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The opening weekend of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament started and ended with a thud for the Big Ten. In an instant, No. 8 Ohio State lost to No. 9 TCU in the very first game that tipped on Thursday afternoon. It wasn’t much later when No. 5 Wisconsin got upended by No. 12 High Point in one of the most exciting games we’ve seen so far. And come Sunday evening, with only two Sweet 16 spots still up for grabs, No. 7 UCLA unraveled against No. 2 UConn. But in between? Oh, man, seemingly everything went the conference’s way in an event that has largely befuddled the league since its last national champion, Michigan State, cut down the nets in 2000. When the dust finally settled, six Big Ten teams had reached the Sweet 16 in Michigan, Illinois, Purdue, Michigan State, Nebraska and Iowa. That’s one shy of an NCAA Tournament record set by the SEC last year. “We’ve been cheering like crazy for the Big Ten, and everyone’s done well,” Michigan head coach Dusty May said at a news conference earlier this week. “It’s important for recruiting, for the future, the television rights and packages, everything that goes with the enterprise of college basketball. How we do in the NCAA Tournament is incredibly important.” So how do the Super Six stack up? Aside from Michigan, which everyone knows was the best team in the Big Ten all season, how does the hierarchy shake itself out? Here’s a breakdown based on what we’ve seen so far: 6. Iowa Hawkeyes (No. 9 seed) Round of 64: defeated No. 8 Clemson, 67-61 Round of 32: defeated No. 1 Florida, 73-72 Sweet 16: vs. No. 4 Nebraska (Thursday, 7:30 p.m. ET) What a run for first-year head coach Ben McCollum, who has now guided the Hawkeyes to their first Sweet 16 berth since 1999 and just the ninth such appearance in school history thanks to a stunning upset of No. 1 Florida. Power forward Alvaro Folgueiras swished a 3-pointer from the right corner with 4.5 seconds remaining to officially dethrone the Gators, winners of last year’s national title. Now, Iowa will challenge conference rival Nebraska for an opportunity to reach the Elite Eight, something the Hawkeyes haven’t done since 1987. McCollum’s team has advanced this far by leaning on the NCAA Tournament’s best offense based on advanced metrics. An offensive efficiency mark of 142 points per 100 possessions since March Madness began is nearly two points clear of any other team in the field, according to Torvik. Much of that success can be traced back to offensive rebounding and free throws. Iowa has snagged 35 offensive rebounds across its first two tournament games and used those extra possessions to rack up 53 free-throw attempts (38 makes). The Hawkeyes will face a stiffer test against Nebraska, whose defense ranks fourth since the Big Dance began. 5. Nebraska Cornhuskers (No. 4 seed) Round of 64: defeated No. 13 Troy, 76-47 Round of 32: defeated No. 5 Vanderbilt, 74-72 Sweet 16: vs. No. 9 Iowa (Thursday, 7:30 p.m. ET) Last weekend’s triumph in Oklahoma City, where the Paycom Center was flooded with red, is one Nebraska’s proud fans won’t soon forget. It began with the Cornhuskers earning their first-ever NCAA Tournament win by pummeling Troy in the opening round, ending its drought as the last power-conference team without a victory in this event. Then, on Saturday, the Nebraska faithful were treated to one of the best games of the opening weekend, narrowly surviving a three-quarter court heave at the buzzer. Hearts thumped, mouths were agape. Though Nebraska is known for running an aesthetically pleasing offense under head coach Fred Hoiberg, who received another contract extension earlier this month, the Cornhuskers are playing ferocious defense in the tournament. They rank fourth in defensive efficiency, ninth in effective field goal percentage defense and 11th in forced turnover rate. The challenge on Thursday will be facing a conference foe against whom Nebraska split its two regular season meetings: a 57-52 road loss on Feb. 17 and an 84-75 home win in overtime on March 8. [MEN’S TOURNEY: Ranking Sweet 16 Matchups] 4. Michigan State Spartans (No. 3 seed) Round of 64: defeated No. 14 North Dakota State, 92-67 Round of 32: defeated No. 6 Louisville, 77-69 Sweet 16: vs. No. 2 UConn (Friday, 9:45 p.m. ET) While it’s true that Michigan State played well during both games of the opening weekend, the Spartans were also fortunate to receive a relatively favorable draw. They were never likely to be challenged by a North Dakota State team that ranks 125th or worse in both offensive and defensive efficiency, according to KenPom. Nor were they ever likely to face Louisville at full strength given the lingering back issue for freshman sensation Mikel Brown Jr. (18.2 points per game), who missed both of his team’s games and is now likely to enter the NBA Draft as a potential lottery pick. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t things for head coach Tom Izzo to be excited about entering the Sweet 16 matchup with UConn. In terms of perimeter shooting, the Spartans have already made 21 3-pointers in this year’s tournament — 10 against North Dakota State, 11 against Louisville — despite only averaging 7.8 made 3s per game, which is tied for 176th nationally. Junior forward Coen Carr, whose offensive contributions are often inconsistent, is averaging 19 points per game through the opening weekend. Tremendous production from role players like freshman forward Cam Ward (15 total points) and senior guard Trey Fort (19 combined points) has taken some of the pressure off the Spartans’ core four. 3. Purdue Boilermakers (No. 2 seed) Round of 64: defeated No. 15 Queens, 101-74 Round of 32: defeated No. 7 Miami, 79-69 Sweet 16: vs. No. 11 Texas (Thursday, 7:10 p.m. ET) Is there any team in the country hotter than Purdue right now? Beginning with a victory over Northwestern in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament, the Boilermakers have won six in a row by an average margin of 16.2 points per game. And during that span, according to Torvik, head coach Matt Painter’s team has the most efficient offense in the country at 140.2 points per 100 possessions. On a larger scale, more than six weeks have passed since Purdue was last held to fewer than 70 points (Feb. 7 vs. Oregon). The biggest question facing the Boilermakers against Texas and, potentially beyond, is whether the leading trio can continue to produce at such a high level. Point guard Braden Smith, now the record holder for most assists in Division I history, has 38 points and 16 assists in two games. Shooting guard Fletcher Loyer has made four 3-pointers in each round. Power forward Trey Kaufman-Renn has owned the paint by scoring 44 points and grabbing 18 rebounds thus far, albeit against undersized front courts. Can they perform that well against the Longhorns’ length and athleticism? What about a potential matchup with No. 1 Arizona in the Elite Eight? 2. Illinois Fighting Illini (No. 3 seed) Round of 64: defeated No. 14 Penn, 105-70 Round of 32: defeated No. 11 VCU, 76-55 Sweet 16: vs. No. 2 Houston (Thursday, 10:05 p.m. ET) Illinois is another team whose first weekend in the NCAA Tournament was rather fortuitous. The Illini opened by hammering an undermanned Penn team, which only qualified for the Big Dance by upsetting a far more dangerous Yale team in the Ivy League Tournament title game. And then, when facing the possibility of a second-round matchup against No. 6 North Carolina, whose head coach, Hubert Davis, has subsequently been fired, the Illini benefited from the Tar Heels’ stunning second-half collapse against VCU. They reached the Sweet 16 without facing an opponent ranked among the top 40 in KenPom. But there is no doubt that Illinois, which is chasing the program’s first Final Four appearance since 2005, has the high-end talent, positional size and roster depth to be considered among the best teams in the country. Brad Underwood’s team boasts a handful of future pros in point guard Keaton Wagler, small forward David Mirkovic and the Ivisic brothers on the interior — a quartet that is difficult for most opposing teams to match. Illinois finished plus-16 on the glass against VCU and plus-23 on the glass against Penn, which shows how dangerous and dominant this team can be, even when the initial shots aren’t falling. 1. Michigan Wolverines (No. 1 seed) Round of 64: defeated No. 16 Howard, 101-80 Round of 32: defeated No. 9 St. Louis, 95-72 Sweet 16: vs. No. 4 Alabama (Friday, 7:35 p.m. ET) Fans could be forgiven for thinking there was an element of Michigan playing with its food during the opening two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. The Wolverines sat back and played lax defense as Howard buried 10 3-pointers in the first half of a game that only had a four-point margin at the break. They also only led St. Louis by a point with under seven minutes remaining in the first half before finally kicking into gear and pulling away. Legitimate causes for concern? Perhaps. But the more likely explanation is that Michigan, one of the most talented teams in the country, always knew it was going to win those games and just arrived fashionably late. Alabama might not test the Wolverines too much, either — especially without second-leading scorer Aden Holloway, who was arrested earlier this month and hasn’t played in the NCAA Tournament. The bigger question is whether No. 2 Iowa State can advance on the bottom half of the Midwest bracket and potentially challenge Michigan in the Elite Eight. Much of that depends on the health of Cyclones star Joshua Jefferson (sprained ankle), a first-team All-American who missed the Round of 32 victory over Kentucky. If Jefferson’s health remains an issue, the Wolverines could breeze to the Final Four.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Brackets set the stage for March Madness, but the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is defined by its superstars. This year’s Sweet 16 is overflowing with star power. Three of the five AP first-team All-Americans — Duke’s Cameron Boozer, Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr. and Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg — are still alive, alongside a wave of future lottery picks and breakout performers ready to make their mark. The NCAA Tournament is as much about individual brilliance as it is about matchups, and the biggest names tend to shape how it all unfolds. We’ve seen it before. Carmelo Anthony carried Syracuse to a title in 2003. Anthony Davis powered Kentucky to a championship in 2012. When the stage gets big, superstars take over. That’s our formula for determining the top 16 players in the Sweet 16. Talent still leads the way, but this list is about who can most influence a team’s championship path from here. Arizona and UConn each placed multiple players on the list, while the other 14 are the only representatives from their respective programs. With that, here is our list, counting down from 16-1. 16. Alex Karaban, F, UConn As a fifth-year senior who spent his entire career at UConn, where he’s already won two national titles and is now chasing a third, Karaban embodies everything that is still great about college basketball in an era defined by constant player movement. Karaban has developed from a scrawny, moderately recruited role player into the “brain center,” as head coach Dan Hurley likes to call him, of UConn’s incredibly complex offense. He’s averaging 24.5 points per game with eight made 3-pointers during this year’s NCAA Tournament, willing the Huskies to victories over No. 15 Furman and No. 7 UCLA. — Michael Cohen Stat to know: Karaban is 15-1 in NCAA Tournament games and is coming off a career-high 27 points in a second-round win over UCLA. — FOX Sports Research 15. Ja’Kobi Gillespie, G, Tennessee Gillespie is probably the least-talked-about stud in the Sweet 16. The senior guard is 9-of-16 from deep through the opening two rounds of the NCAA Tournament and has unlimited range. He can also get in the paint whenever he wants and create for his teammates.  Tennessee’s offense would really struggle without him. — Casey Jacobsen Stat to know: Gillespie is one of two players in Division I to have 1900-plus points and 200-plus steals since 2022 (Braden Smith and Alex Karaban). — FOX Sports Research 14. Bennett Stirtz, G, Iowa Stirtz came to Iowa with head coach Ben McCollum from Drake. Some were skeptical that he could replicate that success in the Big Ten, but those questions have been answered after averaging nearly 20 points per game this season. The senior guard has struggled from downtown in the NCAA Tournament (3-of-19), but he controls the pace of the game as well as any player in the country. — Jacobsen Stat to know: Stirtz is one of two Division I players to make 149-plus 3-pointers while averaging 19-plus points per game over the past two seasons (Jaron Pierre). — FOX Sports Research [MEN’S TOURNEY: Ranking Sweet 16 Matchups] 13. Jaden Bradley, G, Arizona While I don’t think he was the best player in the Big 12 this season, he is the unquestioned leader and go-to player late in games for this Arizona team. He’s also one of the best perimeter defenders in the sport and will be tasked with trying to slow down Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr. That will be the best individual matchup of the Sweet 16. — Jacobsen Stat to know: Bradley was named Big 12 Player of the Year, Big 12 Tournament MVP and to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team. — FOX Sports Research 12. Tarris Reed Jr., C, UConn There always have — and probably always will be — questions about Reed’s game-to-game consistency. But anyone capable of scoring 31 points and grabbing 27 rebounds in an NCAA Tournament game, which Reed did in UConn’s opening-round win over No. 15 Furman, possesses elite talent. At 6-foot-11 and 265 pounds, Reed is an ideal combination of strength and skill, anchor and agility, and his influence on everything the Huskies do stretches from one end of the floor to the other. — Cohen Stat to know: Reed became just the second player in NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament history to have 30 points, 20 rebounds on 80% shooting from the field in a NCAA Tournament game (Bill Walton). — FOX Sports Research 11. Brayden Burries, G, Arizona While Bradley won Big 12 Player of the Year honors, there is a belief by many that Burries is the most talented and explosive player on Arizona’s roster. It took him a few weeks early on in the season to find his rhythm, but he now leads the Wildcats in scoring at 16 points per game and has made 62 3-pointers heading into the Wildcats’ Sweet 16 matchup against Arkansas. He has been on fire throughout the first two games of the NCAA Tournament, shooting 65% from the field and 88% from 3-point range. — Jacobsen Stat to know: Burries is one of five freshmen to play in a power-conference and average 16-plus points per game and make 60-plus 3-pointers. (Darius Acuff, Keaton Wagler, Darryn Peterson, Ebuka Okorie). — FOX Sports Research 10. Labaron Philon Jr., G, Alabama Philon has been at the steering wheel of the fastest offense left in the NCAA Tournament Field. When he needs to score, he can drop 29 points in a game, like he did in Alabama’s Round 1 win over Hofstra. When he needs to pass, he dish out 12 dimes in a game, like he did in the team’s Round 2 win over Texas Tech. He will need to do both in the Sweet 16 against Michigan. — Jacobsen Stat to know: Philon is the only SEC player to average 20-plus points per game this season while shooting over 50% from the floor and over 39% from 3-point range. — FOX Sports Research [MEN’S BRACKET: NCAA Tournament Bracket, Leaders & Stats] 9. Zuby Ejiofor, F, St. John’s A tireless work ethic coupled with the sculpting power of head coach Rick Pitino helped transform Ejiofor, a one-time Kansas castoff, into both the Big East Player of the Year and the league’s Defensive Player of the Year. Ejiofor anchors everything St. John’s does at both ends of the court and leads the Red Storm in points (16.3 per game), rebounds (7.3 per game), assists (3.5 per game) and blocks (2.2 per game). His profound influence on games explains why Pitino has joked that he’ll have to retire from coaching once Ejiofor’s collegiate career ends. Pitino doesn’t want to move forward without him. — Cohen Stat to know: Ejiofor is the first player in Big East history to win Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player, and Scholar-Athlete of the Year. He is also the first unanimous Big East Player of the Year since former Creighton standout Doug McDermott in the 2013-14 season. — FOX Sports Research 8. Joshua Jefferson, F, Iowa State An ankle injury has put the 6-foot-9 forward’s availability in doubt, but when at full strength, Jefferson is one of the top players in the country when it comes to versatility. He has improved his scoring (16.4 PPG), rebounding, (7.4 RPG) and passing (4.8 APG) numbers in all four years of his college career, which started in the WCC at Saint Mary’s. The Cyclones can run their offense through Jefferson on the perimeter and in the post, and even though he’s not super explosive, he gets wherever he wants to on the floor. — Jacobsen Stat to know: Jefferson is the only player in the Big 12 to average 16-plus PPG, 7-plus RPG and shoot over 34% from the 3-point line. — FOX Sports Research 7. Kingston Flemings, G, Houston This year’s Houston squad was supposed to be led by senior guards Emmanuel Sharp and Milos Uzan. While those guys have still been excellent this season, Flemings is the engine of this team and the go-to shot creator. He’s also one of the best mid-range jump shooters in the sport and has only attempted one 3-point shot in the NCAA Tournament so far. — Jacobsen Stat to know: Flemings is the only freshman to play in a power conference and average 16-plus points, 5-plus assists and 4-plus rebounds per game this season. — FOX Sports Research 6. Braden Smith, G, Purdue From a three-star recruit in 2022 to the all-time leader in assists for Division I. That alone should be enough to explain why Smith is such an incredible player. His vision, timing and creativity are only enhanced by the genuine joy he feels for setting up teammates. And once legendary big man Zach Edey left Purdue following the 2023-24 season, Smith stepped forward as a scorer, too. — Cohen Stat to know: Smith passed former Duke standout Bobby Hurley as the NCAA’s all-time leader in assists with 1,091. — FOX Sports Research 5. Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois There aren’t many 6-foot-6 point guards in college basketball. And when there are, they generally don’t glide and score as effortlessly as Wagler. An overlooked three-star recruit, Wagler has blossomed into a surefire lottery pick amid a dynamic season at Illinois. He scores at all three levels, isn’t afraid of the big moment and only recently turned 19. An incredible prospect. — Cohen Stat to know: Wagler’s 17.8 points per game average is on pace to break the program’s all-time freshman scoring average record set during the 1993-94 season. His 46-point performance against Purdue is the Big Ten record for points in a game by a freshman. — FOX Sports Research 4. Jeremy Fears Jr., G, Michigan State Though it’s difficult for some fans to put aside all the extracurricular activity Fears has embroiled himself in this season, the fact remains that he’s unquestionably one of the best point guards in the country. Leading the nation in assists (9.4 per game) is one thing, but it’s the manner in which Fears controls every aspect of the game for Michigan State that is most impressive. He’s the Spartans’ maestro. — Cohen Stat to know: Fears leads the country in assists at 9.4 per game, which is the highest average of any Big Ten player since at least the 2002-03 season. — FOX Sports Research [NCAA ODDS: Latest Men’s March Madness Odds, Favorites] 3. Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Michigan At 6-foot-9, 240 pounds and with the movement skills of a much smaller player, there isn’t much that Lendeborg can’t do on the basketball court. Make scoring look easy both inside and outside the 3-point line? Check. Defend any of the five positions? Check. Serve as an auxiliary point guard whenever head coach Dusty May wants to mix up the offensive approach? Check. The No. 1 player in last year’s transfer portal has certainly delivered. — Cohen Stat to know: Lendeborg is the first Michigan men’s basketball player to win Big Ten Player of the Year honors since Nik Stauskas did it during the 2013-14 season. He is also shooting a career-high 36.1% from the 3-point line. — FOX Sports Research 2. Darius Acuff Jr., G, Arkansas Is Acuff the best freshman point guard John Calipari has ever coached? I’d say yes, as his freshman season is more dominant than Derrick Rose or John Wall. It’s pretty impressive company, but his averages of 22.3 points (on 49% shooting), 3.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists speak for themselves. Think about where Arkansas would be without Acuff. — Jacobsen Stat to know: Acuff is the only player in the country to average 21-plus points and 6.0-plus assists per game. — FOX Sports Research 1. Cameron Boozer, F, Duke Boozer was asked to fill Cooper Flagg’s shoes and he’s had a better statistical season than Flagg. Boozer’s stats say he’s the best player in the nation, but I believe that no other team asks more of their best player than Duke does of Boozer. — Jacobsen Stat to know: Boozer is one of two Division I players to average 20-plus points and 10-plus rebounds this season (JT Toppin). — FOX Sports Research​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

The NFL will open the season on a Wednesday night for the second time ever, with the defending champion Seattle Seahawks set to host the first game of the 2026 season. The NFL announced on Wednesday that the Seahawks will play the traditional opener as Super Bowl champions on Sept. 9, a day earlier than usual with the league also having a Week 1 game in Australia between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams. The opponent for Seattle on the game that will be broadcast on NBC will be determined later. The only other time the first game of the NFL season was played on a Wednesday came in 2012 when the Dallas Cowboys visited the New York Giants. The game was moved from its usual Thursday spot that year because President Barack Obama was set to speak that night at the Democratic National Convention. The Rams and 49ers will play their opener on Sept. 11 in Melbourne. The game is expected to kick off at about 10:35 a.m. that Friday in Australia, which is 8:35 p.m. ET on Thursday night in the United States. The broadcaster for that game has not been determined yet. The NFL had played Week 1 games in Brazil the past two seasons on the first Friday night in September. With Labor Day being later this year, the opening Friday for the 2026 season is the second one in September, making the NFL unable to play games that night on television because of the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961. While Wednesday games were played occasionally in the early years of the NFL, this will be just the fifth since 1950. There were two games on Christmas Day when it fell on a Wednesday in 2024, one in 2022 that was delayed because of COVID-19 and the 2012 opener. Reporting by The Associated Press.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Joe Flacco is set to back up Joe Burrow again with the Cincinnati Bengals, signing a one-year deal to remain with the team on Tuesday. However, the 41-year-old quarterback believes he should’ve landed a starting opportunity somewhere else. When speaking with reporters after inking his deal to stay in Cincinnati, Flacco called out teams that weren’t willing to offer him a starting job in free agency. “Not being one of those guys to go sign somewhere, yeah, it pisses me off a little bit,” Flacco said of not getting the chance to compete for a starting job somewhere. “But at the same time, I’m very happy to be here. And that’s why I also don’t see this as the end. That’s now how I’m viewing it in my mind. I feel like I can help a team win. “Believe me, I wish I was a guy somewhere. And I think teams are dumb for not having me be that guy. But it is what it is, and I’m not going to let it get me down.” Last season, Flacco started the first four games for the Cleveland Browns before getting benched. Shortly after, he was traded to the Bengals and became their starting quarterback as Burrow rehabbed from a toe injury. While Flacco won only one game in six starts for Cincinnati, he threw for 1,664 yards, 13 touchdowns and four interceptions, providing respectable quarterback play with Burrow sidelined. But apparently that wasn’t good enough for other teams to let Flacco compete for a starting job in 2026. Not many teams added a potential starting quarterback in free agency this offseason, though. The Miami Dolphins signed former Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis to a three-year deal to be their starting quarterback. The Atlanta Falcons added Tua Tagovailoa, with former first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. still rehabbing from an ACL tear. The Minnesota Vikings signed Kyler Murray following his release from the Arizona Cardinals to compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting QB job. There are a few teams that still might not have their starting quarterback for the 2026 season on their roster. But the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to take Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft and make him their starting quarterback, while Aaron Rodgers is viewed as likely to re-sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers and start for them again. Of course, starting jobs could become available as the offseason progresses and as quarterbacks get hurt in the regular season. For the time being, Flacco has his mind set on being the best possible backup to Burrow. “I’m just going to approach my job like a professional and be the best I can be in my role and have fun with the guys that I have in this locker room,” Flacco said.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is ingrained in NASCAR culture, wading into various waters around the sport, but is there something that he regrets not doing throughout his racing career? “[Not racing in an] INDYCAR [vehicle],” Earnhardt said in an interview on “SPEED with Harvick and Buxton” when asked about the biggest regret he has in his racing career regarding a missed opportunity. “I’ve had some chances to just run laps at [Indianapolis Motor Speedway] in a car, and I should’ve. And I always kind of wondered what that would feel like, and just saying that now, I’m probably going to get another couple of offers, but that ship has sailed. “I wish I would’ve done that, really, because when I was younger, in my 30s, I had some opportunities just to go feel it. Not really go race. I don’t need to go race, but I just really would love to know what that car feels like going around such a historic racetrack.” Earnhardt, who raced full-time at Dale Earnhardt Incorporated from 2000-07 and full-time at Hendrick Motorsports from 2008-17, won 26 career races on the NASCAR circuit. He previously won the 1998 and 1999 Xfinity Cup Series (now O’Reilly Auto Parts Series) championships. Earnhardt is the co-owner of JR Motorsports, whom he occasionally runs races for in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Elsewhere, Earnhardt stepped in as Connor Zilisch’s interim crew chief in the Xfinity Series for the Explore the Pocono Mountains 250 at Pocono Raceway in June 2025, as crew chief Mardy Lindley served a one-race suspension; Zilisch won the race with Earnhardt on top of the box. [NASCAR POWER RANKINGS: Many Changes But Not At The Top]​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

With the 2026 NFL Draft just under a month away, how have the early wave of free agency and the onslaught of pro days impacted where the top prospects could land? Given the latest developments around the league, here’s my first-round (no-trade) mock draft. 1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana This has long been a foregone conclusion. The Raiders nab their hopeful franchise quarterback in Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner who led the Hoosiers to their first-ever national title. [Inside Adidas Rookie Pro Day with Fernando Mendoza, Other Top Prospects] 2. New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech In the past four months, the Jets have traded both tackle Quinnen Williams and edge Jermaine Johnson II. So Bailey, arguably the best pure pass rusher in this draft, would give New York a new foundational piece on the defensive line. 3. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB, Ohio State The Cardinals’ biggest need is quarterback, but this isn’t the right draft to address that need at this spot. So Arizona goes with Reese, who combines edge-rushing talent with an ability to play inside linebacker — also needs for the Cards. 4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame After prioritizing defense in free agency, the Titans add a big-time playmaker in Love to bolster second-year quarterback Cam Ward’s supporting cast. [Bucky Brooks: The Book on Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love] 5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State Styles’ eye-popping athleticism at the linebacker position gives him as high of a ceiling as any blue-chip prospect in this draft. The former Ohio State star, at age 21 one of the youngest players in this class, can step in as a Day 1 starter alongside free-agent acquisition Tremaine Edmunds. 6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah The Browns have worked to remake their offensive line via free agency, but there’s still uncertainty at left tackle, where holdover Dawand Jones played just three games last season. The 6-foot-5 Fano played right tackle his last two seasons with the Utes, but he played left tackle in 2023. He’s also an option to play guard in the NFL because of his suboptimal arm length. 7. Washington Commanders: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State The Commanders must be thinking about a long-term WR1 for third-year QB Jayden Daniels, with veteran receiver Terry McLaurin entering his age-31 season and missing seven games in 2025. Tate is the best wide receiver in this year’s draft class. 8. New Orleans Saints: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State The Saints would be elated if the first round fell this way, even with safety not being a pressing need for them. Downs has a case as arguably the draft’s top overall prospect, and he’d give defensive coordinator Brandon Staley a versatile chess piece to work with in the secondary. Strong safety Justin Reid is 29 years old and projected starter at free safety Julian Blackmon is playing on a one-year deal. 9. Kansas City Chiefs: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU CB1 in this year’s draft, Delane would be a perfect fit for the Chiefs, who traded two-time All-Pro Trent McDuffie and saw fellow starting cornerback Jaylen Watson walk in free agency. 10. Cincinnati Bengals: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami If Bain is available here, it’s difficult to imagine the Bengals passing. They signed ex-Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe to a big contract in free agency and also have former first-rounders Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart in the picture, but Cincinnati is still lacking dependable pass-rush production. 11. Miami Dolphins: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami A three-year college starter at right tackle, Mauigoa could step in as a Day 1 strong side protector for new Miami quarterback Malik Willis. Austin Jackson slides inside to guard for the Dolphins. 12. Dallas Cowboys: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson The Cowboys traded for veteran Packers edge Rashan Gary, and 2025 second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku has a year under his belt, but Parker would give Dallas a major boost in playmaking off the edge. He had 16 sacks and six forced fumbles over his last two seasons for the Tigers. 13. Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State All-Pro receiver Puka Nacua isn’t going anywhere, but Davante Adams is 33 years old. Tyson, a first-team All-Big 12 selection, can be groomed as a long-term WR2 for the Rams. 14. Baltimore Ravens: Vega Ioane, G, Penn State After losing perennial Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum in free agency, the Ravens bolster their interior offensive line with Ioane, whose playing style fits Baltimore’s run-first identity. 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn The Bucs added Al-Quadin Muhammad (11 sacks last season for the Lions) in free agency, but they need a young pass rusher to pair with YaYa Diaby for the long haul. A third-team All-SEC honoree in 2025, Faulk registered 9.0 sacks, 16.0 tackles for loss and five pass breakups over his last two years at Auburn. 16. New York Jets (via Colts): Makai Lemon, WR, USC The Jets desperately need a WR2 to pair with Garrett Wilson. The 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner, Lemon ranked eighth in the FBS with 1,156 receiving yards and tied for ninth with 11 receiving TDs last season. 17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia The 6-foot-7, 315-pound Freeling was a full-time starter for just one season at Georgia, but he has ideal length and athleticism for a right tackle. The Lions can flip All-Pro OT Penei Sewell to the left side. 18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon On paper, Thieneman would be the perfect successor to six-time Pro Bowler Harrison Smith, a Vikings legend who could be retiring after 14 seasons. Thieneman is the best safety in this draft not named Caleb Downs. 19. Carolina Panthers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon The Panthers didn’t have a tight end reach 250 receiving yards last season. The 6-foot-3, 241-pound Sadiq would give quarterback Bryce Young a playmaker and security blanket. 20. Dallas Cowboys (via Packers): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson After taking Clemson edge T.J. Parker with their top pick, the Cowboys aren’t finished addressing their defense. At No. 20, they take Parker’s college teammate, Terrell, who had nine pass breakups and five forced fumbles en route to second-team AP All-American honors in 2025. Dallas needs more playmaking at corner around DaRon Bland. 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama Even if 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers returns, the Steelers need to start thinking long-term at quarterback. A second-team All-SEC honoree, Simpson is the best quarterback in this class not named Fernando Mendoza. 22. Los Angeles Chargers: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State The Chargers would love to get offensive line help here, but a blue-chip defensive tackle could be viewed as more valuable than the fifth- or sixth-best O-lineman in the back half of the first round. A unanimous first-team All-American, McDonald had 65 tackles (nine for loss), three sacks and two forced fumbles en route to being named the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. 23. Philadelphia Eagles: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri The Eagles are tasked with replacing the production of Jaelan Phillips, who signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Panthers. A Michigan State transfer, the 6-foot-6, 262-pound Young had 22 tackles for loss, nine sacks, five pass breakups and three forced fumbles over the past two seasons at Mizzou. 24. Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington After addressing their OT need at the top of the draft, the Browns get a potential WR1 in Boston, who caught 62 passes for 881 yards and 11 TDs for the Huskies in 2025. Jerry Jeudy led all Cleveland wide receivers with just 602 receiving yards last season. 25. Chicago Bears: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo The Bears continue their secondary makeover by drafting McNeil-Warren, pairing him with free-agent acquisition Coby Bryant to give Chicago a new safety tandem for 2026. McNeil-Warren had five pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two interceptions (one pick-six) at Toledo last season. 26. Buffalo Bills: Akheem Mesidor, DL, Miami After signing Bradley Chubb in free agency, the Bills get the young pass-rush juice they need in Mesidor. The former Miami star will be a 25-year-old rookie, but his extensive college experience and production level indicates that he could be a Day 1 contributor for Buffalo. The 6-foot-3, 259-pound Mesidor had 12.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss for the Hurricanes in 2025. 27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah The Niners remain committed to perennial Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams in the short term, but he turns 38 in July. San Francisco should be eyeing potential successors like Lomu, a two-year starting left tackle at Utah. 28. Houston Texans: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson The Texans would love to go offensive line here, but they don’t need to reach, especially with three Day 2 selections (two second-round picks, one third-rounder). A first-team All-ACC selection, Woods would bring young depth to what’s already a dominant defensive line. Starting defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins turns 32 in April. 29. Kansas City Chiefs (via Rams): R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma The Chiefs need an edge rusher to pair with George Karlaftis, who tied his career low with 6.0 sacks last season. Over his last two seasons at Oklahoma, Thomas posted 15.5 sacks, 22 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles. 30. Miami Dolphins (via Broncos): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana After getting QB Malik Willis some protection at No. 11 overall, the Dolphins prioritize wide receiver help here after trading Jaylen Waddle to Denver. A second-team All-Big Ten honoree, Cooper caught 69 passes for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns for Indiana last season. One of those TD catches will never be forgotten by Hoosiers fans. 31. New England Patriots: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson The Patriots get a potential right tackle successor for 35-year-old Morgan Moses. A first-team All-ACC selection, Miller made 54 career starts for the Tigers at RT. 32. Seattle Seahawks: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee After letting Riq Woolen walk in free agency, Seattle replenishes its cornerback depth with Hood, who had 50 tackles, eight pass breakups, an interception and a forced fumble in his lone season with the Vols.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

The tush push will live on for at least another season. Following another year of debate over the legality of the tush push, a proposal on whether to ban the play will not be voted on at the NFL’s league meetings in Arizona next week. However, the competition committee will push forward five other proposed rule changes for the 2026 NFL season next Tuesday. “There is less talk about it in the football community,” said Rich McKay, the chair of the competition committee. A proposal to ban the tush push was voted on last May, with the NFL owners voting 22-10 in favor of banning the play. But all proposed rule changes need at least 24 votes in order to be approved. The tush push faced scrutiny during the Philadelphia Eagles’ run to a Super Bowl title in 2024, with the play being one of the most successful plays in the NFL that season. Philadelphia continued to use the tush push in 2025, and there was speculation that the play would be removed from the game this offseason. In the Eagles’ Week 2 win over the Kansas City Chiefs this past year, there were multiple instances where it appeared players on Philadelphia’s offensive line were offside. FOX Sports NFL rules analyst Dean Blandino questioned the legality of the play during that game, but later said he thought it was “50-50” that the play would get banned. As for the other proposed rule changes, the NFL is preparing for the possibility of replacement officials in the 2026 season, proposing a rule change for one season that would allow the replay center in New York to correct any “clear and obvious” mistakes by on-field officials in case of a work stoppage. There are also a few proposed changes that would slightly tweak the kick-off rule and allow the replay center to eject players for flagrant acts on plays that were not penalized on the field. Here’s more about a few of the proposed rule changes being put forth by the competition committee at next week’s league meetings. Replacement ref contingencies The biggest proposal regards the contingency if there is a work stoppage with the officials and the league once again uses replacement officials as it did to start the 2012 season. The current collective bargaining agreement with the NFL and the NFL Referees Association expires on May 31. The NFL used replacement officials for the first three weeks of the 2012 season with several mistakes and bad calls being made. The tipping point came at the end of a Monday night game in Week 3 between Green Bay and Seattle when the Seahawks won the game on a disputed TD catch known as the “Fail Mary.” The league later said the touchdown should have been negated for offensive pass interference. The outrage reached the White House with President Barack Obama calling for the lockout to end, which it did a few days later, prompting an apology to fans from Commissioner Roger Goodell. Under the proposal from the competition committee, the replay center in New York would be able to advise the on-field officials on any missed roughing the passer or intentional grounding penalty, as well as any act that would have led to an ejection had a penalty been called. The replay center can also intervene to overturn calls that were made on several penalties, including illegal contact, face masks, roughing the passer, horse-collar tackles and intentional grounding. The replay center could also assist to overturn pass interference calls when there is clear evidence that there was “advertent tangling of feet when both players were playing the ball or neither player was playing the ball.” In the final two minutes of either half or for all of overtime, the replay center would be allowed to overturn or throw a flag on any unnecessary roughness or unsportsmanlike conduct for throwing a punch, forearm or kick; as well as leaping or leverage penalties on kicks. The replay center can also correct wrong calls based on running into or roughing the kicker. The DK Metcalf rule The committee also proposed allowing the officiating center in New York to eject players for committing a flagrant or non-football act on the field, even if it wasn’t called for a penalty. Under the old rules, the replay center could only intervene in those cases when the on-field officials had called a penalty. This proposal comes after Pittsburgh receiver DK Metcalf wasn’t ejected from a game at Detroit last season when he got into an altercation with a heckling fan. Because the on-field officials didn’t see the play when Metcalf swiped at the fan and throw a flag, the replay center was unable to eject Metcalf. The league did suspend him for two games, but he was able to remain in the game at the time. Kickoff changes The committee also proposed several minor tweaks to the new kickoff rule that is entering its third season, including allowing teams to declare an onside kick at any point in the game. The original rule in 2024 limited onside kicks to the fourth quarter when a team is trailing. The change last year allowed a trailing team to declare an onside kick at any point and now a team can declare an onside kick no matter the score. The committee also proposed a small change to how the receiving team lines up to receive kickoffs and made changes to the touchback on kicks that start from the 50 instead of the 35 following a personal foul penalty. Under the rule last year, the kicking team was incentivized to kick out of bounds from the 50 to give the receiving team the ball on the 25 instead of the 35 for a touchback. Under the new proposal, touchbacks on kicks from the 50 will be spotted at the 20. Off-field changes There were also a few proposals to change bylaws for off-field rules. The committee also proposed giving the league the latitude to alter the date of the roster cutdown day, which is currently the Tuesday following the final exhibition games, to accommodate an international game in Week 1. The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers are set to open the regular season in Australia and this gives the league the option to alter those dates based on when the teams travel to Australia. The committee also proposed making the Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend as business days, allowing for the 24-hour waiver period for players to go into effect on those days instead of waiting until Monday. The committee also proposed allowing players who began training camp on the physically unable to perform list and were kept on the PUP list after roster cutdown day to be allowed to open their 21-day practice window after Week 2 of the regular season. The players still can’t be put on the active roster until after missing four games but they now are able to practice sooner. The owners also could vote on two proposals made last week by teams, including one by Cleveland to allow draft picks to be traded five years into the future instead of three and one by Pittsburgh to allow teams to have up to five video or phone calls with potential free agents during the negotiating window before the start of the league year. That was allowed on a trial basis this year and the Steelers are proposing that the rule to be permanent. The Associated Press contributed to this report.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

The Dallas Cowboys have been among the more active teams in the NFL this offseason, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer thinks that sets them up for a smooth 2026 NFL Draft. “I think we did a really good job of setting ourselves up to be able to draft natural and draft pure, which is what you want to do,” Schottenheimer said about the team’s approach to the draft when speaking at the University of Texas at Austin’s Pro Day on Tuesday, according to the Cowboys’ team website. “You don’t want to have to be forced to reach for a player, that’s when you make mistakes.” Dallas has two selections in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft: picks No. 12 and 20 (acquired from the Green Bay Packers as part of the Cowboys’ August 2025 trade return for superstar defensive end Micah Parsons). The Cowboys also have the No. 92 pick, among other selections. Regarding their own players, the Cowboys have, most notably, re-signed running back Javonte Williams (three-year, $24 million deal) — who rushed for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns on 4.8 yards per carry in 2025, all career highs — and placed a $5.8 million second-round tender on star kicker Brandon Aubrey. [2026 NFL Offseason: Who Joins Cowboys Among 5 Teams Ready to Make Postseason Leap?] Meanwhile, Dallas placed the $27.3 million franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, who posted a career high in receptions (93), receiving yards (1,429) and receiving touchdowns (nine) in his first season in Dallas. Elsewhere, the Cowboys acquired defensive lineman and 2024 Pro Bowler Rashan Gary from the Packers and signed defensive backs Jalen Thompson (three-year, $33 million deal) and Cobie Durant (one-year, $4 million deal). “We’ve added some really good pieces, we’ve got some good depth,” Schottenheimer said about the Cowboys’ offseason. “There are still a few positions that we need to address, [but] that’s all part of the process. Like I say all the time, not my line, I think it’s Stephen’s [Jones] or Jerry’s [Jones], but [player acquisition] is 24/7, 365, and it never stops. We’re never stopping to look, we’re always open for business.” Dallas is coming off a 7-9-1 season, which was Schottenheimer’s first as head coach, marking a second consecutive year that it missed the playoffs and posted a losing record. In the wake of their defense surrendering the most points in the NFL (30.1 per game) — while also being 30th in opponent total yards (377.0 per game) and tied for 22nd in sacks (35.0) — the Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after one season in favor of former Philadelphia Eagles defensive assistant Christian Parker.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

The college basketball season is winding down, but for many teams the offseason has already started. The coaching carousel has changed the landscape, and while the transfer portal doesn’t officially open until April 7, many players have expressed their intentions. Let’s take a look at some of the top players who are set to hit the transfer portal. Georgia transfer Somto Cyril joins Miami (Fla.) Georgia big man Somto Cyril will be joining Miami, per On3. The 6-foot-11 center averaged 9.3 points per game, 5.4 rebounds per game, and had the most blocks in the SEC this past season. Before college, Cyril, who has been nicknamed “Baby Shaq,” was the 2023 Overtime Elite (OTE) Defensive Player of the Year, a sign of his ever-present defensive game. LSU transfer Dedan Thomas Jr. joins Houston Thomas is leaving the Tigers for the Cougars, per On3. Thomas, who spent the first two seasons of his collegiate career playing for the UNLV Rebels, averaged 15.3 points and 6.5 assists per game at LSU last season, while shooting 45.9/30.2/83.3. That said, his season ended after 16 games due to a foot injury. Thomas joins a Houston team that was eliminated in the Sweet 16 in this year’s NCAA Men’s Tournament. Belmont transfer Sam Orme joins Cornhuskers Sam Orme, one of the most prolific shooters in the Missouri Valley Conference, made his commitment to Nebraska, per Pete Thamel. Coming off of an extremely efficient season, in 25.7 minutes per game, he poured in 12.7 points on 55.9% from the field and 39.7% from 3-point range. He also earned All-MVC freshman team honors during his first year and second-team All-MVC most recently. Tennessee transfer J.P. Estrella joins national champions J.P. Estrella reportedly transferred to Michigan after three years at Tennessee. Estrella averaged 10 points and 5.4 rebounds per game in his junior season with the Volunteers. At 6-foot-11, 241-pounds, he’ll help the Wolverines replace the potential departures of forwards Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr. San Diego State transfer Miles Byrd chooses next school Miles Byrd will reportedly play his final season of college basketball at Providence. He averaged 10.4 points and 1.9 steals per game in his fourth season at San Diego State, earning the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year award. He entered the portal after his fourth year with the Aztecs, and becomes the first non-South Florida transfer to join coach Bryan Hodgson and the Friars. Tennessee women land Big Sky Player of the Year Naomi White transferred to Tennessee on Thursday. White led the Big Sky conference, averaging 20.8 points per game and shooting 46.5% from 3-point range, on her way to earning Player of the Year as a freshman. She’s the first transfer to choose the Lady Vols, who lost a slew of key players after the 2025-26 season. Top scorer Haggerty to enter transfer portal You know it’s transfer portal season, as PJ Haggerty is entering it once more, per College Basketball Content and the Topeka Capital-Journal. If Haggerty transfers, the guard will be playing for his fifth school in five seasons: most recently, Haggerty was with Kansas State, and before that TCU, Tulsa and Memphis. Haggerty led the American Athletic Conference in scoring in 2024-2025, then finished with a career-high 23.4 points per game in 2025-2026 with the Wildcats, good for fourth in the nation and second in the Big 12 behind BYU’s AJ Dybantsa. He also averaged 5.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.2 steals, finishing as one of just two players on K-State with over 1,000 minutes played this season, and wrapped with a Player Efficiency Rating of exactly 20.0. Virginia star Kymora Johnson to enter portal Junior guard Kymora Johnson, who helped lead Virginia to the Sweet 16 in 2026 as the first-ever First Four team to do so, is preparing to enter the transfer portal, per On3. Johnson has spent all three years of her college career with Virginia, but after the Lady Hoos fired coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton in a surprise move over the weekend, Johnson is moving on. She led the ACC in minutes per game this past season, for the second year in a row, punctuated by a 50-minute double-overtime performance against Iowa in the round of 32. Johnson was also first in the ACC in assists, averaging 5.9, and scored 19.5 points per game, good for second in the conference behind Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo. Johnson immediately becomes one of the top talents in the women’s portal, joining the likes of Iowa State’s Audi Crooks and Tennessee’s Talaysia Cooper. John Blackwell testing NBA waters, also entering portal John Blackwell is leaving Wisconsin after scoring 19.1 points per game for the Badgers this season. Blackwell issued an Instagram post Monday saying he won’t return to Wisconsin next season and is instead going through the NBA draft process while also entering his name in the transfer portal. The transfer portal for basketball officially opens Tuesday. “This was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make because my experience here has been nothing short of incredible,” Blackwell said in his Instagram post. “The work I’ve put in alongside the guidance and direction I’ve received from Coach (Greg) Gard and his staff has helped me grow into a player I didn’t know I could become. “But that growth is exactly what’s driving this decision. I believe I owe it to myself and my family to chase the highest level I can reach, and this is the right time to take that step and leap of faith.” The 6-foot-4 guard had 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game for Wisconsin as a junior while helping the Badgers go 24-11. He made 2.8 3-pointers per game and shot 38.9% from beyond the arc. He played particularly well late in the year. Blackwell scored 24 points as Wisconsin beat Purdue in its regular-season finale. He averaged 26 points in three Big Ten Tournament games, including 34 against Washington and 31 in an overtime victory over Illinois. Kansas Jayhawks star Flory Bidunga departing Lawrence The Jayhawks’ sophomore forward is declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft but is maintaining his college eligibility by entering the portal, per ESPN. Bidunga, a five-star recruit, averaged 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and a Big 12-high 2.6 blocks per game, while shooting a Big 12-high 64.0% from the field. Kansas went 24-11 overall and 12-6 in Big 12 play, good for fourth in the conference and enough to earn a No. 4 seed in the 2026 NCAA Men’s Tournament. That said, Bidunga and the Jayhawks were eliminated by St. John’s in the second round of the tournament. Audi Crooks to enter transfer portal Iowa State junior center Audi Crooks is set to enter the transfer portal on April 7, per ESPN. The move comes after the majority of the Cyclones’ existing roster either declared intentions for the portal or were set to graduate – Crooks was the lone top player left on the team following the announcements of junior forward Addy Brown and junior guard Jada Williams. Arianna Jackson is the only starter to announce she would return next season, and Crooks is the 10th Iowa State player to announce plans to enter the portal overall. “I still believe the grass is greener where you water it, and I’ve done that here,” Crooks said in a social media post. “It’s why I want you to hear from me directly that I have decided to enter the portal and explore what it means to take root again in new ground.” This is significant news not just for Iowa State, but the league in general. Crooks was the second-ranked scorer in the nation in the 2025-2026 season, averaging 25.8 points per game while shooting 65% and pulling down 7.7 rebounds. Crooks led the Big 12 in points per game, shooting percentage, 2P% and effective FG%, and was named a Second Team All-American by the Associated Press and USBWA. Besides rebounds, the 6-foot-3 Crooks does not have much of a defensive presence, but she’s one of the most dominant scorers in the nation and ranks fourth in Player Efficiency Rating this season, behind 2026 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year, South Dakota State’s Brooklyn Meyer, North Dakota State’s Avery Koenen, and UConn’s Sarah Strong, putting Crooks ahead of the likes of Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo, UCLA’s Lauren Betts and Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes. Crooks caught the nation’s attention as a freshman when she scored 40 points in an NCAA Tournament win over Maryland. Nearly unstoppable in the low post, she scored at least 30 points in 17 games in three seasons and went over 40 five times this season. Tyler Lundblade commits to Tennessee Former Belmont forward Tyler Lundblade reportedly transferred to Tennessee, announcing his commitment on Wednesday. Lundblade was able to forgo college basketball’s new April 7 portal opening date because he is a grad transfer. He is an elite perimeter shooter, who led the nation in 3-point percentage (48.1) during his junior season at Belmont in 2024-25, and averaged 15.6 points per game last season. Lundblade began his college career at TCU, before transferring to Belmont, and now is onto his third school. Freddie Dilione V intends to enter transfer portal Penn State’s dynamic scorer in Dilione V plans to enter the transfer portal. The 6-5 junior led the Nittany Lions in scoring with 14 points per game, and notched 20-point games against Minnesota, Purdue and Michigan State. Mouhamed Sylla plans to enter the transfer portal Georgia Tech’s 6-foot-10 freshman center plans on entering the transfer portal, per Joe Tipton. He had a solid freshman season. He averaged 9.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks each game. South Florida’s Wes Enis seeks the transfer portal upon opening Wes Enis will be entering the transfer portal with a ‘Do Not Contact’ tag, per On3. During the American Conerence tournament, he was averaging 21.5 points and 2.5 steals, also collecting a spot in the All-AAC First Team. Overall, he averaged 16.4 points, 2.4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game, showing increased aggression on the boards. South Florida’s former coach Bryan Hodgson went to Providence, so Enis’ DNC could indicate he is following him there. Kansas State’s David Castillo enters transfer portal Castillo is headed to the transfer portal after two seasons with Kansas State. The 6-1 guard was one of the Wildcat’s bright spots last season as he averaged 10.1 points per game. Castillo enters the portal with two more years of eligibility remaining. Akai Fleming plans to enter portal Fleming, a 6-4 guard, played in 30 games and started 22 with the Yellow Jackets and averaged 10.4 points per game and finished as Georgia Tech’s leading freshman scorer. Star Oakland Guard departs for transfer portal Senior Brody Robinson has announced his plans to transfer from Oakland University for his final year of Eligibility. The 5-11 guard led the Golden Grizzlies in scoring, averaging 17.6 points and 6.7 assists per game. Robinson also started in all 32 games as well as six full 40-minute games. Alex Wilkins intends to enter transfer portal After one season with the Paladins, Wilkins plans to enter the transfer portal. The 6-5 freshman guard, and one of the Paladin’s most dynamic players, contributed 21 points against UConn in the NCAA Tournament. Mason Porter-Brown leaves LIU for portal Porter-Brown has announced his plans to enter the transfer portal. The 6-6 guard averaged 7.8 points and 3.4 rebounds with the Sharks. Porter-Brown appeared in 27 games with 22 starts and was named All-Citrus Conference honorable mention. Georgetown guard intends to enter transfer portal Malik Mack plans to enter the transfer portal after his second season with Georgetown. He had a solid season with 13.6 points and 4.1 assists. He also played for Harvard during his freshman year, averaging 17.2 points, 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals. Georgia’s star rim-protector plans to enter transfer portal Somtochukwu Cyril has plans to enter the transfer portal after leading the SEC in blocks per game with 2.3. This defensive-heavy season also included 9.3 points on the other end and 5.4 boards per game. Brant Byers plans on entering the transfer portal After stepping into a larger role this season with Miami (OH), he decided it was time to part ways. Byers will be entering the NCAA transfer portal. He averaged 14.2 points on an impressive 47.8% field goal percentage and 4.1 rebounds. He was also named ALl-MAC after his breakout season. Freshman Jalen Haralson leaving Notre Dame for portal Haralson is intending to enter the transfer portal. The 6-7, 220-pound guard averaged 16.2 points this season, which marks the 4th all-time for a Notre Dame freshman. Haralson also saw action in 27 games with 23 starts. Austin Nunez intends to enter transfer portal UTSA guard Austin Nunez has entered the transfer with one year of eligibility remaining. The 6-2 guard averaged 12.4 points, three assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game with the Roadrunners. Thomas Dowd plans to leave Troy The 6-8 junior is reportedly planning on entering the transfer portal. He had a great season, averaging 14.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.3 blocks each game, making the first team All-Sun Belt. Buffalo’s Star intends to hit the transfer portal Daniel Freitag plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal. This past season, he averaged 19.8 points per game, dishing out 3.8 dimes a game and grabbing 4.3 boards each game. Though his first season with Wisconsin didn’t go to plan due to an ankle injury, he came back and had a stellar season with the Bulls. Georgia Tech’s Baye Ndongo intends to enter transfer portal The 6-9 forward plans to enter the transfer portal, per Draft Express. He spent the last three seasons with the Yellow Jackets, averaging 12.6 points, 8.5 boards, and 1.1 blocks. This season, he was the second-leading scorer on the team behind senior forward Kowacie Reeves. Isaiah Harwell plans to leave Houston The No. 14 recruit coming out of high school spent a season with Houston and decided it was time to leave. He plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal after a lackluster season. In 2024, he tore his ACL, greatly affecting his ability to play at the highest level, as this season he averaged only 3.6 points and 2.0 rebounds. He did show flashes of success, having a 20-point performance against Jackson State. Sananda Fru plans to enter transfer portal The 6-11 center from Berlin, Germany, will be entering the transfer portal. The German center was ranked among the ACC’s top offensive rebounders and shot-blockers. He started 29 of his 35 games, delivering 9.0 points and 6.1 rebounds, all while shooting 75.3% from the field. Anthony Robinson plans to leave Missouri The 6-3 junior plans to enter the transfer portal. Starting over half of his 33 games played, he contributed a solid 8.9 points, 3 assists and 1.6 steals per game. His steal numbers earned him a spot in the SEC All-Defensive team last year. Georgia’s Jeremiah Wilkinson plans to enter transfer portal Georgia guard Jeremiah Wilkinson plans to enter the transfer portal. The 6-1 sophomore had a stellar season offensively, delivering 17.4 points, starting 21 of his 31 games played. He played one season with the Bulldogs after spending his freshman year at Cal. He also had a solid offensive season there, averaging 15 points per game for the Bears. Andrew McKeever intends to enter transfer portal The 7-3 sophomore plans to enter the transfer portal after averaging 8.2 points and an impressive 9.2 rebounds coming off the bench. McKeever becomes the latest Saint Mary’s player to leave the school after head coach Randy Bennett took the job at Arizona State. Devin Royal plans to leave Ohio State The 6-6 junior forward will be entering the transfer portal. Devin Royal spent three seasons with the Buckeyes, averaging 10.6 points and 4.9 rebounds across his time with Ohio State. Kentucky’s Jaland Lowe plans to enter transfer portal Lowe will be entering the transfer portal when it opens. The 6-1 junior played only one season with the Wildcats, and only played nine games until he suffered a season-ending injury to his left shoulder. Though a limited sample size, he had eight points and 2.4 assists coming off the bench for the majority of his games because of lingering injuries. Fifth-year senior Frankie Collins intends to enter transfer portal Entering his last potential season of eligibility, Frankie Collins will need a medical hardship waiver to be available as a playe. He would be going into his sixth season as a college basketball player, previously playing with Michigan, ASU, TCU, and most recently, Vanderbilt. He averaged 7.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists, until the 9th game of the season where he suffered a torn meniscus. Isaiah Johnson plans to enter transfer portal The 18-year-old breakout star has announced his desire to enter the transfer portal. Receiving an All-Big 12 Honorable mention, and leading all the Power-4 freshman guards in scoring efficiency, he’ll be a coveted target for teams looking for a new point guard. He averaged 16.9 points, one steal, and three assists a game, all while starting only 15 of his 32 games played. He also broke Colorado’s all-time freshman scoring record with a staggering total of 540 points. SDSU’s Miles Byrd intends to enter transfer portal The 6-6 junior has declared his intention to transfer. Miles Byrd is entering his final year of eligibility after three seasons with the Aztecs. He contributed solid numbers, averaging 10.4 points, 2.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds, starting every game. SDSU finished the season 14-6, placing second in the Mountain West Conference tournament, just barely missing the NCAA tournament. Karson Templin plans to leave Utah State The Mountain West Conference’s sixth man of the year, Karson Templin, has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. The 6-9, 230-pound forward added much-needed intensity off the bench and played a crucial role in their conference championship, as well as NCAA tournament qualification. He poured in 8.8 points and 4.2 rebounds, shooting 50.2% from the field. Utah State coach Jarrod Calhoun left for Cincinnati, which certainly impacted Templin’s decision, but it’s possible he returns to Logan. LSU’s Dedan Thomas Jr. plans to enter transfer portal Upon its opening, Dedan Thomas Jr. will be entering the transfer portal. The 6-1 junior averaged 15.3 points, 6.5 assists on 45.9 from the field. This season was cut short due to a left-foot injury causing him to play only 16 of the 31 games with the Tigers. Center Olivier Rioux intends to leave Florida Rioux is entering the portal, according to The Field of 68. The redshirt freshman, who’s listed as the tallest basketball player in the world at 7-foot-9, appeared in 11 games for the Gators this season, playing just 1.5 minutes per contest. After earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, Florida was eliminated by the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second round of the tournament. Virginia Tech’s Avdalis plans to enter transfer portal After starting every game for Virginia Tech his freshman season, Neoklis Avdalis will be entering the transfer portal. The forward averaged 12.1 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in his debut with the Hokies. Avdolis, who was born in Greece, previously played internationally, for Greece’s HEBA A1 League. Twice in the 2025-2026 season he scored 30 points, and he was named ACC Rookie of the Week on two occasions, as well. Williams leaving Iowa State for portal In addition to the other Iowa State players already sent to enter the transfer portal, junior guard Jada Williams is also planning to leave the team for a new one next season. Per USA Today, Williams, who averaged 15.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, a steal and a Big 12-leading 7.7 assists per game joins junior forward Addy Brown, sophomore guard Reagan Wilson, freshman guard Reese Beaty, sophomore guard Aili Tanke and junior center Lilly Taulelei, as was already known, along with another newly announced Cyclones player in junior forward Alisa Williams and freshman guard Freya Jensen. Tennessee loses three players to transfer portal The Tennessee Volunteers are down two key players after announcing plans to enter the transfer portal, which includes junior Talaysia Cooper, former five-star Mya Paludo and Mia Paludo. Cooper enters the portal with one year of eligibility remaining. The 6-0 guard averaged 16.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.7 steals per game this season with the Volunteers. Mya and her sister Mia Paludo also announced their plans to enter the portal after one season with Tennessee. Mia, a 5-6 freshman guard, averaged 10.4 points and 2.4 and her sister, Mya, averaged just 1.8 points per game. The Volunteers lose two pivotal playmakers in Mia and Cooper, and will turn to replace a sharpshooter in Mia. Five Iowa State players set to enter portal Five Iowa State women’s players, including one of its stars, Addy Brown, are planning to enter the transfer portal on April 7 per the Des Moines Register. Brown played in just 21 game this season thanks to an unnamed lower-body injury, but at the initial time of her absence she was second on the Cyclones in points, rebounds and assists per game – the versatile star was missed in-season, and the forward’s absence for her senior season will leave a hole that Iowa State must fill, as well. Brown averaged 31.5 minutes, 13.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists and just 1.8 fouls per game over her three years for Iowa State. Brown isn’t the only Cyclones player to announce her intentions to play elsewhere in 2026-2027, however. Sophomore guard Reagan Wilson, freshman guard Reese Beaty, sophomore guard Aili Tanke and junior center Lilly Taulelei will also enter the portal. All of those besides Beaty averaged 9 minutes per game or fewer in 2025-2026, but those are still openings that have to be filled by a team that will now be without the player whose absence helped to crater what had been a promising campaign. San Diego State guard BJ Davis plans to enter transfer portal After starting 31 games in his sophomore season, Davis took a step back, coming off the bench as a junior at San Diego State. With starting point guard Elzie Harrington continuing to progress, Davis plans to go elsewhere for his final season of eligibility. Saint Mary’s forward Paulius Murauskas plans to enter transfer portal After head coach Randy Bennett left Saint Mary’s for Arizona State, Murauskas was the first domino to fall. He played one season at Arizona and two at Saint Mary’s, where he led the team in scoring with 18.4 points per game this season. The Gaels made the NCAA Tournament in each of Murauskas’ two seasons. He has one year of eligibility remaining. Georgetown guard KJ Lewis plans to enter transfer portal For a second straight season, Lewis will enter the transfer portal. He played two seasons at Arizona before coming to Georgetown, and will now finish out his collegiate career at a third stop. North Dakota guard Greyson Uelmen plans to enter transfer portal After a valiant effort fell short in the Summit League Tournament title game, North Dakota guard Greyson Uelmen will enter the transfer portal. Uelmen has two seasons of eligibility remaining. Oregon stars plan to enter the transfer portal After a 12-20 season, Oregon has lost two of its top players. Forward Kwame Evans Jr. and point guard Jackson Shelstad plan to enter the transfer portal. Evans will have one year of eligibility remaining, while Shelstad will have two because he played only 12 games due to an injury to his right hand. North Dakota State guard Damari Wheeler-Thomas plans to enter the portal After three seasons at North Dakota State, Wheeler-Thomas plans to enter the transfer portal. He averaged 14.5 points in his junior season, and helped the Bison earn an NCAA Tournament automatic bid as a 14-seed. South Carolina guard Eli Ellis plans to enter portal Ellis, 6-foot, averaged 8.6 points per game, coming off the bench for the Gamecocks in his freshman season. He has three years of eligibility remaining. Robert Morris forward DeSean Goode plans to enter portal Goode averaged 15.2 points and 8.7 rebounds during his sophomore season at Robert Morris, and won Player of the Year in the Horizon Conference. He has two years of eligibility remaining. The Associated Press contributed to this report.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

TAMPA BAY — For well over a decade, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their fans have always known that any season, good or bad, started with a foundation of two iconic players in receiver Mike Evans and linebacker Lavonte David. The pain of Evans leaving in free agency to sign with the San Francisco 49ers had not yet subsided for those fans when Tuesday brought news — not surprising, but certainly not easy — that David was retiring after playing his entire 14-year career in Tampa. Between them, Evans and David played 411 games over 26 seasons for the Bucs, and were arguably the team’s most beloved players before and after the Tom Brady years. David enjoyed one winning season in his first seven years in Tampa, and Evans the same in his first five. They both stuck around through the lean times so that when the franchise won a Super Bowl championship in the 2020 season and division titles the next four years, an entire fanbase had been through the highest of highs and lowest of lows with David and Evans. Both are no-brainer locks for the Bucs’ Ring of Honor, and both have compelling cases for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with Evans already having 108 receiving touchdowns and 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons; David finished his career with 1,716 tackles, tying him with Derrick Brooks for a franchise record that may never be broken. His 177 tackles for loss are the fourth-most in NFL history. And now both players are gone, in a span of two difficult weeks. Replacing them as playmakers is a daunting challenge, but what the Bucs lose in leadership and character and veteran guidance is even more immeasurable. Evans was the very first draft pick that Bucs general manager Jason Licht made in 2014, and David is literally the model the Bucs use when evaluating draft prospects — as players and as people. A wall-sized mural in the team’s draft room has his silhouette with the words “I AM THAT MAN,” listing five adjectives the team seeks in any new player: accountable, competitive, confident, passionate and resilient. “It’s super-rare,” Licht said of finding players that meet those standards the way David has during the linebacker’s retirement press conference. “I can only hope that we draft a player like him again. It’s hard. It’s almost impossible.” So how do the Bucs move forward without two such foundational pieces? The franchise was already in a harsh downturn, having gone from a 6-2 start to losing seven of eight games and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Free agency has been more about significant losses — Evans to the 49ers, corner Jamel Dean to the Pittsburgh Steelers and defensive lineman Logan Hall to the Houston Texans. The Bucs’ sustained success had set them up for a run-it-back offseason where the goal was to keep a winning core as intact as possible. This spring has been different. Of their 21 unrestricted free agents, they have re-signed only four, and tight end Cade Otton was the only big name in that group. They’ve found value in seven outside additions, including linebacker Alex Anzalone, who steps into David’s role, but there is now uncertainty where the team had enjoyed steady optimism for so many summers of late. With Evans, David and Dean gone, there are now only five players left from Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl team just five years ago — receiver Chris Godwin, tackle Tristan Wirfs, defensive tackle Vita Vea, safety Antoine Winfield and outside linebacker Anthony Nelson. They are the last remnants of that championship team, tasked with keeping expectations high even as the outside perception fades. Wirfs, Winfield and Nelson were in attendance Tuesday as David bid farewell to the Bucs, and the linebacker pointed to other young players as emerging leaders. David was a 12-time captain in Tampa, from his third season on, so he knows that leadership isn’t only from the most experienced players in the room. He mentioned safety Tykee Smith, whom he took under his wing, and defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, who went to the same Miami high school he attended. If Evans’ departure was a shock for Bucs fans who had hoped he would play his entire career in one place, David’s news was a chance to appreciate how rare that is. Tampa Bay’s five Hall of Famers fit neatly into both categories. Lee Roy Selmon, Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber were monogamous players, wire-to-wire Bucs and beloved for that. John Lynch and Warren Sapp finished their careers in Denver and Oakland, respectively, but are still loved by Tampa fans, as Evans will be. The closest thing to what Bucs fans have endured in the last two weeks might have been the spring of 2004, when they lost Lynch and Sapp, again two core leaders from a Super Bowl team. They did not win another playoff game until 2020. So this year’s Bucs are tasked with avoiding an expected letdown, something they did well after Brady’s retirement three years ago. The Bucs are still in a bad division, and the oddsmakers still have them as the team to beat in the NFC South, even with an underwhelming projected win total of 8.5 wins in 2026. The Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints are all within two games of that. Tampa Bay will forge a new identity without Evans and David, trying to fill voids on both sides of the ball to maintain the high standard both set in the second half of their Tampa Bay tenures. “It goes to show you what the future holds for this organization,” David said Tuesday. “Winning football, underdog mentality, going out there and playing every game like it’s your last. I know this organization will be in a great place.”​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports