-centric shift in hockey operations.

Despite belief that the Devils may also be interested in hiring a president of hockey operations, Mehta performs those duties as well.

There has been no immediate decision yet on head coach Sheldon Keefe.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

The 2026 NFL Draft is exactly one week away, and the picture is starting to come into focus ahead of the Arizona Cardinals’ first-round selection. Expectations are the Las Vegas Raiders will take quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick. The New York Jets will select a pass-rusher, possibly Texas Tech’s David Bailey or Ohio State’s freak linebacker/edge rusher Arvel Reese.

But what about the Cardinals at No. 3? This remains the biggest mystery. While NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports that a trade down for Arizona is “very much in play”, others suggest the Cardinals have a surprise selection in mind.

Recently, SNY’s Connor Hughes reported that we “shouldn’t be surprised” if the Cardinals select Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love with the third overall selection in the first round.

The Cardinals’ selection of Love came as a shock when they brought back James Conner and signed Tyler Allger to a $12.5 million contract this offseason. Of course, Love has a higher ceiling than either of these two, but Arizona also has other, more pressing needs such as an offensive tackle or even a pass-rusher.

Still, if the Cardinals are sticking to the best player available mantra, it’s hard to argue against the selection of Love. Many consider him the best overall player in the draft class, and Arizona could inject talent on both sides of the ball.

RELATED: 2026 NFL mock draft: Trades that captured the first round of the NFL draft

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

Rick Barnes and the Tennessee Volunteers have been cleaning up the transfer portal this month, securing three commitments to bolster their depth next season. While the focus has primarily been on players from smaller schools, it appears the Volunteers are an emerging threat to field one of the best players available across the country.

On3.com’s Pete Nacos reports that Tennessee has emerged as one of the “top three schools to look at” for guard Jukes Harris in the transfer portal. However, it’s worth noting that a decision isn’t expected any time soon as the young guard is also evaluating his options to turn professional depending on where he’s projected to land in the 2026 NBA Draft.

RELATED: Tennessee volunteers gaining momentum toward bigger commitment

A week earlier, most reporting suggested that the Michigan Wolverines were in a very strong position to land Harris’ commitment. Since then, the offensive efforts of both the Volunteers and the North Carolina Tar Heels have made it a three-team battle.

Nakos elaborated that Harris visited Michigan during the championship program and that he walked away from the program with “confidence” it gave him a good chance to earn his commitment. However, after that, home visits to Tennessee and North Carolina have them set up for a tough battle with Michigan to land a star guard.

RELATED: Tennessee Volunteers to spend big bucks on basketball

The 6-foot-7 Harris is rated as the fourth-best player in the 2026 college basketball transfer portal by On3.com and Rivals. Jeff Borzello of ESPN ranked him the sixth-best player on the market and the second-best shooting guard.

In his final season at Wake Forest, the second-year guard averaged 21.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. He shot 33.2 percent from beyond the arc, averaged 2.5 three-pointers per game, while getting to the free-throw line frequently (7.1 attempts per game) and shot 78.3 percent from the charity stripe.

RELATED: Insider sheds light on Tennessee’s approach to transfer portal

A report for Barnes and the Volunteers’ coaching staff this season emphasizes adding more capable scorers to the roster. Harris, the reigning ACC Most Improved Player, scored more than 30 points three times this season and reached more than 27 points in eight contests. He also finished nine games with double-digit free-throw attempts.

Given how aggressive Tennessee has been in recruiting Harris under Barnes, it’s very possible that the program is able to lure him away from Michigan and North Carolina. If that happens, the zero commitment would certainly mean that next season’s roster is the most expensive in program history.

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

At UFC 327 on Saturday night, several fighters from our UFC light heavyweight rankings were in action, including the night’s headliner. When the dust settled, Carlos Ulberg, Dominic Reyes and Paulo Costa scored important victories.

Let’s see how the events of UFC 327 changed the division’s pecking order with our new UFC light heavyweight rankings.

10. Dominic Reyes (16-5)

At the end of 2022, Dominic Reyes looked like he was headed for release after four consecutive losses, three by knockout. However, he got another opportunity from the UFC and he took advantage of it. Winning three consecutive times and climbing back into the UFC light heavyweight rankings.

The hot streak earned him a berth in the main event of UFC Perth against fast-rising contender Carlos Ulberg. However, the New Zealander was far ahead of the American and finished him off in less than a round. But unlike a few years ago, Reyes bounced back with a victory at UFC 327 in April. While his bout with Johnny Walker was criticized by fans for its lack of action, a win is still a win.

9. Jamahl Hill (12-4)

After a serious injury caused him to vacate the title, Jamahl Hill was given a chance to regain his belt at UFC 300 vs. Alex Pereira. However, he became a victim of the turmoil the Brazilian created after joining the promotion.

To start 2025, he had the opportunity to move up to the No. 1 contender spot in a big fight against fellow former champion Jiri Prochazka. However, the American was unable to respond to Prochazka’s power and unorthodox style. He struggled again in the UFC Baku main event against Khalil Rountree and suffered his third consecutive loss.

8. Paulo Costa (16-4)

After losing four of five, middleweight star Paulo Costa decided he needed a change and decided to move up to 205 pounds. so far so good. After scoring a decision win over Roman Kopylov in his weight class debut in July 2025, “The Eraser” made a big statement at UFC 327 in April when he scored a TKO victory over Azamat Murzakanov.

The win earned Costa a spot in our latest UFC light heavyweight rankings.

7. Khalil Rountree (14-7)

After a slump in which he lost three of four, Khalil Rountree Jr. went back to the drawing board and reinvented himself. The hard work led to an extremely hot streak where he achieved five consecutive wins including four finishes. This earned him a UFC title shot, but he was not able to unseat division great Alex Pereira.

He bounced back from that setback with a decision win over former champion Jamahl Hill at UFC Baku. This put him in a position where a big win against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 320 could earn him a title shot. However, despite winning the first two rounds, he could not deal with the Czech’s late surge and suffered the fourth KO defeat of his career.

6. Azamat Murzakanov (16-1)

Russian Azamat Murzakanov has quietly climbed up the division rankings and is within striking distance of a title opportunity after racking up five consecutive wins to start his UFC career, including a scrappy knockout win over Alexander Rakic ​​in the fall of 2025.

At UFC 327, he entered his scrap with Paulo Costa as the favorite and could lock up a title shot with a win. Unfortunately, the Brazilian earned a name for himself in his new weight class by stopping “The Professional” in Round 3. The setback ended any chances of Murzakanov fighting for gold in 2026.

5. Jan Blachowicz (29-11-2)

Even at his advancing age, Jan Blachowicz remains a high-level talent in the light heavyweight division. Unfortunately, he has faced a lot of tough luck over the years. He played a draw against former winner Magomed Ankalev. Then lost a controversial decision to current titlist Alex Pereira.

In March, he was on the wrong side of another close decision to fast-rising star Carlos Ulberg. He returned in December looking to end a two-fight losing streak and probably should have put up a tough fight against youngster Bogdan Guskov. Instead, the judges ruled it a draw. The Polish giants’ tough luck continues, but they retain their top six spot.

4. Jiri Prochazka (32-5-1)

Although Jiri Prochazka may not be the current champion, he is still viewed by many as one of the best fighters in the division. He has been in countless fights and Fight of the Year contenders, and he added to his legend with another classic fight and victory over Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 320.

The win earned him another shot at the gold medal at UFC 327 in April. However, despite facing a man who blew out his knee in Round 1, the former champion was unable to take advantage of the opportunity and suffered a shocking KO defeat in the opening frame. The defeat has knocked the Czechs out of the title picture for the rest of 2026.

3. Magomed Ankalev (21-2-1) – Top Contender

Magomed Anaklaev has performed excellently during his promotion. He suffered only one surprising defeat in 16 appearances and had victories over many of the division’s best players, including Volkan Oezdemir, Anthony Smith and Aleksandar Rakic.

At UFC 313, he proved that he is the best in the world by registering a hard-fought victory against former division king Alex Pereira. However, his reign lasted less than a year as “Potan” passed him by within minutes. It doesn’t seem like the company will be participating in a trilogy fight next time.

2. Alex Pereira (13-3)

Alex Pereira’s UFC story is legendary. After nine fights, he became a two-division champion and scored devastating victories over some of the best fighters of the era at middleweight and light heavyweight. The 38-year-old has been a revelation for the company and has connected with the MMA fanbase with a fighting approach similar to cage fighting icon Fedor Emelianenko.

After being on the wrong side of a disappointing decision loss in March, the Brazilian returned with a vengeance at UFC 320. He came out of the gate in his rematch with Magomed Ankalev and blew him away in a matter of minutes to regain his place at the top of the division.

However, he vacated the title in early 2026 to pursue a gold medal at heavyweight. If that becomes his new long-term home, he will ultimately be removed from our UFC light heavyweight rankings.

1. Carlos Ulberg (14-1) – Champion

Carlos Ulberg faltered in his 2021 UFC debut but has been a dominant force since then. Following his loss to Kennedy Nchukwu, he reeled off nine consecutive wins, including six finishes. The impressive hot streak earned the New Zealander a title opportunity at UFC 327 in April.

Initially, it looked like he would fall short of his ultimate goal when he tore out his knee in Round 1 of his fight with Jiri Prochazka. However, “Black Jag” displayed impressive courage and his elite power when he was able to defeat the former champion to win his first UFC title. Now the big question is how long will the new champion be sidelined.

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

The Vegas Golden Knights used another strong offensive performance to defeat the Winnipeg Jets 2-0 on Monday night. They are now 6-0-1 since the hiring of head coach John Tortorella.

The win extended the Golden Knights’ point streak to nine games, and they now have sole possession of first place in the Pacific Division and a chance to clinch a win against the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday.

Amidst the noise around the league, the first season was quiet. The Golden Knights forced a power-play by sending Adam Lowry for holding.

Not much happened on the power play, and neither did the Golden Knights for most of the period, which ended scoreless after 20 minutes.

It was Mark Stone who first got the Golden Knights on board. There was a shorthanded two-on between him and Jack Eichel and Stone beat Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck.

The puck went to the five-hole on Hellebuyck and took a lucky bounce, giving the Golden Knights the lead midway through the second period.

After what felt like a parade in the penalty box by both teams, Reilly Smith scored his 14th goal of the season by deflecting a shot past defenseman Noah Hanifin.

This gave the Golden Knights a 2–0 lead at the end of the second period, often called the worst lead in hockey but it played no role. Early in the third period, Eichel delivered a no-look pass to Ivan Barbashev, who headed into the open net and the score became 3–0.

Later in the third, Gabe Vilardi got the Jets on the board. Mark Scheifele added another soon after, cutting the deficit to 4–2.

Vegas answered on a double minor after Scheifele was called for high-sticking Rasmus Andersson. Pavel Dorofeyev took advantage of the power play and scored his 20th of the season with the man-advantage to cut the Golden Knights lead to 5–2.

Eichel later scored his first power play goal of the season on the same power play to make the score 6–2 Golden Knights.

Vegas will face the Kraken in their final game of the regular season on Wednesday at 7pm with a chance to take over the division by gaining a point.

Cooper Krigbaum is a beat reporter covering the Vegas Golden Knights for Vegas Hockey Now on SportsNut. He also told about Cooper Krigbaum