BLOOMINGTON — Indiana football led the Big Ten with three players on the conference's annual preseason honors list.
Hoosiers defensive tackle Tyrique Tucker, wide receiver Charlie Becker and linebacker Rolijah Hardy made the 12-member team, as voted on by the media.
Tucker, the lone JMU transfer left on coach Curt Cignetti's roster, will be in Chicago this week representing IU for Big Ten Media Days. He jumped into the starting lineup last year and earned All-American honors, while anchoring one of the most disruptive defensive fronts in the country. Hardy, who started last year as well, led the Hoosiers in tackles (102) and sacks (8.0).
On offense, Becker emerged in the second half of last season as one of the country's most talented playmakers with 34 catches for 679 yards and four touchdowns. He's generating buzz as a potential first round draft pick after his star turn in the College Football Playoff.
Here's a look at the Big Ten's full honor's list:

#hoosiers #becker #honors #defensive

On a scorching summer day in late July, Joplin played host to the Carroll (Iowa) Merchants to finish a recently postponed game and then play a regularly scheduled game Tuesday at Joe Becker Stadium.
The postponed contest was being resumed from June 11, when lightning cut things short in the top of the third inning in Joplin. The Jailbirds held a 3-0 lead to start things Tuesday.
They led 5-3 entering the home half of the seventh, and that's when they pulled away. Joplin added three runs in both the seventh and the eighth to go on and claim an 11-3 victory.
In the nightcap, Joplin fell behind 1-0 in the fourth inning after a solo home run by Carroll's Braylen Nystrom.
In the home half, Blake Jones tied things up for the Jailbirds. Shadrach Salazar added a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning, and Jordan Tucker made it 3-1 with an RBI single.

#joplin #inning

Markwayne Mullin, the US homeland security secretary, doubled down on Donald Trump's unsubstantiated election claims on Friday amid his agency's efforts to support the president's agenda.
Trump used a review compiled by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the basis of many of his unsubstantiated claims on Thursday during his televised primetime address to the nation.
"This isn't about rehashing the 2020 election. This is just exposing what took place, and to make sure it never happens again," Mullin said, after the president's speech was widely criticized for revealing no new information about the safety and security of the US elections, despite claiming that system falls "catastrophically short" of "greatness".
Mullin claimed that the DHS identified "250,000 noncitizens registered to vote in California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Nevada". However, election experts, including David Becker, the executive director of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation & Research, said the administration has not been "transparent about the methodology" in reaching that number.
Related: Five claims Trump made in primetime address not backed up by evidence

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump released a trove of documents during a primetime address to the nation that allies had hyped as a smoking gun that would prove his long-debunked allegations of mass voter fraud.
Speaking from the White House on Thursday night, he described shocking revelations, like Chinese meddling to undermine his failed candidacy in 2020 and a cover-up by the "deep state." He claimed, "Americans were blatantly lied to about the security of our election infrastructure."
But a review by The ******* ociated Press found no such confirmation in the collection of newly declassified reports, investigation files, intelligence ******* ysis and ******* orted correspondence. Many pages are so heavily redacted that their findings are unclear. Others outline vulnerabilities and ******* sments that have been well-documented for years. There's no evidence that China or any other foreign entity manipulated the vote in 2020 or any other year.
"The White House promised a bombshell, and they delivered a dud," said David Becker, executive director of the Center for Election Innovation & Research, who attended a White House briefing on the material ahead of the speech. Despite what appeared to be a concerted effort by administration officials, "there was absolutely nothing here that was news, nothing here that even calls into question past elections and certainly not the 2020 election."
Here's a look at what the documents say.

Selden Kolkebeck's perfect senior season received a fitting storybook ending Sunday.
One month after compiling a 12-0 record and helping lead Old Tappan to the NJSIAA Group 3 state championship, the Harrington Park native was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 19th round of the 2026 MLB Draft. Kolkebeck was chosen with the 14th pick of the round, No. 567 overall.
MLB Draft 2026: Former Don Bosco baseball star Eric Becker drafted by Cincinnati Reds
The right-handed pitcher, who is committed to Columbia University, became the third New Jersey high school player selected in this year's draft. St. Augustine's Alex Weingartner was taken by the Chicago White Sox in the sixth round (No. 166 overall), while Cranford's Brayden Fry went to the Baltimore Orioles in the 16th round.
Kolkebeck also became the second Old Tappan player drafted during the weekend. Alex Kranzler, a Vanderbilt junior and fellow Knights alumnus, was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 17th round.

No matter what happens in 2026, we expect the Pittsburgh Steelers to focus heavily on getting younger and more athletic on defense with the 2027 NFL Draft. We updated our four-round mock draft with just three weeks until NFL training camps start and with the age and salaries of several defensive players, we knew this draft needed to replace those guys.
Indiana's Charlie Becker was our favorite receiver among that talented unit in 2025 and we can't wait to see what he does as the team's clear No. 1 option. Becker has the size and athleticism combo to line up anywhere and Becker is able to run every route. His hands are the best in the draft and he's a true vertical threat.
We are optimistic about DeShon Elliott coming back this season but would love to see the Steelers upgrade with Xavier Scott, who is a pure coverage safety who plays like a cornerback and can lock down receivers and tight ends.
Will Heldt checks in at an athletic 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds with a nonstop motor and lots of power. We can see Heldt bulking up to play a hybrid 3-4 defensive end or lean out some and be an oversized edge with the power to stuff the run.
We can't help but wonder if Joey Porter Jr. will be back in Pittsburgh next season and if not, we slide everyone up including Daylen Everett, leaving a void on the depth chart. McKinney is a smart, athletic coverage player who has definite starter potential.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to the Wimbledon final on Sunday, tennis star Alexander Zverev said after his straight-sets semi-final win over British outsider Arthur Fery.
Merz had called his manager and announced that he would come with his wife, the 29-year-old German said on Friday. "If something happens in Europe at short notice now, then probably not," Zverev added.
The French Open champion is the first German male tennis player in the final of the London grass Grand Slam tournament since Boris Becker in 1995. Zverev could become the first German Wimbledon men's singles champion since Michael Stich in 1991.
Hamburg-born Zverev celebrated his first Grand Slam ****** le at Roland Garros in early June.
After his Paris triumph, Zverev said he received a call from Merz.

When Brazil and Egypt were knocked out of the World Cup, Liverpool lost their most recognizable remaining representatives in current star Alisson Becker and recently departed Mohamed Salah. However, the Reds do still have one player at the tournament in Spain’s Victor Muñoz.
Liverpool fans haven’t yet seen him play for the club given he only signed at the start of the World Cup, and as he was just working back from an injury at the time he hasn’t actually played for Spain yet at the Word Cup, but for those keeping track at home he’s Liverpool’s last player at the tournament.
He was also asked this week about his decision to leave Osasuna and head to the Premier League. It’s a question he’s been asked before, crediting new head coach Andoni Iraola as a big part of his choice, and he reiterated that when asked about where he’ll be playing net season.
“I think the Premier League is the right place for me with my abilities and style of play,” Munoz said. “I think this next step was the right one. [Iraloa] gave me a glimpse into how his teams play, how it can suit me, how he likes his wingers to stay wide, be able to get to the byline, be hard-working.
“I think I made the right choice with that next step because those are characteristics that I strongly identify with. His style of play, his pressing, how he wants to manage teams—I think I’m a player, because of my characteristics, who could fit in well so that’s also why I took that step.”

Odom plans to enter a no-contest plea that will reduce his initial DUI charge to a reckless driving charge, according to his attorney, Michael Becker. Through a no-contest plea, Odom will accept the terms of the Clark County District Attorney's Office without admitting guilt. He was scheduled for a bench trial Tuesday in Las Vegas Justice Court, but the court hearing was continued for a plea entry later this month.
ESPN
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Through a no-contest plea, Odom will accept the terms …

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Former NBA star Lamar Odom is expected to enter a plea deal in a DUI case in Las Vegas, according to his defense attorney.
Odom, 46, was arrested Jan. 17 and later charged with driving under the influence, speeding and failure to stay in a driving lane. He pleaded not guilty in March.
Odom plans to enter a no-contest plea that will reduce his initial DUI charge to a reckless driving charge, according to his attorney, Michael Becker. Through a no-contest plea, Odom will accept the terms of the Clark County District Attorney's Office without admitting guilt.
He was scheduled for a bench trial Tuesday in Las Vegas Justice Court, but the court hearing was continued for a plea entry later this month. He is not expected to appear in person, according to Becker.
The Clark County District Attorney's Office did not immediately return requests for comment.

As this uniquely tumultuous summer transfer window continues, having already guaranteed the loss of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konaté, the rumour is that captain Virgil van Dijk may be next. The 34-year-old Dutchman has been the backbone of this Liverpool team since he arrived in January 2018.
Apparently some at the club are regretting the lucrative new contract that he signed last year and are now said to be open to offers from other clubs. Blame for Liverpool’s poor ****** le defense seems to be landing on his shoulders now that Arne Slot is out of the picture. It is said that van Dijk is no longer “untouchable” in the eyes of the higher ups making these decisions.
To no one’s surprise, there’s interest around Europe at the prospect of acquiring the veteran Dutch captain. AC Milan is the team being bandied around the most, with new manager Ruben Amorim sending out feelers for what Liverpool are looking for in a potential deal. Other interested parties are the Turkish clubs Galatasaray and Fenerbahce. Then there is the usual interest from MLS and the Saudi Pro League, who always have their eyes on big name players over 30-years-old.
While the door has been opened for a possible move, reports have stressed that the club isn’t actively looking to sell, but just that the option is now on the table, should a lucrative enough offer appear. With the departure of Konaté, should van Dijk — and possibly even Alisson Becker — leave as well, it would give Iraola the responsibility of creating a whole new defense for the team.
It isn’t often that a team changes over the summer in such fundamental ways as Liverpool will be. The World Cup has hindered the early deals that Liverpool usually tries to make, but in a few weeks when the tournament wraps up, it will be fascinating to watch how Andoni Iraola and the transfer committee reshape the squad to prepare for this season.

Liverpool successfully fought off interest in Alisson Becker from Juventus earlier this summer.
Juve coach Luciano Spalletti wanted a reunion with the goalkeeper - who he worked with at Roma during the 2016/17 season.
The Reds’ sporting director Richard Hughes managed to exercise a one-year option in Alisson’s deal - stretching his time at the club to 2027.
And although the Brazil No1 was reported to be interested in a return to Italy no deal was concluded. It has been expected ever since that the 33-year-old would remain at Anfield and see out his contract.
Until now.

While Alisson Becker and Brazil were able to celebrate early on Monday after a strong second half helped them to get past a determined ****** an 2-1 and progress to the Round of 16, that would prove to be the high point of the day for Liverpool's players at the 2026 World Cup.
The day's first Round of 32 tie was followed by Germany taking on Paraguay, with the UEFA giants one of the pre-tournament favourites and Paraguay the worst of South America's offerings at this World Cup and a side lucky to be in the knockouts at all. In group play they had been hammered by the United States, struggled to create anything in a nil-nil with Australia, and managed to eke past a Turkiye in turmoil with a 1-0 win.
That got them third in the group and a slot against Germany in Boston, and as expected Paraguay played a tight and defensive game and didn't create much of anything. Neither, though, did Germany, struggling more with Paraguay's low block than even Liverpool last season.
It was Paraguay who went up first when Julio Enciso scored late in the first half, going up for a free header six yards from goal when Germany fell asleep in open play shortly following a corner. Kai Havertz levelled early in the second half but even after that it rarely felt like Germany deserved to get the winner as the game dragged towards extra time and then penalties where they lost.
It was penalties in the day's final game, too, but the route to getting there was far more competitive and provided some of the best football of the tournament. Where Germany vs. Paraguay had been an underdog in a low block and a favourite failing to break them down and almost seeming to give up, Netherlands vs. Morocco was a clash of heavyweights.

Curt Cignetti knows how to maintain success and keep the ball rolling. The IndianaHoosiers' offense will look very different next season after this past NFL draft. Yet this offense still has one weapon that will put the whole country on notice, including the USC Trojans. In a recent article, Brad Crawford highlighted Indiana Hoosiers receiver Charlie Becker as the seventh-best skill position player in the country. Here is what he had to say about Becker:
"Becker came on strong down the stretch for the Hoosiers last season, taking advantage of extended playing time in the wake of injury. He blossomed into a go-to target in the CFP for Fernando Mendoza, and Becker averaged a conference-leading 19.9 yards per catch last season, finishing with 679 yards and four touchdowns. Scouts are salivating over Becker's verified speed and big-play ability -- he was tracked with 13 "50-50" catches last season in 17 attempts."
Becker put the Hoosiers' offense on his back vs Ohio State in the Big Ten championship with a big performance. He is a clutch and reliable target that will make things easier for new quarterback Josh Hoover. With a clearer path to the top playmaker role this season, Becker will be the Hoosiers' most dangerous player on offense. He will be #1 on the Trojans 'game plan heading into Week 12.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Trojans will face top national receiver in Week 12 versus Indiana

Alisson Becker and Andy Robertson shared a heartfelt exchange after Brazil’s 3-0 win over Scotland at the World Cup on Wednesday night.
The former Liverpool teammates came up against one another in Miami as the five-time world champions eased to victory, sending them into the round of 32 as group winners, whereas Steve Clarke’s side face a nervous wait to see if they’ll advance from third place.
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The Tottenham Hotspur-bound left-back joked before the game that he’d hoped his long-time Anfield pal would be ‘picking the ball out of the net’ more than usual, but instead he made five saves in holding onto a clean sheet.
After the full-time whistle, TV cameras picked out Alisson and Robertson sharing a moment to swell the hearts of Liverpool supporters who’d come to adore them both over the past decade.

Following reports of Juventus interest, it is now suggested David De Gea would only leave Fiorentina if it meant a return to Manchester United.
The goalkeeper was mentioned among the potential alternatives for the Juve role, behind Alisson Becker of Liverpool, Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez and more.
It would not be a first choice position for him, as he turns 36 in November, even if he is still making remarkable saves every week.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 16: Federico Bonazzoli of US Cremonese shoots on goal forcing goalkeeper David De Gea of ACF Fiorentina to make a difficult save during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 16, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
According to the Manchester Evening News and Tuttomercatoweb, De Gea has made it clear that he would only be prepared to walk away from the Viola this summer for one destination.

This time last month, Alisson Becker was Juventus’ clear No. 1 option to take over in goal for Michele Di Gregorio. That ship sailed, which meant Juve were forced to pivot to another option who is currently employed in the Premier League. Door No. 2 brought us to Emi Martinez, who for a couple of weeks looked to be a guy that wanted to come to Turin after speaking with Luciano Spalletti.
But now, as we head into the second half of June, we’re still waiting to see if Juventus and Aston Villa can actually strike some sort of deal for the eccentric Argentine goalkeeper. Left to wonder if there’s a chance that it may ever happen or if Door No. 3 will have to be opened up.
Speaking of Door No. 3 …
According to Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio on Thursday, Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has a “value that is rising compared to that of Dibu Martinez” as Juventus try to find some sort of solution in goal following a 2025-26 season in which Di Gregorio was ****** e to mistake … after mistake … after mistake. The thing is, though, Vicario being the third option is not inspiring at all — especially when you consider there’s already been one pivot and that the drop off between the second and third is much greater than the one from the first to the second.
Vicario won’t cost as much as Martinez would, but that is because he isn’t as good as the man who was in goal when Argentina won the World Cup in 2022.

One way players have historically risen their market prices is through good performances at a World Cup. Ismael Saibari certainly provided that for Morocco in their World Cup opener against Brazil, scoring with a sumptuous one-touch lob over goalkeeper Alisson Becker to give his nation the 1-0 lead in an eventual 1-1 draw. This goal came in the middle of negotiations from Bayern Munich to reach an agreement for PSV to sell the player and caused some fans t0 worry that the price for the Eredivisie Player of the Year would skyrocket.
But worry not, French digital outlet Foot Mercato claims (as captured by iMiaSanMia) Bayern and PSV have reached a verbal agreement for the 26-year-old:
Bayern have reached a verbal agreement with PSV to sign Ismael Saibari. Medical booked for next week in the US. Contract until June 2031.
But not so fast, says PSV journalist Rik Elfrink. The Dutchman claims (as also captured by iMiaSanMia) that no such agreement exists yet:
Still no definitive agreement between Bayern and PSV over Ismael Saibari. Talks to resume Monday. PSV are unlikely to raise their asking price over Saibari’s performance against Brazil – but still, they will only let him go for a ‘big fee and attractive payment terms’.

Juventus appear to be narrowing their search for a new goalkeeper, and Tottenham Hotspur’s Guglielmo Vicario has reportedly emerged as the leading candidate.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian giants have accelerated their interest in the Spurs stopper after encountering obstacles in pursuits of several high profile alternatives, including Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez and AC Milan’s Mike Maignan.
Photo: IMAGO
The report paints a picture of a club seeking leadership, reliability and experience as it looks to strengthen a key position ahead of the new campaign.
Juventus had identified Alisson as an ideal solution.

Alexander Zverev claimed his first Grand Slam ***** le with a five-set win over Flavio Cobolli in the French Open final, taking the match 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7, 6-1.
It was a moment years in the making for Zverev, who finally broke through to lift his first major trophy. He did it in typical fashion, too, grinding out a tough five-setter against Cobolli on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Following the win, he was congratulated by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who shared a message on X. “What an extraordinary success!” Merz said (translated from German).
“Heartfelt congratulations on the fantastic victory at the French Open and your first Grand Slam ***** le, Alexander Zverev. This powerful performance thrills an entire nation.”
Zverev’s win marked a 30-year wait since a German man last won a major singles ***** le. Boris Becker was the previous champion, having won the 1996 Australian Open. Zverev had been carrying those expectations for years and had come close several times before breaking through in Paris.

The Indiana Hoosiers have proven to be a football power over the last two seasons. In Curt Cignetti’s first season as head coach, they had an 11-2 record. The two teams they lost to were the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. They both met each other in the national ***** le game that season. As for last season, Indiana finished with a 16-0 record and won the national ***** le over the Miami Hurricanes.
There are a lot of ways that the Hoosiers could approach the upcoming 2026 college football season. For the last two seasons Kurtis Rourke and Fernando Mendoza have been the starting quarterbacks. Mendoza was the number one overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. Josh Hoover will be Indiana’s starting quarterback this season and he played for the TCU Horned Frogs a season ago. Despite the Hoosiers losing some players to the NFL Draft, will they be good again in 2026?
Sam Khan Jr. and Austin Mock of the Athletic created its latest Top 25 rankings. They have Indiana as the number one team in the nation as the 2026 college football season approaches. Khan and Mock said about the Hoosiers football program,
“The reigning champs still have plenty of talent thanks to a handful of key returnees and the No. 2 transfer portal class. No returning FBS QB has thrown for more yards in the past three seasons than Josh Hoover when he was at TCU. Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh should form a productive receiving duo, and the return of All-America tackle Carter Smith to anchor an experienced front is huge. So is having a veteran defensive front, led by Tyrique Tucker and transfer Tobi Osunsanmi.”
Charlie Becker is projected to be the top wide receiver for Indiana this season and could be Hoover’s top target. Becker could very well be a first-round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft. Indiana’s toughest games next season will be against Ohio State and also against the Michigan Wolverines also.

UCL: Liverpool without this player for Galatasaray clash

Alisson Becker ruled out for the Champions League match in Istanbul.
UCL: Liverpool without this player for Galatasaray clash
Liverpool FC will have to do without their first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 against Galatasaray SK.
The Brazilian shot-stopper picked up an injury during training and is not part of the squad traveling to Istanbul. The English club has not provided further details regarding the nature of his injury. To fill the void, the coach is expected to pl