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Matthew Stafford says he understands why the Los Angeles Rams drafted Ty Simpson last month, even though they happen to have got the NFL’s reigning MVP quarterback under contract for at least the next two years. “Listen, I’m not 25 years old, and I get that,” Stafford said Thursday after organized team activities at the Rams’ training complex. “So we’re doing everything we can to be as good a football team as we can for now, for the future, for all of it.” The 38-year-old Stafford said he has “constant dialogue and a great relationship” with coach Sean McVay, who called him last month to tell him the Rams were about to stun the NFL by using the 13th overall pick on Simpson, the Alabama quarterback who was not expected to go that high in the draft — or to go to the Rams, who already knew Stafford was returning for 2026. The sixth-leading passer in NFL history then inked a hefty contract extension for 2027 last week, cementing his future in a role that was already rock-solid. McVay has repeatedly stated that Stafford is the Rams’ starting quarterback for as long as he wants to play, even after the Rams used their highest draft pick in 10 years on a quarterback. But Stafford also underlined why the Rams drafted a quarterback when he reiterated Thursday that he’s still going to take a year-by-year approach to his future, even after making a two-year contractual commitment. “Happy to have next year taken care of if I decide to play — and they still want me back,” Stafford said with a grin. “Excited to get that behind me, because I just want to come out here and play, and not think about the extra stuff. It’s good to get it done sooner rather than later.” Stafford and Simpson have been working out alongside returning backup Stetson Bennett and undrafted rookie Matthew Caldwell this month. Bennett and Simpson are expected to compete for the No. 2 job behind Stafford, who is heading into his 18th NFL season. Stafford and the 23-year-old Simpson appear to be getting along well so far, although Stafford is understandably focused less on mentorship and more on a genuine chance to secure his second Super Bowl ring in the upcoming season. “He’s a guy that asks questions,” Stafford said. “I’ve been trying to answer those as honestly and as thoroughly as I possibly can. He’s a smart kid. He’s got talent, obviously. Happy to add good players to our team. He’s one of them. But my job is to go out there and get myself and our team as ready to play as we possibly can.” Stafford is coming off one of the best seasons of his career in which he won his first MVP award. He passed for an NFL-best 4,707 yards and a career-high 46 touchdowns against just eight interceptions while leading the Rams to a 12-win season, two road playoff victories and a spot in the NFC championship game. While Stafford will wait until the next offseason to decide whether he’s coming back for 2027, it’s increasingly clear that he doesn’t want to play for another team. He turned down overtures from around the league a year ago, and he quickly cemented his future with the Rams this year after his MVP season. When asked if he intends to finish his career with the Rams, Stafford replied: “That would probably be a ‘Yes,’ but … this is life, and I don’t know what’s going to happen. I do love playing here. I love playing for this organization. Love my teammates, and my family loves it here.” Reporting by the Associated Press.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Argentina, the World Cup defending champion, is looking to achieve something only done twice in the history of the men’s World Cup. Something that’s almost impossible. To win it back-to-back. Two other great footballing countries – Italy and Brazil – have previously achieved that feat. Yes, I’ll get to Lionel Messi in a moment, but after seeing manager Lionel Scaloni’s 26-man roster for this summer’s tournament, I do wonder if this brotherhood and its steel-minded tenacity that we have seen so much in competition is good enough to repeat the glory of what happened four years ago. Time will tell. Here are my takeaways: Back-to-Back Destiny? The Italians under the legendary manager Vittorio Pozzo were the first to do it in 1934 and 1938. They probably could have kept going had it not been for the tragic introduction of the Second World War, which postponed the tournament until 1950. Eight years later, a young 17-year-old Brazilian phenomenon by the name of Pelé led his nation’s first World Cup title. In 1962 in Chile, despite Pelé’s injury in the group stage, Brazil won it again thanks to a wonderful squad that included Garrincha and Amarildo. France, who won in Russia in 2018, got dramatically close to joining that esteemed group in 2022. But Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez had something to say about it thanks to his incredible save that denied Randal Kolo Muani’s attempt in the 123rd minute…and this now brings me back to Argentina. And destiny. The wonderful thing about Argentina under Scaloni is that when you analyze the roster, it shows that it is probably the most united squad in international football. Their bond, their cohesiveness speaks of something greater than strategy. It’s the football definition of a fraternity, and it’s in this togetherness where this team truly delivers. From winning the World Cup in Qatar and Copa América two years later, to topping CONMEBOL’s qualifiers by nine points, this remains the best team in South America – and the champion – until said otherwise. But things are changing. This is an older team, and you can’t count out some of Europe’s contenders on a mission (France, Spain, Portugal or England), their great rivals Brazil, or even dark horse candidates from across the globe. Lionel Messi’s Last Dance … How Will He Look? Messi will enter his sixth World Cup, and alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, will make history as the first player in the men’s game to reach this milestone. The problem is that with longevity comes the absence of security as Messi is currently dealing with muscle fatigue in his hamstring after he left the pitch last week, holding his left thigh, during Inter Miami’s match against the Philadelphia Union. Scaloni now waits the waiting game with Messi and time, my friends, is our most valuable and fragile gift. It’s just fatigue and things could have been way worse but in a strenuous tournament in the U.S. with a demanding schedule and unforgiving climate, this is the one World Cup where Argentina’s physical training team have to do the very best to make sure he’s well-prepared. Messi is not like any other player so his role in this remains key to Argentina’s plans as they will wait until the last second to have him ready. But as he turns 39 during the World Cup, one thing is for sure—which is the sad reality for all of us—Messi’s last dance on the biggest stage is fast approaching and this Argentina squad has to find a way to perhaps contemplate the concept of relying less on him. And win it all. Again. New Kids On The Block There is no Franco Mastantuono but frankly, I am not surprised. The 18-year-old sadly did not live up to the glowing hype after joining Real Madrid, and did not make the squad. The good news is that time for him is on his side. There are eight new players on La Albiceleste for this World Cup that join 18 returning icons who lifted the trophy in Qatar in 2022. One new arrival to point out is José “Flaco” López, who is a welcoming surprise from Scaloni and lesser known outside of South America. López is the 25-year-old striker from Brazilian club Palmeiras who has 14 goals in all competitions and is attracting a lot of interest from the Premier League and La Liga. The list of Argentina forwards is obviously deep but López offers something different and his ability to also create (nine assists) will make him a good choice in a bench that needs diversity, especially without the recently retired legend Ángel Di María. Alvarez Ready For Golden Boot? I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Diego Simeone’s impact is ever so present with this squad. Scaloni wants metal-minded resilience in this tournament and Atlético Madrid’s six players in the squad — more representatives than any club — will undoubtedly show that. And I am not even talking about the players who previously played under Simeone at the Spanish powerhouse. But of all of them, for me, this is the World Cup for Julián Alvarez as I think his role will be the most impactful, especially as Messi’s role often alters deeper in midfield (as we saw at Copa América in 2024). Wanted by Barcelona (and the feeling is reportedly mutual), this is a major summer for La Araña, who I think has a chance of challenging for top scorer in the tournament. Argentina’s first mission is to win its group (Algeria, Austria, Jordan) which on paper is more than doable. After that? The challenges surely come so it will be absolutely imperative for this team to stay healthy, continue on this path of compactness with or without Messi, and believe wholeheartedly that it can do it again. Will they? Only time will tell.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Pep Guardiola is reportedly open to taking over as England manager in the future as he begins his life after Manchester City. The legendary coach, who has just ended a trophy-laden decade at the Etihad Stadium, is viewed as the ultimate ‘dream’ candidate for the Football Association. A Legendary Tenure Ends Guardiola has finally called time on his historic spell with Manchester City, leaving a legacy that includes 20 major trophies and six Premier League titles. Following his emotional departure on Sunday, the tactical mastermind is expected to take a sabbatical from the dugout, mirroring the break he took after leaving Barcelona. As Enzo Maresca prepares to step into the massive void left by the Spaniard, attention has quickly shifted to what lies ahead for Guardiola. While a return to club football will always be an option for a man of his caliber, it appears international management is increasingly becoming his preferred next destination. England’s ‘Dream’ Candidate Despite Thomas Tuchel recently committing his future to the Three Lions with a contract extension through to Euro 2028, Guardiola remains the name at the top of the FA’s wishlist. Sources close to talkSPORT indicate that the outgoing City boss is intrigued by the possibility of leading a national team, and would be “keen” to take the England job at some stage. Transfer insider Ben Jacobs discussed the situation on talkSPORT: “The England job, he’s always been a dream candidate. We know that Thomas Tuchel extended, but in the long run… My feeling is that Pep will one day go into international management. He doesn’t have anything else lined up. “It’s unlikely he’ll take another job within the Premier League, but keep an eye on Pep just doing what Jürgen Klopp’s done, taking on strategic roles. He’s going to be a club ambassador for City Football Group and then in the more medium to long-term future, is his head turned by an international vacancy?” Interest From Saudi Arabia England are not the only nation hoping to lure Guardiola into the international arena. Saudi Arabia have emerged as a serious contender for his services, with the Gulf nation looking ahead to their hosting of the 2034 World Cup. While Georgios Donis is currently in charge, the ambition of the Saudi Federation could see them make a massive play for the 55-year-old. “Saudi is the viable option. Although, naturally, UAE because of the links with Manchester City could be another possibility too. I think Saudi will make a play for Pep Guardiola with a view more to the longer-term future,” Jacobs explained. “They won’t be panicked if they don’t get him now. They’ll be thinking more about, is he the right manager for the 2034 World Cup?” The Long-Term Outlook For now, England remain settled under Tuchel, who succeeded Gareth Southgate in early 2025. However, the FA are well aware that the opportunity to appoint Guardiola may only come around once. The door remains open for a future approach should the circumstances align after the next major tournaments. As Jacobs concluded during his talkSPORT appearance: “The Saudi Football Federation would love to bring Pep Guardiola as manager one day, but he still remains a kind of dream target for England. “Of course, Thomas Tuchel is the man they’ve gone for. He signed a new deal, he’s the manager in place at the moment for the home Euros. If it was not to work out and end more abruptly, and there’s no signs of that at this stage, then don’t be surprised if England come calling for Pep Guardiola as well.” 2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 matches, more than one-third of the tournament, will air in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19). The opening match on June 11 between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will stream for free on Tubi, as well as the USA’s opening match against Paraguay on June 12 (9 p.m. ET).​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Ah, revenge games. Whenever an NFL player or coach goes up against an old team, it always makes for a good storyline. Sometimes, there’s no real hardcore animosity, and at least publicly, you’ll hear a lot about how it’s really just another game. So we’re not trying to manufacture hostility as much as highlight games where prominent personalities will run into their exes. If we headlined it as “Top 10 Water Under the Bridge Games for 2026,” you’d still understand what we’re going for. Will there be hugs on the field in pregame? Will the old fans cheer or boo the guy they bought a jersey of who signed elsewhere? These are the games where those questions will be asked and answered in 2026. There are a handful of coaches facing old teams every year, but this could be fun. Mike McDaniel got the Miami Dolphins to the playoffs twice in his four-year tenure as head coach (2022, 2023) after only one appearance in the previous 13 years, but they let him go as part of an overhaul. He went 35-33 as Miami’s head coach, but he now gets to be Justin Herbert’s coordinator. Miami is in a hard rebuild and unlikely to be competitive in 2026. His return to Miami, which will be two days after Christmas, will be one to watch, though. It didn’t make the cut, but we’ll also point out that a week earlier, the Dolphins will go to Green Bay to face the Packers, so it’s a return trip for head coach Jeff Hafley and quarterback Malik Willis, though an upset feels unlikely. We chose Romeo Doubs here, joining the defending AFC champs, but there are so many good receiver-vs.-old-teams on the 2026 schedule. Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle takes on his old team (Dolphins), as does new Buffalo Bills wide receiver D.J. Moore (Chicago Bears). Michael Pittman takes on the Indianapolis Colts after they traded him to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Jauan Jennings faces the San Francisco 49ers following his decision to sign with the Minnesota Vikings. That list doesn’t even count the unsigned wide receivers (Tyreek Hill, Stefon Diggs, Deebo Samuel), who could add even more diva behavior against their former clubs. Kevin Stefanski spent six years as the Cleveland Browns’ head coach, getting the team to the playoffs twice and winning NFL Coach of the Year honors both times. Alas, he went 8-26 the last two years and was cut loose, landing quickly with the Atlanta Falcons, who will likely need a road win here if they want to compete for the NFC South title. Also worth circling are both Falcons games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as Baker Mayfield made it clear he remembers that Stefanski never called or texted him after the Browns traded him away. Beefs aplenty! The Los Angeles Rams actively addressed their secondary by raiding the Kansas City Chiefs this spring, giving up four picks (including a first-rounder) to acquire Trent McDuffie, then signing him to a $124 million extension. Jaylen Watson, a former seventh-round pick for Kansas City, signed a three-year, $51 million deal with the Rams in free agency. They won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs, but they’ll go up against them in a high-profile game on a Thursday night in early December. Again, no real ill will here, as Derrick Henry has said he’ll always have love for the Tennessee Titans. He played eight years for Tennessee, rushing for 9,502 yards and 90 touchdowns. He continues to be a dominant bell cow back at age 32 and will likely finish his career with the Baltimore Ravens, but he gets his first game against his old team this season. It’s a big challenge early on as Tennessee tries to show its defense will be better than 28th in scoring, as it was last year. The New York Giants’ only playoff win in the last 14 seasons came with Daniel Jones at quarterback, leading them to a nine-win season in 2022. That got him a massive four-year, $160 million contract, and Jones went 3-13 as a starter in 2023-24 before he was cut loose. He found himself with the Colts last year before tearing his Achilles tendon. Both of these teams have aspirations of improving in 2026, so Jones vs. Jaxson Dart on Thanksgiving weekend is quite the side dish. Trey Hendrickson made the Pro Bowl four straight years with the Cincinnati Bengals, led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024, but this was a nasty split, with holdouts and one-year band-aid deals and a final breakup this offseason. The Bengals are trying to get a terrible defense improved after losing one of their best players, and now they have to face him twice in the division as well. Keeping Joe Burrow healthy and upright is always a Bengals priority, but Hendrickson will be motivated to pile up sacks in these two games. Robert Saleh’s return as an NFL head coach will come against the team that fired him after a 20-36 record in three-plus seasons in 2024. It’s two mostly bad teams squaring off for the right to start 2026 with a dose of optimism. It would be better if this were against the Jets in New York, but you get a little of that in Week 3 when Titans offensive coordinator Brian Daboll gets to go back home to face the Giants, who fired him last season after a 20-40-1 record in New York. There might be some actual hostility here. Baker Mayfield gets his second crack (and his first joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) against the team that he led to a playoff win, who later traded him to the Carolina Panthers after giving $230 million guaranteed to Deshaun Watson in 2022. Mayfield wasn’t able to get the revenge he was hoping for against the Browns in his first meeting against his old team, losing to Cleveland in his first game as a member of the Panthers. But Mayfield has settled in nicely with the Bucs since then, and Cleveland is 8-26 in the last two seasons. It’s five times more interesting if this game’s in Cleveland, but the idea of Mayfield getting to play his home opener against the team that shipped him off — potentially against Watson, who didn’t play in the 2022 Browns-Panthers matchup — is peak NFL soap opera. Kenneth Walker III won a Super Bowl MVP with Seattle, rushing for 135 yards in their win over the Patriots, but then he left in free agency, signing a three-year, $43 million deal with Kansas City. Other key players left the champs as well, but he’s arguably the biggest name, and he’s going back to Seattle, so will the K9 fans be barking? Will the 12th Man be more “12 Angry Men?” And how motivated will Seattle’s run defense — allowing a league-low 3.74 yards per carry last year — be to not let him break a big run against them? Walker has said that he knew during the 2025 season that he wouldn’t be returning to Seattle for 2026, so there should be plenty of motivation on his end.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

When Mauricio Pochettino officially unveiled his 26-man United States men’s national team squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one name rang a bell for fans on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border: Alejandro Zendejas. The Club América winger hadn’t been involved in recent camps, yet, when the dust settled on Tuesday’s announcement, the 28-year-old dual-national had secured his ticket to the big dance. But how did a player born in Mexico find his way on the USA roster? You have to look at the cross-border journey of a player built for big stages. Bordertown Roots And Liga MX Rise Zendejas’ story is the epitome of the modern Mexican-American soccer player. Born in the border city of Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, his family moved to El Paso, Texas, when he was less than a year old. He was quickly scooped up by the FC Dallas youth academy. Zendejas tore through the youth ranks in Dallas, which earned him a Homegrown contract in October 2014. By May 2015, he made his MLS debut against rival Houston Dynamo. He was a centerpiece of the U.S. youth national team setup, even repping the Red, White, and Blue at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he was a teammate of Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams. In 2016, Liga MX royalty came calling. Chivas de Guadalajara signed the youngster, triggering an immediate cultural debate. Chivas famously only fields players of Mexican descent, meaning Zendejas had to publicly declare he would choose to play for Mexico internationally in order to play for Guadalajara. The club enjoyed a successful stint, lifting a Clausura 2017 league title and a Copa MX trophy, but consistent minutes were hard to come by for Zendejas, who wound up moving to Necaxa on a free transfer in 2020. With Necaxa, Zendejas took the next step. He bagged 11 goals and three assists over two seasons, which earned a transfer to Club América— Chivas’ biggest rivals— and one of the biggest, high-pressure clubs in North America, in 2022. He became the creative heartbeat of Las Águilas dynasty, helping lead them to three Liga MX titles in a row (Apertura 2023, Clausura 2024, Apertura 2024). Shortly after his move to América, Zendejas suddenly found himself the subject of an international tug-of-war. USA-Mexico Recruitment Both the USA and Mexico wanted him, which led to a back-and-forth between the U.S. Soccer Federation and Mexican Football Federation, one in which Zendejas initially played for the U.S. at the youth level. Mexico’s senior team even capped him in a couple of non-FIFA friendlies in 2021 and 2022, but a massive standoff ensued over his eligibility paperwork. Zendejas never filed the required one-time switch with FIFA to become eligible to play for Mexico, which was necessary because he had played for the USA in official competition. Rumors began swirling that Zendejas had requested then Mexico boss Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino to be a starter with the Mexican team and a place in the 2022 World Cup. The Argentine coach described the condition as “extortion.” “The player needed to sign a document and the player didn’t want to sign it,” Mexico’s coach told TUDN after a friendly loss to Paraguay in 2022. “There is no problem with the federation, no problem with the manager, nothing.” Mexico was ordered to forfeit five matches (three at the youth level) and fined 10,000 Swiss francs by FIFA for using Zendejas while he was affiliated with the United States. World Cup Bound With USA The definitive answer from Zendejas came in March 2023, when Zendejas filed his one-time FIFA switch, committing his international future to the United States. “I am very proud of being Mexican-American. Values from both cultures have made me the person I am today,” Zendejas said in a statement afterwards. “I believe in following your heart. Mine tells me that my future lies representing the USA.” The move paid immediate dividends, as he helped the USA secure a Concacaf Nations League trophy the same year. Heading into the USA World Cup roster selection three years later, Zendejas appeared to be on the outside looking in. However, he has been in-form for club, racking up six goals and four assists this season. Earlier this month, he stepped up for América yet again, scoring twice and adding an assist in the Clausura quarterfinals against Pumas. He has only 13 total caps to his name, but Pochettino spoke positively about Zendejas after the roster reveal. “Alejandro offers a number of possibilities. He can play on the wings or in the midfield pockets. He’s a good communicator and has strong relationships with his teammates. He’s a very interesting player tactically.” Making the roster is only the first test for Zendejas, who will be competing for minutes this summer alongside forwards Brenden Aaronson, Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah and Haji Wright. Regardless of how many minutes Zendejas plays, he has endured one of the most unique journeys to the World Cup, all the way up to the roster reveal.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

For all the madness associated with modern roster building in college football, where the transfer portal turns winter into a shopping spree and makes it nearly impossible to track who has gone where, the end result is still rather fun: a spring and summer of prognostication, where figuring out how it all might fit together becomes a months-long game. Will ‘Quarterback A’ really thrive in a spread offense? Will ‘Edge Rusher B’ finally put the pieces together under a new defensive coordinator? And what about ‘Running Back C,’ who waited his turn and climbed the depth chart — without transferring — to eventually challenge for playing time? This is what makes the build up to college football so exciting: The debates are never-ending. So with that in mind, here are 10 potential breakout candidates who could become household names in 2026: * Recruiting rankings and historical data courtesy of 247Sports Height: 6-foot-2Weight: 200 poundsClass: Redshirt seniorPrevious schools: TCU (2022-25) Last season: 272 of 413 (65.9%) for 3,472 yards, 29 TDs and 13 INT in 831 snaps Let’s start with the obvious: It’s unusual for a three-year starting quarterback from the power conferences to be featured on this type of list, especially considering how prolific Hoover was at TCU. He threw for more than 9,600 yards and 71 touchdowns in 36 appearances for the Horned Frogs, guiding the program to a pair of nine-win seasons and two bowl victories during that span. Not a single FBS quarterback will enter the 2026 campaign with more career passing yards or passing touchdowns than Hoover, who has one year of eligibility remaining. He’s expected to be the next great one-and-done quarterback prospect for head coach Curt Cignetti, following in the footsteps of Kurtis Rourke and Fernando Mendoza, both of whom joined the Hoosiers as transfers. Cignetti’s incredible knack for quarterback development helps explain why Hoover is rightly viewed as a breakout candidate this fall despite everything he’s achieved. Rourke had already been named the 2022 MAC Offensive Player of the Year at Ohio before throwing a career-high 29 touchdown passes in his only season at Indiana while leading the Hoosiers to the College Football Playoff. And all Mendoza did after throwing for 3,004 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore at Cal was put together one of the most decorated campaigns in recent memory, punctuated by the Heisman Trophy and a national championship en route to becoming the No. 1 overall pick. Such remarkable precedent suggests that Cignetti can probably elevate Hoover, too. Height: 6-foot-4Weight: 250 poundsClass: SeniorPrevious schools: Georgia (2023-24), Missouri (2025) Last season: 23 total tackles, 9.5 TFL, 9 sacks and 54 pressures in 509 snaps Anyone who watched Miami’s impressive run to the national championship game last season understood the impact that edge rushers Reuben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor had on the Hurricanes’ success. Bain, who became the No. 15 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, led the country in quarterback pressures (83) and tied for 18th in sacks (9.5) while logging more snaps (561) than any other player at his position, according to Pro Football Focus. Mesidor, who was selected No. 22 overall in last month’s draft, finished tied for fourth nationally in quarterback pressures (67) and tied for third in sacks (12.5) while logging the second-most snaps (513) of any player at his position. Together, their production never wavered despite hardly ever leaving the field. To begin filling the voids left by Bain and Mesidor, who became the first Miami defensive players selected in the opening round since 2021, the Hurricanes turned to Wilson via the transfer portal. Originally a five-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, Wilson began his collegiate career in a reserve role at Georgia before carving out more playing time in Year 2. He parlayed the remnants of his recruiting pedigree and improved production into a highly priced move to Missouri as the No. 3 overall player in the transfer portal. Once Wilson entered the transfer portal again in January — this time after amassing nine sacks and 54 quarterback pressures for the Tigers — he committed to Miami as the No. 9 transfer and second-best edge rusher in the portal. Height: 6 feetWeight: 190 poundsClass: SophomorePrevious schools: None Last season: 45 catches for 651 yards and 4 TDs in 542 snaps Unfathomable levels of hype and hysteria surrounding five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood rendered him arguably the most scrutinized freshman in college football last season. Few of Underwood’s classmates, if any, were tasked with shouldering such astronomical responsibilities in exchange for such life-altering dollar amounts. Both the donor fundraising apparatus and football program had been reconfigured or recentered around Underwood, whose landscape-altering flip from LSU to Michigan now represents the high-water mark of an otherwise unsightly tenure under former coach Sherrone Moore, an integral figure in the quarterback’s recruitment. But when the dust finally settled last December, following lopsided losses to then-No. 1 Ohio State and then-No. 13 Texas, sandwiched by Moore’s firing, another freshman on Michigan’s roster had outperformed Underwood. Wide receiver Andrew Marsh, a four-star prospect and the No. 117 overall recruit, turned in an exceptional rookie campaign despite a passing offense that ranked 107th nationally. He finished second in the country for receiving yards among true freshmen, trailing only Malachi Toney of Miami. His final tallies of 12 receptions for 189 yards in a comeback win over Northwestern established new single-game program records by a first-year player. If he and Underwood both adapt quickly to new offensive coordinator Jason Beck, then Marsh should have a chance to become Michigan’s first 1,000-yard receiver since Jeremy Gallon in 2013. Height: 6-foot-7Weight: 237 poundsClass: JuniorPrevious schools: None Last season: 33 catches for 433 yards and 7 TDs in 475 snaps In the modern era of college football, where newly hired coaches can flip rosters instantaneously via the transfer portal, the arrival of Lane Kiffin at LSU was always going to catalyze significant change. And right on cue, the Tigers will enter the 2026 season having secured the No. 1 transfer portal class in the country thanks to 17 blue-chip signees and 41 new players overall. Nine of Kiffin’s transfer signees are wide receivers, a position group that lost its top six contributors from last season, which speaks to how significant the Tigers’ rebuild figures to be in certain areas. There are plenty of new faces for quarterback Sam Leavitt to acquaint himself with in the coming months. Green, however, represents a rare holdover from the Brian Kelly era and someone expected to take another step forward in Kiffin’s scheme this fall. After playing sparingly as a freshman, Green came into his own last October by snagging eight catches for 119 yards and a touchdown against South Carolina, kicking off a string of three straight games with a score. From that point forward, Green caught at least four passes and chipped in at least 45 receiving yards in five of his next seven games. A two-touchdown effort against Houston in the Texas Bowl sent a clear message to Kiffin shortly before the transfer portal opened. Green finished the season third on the team in receiving yards and third in receptions, raising the expectations for him this season. Height: 5-foot-9Weight: 205 poundsClass: JuniorPrevious schools: None Last season: 170 carries for 878 yards and 5 TDs in 350 snaps There aren’t many coaches in college football with better reputations for developing overlooked high school prospects than Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz. And if recent results are any indication of where Ferentz stands, the talent in his program keeps getting better: Just last month, Iowa set a new school record with seven players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, most in school history for a single year. It also extended the Hawkeyes’ eye-catching streak of 48 consecutive years with at least one player drafted. Could Moulton be next in line? If he is, the development arc to get there will mirror everything the Hawkeyes have stood for under Ferentz, beginning with an unheralded high school recruitment. A native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where high-major prospects are everywhere, Moulton was the No. 1,473 overall player and No. 13 tailback in the 2023 recruiting cycle when he committed to Iowa over UConn. No other power-conference program offered him a scholarship. Since then, all Moulton has done is increase his production from 93 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman, to 473 yards and three touchdowns as a sophomore, to 878 yards and five touchdowns as a junior. Moulton averaged better than 5 yards per carry in six of his final eight appearances last season, two of which came against ranked opponents, and navigated the entire year without losing a fumble. Height: 5-foot-10 Weight: 210 poundsClass: JuniorPrevious schools: None Last season: 24 carries for 224 yards and 5 TDs in 47 snaps One of the more memorable images produced at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine was shared on social media by Ja’Juan Seider, the associate head coach and running backs coach from Notre Dame. The image showed Seider wearing a white Fighting Irish sweatshirt and flanked by four running back prospects taking the field in Indianapolis, all of whom he’d coached: Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen at Penn State, where Seider worked from 2018-24 under former coach James Franklin; and Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price at Notre Dame, a program he joined ahead of the 2025 season. The unspoken message — that any running back wishing to be drafted should come play for Seider — was resoundingly clear. Each of his pupils from that photo went on to be selected within the first six rounds of last month’s draft, including two in the opening 32 picks alone. Seider’s impressive track record makes placing a wager on Williams, the projected starter at Notre Dame, feel like a relatively safe bet given how effective the Fighting Irish were at running the ball last season: tied for third nationally at 5.69 yards per carry overall. And while the bulk of that production was unquestionably provided by Love (1,372 yards; 18 TDs) and Price (674 yards; 11 TDs), who brought Notre Dame to within a whisker of reaching the College Football Playoff for a second consecutive year, the explosiveness flashed by Williams in reserve duty caught more than a few people’s attention. Williams averaged a staggering 9.3 yards per carry and found the end zone once every 4.8 attempts. He gained more than 200 of his 224 total rushing yards after contact, according to Pro Football Focus, and did not fumble. Height: 6 feetWeight: 198 poundsClass: Redshirt seniorPrevious schools: Alabama (2022-23), Florida State (2024-25) Last season: 76 total tackles, 2 TFL, 2 FF, 4 INT in 674 snaps Having added just 32 transfers over the previous four offseasons combined — a reflection, in part, of the resources Ohio State poured into player retention — head coach Ryan Day added 17 new players to compile the sport’s seventh-best portal class overall, trailing only Penn State in the Big Ten. At least five of those newcomers are expected to be plug-and-play starters for a defense that lost seven players to the NFL Draft following an incredible first season under coordinator Matt Patricia. No absence will loom larger than that of safety Caleb Downs, a two-time unanimous All-American and eventual first-round pick. That’s where Little, the son of former NFL safety Earl Little, enters the mix for Ohio State after earning second-team All-ACC honors last season. Originally a four-star prospect in the 2022 class, Little signed with Alabama after taking additional official visits to USC, Florida State and Oregon. He made just eight appearances in two seasons for the Crimson Tide before entering the transfer portal ahead of the 2024 campaign, ultimately landing at Florida State. Even though the Seminoles finished below .500 each of the last two years, Little blossomed into an effective Swiss Army Knife in the secondary. His snap count for 2026 was split between free safety (376), box safety (226) and slot corner (65), which makes Little a potential candidate to fill Downs’ roving role. Little did miss the tail end of spring practice while undergoing a minor knee procedure. Height: 6-foot-2Weight: 200 poundsClass: JuniorPrevious schools: NC State (2024-25) Last season: 39 catches for 629 yards and 5 TDs in 460 snaps College football fans are undoubtedly familiar with the oft-repeated narrative that says USC still doesn’t have the requisite size and strength in the trenches to compete for a national championship under head coach Lincoln Riley. And the program’s spotty record in the NFL Draft largely confirms those suspicions: zero offensive linemen drafted in the first six rounds since 2021; one defensive lineman drafted in the first seven rounds during that same period. That story is far different at wide receiver, a position where Riley and his staff have produced five draft picks over the last four years combined, including two early-round choices last month alone in Makai Lemon (Round 1, No. 20 overall) and Ja’Kobi Lane (Round 3, No. 80 overall). Which means that for the first time in what feels like ages, the Trojans are entering a season with legitimate questions about their receiving corps, especially when factoring in the additional departures of tight ends Lake McRee and Walker Lyons from last year’s squad. That’s why the addition of Anderson, who was rated the No. 11 overall transfer and No. 3 wide receiver in the portal, was so significant as Riley attempts to lift USC into the College Football Playoff for the first time. Anderson is far and away the most experienced, and most proven, player for a position group that will likely lean heavily on underclassmen (Tanook Hines, Zacharyus Williams) and true freshmen (Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, Trent Mosley) alike. Put simply, Anderson must deliver if the Trojans want to reach their potential. Height: 6-foot-4Weight: 250 poundsClass: SophomorePrevious schools: Penn State (2025) Last season: 8 total tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack and 15 pressures in 150 snaps After successfully reinventing Ohio State’s defense during an impressive run from 2022-24, the last of which was punctuated with a national championship, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles had enough cachet to effectively handpick his next role. He opted for a new challenge at Penn State, where head coach James Franklin agreed to pay him $3.1 million per year, an eye-catching, market-resetting sum. But almost nothing about the 2025 campaign went according to plan for the Nittany Lions, including the defense. Knowles’ unit finished 56th nationally against the run (142.5 yards per game), 87th in opponent third-down conversion rate (40.9%), and 64th in opponent red zone touchdown rate (58.8%). The two sides parted ways after a tumultuous season, and Knowles was quickly hired for the same role at Tennessee. Despite the ugliness of it all, Knowles still made enough of an impression for several players to follow him via the transfer portal. That group includes safety Dejuan Lane (No. 334 transfer, No. 29 S), linebacker Amare Campbell (No. 144 transfer, No. 10 LB), and defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam (No. 54 transfer, No. 7 DL). But the most notable addition to the Volunteers’ roster this offseason was Coleman, a former blue-chip recruit who flashed elite talent in limited action last year, enough to leave Penn State fans hoping new coach Matt Campbell could keep him. Coleman missed most of spring practice and a series of team activities due to what head coach Josh Heupel described as “off-the-field” issues. If he does return to the program, he is widely expected to win a starting spot in Knowles’ defense this fall. Height: 6-foot-2Weight: 201 poundsClass: Redshirt juniorPrevious schools: Ohio State (2023), NC State (2024-25) Last season: 33 catches for 441 yards and 2 TDs in 532 snaps In 2023, during the thick of Brian Hartline’s tenure as Ohio State’s wide receivers coach, Rogers was among the recruits targeted by the sport’s unquestioned wideout whisperer — an honor for any rising star at that position. Two classes prior, Hartline had signed Emeka Egbuka and Marvin Harrison Jr., a pair of future first-round picks. One year down the line, Hartline would add a budding phenom named Jeremiah Smith, now the best receiver in college football. The same recruiting cycle that included Rogers also featured Carnell Tate, the No. 4 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft. Simply being prioritized by Hartline and Ohio State carried real weight given the program’s receiver pipeline. But it never quite worked out for Rogers at Ohio State. He appeared in four games as a true freshman without recording a catch before entering the transfer portal, ultimately landing at NC State. He stepped into a larger role almost immediately, logging at least 380 snaps in each season and finishing with 68 receptions for 919 yards and three touchdowns. That production made him the No. 58 overall transfer and No. 15 wideout in the portal this past winter, which propelled him to another lofty platform at Alabama. Now, Rogers is expected to compete for a starting role opposite former five-star Ryan Coleman-Williams.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — If there’s one universal anxiety that fans of the United States men’s national team share heading into the Americans’ 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Paraguay just 15 days from Thursday, it has to be Christian Pulisic. Possibly already the greatest attacking talent the country has ever produced, Pulisic has been the USA’s best player and undisputed headliner almost since he first donned a national team jersey a year ago. But ahead of what is supposed to be the biggest moment of his life — a World Cup played on home soil — Pulisic is mired in the longest scoring drought of his career. In more than 20 games for the U.S. and Italian club AC Milan in 2026, the 27-year-old hasn’t scored a single goal. It’s not ideal, to say the least. But while Stars and Stripes supporters are worried, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino isn’t. “Okay, he didn’t score in the last, I don’t know, six months?” Pochettino rhetorically asked a small group of reporters on Thursday after his team trained at U.S. Soccer’s sprawling new facility about 25 miles south of Atlanta. “He’s going to score in the World Cup.” Pulisic and Pochettino have butted heads several times since the former Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham manager took over the U.S. program. As I reported last year, Pulisic almost immediately rubbed the 54-year-old Argentine the wrong way by begging out of Pochettino’s second match at the helm. The Americans lost that match, to chief rival Mexico, 2-0 south of the border. Pulisic then asked to skip last summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup, citing fatigue after two grueling seasons with AC Milan. Again, the request was granted, but Pulisic created a stir when he said he “didn’t understand” Pochettino’s decision to leave him out of a pair of pre-Gold Cup tune-ups against European foes Switzerland and Türkiye. “Players don’t need to understand,” Pochettino said when I asked him about his star player’s comment the day before the Gold Cup opener. “Players need to listen and to stick with our plan. They cannot dictate the plan.” The U.S. reached the final without Pulisic but lost — again to El Tri — in the decisive game. “I was disappointed with him,” Pochettino said Thursday of the Gold Cup controversy. “[And] he was disappointed with our decision not to include [him] in the two friendlies.” That’s all behind both of them now. Pulisic is here, and he told me on Tuesday that he’s “feeling great,” despite the thigh strain that limited him to just 59 combined minutes over Milan’s final three games. “I’m confident that good things are going to come,” he said. “You make a couple good plays in a tournament like this and things change fast.” The irony here is that sitting out the Gold Cup last summer was supposed to help Pulisic be at the height of his considerable powers going into this World Cup. For a while, it looked like perhaps it was the right decision; Pulisic had four goals and two assists in the Rossoneri’s first five matches of 2025-26. At one point last fall, he was leading all of Serie A in scoring. When the calendar flipped, the goals dried up. “[It] shows that not always people really know themselves,” Pochettino said on Thursday. “Too many factors can affect” a player’s form. Now it’s on the staff to help Pulisic get back to his best. “For me, it’s a special player,” Pochettino said of his No. 10. “We are going to try in these [two] weeks  to recover his confidence, and we really trust in him, and we have the confidence that he is going to perform.” “I really trust in that,” Pochettino added. “He’s had a very good attitude, very good commitment. He’s trying so hard to get his best level. And I think he will achieve it.”​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Many starting XI position battles for the United States are still up for grabs for the 2026 World Cup, but none might be as hotly contested as the battle for starting goalkeeper. Former U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper Tony Meola appeared on FS1’s “First Things First” to break down who his projected starter is ahead of their opening game against Paraguay on June 12. “Matt Freese, I think, is the number one guy right now. He’s played well with his club, earned his position as the first goalkeeper for the national team… Matt Turner is finally playing his best soccer right now for the New England Revolution.” Meola was part of the 1990, 1994 – the last time the United States hosted – and 2002 World Cup rosters for the USA. In recent years, the United States has lacked a long-term elite option in goal. Turner returns to the team after starting for the United States in their 2022 World Cup run, where they fell in the round of 16 to the Netherlands. However, in the United States’ friendly against Belgium, Turner’s five goals allowed in their 5-2 loss raised questions about the future of the goalkeeper position. For Freese, his recent performances with New York City FC and his starting role on the national team have tabbed him as a prime candidate to start in the World Cup, despite it being his first-ever appearance in the tournament. “If we have to go to a second guy, you’re going to a guy that, one, is confident at the moment, and two, has World Cup experience… If you have to put Matt Turner in goal, it’s not going to be a guy that’s going to be in awe of the moment, because he’s been there already… I like what Matt Freese done. I like how he’s grown. It’s his first World Cup, that’s always a little bit scary and doing it at home is even more scary.” 2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 matches, more than one-third of the tournament, will air in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19). The opening match on June 11 between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will stream for free on Tubi, as well as the USA’s opening match against Paraguay on June 12 (9 p.m. ET).​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — On Wednesday, reports overseas began to emerge that United States World Cup coach Mauricio Pochettino was interviewed by seven-time European champion AC Milan last week about their vacant managerial position. On Thursday, Pochettino and U.S Soccer CEO JT Batson addressed the news. “Mauricio and [his assistant coaches have] been incredibly transparent the entire process,” Batson told a throng of reporters here as Pochettino — whose contract expires after the tournament — led the Americans through their paces behind him at the federation’s National Training Center outside of Atlanta. “Even when we first met a couple summers ago, there were lots of other people interested in having Mauricio and [his] team join. He had standing offers from other places to come. He wanted to be here. He’s a big believer in what we’re doing in U.S. Soccer. He’s a big believer in soccer in America, and he’s a big believer in this men’s team.” Later in the day, Pochettino made it clear that he remains fully dedicated to the U.S. “People that question my commitment [are] people that want to create some problem,” he said. But he didn’t deny that he may have had informal conversations with suitors over the last two years, or that his representative(s) had fielded offers from interested parties. “We’ve had so many approaches, and we always say we finish the contract in July after the World Cup,” he said. Pochettino also confirmed that he turned down “bigger offers” to sign with U.S. Soccer in September 2024. “We wanted to come here,” he said. “When you have top-class talent,” said Batson, “Other organizations want them.” AC Milan, for whom American headliner Christian Pulisic has starred since leaving English club Chelsea for Italy in 2023, is without a manager after Maxi Allegri resigned earlier this week following the Rossoneri’s failure to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League. U.S. veteran Tyler Adams said the revelation that Poch is considering his future beyond the summer isn’t something he and his teammates are at all bothered by. “Our focus has to be here, on the World Cup,” said Adams. “There’s [players] in contract situations right now that have to figure out what to do, either before the World Cup [or] after the World Cup — it’s gonna be the same deal with coaches. He’s fully present with us every single day, finding ways to make us better, focusing on the trainings, just as we are.” The former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur boss reiterated that he’s open to signing an extension to remain at the helm of the USA’s men’s program. “If the federation wants to talk with me about the future, it’s similar, no?” Pochettino said. “It’s a similar thing.” Batson insisted Thursday that an extension remains a possibility. “We’ve had a number of very long discussions around what the next four years could look like,” he said. “We’re excited and they’re excited. But, of course, we’ve got to focus on the summer, which we’re doing. The World Cup co-hosts take on Australia and Türkiye in their final two first round games. Pochettino’s reported $6 million salary is underwritten in part by deep-pocketed U.S. Soccer donors. I asked Batson if that funding will be available over the next four-year World Cup cycle, or if it was contingent on the U.S. staging the planet’s marquee event this summer, along with North American neighbors Canada and Mexico. “We now are able to enter in big decisions where we’re able to focus on what’s right for soccer, knowing that we’re going to have the resources to be able to do that,” he said. “Whether it’s our great commercial partners, whether it’s because fans have been buying a lot of tickets and a lot of jerseys, or because we’ve been able to get great philanthropic support. “As we approach all these decisions, first and foremost will be what’s going to drive the best soccer outcomes,” he continued. “We’re confident we’ll have the resources to be able to do that.”​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Forty-eight teams. An extra knockout round. And a draw that, in several groups, looks like FIFA was actively trying to cause chaos. Someone is going to go deep at this tournament that nobody saw coming. The biggest World Cup in history will, of course, still feature powerhouses and expected favorites to win. But more competition means more potential for surprise runs and new fan-favorite squads. Here are four dark-horse teams that should be on your radar for this summer’s FIFA World Cup. Odds to win World Cup: +3000Odds to advance from group: -900Group I opponents: Iraq (June 16), Senegal (June 22), France (June 26) Norway is back at the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, and it arrives as one of Europe’s most in-form sides. It dominated a Euro World Cup qualifying group that included Italy and also went undefeated during the qualifying process. Another story is that striker Erling Haaland has spent his entire career watching the World Cup on television; watching the other superstars get to shine on the biggest stage. Haaland scored a mind-numbing 16 goals in qualifying in just eight matches played. Simple math shows that’s an average of two goals per game. That just doesn’t happen in this sport. Norway did not sneak through — it bulldozed through, and Haaland did it with the energy of a man who benches small cars for fun and whose hair has its own agent. Anyway, Group I features France, Senegal and Iraq. Norway needs to finish second. Beating Senegal and taking something off France is entirely doable for a squad that also includes Martin Ødegaard and Alexander Sørloth floating around Haaland. Get into the knockouts, and nobody will want to play Norway. Odds to win World Cup: +4000Odds to advance from group: -1000Group K opponents: Uzbekistan (June 17), Congo DR (June 23), Portugal (June 27) Colombia has James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz and a deep attacking pool that gives it the ability to beat anybody in the world on a given day. And its qualifying campaign backed it up. Group K puts the squad alongside Portugal, DR Congo and Uzbekistan. That is a group Colombia can absolutely win. Néstor Lorenzo has built a team that no longer depends on one moment of James’ magic to unlock games, thanks to Díaz’s directness, a press that suffocates in midfield and genuine defensive solidity make this a complete side. James still pulls the strings, but he doesn’t have to carry everything anymore. James turns 35 in July. He has spent the last few years drifting from Rayo to León to Minnesota just to stay sharp enough to be here. He has one of the most elegant left feet in the game, capable of a magical free kick or a surgically precise through ball. Despite his age, he can still change the game from a stationary position. Colombia’s biggest current star is Luis Díaz. After moving from Liverpool to Bayern Munich, he became one of Europe’s most feared wingers. He finished the season with a whopping 26 goals and 19 assists across all competitions. World-class numbers. Oh, and he just won the Meisterschale, or as you and I say, the Bundesliga trophy. Luis Díaz will be one of the most important players at this World Cup. Odds to win World Cup: +5000Odds to advance from group: -1000Group C opponents: Brazil (June 13), Scotland (June 19), Haiti (June 24) At some point, we should probably stop calling Morocco a dark horse. It reached the World Cup semifinals in Qatar. It beat Spain. It beat Portugal. It did it with a structure so tight and a defensive shape so organized that elite coaches spent days trying to figure out how to break it. That tactical core is still largely intact — and then ex-manager Walid Regragui walked out in March. The new coach is Mohamed Ouahbi, a former U23 manager who most people had never heard of three months ago. On paper, that should terrify Atlas Lions fans. In practice, the system is so deeply embedded in this squad that the identity doesn’t live in the dugout. It lives in the players. Achraf Hakimi knows his role. Youssef En-Nesyri knows his role. This group has been through a World Cup semifinal together. A coaching change doesn’t erase that muscle memory. Morocco opens Group C against Brazil. Not against Haiti. Not against Scotland. Against Brazil, in what is immediately one of the best games of the group stage. Beat or draw the Seleção in that opener, and Morocco announces itself to the entire tournament. Qatar was not luck. This is a team that knows exactly how it wins. The 2022 run raised the bar. The manager who built that run is gone. Now we find out how deep the foundations actually go. Odds to win World Cup: +6500Odds to advance from group: -400Group F opponents: Netherlands (June 14), Tunisia (June 21), Sweden (June 25) Japan has beaten Germany and Spain at a World Cup. Both of those sentences used to be considered impossible. Now, it’s just the results from the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The pressing system Hajime Moriyasu has built is among the most disciplined in international football. The team’s pressing traps are overwhelming, its transitions rapid and its shape is almost impossible to disorganize. Kaoru Mitoma and Takefusa Kubo provide the technical quality. The collective provides the method that makes playing them a real nightmare. Players across their formation compete at the highest level of European domestic football. The talent is now mixed with plenty of experience. Group F draws them against the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden. It’s a tricky group, but Japan could very well advance. And if it does, a team this compact and this tactically fearless becomes one of the most uncomfortable draws in the knockouts. Nobody wanted to play Japan in Qatar. Nothing has changed.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports