Could the Washington Commanders get star left tackle Laremy Tunsil back this season? A recent social media post from Tunsil gave Washington fans a glimmer of hope that one of the league's best offensive linemen could return before the end of the season.
Tunsil, who signed a two-year extension in the offseason, once again became the NFL's highest-paid offensive lineman, tore his triceps during a training camp practice on Aug. 8. It was a devastating blow for Tunsil personally and for the Commanders. Most believed Tunsil would miss most, if not all, of the upcoming 2026 regular season.
At 1-4-1, Washington is coming off its bye week and hosts the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night. Despite a rough start, the Commanders remain firmly in the NFC East mix. Could a few Washington wins push Tunsil to return sooner than anticipated?
First, here's the social media post that got everyone talking this week.
It's been nearly three months since Tunsil's triceps surgery. The injury usually keeps players out for 4-6 months, with offensive linemen often on the higher end because of the strenuous nature of the position. With Tunsil's social media post, head coach Dan Quinn was asked about his star left tackle.

#tunsil #Commanders #post #star

The Arizona Cardinals conducted their second practice of the week Thursday in preparation for Sunday's road game against the Dallas Cowboys and distributed their second injury report.
Center Hjalte Froholdt (knee) was added Thursday and was limited. The injury likely occurred in practice, so the key will be his status on Friday. Froholdt was among three offensive linemen with injuries listed.
One is right guard Jon Gaines (ankle), who hasn't practiced this week and did not play on Sunday against the Broncos, while the other is right tackle Elijah Wilkinson (knee), who was upgraded to limited after not practicing Wednesday.
The full details of their Thursdday injury report are below. Starters are noted with an asterisk.
Did not participate

#report #limited

The Oklahoma Sooners are again battling injuries as they head into their game against the South Carolina Gamecocks. The Sooners had 15 players on the Wednesday availability report.
They will again be without key offensive linemen Ryan Fodje and Eddy Pierre-Louis, but should get Heath Ozaeta back. Center Jake Maikkula was listed as "questionable." This follows an injury he suffered against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Caleb Nitta replaced him in the game and did a nice job in his snaps.
Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle praised Nitta's preparation when his number is called.
"Caleb's a fighter and he loves football, plays his ****** off," Arbuckle said. "And it's been that way since he's gotten here. That showed on his previous tape from other institutions. He's very smart, like really intelligent, understands defense, understands what's happening in the box, can see defensive back rotations. I mean, he's a sharp kid. But he's a fighter, you know, and he'll give us everything that he has."
Nitta's readiness could prove valuable as Oklahoma navigates another week of uncertainty on the offensive line. Maikkula's status will be worth monitoring, especially as the Sooners try to build on their improved performance against Mississippi State. A backup who can quickly recognize defensive fronts and communicate adjustments gives the offense stability when injuries force changes up front.

#state

Sep. 14—It was an extraordinary football weekend that saw the two Big Ten favorites, Ohio State and Oregon, join the Illini in stunning disappointments. What follows are four burning takes from Saturday's scramble.
(1) Is the new UI defensive system unworkable at this level, or are the linemen simply lacking in NFL-level talent required of conference contenders?
Conclusion: It's equal proportions of both as the Illini permitted 43 first downs in two outings.
In the opener against UAB, the defense permitted 17 rushes of five yards or more, and gave up 194 ground yards while managing one sack. The Illini won with four huge plays, including a 65-yard punt return and a Hail Mary, avoiding early trouble because four UAB drives were chilled by Blazer penalties. Illinois tackling was already a major concern.
Against Duke on Saturday, the Illini again had a single sack amid surprisingly effective passes by Walker Eget (15 of 21 for 206 yards), and never got sensational Nate Sheppard under control. Sheppard bulled and darted for 147 yards, caught five passes for 41 and scored three touchdowns.

#four #level #sack

After nearly two decades of head coach Mike Tomlin, the Pittsburgh Steelers are starting over with new head coach Mike McCarthy, a whole new system and several new starters. Optimism is high and fans feel like there's been a new energy with the team and so let's offer up our own bold predictions for the upcoming season.
We aren't ready to name the two players but between the team's three big edge defenders and defensive linemen Cam Heyward and Derrick Harmon, we predict the Steelers to get at least two players with 10+ sacks.
Time is almost out for Joey Porter Jr. to agree to terms on a contract with the Steelers but we predict Porter Jr. still plays in 2026, even if it is on his rookie contract.
Between Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, the Steelers have a very good two-headed running back attack. And while we think the run game will be effective, we don't see either player eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards individually.
With the team's new additions, we predict DK Metcalf will reap the benefits with his best season. Metcalf's career high in receptions is 90 and his receiving yards are 1,303. We predict Metcalf tops both this season.

#season #mike #players

Washington hosts Utah State tomorrow but before we transition to Saturday's gameday coverage. Here is the Week 1 mailbag!
Chicken Little: Is it time to panic?
I wouldn't say the sky is falling, but there is certainly plenty of reason to be concerned. The Huskies' struggles on offense are excusable, but they make you seriously consider a complete shift in expectations now that their two best running backs will miss time. Washington is in desperate need of a hot start to stay as healthy as possible for the toughest games on the schedule, which come in the second half of the season. I get that rivalry games can be funky, but there is zero reason why the Apple Cup should've been as close as it was. Wazzu's offense was horrid, and Washington's was equally so until the fourth quarter. For a team wanting to compete with the Big Ten elite… that's bad. I'm not panicking just yet, but I am considering lowering my win total because I'm not sure if UW will be healthy enough to be the best version of itself.
iadawg: Ellinneus Davis was supposed to be the best defensive lineman but he only had the third most snaps of defensive linemen. Can you explain this? Thanks.
Definitely strange, but I wouldn't spend too much time thinking about it unless it happens against Utah State and Eastern Washington. There's a good chance he had a minor injury bugging him, or head coach Jedd Fisch and defensive coordinator Ryan Walters saw opportunities with other lineman and took advantage. In the end, it worked out for the Huskies. His lower-than-expected usage rate is not a trend that I think will continue through the remainder of September.

#washington #time #defensive #offense

Penn State players have been named to award watch lists all summer long for being the best player at their position group or showing resiliency in returning from injury. But the latest Nittany Lion named to a watch list is being recognized for his work on and off the field.
Offensive lineman Cooper Cousins has been named to the Jason Witten Man of the Year award watch list, an honor that showcases a player who has displayed the best character and has shown commitment to community, family and teammates. Cousins isn't just one of the more promising offensive linemen in the nation — he's also one of the best people in the sport.
He's done nothing but great things in the community since coming to State College in 2024. Cousins struck up a friendship in his freshman year with a 10-year-old boy named Gannon Kupko Jr. who is dealing with a serious illness. He also spoke at the 2025 Game Day Gala, an event for children fighting difficult battles like Gannon, and the function raised more than $3 million.
Cousins is one of the most important players on the Nittany Lions, and he's also a pillar in the community. It will be a treat to watch him continue to work this season and make a lasting impact on the community.
Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X and Facebook.

#watch #nittany #year #lions

Both the Steelers and the Falcons have new coaching staffs heading into Week 1. It's safe to say both franchises will be looking to start their new era off on the right foot with a victory. I spoke with Kevin Knight of The Falcoholic to learn a bit about what's new with the Atlanta Falcons.
Kevin Knight: Well, now even Tua Tagovailoa is out of the lineup thanks to an oblique injury suffered during individual drills on Thursday. That means Cooper Rush at the helm (who, in truth, may not be any worse than Tua based on the aforementioned preseason). What you're going to see is a lot of quick game, and as much Bijan Robinson as the team can muster. If Atlanta can run the ball well and get Bijan going, they can score points. So that'll be the plan, with the passing game largely taking a complementary role until Michael Penix Jr. returns.
Kevin Knight: This is a good defense that will have to find ways to manufacture pass rush. Thankfully, Jeff Ulbrich is an evil genius with his blitz packages, and he's got a lot of interesting looks planned. Expect to see a lot of linebacker and slot blitzes to supplement their weaker edge rusher room, along with a lot of emphasis on interior pass rush. Atlanta has a really nice interior duo with Brandon Dorlus (who was leading all interior defensive linemen in the NFC with 8.5 sacks last season before injury) and trade acquisition Gervon Dexter Sr. They're hoping the interior can offset some of their weaknesses outside.
Kevin Knight: I like Kevin Stefanski and think it pretty much takes a miracle worker to extract any amount of success from the Cleveland Browns organization. It does seem like there's a coherent, forward-thinking plan in place for this Falcons team for the first time in years. I don't necessarily expect a lot of success in 2026 based on the moves made to this point and the way the team is structured, but I do expect Atlanta to be one of the most aggressive teams in free agency and the draft in 2027.
Kevin Knight: As I mentioned before, Brandon Dorlus is a borderline-elite interior pass rusher who may also get some run on the edge. Linebacker Divine Deablo was the biggest surprise in last year's free agent class and completely transformed the defense when he was on the field. Second-year safety Xavier Watts was a DROY candidate in 2025 and forms a dynamic duo with veteran Jessie Bates III. Atlanta will be starting two rookies on defense: Avieon Terrell (brother of A.J. Terrell) in the slot, and Kendal Daniels at linebacker. Both impressed in training camp, with Daniels being a particularly pleasant surprise given his Day 3 selection.

#expect

Here's everything Houston Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke said on Thursday ahead of Week 1's matchup against the Buffalo Bills, including his thoughts on running back James Cook, containing MVP quarterback Josh Allen and the play of the young defensive linemen making their NFL debut.
Q: On what he wants to prevent Bills QB Josh Allen from doing Week 1
Matt Burke: "Score touchdowns and complete passes. He's a great player, dangerous throughout the play. He has a history of making off schedule plays and extending plays and creating explosives off that, which is obviously a thing we've talked about a lot. I think the usual stuff of just trying to keep him from working his magic and he's got a lot of it. Obviously, he has the big arm. We've been working a lot on trying to limit explosives and there's different ways those things show up. I think that's a big starting point with their offense and with Josh especially, just his ability to make huge plays in the passing game and the running game, to be honest with you, is where we've got to start."
Q: On Bills WR DJ Moore
Burke: "Explosive receiver, great with the ball in his [Bills QB DJ Moore] hands. They've created a lot of explosives with run after the catch in the pass. He is another guy that fits in that mold, but then also can get vertical down the field. I played him a few years ago when he was in Chicago when we were here one of those night games. They have a very good group of skill players and he just adds another element, another weapon that we've got to be ready to defend."

#matt #week

"Yeah, that's kinda fun, isn't it?" Offensive Coordinator Dana Holgorsen after the Huskers added a couple of defensive linemen for an explosive 4th & 1 on Saturday.
As the Huskers lined up for a 4th & 1 on the Ohio 37 in the middle of the 3rd quarter, the guy next to me checking out things through his binoculars said, "Hey, Jahsear and Anthony Jones are in there."
Oh, really?
I stopped taking notes, squinted a little and, I'm pretty sure, got an evil grin on my face as I checked out the pair staggered in a lead-blocker formation behind the right-overloaded offensive line with Anthony Colandrea under center and running back Jamal Rule right behind him.
I was fairly certain Jones and Whittington hadn't been sent out there to set up a Colandrea naked bootleg. I wasn't wrong.

#Huskers #colandrea #offensive

Cornerback DJ Turner was added to the Bengals injury report on Thursday.
The team listed Turner as a limited participant due to a hamstring injury. Mid-week additions to the report can foreshadow a Sunday absence and the team's Friday report will show if there's reason to worry about Turner missing the matchup with the Buccaneers.
Defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and B.J. Hill took rest days on Thursday.
Wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase (knee) and Tee Higgins (foot) remained full participants and both players are on track to play in the opener. Head coach Zac Taylor was less certain about defensive end Shemar Stewart (knee), but he was also able to get in a full session for the second day in a row.

#turner #sunday

Willie Lampkin projects as a backup center for the Philadelphia Eagles, but special teams could provide the rookie with another path onto the active game-day roster.
Special teams coordinator Michael Clay believes Lampkin's unique size, strength, and movement skills make him an appealing option for several units. The former North Carolina standout is undersized by traditional NFL offensive line standards, but his compact build allows him to play with natural leverage.
Those traits could translate to field-goal protection and other blocking responsibilities. Lampkin must first earn a spot among Philadelphia's active players on Sundays. NFL teams generally carry only a limited number of reserve offensive linemen on game day, and those backups must provide flexibility beyond one position. Cam Jurgens is established as the starting center, while rookie Drew Kendall also provides depth inside. Lampkin's ability to handle center duties and contribute on special teams would give the coaching staff another reason to dress him.
Philadelphia has previously found special teams responsibilities for reserve linemen, particularly players with the athleticism to move in ***** e and the strength to handle power rushers.
Lampkin's size will remain part of the evaluation, but Clay sees potential value rather than only a limitation. If the rookie can become dependable in the kicking game, he could strengthen his chances of remaining active while continuing his development as an interior offensive lineman.

#center #philadelphia

ESPN ****** yst predicts two Eagles DL could 'surprise people' in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Philadelphia Eagles have built up one of the NFL's best rosters, and one of their best position groups is their defensive line.
Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis are two superstar DL, and Moro Ojomo is poised to land a major contract if he continues his breakout. Jalyx Hunt could also break out in a big way in 2026 off the edge. But there are two other DL who could have big seasons.
ESPN ****** yst Jeremy Fowler is predicting that those two young DL, Bryon Young and Ty Robinson, will "surprise people" during the 2026 season.
"Watch for Byron Young and Ty Robinson to become the next young Eagles defensive linemen to surprise people," Fowler writes.

#surprise #espn #sporting

Drew Petzing would rather not rotate offensive linemen.
"I'd like to have five Hall of Famers up there that we're going to sit in there for 15 years and roll," he said Thursday, Sept. 10, in Allen Park.
But after managing line rotations on multiple occasions during his three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, the Detroit Lions' first-year offensive coordinator said a left guard rotation like the one the Lions could use Sunday against the New Orleans Saints (1 p.m., Fox) could benefit the team.
"I think the reality of the NFL ... is sometimes the best thing for the team is not to [have one lineman take all the snaps]," Petzing said. "And it's an opportunity for those guys to continue to compete and earn their reps and to help this team win games. So looking forward to seeing whatever that ends up looking like one way or the other kind of play out on Sunday."
Christian Mahogany started 11 games at left guard for the Lions last season and took most of the first-team reps at the position this summer, but Lions coach Dan Campbell said he planned to rotate Mahogany and Ben Bartch at left guard in practice this week.

#like #petzing #offensive

Titans offensive tackle JC Latham wants opposing teams to know they're not going to get away with any cheap shots on quarterback Cam Ward.
Latham said a big part of the offensive line coming together this offseason has been agreeing that they need to play with more fight, which will include going after any opponent who goes after Ward.
"Culture is what you stand for and what you allow," Latham said. "This offseason we all did a moment of self-reflecting of, we want to be the offensive line that we know we can be. We can't be no pushovers, we can't be **** ody's **** , just being completely honest. So all the late hits, all the extra stuff that defenses do, if we want to be what we know we can be, we can't stand for that."
Latham said the **** ans' new coaching staff has told the offensive linemen that they all have to have their teammates' backs.
"If any of us gets into it, we're all getting into it. We're all stepping up," he said. "You just can't go for no bullshit."

#offensive #Titans

One of the biggest questions around the NFL pertaining to Aaron Donald's return to the Los Angeles Rams is about whether or not he can still be the same Aaron Donald he was during his original run, when he was the best defensive player in football.
It's still entirely possible that he's a massively impactful piece for the Rams' defense, but at the same time the odds are slim he's as good as he was then. Again, he was previously the best defensive player in football and has since spent two years away from the game.
But there is one thing that's certainly working in his favor: the position he plays.
This isn't a hard-and-fast rule by any means, but generally speaking interior defensive linemen, especially ones that already play at a high level, often age more gracefully than other players and positions.
In 2025, there were just two interior defensive lineman 35 years old or older who played an NFL game. That's relevant, of course, because that's how old Donald is now. One was 36-year-old Cameron Heyward, one of the best defensive tackles of his era, who started all 17 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers and earned his second second-team All-Pro honor, and sixth All-Pro nod overall.

#defensive #donald #same

Texas high school football season featured some marquee showdowns this weekend. The Week 2 schedule featured blockbuster games and also some equally notable final scores. Below are the top 25 Texas high school football teams, according to the Massey Ratings, as of Sept. 6.
If the last two weekends proved anything, it's that Allen is back. Behind standout performances from 2029 QB Ty Snell and the entire Eagles defense, Allen has knocked off powerhouses Duncanville and DeSoto to open the season, 50-6. Snell passed for four TD on seven attempts, three of those scores going to fellow 2029 WR Zach Williams. Allen held a 28-0 lead at halftime with the defense setting a strong pace in this one.
North Crowley earned another statement victory in the early season — a 40-10 win over fellow Dallas Metroplex powerhouse Southlake Carroll. After the Dragons took a 7-6 lead early, the Panthers scored 21 unanswered points and cruised in the second half. North Texas commit G'Yrell Smith rushed for 96 yards on 11 touches, and QBs Jacob Torres and Jahzeel McCradic combined for two TD passes.
The defending state champs did not miss a beat in a physical tilt vs. Louisiana powerhouse John Curtis. The Mustangs came away with 27-17 win on the road at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium in Lafayette — after adding two fourth-quarter scores and separating late in the contest. QB Kaleb Taylor threw a TD pass to Jaden Kendrick and Jemarkeus Houston ran for a 14-yard TD to deliver North Shore the impressiveo out-of-state win.
Guyer remained unbeaten on Friday night as the Wildcats notched their 200th program win. The outstanding Guyer defense featuring arguably the state's most talented group of defensive linemen (Zane Rowe (Oregon); Khyren Haywood (Texas Tech); Darrien Neal (TCU); Logan Lokey (2028) held Melissa to less than 100 yards of total offense. First-year starting QB Carter Morgan was terrific — finishing 21-of-29 for 237 yards with a pass TD and a rush TD.

#allen #season

Sep. 5—SEATTLE — Heading into Sunday's Apple Cup, Washington State and coach Kirby Moore have said all the right things, have talked about all the right game plans.
The Cougars want to keep Husky quarterback Demond Williams contained in the pocket. Their defense wants to generate pressure on him and disrupt his rhythm. While Washington State's offense wants QB Caden Pinnick to make the correct reads before the snap, and to diagnose the Huskies' defensive schemes.
The Cougars have all the right things in mind. But as Moore said about containing Williams: "It's way easier said than done."
For that reason, we're picking Washington to win the 118th Apple Cup No. 118 in relatively comfortable fashion, dispatching an upstart WSU club with a first-year head coach in Moore. The Huskies are just too talented, too deep, and too savvy to lose an Apple Cup at Husky Stadium for the first time since 2021.
For WSU, one of the bigger challenges will involve running the ball against UW's defense, which is one way the Cougars could ease Pinnick into the game. The only problem for WSU is that many of the offensive linemen at the center of the operation, like center Noah Dunham and guards Kyle Martin and Nick Bakken, will be playing some of their first snaps of college football.

#washington #moore #cougars #huskies

The New England Patriots offensive line depth suffered a blow in the first game of the summer. The preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts saw the team's fourth and fifth interior linemen, Ben Brown and Andrew Rupcich, both go down with injuries.
In order to not become vulnerable up front, the Patriots explored the free agency market. They ended up bringing in a player with immense experience and the necessary versatility to serve as a super-sub along the interior O-line.
Name: Greg Van Roten
Position: Guard/Center
Jersey number: 70

#Patriots #line #indianapolis #rupcich

The Vikings' selection of Caleb Banks is going to be debated for months until he steps on the field in a regular-season game. Given the injury concerns, folks will want to see how sustainable his play is, but, of course, they will hope for the best. Beyond the Banks pick though, this class has shown to be decent enough to generate some early contributors throughout camp and the preseason.
When it comes to the depth of it all, it helps explain why Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley is a fan of the group the team selected. This week he spoke to the media, and he discussed the class, saying, "We've seen all of our players improve on a daily basis, and so really excited about the trajectory of the draft class."
On defense, this class could have four impactful players, including defensive linemen Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange. Linebacker Jake Golday is being used in a variety of ways, and safety Jakobe Thomas projects as someone who will be a part of the rotation.
Not a bad class for a first-year general manager to take in when he didn't have a say in any of the picks, as he was with the Seattle Seahawks at the time of the draft.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Minnesota Vikings are excited about their draft class ahead of Week 1

#class #banks #draft #week

The Cowboys have two defensive captains this season, and both were acquired by trading Micah Parsons.
Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams are the Cowboys' defensive captains. A year ago, the Cowboys traded Parsons to the Packers for Clark and two first-round picks, and later they traded one of those picks to the Jets for Williams.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer singled out Williams as a leader who has meant a lot to the team.
"From the minute he got here, he's been about one thing, and it's winning," Schottenheimer said of Williams. "He's never won in the NFL and the leadership is real, the talent is incredible, but every decision that guy makes is based on what's best for us winning. I love that about him, and it's infectious. It rubs off. I love hearing him talk to the young linemen, the young defenders."
Unsurprisingly, quarterback Dak Prescott is the offensive captain and kicker Brandon Aubrey is the special teams captain. Schottenheimer said the players voted on the captains, and those four players were overwhelmingly the top vote getters.

#winning

CINCINNATI (AP) — Offensive linemen rarely receive much promotion or have preseason marketing campaigns built around them.
However, with three NFL draft candidates, the University of Cincinnati is trying to change that.
Left guard Evan Tengesdahl, left tackle Joe Cotton and center Taran Tyo aim to turn Nippert Stadium into the Football House of Pancakes. The trio anchors an offensive line that was among the best in the nation last season.
The linemen have been featured on billboards throughout Cincinnati, along with television and radio advertisements, ahead of Saturday's game against Boston College.
"They deserve the promotion. They were one of the top offensive line units in the country last year, and you've got a bunch of them back," coach Scott Satterfield said. "Most of the time, you don't give O-linemen much love. They never get to score, they don't get to make catches or carry the ball. They get their joy in seeing running backs score or blocking for the quarterback."

#offensive

Willie Lampkin is listed at 5-foot-11, but his lack of traditional NFL offensive line height has created a useful challenge for Jordan Davis. Davis credited the Eagles guard with forcing him to improve his leverage during an appearance on "Takeoff with John Clark."
At 6-foot-6, Davis possesses exceptional size and power, but that height can work against him when offensive linemen gain access to his chest. Lampkin's low center of gravity makes it difficult for Davis to win without bending properly and playing beneath his opponent's pads.
The matchup has become a valuable part of Davis' development.
Defensive line coach Clint Hurtt has consistently challenged Davis to play as though he were significantly shorter. That means lowering his pad level without sacrificing the explosion and strength that make him one of the NFL's most physically imposing interior defenders.
Davis said the improvement has been gradual. Repetition is important because proper technique must become automatic when fatigue sets in, particularly near the goal line or during the final minutes of a game. Those situations do not allow a player to stop and correct his stance. He must rely on habits developed through individual work and repeated challenging practice.

#davis #must

Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter received record-setting contract extensions this offseason, but neither defensive tackle views financial security as a reason to become comfortable. During his appearance on "Takeoff with John Clark," Davis spoke strongly about a close-knit Eagles defensive line that holds its members accountable before position coach Clint Hurtt needs to intervene.
That approach extends to conditioning.
Vic Fangio challenged Davis to improve his conditioning after arriving in Philadelphia, and the results were evident during Davis' breakout 2025 season. Fangio also established a target weight for Carter, who arrived for mandatory minicamp in improved shape. Davis said Fangio remains involved throughout the offseason, occasionally calling players to ask about their workouts and progress. Head coach Nick Sirianni shares that commitment because both coaches understand how conditioning can affect performance late in games and deep into the season.
The responsibility does not stop with Davis and Carter. Moro Ojomo, Ty Robinson and the other defensive linemen exchange observations and accept coaching from one another regardless of experience or draft status.
That willingness to listen has helped create one of Philadelphia's closest position groups.

#offseason #position

Texas football will open the season with its top offensive linemen ready to play, head coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday.
That means left tackle Trevor Goosby and left guard Laurence Seymore III will both play Saturday against visiting Texas State despite missing time in training camp with injuries. Both returned to practice earlier this week, and Sarkisian said both are "good to go" for the 2:30 p.m. kickoff against the Bobcats.
The news on Goosby is especially welcomed since the 6-foot-7, 325-pound senior All-American returns as one of the best pass blockers in the nation and the primary bodyguard for quarterback Arch Manning. Goosby went down with a noncontact knee injury in an Aug. 17 practice, but a diagnosis of a bone bruise instead of a season-ending ligament tear may have been the best news of the summer for Sarkisian and his squad.
Texas offensive lineman Trevor Goosby speaks during SEC football media days at Tampa Marriott Water Street on July 23, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Parker S. Freedman/Getty Images)
"I thought he had a really good practice on Monday," Sarkisian said. "We increased his workload on Tuesday. He had a really good practice Tuesday. He came back good. We increased his workload Wednesday. He looked good again. We increased his workload even more today. Looked good again. So, he's kind of been building throughout the week. I thought he's been playing with really good pad level, good physicality. I think that he needs to play football; linemen are really the most important ones in that they need that physicality."

#good

As soon as Wynter Smith hustles back onto the Brandeis sideline, he takes a moment to acknowledge his teammates.
"He's the one scoring all the touchdowns, getting all the yards but when we get on the sideline, every single time we get there, he's coming up to the receivers saying, 'Good job, way to block,'" Brandeis senior wide receiver Grayson Hallmark said.
The quarterback also makes sure his offensive line is happy. Hallmark says Smith will even buy his linemen food at lunch.
"He doesn't have a big ego or anything like that," Hallmark said. "He stays humble."
Other players have taken notice of how the third-year starter's leadership extends beyond the varsity squad.

#brandeis #good #grayson #hustles

It's important to remember that the strength of non-conference schedules can differ wildly from team-to-team. However, don't be fooled by thinking that an SEC team playing a lowly FCS program translates to piles of fantasy points for your respective players. Oftentimes the marquee players are on ice by the time the second half rolls around in these lopsided matchups.
Play Yahoo's new College Fantasy Football game: Create or join a league now!
Accordingly, I prefer to target players on respectable P4 offenses that have something to prove and are facing reasonably competent G6 opponents who can hang around long enough for the starters to stay in the game for three quarters. With that in mind, here are my starts and sits for college fantasy football Week 1.
In last year's Apple Cup, Williams eviscerated the Cougs, completing 16-of-19 passes for 298 yards with four passing touchdowns, while rushing for 88 yards and another rushing score. This prodigious production came against a credible Wazzu defense that allowed 20 PPG and 174 passing yards per game with 31 sacks. This year, Wazzu loses all 11 starters and bring in from Missouri new HC Kirby Moore, who is an offensive-minded coach. I expect the Huskies to do anything they want and give Wazzu a little extra since they're rivals and they want to score some style points in Game 1, meaning Williams should have another huge fantasy game in this year's Apple Cup.
West Virginia is going to run the ball with aplomb in Year 2 of the Rich Rodriguez resurgence in Morgantown. WVU went 4-8 last year as Rich Rod reorganized the roster in his visage, but this year the Mountaineers boast 120 line starts after portaling in four FBS starting offensive linemen and hiring OL guru Rick Trickett, which should greatly increase their middling 161 rushing yards per game average last year. For their part, CCU and new HC Ryan Beard are just serviceable enough to keep WVU's starters in the game until Q4. That is important since CCU was gorged for 5.1 YPC and 208 rushing yards per game in 2025. Cook should clear 100-yards and punch in at least one TD against the soft underbelly of the Chanticleers defensive front.

#yards #fantasy #starters

Sep. 3—CALEDONIA — Max Schmitz and Caledonia teammate Cooper Allen are arguably the two best defensive football players in southeastern Minnesota.
But there is something both possess that Caledonia coach Carl Fruechte appreciates even more about them.
It's that they'd do anything for this team. That includes both of them playing along the offensive line. They are offensive linemen not because that is their preference. They do it because that is where they are needed most.
And they are good with that.
"They are really special," Fruechte said of his star juniors. "First of all, it's that they are all heart. They care about the team and they sacrifice for the betterment of the team. They love football and they get it. That's what makes me so proud of them. Max and Cooper, they go above and beyond."

#minnesota

It's here — following the non-contact injury sustained by Texas Longhorns senior left tackle Trevor Goosby on Aug. 17, the preseason All-American has achieved the best-case scenario in his recovery after head coach Steve Sarkisian declared Goosby "good to go" for Saturday's season opener in Austin against the Texas State Bobcats.
In returning from the bone bruise to his knee, Goosby practiced for the first time on Monday and continued to ramp up his participation throughout the week.
"It was about him getting back out to practice. I thought he had a really good practice on Monday. We increased his workload on Tuesday. He had a really good practice Tuesday, came back good. We increased his workload Wednesday, he looked good again. We increased his workload even more today, looked good again. So he's kind of been building throughout the week," Sarkisian said on Thursday.
From a mental and technical standpoint, the Texas head coach saw what he wanted to see from the 6'7, 325-pounder.
"I thought he's been playing with really good pad level, good physicality. I think that he needs to play football and linemen are really the most important ones that they need that physicality," Sarkisian said.

#sarkisian

In the season opener last fall, the Miami Hurricanes knocked off Notre Dame 27-24, in a highly contested battle.
It was a victory that propelled Miami all the way to the College Football Playoff **** le game, where they ultimately fell to Indiana. The Hurricane offense lost elite offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, quarterback Carson Beck, offensive linemen Markel Bell and Anez Cooper along with wide receiver CJ Daniels to the NFL draft. That's a good amount of talent gone from a pretty solid offense, but there are some that believe Miami will be better this fall.
Recently, 247Sports Brad Crawford was asked about the Hurricanes offensive outlook for this season and he thinks it will be the best offense they've had under head coach Mario Cristobal. He'd go on to say "I think this is the best transfer quarterback Miami has gotten … Darian Mensah, I think he should be the preseason Heisman frontrunner."
Crawford is high on the running backs and wide receivers, but one area where he's a bit concerned is on offensive line. "Maybe if there's one question Miami has … that would be it," as he noted the addition of 5-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell.
This game has been circled on Notre Dame's schedule since the heartbreaking loss last year, and revenge would be sweet. The Irish defense should be one of the best in the country, and should be able to neutralize the Hurricane attack.

#offense #hurricanes #hurricane