9 hours ago
Fall camp will get underway next week as the Oklahoma Sooners look to build on their College Football Playoff appearance from a year ago. But it's a new season with many of the same returning characters, but this year's group will create its own identity. It's a roster filled with talent, including 10 preseason All-SEC selections. There's an optimism heading into the year despite being voted seventh in the preseason SEC predicted order of finish.
The Sooners will have one of the best starting lineups in college football in 2026, led by a defense that was one of the best units in the sport last season. The offense, which had some shortcomings in 2025, will be much improved this season. It's a group that's hungry to get back to the playoff and do more damage this time around.
But like every team, the Oklahoma Sooners have some questions heading into fall camp. Here's a look at the questions we're asking about each position group heading into the preseason.
In Brent Venables' tenure at Oklahoma, the Sooners have had their Week 1 starter play every game in a season just one time: the 2023 season with Dillon Gabriel. You don't want to rely on your backup, but as we've seen, when you have to go to him, you need a guy that can help you win a game. In 2024 and 2025, Michael Hawkins Jr. helped Oklahoma beat Auburn and Kent State.
Heading into fall camp, sophomore Whitt Newbauer has the leg up on true freshman Bowe Bentley after their performances in the spring. There's no rush on Bentley to play meaningful snaps, especially when you have Newbauer, who has experience in offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle's system and has played meaningful snaps at the collegiate level.
#oklahoma #season #bentley
The Sooners will have one of the best starting lineups in college football in 2026, led by a defense that was one of the best units in the sport last season. The offense, which had some shortcomings in 2025, will be much improved this season. It's a group that's hungry to get back to the playoff and do more damage this time around.
But like every team, the Oklahoma Sooners have some questions heading into fall camp. Here's a look at the questions we're asking about each position group heading into the preseason.
In Brent Venables' tenure at Oklahoma, the Sooners have had their Week 1 starter play every game in a season just one time: the 2023 season with Dillon Gabriel. You don't want to rely on your backup, but as we've seen, when you have to go to him, you need a guy that can help you win a game. In 2024 and 2025, Michael Hawkins Jr. helped Oklahoma beat Auburn and Kent State.
Heading into fall camp, sophomore Whitt Newbauer has the leg up on true freshman Bowe Bentley after their performances in the spring. There's no rush on Bentley to play meaningful snaps, especially when you have Newbauer, who has experience in offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle's system and has played meaningful snaps at the collegiate level.
#oklahoma #season #bentley
6 days ago
Following 2026 market launches in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal, Geely-owned Zeekr has hired experienced automotive leader Tom Johnson to spearhead the UK market ahead of its launch.
Bringing over two decades of experience in the automotive industry, Johnson's background includes leadership roles at JLR and Bentley Motors.
He joins Zeekr from INEOS Automotive, where he served as Regional Director for the UK, MENA and Ireland markets.
Lothar Schupet, CEO of Zeekr Europe said: "This appointment further reinforces our commitment to the UK market, a key automotive market in Europe. Tom's background and decades of experience and passion in the industry will drive Zeekr's launch into the UK market, with the aim to start sales later this year and have Zeekr cars on UK roads by early 2027."
Tom Johnson added: "I'm delighted to join Zeekr at such an exciting point in its European growth. The brand has built strong momentum across Europe, and I'm looking forward to introducing UK customers to Zeekr's premium vehicles and helping build a successful long-term business in this important market."
#decades
Bringing over two decades of experience in the automotive industry, Johnson's background includes leadership roles at JLR and Bentley Motors.
He joins Zeekr from INEOS Automotive, where he served as Regional Director for the UK, MENA and Ireland markets.
Lothar Schupet, CEO of Zeekr Europe said: "This appointment further reinforces our commitment to the UK market, a key automotive market in Europe. Tom's background and decades of experience and passion in the industry will drive Zeekr's launch into the UK market, with the aim to start sales later this year and have Zeekr cars on UK roads by early 2027."
Tom Johnson added: "I'm delighted to join Zeekr at such an exciting point in its European growth. The brand has built strong momentum across Europe, and I'm looking forward to introducing UK customers to Zeekr's premium vehicles and helping build a successful long-term business in this important market."
#decades
25 days ago
Broncos Wire's 91-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at seventh-year tight end Adam Trautman, No. 82.
Before the Broncos: Trautman (6-5, 253 pounds) came into the NFL by way of the New Orleans Saints, who drafted him in the third round (105th overall) of the 2020 NFL draft. In three seasons (43 games with 28 starts), Trautman caught 60 passes for 641 yards and four touchdowns. During the 2023 NFL draft, the Denver traded the 195th overall pick to the Saints in exchange for Trautman and a seventh-round pick.
Broncos tenure: Trautman reunited with coach Sean Payton in Denver, where he immediately slotted into an offense led by then-quarterback Russell Wilson. Trautman started 12 of 17 games in 2023, catching 22 passes for 204 yards and a career-high three touchdowns. In 2024, Trautman started a career-most 14 of 17 regular season games, and started his first playoff game, catching 14 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns, making an impact as a blocking tight end. Trautman continued his high-level play in 2025, starting 12 of 17 regular season games, and starting one of the Broncos' two playoff games. He ended up snagging 20 receptions for 195 yards and one touchdown.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Likely TE2. Trautman may not be a 40-catch-per-year TE, but he has been a serviceable receiver and reliable blocker throughout his career. Trautman will likely retain his spot as a primary blocking tight end in the Sean Payton and Davis Webb-led offense going into 2026. After signing a three-year, $17 million contract in the spring of 2026, Trautman figures to remain a key part of the offense, and he can help mentor younger tight ends such as Caleb Lohner, Justin Joly and Dallen Bentley.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
Before the Broncos: Trautman (6-5, 253 pounds) came into the NFL by way of the New Orleans Saints, who drafted him in the third round (105th overall) of the 2020 NFL draft. In three seasons (43 games with 28 starts), Trautman caught 60 passes for 641 yards and four touchdowns. During the 2023 NFL draft, the Denver traded the 195th overall pick to the Saints in exchange for Trautman and a seventh-round pick.
Broncos tenure: Trautman reunited with coach Sean Payton in Denver, where he immediately slotted into an offense led by then-quarterback Russell Wilson. Trautman started 12 of 17 games in 2023, catching 22 passes for 204 yards and a career-high three touchdowns. In 2024, Trautman started a career-most 14 of 17 regular season games, and started his first playoff game, catching 14 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns, making an impact as a blocking tight end. Trautman continued his high-level play in 2025, starting 12 of 17 regular season games, and starting one of the Broncos' two playoff games. He ended up snagging 20 receptions for 195 yards and one touchdown.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Likely TE2. Trautman may not be a 40-catch-per-year TE, but he has been a serviceable receiver and reliable blocker throughout his career. Trautman will likely retain his spot as a primary blocking tight end in the Sean Payton and Davis Webb-led offense going into 2026. After signing a three-year, $17 million contract in the spring of 2026, Trautman figures to remain a key part of the offense, and he can help mentor younger tight ends such as Caleb Lohner, Justin Joly and Dallen Bentley.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
25 days ago
Ben McCollum has knocked high school recruiting out of the park since arriving in Iowa City.
On a short turnaround, he put together a solid 2025 class. He upped the ante this past offseason, landing a pair of highly-touted players in Ethan Harris and Jaidyn ****** . And he’s already landed a big-time commitment from 2027 four-star forward Keller Daughtery.
While there’s still work to do on the 2027 class, McCollum is already starting to look into the 2028 crop. He and the Hawkeyes officially offered 2028 five-star center Bentley Lusakueno on Wednesday. Lusakueno took to social media to announce the offer.
Lusakueno is from College Park, Georgia, and Woodward Academy High School. The 6-foot-10 center is currently ranked as the seventh-best prospect in the 2028 class, according to 247Sports. He already holds nine Division I offers, with Florida State, Georgia, Miami, and Oregon all joining Iowa in the mix.
He's already garnered a lot of attention from USA Basketball as well. Lusakueno was a member of the 2025 USA Men’s U16 National Team and was recently named a finalist for the 2026 USA Men's U17 National Team. With two years of high school ball remaining, he's only going to rise in the recruiting rankings. Iowa getting in on him early could be the difference late in the process.
On a short turnaround, he put together a solid 2025 class. He upped the ante this past offseason, landing a pair of highly-touted players in Ethan Harris and Jaidyn ****** . And he’s already landed a big-time commitment from 2027 four-star forward Keller Daughtery.
While there’s still work to do on the 2027 class, McCollum is already starting to look into the 2028 crop. He and the Hawkeyes officially offered 2028 five-star center Bentley Lusakueno on Wednesday. Lusakueno took to social media to announce the offer.
Lusakueno is from College Park, Georgia, and Woodward Academy High School. The 6-foot-10 center is currently ranked as the seventh-best prospect in the 2028 class, according to 247Sports. He already holds nine Division I offers, with Florida State, Georgia, Miami, and Oregon all joining Iowa in the mix.
He's already garnered a lot of attention from USA Basketball as well. Lusakueno was a member of the 2025 USA Men’s U16 National Team and was recently named a finalist for the 2026 USA Men's U17 National Team. With two years of high school ball remaining, he's only going to rise in the recruiting rankings. Iowa getting in on him early could be the difference late in the process.
27 days ago
Madison Investments, an investment advisor, released its first-quarter 2026 investor letter for the "Madison Mid Cap Fund". The Madison Mid Cap Fund (Class I) declined 4.28% in the quarter, compared to the Russell Midcap Index's 1.29% return. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The first quarter saw a market shift from tech stocks to companies in the physical economy driven by a better economic outlook and AI disruption fears. This transition favored the 'HALO trade' (Heavy ******* ets, Low Obsolescence), benefiting resilient businesses. In March, geopolitical conflicts and rising commodity prices heightened inflation concerns, leading to strong performance in Energy and Materials sectors, while Utilities also gained. This trend posed challenges for the Madison Mid Cap Fund due to its limited exposure to these sectors. In this environment, the fund identifies opportunities in high-quality, underappreciated businesses and is actively investing in them. Please review the Fund's top five holdings to gain insights into its key selections for 2026.
In its first-quarter 2026 investor letter, Madison Mid Cap Fund highlighted Bentley Systems, Incorporated (NASDAQ:BSY). Headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania, Bentley Systems, Incorporated (NASDAQ:BSY) is an infrastructure engineering software solutions provider. On June 29, 2026, Bentley Systems, Incorporated (NASDAQ:BSY) closed at $29.72 per share. One-month return of Bentley Systems, Incorporated (NASDAQ:BSY) was -12.59%, and its shares lost 44.65% over the past 52 weeks. Bentley Systems, Incorporated (NASDAQ:BSY) has a market capitalization of $9.03 billion.
Madison Mid Cap Fund stated the following regarding Bentley Systems, Incorporated (NASDAQ:BSY) in its Q1 2026 investor letter:
"Amid all the concern regarding the potential for AI to disrupt software companies, we opportunistically added two new software investments to the portfolio, both companies with unique characteristics that we believe will prove to be resilient to AI disruption, Tyler Technologies and Bentley Systems, Incorporated (NASDAQ:BSY). Founded in 1984 by five Bentley brothers, Bentley Systems maintains a leadership position in software that enables the design, construction and monitoring of civil infrastructure ******* ets. Although the company hired its first outside CEO in 2024, it remains an owner-operator, with Greg Bentley serving as Executive Chairman, and the family holding just under 50% of the equity. Bentley is growing recurring subscription revenues at a consistent low-double digit rate while expanding operating margins annually. AI is beginning to enhance the productivity of designers, and will help the architecture, engineering, and construction industry attack the growing backlog of both developed and emerging market infrastructure projects. We foresee many years of strong growth ahead."
In its first-quarter 2026 investor letter, Madison Mid Cap Fund highlighted Bentley Systems, Incorporated (NASDAQ:BSY). Headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania, Bentley Systems, Incorporated (NASDAQ:BSY) is an infrastructure engineering software solutions provider. On June 29, 2026, Bentley Systems, Incorporated (NASDAQ:BSY) closed at $29.72 per share. One-month return of Bentley Systems, Incorporated (NASDAQ:BSY) was -12.59%, and its shares lost 44.65% over the past 52 weeks. Bentley Systems, Incorporated (NASDAQ:BSY) has a market capitalization of $9.03 billion.
Madison Mid Cap Fund stated the following regarding Bentley Systems, Incorporated (NASDAQ:BSY) in its Q1 2026 investor letter:
"Amid all the concern regarding the potential for AI to disrupt software companies, we opportunistically added two new software investments to the portfolio, both companies with unique characteristics that we believe will prove to be resilient to AI disruption, Tyler Technologies and Bentley Systems, Incorporated (NASDAQ:BSY). Founded in 1984 by five Bentley brothers, Bentley Systems maintains a leadership position in software that enables the design, construction and monitoring of civil infrastructure ******* ets. Although the company hired its first outside CEO in 2024, it remains an owner-operator, with Greg Bentley serving as Executive Chairman, and the family holding just under 50% of the equity. Bentley is growing recurring subscription revenues at a consistent low-double digit rate while expanding operating margins annually. AI is beginning to enhance the productivity of designers, and will help the architecture, engineering, and construction industry attack the growing backlog of both developed and emerging market infrastructure projects. We foresee many years of strong growth ahead."
1 month ago
After agreeing to terms on a four-year, $7.39 million contract with third-round pick Tyler Onyedim, the Denver Broncos have now reached agreements with all seven members of their 2026 NFL draft class.
Onyedim was the team's first pick in this year's draft and he was the club's last pick to sign. The 23-year-old defensive lineman received a $1.83 million signing bonus, according to the Denver Post's Luca Evans.
Before Onyedim, Denver previously signed safety Miles Scott, tight end Justin Joly, linebacker Red Murdock, tight end Dallen Bentley, offensive lineman Kage Casey and running back Jonah Coleman. The full class is now on board ahead of training camp next month.
Round 3: DT Tyler Onyedim
Round 4: RB Jonah Coleman
Onyedim was the team's first pick in this year's draft and he was the club's last pick to sign. The 23-year-old defensive lineman received a $1.83 million signing bonus, according to the Denver Post's Luca Evans.
Before Onyedim, Denver previously signed safety Miles Scott, tight end Justin Joly, linebacker Red Murdock, tight end Dallen Bentley, offensive lineman Kage Casey and running back Jonah Coleman. The full class is now on board ahead of training camp next month.
Round 3: DT Tyler Onyedim
Round 4: RB Jonah Coleman
8 months ago
Last Thursday, luxury British automaker Bentley unveiled its latest creation, the Supersports, a high-performance, lightweight, two-passenger version of its Continental GT coupe. The event in New York City's Chelsea district drew youthful and urban fans — not the usual clientele Bentley typically attracts.
But times are changing — and so are Bentley's buyers.
The stripped-down, carbon-fiber-shod sports car is powered by a twin-turbo V8, comes in rear-wheel drive only, and isn't a hybrid, like most of the other models in the Bentley lineup. The company has not yet provided pricing for the Sup
But times are changing — and so are Bentley's buyers.
The stripped-down, carbon-fiber-shod sports car is powered by a twin-turbo V8, comes in rear-wheel drive only, and isn't a hybrid, like most of the other models in the Bentley lineup. The company has not yet provided pricing for the Sup
