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Ty Gibbs won his first Cup race in his 131st start. Many would have thought it would be sooner, but it’s not rare for a driver to need around 100 starts to earn his first win. Of the 26 full-time Cup drivers who have a win, their average first career win came in their 91st start. There are 10 full-time drivers in Cup who don’t have a win. Only one has fewer than 50 starts and that’s Connor Zilisch. And yet, when looking at the drivers who might get their first career Cup win, he’s near the top of the list. But he’s not at the top. Here’s how I’d rank the drivers who haven’t won and their chances to get their first Cup win this season. 10. Cody Ware (150 starts)Rick Ware Racing No. 51 Chevrolet With one career top-five finish and four consecutive finishes of 31st or worse, Ware’s focus isn’t on winning as much as trying to improve performance. 9. Ty Dillon (289 starts)Kaulig Racing No. 10 Chevrolet With no manufacturer support in Cup, it would take an amazing set of circumstances for Dillon to win a race. He has two career top fives and like Nemechek, he’s looking for his first top-15 finish of the season. 8. John Hunter Nemechek (121 starts)Legacy Motorsports No. 42 Toyota Nemechek has two career top-five finishes but more importantly, for these rankings, the Legacy organization is struggling. Nemechek hasn’t cracked the top 15 this year. 7. Noah Gragson (119 starts)Front Row Motorsports No. 4 Ford Gragson has three career top fives and if he was out front at the end of a drafting-style race, he’d have a shot to win. But he’s still looking for his first top 10 of the season. 6. Todd Gilliland (152 starts)Front Row Motorsports No. 34 Ford Gilliland might have snapped out of a slump with a sixth-place finish at Bristol. He has two career top-five finishes. He’d still be a long shot to win any race. 5. Riley Herbst (52 starts)23XI Racing No. 35 Toyota Herbst doesn’t have a top-five finish in his career, but he is driving arguably the best equipment of any driver on this list. And it did appear he had a shot (albeit a long shot) to win the Daytona 500. 4. Zane Smith (89 starts)Front Row Motorsports No. 38 Ford Smith has shown flashes of brilliance and has consistently performed the best among the Front Row cars. He has three career top-five finishes. 3. Connor Zilisch (11 starts)Trackhouse Racing No. 88 Chevrolet Zilisch will be a threat on the road courses. And he certainly knows how to win; he had 10 victories last year in what is now the O’Reilly Series. He showed he could still win at Bristol when he won the race in that series the day prior to the Cup event. But overall, Trackhouse appears to be a step behind this year and Zilisch’s best career Cup finish is 11th. 2. Ryan Preece (231 starts)RFK Racing No. 60 Ford Preece won the Clash at Bowman Gray and if there were more tracks like that on the schedule, he’d be first on this list. He’s running well, but his teammates (Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher) are, too. And if his organization lands on something at the intermediate or superspeedways, he’s going to have to beat two solid drivers to capture the victory. But with his experience (Preece has seven career top-five finishes), he is the most likely to capitalize on a potential winning moment than any driver on this list. 1. Carson Hocevar (89 starts)Spire Motorsports No. 77 Chevrolet Hocevar and Preece are tied for the most points this year for a driver who has never won a Cup race. If there were more short tracks on the schedule coming up, Preece might be here, but Hocevar appears to have the potential to run closer to the front at more styles of tracks. He has five career top-five finishes. In Second Thoughts, Bob Pockrass offers his opinion on a burning motorsports topic.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers will likely be the second tight end taken in the 2026 NFL Draft, reinventing himself as a pass-catcher with off-the-charts athleticism for his size and earning comps to Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf in the draft process. But becoming a star tight end in college wasn’t the path that Stowers was initially supposed to take to reach the NFL. Five years and three schools ago, Stowers was coveted enough as a quarterback recruit that 247 Sports ranked him as the nation’s No. 12 quarterback, one spot ahead of Jaxson Dart. But persistent shoulder issues, including a torn labrum and the resulting surgery, made it difficult and even painful for him to throw in college, such that he didn’t attempt a pass in two years at Texas A&M. Stowers transitioned to tight end at New Mexico State, then found a new identity there in the last two years at Vanderbilt, catching eight touchdowns this past season and winning the John Mackey Award, given to college football’s top tight end. “I’m so thankful to be where I’m at. I know it’s a blessing to be in this position,” Stowers told me. Position has been a key word in Stowers’ football life, and even now, his combination of size and speed is a rarity. He’s 6-foot-4 and 239 pounds, but also ran the 40 in 4.51 seconds and came within a half-inch of the NFL combine record at any position with a 45.5-inch vertical leap. That’s made some NFL teams wonder if he could be a big receiver instead of a fast tight end, but Stowers just wants to get on the field and make plays. “I can play wherever a team wants me to play,” he said by phone, taking a break between NFL visits. “If somebody wants to line me out wide, I did that at Vanderbilt, and I can stretch the field that way. I played my whole career at Vanderbilt at tight end, so I can obviously do that, too. I’m just a football player. You can put me wherever.” Former Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher had mentioned the possibility of playing tight end to Stowers when he was at College Station. Still, even when he transferred to NMSU, he did so as a quarterback, competing with Diego Pavia for the starting job. He practiced at both positions, but was valuable enough as a backup quarterback that he didn’t go to tight end meetings until late that season, finishing with 35 catches for 366 yards and two scores. When NMSU offensive coordinator Tim Beck left for the same job at Vanderbilt. Stowers and Pavia transferred with him. Stowers thrived at Vanderbilt. When the Commodores knocked off No. 1 Alabama in October 2024, Stowers led the team with six catches for 113 yards. Three weeks later, in a three-point loss to No. 5 Texas, he had a touchdown in the final minute. Pavia finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up in 2025, with Stowers as a top target, totaling 111 catches for 1,407 yards and nine touchdowns in two years at Vanderbilt. “Two years ago, when we beat Alabama, we had a lot of man coverage and we used him as a receiver,” Beck told me. “We played him at tight end, but we put him out wide and motioned him in and found a way to utilize some man-beaters to get him the ball. He’s explosive enough that he’ll continue to get better at some of the twitchier, shorter routes. And with the great vertical he’s got, being able to go up and get footballs, that’s going to get better. I think he’s got a bright future, however they use him.” Stowers wants to make it clear that any talk of him playing receiver shouldn’t be a knock on his blocking, something he’s taken pride in and improved on since becoming a tight end. “The narrative that my blocking is an issue, I feel like anybody that really watches my film from this past year can see I’ve gotten a lot better,” he said. “Anybody that’s saying that really doesn’t know what they’re talking about.” After so much time as a quarterback, Stowers sees the game as a tight end now. His go-to players to watch on tape are Travis Kelce and Hall of Fame Chargers tight end Antonio Gates. Vanderbilt’s offense had a route called “Chief” as a nod to Kelce, one that Stowers had great success in over the last two seasons. “You can tell their understanding of the game is what makes them so good at what they do,” Stowers said. “Kelce, especially, being a former quarterback, I think we’re similar that way. He knows how to read zones, to use leverage to beat man coverage, to use his body to create separation. He’s a quarterback’s best friend, and that’s why he and [Patrick] Mahomes have such good chemistry. Gates used such subtle movements to get open, and I try to learn from that.” Stowers worked this past season with former Vanderbilt and NFL receiver Jordan Matthews, who was an offensive consultant at his alma mater and said he shouldn’t be limited by any positional titles. “Eli has what it takes to be a No. 1 receiving option in your offense, regardless of what letters you put beside his name,” Matthews told me. “Who’s your No. 1 option when you drop back? There were years when I was with the Eagles, [Zach] Ertz was the No. 1 option in the passing game. He has what it takes to be the No. 1 option.” Matthews was picked 42nd overall in 2014, the highest ever for a Vanderbilt pass-catcher, but he thinks Stowers could and should be taken higher next week. “He’s athletic enough to beat any safety, he’s big enough to catch against any corner or nickel, outside or inside, and he’s smart enough to pick up any offense he’s going to be in,” Matthews said. “To me, he’s a first-rounder. He should not go past 42nd. I think it’s very clear how you can implement him in an offense. He’s more than capable.” Matthews said his favorite route for Stowers was an “18-yard dagger,” deep enough to require receiver speed. When Vanderbilt played South Carolina this past year, the Gamecocks had won 16 straight in the rivalry, and when the Commodores faced a third-and-21 trying to preserve the lead in the second half, they called a pass to Stowers, which he caught for a 24-yard gain to move the chains. In terms of size and speed, the NFL tight end that Stowers most closely matches is the Las Vegas Raiders’ Brock Bowers, a 2024 first-round pick who has set tight end records and made the Pro Bowl in each of his two pro seasons. Bowers is 6-4, 235 pounds and ran a 4.55 40, and the parallels come from someone who worked with both of them. “There are so many similarities, it’s crazy,” Darrell Dickey, who was Stowers’ offensive coordinator at A&M and later an analyst at Georgia, told me. “Brock has been playing the position a lot longer, but they’re both extremely fast for a quote-unquote tight end. They both have unbelievable athletic ability. They both have unbelievable work ethics. They’re kind of quiet guys, and they can block. “The ability is there to do the things Brock Bowers has done. They’re very similar, and Eli’s going to continue to grow and has the potential to develop into that type of player.” Both of Stowers’ parents were college athletes, with father Donald playing defensive back at New Mexico State and mother Tina playing volleyball at Baylor. He’s not even the most accomplished athlete in the family, as his sister Kyndal was named Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Championship last fall after leading A&M to a national title in volleyball. Stowers has had official visits with the Tennessee Titans and Dallas Cowboys and met with the Denver Broncos on Tuesday. Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq is expected to be the first tight end drafted, potentially in the middle of the first round. Once Sadiq’s off the board, Stowers should be the next tight end to go off the board, but that might not happen until Day 2. FOX Sports NFL Draft analyst Rob Rang has Stowers ranked 58th on his top 150 draft prospects list, touting the tight end’s athleticism while questioning his strength. Still, Rang mentioned that Stowers is worthy of being a top-50 pick in this year’s class. However, Stowers said he isn’t worried about when he’s picked and will enter the NFL with confidence, regardless. “I feel like I’m the best tight end in the draft,” Stowers said. “Any team that gets me will get a guy that’s going to help their team win in whatever way I possibly can. As long as the team really wants me, that’s a blessing in itself.”​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Jackie Robinson had a forever impact on baseball. On April 15, 1947, Robinson, who was 28, made his MLB debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers. In doing so, he officially broke MLB’s racial barrier, becoming the first black player to compete in the sport in modern history. And what followed was Robinson becoming one of the best infielders of all time, having a Hall of Fame career and MLB honoring his legacy with “Jackie Robinson Day” every April 15, which sees players wear his No. 42. Here’s Robinson’s 10-year MLB career (1947-56) by the numbers. 1A: Robinson won the 1949 National League MVP in a campaign that saw him lead the NL in batting average (.342), wins above replacement (9.3) and stolen bases (37), while totaling a career-high 203 hits and 124 RBIs. 1B: He won the 1947 NL Rookie of the Year Award in a season that saw Robinson post a .297/.383/.427 slash line (batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage), steal an NL-high 29 bases and post 4.1 wins above replacement. 2: Robinson led the NL in stolen bases twice: 1947 and 1949. 3A: The infielder is third in Dodgers’ history with 61.8 wins above replacement. 3B: Robinson led the NL in wins above replacement in three seasons: 1949, 1951 and 1952. 4A: He finished top-10 in NL MVP voting in four seasons: 1947, 1949, 1951 and 1952. 4B: Robinson is fourth in Dodgers’ history with a career .409 on-base percentage. 6: Robinson is sixth in Dodgers’ history with 740 walks. 7A: Robinson is seventh in Dodgers’ history with 947 runs scored. 7B: He earned an All-Star nod in seven of his 10 seasons in the sport. 40: Robinson recorded just 40 strikeouts in 1952, which would be the most strikeouts he posted in a single season. 132: He finished with a career 132 OPS+. 145: Robinson made 145-plus starts at four positions: second base, first base, third base and left field. He also made 33 starts at shortstop. 311: Robinson finished his Dodgers’ career with a combined .311/.409/.474 slash line. 440: He led the NL with a .440 on-base percentage in 1952. 500: Robinson posted a slugging percentage of at least .500 in five of his 10 MLB seasons. 1955: He was part of the Dodgers’ 1955 World Series triumph, the first in franchise history.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Most of the blue-chip prospects in this year’s draft class are defensive players. So, where will they land? Here’s my projection for 10 of the top defenders, all of whom could hear their names called on Day 1 of the draft next Thursday: EDGE/LB Arvell Reese (Ohio State): New York Jets 2025 stats (14 games): 6.5 sacks, 69 tackles (10.0 for loss), 2 pass breakupsMeasurables: 6-foot-4, 241 pounds Reese, a hybrid edge rusher/linebacker, helps the Jets in the pass-rush department — New York traded edge Jermaine Johnson II in March and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams last November — but the former Ohio State star could step in at inside linebacker as needed, too. The Jets’ projected starters there are 37-year-old Demario Davis and former fifth-rounder Kiko Mauigoa. Projected draft slot: No. 2 overall EDGE David Bailey (Texas Tech): Arizona Cardinals 2025 stats (14 games): 14.5 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, 3 PBUs, 3 forced fumblesMeasurables: 6-foot-4, 251 pounds The best pure edge rusher in this year’s draft class, Bailey could form a lethal outside linebacker tandem with veteran Josh Sweat (12.0 sacks last season). Sweat is the only returning Cardinal who had more than two sacks last season. Projected draft slot: No. 3 overall LB Sonny Styles (Ohio State): New York Giants 2025 stats (14 games): 82 tackles (6.5 for loss), 1 INT, 1 sack, 1 FFMeasurables: 6-foot-5, 244 pounds The Giants had the second-worst run defense in the NFL last season (145.3 rushing yards allowed/game), so Styles would slot in alongside free-agent acquisition Tremaine Edmunds to man the present and future of New York’s linebacker spot. A converted safety, Styles is a plus player in coverage, too. Projected draft slot: No. 5 overall S Caleb Downs (Ohio State): Washington Commanders 2025 stats (14 games): 68 tackles (5.0 for loss), 2 INTs, 2 FFs, 1 sackMeasurables: 6 feet, 206 pounds Downs, arguably the best overall player in the draft, would instantly be a weapon and a Swiss army knife in Dan Quinn’s secondary. The Commanders signed veteran safety Nick Cross in free agency, but he doesn’t have a guaranteed salary in 2027. Projected draft slot: No. 7 overall CB Mansoor Delane (LSU): Kansas City Chiefs 2025 stats (11 games): 45 tackles, 2 INTs, 11 PBUsMeasurables: 6 feet, 187 pounds The best cornerback in the 2026 class, Delane could be Kansas City’s CB1 immediately. This offseason, the Chiefs traded All-Pro Trent McDuffie and lost fellow starter Jaylen Watson in free agency, both to the Rams. Projected draft slot: No. 9 overall EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami): Cincinnati Bengals 2025 stats (16 games): 9.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss, 1 INT, 1 FFMeasurables: 6-foot-2, 263 pounds Bain could become the long-term No. 1 edge rusher the Bengals need post-Trey Hendrickson. Cincinnati signed Boye Mafe as a big-ticket free agent, but he had just two sacks in 17 games last season for the Seahawks. Former first-round picks Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart combined for just 6.5 sacks in 2025. The recent revelation that Bain was involved in a 2024 car accident in which a person later died could impact his draft slot, but he’s a top-five talent. Projected draft slot: No. 10 overall DL Akheem Mesidor (Miami): Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 stats (15 games): 12.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, 4 FFsMeasurables: 6-foot-3, 259 pounds The Bucs signed veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad in free agency but still need a young edge rusher in the fold. Mesidor would not only bring production (12.5 sacks for Miami last season) but also the versatility to play multiple spots. Plus, with six years of college experience, he’s more experienced than the typical rookie. Projected draft slot: No. 15 overall S Dillon Thieneman (Oregon): Minnesota Vikings 2025 stats (15 games): 96 tackles, 2 INTs, 5 PBUsMeasurables: 6 feet, 201 pounds Thieneman, one of the top safeties in this year’s draft class, feels like the perfect replacement on paper for Vikings legend Harrison Smith, who’s contemplating retirement. With eight interceptions in college and safety/nickel versatility, Thieneman could make an impact on Day 1 in Brian Flores’ defense. Projected draft slot: No. 18 overall CB Jermod McCoy (Tennessee): Dallas Cowboys 2025 stats: n/a (injured)Measurables: 6-foot-1, 188 pounds The Cowboys need reinforcements at cornerback, with veteran DaRon Bland coming off season-ending foot surgery in December. McCoy missed his final season at Tennessee due to a torn ACL, so Dallas may have to be patient with him. But he’s a CB1 talent, having registered six interceptions and 16 pass breakups across 2023 (at Oregon State) and ‘24. Projected draft slot: No. 20 overall [2026 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 150 Overall Prospects] S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo): Chicago Bears 2025 stats (13 games): 77 tackles (5.5 for loss), 2 INTs (1 pick-6), 5 PBUs, 3 FFsMeasurables: 6-foot-3, 201 pounds After letting Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker walk in free agency, the Bears can’t be content at safety even after signing ex-Seahawk Coby Bryant. McNeil-Warren will bring playmaking potential to Chicago’s back end, as he recorded five interceptions and nine forced fumbles in his college career. Projected draft slot: No. 25 overall​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

The Dallas Cowboys’ draft strategy isn’t much of a secret, or at least it shouldn’t be. They had one of the very best offenses in the NFL last season and a defense that was dead last in points allowed. So yeah, they need to draft defensive players. Lots of them. As many as they can. In fact, every time they’re about to draft an offensive player, someone in their room should ask, “Isn’t there a defensive player we can take instead?” Plugging that big, black hole has to be their priority next week. It’s also their only path back to title contention. So with that in mind, here’s a seven-round mock of how their draft should go, with a focus on … well, you get the idea. RELATED: 2026 NFL Draft Big Board: The Top 150 Overall Prospects Round 1 (No. 12 overall): CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee The Cowboys’ pass defense was ranked 31st last season, and their coverage was as bad as their pass rush. DaRon Bland hasn’t lived up to the promise he showed in 2023 as an All-Pro corner with nine interceptions (he has one pick in 19 games since). And he’s the only one with a lock on a starting spot in the secondary. So assuming the top edge rushers are gone (which will be the case, unless Rueben Bain starts to fall), drafting the 6-1, 188-pound McCoy is a no-brainer. Yes, he missed all of last season with a torn ACL, but he had four picks as a sophomore the year before and NFL teams seem convinced that he’s fully healthy. He may need some patience as he continues his recovery, but he’s the ball-hawk with top coverage skills that the Dallas defense desperately needs. Round 1 (No. 20): Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami The Cowboys have been searching for anyone who can rush the pass rusher since they traded away Micah Parsons, and the situation is even more dire since they chose not to re-sign Jadaveon Clowney (8.5 sacks). Their trade for Rashan Gary helps, but he’s one man (and an inconsistent one). And with two first-round picks, they better come out with at least one player off the edge. Mesidor is a 6-3, 259-yard pass-rush machine who had 12.5 sacks for the Hurricanes last season and 26 in his three years and three games in Miami. He has shown an ability to rush from the interior and off the edge, and is decent against the run, too. He does have a history of foot injuries and will be 25 as a rookie, which is why he should still be available here. But the Cowboys certainly shouldn’t worry about his age, since their window to be a contender again is small. Round 3 (No. 92): CB Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State Yes, another corner. That’s how big the need is there. He’s a strong, 6-2, 189-pounder with good speed and strong coverage skills, and he can be fearless as a run defender. The one big issue that might limit his upside is that he commits an inordinate amount of penalties. The coaching staff will need to tame his handsy tendencies so he doesn’t become a liability. But skills-wise, he can be an immediate third corner and eventually a No. 2, which is big for a team that really only has one. He’s another prospect who will require some patience because the penalty count could be high as a rookie, which will limit the nature of how and when he can be used. But that’s correctable and coachable. If he fixes that, he can be a fixture on the defense for a while. Round 4 (No. 112): LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU He has always been a sure tackler with blazing speed (4.47 40) that makes him a true sideline-to-sideline threat. He had 92 tackles at Cal in 2023 and increased that to 130 with 11 for loss (and four sacks) for TCU last season. Elarms-Orr is probably a bit undersized (6-2, 234), but his speed makes up for that. The bigger problem is scouts don’t see him as very instinctive, mostly because he didn’t play football until high school and wasn’t an inside linebacker until 2023. So there’s a learning curve, for sure. But put a man his size with that speed on the field and he’ll run down a lot of ballcarriers for the Cowboys. Round 5 (No. 152): OL Keagen Trost, Missouri The Cowboys have a good offensive line, but certainly could use some depth and some more young players to develop at the position. Trost, at 6-5, 311 pounds, has the size to go earlier than this, especially since he was an all-SEC blocker last season. But he’s another older prospect who’ll be a 25-year-old rookie after seven collegiate seasons. Add in some inconsistent mechanics, questions about whether he should play tackle or guard in the NFL, and the fact that he didn’t really hit the NFL’s radar until this past season, and not every team will want to invest the time to develop him, especially at his age. But again, the Cowboys’ window is closing. They can take a shot and see if he can give them at least a few good years. Round 5 (No. 177): WR Kevin Coleman, Missouri He’s a speedy and elusive slot receiver, not unlike Kavonte Turpin, and no, this isn’t a big position of need. But the 5-10, 179-pounder not only gives them a backup receiver and returner for Turpin, but it also gives them future insurance considering Turpin is about to turn 30. He is a playmaker who can be a danger on inside passes, but also has the speed and hands to be a downfield threat. If he’s used in the right way, he can be a threat any time he touches the ball. Round 5 (No. 180): Edge Max Llewellyn, Iowa The 6-5, 258-pounder led the Hawkeyes last season with 45 pressures, and he had 12 sacks over the past two seasons. He plays hard and can be a handful for slower tackles when he comes off the edge. But on Day One, he’s probably a situational pass-rusher who needs to improve against the run. He did have 17.5 tackles for loss in 2025, but scouts think that reflects more on his ability to read plays and find gaps than his explosiveness and strength. It won’t be nearly as easy for him to do that in the pros. Round 7 (No. 218): DT Tim Keenan, Alabama The Cowboys are top-heavy at defensive tackle with Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, but they were comfortable enough with their situation to trade away Osa Odighizuwa. What they do need at this spot is depth and some young talent, and Keenan could fill both. He’s a 6-1, 327-pounder who can clog lanes in the rushing defense. He won’t do a lot more than that at first, but there’s an upside to him, and he’s known as a team-leader and a hard worker. That’s worth a shot in the seventh round.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

We all know that Fernando Mendoza is the top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, with the Las Vegas Raiders almost certainly set to select him with the No. 1 overall pick. But who are the other top quarterbacks in this year’s draft class? Well, that’s much harder to gauge. In my ranking of the top 150 prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, I only have three quarterbacks projected to be selected in the first two days of the draft. There is some intriguing quarterback talent, though, that could go early in Day 3. So, who are the top quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft? Here are my top seven. 7. Drew Allar, Penn State A classic dropback passer with an ideal frame and arm, Allar offers the basic building blocks worthy of developing. 6. Cole Payton, North Dakota State With only one year as a starter, Payton is as raw as it gets. But the 6-foot-3, 232-pound southpaw has plenty of arm and is a powerful and instinctive runner. 5. Taylen Green, Arkansas He’s easily the biggest and most athletic of this QB class, yet lacks his counterparts’ accuracy. Thus begs the question: If a team is looking to develop a signal-caller, why not gamble on the one with the highest upside? 4. Carson Beck, Miami (Fla.) In some circles, Beck might be better known for his mistakes than his successes, but he’s battle-tested, a gifted natural passer and offers prototypical size. He is one of the few QBs in this class with a realistic shot of eventually being an NFL starter. 3. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU A propensity for risky throws and an injury-marred senior campaign are clear red flags, but Nussmeier has the grit, smarts and arm talent required for NFL success. He may never prove to be a frontline starter in the NFL, but he should carve out a long career, justifying a Day 2 selection. 2. Ty Simpson, Alabama Simpson, a former 5-star recruit, torched the SEC for 28 touchdowns and a conference-leading 3,567 yards in his lone season as a starter in Tuscaloosa, showing the pro-caliber accuracy to project as a future NFL starter. The traits were obvious during the throwing session at the Combine, all but cementing his position as the No. 2 quarterback in this class. Simpson has a quick release, plenty of zip and excellent touch to make every NFL throw — but there were some “deer in the headlights” moments on his game tape. Moreover, the track record of quarterbacks selected in the first round with 20 or fewer starts (Simpson has 15) is a bright red flag. 1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Mendoza doesn’t possess the strongest arm of this class, nor is he the most dynamic running threat. He is, however, the consensus top quarterback, offering an exceptional blend of anticipation, accuracy and poise to project as a longtime, high-level NFL starter.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

The Orioles faced a six-run deficit and a manager nursing a foul ball to the face when things were at their lowest on Monday night. The Diamondbacks had hammered two Baltimore pitchers for seven runs in six innings. Orioles manager Craig Albernaz had exited the dugout after a foul ball off the bat of his No. 8 hitter, Jeremiah Jackson, struck his cheek and left a bloody laceration. As bleak and hopeless as all this was, the Orioles didn’t let it get to them. They had 12 outs to fight, claw back and rally, but they only needed nine. Baltimore started chipping away in the bottom of the sixth. They wanted at least a couple of big hits to mount a resurgence. Fittingly, none other than Jackson delivered a grand slam to cut the O’s deficit to 7-6. Albernaz hugged Jackson, who atoned for his frightening foul ball accident. Things were looking up. Still, the toughest challenge remained. Getting close is one thing, and taking the lead is another. For that, Baltimore would need a hero. Who else but Pete Alonso completed the comeback with a two-run home run in the seventh inning. Alonso resurrected the Orioles with an 8-7 lead in his signature absurd style, by hitting a dinger to the only person in the stadium wearing a polar bear head because, of course, he did. Alonso, the O’s new Polar Bear, turned toward his dugout, leaped into the air, and let out weeks of pent-up emotion and frustration before starting his home-run trot. For good measure, Jackson belted a solo shot in the eighth inning to pad Baltimore’s lead. Closer Ryan Helsley efficiently took care of business in the ninth, securing his league-leading fifth save of the year for a thrilling, come-from-behind 9–7 Orioles win. For the first time in a long time, the magic returned to Camden Yards. Moments like these were the reason the O’s signed Alonso to a mammoth five-year, $155 million contract this past offseason. They were eager to make the second-largest total financial commitment in Orioles history for Alonso, hoping he would be the answer in high-leverage situations and the veteran leading by example. It didn’t click right away for the slugging first baseman. Adversity and pressure crept into his psyche. On Friday, Alonso faced the media in a somber mood. He fought back tears. His voice wavered. In an eight-game stretch beginning April 3, Alonso went 2-for-31 with one RBI and no home runs. He had only one long ball in his first 15 games with the Orioles. His batting average plummeted to .167, and his slugging percentage dropped to .259. He was frustrated. He vowed to be better, more consistent. He badly wanted to turn it around. Now, the five-time All-Star is heating up. In Sunday’s 6-2 win over the Giants, Alonso went 2-for-4 with a double, a walk, two RBI and a run scored. In Monday’s win over Arizona, he went 2-for-3 with another double, a walk, two RBI, and two runs scored, including that energizing go-ahead home run. When Alonso is the engine of the lineup, he’s a stabilizing force that the rest of the offense can build around. He sets the tone. Now, we’ve seen how powerful the Orioles could become with a little maturity and belief. Despite a slew of injuries and persistent questions about the pitching staff, the Orioles have managed to win six of their last seven games. The young core is stepping up alongside Alonso. Good teams can overcome their weaknesses without letting the early part of the season spiral and devolve into a dilemma that’s more concerning than it needs to be. The O’s have 13 players on the injured list. But nobody could tell by the time Helsley pounded his glove on Monday night to secure the comeback win. Ace Zach Eflin exited his 2026 debut on March 31 with right elbow discomfort. A week later, his season ended after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Designated hitter Ryan Mountcastle sustained a left foot fracture and is expected to miss significant time. Second baseman Jackson Holliday is recovering from right hamate surgery. Outfielder Tyler O’Neill is on the concussion list. Over the weekend, catcher Adley Rutschman hit the IL with ankle inflammation. Right-handed reliever Andrew Kittredge is dealing with shoulder inflammation. Injuries plagued the Orioles last season on the way to a last place finish in the American League East. So far, their luck in that department hasn’t been much better. But their ability to be resilient will be a key factor in times of hardship, and what we saw against a competitive Arizona club — being unfazed by a pair of Nolan Arenado home runs, including a three-run blast — was an encouraging turning point that has Orioles fans buzzing. If Alonso continues producing at a high level, then the O’s are on a playoff-caliber trajectory. If shortstop Gunnar Henderson continues his stellar start to the season — including five home runs and a .911 OPS in 16 games — and the supporting cast takes steps forward, then the O’s are a dangerous team. Still, remaining questions have to be addressed about Baltimore’s shaky pitching staff. Will they survive without Eflin? Who will step up without their ace? So far, O’s starters have allowed 40 runs in 80 innings, which is ranked 17th, or slightly below average, in the major leagues. Baltimore’s bullpen, for all its legitimate concerns entering the season, has been surprisingly solid. The relief corps ranks in MLB’s top 10 in ERA, fWAR, and strikeout percentage. Plus, there are a handful of relievers on the O’s IL, indicating this encouraging group will only get stronger. Bullpens are volatile, but what their arms have shown early on is a positive foundation for the rest of the season. So far, the Orioles are imperfect — but explosive. Monday’s huge victory was a microcosm of their initial identity. With Alonso leading the charge, Baltimore is hinting at something bigger. It was the kind of win fans have been dreaming about for months. While their confidence is still growing, the O’s magic is back. “In The Dugout” is where we provide an insider’s view on the biggest and best storylines surrounding MLB’s top players and teams. Deesha Thosar covers Major League Baseball as a reporter and columnist for FOX Sports. She previously covered the Mets as a beat reporter for the New York Daily News. The daughter of Indian immigrants, Deesha grew up on Long Island and now lives in Queens. Follow her on Twitter at @DeeshaThosar.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has found himself making the media rounds with the NFL Draft kicking off April 23, as all eyes are on star Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love. Freeman has consistently praised Love, as he projects as one of the top players in the class. Love has frequently been connected to the New York Giants throughout the draft process. The Giants also expressed interest in speaking with Freeman earlier this offseason about their head coaching opening, a connection that added another layer when he appeared on Up & Adams with Kay Adams on Tuesday morning. Freeman also spoke about what it would have meant to coach Love at the next level. “That was the intriguing part,” Freeman said. “Knowing that you got one of the best players in the country that’s going to have an opportunity to be one of those top five picks, but I’m as happy as can be, but I’m excited for him and many other guys to show what they can do at the next level.” [Marcus Freeman on Jeremiyah Love: ‘He’s a Unicorn’] Even with Freeman eventually passing on the NFL to remain with the Fighting Irish, his constant praise of Love hasn’t stopped. It’s not necessarily about the talent that Love could bring to an NFL team, but it’s about the person he is on and off the field. “Just the authentic person that he is,” Freeman said. “You see the football player and the special talent that he has, but he’s such a unique individual. A great young man that has an innocence about him that just enjoy life.” Love has become a central figure in what Freeman is building at Notre Dame and his departure will be felt well beyond the stat sheet. Freeman pointed to the leadership and presence Love brings as the biggest void the program will have to replace. “You miss him because he brings a certain energy to the people around him,” Freeman said. “It might not be about what he says. It’s just how he goes about his life, his business and you’re going to miss him. He’s definitely going to leave a hole in our program.” [2026 NFL Draft: Why Jeremiyah Love’s Talent Transcends Value of RB Position] Love has anchored the Fighting Irish backfield over the past two seasons, turning 362 carries into 2,497 yards and 35 touchdowns. During his time in South Bend, Love established himself as one of the most productive running backs in the country. “Jeremiyah is a guy that could have got the ball every single play, but that’s not what’s best for him or the team,” Freeman said. “I’m excited to see when he’s featured in an NFL program and what he’s going to do at that level because I think he’s going to be really successful.”​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Dystany Spurlock lives to go fast. Spurlock is a 34-year-old driver who has competed in motorcycle drag racing and most recently attempted stock-car racing on the NASCAR regional level. She made her debut in March 2026 in the ARCA East Series and finished seventh at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway. Spurlock, the first Black woman to compete at the NASCAR regional level, followed that up with a 12th-place finish at Rockingham. Prior to the Rockingham race, Spurlock talked to me about her path and ambitions and about her name, which is pronounced “Destiny.” FOX Sports: Who is Dystany? Spurlock: I am a motorsports racer. And I say motorsports because I not only race motorcycles in NHRA pro stock, but I also debuted in NASCAR ARCA Menard’s Series this year. How would your friends and family describe you? They would describe Dystany as a big ball of energy, super adventurous. Someone who loves to do anything fun, with a little danger at the end. Even in your 30s, do you have the same energy as you did in your 20s? Absolutely. Same person. If you go back and look at my videos, I haven’t changed a bit. I heard you played high school football? Yes, I played football in middle school and high school. I played corner and safety. And, no, I was not the kicker. And why were you playing corner and safety? Because I was super fast. And I love a challenge. So I didn’t want to just catch the ball. I wanted to play both sides. Were you accepted? Were people like, “I’m going to be able to run right by her and she’s not going to be able to catch me?” What was it like? It was difficult because you had the coaches that didn’t want me to play, but they couldn’t deny me because I was fast. And then you had the guys on the team that didn’t want to get hit by a girl. But at the end of the day, they accepted me. If you can hit the opposing team or knock down a pass better than the others, they were going to want you to play, right? Absolutely. And it was funny, because they [the opponents] didn’t know who I was because because I had short hair. So they will be looking through the helmets trying to find me until I said something, then they knew who I was. Did you talk smack? I never talked smack. But if I did hit them and knock them down, I’d look at them say, “You got hit by a girl.” And how did you get to drag racing? I got into drag racing because of my godfather. At 12 years old, I went to the track, and that’s when I found out about drag racing. I told my mom, “I want to race.” So at 16, she got me my first bike, and I started racing. Which track? My first track was Virginia Motorsports Park. And what is it about drag racing that you like? The speed. I love that adrenaline rush. But I’ve been doing it so long now, everything feels so slow. But I still love it. And did you ever want to get into like a pro stock or Top Fuel or funny car? Sign me up for Top Fuel. I would definitely do it. Why stock cars? And why now? Stock cars because I grew up two miles from the Richmond International Raceway. My poppy is the one who got me into it at about a young age, around [age] five. So I always knew I wanted to get into it. It was a part of me from birth. And I just didn’t know how to. But now we’re here. I’m forever grateful, and we’re going to continue to rock it out and do so well. What was the most eye-opening experience about Hickory? Hickory was challenging. You really had to drive that track. There was no time where you could slack, because if you did, your day was over. So I would just say how tricky the track was, learning each turn, each corner. But I did amazing. So you get lapped once, you get the free pass. You get lapped again, and then they make some adjustments to the car and you were good. What was that like? Me being a lap down, that was never a thing to me because my goal was to learn as much as possible. But once I got the lucky dog and was able to get back on the lead lap, I tried to make sure I stayed there as much as possible. And in the first half of the race, my car was so loose. So once we came in, I let them know that they should tighten it up. And it was perfect. We were right on the money. But overall, I had a rocket. And I think if I had more experience, I probably would have finished top three. But I’ll take seventh for my first go out. So you played high school football, you do drag racing, you’re doing stock cars. What other things have you done that people would be like, “I didn’t know that she did that?” I was a flight attendant for Delta Airlines for about three years. I also drive tractor trailers, so I have my CDL. And, no, I don’t drive automatic trucks; they were definitely 15-speeds, 18-speeds. I snowboard, I ride horses, I raced Formula 4 for a little bit for Skip Barber. I do so much, but that’s the gist of it. Have you ever gone faster in a tractor trailer than you have in a stock car? Can you say? I’m going to say, “No.” Of all those, where do you feel people accept you the most? Was there anything that you were like, “Oh, I don’t know about this?” Being a flight attendant. That’s easy. But everything else, it’s pretty much male-dominated. So they look at me, they’re like, “You’re this small little girl. It’s no way you can do this.” And then when I do it, they’re like, “Oh, okay, well, you proved me wrong.” I’m on airplanes every week, so I have to ask about who’s the rudest — airplane passengers, boys you played football against or stock-car racers? Football players were the meanest ones for me. I guess because they’re so big and masculine, and they’re like, “You’re a girl, you cannot play football, we’re going to run you over.” So they gave me the hardest time. Anybody tell you that you can’t do drag racing or you can’t race stock cars? Of course. I’ve gotten that all the time, especially nowadays. I’ve heard people say she needs to just stick to drag racing. But the thing is, I’m sticking to what I love, and that’s motorsports. So I can do both, and I will continue to do both and learn as much as I can in both. You’re too old to be an ARCA East driver (where most of the drivers are younger)? I’ve heard that before, too. And that’s totally fine, because guess what? I’m out here. I’m running just as well as the ones that have been racing since they were 5 years old. So I’m the prime example of never giving up on your dreams, and you can do whatever you put your mind to. Is your family encouraging? Or are they like, “can we just do something a little more safe?” No, my family has always been very supportive, very encouraging of whatever it is that I wanted to do. My mom told me at 4, never be that kid that sat in the back of the classroom that said, “I wish I would have volunteered.” So since she told me that, I’ve gone out and tried everything that I thought I wanted to do, and having my family support and being right there with me was huge for me. And I think that’s why I’ve gotten so far to where I am today because of them. Do you feel like you were more of a trailblazer playing football or doing this? That’s hard [to answer]. I don’t know. Because at that time, there had not been many girls at all …16 years ago. And so I was unheard of there [in football]. And then here, you haven’t seen another woman of color in this space yet. So I would say for the times and where they happen, they’re about equal. How do you handle wanting to be looked at as a race-car driver, as opposed to a Black woman race-car driver? At the end of the day, you can look at me and tell that I am Black. But at the same time, there’s so many people that don’t think that women or people of color can do this. So for me to be that example and do it well, I’m very grateful. I’m so honored to be here to do this. And it also opens up other opportunities when they see me. So maybe they might not want to be a racer. Maybe they want to be on a pit crew, maybe they want to do something in tech within the space. So it just opens up their minds to things that they can do. Why were you a flight attendant? Why were you driving tractor trailers? Is that just to make a living, or was there something about those things that like, “OK, this is fun and I can make a living?” It was definitely fun because I cannot do something that does not make me happy. So I love what they were. And then the amount of money that I made from them allowed me to be able to support myself in my racing career as well. So there was always a plan. And what would be the goal two years from now, three years from now, four years from now? Or do you not look that far ahead? I absolutely look that far. And my goal would be to be in Cup. Hopefully in Year 3, but again, there’s no rush on it because I want to continue to learn as much as possible. But I think we can make it happen. Did you have any role models? Who do you look up to when you talk about never giving up on your dreams? My role model is my mom. She’s truly my best friend. I’ve been stuck to her hip since birth. So my mom is my biggest cheerleader. And she has always believed in me. So with that being said, I continue to go after what it is that I want, and I want to give her the world at the end. Did you ever ask her if you’re going to call me ‘Destiny’ to at least spell it the way most people do, or do you like the fact that it’s spelled a little different? I love that my name is different. The two Ys is everything for me. Because it’s really my personality. I’m different, just like my name.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

If you’ve perused any NFL mock drafts this offseason, you’ll see a familiar theme in the first half of many of them: There are a handful of Ohio State Buckeyes — and that is no mistake, according to NFL Network lead draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah. In the latest episode of “The Joel Klatt Show,” Jeremiah put Ohio State’s recent run of producing top NFL prospects in historical perspective, saying only one other program might have had a comparable stretch. “The only one I can compare it to is the Miami run in the early 2000s. That was a period where, almost every year, we were seeing four first-round guys and then running that depth all the way through,” Jeremiah said. “But it’s not only that [Ohio State] has dudes … but these guys are having success at the NFL level, too. It’s not like it’s some overhyped group or a program that’s living off their reputation. These guys are getting drafted high, and rightfully so. They’re playing really well at the next level.” To Jeremiah’s point, nearly all 10 Buckeyes selected in the first round over the last four drafts have found success at the NFL level. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2022, while Jaxon Smith-Njigba won Offensive Player of the Year this past season. Quarterback C.J. Stroud had one of the best rookie seasons ever for a quarterback in 2023 and has led the Houston Texans in all three seasons he’s been with the team. In the 2026 draft, Ohio State will almost certainly add four more players to its ever-growing list of the most first-round picks produced by a program. Edge rusher Arvell Reese, wide receiver Carnell Tate, linebacker Sonny Styles and safety Caleb Downs are not only apparent locks to go in the first round, but all four might also be top-10 picks. FOX Sports lead college football analyst Joel Klatt pointed to Tate as the reason why Ohio State’s 2026 draft class has the potential to be historic. “Carnell Tate wasn’t even the best receiver on his own team in college and is likely going to be the No. 1 wide receiver taken in this draft,” Klatt said. “All of us, me included, and I’m sure you as well, believe that because he’s from that lineage and he showed what he did at the college level, he’s likely to have a lot of success and be in the top 10 in this draft.” While Tate might have been outshined by Jeremiah Smith at wide receiver during his Ohio State tenure, he still had a productive career in Columbus. He logged over 1,500 receiving yards and had 13 receiving touchdowns in his last two seasons, putting up some of those numbers while also playing alongside Tampa Bay Buccaneers standout Emeka Egbuka. Tate, who Klatt has going to the New York Giants at No. 5 in his most recent mock draft, has a chance to become the sixth Ohio State wide receiver to be selected in the first round in five drafts. But can Ohio State’s draft class make history? Michigan State was the last program to have four top-10 picks in the same year, doing so in 1967. Reese has been a top-five pick in just about every mock draft, while Tate has been a top-10 pick in the majority of mock drafts, too. Styles and Downs, on the other hand, play positions that typically don’t receive top-10 value and seem like toss-ups to be selected in the top 10. Jeremiah made a strong case for both players to be top-10 picks, pointing to two teams picking in the top five (Tennessee Titans and Giants) who should be willing to draft Styles. “If you are [Titans head coach Robert] Saleh and you’ve seen and coached [San Francisco 49ers linebacker] Fred Warner and know what Fred Warner can do in that scheme and how impactful he can be with what he does, you should have no problem taking him with the fourth overall pick,” Jeremiah said. “If you’re the New York Giants and you’re looking at Sonny Styles, the future of [the NFC East] … is Jayden Daniels. How do you defeat Jayden Daniels? I like to have guys at the second level that can get to him on the perimeter when he decides to go, and then also have the length and range when they try to go RPO and go in the middle of the field. We can clog all of that with all of our size, length and athleticism. He’s the perfect player to try and defend someone like that. “Having a player at that level who can do all that stuff and handle all the communication on top of it — I can make a very strong argument for [Styles] in those places.” As for Downs, Jeremiah didn’t seem as sure that the All-American safety will be a top-10 pick, but he thinks the Cincinnati Bengals could be a good fit for him at No. 10. “When you get to Downs, I tell everybody it’s not a lock that he’s going to go top 10,” Jeremiah said. “We live in a world where Derwin James somehow didn’t go in the top 10 or Kyle Hamilton didn’t go in the top 10 and we just saw [Nick] Emmanwori go in the second round. In terms of how high he goes, it’s a little more difficult to project. “But, when I’m looking at specific teams, and I’m looking at Cincinnati and where they are as a team and I’m thinking, ‘OK, this is the worst rush defense in the NFL.’ Then, you say, ‘Why the heck are they taking a safety.’ I think he can impact the run defense as much as he does the passing game. I think he’s that impactful.” What could also hurt Downs’ case to be a top-10 pick is the relative depth at safety in this draft class. Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman and Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren are also potential first-round picks. But Klatt believes that Downs is at least an echelon above those two players. “His margin [in the pass game] against those guys is kind of like, ‘OK, I like his instincts a bit more,’” Klatt said of Downs. “But then you put their cut-ups against one another and even other safeties against the league, in terms of instincts against the run, playing low and playing in that joker position they had him playing in a lot … he plays like another linebacker, even at his size. The margin he has above those players when it comes to run fits and instinct in the run game grows, at least in my estimation.”​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports