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As March looms, Ohio State and USC find themselves on the NCAA Tournament bubble, with pivotal games ahead that could determine how many Big Ten teams make the Big Dance. The Buckeyes have been a rollercoaster this season, currently sitting at 17-10 overall and 9-7 in Big Ten play. After an impressive 6-0 start, they’ve struggled to string together more than two wins in a row. With four regular-season games left, Ohio State has a golden opportunity to boost its résumé, starting Wednesday with a road test at Iowa. USC, once comfortably in the tournament mix, has now dropped three straight and fallen to 18-9 overall and 7-9 in Big Ten play. With four games remaining, the Trojans will need to turn things around quickly, starting with a road game at UCLA on Tuesday night. If both the Buckeyes and Trojans can finish strong, the Big Ten could see 11 teams in the Big Dance, challenging the SEC, which currently leads Mike DeCourcy’s projections with 11 bids of its own. With that, here are DeCourcy’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament projections. EAST REGION SOUTH REGION MIDWEST REGION WEST REGION And it’s never too early to check in on the bubble. According to DeCourcy’s projections, Auburn, Santa Clara, VCU and New Mexico are the last four teams in the tournament, while USC, Ohio State, TCU and Cal are the first four out. As for conference representation, the SEC leads the way with 11 teams, while the Big Ten has nine teams. The ACC has eight teams and the Big 12 has seven teams in DeCourcy’s latest tournament projections. The Big East and the West Coast have three teams represented, while the Mountain West and A-10 have two teams. Selection Sunday is less than one month away, and these projections will inevitably evolve. For now, DeCourcy’s latest bracket forecast offers a clear snapshot of who’s rising, who’s falling and which programs are already building the résumés they’ll need when March arrives.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Every upcoming World Cup is always the most important one, but for the United States, this summer is of paramount nature, as the USA is a co-host for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. – 2026 FIFA World Cup on FOX: Schedule, News, Previews Moreover, the tournament is now a 48-team field, spread across three countries (the U.S., Mexico, and Canada) and 16 cities – the largest edition in history. That’s why FOX Sports Lead NFL Analyst Tom Brady, who was part of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup Draw in December, thinks this summer is a pivotal moment for soccer in the United States. “It was great to be a part of the FIFA draw, but just to know that there are 48 countries now participating in the World Cup in all of North America is incredibly exciting because it just means more inclusion, more countries, more fans, a broader audience for these incredible games and these athletes to showcase what they’ve really tried to accomplish their whole life, which is reach the pinnacle of their sport,” Brady said in an interview with CGTN Sports Scene about the expanded World Cup field. “And the fact that they’re able to do that in America and showcase it on the biggest stage is absolutely incredible, and it was fun for me to be a part of.” The seven-time Super Bowl champion is no stranger to soccer. He is a minority owner of English Championship club Birmingham City FC. He also recently linked up with Serie A legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic at AC Milan’s Feb. 18 match against Como, where Brady received a custom No. 12 AC Milan “Brady” jersey. Brady mentioned the growth of the game domestically, pointing to the U.S. women’s national team’s success. The USWNT has won four FIFA Women’s World Cups and five Olympic gold medals. “I think there’s always been a huge appetite for soccer in America,” Brady said. “Obviously, over a long period of time, we’ve had one of the most dominant women’s USA teams on a global stage that the world’s ever seen, so I think we understand the level of competition. Look, every kid in America grows up playing soccer. “We either play it on the schoolyard or we play it foundationally with some of the leagues that we’re a part of, but I live in Miami. Inter Miami is one of the great MLS teams in America. Lionel Messi plays for them, and I think it just continues to grow through social media and through people experiencing such a great game on a global stage, and I think the World Cup in America is only going to enhance that for future generations.” Getting back to this summer’s competition, the USA — which has never won a Men’s World Cup — was eliminated in the Round of 16 in the 2022 edition. Two years later, it failed to advance past the group stage of 2024 Copa America, and manager Gregg Berhalter was fired shortly after the tournament and replaced by Mauricio Pochettino. Regarding Brady, the three-time NFL MVP was part of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup Draw in December. As part of his draw duties, Brady selected the first team in Group C (which includes five-time World Cup champions Brazil), Group I (including two-time champions France), Group L (including UEFA Euro 2024 runner-up England), Group J (including defending champions Argentina) and Group K (including Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal) of the tournament. Brady also spoke about the impact on the game by Gianni Infantino, who has been FIFA President since February 2016. “The turnaround really starts with tremendous leadership at the top and what Gianni has done in terms of his leadership, his inclusion,” Brady said about Infantino. “I think Gianni is a man of the people, and he’s always out there celebrating the great parts of the sport. I think he’s made great contributions to the world of football. And getting a chance to know him and understand the kind of person he is, the values he represents, I think that really showcases itself within the broader goals of what football is all about. Football is for everyone. It’s a chance for all of us to connect, globally, over something that we love.” The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup begins on June 11, with the USA’s first match coming on June 12 against Paraguay.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

If there was any doubt about the men’s college basketball Player of the Year race, Duke freshman standout Cameron Boozer erased it on Saturday. Boozer’s 18-point, 10-rebound, seven-assist performance against Michigan was the latest reminder that this race now has a clear front-runner. At this point, everyone else is battling for spots 2-10. Unfortunately, Texas Tech forward JT Toppin suffered a season-ending injury, which forces him off the ladder. That’s a tough break for college basketball. Here’s hoping for a smooth recovery and that we’re watching him on an NBA floor this time next year. Meanwhile, BYU freshman standout AJ Dybantsa continues to shine, holding firm in the No. 2 spot. And this week’s new kid on the block? St. John’s senior forward Zuby Ejiofor. Here’s how this week’s men’s Player of the Year Ladder shakes out. Honorable mention: Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr., Gonzaga forward Graham Ike, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson, Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner 10. Zuby Ejiofor, St. John’s senior forward Ejiofor leads the surging Red Storm in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks. He plays hard every night and is a versatile defender. I believe Ejiofor has locked up Big East Player of the Year honors already. 9. Keaton Wagler, Illinois freshman guard Illinois fans gasped when Wagler hit the ground against UCLA and immediately grabbed his left shoulder. The freshman guard left the court but did return as Illinois let UCLA come back and win in overtime. 8. Kingston Flemings, Houston freshman guard Flemings had a team-high 17 points in Houston’s loss to Arizona, but it took him 17 shots to get there. He is usually much more efficient from the floor, but he is the go-to guy for the Cougars in late-game situations. 7. Braden Smith, Purdue senior guard Smith was dealing with an illness last week at Iowa, and it showed up in his lack of offensive aggressiveness. His passing was still next level, though. Will Purdue win enough games in the Big Ten and NCAA Tournament to allow Smith to become college basketball’s all-time assist leader? 6. Jeremy Fears Jr., Michigan State sophomore guard Tell me this: How many players could put up 26 points and 15 assists against Illinois and 17 points and 17 assists vs. Maryland? The answer is one. Jeremy Fears Jr. 5. Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan senior forward I was looking forward to the matchup between Lendeborg and Duke’s Cameron Boozer, and while the battle delivered, it also made one thing clear: Boozer operates on a different level. Lendeborg did finish with 21 points and seven rebounds. 4. Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State senior forward Jefferson still remains No. 2 in KenPom’s player rankings. He is the offensive engine that drives Iowa State, but he isn’t as dynamic a scorer as some of the other names on this list. 3. Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas freshman guard Acuff dropped 49 points on the road against Alabama last week. It was the perfect environment for him — an up-tempo game against a defense that struggled to get stops. New rule: If anyone on this list drops 49 in a game, they’re moving up at least one spot. 2. AJ Dybantsa, BYU freshman forward Dybantsa continues his incredible February, averaging just under 30 points per game this month. He outdueled Joshua Jefferson in Saturday’s marquee matchup, finishing with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists in a win over Iowa State. 1. Cameron Boozer, Duke freshman forward No one is asked to do more for his team than Boozer, and he delivers almost every time. He had plenty of help in Saturday’s win over Michigan, but his 18-point, 10-rebound, seven-assist, two-block performance was the catalyst.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine has arrived. While the main purpose of the event is to scout the top prospects in this year’s draft, we’ll get plenty of news on what might go down across the league this offseason. Will star players like Maxx Crosby get traded? Will any standout players set to become free agents receive the franchise tag? May we get news on potential rule changes for the 2026 season? We’ll likely find out the answers to those questions and many more hot topics around the NFL. So, here’s all the latest news from Indianapolis. Sean Payton, Dave Canales no longer calling plays for their respective teams Sean Payton said giving up playcalling duties is about “how do we win more games?” Considered one of the best offensive playcallers in the league for decades, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton confirmed he had given up playcalling duties to up-and-coming assistant coach Davis Webb, who was promoted from quarterbacks coach and offensive passing game coordinator to offensive coordinator this offseason. Webb had interviewed with other teams for vacant head coaching and offensive coordinator positions but ultimately chose to stay with the Broncos when Payton fired longtime offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, who had worked with him in New Orleans and with the Broncos. Part of the motivation for Payton giving up play-calling duties was making sure he kept the talented, 31-year-old head coach on his staff. But Payton, 62, also said it was time. “I would only do that if I felt that it would help our team,” Payton said. “I’ll still be involved with what we do offensively, just like I’m involved with what we do defensively. But I do think he has a gift. He’s real sharp. I’m glad he’s on our staff. Typically, any decision we make like that is to benefit our team.” Payton was asked if it was a hard decision. “No, listen I’ll still have opinions on plays,” Payton said. “Mine will be the bad ones, and his will be the good ones (laughs). But I’m going to support him in that. I can recall being in that situation. Even in Dallas, two or three years there, I don’t know if anyone knew who was calling the plays, either it was Bill [Parcells] or myself. But I think that stepping back and looking at it, he’ll do a fantastic job.” Currently, 16 head coaches will serve as the primary play callers on offense in the NFL for 2026. Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales will be one of them, either. He announced on Tuesday that third-year offensive coordinator Brad Idzik will assume those duties for 2026. — Eric D. Williams Tua Tagovailoa getting traded? The Miami Dolphins aren’t ruling anything out with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa this offseason. Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan told reporters at the combine that “everything’s on the table.” “It could go in a lot of different ways,” Sullivan said. “A trade is a possibility, but Tua is aware, his representation is aware. We’ve had really positive conversations, and, like I said, it’s kind of all on the table when it comes to Tua at this moment. “[Tagovailoa’s reps] have expressed that he wants to play and that they still think he can play at a high level. The conversations have been productive, but they have not in particular said that they want to be traded.” Tagovailoa was benched for the final three games of the 2025 season after struggling for much of the year. But he’s due $54 million in guaranteed money in 2026, and if the Dolphins release him, they would take on a $99.2 million dead cap hit. Raiders expect Maxx Crosby to remain with team in 2026 Raiders star edge rusher Maxx Crosby might be the top trade candidate in the NFL this offseason, but Las Vegas might make it difficult for another team to acquire him. Raiders general manager John Spytek told reporters that he expects Crosby to remain with the team for the 2026 season, adding that the edge rusher is an “elite” player. “We’re in the business of having really good players on the team, and we need a lot more of them,” Spytek said. Trade rumors involving Crosby emerged late in the 2025 season after the team decided to shut him down for the final two games of the year. That decision upset Crosby, causing him to storm out of the team’s facilities, FOX Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer first reported. Earlier in February, Glazer reported that Crosby’s time with the Raiders was likely finished. Ravens confident they’ll get Lamar Jackson extension done, have made big offer to Tyler Linderbaum The Ravens made a big change at head coach this offseason, but they want to keep some other key figures in the franchise in place moving forward. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta told reporters at the combine that the team is confident an extension will get done with quarterback Lamar Jackson. Prior to the end of the 2025 season, there had been rumors that Jackson might want out of Baltimore, but he dismissed that chatter. Jackson has two years remaining on his five-year, $260 million contract. The Ravens are also looking to keep center Tyler Linderbaum, who was ranked fifth in FOX Sports’ top 100 NFL free agents list. DeCosta said the team has made a “market-setting” offer to keep Linderbaum in Baltimore. Linderbaum, 25, has been named a Pro Bowler in each of the last three seasons, while Creed Humphrey of the Chiefs is the highest-paid center in the league on a four-year, $72 million deal.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Rowdy fans, superstars, late-inning drama and a competitive vibe that feels more like October than March.  The 2026 World Baseball Classic will have it all. Played across two continents and composed of 20 nations, the WBC begins on March 3 and culminates with the Championship Game on March 17 in Miami. Will we see Team USA led by Aaron Judge get revenge on Shohei Ohtani and Japan after that 2023 championship classic? Or, can a talented squad like Mexico, Dominican Republic or Venezuela make a deep run? Let’s start by getting familiar with the stacked rosters in Pool A and B and break down each side. And check back each day this week as we dive into the other pools.Pool A: Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Panama, Puerto RicoPool B: Tuesday (Brazil, Great Britain, Italy, Mexico, USA)Pool C: Wednesday (Australia, Chinese Taipei, Czechia, Japan, Korea)Pool D: Thursday (Dominican Republic, Israel, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Venezuela) POOL A This pool is set to take over Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from March 6–11. The hosts are the favorites to top the group, bringing its championship pedigree into a loaded five-team clash that will feature perennial contender Cuba, rising force Canada, gritty Panama and underdog Colombia. Passion, pride and powerhouse talent are sure to collide and make for an electric atmosphere. Canada Why This Team Can Make Noise: Turning down big-league talent? Too much depth? These are good problems to have for Team Canada manager Ernie Whitt, who has led the country in every WBC tournament from its inception in 2006. He’s seen Canada struggle to roster major-leaguers (and defeat Team USA, anyway, in the group stage in ‘06). This year, he’s received an all-time high interest from players with proven MLB experience to suit up for Team Canada, resulting in limited roster space and major-league talent at nearly every position. Team Canada, feeling confident about its talent depth, is on a mission to break into the quarterfinals in Miami for the first time — and it has a path to get there. Canada is competing in a Pool that, for the first time, doesn’t include the United States or Mexico, a pair of persistent adversaries that impeded its advancement in the previous five tournaments. And Team Puerto Rico is weaker than ever this year, missing a few familiar faces due to insurance issues. If Canada is going to break past the group stage for the first time ever, this is the year to do it. The Top Player(s): Brothers Josh and Bo Naylor will team up to play first base and catcher, respectively, for Team Canada. Josh Naylor, who has slugged 51 home runs over the past two seasons, is essentially replacing Freddie Freeman, who opted out from the WBC this year. Though Bo played for his native country in the last WBC, Josh is making his return to the tournament for the first time since 2017. He’s fresh off signing a five-year, $92.5 million contract with the Seattle Mariners — and his customary edge and energy will be terrific assets for Canada. Also dangerous for Team Canada: outfielder Tyler O’Neill, top prospect Owen Caissie, and pitcher Jameson Taillon. Colombia Why This Team Can Make Noise: This year marks just the third time Colombia has qualified for the tournament, and it could finally be the year Colombia sneaks past the pool stage. Colombia enjoyed just one win in the 2023 WBC — a jaw-dropping upset — when it defeated a heavily-favored Team Mexico, 5-4, in the group round. But even that result doesn’t tell the whole story. Team Colombia came mighty close to a couple more victories last time, eventually losing a nail-biter to the USA and again to Great Britain in heartbreaking fashion. Colombia is expected to fare better this year thanks to a blend of veterans and young talent on the roster. The Top Player(s): Jose Quintana. The 37-year-old southpaw has a career ERA of 3.76 pitching for eight teams since his major-league debut for the White Sox in 2012. As he gets ready to suit up for his ninth club, the Colorado Rockies, Quintana will start by leading Colombia’s rotation. He is returning to the tournament for the first time since the country’s WBC debut in 2017, when he held the USA to just one run in 5.2 innings pitched. Behind Quintana, veteran right-hander Julio Teheran will help round out Colombia’s starting staff. Cuba Why This Team Can Make Noise: The pressure is on for Team Cuba to continue its impressive streak. Cuba has advanced out of the Pool Stage in all five previous WBC tournaments, making it one of the most successful countries in the field. In order to complete this feat for a sixth time, and try to build on last time’s successful run to the semifinals before falling to the United States, Cuba will need strong pitching from its proven arms. It has a weapon in reliever Livan Moinelo, who is the reigning MVP of Japan’s Pacific League after recording a 1.46 ERA for the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks in 2025. The Top Player(s): Alfredo Despaigne. Cuba’s 39-year-old slugger is the WBC’s all-time leader in home runs with seven. Despaigne still held onto that mark after failing to clear the fences in 2023, which was the final year of his decade-plus run playing in Japan’s Western League. He returns to the international stage looking to lead Cuba’s offense, which will be without familiar faces in Yoenis Cespedes and Luis Robert Jr. Alongside Despaigne, Angels infielder Yoan Moncada will return to Cuba’s lineup after coming off a trio of injury-riddled seasons in the major leagues. Panama Why This Team Can Make Noise: Even though Panama is a baseball country, it has surprisingly struggled to place any better than 11th in the WBC’s history, and that includes failing to qualify for the tournament in consecutive tries in 2013 and ‘17. Last time, Panama was excellent in a tough Pool, going 2-2, but it didn’t advance after coming out on the losing side of an unprecedented five-way tie that was decided by fewest runs allowed per defensive out recorded. To avoid a similar fate, Panama is looking to leave no doubt about its dominance and aiming to qualify for the quarterfinals for the first time. It will roster a slew of experienced major-leaguers, including a terrific defensive infield alignment, making for an advantage in the tournament. The Top Player(s): There’s more than one standout big leaguer bringing excitement to Panama’s roster. The rotation will be led by Cleveland Guardians southpaw Logan Allen. The 27-year-old Allen, whose mother was born and raised in Panama and still has a ton of extended family in her native country, will get the nod in a huge Game 1 against Cuba. Yankees shortstop Jose Caballero will make his return to the WBC, leading the infield alongside Edmundo Soda. Johan Camargo, veteran Ruben Tejada, and catcher Miguel Amaya. Puerto Rico Why This Team Can Make Noise: Sure, Puerto Rico is weaker this WBC than in previous years without star infielders Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa and Javy Baez. But it’s still stacked with familiar MLB talents, and Puerto Rico should not be underestimated. Led by manager Yadier Molina, Puerto Rico gained another veteran in eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado, who previously played for Team USA in the 2017 and 2023 tournaments, but switched it up this year to honor his Puerto Rican-Cuban mother. While the rest of Pool A might be feeling more confident in light of Puerto Rico’s debilitated squad, the power of Bad Bunny’s support and the high-level talent from the rest of its blonde-haired roster might just be tougher to take down than anyone thinks. The Top Player(s): The proven major-league flair on Team Puerto Rico is worth highlighting. The pitching staff features Seth Lugo, Fernando Cruz, Jorge Lopez, and of course, new Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz, who is returning to the tournament after his fluke knee injury while celebrating on the mound during the 2023 WBC. Veteran catchers Martin Maldonado and Christian Vazquez will represent half of the battery. Reds shortstop prospect Edwin Arroyo will take over for Lindor in the dirt, while Arenado holds down the hot corner. Outfielders Willi Castro, Heliot Ramos, Eddie Rosario, and MJ Melendez lengthen Puerto Rico’s lineup. What Will Be The Best Game of Pool A? Every game in this pool is expected to be intense, but due to home-field advantage in front of what will definitely be a raucous crowd, Cuba vs. Puerto Rico on March 9 looks like one of the marquee matchups. Which Pool A Teams Advance To The Quarterfinals? In a bit of an upset, Canada will win Pool A. This is Canada’s best chance at advancing to the quarterfinals, and they have the star power and talent to do it. Puerto Rico, as the host country, will come close to winning the Pool Stage, but it will ultimately place as runner-up. POOL B Three years after the USA and Mexico advanced out of their pool in Phoenix at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, the teams find themselves again in the same group as the favorites in Pool B, which will take place in Houston from March 6-11. Team Italy, led by Vinnie Pasquantino and top arm Aaron Nola, will be the biggest threat to the two powerhouses of the group. Jazz Chisholm Jr. will look to help Great Britain build on its first ever WBC victory in the last tournament, while Brazil has qualified for the competition for the first time since 2013. United States Why This Team Can Make Noise: Even with Corbin Carroll injured and Tarik Skubal only expected to make one start, this is still the best team that USA has ever assembled, and it’s a group on a mission after losing to Japan in the 2023 WBC finals. Four of the top five finishers in 2025 AL MVP voting (including MVP Aaron Judge), the 2025 AL and NL home run leaders (Cal Raleigh and Kyle Schwarber), both of the reigning Cy Young Award winners (Skubal and Paul Skenes) and All-Star closer Mason Miller are among the members of the roster. The lineup is loaded at every spot, but it’s the elite rotation (Skubal, Skenes, plus 2025 All-Stars Joe Ryan, Logan Webb, Matthew Boyd and more) that really sets this year’s group apart from previous iterations and could have Team USA back on top after winning it all in 2017. The Top Player(s): It has to be the captain, Judge, who’s preparing to play in his first WBC coming off his third MVP season in the last four years. But you can take your pick here on a roster that includes 21 former All-Stars. Raleigh just blasted 60 home runs in a record season for a catcher, while Schwarber launched 56. Bobby Witt Jr. led the majors in hits each of the last two years. Skenes followed up a Rookie of the Year campaign in 2024 with a Cy Young season in 2025. Skubal is coming off back-to-back Cy Young campaigns. Webb was an All-Star and Gold Glove Award winner who finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting last season. Two-time MVP Bryce Harper, a member of Team USA’s 16U and 18U teams who was unable to suit up in the 2023 tournament due to injury, will finally make his WBC debut. On, and on and on… Mexico Why This Team Can Make Noise: It took a Munetaka Murakami walk-off double in the ninth inning for eventual champion Japan to advance past Mexico in the 2023 WBC semifinals. Mexico’s third-place finish was its best in WBC history, and much of that group will be returning in an effort to reach its first finals. Plus, Jonathan Aranda and Jarren Duran are much more accomplished hitters now than they were at the last tournament. The rotation could be this group’s Achilles’ heel, but the top half of the lineup is stellar, and the injection of new talents — All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz, All-Star backstop Alejandro Kirk, slick-fielding shortstop Joey Ortiz and former top pitching prospect Taj Bradley among them — could be enough to get this Mexico team where it hasn’t gone before. The Top Player(s): You could certainly make the case for Duran or 2025 All-Stars Kirk, Muñoz or Aranda here, but fellow 2025 All-Star Randy Arozarena will be the heartbeat of this group. He tends to find a different gear with these kinds of events, and his swagger rubs off on everyone around him. At the 2023 WBC, Arozarena mesmerized with his glove and excelled with his bat. He was arguably the best hitter in the tournament, registering a 1.507 OPS while roping six doubles and a home run in six games. Italy Why This Team Can Make Noise: Team Italy has made it to the quarterfinals of the WBC twice, including at the 2023 tournament after beating Cuba and the Netherlands in pool play. Going 2-2 probably won’t be good enough to advance this time in a pool that includes USA and Mexico, but the additions of MLB veterans Aaron Nola and Michael Lorenzen in the rotation to go with a lineup filled with promising big-league talent and recent top prospects — a group that includes Royals teammates Vinnie Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone, White Sox catcher Kyle Teel, Marlins outfielder Jakob Marsee and Mariners outfielder Dominic Canzone — gives the Italians a chance to make a run. They could be riding the momentum of wins against Brazil and Great Britain before having to face the top teams in the group, at which point an upset could be brewing. The Top Player(s): Nola’s coming off his worst year as a big-leaguer, but he’s the best starting pitcher that Italy has taken into the tournament. Pasquantino, who slugged 32 homers last year, is the most accomplished hitter in a young lineup that offers tremendous upside.  Marsee (24), Teel (24) and Canzone (28) each hit better than 20% above league average last season, and Caglianone — the No. 6 overall pick in 2024 — offers prodigious power potential. He struggled in his first taste of the majors last year, but he hit 20 home runs in 66 minor-league games before the call-up. Great Britain Why This Team Can Make Noise: This was one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the last tournament, as Great Britain’s players fully leaned into the joy of the competition by celebrating every clutch hit by pretending to sip tea on the basepaths. There were many reasons to celebrate, not only because Great Britain upset Colombia to win its first ever WBC game but also because the Brits scored eight runs against Canada and took a tie game into the seventh against Mexico. The arrow is pointing up on this group, which, even beyond star Jazz Chisholm Jr., is full of players who are either in affiliated baseball now or have MLB experience. One interesting side note: Beck brothers Tristan (a Giants reliever) and Brendan (a Yankees minor leaguer starter), whose mother is from Great Britain, will be playing together for the first time since they were college teammates at Stanford in 2018. “I think we can surprise some people,” Tristan told me. The Top Player(s): Chisholm, one of multiple Bahamian talents on the Great Britain roster — a group that also includes D-backs outfield prospect Kristian Robinson, who had an .862 OPS at Triple-A Reno last year — is coming off a 30-30 season with the Yankees and is the best player that the Brits will have ever taken into the tournament. He’ll be co-captain with Nationals prospect Harry Ford, who homered twice in the 2023 tournament and has a chance to be Washington’s catcher in 2026 after making his MLB debut with the Mariners last season. Ford had an .868 OPS at Triple-A Tacoma in 2025. Brazil Why This Team Can Make Noise: Making their second trip ever to the WBC, Brazil lacks the MLB talent of other teams in this pool; however, it does not lack the MLB bloodlines. Team Brazil has three players who are the sons of accomplished MLB veterans in Dante Bichette Jr., Lucas Ramirez (Manny Ramirez’s son) and 17-year-old Joseph Contreras (Jose Contreras’ son). Of that trio, Ramirez, a 17th-round pick of the Angels in 2024, is an intriguing name to watch after going 5-for-13 in last year’s qualifier. Brazil won the qualifier in Tucson last March to make the tournament for the first time since 2013, when it went winless but nearly stunned Japan in Tokyo in a 5-3 defeat. Perhaps they have one upset in them. The Top Player(s): In that 2013 loss to Japan, Leonardo Reginatto went 3-for-4 and knocked in two runs. Fast-forward 12 years, and the Brazilian infielder hit .385 with four RBI in the Tucson Qualifier last year to help get Brazil back to the WBC. The 35-year-old, who made it to Triple-A in the Twins’ organization in 2018 and has appeared in every WBC and qualifying game that Brazil has ever played in, had an .862 OPS in the Mexican League in 2025. What Will Be The Best Game of Pool B? USA vs. Mexico. In pool play three years ago, Mexico jumped out to a 7-1 lead on the United States after four innings behind two Joey Meneses home runs and never looked back while cruising to an 11-5 win. Both teams ultimately advanced out of the pool, which is the likeliest outcome again, but that will surely be on USA’s mind this time around. Which Pool B Teams Advance To The Quarterfinals? This pool should end with a flourish, as it’s likely that the last two games on the docket — USA vs. Mexico on March 10 followed by Mexico vs. Italy on March 11 — decide which teams move forward. Team USA sweeps to win Pool A, while Mexico and Italy enter the final game of pool play in a win-or-go-home matchup. For the second straight tournament, the U.S. and Mexico move forward.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

The NFL Combine is all about draft prospects, but don’t take for granted how many agents, coaches and general managers are talking about free agency and potential trades. Decision-makers are forming plans (and backup plans) around the quarterback position in Indianapolis this week. So let’s take a crack at projecting those plans. It’s not an easy offseason to find a quarterback, and so the matchmaking isn’t clean — or even attractive — in every case. The Las Vegas Raiders are set to fill their vacancy in the NFL Draft with Fernando Mendoza. But other teams will almost certainly have to rely upon a veteran. So here’s where those veterans could land. This is an early look at where I think the QBs will land — and a ranking based on how well I think they’ll perform in 2026. 8. Geno Smith New home: Miami Dolphins Smith’s tenure in Las Vegas was messy. And that’s being generous. But remember that — just the season prior — he was leading the league in passing yards for the Seattle Seahawks. He’s still a good player. He’s not the type of player who can exceed his circumstances. Miami is rebuilding, and the Dolphins aren’t exactly an exciting place to land. But Smith isn’t in an exciting place in his career either. So this marriage happens by necessity. 7. Kirk Cousins New home: Minnesota Vikings If coach Kevin O’Connell had the choice between Aaron Rodgers and Cousins, it wouldn’t be an easy choice. Rodgers’ game is eroding. Cousins showed signs of renewed life. Rodgers is currently the better player, but probably has only one more year in him. Cousins is a plug-and-play fit in the system — and has a runway of 3-4 years. Ultimately, the Vikings have to operate as if J.J. McCarthy isn’t the answer. And so I think they pounce on Cousins, the all-around safer pick (compared to Rodgers and McCarthy). Cousins will get O’Connell’s system humming again. 6. Daniel Jones New home: Indianapolis Colts OK, so the Colts technically wouldn’t be new for Jones, who is a free agent and could end up in a handful of spots. But he and the Colts want to work on a long-term deal, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. So it’s a matter of when — not if — Indy locks him down as its QB. I’m not sure how Jones will look when he returns from his Achilles injury. I’m not sure how long it’ll take him to recover — or if he can even play in 2026. I’m also not sure how Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard’s job security will look. But apparently, Jones will almost certainly sign a Colts contract this offseason. So that’s where I’ll place him. In the meantime, Indy needs someone else who can start in Week 1. And it’ll have to be someone who won’t get Steichen or Ballard fired. So … 5. Tua Tagovailoa New home: Indianapolis Colts The Dolphins are going to do everything they can to part ways with Tua. There are massive salary-cap complications, but it seems like Miami’s new coach Jeff Haffley wants to start anew at the position. So I suspect Miami will either cut Tua with a post-June 1 designation — or trade him while eating most of his salary. (Generally, a QB’s salary passes to the next team in a trade, but in this case, the Dolphins will have to pay most of it, because otherwise, no one would trade for Tua.) But here’s the thing with Tua … because he’s set to make so much money from Miami, I think he’ll pick a place that prioritizes on-field support (rather than finances). That’s where the Colts present a unique opportunity. They wouldn’t pay him much, but they could insert Tua into an excellent offense for somewhere between 8-17 games. This offense helped a long retired Philip Rivers look serviceable on the fly, after all. So Tua shows up for the Colts and shows the league he can still play. And Jones takes over when he’s healthy. It’s not great to be a placeholder. But Tua is almost certainly looking at a QB2 job if he doesn’t bite at a bridge job like Indy’s. 4. Mac Jones New home: Atlanta Falcons Kevin Stefanski is a really good fit for Jones. And the Falcons offense has enough weapons to support the QB, who — everyone can plainly see — isn’t a world-beater. Jones doesn’t have a no-trade clause, but I suspect the 49ers will help him land in the right place. In Atlanta, there’s enough to like and enough to feel optimistic about. Quarterback Michael Penix poses a threat, but a small one, given he’s a remnant of the past regime. Jones could find himself in the right place at the right time to do what Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith have all done: reinvent themselves. 3. Kyler Murray New home: New York Jets Murray finished the season on injured reserve, and the new Cardinals regime (led by coach Mike LaFleur) is not going to keep him, per NFL Network. I hope that Aaron Glenn and Frank Reich are the guys that Murray needs to find a new tier to his development. Murray plateaued in Arizona, where — for reasons currently unknown — he couldn’t find the degree of consistency that is an absolute requisite for a franchise QB. My sense is Murray is overly preoccupied with the big play. I also think there is evidence that he was often under-prepared. (Whether that’s on the coaching staff or on him, I don’t know.) Maybe he can shed his bad habits in New York. 2. Aaron Rodgers New home: Arizona Cardinals Here’s a weird one, because this is clearly the third-best destination. But I suspect Rodgers is going to stall his decision past the point of the Steelers’ patience. Remember: Rodgers takes his offseason decisions slowly, often after free agency and the draft. If he retires late in the offseason, it would leave his team without a QB. And this isn’t an offseason where the Steelers can afford to wait for Rodgers to come out of an ayahuasca-driven darkness retreat. So when he emerges, he’ll see the Steelers have a new QB. But something tells me that the Cardinals will be interested in him. Arizona’s new coach Mike LaFleur is Matt LaFleur’s brother, and of course, Matt coached Rodgers in Green Bay. While it wasn’t always the happiest marriage, it was telling that Rodgers stood up for Matt when his job security came under fire. I think that might have built a bridge between Rodgers and the LaFluer family that could land the QB in Arizona for 2026. 1. Malik Willis New home: Pittsburgh Steelers There’s no better fit for Willis than in Pittsburgh. That’s largely because of the combination of DK Metcalf, Jaylen Warren and Mike McCarthy. It would be a nice core to build around. But it’s also clearly not enough. The Steelers need to keep investing in their roster, which coach Mike Tomlin elevated into playoff contention every year. There just wasn’t enough for Rodgers to work with last year. Willis’ dual-threat skills could upgrade the unit — even before they add more talent at the OL and playmaker spots. But that shouldn’t stop them from filling in an offensive unit that looked threadbare during Metcalf’s absences.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Liverpool cult hero Emile Heskey believes that USA star Christian Pulisic could be a useful replacement for Mohamed Salah at Anfield. The American forward boasts Premier League experience from a stint at Chelsea and has starred in Italy for AC Milan. A return to England is being speculated on, with another winger potentially being required on Merseyside. Salah transfer: Will Egyptian superstar leave Liverpool in 2026? Egyptian superstar Salah is tied to a contract with Liverpool through to the summer of 2027. He has, however, cut a frustrated figure at times this season — delivering an explosive outburst at one stage — and seen his output dip. The 33-year-old has not registered a Premier League goal since November 1. Moves to the Saudi Pro League or MLS have been mooted for Salah, as Liverpool can still generate a fee from any sale, with rumours ramping up regarding potential successors in the Reds’ right wing berth. Could USA star Pulisic replace Salah at Anfield? United States international Pulisic is said to be in the mix there, as he delays the signing of a new contract at San Siro, and Heskey feels ‘Captain America’ could be a shrewd addition to Arne Slot’s squad. The former Liverpool striker told OLBG: “I actually quite like Christian Pulisic. He is very direct. He probably didn’t get as many goals as I would have liked him to get at Chelsea but I thought he gave defences problems. “Obviously after a good World Cup, being at home with the pressure on him, he is definitely someone who could offer something different to Mohamed Salah or even Cody Gakpo right now. “Mo left Chelsea to go to Italy and look at what he’s done for Liverpool. I think it’d be great to see someone like Pulisic come back into the Premier League in the same way because I’m guessing he would love to show that his time at Chelsea was just a little blip. He was only a young lad when he came over.” Heskey adds Kvaratskhelia & Bowen to list of potential targets Several other names have been added to the pot when it comes to attacking additions for Liverpool, with interest said to have been retained in Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon – a former Everton star who grew up as a Reds supporter. Heskey has named another couple of proven performers that could be considered, with one of those boasting Premier League experience at West Ham, while the other is a Champions League winner with Paris Saint-Germain. Ex-England star Heskey added: “We’re talking about replacing Mohamed Salah and I think as fans you’ve got to look at something different because you can’t replace Mo Salah. “I remember one season I was speaking to someone who said Mo’s had a bad season. He’d scored 25 goals. I’d love to have had that bad of a season! We’re talking about someone scoring 20 plus, nearly 30 goals a season for 10 years. “I think we’ve just got to look at something different and it might not suit the manager anyway to have someone like Mo Salah. He might want to change the formation. I know that he was talking about a 4-4-2 diamond midfield and not having high and wide wingers and that would need something different. “I don’t think you can replace Mo Salah but I do like the lad from PSG, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. He would be my go-to. “Would Jarrod Bowen be a downgrade from Mohamed Salah? I think most players are a downgrade compared to Salah but to be honest with you Bowen is a different type of player and he would probably help the formation because he’s going to work a little bit harder than Mo. “I’m not saying Mo doesn’t work hard but Bowen has a different work rate and work ethic because he’s coming from West Ham and before that the lower leagues. It’s totally different. Andrew Robertson was arguably one of our best signings and he came from Hull City.” Salah’s record: Goals & trophies at Liverpool Salah has scored 252 goals for Liverpool through 429 appearances. He is a three-time PFA Player of the Year and winner of four Golden Boots. Two Premier League titles have been landed with the Reds, alongside Champions League and domestic cup honors, and whoever is charged with the task of filling his boots will have a sizable job on their hands.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

If you somehow didn’t know by now, coaches are pretty important in football — just look at their vastly increasing salaries. Yet, FOX Sports lead college football analyst Joel Klatt has never ranked the best coaches in the sport … until now. In the most recent episode of the “Joel Klatt Show,” Klatt ranked the top 10 coaches in college football for the first time. A big reason why he’s finally doing a top-10 head coach ranking has to do with the fact that we now have more clarity as to how which coaches have adapted the best to the introduction of name, image and likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal. “The eras of college football are now substantially different and we’re in a very new era,” Klatt said of how he determined his list. “With the NIL, transfer portal era, I think the coaches on this list have excelled in the modern era. “You have to have excelled post-COVID and more specifically in the last two, three, four years.” So, let’s not wait any further and take a look at Klatt’s top 10. Honorable mentions: Kalen DeBoer, Alabama; Rhett Lashlee, SMU; Joey McGuire, Texas Tech; Mike Elko, Texas A&M; Dabo Swinney, Clemson 10. Lane Kiffin, LSU While Kiffin received a lot of scrutiny for how he handled his departure from Ole Miss, Klatt said that the new LSU head coach’s résumé is too strong to leave off the list. “Listen, whatever you want to think of all of that, the guy can coach college football. This list would not be complete without him on it. I know the exit was messy from Ole Miss, but think about what he built at Ole Miss. I know he’s had growing pains throughout his career as a head football coach,” Klatt said. “But what he built at Ole Miss was really special. That was part of the reason why I argued that he should’ve stayed there. They had a great chance at a national championship this past year if he would’ve just stayed.” Klatt added that he feels Kiffin’s ability to coach an offense is incredibly strong, saying his teams are guaranteed to have a top-10 offense in the nation. Kiffin’s coaching ability on that side of the ball helped develop Jaxson Dart into becoming a first-round pick and Trindidad Chambliss into one of the nation’s top quarterbacks despite his lack of FBS experience. In turn, that helped Ole Miss become an SEC contender during Kiffin’s time there. “He took Ole Miss to a sustained level of excellence that they really had never seen before,” Klatt said. “We had seen some jumps, but they had four 10-win seasons over the last five years. Only Kirby, Ryan Day and Kalen DeBoer had more wins over the last five years than Lane. That’s very incredible.” 9. Mario Cristobal, Miami (Fla.) Klatt admitted that the College Football Playoff catapulted Cristobal into the top 10. However, he thinks Miami’s run to the national championship helped disprove a pair of the biggest doubts about Cristobal. “He knocked off two giant stigmas this year that had been plaguing him throughout his career as a head coach,” Klatt said. ” The first was he doesn’t win big games. Well, he won big games this year and it started all the way back in Week 1, when they toppled Notre Dame. That was a huge win and it started this trajectory of things that we haven’t seen him be able to do that this year he was able to do. “The second thing was winning big matchups down the stretch. We knew his record in November wasn’t what we wanted it to be.” Now, Klatt believes Miami is in a good spot to compete on an annual basis moving forward. “I gotta tip my cap to what Mario Cristobal’s built at Miami,” Klatt said. “If the [Darian] Mensah transfer works for them, they’ll be back in this capacity. Maybe not all the way to the championship game, but they’re going to be a very good football team because that’s what he builds.” 8. Kalani Sitake, BYU Klatt knows that this one might “surprise some people,” but he wants you to consider this: only two head coaches have more wins than Sitake since 2020. “I’m a huge fan of Kalani Sitake,” Klatt said. “Penn State wanted Kalani Sitake and almost got him earlier in this offseason because they see what I see: a phenomenal football coach and a guy that builds a team in his own image. The team takes on the character of their coach in so many ways — outplay, work, out-physical teams. You can see that at BYU. Would it surprise you to find out that only two head coaches have more wins than Sitake since 2020? Those two are Kirby Smart and Ryan Day. Sitake has 57 wins since 2020. “Sitake is a phenomenal coach and every single year, he builds the same caliber of team, particularly at the line of scrimmage.” 7. Kyle Whittingham, Michigan Klatt admitted that this might be another addition on the list that could surprise some. However, he also wants everyone to understand what he did at Utah in his 21 seasons as its head coach. “You have to understand where he brought Utah from,” Klatt said. “That was a very good job after Urban Meyer and they were on the national stage, but he’s the one that took them from the Group of 5 into the Pac-12 and Big 12. He did a lot of things at Utah and made them a perennial top-15, top-10 team in the country and he did so without the best talent in the country. His teams play exceptionally hard, they’re physical, they’re sound and they’re well-coached.” Utah went 177-88 during Whittingham’s tenure, logging five 10-plus-win seasons after the Utes made the jump from the Mountain West to the Pac-12. 6. Steve Sarkisian, Texas Klatt shared that he contemplated placing Sarkisian higher and lower, wanting to reward him for bringing stability back to Texas while recognizing that the Longhorns underwhelmed this past season. “I thought this was a good middle ground,” Klatt said. “As much as I think we, and certainly the Texas fanbase, believe that you can roll the helmets out there and Texas is just going to win 10 games, that’s just not the case. We saw that for at least a decade.” Prior to Texas’ underwhelming 2025 campaign, Sarkisian led the Longhorns to two straight semifinal appearances in the College Football Playoff. So, Klatt thinks that’s too big to ignore, but also thinks that Sarkisian might need to make a sacrifice in order to help Texas get over the hump. “Steve has solidified Texas,” Klatt said. “I think he’s one of the great game planners of college football. I think he’s one of the great playcallers in college football. You could make the argument that he might need to give up playcalling duties at some point if he wants to achieve what he ultimately wants, which is a national championship. That’s really hard for a guy at that level. Ryan Day gave up playcalling duties and won a national championship.” 5. Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame When Brian Kelly left Notre Dame for LSU at the end of the 2021 season, some thought that the Fighting Irish could no longer attain the talent needed to compete for a national championship. But after Notre Dame made it to the title game in the 2024 season, Klatt believes that’s not the case. Klatt pointed to Freeman as the big reason why Notre Dame seems to be a perennial national title contender. “He’s elevated the talent in South Bend,” Klatt said. “There’s a reason the NFL’s been sniffing around on this guy. There were talks that the Giants wanted Marcus Freeman at one point. Notre Dame was smart to redo his deal back in December. He’s just 40. The guy, to me, is class, integrity, toughness and his teams are physical. I think he’s learned along the way.” 4. Dan Lanning, Oregon Lanning is the highest-ranked coach on this list who has yet to win a national championship, but Klatt believes that he’ll break that glass ceiling soon. “I’ve said for a long time that if I had to buy stock in a coach, it would be Dan Lanning. I still feel that way,” Klatt said. “Oregon is a perennial national championship contender under Lanning. He’s elevated them above what they were before he got there. He’s a phenomenal coach. “Here’s the deal: He’s 48-8 at Oregon, and six of his eight losses are against teams that reached the title game. Four of those losses were to the eventual national champ. He’s lost five games in the last three seasons and every single one was against a team that reached the national championship game. You do not beat Oregon unless you’re one of the best teams in college football. And he’s gaining on those teams.” 3. Kirby Smart, Georgia You can probably guess which coaches are in the top three by this point. While Smart is one of two active college football coaches to have won multiple national championships, Klatt admitted that he put a greater significance on the recency of the national championships won by the coaches ranked in the top two. “It hasn’t been as good in the last two years, but that’s obvious with those back-to-back national championships. It seems like a dip, but that’s because their standards are high,” Klatt said. “They’ve won the SEC the last two years and three of the last four. The only year in the last nine seasons that Georgia wasn’t in the SEC Championship Game was the 2020 COVID season. That’s ridiculous consistency in a really tough conference. Georgia’s the standard in the SEC.” 2. Ryan Day, Ohio State At this point, Day’s record is pretty self-explanatory. He’s gone 82-12 in seven seasons as Ohio State’s head coach, leading Klatt to say that Day has Ohio State at its zenith, which is saying something for a program that’s won nine national championships. “Day has the Buckeyes at the top every single year,” Klatt said. “He’s reached the top two in the AP Poll at some point in every single season that he’s been a head coach. He’s never lost more than two games in a season. He got his national championship in 2024. He had the No. 1 team in college football for most of the season this last year, until they ran into Indiana. Ohio State is the most consistent program in college football, and we’re seeing one of the great eras of Ohio State.” 1. Curt Cignetti, Indiana After Cignetti turned the losingest program in college football history into a national champion in two years, he doesn’t want to hear any argument for another head coach to be placed in this spot. “You can’t put anybody else there. He’s earned this spot,” Klatt said. “When you take the losingest program in the history of the sport and in two years, you win the national championship with that team, it’s not up for debate. He’s No. 1, and it has to be him. “You can make arguments that guys should be higher or lower and maybe there should be guys incorporated on this list. You might be right. But the one that you can’t argue with is Curt Cignetti. He’s proven to be the best talent evaluator in this era of college football.”​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Of the 10 full-time organizations in the INDYCAR Series, six have a different driver lineup for 2026. As the new meets the old, here’s a look at each organization’s 2026 lineup and outlook as an exciting new season embarks Sunday at St. Petersburg (Noon ET on FOX). Chip Ganassi Racing Returning drivers (2025 finish): No. 10 Alex Palou (first), No. 9 Scott Dixon (third), No. 8 Kyffin Simpson (17th) 2025 wins: Palou 8 (St. Petersburg, Thermal, Barber, Indianapolis road course, Indianapolis, Road America, Iowa-2, Laguna Seca); Dixon 1 (Mid-Ohio) Keys To Success: For Palou and his team, it’s trying to find improvements without impacting its dominance — knowing that other teams are working to improve as well. One of those is Dixon, who views his third-place finish in the standings in the scope of Palou’s domination, making it a not so great year for him. Simpson showed significant progress last year and must continue to build. Biggest Hurdle: Not allowing the competition to catch up to Palou. And continuing to use the Meyer Shank alliance to its benefit. Fast Fact: Alex Palou led 778 laps last year, nearly twice as many as the next driver on the laps led list (Josef Newgarden, 393). Arrow McLaren Returning drivers (2025 finish): No. 5 Pato O’Ward (second), No. 7 Christian Lundgaard (fifth), No. 6 Nolan Siegel (22nd) 2025 wins: O’Ward 2 (Iowa-1, Toronto) Keys To Success: Continuing the steady improvement from last year won’t be easy because the gains likely will be more subtle and not as big. For Lundgaard, improvement on the ovals is key, and Ryan Hunter-Reay, who will drive for the team at the Indianapolis 500 could play a pivotal role. Siegel needs to show the improvement as Tony Kanaan has put him on the hot seat. Some new hires in the last year behind the scenes, including Lundgaard’s pairing with strategist Kyle Moyer (formerly of Penske) need to prove to be good moves. Biggest Hurdle: The team has a new shop and consistency in its lineup. Those should translate into more success. If it doesn’t, any quick changes need to be the right ones and not just change for change sake if things aren’t working out. Fast Fact: Last year was the first season where McLaren had two drivers finish in the top-five in the standings since it got back into INDYCAR racing in 2020. Andretti Global Returning drivers (2025 finish): No. 27 Kyle Kirkwood (fourth), No. 28 Marcus Ericsson (20th)New driver: No. 26 Will Power (ninth at Ganassi) 2025 wins: Kirkwood 3 (Long Beach, Detroit, Gateway) Keys To Success: Being more consistent is going to be key for this group. Integrating Power into the program and using what he can bring and putting it into action could determine where they improve. New team principal Ron Ruzewski will need to create an atmosphere where the transition will be smooth. Ericsson, in a contract year, needs to get off to a strong start if he doesn’t want his future questioned. Biggest Hurdle: There are enough new faces that immediate success and major growth might not come as quickly as they hope, and that can frustrate many who are used to winning. Fast Fact: Andretti had three wins in 2025. It seeks its first season with more than three wins since 2018. Meyer Shank Racing Returning drivers (2025 finish): No. 60 Felix Rosenqvist (sixth), No. 66 Marcus Armstrong (eighth) Keys To Success: Building on the first year of the Chip Ganassi Racing relationship, these drivers are among those looking from the jump of being in the top-10 consistently to more top-5 (they had just six top-fives among them last year) and threatening to win. That should come with experience. Biggest Hurdle: Both Rosenqvist and Armstrong have set the bar high and staying there can be tough. They need to have fewer bad days. Rosenqvist ended 2025 with three finishes of 19th or worse among the last five starts. Fast Fact: One of the reasons for their strong 2025 season? Rosenqvist ranked fourth in laps completed last year; Armstrong was sixth. Team Penske Returning drivers (2025 finish): No. 2 Josef Newgarden (12th), No. 3 Scott McLaughlin (10th)New driver: No. 12 David Malukas (11th with AJ Foyt Racing) 2025 wins: Power 1 (Portland); Newgarden 1 (Nashville) Keys To Success: Finding the Penske mojo back. That might seem weird to say, but Penske needs to find its swagger. That comes with fast race cars. But it also comes with cohesiveness and a direction, something it didn’t have amid the administrative upheaval last year. Biggest Hurdle: Not letting any early setbacks send them into a spiral. Frustration could easily set in with this group. If Malukas doesn’t perform well right away, the noise will grow that Penske made a mistake replacing Power. Fast Fact: The last time Team Penske didn’t win more than two races in a season was in 2015. ECR Returning drivers (2025 finish): No. 21 Christian Rasmussen (13th), No. 20 Alexander Rossi (15th) 2025 wins: Rasmussen 1 (Milwaukee) Keys To Success: Continuing progress can be difficult, but this team has shown speed in early testing. The investment from new team co-owner Ted Gelov has shown that money does buy speed. But it also increases expectations. Managing both is critical. Capitalizing on the veteran (Rossi) and up-and-comer (Rasmussen) dynamic is key for team chemistry. Biggest Hurdle: Not letting the good days divert their focus. And not letting the bad days divert their focus. Fast Fact: Rasmussen’s victory at Milwaukee was the first for the organization since Rinus VeeKay won in 2021 on the Indianapolis road course. A.J. Foyt Racing Returning driver (2025 finish): No. 14 Santino Ferrucci (16th)New driver: No. 4 Caio Collet (Indy NXT, second) Keys To Success: Losing Malukas and adding Collet is a big difference when it comes to personality and experience. More consistency is needed, and that could be hard to come by with a rookie, albeit a talented one, in Collet. Biggest Hurdle: Doing the most without the depth of the other organizations and making sure the Penske alliance provides some benefits now that Malukas has moved to Penske. Fast Fact: Ferrucci’s four top-five finishes in 2025 was the most for the team since Eliseo Salazar had four in 2001. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Returning driver (2025 finish): No. 15 Graham Rahal (19th), No. 45 Louis Foster (22nd)New driver: No. 47 Mick Schumacher (Alpine WEC Hypercar) Keys To Success: There were some bright spots in 2025 but not enough of them. Adding Mick Schumacher (replacing Devlin DeFrancesco) brings more excitement … and exposure. The team brought in several new faces behind the scenes and their new processes or approaches will need to work. The good thing is this group of drivers likely has open minds when it comes to new paths. Biggest Hurdle: There are going to continue to be speed bumps for this organization. Keeping everything on the road is critical. Fast Fact: Graham Rahal was one of two drivers to be running at the finish in every race last season. Scott Dixon was the other. Juncos Hollinger Racing Returning driver (2025 finish): No. 77 Sting Ray Robb (25th)New Driver: No. 76 Rinus VeeKay (14th with Dale Coyne Racing) Keys To Success: VeeKay had a strong season last year and is looking to build as the replacement of Conor Daly. If he doesn’t have as strong a start, everyone will wonder if this change was the right one. Biggest Hurdle: This is still a team that is growing and in a bit of transition. That typically means all the days won’t be good. Fast Fact: JHR drivers led laps in four races last year. Dale Coyne Racing Returning drivers (2025 finish): NoneNew drivers: No. 18 Romain Grosjean (Prema reserve); No. 19 Dennis Hauger (Indy NXT champion) Keys To Success: Defining success for this organization would be finishing in the top half of the field more consistently. They have two quite hungry drivers with Grosjean not having a full-time ride last year and Hauger, an Andretti driver, looking to make noise as a rookie (and potentially make an argument he should be in an Andretti car next year). The new drivers replace VeeKay and Jacob Abel. Biggest Hurdle: The team didn’t sign Grosjean until a few weeks ago, a sign that they were still trying to determine the best driver-sponsorship-funding combination. Some patience will be required within the organization and neither of these drivers probably want to be all that patient. Fast Fact: VeeKay’s seven top-10s were the most for a Dale Coyne driver since Sebastien Bourdais in 2019. [WATCH: INDYCAR Drivers Star in Ads Ahead of 2026 Season] Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR and INDYCAR for FOX Sports. He has spent decades covering motorsports, including over 30 Daytona 500s, with stints at ESPN, Sporting News, NASCAR Scene magazine and The (Daytona Beach) News-Journal. Follow him on Twitter @bobpockrass.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Duke’s win against Michigan has propelled the Blue Devils to a familiar perch: No. 1 in The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll. The Blue Devils climbed two spots to top Monday’s poll, marking the 148th appearance at No. 1 to add to what was already the record for any program. Duke (25-2) claimed 56 of 61 first-place votes to supplant Michigan (25-2) after Saturday’s 68-63 win against the Wolverines in Washington. That win came in a matchup of the top two teams in the NCAA men’s selection committee’s preliminary top 16 seeds for March Madness, released hours before the game. The Blue Devils enter this week with a national-best 12 Quadrant 1 wins, along with nine wins against AP Top 25 teams. And now the latest such win has pushed the Blue Devils back to a No. 1 ranking for the second straight season under fourth-year coach Jon Scheyer. Last year’s Final Four team sat atop the last two polls entering the NCAA Tournament, the first time Duke had reached No. 1 since Scheyer took over for retired Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski in 2022. Arizona rose two spots to No. 2 after beating BYU and winning at Houston, and secured the other five first-place votes. Michigan fell to No. 3 as its first appearance at No. 1 since January 2013 turned into a one-week stay, followed by a pair of Big 12 teams in Iowa State and Houston. Besides the 25 ranked teams, 13 others received votes this week. Wisconsin led the way with 47, followed by Saint Mary’s (30), Villanova (15), Miami (10), Utah State (8), NC State (7), SMU (4), Texas A&M (3), Iowa (3), UCF (3), High Point (2), Stephen F. Austin (2) and Navy (1). Here is the full list of 25: 25. Vanderbilt, 21-6, SEC24. Louisville, 20-7, ACC23. Saint Louis, 25-2, A-1022. Tennessee, 20-7, SEC21. Miami (OH), 27-0, MAC20. Arkansas, 20-7, SEC19. BYU, 20-7, Big 1218. North Carolina, 21-6, ACC17. Alabama, 20-7, SEC16. Texas Tech, 20-7, Big 1215. St. John’s, 22-5, Big East14. Kansas, 20-7, Big 1213. Michigan State, 22-5, Big Ten12. Nebraska, 23-4, Big Ten11. Virginia, 24-3, ACC10. Illinois, 22-6, Big Ten9. Gonzaga, 27-2, WCC8. Purdue, 22-5, Big Ten7. Florida, 21-6, SEC6. UConn, 25-3, Big East5. Houston, 23-4, Big 124. Iowa State, 23-4, Big 123. Michigan, 25-2, Big Ten2. Arizona, 25-2, Big 121. Duke, 25-2, ACC The top tier UConn fell one spot to No. 6 after a week that included a home loss to Creighton, while reigning national champion Florida leapt five spots to No. 7 to return to the top 10 for the first time since late November. The Gators were ranked No. 3 in the preseason and spent a week among the unranked in early January. They have won seven straight and 12 of 13. Purdue, Gonzaga and Illinois rounded out the top 10. NCAA selection committee vs. AP Top 25 The selection committee had Michigan, Duke, Arizona and Iowa State as the No. 1 seeds in Saturday’s reveal of the preliminary top 16 seeds. The Cyclones edged UConn and Houston for the fourth 1-seed, with the Huskies’ loss to Creighton and then Iowa State’s head-to-head win against Houston to start last week swinging the vote to T.J. Otzelberger’s squad. Monday’s poll largely aligns with the committee’s reveal, starting with the same four teams at the top in a shuffled order — with Iowa State moving up two spots even after Saturday’s loss at now-No. 19 BYU. In addition, the AP Top 25 and committee align on 15 teams being ranked among those top 16 seeds. The outlier is St. John’s at No. 15 in the AP poll, taking a slot that went to Vanderbilt — with the Commodores seeded 15th overall by the committee Saturday but sliding to No. 25 in Monday’s poll. Rising Alabama had the week’s biggest jump, rising eight spots to No. 17 after a thrilling double-overtime home win against Arkansas and a win at LSU pushed the Crimson Tide’s win streak to six games. Florida had the week’s second-biggest gain, while BYU rose four spots after the Arizona loss and Iowa State win. In all, 11 teams moved up from last week’s ranking. Sliding No. 14 Kansas joined Vanderbilt with the week’s biggest slide of six spots. The Jayhawks are coming off a 16-point home loss to a Cincinnati team that was reeling in early February but has won four straight. The Commodores lost at Missouri and at home to Tennessee last week, falling to 5-6 since a 16-0 start that carried them to a No. 10 ranking as of mid-January. Saint Louis tumbled five spots to No. 23 after last week’s loss at Rhode Island ended an 18-game winning streak, while 11 teams fell from last week but remained in the poll. Status quo Illinois and No. 20 Arkansas were the only two teams to hold their position from last week. Coming and going Tennessee was the lone new addition at No. 22, with the Volunteers beating Oklahoma and Vanderbilt last week to push its winning streak to four games. This starts a third stint in the poll for Rick Barnes’ Volunteers, who fell out for two weeks in mid-January, returned for a week at No. 25 to start February, then were unranked again for the past two weeks. The Vols replaced Wisconsin, which fell out from No. 24 after last week’s loss at Ohio State. Conference watch The Big 12 led all conferences with six ranked teams, while the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference each had five. The Atlantic Coast Conference was next with four, followed by the Big East with two. The West Coast Conference, Mid-American Conference and Atlantic 10 each had one ranked team. The Associated Press contributed to this report.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports