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2026 NFL Mock Draft: The Perfect Pick for Each Team

One of the most complicated elements in writing mock drafts is recognizing that every NFL team has a point where they will break away from obvious needs to take the “best player available.” The purpose of this mock is to ignore that possibility entirely. It is taking the K.I.S.S. approach — “keep it simple, stupid” — to a mock draft by erasing each team’s biggest hole with their selections. This mock does not take perceived value into account. There will be “reaches” and, perhaps, perceived unrealistic drops, because we aren’t projecting trades here. We’re just filling each team’s biggest area of concern with an ideal schematic match. FIRST ROUND 1. Las Vegas RaidersBiggest need: QBPerfect fit: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Blessed with prototypical size, impressive arm talent and a championship pedigree, Mendoza is as close to a guarantee to go No. 1 overall as we’ve seen in years. He is a clean schematic fit in Klint Kubiak’s version of the West Coast Offense and, just as importantly, is an even cleaner fit for Las Vegas, from an intangible perspective. Signing Kirk Cousins, 37, only lessens the pressure on the rookie to start immediately, providing Las Vegas with a helpful launching pad to help Mendoza rocket to stardom at a manageable pace. 2. New York JetsBiggest need: WRPerfect fit: Carnell Tate, Ohio State Garrett Wilson was the only receiver currently on the Jets roster to catch a touchdown pass in 2025, and make no mistake — the 10th overall pick of the 2022 draft was hardly dominant last year, scoring just four times. Obviously, improved play at quarterback is also required, but there isn’t a QB in the NFL who could be successful with the Jets’ current anemic receiving corps — Geno Smith, included. The Jets should strongly consider peddling some of their picks for the Eagles’ A.J. Brown, but Tate also profiles as a No. 1 target. 3. Arizona CardinalsBiggest need: Front-seven difference-makerPerfect fit: Arvell Reese, Ohio State The Cardinals are complicated. Clearly, the most important position long-term is at quarterback, and no one should view 31-year-old journeyman Elijah Wilkinson as the future at right tackle, either. But unless Zaven Collins suddenly lives up to his first-round selection, the Cardinals’ biggest immediate need is at edge rusher. Josh Sweat was the only defender currently on Arizona’s roster to record more than two sacks a year ago. Reese is arguably the best player in this class. If the Cardinals are going to climb out of the cellar in the NFC West, they need multiple franchise-changers. Reese could be one. 4. Tennessee TitansBiggest need: Interior OLPerfect fit: Vega Ioane, Penn State Look, I told you there were going to be reaches! At No. 4 overall, I think the Titans can’t go wrong if they select an insta-star such as Jeremiyah Love or Sonny Styles. Both plug-and-play options will likely be available and are clear upgrades over Tony Pollard and Cody Barton, respectively. However, I don’t see either RB or MLB as much of a need as added stability on the interior of the offensive line, where the Titans brought in center Austin Schlottman from the Giants in free agency (four career starts) and Cordell Volson, who was cut by the Bengals after he missed 2025 with shoulder surgery. The Titans should be protecting Cam Ward at all costs, and Ioane is viewed by some as the best blocker of this class. 5. New York GiantsBiggest need: RBPerfect fit: Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame Given that the Giants finished last year fifth in rushing yards and tied for fourth in rushing touchdowns, listing running back seems silly. But with all due respect to an already solid Giants RB corps, Love is just a different level of athlete. Placed in a run-heavy offense like the one the Giants will employ again next season again with John Harbaugh now calling the shots, Love offers more immediate impact than any other player in this class. 6. Cleveland BrownsBiggest need: LTPerfect fit: Francis Mauigoa, Miami The Browns prioritized their offensive line during the offseason, signing Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson and trading for Tytus Howard. Left tackle, however, remains a concern with current projected starter Dawand Jones missing time in each of his first three seasons. Some think Mauigoa’s best position in the NFL will be at guard. I think in Todd Monken’s offense, he’d stay at left tackle and be a star, with the Browns uniquely suited to maximizing his ceiling with the daily tutoring sessions he’ll be receiving from Myles Garrett in practice. 7. Washington CommandersBiggest need: SecondaryPerfect fit: Caleb Downs, Ohio State The Commanders have adequate players in free-agent signee Nick Cross and Will Harris currently slated to start at safety, but neither has thus far proven to be the kind of difference-maker Dan Quinn enjoyed in previous stops in Seattle, Atlanta and Dallas. Downs is as good as this class gets, showing the instincts and athleticism to be an immediate star. 8. New Orleans SaintsBiggest need: WRPerfect fit: Denzel Boston, Washington No one needs to remind former quarterback Kellen Moore that signal-callers are often only as good as the talent around them. The Saints have a dynamic young receiver in Chris Olave, but little after that. A classic split end with great size, soft hands and impressive agility, Boston is a better version of Devaughn Vele — New Orleans’ current No. 2. Boston’s size and ability to contribute as a run blocker and on special teams might make him an especially good fit for the Saints over some of the other, flashier receivers available. 9. Kansas City ChiefsBiggest need: CBPerfect fit: Mansoor Delane, LSU Given the quarterback talent in the AFC West, the Chiefs cannot afford to get too cute at cornerback with last year’s starters Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson now playing for the Los Angeles Rams. Delane is the top prospect at the position this year, combining smooth athleticism and terrific route anticipation. 10. Cincinnati BengalsBiggest need: EdgePerfect fit: Rueben Bain Jr., Miami The Bengals have a much more impressive roster than their recent records indicate, no thanks to injuries to Joe Burrow in 2023 (wrist) and 2025 (turf toe). There is a lot of talent here but few proven dudes — at least on defense — who leave rival playcallers nervous. From a violence perspective, Bain just might be the dude of this class. His aggressive playing style and leadership could spark what, at least thus far, has been an underperforming group of highly drafted prospects along Cincinnati’s defensive line. 11. Miami DolphinsBiggest need: WRPerfect fit: Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State Someone should check on Malik Willis. A few weeks after he signed a three-year, $67.5 million deal with Miami, the team traded away Jaylen Waddle and the club apparently has no interest in bringing back Tyreek Hill. Tyson has missed action each of the past three years and could slip on draft day as a result. When healthy, however, he’s arguably the best pass-catcher of this class. The Fins, meanwhile, need a No. 1 receiver, not just a complementary threat. 12. Dallas CowboysBiggest need: Inside LBPerfect fit: Sonny Styles, Ohio State This exercise shows the lack of value teams place on ILBs in today’s era, with many teams already possessing at least an average starter at the position amid bigger needs, dropping Styles a bit further than his talent warrants. The Cowboys would be a big winner in this case, adding a top-10 talent to push the gifted but injury-prone DeMarvion Overshown. Each of Dallas’ first-round picks should be spent overhauling a defense that allowed an NFL-worst 30.1 points per game. 13. Los Angeles RamsBiggest need: WRPerfect fit: KC Concepcion, Texas A&M Let me be clear: Any receiving corps that includes Puka Nacua and Davante Adams is not actually in need. Inside linebacker and right tackle qualify better in the traditional sense of “need.” But Les Snead has attacked this offseason with a Super Bowl-or-bust mentality. Concepcion scored 28 touchdowns in 38 college games. He drops the ball more than he should, but the ones he holds onto have a way of making it into the end zone, whether as a receiver, runner or returner. I think he could give the Rams a similar jolt to the one Rashid Shaheed provided the Seahawks last year. 14. Baltimore RavensBiggest need: CPerfect fit: Connor Lew, Auburn The loss of three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum to the Raiders in free agency leaves a gaping hole in the middle for a franchise that has always prioritized the line of scrimmage. GM Eric DeCosta spent a first-round pick on Linderbaum back in 2022, and he may be willing to do the same with Lew, this year’s consensus top center. 15. Tampa Bay BuccaneersBiggest need: EdgePerfect fit: David Bailey, Texas Tech YaYa Diaby led the Bucs with seven sacks a year ago and looks ready to jump into double-digits in 2026. Perhaps free-agent signee Al-Quadin Muhammad will be able to duplicate last year’s stunning breakout in Detroit, as well. But with limited depth beyond that and both players free agents after this season, GM Jason Licht should find reinforcements now. Bailey’s lack of ideal size and power makes him a liability against the run and could lead to a drop on draft day. It shouldn’t — Bailey is proven difference-maker — and Licht would be right to boost the Bucs’ aging defensive line should the opportunity present itself. 16. New York JetsBiggest need: DL Perfect fit: T.J. Parker, Clemson Trading away Quinnen Williams and allowing Jermaine Johnson to leave via free agency has left the Jets seeking new answers along the defensive line. Parker offers an ideal combination of pro-ready power and production, yet he’s still just 21 years old. His long-term upside would make a lot of sense for the Jets. 17. Detroit LionsBiggest need: OTPerfect fit: Blake Miller, Clemson At the NFL Annual League Meeting, Dan Campbell suggested that the Lions were “ready” to move their All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell back to the blindside role he played in college, if necessary. Doing that would put Larry Borom in position to start on the right side, but I think there are several candidates in this class who would be better. Miller hasn’t generated as much buzz as some of the other offensive tackles of this class, but he’s a relatively sure thing with 54 career starts and an ideal combination of size, athleticism and technique. 18. Minnesota VikingsBiggest need: FSPerfect fit: Dillon Thieneman, Oregon One could argue that running back is an even greater position of concern for the Vikings, but Thieneman seems like such a clean replacement for longtime Vikings star safety Harrison Smith that new GM Rob Brzeznski shouldn’t overthink things. Thieneman is one of the safest prospects of this class, pairing instincts, ball skills and reliable open-field tackling with top-notch athleticism. 19. Carolina PanthersBiggest need: WRPerfect fit: Makai Lemon, USC It wasn’t surprising to see Bryce Young take major strides in his third NFL season with Tetairoa McMillan emerging as the team’s unquestioned No. 1 target, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. But if Young, McMillan and the Panthers as a franchise are going to continue their ascent, more consistency is needed opposite T-Mac. A savvy route-runner and one of the best after-the-catch weapons in this draft due to his RB-like frame and physicality, Lemon could feast on the one-on-one opportunities he’d receive in this offense. 20. Dallas CowboysBiggest need: CBPerfect fit: Jermod McCoy, Tennessee The Cowboys already boast a true ballhawk in DaRon Bland, while Shavon Revel Jr. flashed as a rookie. But with free agents Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick only signed to one-year deals, Dallas will be drafting a cornerback in 2026 — quite possibly with one of their two first-round picks. Dallas has shown a willingness to draft players coming off of injuries in the past (including Revel), and McCoy has top-20 talent. 21. Pittsburgh SteelersBiggest need: OGPerfect fit: Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon For many, it may feel like a foregone conclusion that Aaron Rodgers will be starting for the Steelers this year, but regardless of who is taking the snaps, the replacement for Isaac Seumalo at left guard is going to have a lot to do with their success, or lack thereof. Pregnon — a four-year starter — would be a plug-and-play fit whose presence might entice Rodgers to return. 22. Los Angeles ChargersBiggest need: DLPerfect fit: Akheem Mesidor, Miami No one prioritizes the line of scrimmage like Jim Harbaugh, and this is the perfect draft to add reinforcements up front. Mesidor gets dinged by some because of his advanced age — he just turned 25 — but remember, this is a Chargers squad that just re-signed 35-year-old Khalil Mack. Clearly, the Chargers understand that age is not as important as production. Mesidor certainly offers that, generating 52.5 tackles for loss and 32.5 sacks over his college career — most among this year’s top-rated defensive linemen, including his more celebrated former Miami teammate Rueben Bain. 23. Philadelphia EaglesBiggest need: A.J. Brown insurancePerfect fit: Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon If the Eagles are able to unruffle AJ Brown’s “feathers,” perhaps GM Howie Roseman can prioritize a non-pass-catcher with this selection. However, even if Brown remains with Philadelphia this year, adding Sadiq would make a lot of sense with veteran TE Dallas Goedert only being brought back the past two seasons on consecutive one-year contracts. Sadiq’s tenacity and explosiveness as a blocker might re-ignite Philadelphia’s tush push, and he’s a bowling ball after the catch, as well. 24. Cleveland BrownsBiggest need: OLPerfect fit: Spencer Fano, Utah The Browns have rebuilt their offensive line this offseason, bringing in three veterans in Zion Johnson, Elgton Jenkins and Tytus Howard. But left tackle remains a concern as Dawand Jones has struggled with durability to this point in his career. One of the most athletic blockers of this class, Fano shouldn’t be available this late, but questions about his best fit in the NFL could push him down the board. 25. Chicago BearsBiggest need: MLBPerfect fit: Anthony Hill Jr., Texas With all due respect, the Bears haven’t really been the “Monsters of the Midway” on defense for quite some time. The last Chicago linebacker selected to the Pro Bowl was both Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs back in 2011, with the former also being the last to make first-team All-Pro 20 years ago. Hill has the range and rush skills to compete for those honors and would give the Bears defense some much-needed teeth. 26. Buffalo BillsBiggest need: ILBPerfect fit: Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech The Bills were buffaloed at the point of attack last season, with not one but two safeties (Cole Bishop and Jordan Poyer) finishing with more tackles than any of the club’s linebackers. It would be a surprise to see Rodriguez go in the first round, but his instincts and playmaking ability would add an immediate jolt to the Bills’ defense, and he won’t be available when their turn comes around again at No. 91 overall. 27. San Francisco 49ersBiggest need: OL Perfect fit: Kadyn Proctor, Alabama Even if Trent Williams returns, the 49ers should be looking for a developmental plan behind him. An upgrade to Colton McKivitz at right tackle wouldn’t be a bad idea, either. Some see Proctor’s ideal spot at guard, and with the 49ers losing Spencer Burford in free agency, the Alabama product could also help there, if Kyle Shanahan preferred. 28. Houston TexansBiggest need: OLPerfect fit: Max Iheanachor, Arizona State Like the Cleveland Browns a few picks earlier, the Texans added three veteran blockers (Wyatt Teller, Braden Smith and Evan Brown) during the offseason. Yet no one should bat an eye if GM Nick Caserio adds even more OL talent in this draft. A relative late-comer to football after spending his high school days focusing on basketball, Iheanachor needs to iron out the wrinkles in his game, but he possesses the size and athleticism to project as a longtime starting tackle in the NFL. 29. Kansas City ChiefsBiggest need: SPerfect fit: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo Kansas City’s rebuild of the secondary started at No. 9 overall with the draft’s top cornerback and continues here with McNeil-Warren, whose combination of size and range could be the ideal counter to the running quarterbacks and versatile pass-catchers at tight end and running back throughout the AFC West. 30. Miami DolphinsBiggest need: CBPerfect fit: Colton Hood, Tennessee With their need for a playmaking receiver addressed with the previous Jordyn Tyson selection at No. 11 overall, GM Jon-Eric Sullivan can focus on the Dolphins’ “other” significant need: cornerback. Like Tyson, Hood possesses the athletic skill set to ultimately rank as the best from his position in the 2026 draft. 31. New England PatriotsBiggest need: EdgePerfect fit: Zion Young, Missouri The Patriots won the AFC despite having only two defenders with more than four sacks (Harold Landry III and K’Lavon Chaisson), and the club lost one of them (Chaisson, as well as underrated run defender Anfernee Jennings) in free agency. New England replaced Chaisson’s speed with a more reliable run defender in Dre’Mont Jones, but reinforcements are still needed. Young’s length, strength and temperament would seem to be a good fit with new coach Mike Vrabel. 32. Seattle SeahawksBiggest need: RBPerfect fit: Jadarian Price, Notre Dame While adding depth at edge rusher and cornerback is also important, replacing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III should be the Seahawks’ top priority in this draft. Unfortunately, this isn’t a deep class at the position, perhaps forcing John Schneider to invest early. Price isn’t as explosive as former Notre Dame teammate Jeremiyah Love, but his instincts and intangibles make him an excellent fit for Seattle. SECOND ROUND (*first pick for teams without a first-round selection) 47. Indianapolis ColtsBiggest need: SPerfect fit: A.J. Haulcy, LSU With a league-low two picks among the first 100, GM Chris Ballard can’t afford a miss early, so nabbing one of the most instinctive players in this class would make sense. The Colts addressed safety in free agency by adding Juanyeh Thomas and Jonathan Owens and also have 2025 seventh-round pick Hunter Wohler, but each has the feel of a depth piece rather than a future high-end starter. Haulcy is a thunderous hitter with a knack for making big plays. 48. Atlanta FalconsBiggest need: WRPerfect fit: Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana It won’t matter much whether it is Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa taking the snaps for the Falcons if an adequate No. 2 wide receiver isn’t brought in to support Drake London. New head coach Kevin Stefanski was ousted in Cleveland in part because of the Browns’ struggles with the passing game. 52. Green Bay PackersBiggest need: DTPerfect fit: Christen Miller, Georgia The Packers boast one of the NFL’s most complete rosters for 2026, but the club should be looking to the future at defensive tackle. Free-agent addition Javon Hargrave looked past his prime last year in Minnesota and former first-round pick Devonte Wyatt has shown more flash than consistency thus far. Without improved play, the Packers will likely pivot from both after this season. Brian Gutekunst has historically prioritized the defensive line on draft day, and he may see another Georgia product in Miller as the perfect complement (and push) to get the most out of a front that surrendered 2,001 rushing yards in 2025. 56. Jacksonville JaguarsBiggest need: DTPerfect fit: Zxavian Harris, Mississippi The Jaguars boast three former top-10 picks on their defensive line in Travon Walker, Josh Hines-Allen and Arik Armstead and yet still ranked just 27th last year in sacks. At a massive 6-foot-8, 330 pounds, Harris won’t be running down many quarterbacks himself, but he can collapse the pocket, cloud passing lanes and block kicks, drawing multiple blockers and freeing up teammates to make splashy plays. With their first pick of the 2026 draft not coming until No. 56 overall, the Jaguars should be looking for potential difference-makers, and Harris could be precisely that. 62. Denver BroncosBiggest need: TEPerfect fit: Max Klare, Ohio State Sean Payton heavily featured the tight end position while head coach of the New Orleans Saints, with players like Jimmy Graham, Taysom Hill and Jared Cook. Last year, the Broncos got a combined three scores from their tight ends. The athletic Klare is a catch-first tight end and would represent an immediate upgrade for Denver.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

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4 Takeaways From Ty Gibbs’ First Career Victory In Cup As He Wins Bristol

Bristol Motor Speedway (Bristol, Tenn.) — The kid finally did it. Make that, the grandkid. Ty Gibbs, grandson of Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs, won his first Cup race in his 131st start, as he led the final 25 laps to capture an overtime victory at Bristol Motor Speedway. It was the 229th Cup victory for Joe Gibbs Racing, which is celebrating its 35th season this year. But it was the first Cup victory by a driver named Gibbs. “It’s a huge deal for us [as a family],” Joe Gibbs said in his post-race news conference. “To have Ty be able to go through everything that he went through — and he went through a lot. Because this is tough, this is tough when you get up here. It’s the best of the best in the world.” His 23-year-old grandson had won races and championships on the way up to the Cup Series but has had a roller-coaster, three-plus-year career at the top level, with two runner-up finishes and 21 top-five finishes. His journey has had its challenges, including his father, Coy Gibbs, dying suddenly the night he won the O’Reilly Series championship in November 2022. The fact he hasn’t gotten into Victory Lane for a team that has a tradition of winning had some critics questioning whether he deserved a ride for the family-owned team. “I feel like I knew I was capable of doing it,” Ty Gibbs said in his post-race news conference. “It’s obviously about putting it together. We’ve had great runs in the past. “People are going to hammer me on my position I’m in. That’s fair. I don’t really care. Just keep working hard. I really love racing, so it’s fun.” Here are my takeaways: 1. Big Win For Ty Gibbs It was a winning drive by Gibbs, who stayed out on old tires and held off Cup champions Ryan Blaney and Kyle Larson, who had pitted with 25 laps remaining (Blaney for four, Larson for two). Blaney had led 190 laps; Larson led 284 laps, but Gibbs had been running near the front. Gibbs didn’t just hold them off one time, he had to do it twice, as a late caution when Kyle Busch turned Riley Herbst resulted in an overtime restart. It was a win that came amid controversy. There’s currently a lawsuit by the team against former competition director Chris Gabehart. Gabehart has alleged that there were a different set of rules for Ty Gibbs than for the other JGR drivers, indicating that Gibbs was not committed. “People can say what they want, can say false things,” Ty Gibbs said. “I don’t really have an issue with it. I’m not big on social media. I just love racing cars. I’m in a blessed position to do this.” 2. Proud Coach Joe Gibbs Joe Gibbs has won Super Bowls as a coach and Cup championships as an owner, but it was a little bit different to see his grandson win. It brought a wave of emotions, as both of his sons who had played roles in the growth of the organization, died at age 49 (J.D. Gibbs died in 2019). “Coy, he guided Ty all the way from go-karts to Cup,” Gibbs said. “I know he’s got a great view of what just happened. “Then his uncle is there, too, J.D. I think about those two guys, everything they did for the race team, for us as a family. We love this. We love NASCAR.” 3. Huge Day For Crew Chief Tyler Allen Gibbs crew chief Tyler Allen started with Gibbs in 2025, and for part of the season, Gabehart sat atop the pit box calling the race and performing some of the crew chief duties. Allen and Ty formed a strong bond last season. And it was Allen’s strategy to leave Gibbs out on old tires that led to the win. “We were focused on building the program,” Allen said in his post-race news conference. “It wasn’t going to be something that got better immediately. I’m a young crew chief. He’s a young driver. The team was a little bit of mess at the beginning of [2025], but we were building. “That started to show up at the end of last year, the last eight races or so. This [season] has built confidence in all of us, me especially on the box, Ty in the car, that we can perform at the level that JGR should perform at. “So to get this win is pretty cool.” 4. Bowman Return Ends Early The start of the race was also notable, as it signaled the return of Alex Bowman to the Hendrick Motorsports No. 48 car. Bowman had missed four races because of vertigo, which caused him to get out of the car during the race at Circuit of the Americas last month. He was collected in a wreck that started when Shane van Gisbergen spun. He didn’t have a good day overall. “We just performed really poorly, but at the same time, it’s nice to be back driving a race car,” Bowman told me and other reporters after his mandatory check at the infield medical center. “I appreciate everybody’s support. You guys all know how much I love attention, so I’m glad this week can be over with and I can just go do my job next week without everybody asking me how I feel. “But I feel really good and definitely thankful to be back.” 4 ½. What’s Next The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Kansas Speedway, a 1.5-mile track that, in recent years, has featured some of the best racing at the intermediate tracks. It will be a good test of the Chevrolets to see if they have made gains on that style of track with the new body introduced this season. It is the first intermediate track since Las Vegas, which was four races ago. Can Gibbs make it two in a row? “One win doesn’t change my career, not one bit,” Gibbs said. “I knew I was capable of it. My team, obviously, I know they’re capable of it. … I could win the next five or just win this one and be done for a long time.”​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

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Ryan Day: ‘If You’re Not a First- or Second-Rounder,’ Ohio State Isn’t For You

Ryan Day hears the noise. In fact, it fuels him in a way that leads him to set his Ohio State roster to such an incredibly high standard. In an appearance on the “Not Just Fooball Podcast,” which is hosted by former Buckeyes star and current Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive lineman Cameron Hayward, the Ohio State head coach shared that he expects every player who commits to his team to be a top pick in the NFL Draft. “I think it’s across the board at Ohio State,” Day said. “When you come here, you’re coming here to be a first- or second-round pick, regardless of your position. That’s it. Just like if we don’t win games and championships, they’re going to find a new coach. Well, if you’re not a first- or second-rounder, then this probably isn’t the right place for you. That’s just the reality of it.” Ohio State has been a factory at developing first-round picks over the course of the program’s illustrious history. The 95 first-round picks Ohio State has developed are the most of any program. It had seven players picked in the first 45 selections in last year’s draft, and it might have four players get drafted in the top 10 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Still, there are some other notable players in Ohio State’s history who haven’t been picked in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft. National championship-winning quarterback Will Howard was a sixth-round pick in last year’s draft, and 2006 Heisman winner Troy Smith was a fifth-round pick in 2007. But those are seemingly the exceptions that Day is willing to let the Ohio State program live with. Now entering his eighth season as Ohio State’s head coach, Day has placed the bar for his team at the same level that his fan base has. “We embrace the expectations,” Day said. “Nobody is making excuses for the tough schedule next year. Nobody is making excuses for all these different things. That’s it, man. That’s it. That’s never going to change.” Going into every season, Ohio State fans believe the Buckeyes should go undefeated, beat their rival, Michigan and win the national title. And everyone else is waiting for them to slip up in any of those categories. Day knows that anything worse than perfection is failure, but he doesn’t let that control his process. At least, not now. Day learned how to deal with that reality after the Buckeyes lost in the 2019 Fiesta Bowl and the 2022 Peach Bowl. The two games, he told Heyward, he wished he could have back. In 2019, Day felt multiple calls went against Ohio State, including a Clemson fumble in the third quarter that was overturned to keep a scoring drive alive. The Tigers ultimately scored a game-winning touchdown with 1:49 left in the fourth quarter when Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne Jr. connected on a 34-yard catch and run. If they won that game, it would have set up a national championship game against Joe Burrow and the LSU Tigers. In 2022, Day felt there was a no-call on a hit on Marvin Harrison Jr. on an end zone target that would have set up first-and-goal, and given the Buckeyes an opportunity to take a three-possession lead heading into the fourth quarter against Georgia. The Bulldogs ultimately beat TCU 65-7 in the national championship. “Those losses haunt you,” Day said. But they also taught him to adopt a strategy that helped Ohio State win the 2024 national title. “That’s where I got the mantra of, ‘Leave no doubt’ because, you know, it can’t come down to one call,” Day said. “That was the whole philosophy coming into the ‘24 season. ‘Don’t leave it to one call.’ Because if you leave it to one call, you deserve to lose.” Put simply, control the outcome to the best of your ability. Day also created a routine where, after each practice, a different Ohio State player takes a brick and places it on a platform to analogize the process of gradually building a foundation of togetherness, creating a culture. At no other program would fans still be distraught after winning the national title because of a regular-season loss in the rivalry game. But no other school is The Ohio State University. And that’s how Day felt after the 2024 season when the Buckeyes beat Notre Dame in the CFP national championship game, but had lost to Michigan earlier in the season. At no other program does a coach have to filter out players who aren’t future “first or second rounders.’ But, Day said, if he doesn’t do that,”they’re going to find a new coach.” “The bottom line is, you have to perform, you have to win every game,” Day said. The internal culture Day’s built over the years has helped him deal with that pressure.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

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Murphy: Brewers Receive ‘Bad News’ With Injury of Another Star Player

The slumping Milwaukee Brewers could be losing another of their top hitters for at least a little while. Christian Yelich was pulled for a pinch-hitter in the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals on Sunday with tightness in his left hamstring. The Brewers went on to fall 8-6 for their fifth straight loss. “We’re most likely going to get some bad news on Yelich,” manager Pat Murphy said after the game. Murphy said the 2018 NL MVP and three-time All-Star felt a “little twinge” in his hamstring and was undergoing imaging. “There is some fluid in there, so let’s wait and see,” Murphy said. “He wanted to stay in the game, but … we’ve just got to be careful with these guys. We’re in April.” Milwaukee is already missing Jackson Chourio and Andrew Vaughn due to hand injuries. Chourio went on the IL just before Milwaukee’s season opener, while Vaughn appeared in one game before joining him. The Brewers also are missing starting pitcher Quinn Priester (right thoracic outlet) and reliever Jared Koenig (elbow). After winning eight of their first 10 games, the Brewers have lost five straight. They never dropped as many as five in a row last year while winning a franchise-record 97 games to post the best record in the majors. The skid is their longest since June 2023. Milwaukee did get some good news Sunday. Murphy said pitchers Brandon Sproat and Kyle Harrison “both seem to be OK” after both had their knees examined following Saturday’s loss. “Harrison’s wrist is sore, because when he fell, he jammed his wrist, so we’re going to check that out,” Murphy said. “Sproat says he feels good.” Yelich, 34, is batting .314 with one homer and 10 RBIs in 15 games. He was the designated hitter Sunday and went 0 for 2, hitting grounders each time. His replacement, Gary Sanchez, hit a tying, three-run homer in the seventh. Reporting by The Associated Press.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

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2026 MLB Milestones and Records Tracker: José Ramírez Makes Guardians History

The 2026 MLB season is off to a blazing start, and history has already been made just a few weeks in. We’re keeping track of all the major milestones reached and records broken across the league this season. Here’s the latest: José Ramírez Homers Against All MLB Teams Ramírez has officially made more baseball history. The iconic third baseman and 13-year veteran is now the first Guardians player to hit a home run against all 29 other MLB teams. He accomplished the feat against Braves starter Martin Perez at Truist Park on Saturday, April 11. Ramírez pulled the 82-mph pitch down the left-field line, clearing the stadium’s fence on a 403-foot solo shot. No other slugger in the Guardians organization has at least one homer against every other team, per The Sporting News. “Proud of myself,” Ramírez said, per MLB.com. “Thank God for that, but I’m really proud of that accomplishment.” Ramírez’s 287 career home runs, all with the Guardians’ franchise, rank second behind Jim Thome (337). The four teams that Ramírez has homered against the most are the Tigers and White Sox (35 HRs), Royals (32) and Twins (27). That was just the second history-making moment Ramírez had that week. On Monday, April 6, the 33-year-old appeared in his franchise-best 1,620th career game, snapping a mark held by Terry Turner for nearly 108 years. [2026 MLB Power Rankings: What’s Been The Early Surprises For All 30 Teams?] Stay tuned for updates.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

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NFL Confidential: Scouts, Execs Dish on Most Underhyped, Overhyped 2026 Draft Prospects

After months of buildup, we’re finally starting to see how the 2026 NFL Draft might shake out. We already know Fernando Mendoza will almost certainly be the No. 1 overall pick, and Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson might join him in the first round. But is a first-round evaluation of Simpson the correct one? Are the first-round evaluations of other top prospects also correct? We surveyed numerous scouts and executives across the NFL to figure out which prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft are underhyped and overhyped as we’re less than two weeks from one of the league’s grand events. One of the things we came away with was that there wasn’t even a consensus on Mendoza, let alone Simpson and some of the other quarterbacks. So, which prospects should we be keeping our eyes on ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft? Here are the prospects executives think are getting too much hype, and the ones who aren’t getting hyped up enough. *** Scout, assistant GM don’t believe in first-round hype surrounding Ty Simpson Ralph Vacchiano: Most people around the league seem to believe there is only one quarterback truly worthy of being picked in the first round of the NFL Draft this year. Don’t be surprised if there are two. “You see it every year. Quarterbacks are so important we end up talking ourselves into guys who either aren’t really good enough, or just aren’t ready,” one assistant general manager told me. “We spend a million hours on them, and because there are so few who can really play in the league, guys with just a little bit of talent end up looking like stars by comparison. “They end up getting overhyped, and then they end up getting overdrafted. Happens every year.” The one to watch this year: Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. “We’re talking about him as a first-rounder now?” one scout told me. “That’s less about him, more about the lack of other quarterbacks. Don’t get me wrong: I like him. Smart kid, good tools, plenty of potential. But he’s small (6-foot-1, 211) and barely played (15 college starts). “He needs more time. And you can’t draft a developmental prospect in the first round. But I bet somebody will.” Simpson, in fact, will be at the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh — a sign that someone either in his camp or the league is convinced he’ll be taken in the top 32 picks. “And he’s probably right,” the assistant general manager told me. “Nobody’s letting him go there to be embarrassed. It means someone has convinced themselves he’s a first-round pick, even if most people don’t think he is.” *** One NFL Scout not sold on Fernando Mendoza Eric D. Williams: In an earlier NFL Confidential published during the NFL Scouting Combine, anticipated No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza tied with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs in our informal poll of a small group of NFL executives and scouts asked to rank the top overall player in this year’s draft. However, even though he’s considered the No. 1 QB in this year’s draft class, Mendoza has detractors. Some scouts questioned the Indiana product’s arm strength, athleticism and ability to adjust to a pro-style offense once the Las Vegas Raiders eventually make him the No. 1 overall pick. “His footwork is all over the road because of the RPO (run-pass option) offense,” a longtime NFL scout told me. “He has adequate deep ball strength, but his accuracy is inconsistent deep. He has good anticipation and zip on timing routes and good accuracy short to intermediate, but he’s not accurate when pressured.” The longtime scout lauded Mendoza’s toughness and willingness to deliver a strike while taking a hit under pressure, but also had concerns with how the Heisman Trophy winner’s “Leave it to Beaver” personality would translate to an NFL building. “He is tough and will take a shot to the chest to complete a pass,” the scout told me. “He has talent, but a questionable ceiling — this might be the floor and the ceiling. “I don’t know if the goody two-shoes, LinkedIn personality will fit into the diversity of an NFL locker room.” *** Which QBs are flying under the radar? Vacchiano and Williams: In a quarterback class that the NFL generally doesn’t love, there are a couple of potential late-round gems: Penn State’s Drew Allar and North Dakota State’s Cole Payton. In fact, there are some NFL people who believe Allar has the talent to be drafted much higher than he probably will be. “Most people think he’s a Day 3 guy, but I think he should go on Day 2,” one scout told us. “He looked like a potential first-rounder as a junior, before that [ankle] injury ruined his senior year. He can play. He’s got a big arm. He just needs more experience because he’s so inconsistent. “But when the tools are there in a guy that big (6-5, 228), how can you not like that?” However, we also asked FOX Sports NFL Draft analyst Rob Rang to participate in this exercise, and he mentioned Allar as one of the two prospects he’s frowning upon. “I think he’s being overrated because people are seeing the traits, and they believe those traits are going to result in a consistency that we’ve never seen from him at the college level,” Rang said. “He has the size, the arm and certainly looks the part. And talks the talk, in terms of he’s got the intangibles you’re looking for. “He’s just never proven himself to be a very instinctive playmaker. There’s deer-in-the-headlights moments of his game that you just don’t expect for a player who’s played as long as he has.” Allar was productive in his college career. He threw for 7,402 yards, 61 touchdowns and 13 interceptions to go with 12 rushing touchdowns in 45 career games at Penn State. But he also threw costly interceptions in some big moments at Penn State, like in its loss to Notre Dame in the 2025 Orange Bowl and its loss against Oregon this past season. As for Payton, two scouts agreed that he was a “project” because he played at the FCS level and he only started one year. “But if he played at almost any [FBS] school, we’d all have him rated higher than Ty Simpson,” the assistant general manager told us. “I think he has an upside to him,” a longtime NFL scout told us about Payton. “He can drive the ball down the field. [He’s got] poise and calmness in the pocket and in his play. He’s good rolling out left with accuracy. He can extend plays, a good scrambler. He’s a strong, up-field runner with contact power. And he’s nifty and shifty as a runner.” Payton (6-3, 233) threw for 2,719 yards with 16 touchdowns and just four interceptions last season, while rushing for 777 yards and 13 touchdowns. “People are talking about a position switch, or being a gimmick guy,” the assistant general manager said. “Yeah, in his first year, you might want to find a way to get him on the field for a few plays because he’s so athletic. But in time, he could be an NFL quarterback. The tools are there.” “He’s the best dual-threat quarterback in the draft,” added one of the scouts. “He might need three years to develop. But have you seen some of the backups in this league? This kid might be worth the time.” *** Which potential first-round picks should be getting more love? Vacchiano: Two other players that came up as “underrated” players in this draft, in conversations that I had with league sources: Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson and Miami (Fla.) edge rusher Akheem Mesidor. On Tyson, one scout told me that the two-time first-team All-Big 12 member “might be the best receiver in this draft when it’s all said and done.” His [hamstring] injuries last year really hurt him, but when he’s healthy, he can do it all,” the scout added. “He can run every route, is strong enough to battle for the ball. His speed is good enough. He’s going to have a lot of 1,000-yard seasons in the league if he stays healthy.” As for Mesidor, a scout told me that while he’s probably behind the other top edge rusher prospects, his tape is too good to overlook. “I know all the knocks: He’s undersized (6-3, 259), he’s old (25), he’s battled injuries. I get it. But he can play,” the scout said. “If he had stayed healthy and played off the edge his entire career, we’d be talking about him as a first-round pick. I’d probably rank him below the top edge rushers (Arvell Reese, David Bailey, Ruben Bain) for all those reasons. But on the field, I don’t think he’s all that far behind them.” *** Which potential first-round pick is getting too much love? Vacchiano: Who is the most overrated prospect in this year’s draft? Two scouts mentioned Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling, who is generally regarded as a first-round pick, though some mock drafts have put him inside the top 10. “No way is he a top 10 pick,” one of the scouts told me. “There’s a lot to work with. He’s got great size for an NFL tackle (6-7, 315). He showed everyone at the combine how athletic he is and how good he can move. But the film doesn’t match. His mechanics get sloppy at times. He got away with it in college, but it’s going to take some time for him in the NFL.” Freeling was named second-team All-SEC this past season. However, it was his lone season as a full-time starter in college, which is why the other scout thinks Freeling might need some time to develop. “It’s not that he’s a bad player at all,” the other scout told me. “It’s about how high he’s ranked. He’s not in the class of [Utah’s Spencer Fano or Miami’s Francis Mauigoa]. He might be more like the fourth or fifth tackle on some boards. With that size, that’s still first-round quality. There’s a lot there to work with. But he needs work. There are a few other guys more ready to be plugged right in.” *** One top non-Power 4 prospect falling, and another on the rise? Williams: Another player who could be selected later than projected, according to the scouts I spoke with, is versatile Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. At 6-3 and 200 pounds with decent athletic traits, McNeil-Warren is a long, rangy athlete who finished with four interceptions at Toledo. McNeil-Warren is projected by several draft analysts to go in the first round. However, the longtime scouts I spoke with pointed to concerns with how the Toledo product’s skill set would transition to the NFL. “He scares me because he collision tackles with his head down too much,” the scout told me. “He’s best in zone coverage but will struggle in man coverage due to his speed and athletic ability. He lacks closing speed and deep speed.” Added another scout: “He’s a good player, but not dominant enough for the first round in my opinion.” Meanwhile, North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance is a sleeper to watch in this year’s draft, according to scouts I spoke with. “He’s a tall, athletic long strider with deceiving deep and long speed,” a longtime scout said about Lance. “He takes pride in his blocking and has good toughness to his play. … He looks like he could be a good gunner with his speed and toughness.” Lance, who is the younger brother of Los Angeles Chargers backup quarterback Trey Lance, tested well at the NFL Scouting Combine, posting a 4.34-second, 40-yard time, a 41.5-inch vertical jump and 11-foot, 1-inch broad jump at 6-3 and 204 pounds. In terms of production, Lance finished with 51 catches for 1,079 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, averaging an impressive 21.2 yards per reception this past season. He also helped North Dakota State win the school’s 10th FCS title in 2024 and is projected to be a mid-round pick. Other under-the-radar prospects in the non-power conference scouts said to be on the lookout for include Georgia State receiver Ted Hurst and Toledo cornerbacks Andre Fuller and Avery Smith. *** Which prospects does our draft expert think are underhyped? Williams: Our Rob Rang also weighed in for this exercise, pointing to Washington running back Jonah Coleman as one of the two players he thinks deserve more followers with less than two weeks before the start of the draft. Rang believes Coleman’s ability to run through the trash in between the tackles and work ethic will translate to the next level, comparing him to a young Maurice Jones-Drew. Coleman has just two fumbles in 639 touches during his college career. “Everything about him, I think, screams longtime NFL contributor,” Rang told me. “If [Coleman] played for Ohio State we’d be talking about him in the second round easily.” Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is the clear No. 1 running back in this year’s draft, while Coleman is ranked No. 87 in Rang’s top 100. Rang also likes Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas as a polished product who can produce in the NFL the minute he takes the field. Jacas led the Big 10 in sacks last season with 11, and projects as a top 100 draft prospect in a deep pool of defensive end prospects who can get after the passer. At 6-3 and 261 pounds, Jacas ran a 4.69-second, 40-yard time at his pro day and bench pressed 225 pounds 30 times. Rang said elements of his game remind him of Seattle Seahawks pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence. “To me, he feels like one of the safer players in this year’s draft,” Rang told me. “He’s not a guy who’s going to be a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate or a future All-Pro guy, but I think he’ll be a steady starter once he walks into the NFL. And I think he’s going to be that for a long time.” *** And which prospects does our draft expert think are a bit overhyped? Williams: As far as the overrated prospects, Rang first pointed to Allar, as we previously mentioned. Allar is Rang’s seventh-ranked quarterback in this year’s draft class and ranks 120th among his top 150 prospects. Rang also believes potential first-round offensive tackle prospect Caleb Lomu out of Utah lacks the physicality to consistently produce as a starting left tackle in the league and will need time to grow and develop in an NFL system. “I personally think he would have been greatly improved had he come back for a year and really went into the weight room,” Rang said. “I think that’s what an NFL team is going to have to do. And if he starts as a rookie, I think he could struggle. He just has to get stronger.”​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

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Dodgers, Yankees, and …? Dontrelle Willis Ranks His Top 5 MLB Teams Right Now

Are the two-time defending World Series champions still looking like the team to beat this season? The 2026 MLB campaign is barely two weeks in, but the Dodgers remain on target for a historic three-peat. That’s not to say some other teams are making things interesting in these early days. FOX Sports MLB analyst Dontrelle Willis reveals who his top five teams are right now, which includes two American League teams and three from the National League. Here’s who made the cut. The AL Central-leading Guardians (8-6) check in at No. 5 on Willis’ list. They’ve only won three of their past six games, but Willis is convinced that there’s no cause for concern, as they’re riding the Chase DeLauter wave. “They’re still able to win ballgames even though José Ramírez has not checked in,” Willis added. “You know, it starts and ends on the mound for me. Mr. [Gavin] Williams, he’s gonna continue to have a monster year.” Last week, Cleveland rattled off back-to-back wins against Kansas City. On Wednesday, Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez went 4-for-5, including hitting a four-bagger to clear the bases with one swing of the bat in the bottom of the eighth. It was a huge early divisional win in an AL Central race that is likely going to be tight this year. The Braves (9-5) began the year without an off day through their first 13 games and a rotation missing Spencer Strider (oblique strain), Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow surgery), Hurston Waldrep (elbow surgery) and Joey Wentz (torn ACL). That said, they’ve emerged from this starting stretch in first place in the NL East, with the lowest ERA in MLB (2.03) and tied for the best run differential in MLB (+34). What’s more, they’ve managed to do this all without relying entirely on the arm of Chris Sale. Atlanta is in the midst of a three-game win streak, defeating its opponents by an average of five-plus runs over that span. That’s more than enough to land them at No. 4 on Willis’ list. “They are finally healthy, as far as the core group of the guys that play every day [goes],” Willis said. “[Second baseman] Ozzie [Albies] is finally healthy. [Catcher] Drake Baldwin is a monster. His bat-to-ball skills and his game calling and throwing behind the plate [skills are] one of the best in all of baseball.” Even without Freddy Peralta and Caleb Durbin, Milwaukee is 8-5 and sits atop the NL Central. Despite the Brewers dropping their past three games, Willis isn’t ready to push the panic button. Instead, they land at No. 3 on his list. “[Coach] Pat Murphy has these guys at the top of the [NL] Central playing his style of baseball,” Willis said. “[Left fielder] Christian Yelich looks like MVP Yelich. He looks — finally — healthy. [Center fielder Garrett] Mitchell in that lineup [is] providing some pop.” [City Connect Uniforms: Eight Teams Unveil New Fits] Earlier this month, Milwaukee finalized an eight-year contract with prospect Cooper Pratt, adding the prized 21-year-old shortstop prospect to the 40-man roster and optioning him to Triple-A Nashville. The deal with Pratt includes club options that could keep him with the Brewers through the 2035 season. Pratt is among the top prospects in a Brewers farm system that ranks among the best in MLB. He was rated by MLB Pipeline as the No. 60 overall prospect. Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon and Clarke Schmidt started the season on the injured list, but it doesn’t seem to be a huge factor. Boosted by 25-year-old Cam Schlittler — who has 22 strikeouts, no walks and a 1.62 ERA through three starts — a Yankees’ rotation that has looked like the best in baseball in the early going. What’s more, 2024 AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil is ready to join when they need a fifth starter. Still, the AL East-leading Yankees (8-5) have dropped three in a row and are aiming to get back on track this weekend. [MLB 2026: Dontrelle Willis Assesses Yankees Rotation Dominance] “My New York Yankees, who I’ve been backing for the last couple [of] weeks, have been struggling at the plate,” Willis said. “I know it, but Aaron Judge is starting to heat up.” “The world champions,” Willis said when asked which team is his clear-cut No. 1. “The rich get richer!” At the end of last season, the Dodgers became the first back-to-back World Series champs since the Yankees won three in a row from 1998 to 2000. In addition, it was the Dodgers’ third championship in the past six years. The NL West-leading Dodgers (10-3) currently have the best odds to win the 2026 World Series at +230, followed by the Yankees (+1000).​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

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Schwarber, Harper Hit Back-to-Back Home Runs to Lead Phillies Over Diamondbacks

Kyle Schwarber hit a go-ahead, three-run homer in the third inning and Bryce Harper went deep two pitches later, boosting the Philadelphia Phillies over the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-3 on Saturday to stop a three-game losing streak. Arizona, which had won three straight, did not use catcher Gabriel Moreno, who left Friday’s game because of left lower back tightness and was sent for an MRI. Ketel Marte hit his 14th career leadoff home run and Adrian Del Castillo had an RBI single for a 2-0 lead in the first inning off Taijuan Walker (1-2). Batters are 10 for 19 (.526) in the first inning with nine runs off Walker in three starts. Schwarber homered off a changeup from Brandon Pfaadt (0-1), his fourth home run this season, and Harper followed with a 419-foot drive on a fastball for his third homer. Walker allowed two runs and four hits in five innings. Brad Keller gave up a two-out RBI single to Jose Fernandez in the eighth, then struck out Nolan Arenado to strand a runner on third. Jhoan Duran pitched a perfect ninth for his fifth save. The Phillies’ bullpen has allowed two earned runs in its last 26 1/3 innings. Rookie Justin Crawford had two hits for the Phillies and is batting .350. Pfaadt had pink shoelaces on his cleats as a gender reveal for the baby that his brother, Brett, and his wife, Hannah, are expecting. Brett and Brandon were teammates at Bellarmine University in 2020, with Brandon drafted in the fifth round by Arizona that year. Arizona catcher Adrian Del Castillo had three hits. Up next Phillies RHP Andrew Painter (1-0) and Arizona RHP Zac Gallen (1-1) start Sunday. Reporting by The Associated Press.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

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Michigan Basketball Coach Dusty May Has ‘Already’ Agreed to New Contract

Dusty May isn’t going anywhere. Michigan Wolverines athletic director Warde Manuel shared that the school has “already reached an agreement” with its head men’s basketball coach on a new contract in the wake of winning the 2026 national championship title. “He will be the leader of this basketball team for many years to come,” Manuel said about May on Saturday. The Wolverines finished this season at 37-3 overall and 19-1 in regular-season Big Ten play, good for first in the conference. Michigan’s championship triumph was its first since the 1988-89 men’s college basketball season. Over May’s two seasons at the helm of Michigan, the Wolverines are a combined 64-13 overall, 33-7 in Big Ten play and reached the NCAA Tournament in both seasons; last year, Michigan reached the Sweet 16. May was considered a candidate for North Carolina’s head-coaching vacancy before informing Michigan that he wasn’t pursuing other college positions; UNC ultimately hired former Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone. Prior to taking over at Michigan, May was the head coach of Florida Atlantic for six seasons, a stint that featured a 126-69 combined record, reaching the Final Four in 2023 and making the NCAA Tournament in both 2023 and 2024.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

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Top 20 Players in the Women’s College Basketball Transfer Portal

Shortly after UCLA clinched its first national championship in program history with a dominant 79-51 win over South Carolina, the NCAA Women’s Basketball transfer portal officially opened. The portal will remain open from April 6 to April 20, giving athletes a brief window to explore new opportunities. This year’s transfer pool is especially deep, featuring some of the sport’s brightest stars who are set to make a major impact on the 2026-27 college basketball season. Here’s a look at the most notable players who have entered the portal so far: Aaliyah Crump, F, Fr. Transferring from Texas Lined up to be the No. 1 shooter after Madison Booker’s departure, Crump entered the transfer portal after her lone season with Texas. Despite her lingering injury throughout the season, her talent is evident, and she can make an immediate impact when healthy. Mia Pauldo, G, Fr. Transferring from Tennessee In the wake of Tennessee’s mass loss to the transfer portal, the Vols lost a star freshman guard in Pauldo. In her rookie season, Pauldo recorded 10.1 points per game. Her talent was proven in just one season, and she has a high ceiling regardless of her next team. Mia Woolfolk, F, So. Transferring from Georgia Woolfolk’s height paired with her talent makes her an intriguing player in the portal. In her second season with the Bulldogs, Woolfolk averaged 13.9 points per game. Jordan Lee, G, So. Transferring from Texas Finishing second in scoring on the Longhorns’ roster, Lee helped lead Texas to two Final Four appearances. A team looking for a strong shooter will be a comfortable fit for the standout guard. Liv McGill, G, So. Transferring from Florida McGill stands out as one of the higher-value players in the portal after she finished last season averaging 22.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. The former five-star prospect was the only player in the nation to average over 20 points, six rebounds and six assists this season. Kiyomi McMiller, G, So. Transferring from Penn State McMiller is departing from Penn State after its head coaching change. Her 21.6 points per game this season make her a solid target in the portal. Dani Carnegie, G, So. Transferring from Georgia Carnegie was one of Georgia’s most versatile players. She led the team in scoring with 17.8 points per game, adding 5.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists per contest. Carnegie enters the portal as an offensive threat with plenty of room to grow. Kymora Johnson, G, So. Transferring from Virginia Helping the Cavaliers reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2000, Johnson has elected to enter the transfer portal and is one of the top guards in the class. Johnson averaged 19.1 points, 5.9 assists and 4.5 rebounds last season. Look for Dawn Staley and South Carolina to draw fast interest in Johnson. Zamareya Jones, G, So. Transferring from NC State Jones is coming off a breakout season with NC State, notching 14.6 points per contest in 31 games (30 starts). Based on her improvement in just one season, Jones could provide immediate production with her new team. Tilda Trygger, F, So. Transferring from NC State Trygger announced her decision to enter the portal after recording 10.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game this season with the Wolfpack. Trygger, a forward with plenty of potential, will look to join a team that will allow her physical playing style and strong shooting range to flourish. Hilary Fuller, F, So. Transferring from Belmont The 6-foot-2 sophomore guard averaged 14.0 points per game with the Bruins last season and enters the portal with two years of eligibility remaining. Fuller is talented in a fast-paced offense and is dangerous in the paint. Audi Crooks, C, Jr. Transferring from Iowa State Crooks — the second-leading scorer in the nation, who averaged 25.8 points per game — is a force in the paint. At 6-foot-3, Crooks is a dominant post presence who should make a big impact wherever she lands. Taryn Barbot, G, Jr. Transferring from Charleston Barbot’s standout season earned her a place as one of Charleston’s all-time shooters. Her ability to attack the rim and her 3-point shooting is something to note for her next team. Skylar Forbes, F, Jr. Transferring from Marquette With one season of eligibility remaining, Forbes will look for a perfect fit that can compliment all her strengths. Forbes finished the season averaging 15.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. Gracie Merkle, C, Jr. Transferring from Penn State The 6-foot-6 center is entering the transfer portal for her third time in her college career. Merkle finished with a 72.1% shooting percentage this season — the best single-season shooting average in program history — and averaged 15.1 points per game. Nunu Agara, F, Jr. Transferring from Stanford Agara was one of the Cardinal’s most dominant players, averaging 15.3 points and 8.7 rebounds per game this season. She enters the portal with one season of eligibility left. Jada Williams, G, Jr. Transferring from Iowa State Williams played one season with the Cyclones after spending two seasons with Arizona. The star forward notched career highs in multiple categories, including points (15.3), assists (7.7) and shooting percentage (41.7%). Addy Brown, F, Jr. Transferring from Iowa State Joining Crooks and Williams in the portal, Brown elected to transfer with one season of eligibility left. The 6-foot-2 junior averaged 11.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game last season. Achol Akbot, F, Jr. Transferring from Oklahoma State to North Carolina The 6-foot-1 forward averaged 12.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game for the Cowgirls last season. Akbot has the talent to become a versatile player and could be a steal in the portal. Essence Cody, F, Sr. Transferring from Alabama As one of Alabama’s strongest offensive players, Cody will enter the portal for her final season of eligibility. She recorded 11.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game this season and will certainly draw interest from numerous teams.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports