15 hours ago
Clemson is officially on the board in the 2028 recruiting cycle.
The Tigers picked up their first commitment in the class on Thursday when four-star quarterback Trace Hawkins announced he will continue his career at Clemson. The Calhoun, Georgia native selected the Tigers over a group of finalists that included LSU, Duke, Virginia Tech and Vanderbilt after building a strong relationship with the coaching staff throughout the recruiting process.
Landing Hawkins gives Clemson an early foundation for the class, with the talented passer becoming the first player to publicly pledge to the Tigers for 2028. Quarterback has been a priority position for the staff, and Hawkins emerged as one of the top prospects on Clemson's board after several visits to campus over the last year.
His first trip came during the 2024 season, and he made multiple return visits this spring. Hawkins attended Clemson's spring game, participated in the program's Elite Day event and later returned for Dabo Swinney's high school camp in June. Those visits allowed the coaching staff to evaluate him in person while giving Hawkins plenty of opportunities to become comfortable with the program.
The 6-foot-1 signal caller is coming off an outstanding sophomore campaign at Calhoun High School. He completed the season with 2,442 passing yards and 24 touchdown throws while being intercepted only three times. Hawkins also made an impact on the ground, adding three rushing touchdowns.
#tigers
The Tigers picked up their first commitment in the class on Thursday when four-star quarterback Trace Hawkins announced he will continue his career at Clemson. The Calhoun, Georgia native selected the Tigers over a group of finalists that included LSU, Duke, Virginia Tech and Vanderbilt after building a strong relationship with the coaching staff throughout the recruiting process.
Landing Hawkins gives Clemson an early foundation for the class, with the talented passer becoming the first player to publicly pledge to the Tigers for 2028. Quarterback has been a priority position for the staff, and Hawkins emerged as one of the top prospects on Clemson's board after several visits to campus over the last year.
His first trip came during the 2024 season, and he made multiple return visits this spring. Hawkins attended Clemson's spring game, participated in the program's Elite Day event and later returned for Dabo Swinney's high school camp in June. Those visits allowed the coaching staff to evaluate him in person while giving Hawkins plenty of opportunities to become comfortable with the program.
The 6-foot-1 signal caller is coming off an outstanding sophomore campaign at Calhoun High School. He completed the season with 2,442 passing yards and 24 touchdown throws while being intercepted only three times. Hawkins also made an impact on the ground, adding three rushing touchdowns.
#tigers
1 day ago
The New England Patriots' secondary was one of the best in the NFL in 2025, perhaps surprisingly given who they used as their starting safeties. Craig Woodson and Jaylinn Hawkins — a fourth-round rookie and a career backup — patrolled the team's defensive backend, and they did a fine job.
However, the Patriots still decided to make a change by letting Hawkins leave in free agency and signing first-team All-Pro Kevin Byard to take his place. Four practices into their first training camp together, the pairing has looked solid.
Like the rest of the secondary, it also has been feeding off each other to build its chemistry.
"Feel really good about the secondary. We just got to continue to build and keep getting better," said Byard.
For the 33-year-old, training camp is business as usual despite being his first in New England. For his young comrade, meanwhile, it is a chance to get an up-close look at one of the best safeties of his era and a player who led the NFL in interceptions in 2025.
#first #Patriots #training
However, the Patriots still decided to make a change by letting Hawkins leave in free agency and signing first-team All-Pro Kevin Byard to take his place. Four practices into their first training camp together, the pairing has looked solid.
Like the rest of the secondary, it also has been feeding off each other to build its chemistry.
"Feel really good about the secondary. We just got to continue to build and keep getting better," said Byard.
For the 33-year-old, training camp is business as usual despite being his first in New England. For his young comrade, meanwhile, it is a chance to get an up-close look at one of the best safeties of his era and a player who led the NFL in interceptions in 2025.
#first #Patriots #training
1 day ago
Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
Contrary to the other reports from France on Tuesday, Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport claims Bradley Barcola hasn't reached a contract agreement with Liverpool.
Yet Hawkins adds that Barcola has made Liverpool his priority if he leaves Paris Saint-Germain, so it seems such an agreement would be largely a formality.
Mario Cortegana had reported for The Athletic this week that **** nal have shown interest in Barcola, but the Gunners are prioritising a possible move for Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid.
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
#hawkins
Contrary to the other reports from France on Tuesday, Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport claims Bradley Barcola hasn't reached a contract agreement with Liverpool.
Yet Hawkins adds that Barcola has made Liverpool his priority if he leaves Paris Saint-Germain, so it seems such an agreement would be largely a formality.
Mario Cortegana had reported for The Athletic this week that **** nal have shown interest in Barcola, but the Gunners are prioritising a possible move for Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid.
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
#hawkins
3 days ago
The future of Yan Diomande is currently the biggest talking point in European football.
The RB Leipzig winger is widely expected to join Real Madrid heading into the new season, but the two clubs are yet to reach a final agreement.
Diomande's supposed move to Santiago Bernabeu was a major defeat to PSG, who were in pole position to sign the Ivorian earlier in the year.
Transfer expert Fabrice Hawkins has now offered an update on the Diomande saga, adding that PSG no longer consider a move for the Leipzig forward.
All eyes on Diomande's transfer saga. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
#leipzig #move
The RB Leipzig winger is widely expected to join Real Madrid heading into the new season, but the two clubs are yet to reach a final agreement.
Diomande's supposed move to Santiago Bernabeu was a major defeat to PSG, who were in pole position to sign the Ivorian earlier in the year.
Transfer expert Fabrice Hawkins has now offered an update on the Diomande saga, adding that PSG no longer consider a move for the Leipzig forward.
All eyes on Diomande's transfer saga. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
#leipzig #move
3 days 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
3 days ago
Eleven years ago today:
The Blue Jays made a blockbuster trade for Troy Tulowitzki. You know you are getting old when things you think happened a few weeks ago actually happened 11 years ago.
The deal sent Tulowitzki and LaTroy Hawkins to Toronto in exchange for Jose Reyes, Jeff Hoffman (I wonder what ever happened to him), Miguel Castro, and Jesus Tinoco.
At the time, the trade worked: the Blue Jays finally returned to the playoffs. Tulowitzki batted .250/.313/.414 with 36 home runs in 238 games over three seasons for Toronto. After his release, he signed with the Yankees but managed only 13 at-bats before landing on the injured list, then retired soon after.
One can only wonder how Tulowitzki's tenure in Toronto would have unfolded without the devastating ankle injury he suffered—also on July 28th, in 2017—when he rolled his ankle slipping off first base. At 32, he still had the potential for a few more strong seasons, possibly building the numbers needed for a Hall of Fame case.
#years #only
The Blue Jays made a blockbuster trade for Troy Tulowitzki. You know you are getting old when things you think happened a few weeks ago actually happened 11 years ago.
The deal sent Tulowitzki and LaTroy Hawkins to Toronto in exchange for Jose Reyes, Jeff Hoffman (I wonder what ever happened to him), Miguel Castro, and Jesus Tinoco.
At the time, the trade worked: the Blue Jays finally returned to the playoffs. Tulowitzki batted .250/.313/.414 with 36 home runs in 238 games over three seasons for Toronto. After his release, he signed with the Yankees but managed only 13 at-bats before landing on the injured list, then retired soon after.
One can only wonder how Tulowitzki's tenure in Toronto would have unfolded without the devastating ankle injury he suffered—also on July 28th, in 2017—when he rolled his ankle slipping off first base. At 32, he still had the potential for a few more strong seasons, possibly building the numbers needed for a Hall of Fame case.
#years #only
3 days ago
Next weekend, the Pro Football Hall of Fame welcomes the Class of 2026. This year, five NFL legends will be recognized for their accomplishments on the field as their stories become immortalized forever in Canton, Ohio. Off the field, another distinguished honoree will also be recognized. During the Enshrinees' Gold Jacket Dinner, Sandy Grossman will become the first television director to receive the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Grossman's recognition marks a historic first for the Hall. Over a broadcasting career that spanned more than five decades, he directed coverage of a record 10 Super Bowls, 18 NBA Finals, five Stanley Cup Finals and multiple Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies.
Grossman retired in 2012 and passed away in 2014 in Boca Raton, Florida, at the age of 78. Earlier this year, his son, Dean Grossman, received the call informing him that his father would finally receive one of football's highest honors.
"I got a text from Rich [Desrosiers] at the Hall asking if I was available to speak in about an hour. So, he called me along with Joe [Hawkins] and Jim [Porter]. I told them I had never been to the Hall of Fame before, and they told me I'm going to get on a plane this year because my father will be winning the Pete Rozelle Award," said Grossman. "It was very emotional. I hung up and started to cry."
Earning a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is one of the most difficult accomplishments in football, whether as a player or broadcaster. The selection process for the Pete Rozelle Award is equally demanding. Candidates require an extensive case for consideration, and only one recipient earns the reward each year.
#Football #year
Grossman's recognition marks a historic first for the Hall. Over a broadcasting career that spanned more than five decades, he directed coverage of a record 10 Super Bowls, 18 NBA Finals, five Stanley Cup Finals and multiple Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies.
Grossman retired in 2012 and passed away in 2014 in Boca Raton, Florida, at the age of 78. Earlier this year, his son, Dean Grossman, received the call informing him that his father would finally receive one of football's highest honors.
"I got a text from Rich [Desrosiers] at the Hall asking if I was available to speak in about an hour. So, he called me along with Joe [Hawkins] and Jim [Porter]. I told them I had never been to the Hall of Fame before, and they told me I'm going to get on a plane this year because my father will be winning the Pete Rozelle Award," said Grossman. "It was very emotional. I hung up and started to cry."
Earning a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is one of the most difficult accomplishments in football, whether as a player or broadcaster. The selection process for the Pete Rozelle Award is equally demanding. Candidates require an extensive case for consideration, and only one recipient earns the reward each year.
#Football #year
7 days ago
Colorado enters the 2026 college football season with a cleaner plan at quarterback, with redshirt freshman Julian Lewis the projected starter and Utah transfer Isaac Wilson a competent backup to apply some pressure.
Lewis has a ton of potential, and with Brennan Marion now running the offense, the odds of him reaching that potential significantly increase. The Athletic recently named the Colorado quarterback to its list of ten rising quarterbacks who could make a jump this year.
To qualify for the list, all players could not be in the first three tiers of our ranking; Lewis was placed in the fifth tier (No. 49 overall) and was not on last year's list.
Lewis is joined on the list by several Big 12 quarterbacks, including Texas Tech's Will Hammond (No. 2), Arizona State's (No. 3) and West Virginia's Michael Hawkins (No. 9). Georgia Tech starting quarterback Alberto Mendoza, who the Buffs will see in Week 1, also made the list.
Here's what The Athletic had to say about Lewis entering 2026:
#list #Potential #utah #isaac
Lewis has a ton of potential, and with Brennan Marion now running the offense, the odds of him reaching that potential significantly increase. The Athletic recently named the Colorado quarterback to its list of ten rising quarterbacks who could make a jump this year.
To qualify for the list, all players could not be in the first three tiers of our ranking; Lewis was placed in the fifth tier (No. 49 overall) and was not on last year's list.
Lewis is joined on the list by several Big 12 quarterbacks, including Texas Tech's Will Hammond (No. 2), Arizona State's (No. 3) and West Virginia's Michael Hawkins (No. 9). Georgia Tech starting quarterback Alberto Mendoza, who the Buffs will see in Week 1, also made the list.
Here's what The Athletic had to say about Lewis entering 2026:
#list #Potential #utah #isaac
7 days ago
During my tenure at Pinstripe Alley—hell, during my entire time as a baseball fan—I've never been shy about delving into the team's history and exploring the lives of its long roll call of players, both incredible and regrettable. We provide plenty of other coverage on the current-day activities of the teams, so I like having one spot per day on the schedule to open the ol' books and tell a story.
Whether it's remembering championship teams, Top 100 players, or notable free agent signings, there's always something out there to explore. For the past three years, we've celebrated the 25th anniversary of the 1998-2000 Yankees dynasty by doing a diary on all their regular season and playoff activity. The final pages were written this past October, so it's time for a new daily project.
With that in mind, we'll ring in the new year by beginning the Yankees Birthdays series. Every day in 2026, we'll have a new Yankees figure to discuss whose birthday happened to fall on that day. Some days will feature far more famous stars than others! But that just adds to the challenge and our interest in the exercise. As a spoiler for today, that's exactly what you'll see soon for January 1st.
Happy new year and happy 365 days of Yankees birthdays!
January 1: Charlie Devens
January 2: David Cone
January 3: Luis Sojo
January 4: George Selkirk
January 5: Art Fletcher
January 6: Don Gullett
January 7: Alfonso Soriano
January 8: Jason Giambi
January 9: Ralph Terry
January 10: Del Pratt
January 11: Loren Babe
January 12: Iván Nova
January 13: Darrell Rasner
January 14: Chet Brewer
January 15: Matt Holliday
January 16: Jack McDowell
January 17: Chili Davis
January 18: Michael Pineda
January 19: Fernando Seguignol
January 20: Kevin Maas
January 21: Andy Hawkins
January 22: Brian Dayett
January 23: Johnny Sturm
January 24: Neil Allen
January 25: Les Nunamaker
January 26: Brian Doyle
January 27: Fred Heimach
January 28: Lyn Lary
January 29: John Habyan
January 30: Hipólito Peña
January 31: Duke Maas
#brian #happy #time #teams
Whether it's remembering championship teams, Top 100 players, or notable free agent signings, there's always something out there to explore. For the past three years, we've celebrated the 25th anniversary of the 1998-2000 Yankees dynasty by doing a diary on all their regular season and playoff activity. The final pages were written this past October, so it's time for a new daily project.
With that in mind, we'll ring in the new year by beginning the Yankees Birthdays series. Every day in 2026, we'll have a new Yankees figure to discuss whose birthday happened to fall on that day. Some days will feature far more famous stars than others! But that just adds to the challenge and our interest in the exercise. As a spoiler for today, that's exactly what you'll see soon for January 1st.
Happy new year and happy 365 days of Yankees birthdays!
January 1: Charlie Devens
January 2: David Cone
January 3: Luis Sojo
January 4: George Selkirk
January 5: Art Fletcher
January 6: Don Gullett
January 7: Alfonso Soriano
January 8: Jason Giambi
January 9: Ralph Terry
January 10: Del Pratt
January 11: Loren Babe
January 12: Iván Nova
January 13: Darrell Rasner
January 14: Chet Brewer
January 15: Matt Holliday
January 16: Jack McDowell
January 17: Chili Davis
January 18: Michael Pineda
January 19: Fernando Seguignol
January 20: Kevin Maas
January 21: Andy Hawkins
January 22: Brian Dayett
January 23: Johnny Sturm
January 24: Neil Allen
January 25: Les Nunamaker
January 26: Brian Doyle
January 27: Fred Heimach
January 28: Lyn Lary
January 29: John Habyan
January 30: Hipólito Peña
January 31: Duke Maas
#brian #happy #time #teams
8 days ago
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 05: Manager Craig Counsell #11 of the Chicago Cubs looks on against the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field on June 05, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
With the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Chicago Cubs have positioned themselves squarely in postseason contention, but their biggest question remains unanswered: how might the team improve its roster before it’s too late?
Whether it's the starting rotation, bullpen depth or another unexpected addition, the front office appears poised to make a move before Aug. 3.
The Cubs' needs have become one of the more closely watched storylines around baseball, especially as injuries have tested the club's pitching depth throughout the season. While executives Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins weigh their options, manager Craig Counsell sent the pair a message about the need for an upgrade.
FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
ESPN Veteran Addresses Pat McAfee-Linked Layoffs After Phillies, Dodgers Game
#illinois
With the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Chicago Cubs have positioned themselves squarely in postseason contention, but their biggest question remains unanswered: how might the team improve its roster before it’s too late?
Whether it's the starting rotation, bullpen depth or another unexpected addition, the front office appears poised to make a move before Aug. 3.
The Cubs' needs have become one of the more closely watched storylines around baseball, especially as injuries have tested the club's pitching depth throughout the season. While executives Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins weigh their options, manager Craig Counsell sent the pair a message about the need for an upgrade.
FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
ESPN Veteran Addresses Pat McAfee-Linked Layoffs After Phillies, Dodgers Game
#illinois
9 days ago
Transportation ***** et manager ITE Management L.P. announced the acquisition of North American Chassis Pool Cooperative, expanding its premium chassis platform to national scale with broad market coverage for intermodal customers.
Privately-held NACPC of Nashville operates 20,000 chassis serving major intermodal markets across North America. The deal brings New York-based ITE's fleet to 60,000 units, which it said would strengthen its presence across key freight corridors and expand its range of leasing solutions.
No terms were disclosed.
"Milestone, Trend, and NACPC have each built strong businesses with their own identities, but they're united by a common approach: deep industry expertise, responsive service, and a commitment to quality," said Darren Hawkins, chief executive of NACPC, in a release. "Bringing these companies together creates a more powerful platform that expands our reach while continuing to deliver the reliable equipment and service our customers expect."
The strategic consolidation gives ITE a roughly 30% share of the 200,000 chassis operated as part of cooperative pools; chassis availability has been a recurring bottleneck in drayage and port operations. NACPC gains a larger capital base and broader operating footprint; it has long pursued a core model of pooled, interoperable chassis operations to reduce cost and improve availability. NACPC in 2021 acquired chassis maker Pratt.
#platform
Privately-held NACPC of Nashville operates 20,000 chassis serving major intermodal markets across North America. The deal brings New York-based ITE's fleet to 60,000 units, which it said would strengthen its presence across key freight corridors and expand its range of leasing solutions.
No terms were disclosed.
"Milestone, Trend, and NACPC have each built strong businesses with their own identities, but they're united by a common approach: deep industry expertise, responsive service, and a commitment to quality," said Darren Hawkins, chief executive of NACPC, in a release. "Bringing these companies together creates a more powerful platform that expands our reach while continuing to deliver the reliable equipment and service our customers expect."
The strategic consolidation gives ITE a roughly 30% share of the 200,000 chassis operated as part of cooperative pools; chassis availability has been a recurring bottleneck in drayage and port operations. NACPC gains a larger capital base and broader operating footprint; it has long pursued a core model of pooled, interoperable chassis operations to reduce cost and improve availability. NACPC in 2021 acquired chassis maker Pratt.
#platform
23 days ago
New Oklahoma State football coach Eric Morris is no stranger to Big 12 football, having playing receiver for Texas Tech two decades ago.
However, Tuesday was Morris' first time at Big 12 Media Days as a coach since his arrival from North Texas last December.
Here's what the first-year Cowboy coach had to say July 7 at The Star in Frisco, Texas:
More: Eric Morris knew Oklahoma State football needed 'hard reset' for 2026 season
ERIC MORRIS: Yeah, I appreciate you guys being here. Such a unique time for me and being in my first year, but such an amazing past seven or eight months for me. It's been a whirlwind, obviously. There's a ton of storylines going into the season for our ball club. But first and foremost, I just want to talk a little bit about the leadership at Oklahoma State. Just super blessed, thankful for our president, Jim Hess, and our athletic director, Chad Weiberg, with them trusting me in the job that they have given me, and to be able to take over a program that's had a history of a ton of success the last 20 years. Super excited for Stillwater. It was a big draw for me and my family to come to Stillwater. I have a 10-year-old and a 5-year-old right now, and I'm from a small town in west Texas, and that's how I wanted raise my family. So Stillwater has been nothing short of amazing. Super genuine people, hard-working, blue-collar organization. The guys that I brought with me today, obviously there's a couple headliners that everybody knows their story by now in Drew Mestemaker, our quarterback; Caleb Hawkins, our running back; Ethan Wesloski, linebacker; and Jaleel Johnson, lineman.
However, Tuesday was Morris' first time at Big 12 Media Days as a coach since his arrival from North Texas last December.
Here's what the first-year Cowboy coach had to say July 7 at The Star in Frisco, Texas:
More: Eric Morris knew Oklahoma State football needed 'hard reset' for 2026 season
ERIC MORRIS: Yeah, I appreciate you guys being here. Such a unique time for me and being in my first year, but such an amazing past seven or eight months for me. It's been a whirlwind, obviously. There's a ton of storylines going into the season for our ball club. But first and foremost, I just want to talk a little bit about the leadership at Oklahoma State. Just super blessed, thankful for our president, Jim Hess, and our athletic director, Chad Weiberg, with them trusting me in the job that they have given me, and to be able to take over a program that's had a history of a ton of success the last 20 years. Super excited for Stillwater. It was a big draw for me and my family to come to Stillwater. I have a 10-year-old and a 5-year-old right now, and I'm from a small town in west Texas, and that's how I wanted raise my family. So Stillwater has been nothing short of amazing. Super genuine people, hard-working, blue-collar organization. The guys that I brought with me today, obviously there's a couple headliners that everybody knows their story by now in Drew Mestemaker, our quarterback; Caleb Hawkins, our running back; Ethan Wesloski, linebacker; and Jaleel Johnson, lineman.
25 days ago
The New England Patriots approach the 2026 NFL season as a stronger team on paper, with talent equipped to contend for the Super Bowl.
According to ESPN’s Mike Clay, Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder, the Patriots’ starting lineups on offense and defense were collectively ranked No. 7 overall in the league, with the team’s secondary being its biggest strength.
”Christian Gonzalez has emerged as one of the league's top young cornerbacks and is joined on the perimeter by veteran standout Carlton Davis III,” Clay said. “Marcus Jones has quickly developed into a standout in the slot. Craig Woodson was a terrific find in the fourth round of last year's draft and will be joined at safety by Jaylinn Hawkins' replacement, Kevin Byard, who continues to play at a high level at age 33.”
The Patriots also strengthened their receiving corps by trading for A.J. Brown and signing Romeo Doubs this offseason. Alijah Vera-Tucker adds strength to the Patriots’ offensive line while rookie Caleb Lomu provides depth at the tackle positions.
New England made up for their losses on defense in free agency with quality veteran stars and young talent in the draft. The Patriots appear poised to make another strong push for a Super Bowl crown in 2026 with the unit they’ve put together this offseason.
According to ESPN’s Mike Clay, Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder, the Patriots’ starting lineups on offense and defense were collectively ranked No. 7 overall in the league, with the team’s secondary being its biggest strength.
”Christian Gonzalez has emerged as one of the league's top young cornerbacks and is joined on the perimeter by veteran standout Carlton Davis III,” Clay said. “Marcus Jones has quickly developed into a standout in the slot. Craig Woodson was a terrific find in the fourth round of last year's draft and will be joined at safety by Jaylinn Hawkins' replacement, Kevin Byard, who continues to play at a high level at age 33.”
The Patriots also strengthened their receiving corps by trading for A.J. Brown and signing Romeo Doubs this offseason. Alijah Vera-Tucker adds strength to the Patriots’ offensive line while rookie Caleb Lomu provides depth at the tackle positions.
New England made up for their losses on defense in free agency with quality veteran stars and young talent in the draft. The Patriots appear poised to make another strong push for a Super Bowl crown in 2026 with the unit they’ve put together this offseason.
25 days ago
Lamar Jackson's Baltimore Ravens earn No. 5 spot in ESPN's 2026 NFL roster rankings originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Baltimore still has one of the NFL's most talented rosters. ESPN believes one position group gives the Ravens an edge over nearly every other contender.
Many teams lean on a star quarterback or a dominant pass rusher. ESPN looked somewhere else when placing the Baltimore Ravens fifth in its 2026 roster rankings. The report says the team's biggest edge comes at safety, where few clubs can match its talent and depth.
Kyle Hamilton sits at the center of that group. At only 25 years old, he already ranks among the NFL's top defensive players. Last season, he led all safeties in pass rush attempts while also finishing inside the top 10 at his position in tackles, passes defended, and tackles for loss. That kind of production allows Baltimore to use him in several different ways.
The Ravens have more than one answer in the secondary. First-round pick Malaki Starks handled his rookie season well and is expected to take on a larger role. Veteran Jaylinn Hawkins also joins the mix after playing every defensive snap for New England in 2025. Together, the trio gives Baltimore experience, range, and flexibility on the back end.
Baltimore still has one of the NFL's most talented rosters. ESPN believes one position group gives the Ravens an edge over nearly every other contender.
Many teams lean on a star quarterback or a dominant pass rusher. ESPN looked somewhere else when placing the Baltimore Ravens fifth in its 2026 roster rankings. The report says the team's biggest edge comes at safety, where few clubs can match its talent and depth.
Kyle Hamilton sits at the center of that group. At only 25 years old, he already ranks among the NFL's top defensive players. Last season, he led all safeties in pass rush attempts while also finishing inside the top 10 at his position in tackles, passes defended, and tackles for loss. That kind of production allows Baltimore to use him in several different ways.
The Ravens have more than one answer in the secondary. First-round pick Malaki Starks handled his rookie season well and is expected to take on a larger role. Veteran Jaylinn Hawkins also joins the mix after playing every defensive snap for New England in 2025. Together, the trio gives Baltimore experience, range, and flexibility on the back end.
26 days ago
Pro Football Focus ranked Florida running back Jadan Baugh the 37th-best college football player heading into the 2026 season.
The list mixed "proven performance and future projection" to identify the 50 most valuable players in the sport. Baugh earned an 87.7 overall grade in 2025 and figures to be the focus of Florida's offense in 2026.
"Baugh is a physical runner who should post huge numbers in Buster Faulkner's creative rushing attack this season," the PFF staff wrote. "Last year, Baugh finished third among SEC running backs with 1,168 rushing yards, 65 missed tackles forced and 35 explosive runs. He's also fumbled just one time across 354 career carries. Baugh could be a Doak Walker Award candidate this season if all goes well in Florida's new offense."
Baugh is the fourth running back on the list, behind No. 6 Ahmad Hardy (Missouri), No. 10 Kewan Lacy (Ole Miss) and No. 36 Caleb Hawkins (Oklahoma State).
The question is how opposing defenses will adjust now that Baugh is a proven threat. He emerged as the star of the offense over time last season, benefiting from the focus being on DJ Lagway and the passing game. One of the first things Jon Sumrall said when he took over the program was, "How can I get No. 13 the ball a few more times?"
The list mixed "proven performance and future projection" to identify the 50 most valuable players in the sport. Baugh earned an 87.7 overall grade in 2025 and figures to be the focus of Florida's offense in 2026.
"Baugh is a physical runner who should post huge numbers in Buster Faulkner's creative rushing attack this season," the PFF staff wrote. "Last year, Baugh finished third among SEC running backs with 1,168 rushing yards, 65 missed tackles forced and 35 explosive runs. He's also fumbled just one time across 354 career carries. Baugh could be a Doak Walker Award candidate this season if all goes well in Florida's new offense."
Baugh is the fourth running back on the list, behind No. 6 Ahmad Hardy (Missouri), No. 10 Kewan Lacy (Ole Miss) and No. 36 Caleb Hawkins (Oklahoma State).
The question is how opposing defenses will adjust now that Baugh is a proven threat. He emerged as the star of the offense over time last season, benefiting from the focus being on DJ Lagway and the passing game. One of the first things Jon Sumrall said when he took over the program was, "How can I get No. 13 the ball a few more times?"
1 month ago
Will Ferrell has sent the internet into a frenzy, and it is not because of his comedic or acting skills.
The veteran actor did something outside the box after featuring in a campaign for Kim Kardashian's underwear brand, SKIMS.
Ferrell showed off a rare sensual side for the risqué shoot that is making fans go wild with excitement as they label him "perfection."
The "Step Brothers" actor teamed up with SKIMS for a golf-themed campaign in honor of the upcoming Netflix series, "The Hawk." In the show set for release on July 16, Ferrell will star as Lonnie "The Hawk" Hawkins, a golfer who is thirsty to reclaim his past glory.
Embodying his character, the actor donned a fashionable puka necklace while looking super tanned. One video posted on the official SKIMS Instagram page showed an almost-nude Ferrell swinging the club, wearing just blue briefs.
The veteran actor did something outside the box after featuring in a campaign for Kim Kardashian's underwear brand, SKIMS.
Ferrell showed off a rare sensual side for the risqué shoot that is making fans go wild with excitement as they label him "perfection."
The "Step Brothers" actor teamed up with SKIMS for a golf-themed campaign in honor of the upcoming Netflix series, "The Hawk." In the show set for release on July 16, Ferrell will star as Lonnie "The Hawk" Hawkins, a golfer who is thirsty to reclaim his past glory.
Embodying his character, the actor donned a fashionable puka necklace while looking super tanned. One video posted on the official SKIMS Instagram page showed an almost-nude Ferrell swinging the club, wearing just blue briefs.
1 month ago
Highly sought after RB Leipzig and Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande has chosen Paris Saint-Germain as his preferred next step, according to Sky Germany.
According to the report, relationships between PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and RB Leipzig Supervisory Board Chairman Oliver Mintzlaff are positive – further adding that the two are in direct contact regarding a potential transfer.
Sky cite Fabrice Hawkins that Diomande has already agreed a contract until 2031 with the Paris club. “PSG is a club that I have loved since my childhood. It is a team that I admire as a football fan,” Diamonde told French media.
Leipzig wanted to keep Diomande unless a high transfer fee was put forward, with the German club having recently rejected a €100m offer from Liverpool.
Diomande is an exciting player who has managed to grab attention at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After an impressive debut season at Leipzig in which he managed to score 12 goals and provide eight ***** ists in 32 league goals, his impressive display has clubs enquiring about him with PSG seemingly winning the race.
According to the report, relationships between PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and RB Leipzig Supervisory Board Chairman Oliver Mintzlaff are positive – further adding that the two are in direct contact regarding a potential transfer.
Sky cite Fabrice Hawkins that Diomande has already agreed a contract until 2031 with the Paris club. “PSG is a club that I have loved since my childhood. It is a team that I admire as a football fan,” Diamonde told French media.
Leipzig wanted to keep Diomande unless a high transfer fee was put forward, with the German club having recently rejected a €100m offer from Liverpool.
Diomande is an exciting player who has managed to grab attention at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After an impressive debut season at Leipzig in which he managed to score 12 goals and provide eight ***** ists in 32 league goals, his impressive display has clubs enquiring about him with PSG seemingly winning the race.
1 month ago
Liverpool’s pursuit of Yan Diomande appears to have reached a significant crossroads, with Paris Saint-Germain increasingly confident of securing the highly rated winger while the Reds **** s alternative attacking options for the remainder of the summer transfer window.
Reports over recent days have indicated that the French champions are in a strong position to land the 19-year-old, who is understood to favour a move to the Parc des Princes. While Liverpool had made serious progress in discussions over personal terms, the transfer has become increasingly complicated after RB Leipzig rejected two substantial offers.
According to Ben Jacobs, Liverpool saw a second proposal worth €80 million plus €20 million in add-ons turned down by the Bundesliga club. Leipzig remain determined to retain one of Europe’s brightest young attacking talents and are reportedly valuing Diomande at around €130 million.
Writing on X, Jacobs explained: “Yan Diomande favours a move to PSG, as Fabrice Hawkins and David Ornstein called.”
He added: “Liverpool are currently inclined to explore other targets after seeing an €80m+€20m bid rejected. That was Liverpool’s second offer. LFC had made their own progress on the player side, and haven’t to date been directly told Diomande doesn’t want to join. However, sources close to Diomande say the Ivorian winger wants to play under Luis Enrique.”
Reports over recent days have indicated that the French champions are in a strong position to land the 19-year-old, who is understood to favour a move to the Parc des Princes. While Liverpool had made serious progress in discussions over personal terms, the transfer has become increasingly complicated after RB Leipzig rejected two substantial offers.
According to Ben Jacobs, Liverpool saw a second proposal worth €80 million plus €20 million in add-ons turned down by the Bundesliga club. Leipzig remain determined to retain one of Europe’s brightest young attacking talents and are reportedly valuing Diomande at around €130 million.
Writing on X, Jacobs explained: “Yan Diomande favours a move to PSG, as Fabrice Hawkins and David Ornstein called.”
He added: “Liverpool are currently inclined to explore other targets after seeing an €80m+€20m bid rejected. That was Liverpool’s second offer. LFC had made their own progress on the player side, and haven’t to date been directly told Diomande doesn’t want to join. However, sources close to Diomande say the Ivorian winger wants to play under Luis Enrique.”
1 month ago
The New England Patriots are a deep team.
They added several marquee players to their roster this offseason. New England maintained the strength of their front four and their secondary by replacing the departing K'Lavon Chaisson and Jaylinn Hawkins with Dre'Mont Jones and Kevin Byard. They also made many improvements to their offensive line, but their offensive weapons around quarterback Drake Maye are the best they've been since he entered the league.
According to ESPN's Bill Barnwell in his ranking of the NFL's wide receiver, tight end and running back groups of playmakers for next season, the Patriots' unit ranks No. 10 in the league.
"The top 10 starts with the Patriots, who added an elite receiver to the mix after trading for A.J. Brown this summer," Barnwell said. "Brown left Philadelphia after a frustrating 2025 season, but there's still plenty of evidence that Brown is one of the top wideouts in all of football. … While there's a drop-off from Brown to the rest of the lineup, the Patriots are much deeper than they've been in years."
Brown and Doubs are one of the best wide receiver duos in the league, with upside that might potentially be getting overlooked for next season. Henderson and Stevenson are two running backs who have the capability to rush for 1,000 yards, and the addition of rookie tight end Eli Raridon gives New England a good replacement for Austin Hooper behind Hunter Henry for next season.
They added several marquee players to their roster this offseason. New England maintained the strength of their front four and their secondary by replacing the departing K'Lavon Chaisson and Jaylinn Hawkins with Dre'Mont Jones and Kevin Byard. They also made many improvements to their offensive line, but their offensive weapons around quarterback Drake Maye are the best they've been since he entered the league.
According to ESPN's Bill Barnwell in his ranking of the NFL's wide receiver, tight end and running back groups of playmakers for next season, the Patriots' unit ranks No. 10 in the league.
"The top 10 starts with the Patriots, who added an elite receiver to the mix after trading for A.J. Brown this summer," Barnwell said. "Brown left Philadelphia after a frustrating 2025 season, but there's still plenty of evidence that Brown is one of the top wideouts in all of football. … While there's a drop-off from Brown to the rest of the lineup, the Patriots are much deeper than they've been in years."
Brown and Doubs are one of the best wide receiver duos in the league, with upside that might potentially be getting overlooked for next season. Henderson and Stevenson are two running backs who have the capability to rush for 1,000 yards, and the addition of rookie tight end Eli Raridon gives New England a good replacement for Austin Hooper behind Hunter Henry for next season.
1 month ago
Vanderbilt is one step closer to completing its ongoing renovations at Hawkins Field.
Commodores athletic director Candice Lee had a smile plastered wide across her face as she took to the stage in the outfield on June 16, with longtime baseball coach Tim Corbin and vice chancellor for development and alumni relations John Lutz looking on from the crowd.
The trio helped mark the latest milestone in construction during a steel beam topping out ceremony, which signaled the completion of the project’s structural framework.
"If we invest in each of our programs in a way that gives our student athletes and coaches the resources they need to compete, we can win championships while also holding fast to our values ...." Lee said. "We recognize our ideals being reflected back at us and we appreciate excellence earned on our terms. We should always support that. We will always support that, starting with this remarkable facility that's starting to take shape."
Vanderbilt first announced its plans for renovations to the stadium in 2023 and later began construction in October 2025. Planned upgrades to the stadium include expanded seating capacity and premium seating in the outfield, expanded concessions, a new weight room and a pitching lab.
Commodores athletic director Candice Lee had a smile plastered wide across her face as she took to the stage in the outfield on June 16, with longtime baseball coach Tim Corbin and vice chancellor for development and alumni relations John Lutz looking on from the crowd.
The trio helped mark the latest milestone in construction during a steel beam topping out ceremony, which signaled the completion of the project’s structural framework.
"If we invest in each of our programs in a way that gives our student athletes and coaches the resources they need to compete, we can win championships while also holding fast to our values ...." Lee said. "We recognize our ideals being reflected back at us and we appreciate excellence earned on our terms. We should always support that. We will always support that, starting with this remarkable facility that's starting to take shape."
Vanderbilt first announced its plans for renovations to the stadium in 2023 and later began construction in October 2025. Planned upgrades to the stadium include expanded seating capacity and premium seating in the outfield, expanded concessions, a new weight room and a pitching lab.
2 months ago
During my tenure at Pinstripe Alley—hell, during my entire time as a baseball fan—I’ve never been shy about delving into the team’s history and exploring the lives of its long roll call of players, both incredible and regrettable. We provide plenty of other coverage on the current-day activities of the teams, so I like having one spot per day on the schedule to open the ol’ books and tell a story.
Whether it’s remembering championship teams, Top 100 players, or notable free agent signings, there’s always something out there to explore. For the past three years, we’ve celebrated the 25th anniversary of the 1998-2000 Yankees dynasty by doing a diary on all their regular season and playoff activity. The final pages were written this past October, so it’s time for a new daily project.
With that in mind, we’ll ring in the new year by beginning the Yankees Birthdays series. Every day in 2026, we’ll have a new Yankees figure to discuss whose birthday happened to fall on that day. Some days will feature far more famous stars than others! But that just adds to the challenge and our interest in the exercise. As a spoiler for today, that’s exactly what you’ll see soon for January 1st.
Happy new year and happy 365 days of Yankees birthdays!
January 1: Charlie Devens
January 2: David Cone
January 3: Luis Sojo
January 4: George Selkirk
January 5: Art Fletcher
January 6: Don Gullett
January 7: Alfonso Soriano
January 8: Jason Giambi
January 9: Ralph Terry
January 10: Del Pratt
January 11: Loren Babe
January 12: Iván Nova
January 13: Darrell Rasner
January 14: Chet Brewer
January 15: Matt Holliday
January 16: Jack McDowell
January 17: Chili Davis
January 18: Michael Pineda
January 19: Fernando Seguignol
January 20: Kevin Maas
January 21: Andy Hawkins
January 22: Brian Dayett
January 23: Johnny Sturm
January 24: Neil Allen
January 25: Les Nunamaker
January 26: Brian Doyle
January 27: Fred Heimach
January 28: Lyn Lary
January 29: John Habyan
January 30: Hipólito Peña
January 31: Duke Maas
Whether it’s remembering championship teams, Top 100 players, or notable free agent signings, there’s always something out there to explore. For the past three years, we’ve celebrated the 25th anniversary of the 1998-2000 Yankees dynasty by doing a diary on all their regular season and playoff activity. The final pages were written this past October, so it’s time for a new daily project.
With that in mind, we’ll ring in the new year by beginning the Yankees Birthdays series. Every day in 2026, we’ll have a new Yankees figure to discuss whose birthday happened to fall on that day. Some days will feature far more famous stars than others! But that just adds to the challenge and our interest in the exercise. As a spoiler for today, that’s exactly what you’ll see soon for January 1st.
Happy new year and happy 365 days of Yankees birthdays!
January 1: Charlie Devens
January 2: David Cone
January 3: Luis Sojo
January 4: George Selkirk
January 5: Art Fletcher
January 6: Don Gullett
January 7: Alfonso Soriano
January 8: Jason Giambi
January 9: Ralph Terry
January 10: Del Pratt
January 11: Loren Babe
January 12: Iván Nova
January 13: Darrell Rasner
January 14: Chet Brewer
January 15: Matt Holliday
January 16: Jack McDowell
January 17: Chili Davis
January 18: Michael Pineda
January 19: Fernando Seguignol
January 20: Kevin Maas
January 21: Andy Hawkins
January 22: Brian Dayett
January 23: Johnny Sturm
January 24: Neil Allen
January 25: Les Nunamaker
January 26: Brian Doyle
January 27: Fred Heimach
January 28: Lyn Lary
January 29: John Habyan
January 30: Hipólito Peña
January 31: Duke Maas
1 yr. ago
Review by Ty Burr: “Bring Her Back,” the latest from directors Danny and Michael Philippou, sees Sally Hawkins let her hair down for a horror flick.
