The Michigan Wolverines are atop the men’s college basketball world for the first time in 37 years. By winning the 2026 NCAA Men’s Tournament on Monday night, Michigan claimed its first national title since 1989 — and a whole lot was different in the sport back then. With that in mind, here’s everything that was happening in the Big Ten Conference in 1989 – including with present-day Big Ten teams that weren’t in the conference in the 1988-89 season.Latest Sports News from FOX Sports
Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza has long been the projected No. 1 overall pick, which is owned by the Las Vegas Raiders. But where will the other top quarterback prospects land in the 2026 NFL Draft? Here are my predictions for five of the top passers not named Mendoza: Ty Simpson (Alabama): New York Jets 2025 stats (15 games): 64.5% completion rate for 3,567 yards and 28 TDs with 5 INTsMeasurables: 6-foot-1, 211 pounds Jets coach Aaron Glenn has already committed to veteran Geno Smith as his 2026 starter. That would allow Simpson to take somewhat of a redshirt year as a rookie, even if he’s a first-round pick, to develop and grasp an NFL offense (barring injury or significant struggles by Smith). It’s the best-case scenario for the former Alabama standout, who started just 15 games in college. With Smith under contract for just a year, that would enable a smooth transition to Simpson in 2027. Garrett Nussmeier (LSU): Arizona Cardinals 2025 stats (9 games): 67.4% completion rate for 1,927 yards and 12 TDs with 5 INTsMeasurables: 6-foot-2, 203 pounds Let’s assume the Cardinals stay at No. 3 overall. They’d have to accept the possibility that Ty Simpson won’t be around at the top of the second round, where they have the 34th overall pick. In that case, Nussmeier makes sense for Arizona in the third or fourth round. The investment there isn’t so big that you couldn’t pivot off him quickly if he doesn’t pan out as a challenger to journeymen quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew in 2026. Nussmeier’s tape in 2024, when he played a full season and ranked fifth in the FBS in passing yards, would give the Cardinals reason to be hopeful. Carson Beck (Miami): Green Bay Packers 2025 stats (16 games): 72.4% completion rate for 3,813 yards and 30 TDs with 12 INTs Measurables: 6-foot-5, 233 pounds After losing Malik Willis in free agency, the Packers need a No. 2 quarterback they can trust in case something were to happen to starter Jordan Love, who hasn’t played a full 17-game season since 2023. Cue Beck, who turns 24 in November, was a three-year college starter (two seasons at Georgia, one at Miami) and could be a Day 3 pick. He played in an SEC Championship Game and four College Football Playoff games over the past two years, making him as seasoned of a rookie quarterback as you can ask for. The Packers’ current backups are veteran Desmond Ridder and 2025 draft pick Kyle McCord, neither of whom appeared in a game last season. Drew Allar (Penn State): Los Angeles Rams 2025 stats (6 games): 64.8% completion rate for 1,100 yards and 8 TDs with 3 INTsMeasurables: 6-foot-5, 228 pounds The Rams are essentially going year-by-year with reigning MVP Matthew Stafford and would like a veteran No. 2 behind him, but they’d benefit from having a young quarterback they can develop too. Stetson Bennett, a former fourth-round pick, hasn’t made a regular season appearance in three NFL seasons, so that boat may have sailed. Allar was inconsistent in his three years as Penn State’s starter, but he possesses great size and can make every throw, which could allow Sean McVay to see a long-term vision with him. [2026 NFL Draft Confidential: Unfiltered Scouting Takes On Top 5 QBs] Taylen Green (Arkansas): Washington Commanders 2025 stats (12 games): 60.7% completion rate for 2,714 yards and 19 TDs with 11 INTs; 139 carries for 777 yards and 8 TDsMeasurables: 6-foot-6, 227 pounds The Commanders have their young franchise quarterback in Jayden Daniels and one of the league’s best backups in Marcus Mariota, but the long and rangy Green makes sense as a potential QB3. He was a dual-threat quarterback at the college level with his incredible athleticism (4.37-second 40-yard dash, 43½-inch vertical), a skill set that fits the offense that Washington has built around Daniels.Latest Sports News from FOX Sports
PHOENIX — Jim Harbaugh is experiencing a change in thinking from his old-school approach to football with the addition of blingy Mike McDaniel as the Los Angeles Chargers’ new offensive coordinator. But as their styles might clash, there’s one thing that has helped bridge whatever gap might have existed between the two: their love of football. Nearly three months into Harbaugh’s new partnership with McDaniel, the Chargers’ head coach said that working with the former Miami Dolphins’ head coach has been “awesome with a capital A.” “He’s fun, energetic and likeable — prepared,” Harbaugh told me when I met up with him at the NFL owners meeting this past week as we discussed his relationship with McDaniel. “When he talks, he earns your attention by being so good and so prepared. He’s a listener. And you go in there fired up because you know you’re going to get something good.” McDaniel, who was fired as the head coach of the Dolphins after four seasons in January, cut his teeth learning the game under innovative head coaches and offensive gurus Mike and Kyle Shanahan. After years of success in the NFL designing his own offense, McDaniel is now considered one of the best offensive minds in the game, with the Dolphins’ offense being one of the best in the league during his first two seasons as head coach. That’s why McDaniel remained a hot commodity in the coaching market this offseason, even interviewing for multiple head coach vacancies despite a 15-19 record in his final two seasons in Miami. But as McDaniel had several options on where to go next in his coaching career, he chose Los Angeles, bringing a new and fresh approach for Harbaugh and quarterback Justin Herbert. Harbaugh and McDaniel spent time out of the office together shortly after the Chargers’ new offensive coordinator was hired. They hit up a Los Angeles Lakers game together, as the unlikely pairing between the 62-year-old Harbaugh, known for wearing team-issued gear and khakis, and the 43-year-old McDaniel, who prefers designer sneakers and $1,000 gold-rimmed sunglasses, has gotten off to a good start. The move, though, will mark a change from Harbaugh’s typical offensive approach. Harbaugh moved on from good friend and former Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman at the end of the 2025 season, which ended with Los Angeles scoring just three points in an opening-round playoff loss to the New England Patriots. Harbaugh opted to hire McDaniel because he believes he’ll design an offense that better protects Herbert, giving him more of an opportunity to succeed. Expect fewer straight drop-backs and more screens and play-action passes to keep Herbert out of harm’s way. The Oregon product was sacked 54 times last season, which was one fewer than the league high, and suffered the most hits of any signal caller in the NFL last season. It’s a Harbaugh offense, so of course the Bolts will run the football. Harbaugh called the McDaniel-Herbert duo a “perfect combination.” “I’m just excited about the ability of Justin and the ability of Mike McDaniel,” Harbaugh told me. “The way those two think. The way they see football. It’s just such a good fit. And I’m excited to see that.” So, they see the game the same way, coach? “They do,” Harbaugh told me. “And they’re both kind of like that, football-wise and intellectually.” Along with a change in who’s leading the offense, Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz focused on upgrading the talent along the offensive line. The Bolts are expected to get a healthy return of bookend offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt from season-ending leg injuries. “We’re always going to try and help Justin,” Hortiz said at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. “And that’s throwing players at all positions to help the team. So, we’re going to attack the O-line. We’re going to attack the defense, the backs and tight ends — everything — even the wide outs. “The more weapons and more players we can put around Justin, the better we protect Justin.” Hortiz signed former Washington Commanders center Tyler Biadasz to a three-year, $30 million deal to serve as a veteran anchor of the offensive line. The Bolts also added interior offensive lineman Cole Strange in free agency. Strange played for McDaniel and will replace Mekhi Becton at right guard, who was released at the end of the season. On top of that, the Chargers re-signed versatile offensive lineman Trevor Penning. The Chargers traded with New Orleans for the former first-round pick at the trade deadline last season. He’s penciled in at left guard. The Bolts also brought back swing tackle Trey Pipkins. They let starting left guard Zion Johnson walk in free agency. “Biadasz coming in and Penning re-signed are run-game guys that fit more of what Harbaugh believes in up front and are plug-and-play starters,” a longtime NFL scout told me. “Holdovers are mostly gone from the previous regime, except for Slater and Pipkins. “It remains to be seen what influence McDaniel gets to have, but he brought Strange in. Also, adding a tight end [Charlie Kolar] means more running game and a fullback-oriented offense. Their cap space looks good. They’ll need a solid draft.” With the No. 22 overall pick, don’t be surprised if the Chargers draft another starting-caliber offensive lineman to help keep Herbert upright. “Whatever system they’re in, they’ve got to be athletic,” Harbaugh told me about his approach to adding offensive linemen. “They’ve got to be able to anchor on drop-backs in pass protection. There’s not a dramatic difference in body type. We’re just looking for tough guys who are athletic.” Harbaugh said McDaniel will be the straw that stirs the drink for the Bolts on offense. He continued to laud McDaniel’s football mind in our conversation, particularly his ability to dissect defenses and what they are trying to do to his offense. He also added that McDaniel sees Herbert the same way he sees the Chargers’ star: a quarterback who can execute at the position better than anyone who has played the game. Now, it’s up to McDaniel to get the most out of Herbert’s otherworldly ability. “You don’t make a better candle – you make a light bulb,” Harbaugh said. “And that kind of analogy makes sense to me when I think of the many meetings that we’ve had with Mike talking about offensive football.”Latest Sports News from FOX Sports
The confetti has barely settled on the Michigan Wolverines’ 2026 national championship — they topped UConn, 69-63, in a thrilling Men’s NCAA Tournament title game Monday night — but it’s never too early to look ahead. Can’t help it… Both the Wolverines and the Huskies should come back strong next season, regardless of exactly how many players return or opt for the NBA Draft. They’re both toward the top of my extra-early list — but not No. 1. Which players are expected to return, and who might be headed for the NBA or the transfer portal? Let’s get into it. Here’s my way-too-early men’s college basketball rankings for next season: VCU closed out the 2025-26 season with a bang, winning 15 of its last 16 games and notching a memorable upset win over North Carolina in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Losing Terrence Hill Jr. to the transfer portal hurts, but there are plenty of veterans returning to Phil Martelli Jr.’s team, which should make this group among the favorites in the A-10. What’s next for Texas Tech’s dynamic duo of Christian Anderson and JT Toppin? Both received All-American honors this past season, marking the first time the Red Raiders have had a pair of All-Americans in the same season. Both have massive decisions surrounding the upcoming NBA Draft. What they ultimately decide to do will dictate where Grant McCasland’s team ranks as we get closer to next season. Sean Miller’s team was one of the surprise stories of this year’s NCAA Tournament. As a No. 11 seed, Texas upset BYU and Gonzaga before falling to Purdue in the Sweet 16. The Longhorns will welcome the No. 12-ranked recruiting class in the nation. Florida has four players that could depart early for the 2026 NBA Draft, which is what makes this such a difficult exercise. Thomas Haugh is a projected first-round pick and is expected to leave for the pros, but will Alex Condon, Boogie Fland and Rueben Chinyelu follow? There aren’t many teams that will have to replace more talent next year than Purdue. Gone are Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer and Trey Kauffman-Renn, who contributed more than 52% of the team’s scoring this past season. C.J. Cox and Omer Mayer will be looked at to take a big step forward for Matt Painter’s team. Freshman phenom AJ Dybantsa will likely be a top-3 pick in this spring’s NBA Draft, while both Richie Saunders and Keba Keita were honored at this year’s senior night. It will be interesting to see if Robert Wright returns to BYU next season, and if so, how he will gel with an incoming freshman class that ranks No. 16 in the country. John Blackwell sent shock waves through the college basketball world Monday morning when he announced his intention to enter the transfer portal while going through the NBA Draft process. Nolan Winter will have a chance to be a star for Greg Gard’s program next season. Vanderbilt’s roster was built around a group of seniors, outside of standout guard Tyler Tanner. Will he forgo the NBA Draft and return to school for his junior season? If so, Mark Byington will have one of the top guards in the country leading the show next time around. Fresh off the most successful year in program history, can Fred Hoiberg build on the success his team had this past season? Pryce Sandfort, who earned All-Big Ten honors, is expected to return next season for Nebraska and should be one of the top players in the conference. Milos Uzan and Emanuel Sharp are set to graduate, while Chris Cenac and Kingston Flemings are both expected to be first-round NBA Draft picks. That means a bigger role for forward Joseph Tugler. Houston coach Kelvin Sampson will also bring in the top-ranked center prospect in the nation in 7-foot-1 big man Arafan Diane. The Tar Heels will usher in a new era in Chapel Hill with former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone being named the school’s next head coach. Malone hasn’t coached in college since he was an assistant at Manhattan back in 2001. He will be tasked with keeping the team’s 2026 recruiting class intact, which includes a pair of blue-chip prospects in point guard Dylan Mingo and small forward Maximo Adams. With freshman phenom Darryn Peterson likely off to the NBA and forward Flory Bidinga announcing he will test the NBA waters or potentially transfer elsewhere, this will be a new-look team for Bill Self. Don’t be surprised to see the Jayhawks make a big splash or two in the portal this offseason. The Cavaliers are one of the few teams in college basketball that can say this: They are set to return their leading scorer and rebounder next season. Thijs De Ridder, a 6-foot-9 forward from Belgium, enjoyed a breakout freshman campaign and should be one of the top interior players in the sport next season. Rick Barnes’ team enjoyed a memorable run to the Elite Eight this season, but it will be tasked with replacing standout guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie and likely Nate Ament, who is projected to be a first-round pick. Look for veteran forward J.P. Estrella to take a big step next season. Rick Pitino made it clear that it will be near impossible to replace a player like Zuby Ejiofor, who defined everything this program is about. The Red Strom will also have to replace Bryce Hopkins and Dillon Mitchell in the front court, but look for Pitino to go to the portal and fill those voids this offseason. Ian Jackson will need to take another step next season if this group is going to compete for a Final Four next year. Losing Darius Acuff Jr.and Meleek Thomas is a bummer, but Arkansas fans don’t need to worry. D.J. Wagner, Karter Knox, and Billy Richmond III return, and coach John Calipari has added the No. 2-ranked player in the nation in guard Jordan Smith Jr. In T.J. Otzelberger we trust! Iowa State lost hometown leaders Tamin Lipsey and Joshua Jefferson, but the return of Milan Momcilovic and Killyan Toure is a great place to start. The Cyclones also are bringing in a top-20 recruiting class with four freshmen. The Zags move to the new Pac-12, and they bring big man Braden Huff back for a senior season. The backcourt combo of Braeden Smith and Mario Saint-Supéry need to take a big step forward. It might be disrespectful to have UConn this low on any ranking, but the Huskies will be losing Alex Karaban — aka “Captain America” — Tarris Reed Jr. and Braylon Mullins. If Solo Ball and Silas Demary Jr. stick around, UConn’s backcourt should be solid, and center Eric Reibe is ready for his close-up. Alabama coach Nate Oats got a contract extension over the weekend. Even though he’ll lose Lebaron Philon Jr., I expect Amari Allen to return and be poised for a great season. Aden Holloway, Aiden Sherrell and a top-10 recruiting class have me excited about the Crimson Tide. A core group of returnees led by Ivan Kharchenkov and Mo Krivas is enough to justify a top-5 ranking here for Arizona. Dwayne Aristode is expected to break out and five-star shooting guard prospect Caleb Holt is legit. A couple of transfers are needed, but I trust coach Tommy Lloyd to have another stellar group. Tom Izzo’s top initiative this offseason will be to retain All-American point guard Jeremy Fears Jr., as well as fellow backcourt mate Jordan Scott and forward Coen Carr. The combination of those three players and a top-5 recruiting class should have Michigan State in position to compete for a Big Ten title next season. Assuming that either Aday Mara or Morez Johnson Jr. return, I think Michigan is a top-3 team. If both head to the NBA, then incoming five-star Brandon McCoy must deliver immediately. The backcourt of Elliot Cadeau, L.J. Cason, and Trey McKinney will be excellent. Duke coach Jon Scheyer is bringing in another top recruiting class, highlighted by Cameron Williams and Bryson Howard, to go along with returnees Cayden Boozer, Caleb Foster and Dame Sarr. Yes, Illinois will lose Keaton Wagler, but if David Mirkovic, Andrej Stojakovic and Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic return, this is going to be one of the best and most experienced teams in the land.Latest Sports News from FOX Sports
A spot in the college basketball history books is on the line Monday night in Indianapolis as Dan Hurley and the UConn Huskies will face the No. 1-seeded Michigan Wolverines in the NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship. The Wolverines – chasing their first national title since 1989 – have been a dominant force throughout the Big Dance, winning five games by an average of 22 points per game. They are led by senior standout Yaxel Lendeborg, who sprained his left MCL and left ankle in the first half against Arizona on Saturday night, but is expected to play.UConn is looking to capture its third national championship in four years under Hurley. The Huskies are led by the senior duo of Tarris Reed Jr. and Alex Karaban, but are also dealing with an injury of their own to Solo Ball. The junior guard was in a walking boot after the team’s Final Four win over Illinois, but he appears good to go for Monday night’s championship game. Here are the top storylines ahead of Monday night’s title game: UConn Huskies 1. UConn’s Alex Kabaran going for third title with Huskies Alex Karaban has been with the Huskies since he stepped foot into the college basketball world. A two-time national champion, Karaban has never once thought about leaving UConn. “I’ve never considered the portal,” Karaban said. “You win and start on two national championship teams here, freshman and sophomore year, it’s going to be tough going into the office and being like, ‘Coach I want to leave.’” What Karaban has now is a chance to go for a third title to close out his time with the Huskies. Karaban has been a star for UConn for four straight seasons, something unheard of in today’s transfer portal world. 2. Mullins’ Michigan alliance shifting ahead of title game UConn freshman Braylon Mullins hit the shot heard around the world, a 30-foot 3-pointer to help the Huskies advance to the Final Four with a win over Duke. Now, the Mullins family, who were loyal to the Michigan Wolverines, have shifted their alliance to the Huskies ahead of the game. Mullins was born and raised in Greenfield, Indiana, and grew up in a Michigan athletics household. Now, the chance to go up against his childhood team has extra meaning for the true freshman. “In my household, growing up, it was Michigan football, Michigan basketball,” Mullins said Sunday. “That’s what my family and friends were watching. So having people around me who are probably going to be rooting for Michigan means a little more in this game, just to be fun. But at the end of the day, it’s just another game.” 3. Huskies going for third title in four seasons UConn’s dominance as a basketball program has led to this moment, competing for a third national championship in four seasons. The previous two titles came consecutively, in 2023 when they defeated San Diego State, and in 2024, beating Purdue. Hurley has accumulated an 18-1 record in the NCAA Tournament and is 199-74 in eight seasons. If the Huskies clinch their third title in four years, it’ll make them the first program to do so since the dominant UCLA run under John Wooden. Michigan Wolverines 1. Can Michigan stay dominant with Yaxel Lendeborg’s injury? Yaxel Lendeborg is a pivotal piece when it comes to the Wolverines’ starting lineup. The senior forward suffered a sprained MCL and rolled ankle that sidelined him for a large portion of the team’s Final Four win over Arizona. While the Wolverines still took care of the Wildcats, 91-73, to advance to their first title game since 2018, the concern now turns to Lendeborg’s health against the Huskies. Lendeborg averaged 15.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game this season. 2. Dusty May competing for first-ever national championship May, who led FAU to the Final Four in 2023, is set to make his first-ever appearance in a national title game. “What makes Dusty May special as a coach is obviously his eye for talent, his ability to construct a roster, the fact that he insulates himself with an excellent coaching staff, and his ability to build team and culture,” Hurley said of May. “He’s got a special eye for how to put together a great team.” The Wolverines’ season-long dominance has caught the eyes of many, notably when they knocked a powerful Arizona team out of title contention, leading by 30 points at one point in the game. Michigan’s title win would tie the B1G single-season win record. 3. Michigan’s starting lineup shows the power of the transfer portal In the midst of the transfer portal era, the Wolverines have proven that, when done right, the perfect portal class can lead to success. The Wolverines boast Lendeborg from UAB, Elliot Cadeau from North Carolina, Morez Johnson Jr. from Illinois and Aday Mara from UCLA. Collectively, this lineup has produced five consecutive 90-point games leading up to the title game, the most since by any team in a single tournament. Michigan’s strength is its interior size, as the trio of Lendeborg, Johnson and Mara have combined to average 13.5 points and seven rebounds per game this season. The Associated Press contributed to this reportLatest Sports News from FOX Sports
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has seemed to pick up so much buzz in the weeks leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft that most mock drafts now have him going in the first round. “First Things First’s” Nick Wright believes that’ll be the case as well. However, does Wright agree with the idea that Simpson should be a first-round pick? In his first mock draft, Wright projects that the team that will select Simpson will massively overdraft him. But there’s also a pick in the top 10 that Wright projects will happen that he said would be a move he couldn’t support. Let’s take a closer look at Wright’s first mock draft. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. All odds via DraftKings Sportsbook. 1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana Wright’s thoughts: “No shocker at all. We all know where [Mendoza] is going.” Odds to be selected No. 1: -20000 2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State Wright’s thoughts: “You’ll see a lot of Ohio State kids in the top 10. [Reese] is maybe the best defensive player in this draft. I feel Aaron Glenn looks at him and says, ‘Is there a little Micah Parsons there?’” Odds to be No. 2 overall pick: -270 3. Arizona Cardinals: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State Wright’s thoughts: “You guys like spider graphs and athleticism? His is 99 percentile everywhere. Maybe the sickest athlete in the draft.” Odds to be No. 3 overall pick: +700 4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame Wright’s thoughts: “The pick that everyone now seems to think is happening. … Is it smart to draft a running back that high before your offensive line has been fully built? Maybe ask the Raiders that.” Odds to be No. 4 overall pick: +160 5. New York Giants: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State Wright’s thoughts: “Malik Nabers is coming off the [ACL] injury. Even with Nabers, [the Giants] don’t have a surefire No. 2 [wide receiver].” Odds to be No. 5 overall pick: +1200 6. Cleveland Browns: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.) Wright’s thoughts: “A team that, on offense, needs. a bit of everything. Maybe they go get the No. 1 tackle in the draft?” Odds to be No. 6 overall pick: +500 7. Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State Wright’s thoughts: “He was, according to a lot of people, the best player in college football going into the year. The only reason he would be available at No. 7, and might be available outside of the top 10, is the positional [value].” Odds to be No. 7 overall pick: +750 8. New Orleans Saints: David Bailey, edge rusher, Texas Tech Wright’s thoughts: “I think the best pure pass rusher in the draft is David Bailey. I don’t know if he’s a three-down player or if he’ll be great against the run, but he’s a monster against the pass.” Odds to be No. 8 overall pick: +550 9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr., edge rusher, Miami (Fla.) Wright’s thoughts: “If it were to fall like this, I think the Chiefs would run to the podium to draft Rueben Bain. They have not had a blue-chip edge rusher, you could argue, in [Patrick] Mahomes’ whole career.” Odds that Chiefs use first pick on edge rusher or defensive lineman: +275 10. Cincinnati Bengals: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon Wright’s thoughts: “A move that I would not support, which is why I think the Bengals might do it. Most of the things they do, I don’t support. You know what would be fun? More offense. The no. 1 tight end and a guy who has, in a good way, gotten some Kyle Pitts comps.” Odds that Sadiq is drafted by the Bengals: +2500 11. Miami Dolphins: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah Wright’s thoughts: “The Dolphins are in a full-on teardown. However, you did sign Malik Willis. You traded away his weapons. You at least want to give him a little bit of protection.” Odds that Fano is a top-10 pick: +160 12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU Wright’s thoughts: “Cowboys, I think, would run to the board to hand this pick in. The top corner, whom I think a lot of people incorrectly believe the Chiefs will take at No. 9. Delane is everyone’s top corner in this draft. The Cowboys need help in every aspect in the secondary.” Odds that Delane is the first cornerback drafted: -320 13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons): Makai Lemon, WR, USC Wright’s thoughts: “I like this fit a lot, not just because he would be able to stay home. … Lemon can play the slot or the outside [and] Davante Adams is, obviously, getting older and all of a sudden, Puka Nacua’s availability is a question mark. They’re an ultimate win-now team that might have short and longterm questions at wide receiver.” Odds that Rams use first pick on a wide receiver: +120 14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State Wright’s thoughts: “I got the Ravens going with the best available interior offensive lineman. He hasn’t played much center at all, I think 20 snaps total, but he’s played both guard spots. They need help on the interior of the offensive line.” Odds that Ravens use first pick on an offensive lineman: +140 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keldric Faulk, edge rusher, Auburn Wright’s thoughts: “The Bucs have been trying to address edge rusher in the draft for years. They have hit in some capacity, but no real stars.” Odds that Buccaneers use first pick on an edge rusher or a defensive lineman: +125 16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama Wright’s thoughts: “What I think would be a massive overdraft, but the Jets are kind of known to massively overdraft [players]. The Jets are one of the top picks for, ‘Team Most Likely To Have Their Owner Completely Reshuffle Their Board The Day Before The Draft.’” Odds that Simpson is drafted by the Jets: +145 17. Detroit Lions: Akheem Mesidor, edge rusher, Miami (Fla.) Wright’s thoughts: “The Lions still need an edge rusher opposite of Aidan Hutchinson.” Odds that Lions use first pick on an edge rusher or defensive lineman: +200 18. Minnesota Vikings: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State Wright’s thoughts: “I feel like Jordan Addison’s star has dimmed over the last couple of years for lack of on-field production and off-field [stuff]. It feels like the defense has people everywhere already.” Odds that Vikings use first pick on a wide receiver: +1800 19. Carolina Panthers: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia Wright’s thoughts: “Get Bryce Young some offensive line help.” Odds that Panthers use first pick on an offensive lineman: +400 20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers): CJ Allen, LB, Georgia Wright’s thoughts: “The Cowboys, remember, they thought Logan Wilson was going to transform the defense. That didn’t work out.” Odds that Allen is a first-round pick: +110 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State Wright’s thoughts: “Cameron Hayward’s the oldest every-down defensive player in the league and T.J. Watt’s getting older. So I think Kayden McDonald is to try to add right now depth and then eventually heir apparent makes sense there.” Odds that Steelers use first pick on an edge rusher or a defensive lineman: +600 22. Los Angeles Chargers: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon Wright’s thoughts: “Yeah, they got the tackles back, but the interior of that offensive line, no one could win with that. Those excuses, I already see them being brewed up in Danny’s [Parkins] workshop. So they take one of the top interior offensive linemen.” Odds that Chargers use first pick on an offensive lineman: +155 23. Philadelphia Eagles: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana Wright’s thoughts: “The Eagles, I believe, anticipating an AJ Brown trade, end up drafting Omar Cooper.” Odds that Eagles use first pick on a wide receiver: +400 24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee Wright’s thoughts: “McCoy probably would have been a top 12 pick, but he totally blew out his knee prior to last year. Didn’t play last year. Now, he might not be a first-round pick. Those are the types of guys, if you’re Cleveland with your second first round pick, I think you should look at like the super high upside, even if he takes a minute to get acclimated.” Over/under on number of cornerbacks drafted in first round: 4.5 25. Chicago Bears: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama Wright’s thoughts: “He’s the tackle from Alabama that we saw, catching the passes and rumbling and running down like the most athletic 380-pounder I’ve ever seen in my life. I feel like the Bears all of a sudden have to address left tackle because of that, and so we have him going there.” Odds that Bears use first pick on an offensive lineman: +700 26. Buffalo Bills: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson Wright’s thoughts: “The Bills have been trying to get corner correct in the draft for a couple of years. I know they just drafted Maxwell Hairston. They take another shot at it with Terrell out of Clemson.” Odds that Bills use first pick on a cornerback: +275 27. San Francisco 49ers: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson Wright’s thoughts: “I think the Niners need to start looking at a post-Trent Williams world, especially at his age.” Odds that 49ers use first pick on an offensive lineman: +115 28. Houston Texans: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State Wright’s thoughts: “The Texans always need to address the offensive line.” Odds that Texans use first pick on an offensive lineman: -140 29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Los Angeles Rams): Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon Wright’s thoughts: “The Chiefs go with secondary help after losing Jaylen Watson, Trent McDuffie, and Bryan Cook this offseason with Thieneman out of Oregon.” Odds that Thieneman is a first-round pick: -4000 30. Miami Dolphins (from Denver Broncos): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo Wright’s thoughts: “Dolphins also take a safety, McNeil-Warren, out of Toledo.” Odds that McNeil-Warren is a first-round pick: -260 31. New England Patriots: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington Wright’s thoughts: “Then the Patriots lost Stefon Diggs, having not necessarily traded for A.J. Brown. They take Denzel Boston out of Washington.” Odds that Patriots use first pick on a wide receiver: +370 32. Seattle Seahawks: Cashius Howell, edge rusher, Texas A&M Wright’s thoughts: “The Seahawks, after losing a few of the defenders in free agency, add to their defensive depth with Cassius Howell, the edge rusher out of Texas A&M.” Odds that Seahawks use first pick on an edge rusher: +400Latest Sports News from FOX Sports
Now that’s more like it! DC Defenders head coach Shannon Harris sought some redemption in Week 2 after mustering just 10 points in a season-opening road loss, and the defending UFL champions received it in the form of an easy 44-26 victory over the Columbus Aviators at Historic Crew Stadium in Ohio on Friday. The Defenders leaned on the ground game, totaling 229 rushing yards. Standout running back Deon Jackson led the effort with 97 rushing yards on 11 carries and three touchdowns. Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu was efficient through the air, going 8-for-11 for 99 yards, a touchdown pass and an interception. The Defenders (1-1) scored on eight of their 11 possessions and forced four Aviators (0-2) turnovers. “We had to reestablish our D.C. brand of football,” Harris told reporters after the game. “We did a good job up front blocking. We challenged our O-line up front in running the football, and those guys did a good job in rising up to the challenge.” Elsewhere, the Orlando Storm improved to 2-0 with a 19-9 home victory over the winless Louisville Kings (0-2). The Houston Gamblers (1-1) earned their first victory of the season on a last-second, 50-yard field goal to seal a comeback win and defeat the Birmingham Stallions (1-1) by two, 22-20. There’s one game remaining in Week 2, as the Dallas Renegades (1-0) host the St. Louis Battlehawks (1-1) on Tuesday night (8 p.m. ET on FS1). [2026 UFL Results: Gamblers, Storm, Defenders Victorious In Week 2] Here are my takeaways from Week 2 of the UFL: 1. Gamblers earn first victory, run over Stallions Houston, who finished with just 42 rushing yards in Week 1, rumbled for 174 yards on the ground this weekend. Still, they struggled to get into the end zone, going 1-for-6 in the red zone. However, trailing 19-14 with 7:25 left in the game, the Gamblers got a break. On a 24-yard field goal attempt by John Hoyland, Birmingham was called for an illegal formation for having too many men on one side of the line on a replay review, giving Houston a first down. The Gamblers scored their only touchdown two plays later on a 2-yard run by Jalen White, who finished with a game-high 82 yards. The Stallions answered with a score of their own, retaking the lead on an Anthony McFarland Jr. 1-yard run. Benched a week earlier, Houston quarterback Nolan Henderson marched his offense into field-goal position with 1:56 left, and Hoyland drilled the game-winning field goal from 50 yards out — one of his five field goals on the day. Henderson went 15-for-23 for 186 yards in relief of Hunter Dekkers, who had to leave the game because of a shoulder injury. Houston finished with 407 total yards of offense and held the Stallions to zero sacks. Birmingham quarterback Matt Corral went 21-for-27 for 226 yards and two scores, but he also had two costly interceptions. 2. Defenders get their groove back One of the most aggressive, blitz-heavy defenses in the league last season, the Defenders got back to their identity in a road win against the Aviators. DC held Columbus to 4.2 yards per play, forced four turnovers and recorded four sacks. Defensive back Sam Kidd led the Defenders with seven combined tackles, an interception and two pass breakups. The Defenders finished with 16 takeaways last season, tied for the third-most in the UFL. DC’s ability to dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball helped propel them to a league title last season. The Defenders are tied for the league lead with seven sacks. Jackson leads the league in rushing yards (154) and rushing touchdowns (four). 3. QB Jack Plummer leads Storm to 2-0 start Head coach Anthony Becht is in a different location, but the results have been the same for the former New York Jets tight end. Becht has led Orland to a 2-0 record to start the year, with his team taking care of the Kings by double digits in a Week 2 road victory. One of the main reasons for Orlando’s success has been the play of the team’s starting quarterback in Plummer. The Louisville product went 18-for-23 for 182 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown pass to KJ Hamler and a 39-yard score by Elijhah Badger. Plummer’s lone blemish was an interception by Kings cornerback Deantre Prince in the fourth quarter. For the season, Plummer is tops in the league in completion percentage (77.8), second in passing yards (422) and second in passer rating (118.7). 4. Can Dorian Thompson-Robinson get some run? Speaking of Orlando quarterbacks, it’s surprising that a former starting back in the pros in Thompson-Robinson can’t find his way onto the field in the eight-team UFL. I understand that Plumber apparently beat out the UCLA product as the starter in Orlando, and the 26-year-old Thompson-Robinson must wait his turn. However, if he’s not going to see the field regularly, the Storm should trade him to another team for the good of the league. The UFL is starved for competent quarterback play, so it makes little sense for someone like Thompson-Robinson — who was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns and appeared in 15 games for the franchise — to hold a clipboard in a developmental league struggling to put points on the board. Thompson-Robinson went 2-for-3 for 19 yards in relief of Plummer, who had to leave the game briefly after getting the wind knocked out of him. 4 ½: What’s Next One game will be played on Friday (Storm at Kings), one on Saturday (Gamblers at Defenders) and two on Sunday (Aviators at Renegades and Stallions at Battlehawks).Latest Sports News from FOX Sports
United States men’s national team striker Patrick Agyemang’s World Cup hopes are in doubt after he was carried off on a stretcher while playing for Derby in the second-tier English Championship on Monday. Agyemang landed awkwardly while bringing the ball down on his chest and collapsed to the grass. He was visibly emotional as he was taken off, his right leg strapped. “He’s gone for a scan so we’ll just have to wait and see,” Derby manager John Eustace said. “It’s not good when a player comes off on a stretcher.” In his absence, Derby beat Stoke City 2-0. Agyemang has helped Derby rise into contention for promotion from the Championship thanks to a team-leading 10 goals since arriving last summer from Charlotte in Major League Soccer. During the recent international break, he came off the bench for the United States and scored in a loss against Belgium and got minutes against Portugal. Reporting by The Associated Press.Latest Sports News from FOX Sports
Would this be a good time to remind everyone that Toronto started last season 16-20 and still came two outs away from winning the World Series? Among the many early surprises this season? The Blue Jays just got swept by the White Sox, the Red Sox have the worst record in MLB, the Marlins are in first place, the Cubs are in last place, the Mariners are under .500 and the Yankees are the only team .500 or better in the AL East. Surely, this is mostly just the result of early-season small samples. But for this week’s edition of power rankings, we’ll look at more of the surprises around the league. We’re more than a week into the season, and the Rockies’ have the second-best run differential in the NL West…at minus-four. We knew the pitching would be bad, and, boy, has it been. The real surprise in Washington is the offense, which ranks third in MLB in scoring while getting a big boost from Joey Wiemer (10-for-21, 2 HR), who was acquired off waivers this offseason. Miguel Vargas was always expected to hit at the highest level when he was a Dodgers prospect, and it might finally be coming together for him. He ranks in the top 30 among qualified MLB hitters in OPS, and the White Sox are 3-0 at home for the first time since 2004. The Twins don’t have a single player hitting above .225. As a team, they have the worst batting average in baseball at .192. On the positive side, Taj Bradley has a 0.87 ERA through two starts. It’s not surprising that the A’s have the third-worst ERA in MLB; it is surprising that their high-powered offense ranks 17th in OPS…especially while Shea Langeliers is tied for the MLB lead in home runs with five. Jo Adell, who was tied with Nick Castellanos and Juan Soto for last among all qualified outfield defenders in outs above average last season, is saving games with his glove. What a display Adell put on Saturday to save a win against the Mariners. He assisted a pitching staff that ranks seventh in MLB in ERA. The Giants are one of only eight teams who have already played 10 games, and they’re still tied for the fewest runs scored in MLB with the lowest OPS in MLB (.561). They’re averaging 2.6 runs per game; their fewest in a full season since moving to San Francisco is 3.4 runs per game. They’re a top-10 team in runs scored, slugging and OPS, but their relievers have the worst ERA in MLB (7.96). Cardinals pitchers have a strikeout rate of 14.9%, which would be the lowest of any team in a full season since the 2009 Nationals (14.3%) and Orioles (14.7%). The could, however, be the Jordan Walker breakout year. The Diamondbacks have the third-worst on-base percentage in MLB. Among qualified hitters on the team, Corbin Carroll is the only one hitting above league average. The Red Sox offense has scored the fewest runs (30) in the American League, Caleb Durbin and Trevor Story each rank in the bottom three among all qualified MLB hitters in wRC+, and after trading for Sonny Gray and signing Ranger Suarez for $130 million, Boston starters currently have the fourth-highest ERA in MLB (5.19). Combine it all, and the Red Sox have lost seven of their last eight games. Xavier Edwards is tied for the MLB lead in hits (16), Liam Hicks is tied for the MLB lead in RBI (12), and the Marlins’ offense ranks fourth in MLB in OPS (.793) and fifth in runs per game (5.44). Last year, Bobby Witt Jr. never went more than six games without an extra-base hit. The Royals are nine games into their season and still haven’t gotten one from their superstar shortstop yet. Meanwhile, Vinnie Pasquantino only has one. The best pitcher in the rotation has been Randy Vásquez, who has allowed just one run in 12 innings over his first two starts. The Orioles have hit the third-fewest home runs in MLB and dropped five of six games to the Rangers and Pirates. Joc Pederson is 1-for-17 to start the year and has the same OPS as Wyatt Langford (.425). The two worst ERAs in the rotation belong to Nathan Eovaldi (11.42) and Jacob deGrom (5.79), but Jack Leiter and MacKenzie Gore each rank in the top 10 in MLB in strikeouts. The Cubs have the fewest hits in the National League and rank 25th in slugging percentage, despite four home runs already from Ian Happ. While the offense is trying to get going, last year’s Rookie of the Year runner-up Cade Horton just left his last start with forearm discomfort. It’s not a surprise to see the top pitching duo of Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez thriving; it is a surprise that the team’s two OPS leaders are Colt Keith and Dillon Dingler. The Reds are on the upswing after sweeping the Rangers despite an offense that ranks last in MLB in OPS with runners in scoring position and is tied for last in runs scored. It says a lot about what young starters Chase Burns (0.82 ERA) and Rhett Lowder (1.64) have done. The Pirates have won five straight games despite Paul Skenes sporting a 9.53 ERA. Their offense, which ranked last in OPS last season, ranks seventh this year and now has top prospect Konnor Griffin lifting the vibes. Top prospect Chase DeLauter is tied for the MLB lead in home runs — and has more than half of the team’s homers. His product has been vital with Kyle Manzardo starting the year 2-for-30, José Ramírez hitting .154 and Steven Kwan hitting .216 to start the year. The Blue Jays’ offense ranks 23rd in runs scored, most of their rotation is sidelined and their relievers are 1-for-6 in save opportunities. Add all that up, and they stunningly just lost five out of six games to the Rockies and White Sox before getting ready to host the Dodgers in a World Series rematch. Julio Rodriguez is 6-for-39 with 13 strikeouts and no extra-base hits. It has been just as bad for Cal Raleigh, who’s 5-for-38 with 20 strikeouts. As a team, the Mariners have the second-most strikeouts in MLB and are one of three teams hitting under .200. The Phillies rank 16th in starters’ ERA and 20th in relievers’ ERA, and offensively they’re outside the top 10 in OPS. But Zack Wheeler’s return is on the horizon later this month, and Adolis García seems to be doing better with the change of scenery. His .835 OPS is the second-highest mark on the team. MLB’s OPS leaders? That would be the Houston Astros, who also rank first in hits and runs scored by a wide margin. What a difference a healthy Yordan Alvarez makes. Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider and Hurston Waldrep are all on the injured list, and yet the Braves have the lowest ERA in MLB (1.82). They’re first in relievers’ ERA (1.08) and second in starters’ ERA (2.26). Bryce Elder still hasn’t allowed a run after two starts. The team leader in OPS? That would be Mark Vientos, who slashed .233/.289/.413 last year. Most of the fresh faces on the offensive side have yet to get going — Bo Bichette (.473 OPS) did, however, show positive signs in San Francisco — but new relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver have yet to allow a run, and Tobias Myers has looked like a multi-inning weapon. Here we go again. The Brewers traded away Freddy Peralta, Caleb Durbin and Isaac Collins, and yet their offense ranks third in MLB in OPS and their pitching staff ranks eighth in ERA. Former Giants prospect Kyle Harrison appears to be the latest pitcher to find his optimized form in Milwaukee. With Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón still on the shelf, the Yankees’ rotation is 5-0 with an MLB-best 1.81 ERA. Cam Schlittler has 15 strikeouts and no walks through two scoreless starts and already looks like one of the most dominant arms in the game, building off last year’s rookie success. The Dodgers added Kyle Tucker to a lineup that included Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts and Will Smith. But the best hitter on the team so far? That would be Andy Pages, who has bounced back from a forgettable postseason by starting 16-for-34 with three home runs.Latest Sports News from FOX Sports
Rockingham Speedway (Rockingham, N.C.) — Cleetus McFarland had finished his O’Reilly Series debut and had something to say. “All this internet talk got me thinking, maybe I shouldn’t come back,” McFarland told me and other reporters as he stood outside his car with a big smile. “Psyche. See you guys in two weeks. Talladega.” There was a reason for the YouTube content creator to smile. He had done what was asked of him, as he completed 244 of the 250 laps. But most importantly, he didn’t ruin anyone’s day Saturday at Rockingham. He did have four spins — a couple of true spins and a couple of others where he just got sideways. He also avoided a spinning car. The 31-year-old McFarland likely did what he needed to do to be approved for Talladega, although NASCAR could require him to go from the 0.94-mile Rockingham to the 1.5-mile oval at Kansas before doing the high-banked 2.66-mile O’Reilly race at Talladega. He does have experience at Talladega, though, in an ARCA car. It has been an eventful couple of months for McFarland, who bought a racetrack (DeSoto Speedway) six years ago in Florida to produce content for his YouTube channel. He does some drag races and also produces content with a fleet of Crown Vics that he owns. With now 4.67 million subscribers, he reaches an audience that NASCAR desperately wants. McFarland has caught the NASCAR bug and ran a few ARCA events last year. He was able to race a truck in February at Daytona, which lasted a handful of laps before he crashed on his own. Embarrassed and frustrated, he didn’t know where his NASCAR journey would take him. But Richard Childress Racing reached out, with Ty Dillon — a grandson of Childress who races Cup for Kaulig Racing — being the one who felt RCR could give McFarland the support he needs. So they worked up a plan to get him to race Talladega, and the first step was Rockingham, a shorter but fast track just short of a mile in length. McFarland was able to test there a few weeks ago because all rookies get one test. “When I got this opportunity from RCR, I knew I was going in over my head — just like all these people who are scrutinizing me think,” McFarland told me and other reporters on a virtual news conference four days before the race. “But I’m not going to shy away from a great opportunity such as racing for Richard Childress Racing.” [NASCAR POWER RANKINGS: Chase Elliott Makes Move After Big Win] McFarland finished 32nd in his debut, one spot better than where he started. And he admitted he was over his head. “Oh yeah,” he said afterward. “I had a ton of confidence. Then I spun out. Then about 50 laps into the race, … I got my confidence back and I’m feeling good. “And then that carried on for a while. When I spun out on my own and killed my tires, and then had to go back on my first set of tires, I went out, and I’m thinking to myself, ‘All right, I cannot do anything stupid again.’ … I am way in over my head, but I knew we just had to get to the end, and that’s what we did.” For McFarland, it was all about learning. So being at the rear of the field after a spin or after he sped on pit road, it was all a learning experience. He just didn’t want to ruin anyone’s day, and he did not. “I did avoid one crash, and that’s probably because my sleeves were cut off,” he quipped in referring to his signature fashion style. McFarland’s profession is social media, so he had heard all that was said about how he shouldn’t have been approved to race in O’Reilly (formerly Xfinity) until he had more truck events. “Closer to Daytona, when I had the big screwup in the truck, I was feeling a little down on myself,” McFarland said. “At this point, the record is so broken of people still talking about it, I don’t care as much. “At the end of the day, all these guys can say whatever they want about me. But if Richard Childress called them and said, ‘Hey, you want to come drive our car?’ All of them would have taken that opportunity, too.” The veterans in the series recognize that. “I don’t envy that position at all,” said Justin Allgaier, the 2024 O’Reilly Series champion who leads the 2026 standings. “I know that today had to be really tough on him, and especially with kind of some of the social media stuff that he’s had going against him in the last few weeks. “So I was proud of him putting the effort in and trying to make sure that he was where he needed to be out to go and have a solid day.” Would Allgaier draft with him at Talladega later this month? “I can’t answer that, because I think there’s a couple that we race with weekly that I don’t know that I want to draft with at Talladega,” Allgaier said. Allgaier noted that McFarland did a good job in the earlier race Saturday when he finished fourth in the ARCA East event. At that level (think of it like rookie-league baseball and O’Reilly as AAA), he can be competitive. And he’s learning how much work it takes to be competitive at the higher levels. NASCAR keeps its approval process somewhat subjective because drivers have a variety of experiences. Or in McFarland’s case, not much traditional racing experience. Some will view his presence as awesome because of the notoriety – few drivers get the cheers he does when they get out of the car. And some view his presence with disdain because he hasn’t followed the traditional path of learning in either the sprint-car or late model ranks. “If NASCAR is letting me do it, I’m in,” McFarland said. “I’m here. And no one can save me but myself at this point. … It’s up to me. “They can complain as much as they’d like, but it’s happening, and so they better buckle up.” To Waive Or Not NASCAR has a decision to make this week on whether to grant Kaulig Racing driver Corey LaJoie a waiver to make him eligible for the playoffs. LaJoie replaced the suspended-then-reinstated-then-resigned Daniel Dye in the Kaulig No. 10 truck. LaJoie, who had attempted to make the Daytona 500, had been registered as a Cup driver. A driver can change his primary series once during a year, but then his points get reset to zero in both his previous and new series. With only 11 races left in the regular season, it would be hard for LaJoie to make it into the top-10 in points to make the Chase. He is 84 points out of 10th. It would take at least a few wins, and the Kaulig equipment with the new Ram entries likely isn’t up to that level. But it still will set a precedent on whether NASCAR will grant a waiver — the rules remain that a driver must attempt to start every race to be Chase eligible — in a situation where a team and driver part ways. NASCAR granted one to Matt Kenseth after Kyle Larson’s suspension in 2020, but Larson was still under suspension when Kenseth was named the driver. In this situation, Dye has been reinstated after completing the sensitivity training that was required after his comments mocking gay men on a livestream. One area where NASCAR won’t grant a waiver is clear. Corey Heim, the defending truck series champion, leads the standings despite missing two races. NASCAR will not grant a waiver for a driver who doesn’t have sponsorship or a ride. It doesn’t want to encourage teams or drivers to take weekends off to focus on certain events. While that is much less likely in this new points system, where a win no longer gets a driver an automatic bid into the postseason, it’s still a possibility. In The News — Casey Mears will try to get to 500 career Cup starts by attempting to qualify for five races with Beard Motorsports: Both Talladega races, Indianapolis, Daytona and Homestead. — Carson Ferguson, who finished second in the RAM “Race for the Seat” driver tryout show/competition, will be in the Kaulig No. 25 truck this weekend at Bristol. He also will still do Martinsville later this year as planned. Under The Radar Rajah Caruth picked up his best finish in the O’Reilly Series as he placed fourth at Rockingham this weekend. Stat Of Note This is the first season in which Richard Childress Racing does not have a top-10 finish in the first seven Cup races. They Said It “It means everything.” — William Sawalich after his first career O’Reilly Series win. In Inside The Garage, Bob Pockrass takes us behind the scenes of the motorsports world the way only he can.Latest Sports News from FOX Sports
