FIRST LOOK: PAYCOR STADIUM RENOVATIONS ELEVATE FAN EXPERIENCE

By

-

July 21, 2026

Paycor-Stadium_6640B856-5056-B3A8-499014A4909D4796-6640b5825056b3a_6640bc1b-5056-b3a8-492f8fc4ccb7ae01 — Photo Cred: Visit Cincy

PHOTOS: https://bengals.photoshelter.site/library/show/C0000Ec_tdol5OPU/G0000xSSExz4.cqA

Improvements to Paycor Stadium continue with major upgrades for the 2026 season. While recent years have seen ongoing upgrades to public spaces including concession stands and video displays, this year’s improvements will be the most extensive since Paycor Stadium opened in 2000. The new lease signed last year between Hamilton County and the Bengals launched significant upgrades that will span several years, and “Phase One” of the multi-year renovation project will be substantially complete ahead of Cincinnati Music Festival and the Bengals’ 2026 season.

Phase One renovations have exceeded expectations, and Paycor Stadium is positioned well for future improvements. Phase One projects prioritized work that will have a wide impact, benefiting fans throughout the stadium. Key improvements include renovated restrooms, upgraded concessions, transformed club lounges, reimagined suites, redesigned Bengals Pro Shop, modernized scoreboard control room, improved wayfinding, and core infrastructure improvements.

Warm Construction, an Official Builder of the Cincinnati Bengals, executed many of the renovation projects including concessions, club lounges, suites, and the Bengals Pro Shop. The multi-year renovation project reflects the shared commitment of Hamilton County, the Bengals, and the stadium management team to responsibly invest in Paycor Stadium, ensuring it remains a premier NFL venue while supporting economic activity along Cincinnati’s riverfront.

The investment also strengthens The Banks, which generates more than $2.5 billion in annual economic impact, including more than $1 billion annually driven by the Bengals. The capital expenditures for renovations provide incremental economic impact in the form of jobs and earnings along with fiscal impact.

WHAT FANS CAN EXPECT IN 2026

Renovated Restrooms: All restrooms were renovated with updated lighting, flooring, walls, and ceilings to provide a brighter, more contemporary experience. Nursing rooms were renovated to accommodate mothers and young children.
Upgraded Concessions: Concession areas on the canopy level were upgraded with a focus on speed of service and expanded food and beverage offerings. Grab-and-go “Go Route” locations and self-checkout kiosks provide a new layout with increased concourse space for fans.
Transformed Club Lounges: Club lounges were renovated and expanded to feature additional interior and exterior seating, new bars, enhanced food and beverage offerings, and more points of sale to increase speed of service. The spaces were redesigned to offer a more open layout for fans to enjoy natural light and views. The lounge aesthetic is a modern take on the jungle, featuring floor-to-ceiling copper tiger stripe columns and a jungle leaf flooring. New and additional escalators and stairs were added to both club and suite entrances to help fans enter and exit the stadium.
Reimagined Suites: Every existing suite was redesigned with expanded lounge areas, updated restrooms, new furniture, countertops, and an enhanced food and beverage experience including full-size refrigerators.
Redesigned Bengals Pro Shop: Now open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Bengals Pro Shop was reconfigured to improve traffic flow and increase merchandise selection. The renovation includes new flooring, updated interior finishes, expanded women’s and children’s sections, and additional self-checkout kiosks.
Modernized Scoreboard Control Room: The control room powering video and audio throughout the stadium was expanded to handle new technology and future growth. An IP-based 4K system was installed with additional cameras and replay feeds to increase the fan experience on gameday.
Improved Wayfinding: Over 1,000 new, larger and more accessible signs were installed throughout the stadium to make it easier for fans to find seating sections, amenities, and other key locations.
Core Infrastructure Improvements: Essential infrastructure work is ongoing, including concrete repairs, waterproofing, and passenger elevator modernization, to help ensure the stadium remains in top condition.

WHAT FANS CAN EXPECT IN 2027

Renovations will continue in 2027 with large-scale projects that include adding escalators, replacing stadium seats, and a new, larger videoboard featuring enhanced technology.

Montrezl Harrell’s 35 Points Powers Louisville For Winner-Take-All Game 3

Pro

By

Stephen Patrick

-

July 21, 2026

0

Montrezl Harrell delivered a dominant performance Monday night, pouring in a TBT career-high 35 points to lead The Ville (Louisville Alumni) to an 82-62 victory over La Familia (Kentucky Alumni) in Game 2 of their best-of-three first-round series at Freedom Hall.
With the win, Louisville evened the series at one game apiece and forced a decisive Game 3, which will be played at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday night at Historic Memorial Coliseum in Lexington with a spot in the Alumni Bracket semifinals on the line.

Photo Cred: The State of Louisville

Needing a win to keep its $2 million hopes alive after Saturday’s 72-68 loss in Lexington, The Ville turned in a commanding performance in front of its home crowd to even the series.
Kentucky Alumni opened the game by taking a 15-12 lead after the first quarter, but the momentum quickly shifted in the second period as Louisville caught fire offensively, ripping off a 15-0 run and holding La Familia to just seven points in the quarter. The Ville outscored Kentucky 24-7 over the second 9 minutes to take a commanding 36-22 halftime lead.

Louisville never allowed Kentucky back into the contest in the second half. Harrell dominated from start to finish, helping The Ville build its lead to as many as 26 points before putting the finishing touches on the 82-62 victory with the game-winning basket in the Elam Ending. Harrell’s 35-point outburst set a new single-game scoring record in The Ville’s TBT history.

He finished an efficient 14-for-16 from the field while adding a game-leading eight rebounds. David Johnson and Alex Matthews each scored 14 points, while Malik Williams contributed seven rebounds as Louisville shot 50% (31-62) from the floor. Andrew Harrison led La Familia with 19 points, while Chris Coffey added 14 points and six rebounds. Kentucky struggled to find its offensive rhythm, shooting just 33.9 percent from the field.

Photo Cred: Courier Journal

The Ville controlled the game in nearly every statistical category, out rebounding La Familia 43-30 while doubling Kentucky in points in the paint, 40-20. Louisville also held a 20-7 advantage in bench scoring and converted 15 second-chance points. The rivalry now heads back to Lexington for a winner-take-all Game 3 on Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET at Historic Memorial Coliseum. The winner will advance to the Alumni Bracket quarterfinals to face the winner of Syracuse Alumni vs. Seton Hall Alumni.

BOX SCORE | RECAP | HIGHLIGHTS

Brian Barrio introduced to packed house at FGCU’s The Boardwalk

College

By

Stephen Patrick

-

July 20, 2026

0

Welcome_-_New_AD_-_Website — Photo Cred: FGCU

Eagles new Director of Athletics ‘fired up’ for what is to come

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Brian Barrio was introduced as FGCU’s new Director of Athletics on Monday.
Formerly an AD at UMBC and Central Connecticut State, Barrio brings experience to the chair as the fourth AD in FGCU history.
He becomes the first FGCU AD to also serve on the President’s Cabinet.

FORT MYERS, Fla. — It was standing room only at The Boardwalk on the campus of Florida Gulf Coast University Monday afternoon. A packed house was on hand as Brian Barrio, the newly-minted FGCU Director of Athletics, was formally introduced to Southwest Florida.

Barrio, the fourth athletic director in FGCU history, was introduced by Kitty Green, the university’s Vice President for University Advancement.

“Just being on campus for a few days, I can feel the pride everywhere that our stakeholders have for FGCU,” Barrio said. “Our coaches, staff, student-athletes, fans, and donors are all proud of what they are a part of. I am fired up for what we are going to accomplish together,” he finished.

Barrio, who spent four years at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) before making his way to Southwest Florida, stressed the importance of success in all areas during his address to Eagle supporters. He oversaw 11 America East Conference championships with the Retrievers, while the UMBC athletic department had a 996 overall APR score, with 10 teams posting perfect 1,000 marks. Accolades similar to the FGCU department that he will lead that won the 2024-25 ASUN All-Sports Trophy while notching a 994 department wide APR with 11 teams earning perfect 1,000 marks.

When asked how he would measure success at FGCU, Barrio said there were three pillars: “We want our student-athletes to graduate and be proud of being from FGCU. We want to win championships. And we want our community to know that we are their Southwest Florida home team.”

Green announced that the university has added the Director of Athletics position to the president’s cabinet and noted that, after the group met with Barrio, the cabinet was “confident in leading FGCU Athletics into its next chapter.” Barrio echoed his excitement about being a part of the cabinet, saying, “The cabinet has a clear plan, vision, and growth mindset for the university and FGCU Athletics.”

Barrio acknowledged that there were obvious challenges in today’s ever-evolving collegiate athletics landscape but also showed his willingness to take the challenge head-on, saying, “We are going to be resourceful and relentless in figuring out this landscape. There is a good foundation that has been set here, but we are going to look up in a few years and say, FGCU is further than anyone else thought possible,” Barrio said to the Eagle faithful.

After wrapping up the press conference portion of the afternoon, Barrio was greeted by FGCU fans, donors, and media members to kick off what the Eagles hope is a bright new chapter of FGCU Athletics.

The FGCU athletics year begins on Aug. 12, when the Eagles women’s soccer team hosts Houston at 7 p.m. at Pickering Field.

Season tickets for the 2026-27 campaign are now on sale for all sports and are available online at FGCUtickets.com or at the Alico Arena box office.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on the Eagles, follow FGCU Athletics on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook, and visit FGCUathletics.com.

La Familia and The Ville Announce Official Rosters for TBT 2026

By

Stephen Patrick

-

July 15, 2026

0

Best-Of-Three Series Between Kentucky and Louisville Alumni Begins July 18th

LEXINGTON, Ky. July 15, 2026 – La Familia, the Kentucky alumni team, and The Ville, the Louisville alumni team, today announced their official rosters ahead of their best-of-three series.

La Familia is organized by former Kentucky guard Twany Beckham (2011-13), and coached by former Kentucky forward Jon Hood (2009-13). La Familia’s official roster features:

Kahlil Whitney (2019-20)
Willie Cauley-Stein (2012-15)
Marcus Lee (2013-16)
Aaron Harrison (2013-15)
Archie Goodwin (2012–13)
DeAndre Liggins (2008–11)
Chris Coffey (Georgetown College)
Darryl Morsell (Maryland/Marquette)
Sean McNeil (West Virginia/Ohio State)
James Mainor-Bell (Villanova)

Reid Travis and Quade Green will no longer be able to join the team. Archie Goodwin will join the team beginning with Game 2.

“We exhaust all efforts getting guys committed to play and securing their travel plans to Lexington,” said La Familia general manager Twany Beckham. “Unfortunately, things happen that are totally out of our team’s control. The fortunate thing is we’ve put together a group that’s very talented and will be ready to compete and win on Saturday.”

The Ville is organized by Russ Smith and coached by former Cardinals guard Michael Baffour (2012-13).

The Ville’s official roster includes:

Jae’Lyn Withers (2020-23)
David Johnson (2019–21)
Malik Williams (2017-22)
Ray Spalding (2015–18)
Trey Lewis (2015-16)
Jaylen Johnson (2014-17)
Chris Jones (2013-14)
Montrezl Harrell (2012-15)
Angel Nunez (2011-13)
Russ Smith (2010-14)
Alex Matthews (University of Texas Permian Basin)

Edgar Sosa will no longer be able to join The Ville due to the birth of his child. Malik Williams will join the team following the conclusion of NBA Summer League.

“We worked tirelessly to build a strong roster this year and incorporate multiple alumni from different years,” said The Ville general manager/guard Russ Smith. “Our focus was on building a team that plays well together and can win games! We can’t wait to hit the court and deliver for our fans!”

As part of the best-of-three series, both will have a chance to host at least one home game. The first game of the series will take place at Historic Memorial Coliseum in Lexington Saturday, July 18, at 12 pm ET, and will be televised live on FOX. Fans are encouraged to wear all white for the game.

Game 2 will be played at Freedom Hall in Louisville on Monday, July 20, at 7 pm ET, and will be televised live on FS1. A decisive Game Three (if necessary) will be played at Historic Memorial Coliseum Wednesday, July 22 at 6 pm ET, and will be televised live on FS1.

Tickets are still available for both games in Lexington and Louisville at TBTHoops.com.

About The Basketball Tournament
The home of the Elam Ending®, The Basketball Tournament has grown from a unique idea among friends to one of the most exciting and engaging events on the summer sports calendar, with national exposure, social media buzz and regional championships across the country – culminating in a winner-take-all $1 million game. Every year it attracts some of the best players in the world. For more information on TBT’s eleventh season, visit www.thetournament.com

Aaron Donald Comeback? Rams Fans Have Reason to Believe

By

James McCaffrey

-

July 13, 2026

0

NFL: Super Bowl LVI-Los Angeles Rams at Cincinnati Bengals — Feb 13, 2022; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) celebrates after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals during Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Former Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald was spotted working out at the team’s practice facility the other day. Ever since Los Angeles made the blockbuster deal to bring in Myles Garrett over a month ago, there has been consistent speculation. Sources close to some of the players suggesting Donald could return to the team and end his two-year retirement. This is not the first time retirement rumors have surfaced.

Donald’s decision to retire was surprising. He did not deal with any major or recurring injuries. The future HOF was only 32 years old on a Super Bowl contender. Throughout his retirement, there were rumors each season that he could return for a playoff run, but that never happened. Donald was seen on video walking across the practice field in what appeared to be workout gear.

Photo Cred: Pro Football Rumors

If he does return, the Rams would undoubtedly become even bigger Super Bowl favorites. Their roster already looks like the best in the league on paper. Donald earned his eighth career First-Team All-Pro selection the last time he played in the NFL. At minimum, an impactful rotational piece on the defensive line if he is unable to return to his elite form.

With the upgrades the Rams made to their roster this offseason, the only things that appear capable of preventing them from making another Super Bowl run are staying healthy and maintaining consistency throughout the season. If Aaron Donald decides to come out of retirement, Los Angeles could have one of the most dominant defenses the NFL has seen in recent years.

Interstate 64 Rivalry: Louisville City & Lexington SC Battle

By

Stephen Patrick

-

July 13, 2026

0

It was a battle of Kentucky rivals as Louisville City FC welcomed Lexington SC for a heated USL Cup matchup between two clubs separated by just 64 miles along Interstate 64. Louisville entered the contest looking to continue its strong start to the 2026 campaign after one of the most successful regular seasons in club history ended in heartbreaking fashion last year. Lou City was the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed, boasting a record-setting offense, and carrying a four-month unbeaten streak into the postseason.

But LouCity suffered a stunning 1-0 loss to Detroit City FC in the USL Championship Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. This season, Louisville has quickly returned to form. The club entered the match atop the USL Cup standings with eight points, one point ahead of Indy Eleven through three matches.

Photo Cred: Lou City

LouCity was riding a three-game winning streak after earning an exciting 4-3 victory over Detroit City at Keyworth Stadium. Lexington SC came into the match sitting fourth in the standings with six points after dropping a wild 7-6 contest to Indy Eleven. Louisville had also won the previous USL Cup meeting between the clubs, claiming a 2-1 victory at Lexington SC Stadium last season. Lexington struck first in the 12th minute when Braudílio Rodrigues headed home a cross from Aaron Molloy to give the visitors an early 1-0 advantage.

Louisville responded with several attacking chances, including a shot from Jansen Wilson that was saved and a headed attempt that went off target. The match shifted dramatically in the 23rd minute when Lexington forward Phillip Goodrum received a yellow card for a reckless foul. Just eight minutes later, Goodrum was shown a second yellow card for another reckless challenge, reducing Lexington to 10 men for the remainder of the match. Louisville immediately capitalized on the numerical advantage. In the 28th minute, Jansen Wilson found the back of the net on a pass from Sam Gleadle to level the score at 1-1.

Photo Cred: Lou City

Just six minutes later, Chris Donovan gave LouCity its first lead of the night, finishing a setup from Wilson in the 34th minute to make it 2-1. Louisville nearly added another before halftime, but Taylor Davila’s left-footed effort from inside the box sailed wide. Lexington refused to back down despite playing a man short. Just before halftime, Xavier Zengue headed home Aaron Molloy’s cross to equalize the match at 2-2, silencing the home crowd and giving the visitors new life heading into the break.

The physical contest featured several cautions, including a reckless foul by Louisville’s Chris Donovan, as both teams battled for control in an intense rivalry matchup. Louisville City regained the lead in the 59th minute when Jansen Wilson finished a right-footed shot from inside the box into the low-right corner, putting LouCity ahead 3-2. The goal capped off Louisville’s relentless second-half pressure and shifted the momentum firmly in favor of the home side.

By the 72nd minute, Louisville City extended its lead to 4-2 after Lexington defender Javain Brown accidentally redirected the ball into his own net for an own goal. LouCity continued to apply pressure moments later, with Jansen Wilson narrowly missing the target in the 76th minute. Less than a minute later, Zach Duncan tested the Lexington goalkeeper with a right-footed shot from inside the box, but his effort was saved as Louisville maintained control of the match.

Top 3 Teams LeBron James Should Sign With

By

Rives Reucassel

-

July 13, 2026

0

For the first time in years, LeBron James enters an offseason with uncertainty surrounding his future. Even at 41 years old, James continues to prove he’s one of the NBA’s elite players, capable of impacting every aspect of the game. While he’s no longer expected to carry a franchise on his own for an entire season, placing him in the right situation could make the difference between another early playoff exit and a legitimate championship run.

Here are my top three destinations that would give him the best chance to compete for a fifth NBA championship.

1. Philadelphia 76ers

If winning another title is LeBron’s top priority, the Philadelphia 76ers should be at the top of his list. On paper, it’s the perfect basketball fit. Pairing James with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and VJ Edgecombe would instantly create one of the most dominant starting lineups in the NBA. Embiid is one of the league’s most unstoppable interior scorers, Maxey is one of the NBA’s premier point guards, Brown is a former NBA Finals MVP, and Edgecombe is one of the league’s brightest young stars.

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

Meanwhile, LeBron remains one of the greatest playmakers the game has ever seen. Defenses would have no answer for the pick-and-roll combinations, post-up opportunities, and floor spacing that lineup would create. LeBron would also take significant pressure off Embiid in the postseason. Throughout his career, Embiid has often been forced to create offenses late in games.

With James running the offense, Philadelphia would finally have a proven closer who thrives under playoff pressure. The fit goes beyond offense. LeBron’s basketball IQ and leadership would elevate everyone around him. Younger role players would benefit from playing alongside one of the greatest basketball minds in NBA history, while Embiid and Maxey wouldn’t have to carry as much of the offensive burden over an 82-game season.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

Sometimes the best stories write themselves. A third stint in Cleveland would instantly become one of the biggest storylines in sports. LeBron already delivered the city its first NBA championship in 2016, completing arguably the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history. Returning once again to chase another championship would be the perfect full-circle moment. Unlike his previous Cavaliers teams, this roster wouldn’t rely entirely on him.

Photo Cred: Cavs

Cleveland already features one of the league’s deepest lineups, led by Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen. LeBron wouldn’t need to average 30 points every night. Instead, he could focus on facilitating the offense, defending multiple positions, and taking over when games matter most. His versatility would fit seamlessly alongside Cleveland’s young core.

Mobley continues to develop into one of the NBA’s best defensive big men, while Mitchell gives the Cavaliers an elite perimeter scorer. LeBron would complement both perfectly by creating open shots and organizing the offense in high-pressure situations. Perhaps most importantly, Cleveland already has one of the NBA’s best defenses. Adding James would improve its transition offense, playoff experience, and late-game execution—three areas that often determine championship runs.

3. Miami Heat

Never count out a reunion with the Miami Heat. After recently trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Heat will continue building out their roster in hopes of making a deep playoff run. LeBron enjoyed arguably the most successful stretch of his career in South Beach, winning two championships and appearing in four consecutive NBA Finals. The organization knows exactly how to maximize his strengths, while James understands the championship culture that has defined Miami for decades.

Photo Cred: Rolling Stone

What makes this fit especially intriguing is the Heat’s identity. Miami has always built teams around toughness, defense, discipline, and playoff basketball. Those qualities align perfectly with LeBron’s style of play. Even at this stage of his career, he remains one of the smartest defenders and best decision-makers in basketball. The Heat also have a proven track record of surrounding stars with productive role players who thrive within Erik Spoelstra’s system.

LeBron’s ability to elevate his teammates would fit naturally into Miami’s team-first approach. The Eastern Conference is only getting more competitive, but Miami consistently proves it can outperform expectations once the playoffs begin. Adding LeBron would immediately raise the team’s championship ceiling while giving them the superstar playmaker they’ve occasionally lacked in recent postseasons.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, LeBron James has accomplished nearly everything imaginable during his legendary career, but another championship would only strengthen his legacy. Philadelphia offers the best opportunity to compete immediately alongside another MVP-caliber superstar in Joel Embiid. Cleveland provides a chance to return home to a championship-ready roster already in place. Miami reunites him with an organization built for postseason success and a coach who knows exactly how to win with him. No matter where he lands, LeBron’s decision will shape the NBA landscape and could determine where the next Larry O’Brien Trophy is headed.

Outstanding Sportsmanship Award Winners Announced

By

Stephen Patrick

-

July 13, 2026

0

Sportamsnship Graphic — Photo Cred: Big TEN

Thirty-six honorees named Big Ten Outstanding Sportsmanship Award winners for the 2025-26 academic year

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference announced the 36 honorees named Outstanding Sportsmanship Award winners for the 2025-26 academic year on Thursday. These standouts were chosen from a group of 431 students honored throughout the academic year who had displayed positive sportsmanship.

One member of each varsity sports team on every campus was chosen by his or her institution as a Sportsmanship Award honoree, and two Outstanding Sportsmanship Award winners were then selected from each institution. All of the Sportsmanship Award winners have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. In addition, these honorees must be in good academic standing and must have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting.

The 2025-26 Big Ten Outstanding Sportsmanship Award winners appear below, and the complete list of Sportsmanship Award honorees for all sports from each school can be found here.

2025-26 Outstanding Sportsmanship Award Winners

Illinois
Will Johannes, Baseball
Cari Bohm, Volleyball

Indiana
Jacob Moran, Wrestling
Aly VanBrandt, Softball

Iowa
Mark Gronowski, Football
Taylor McCabe, Women’s Basketball

Maryland
Rhys Allen, Men’s Track & Field
Maddie Vasilios, Field Hockey

Michigan
Will Tschetter, Men’s Basketball
Lily Jones, Women’s Tennis

Michigan State
Kael Wisler, Wrestling
Danyle Courtley, Volleyball

Minnesota
Andrew Sparks, Wrestling
Nelli Laitinen, Women’s Hockey

Nebraska
Rienk Mast, Men’s Basketball
Callin Hake, Women’s Basketball

Northwestern
Jack Lausch, Baseball
Skye Ellis, Indoor Track & Field

Ohio State
Bruce Thornton, Men’s Basketball
Chance Gray, Women’s Basketball

Oregon
Russell Soohoo, Men’s Tennis
Sofia Bell, Women’s Basketball

Penn State
Mark McKeon, Men’s Lacrosse
Katelyn Roberts, Women’s Hockey

Purdue
Aaron Manias, Baseball
Bianka Lulić, Volleyball

Rutgers
Gus Zilinskas, Football
Katherine Lang, Swimming and Diving

UCLA
Cashel Dugger, Baseball
Danielle DeFrancisci, Rowing

USC
Andrew Lamb, Baseball
Jacqueline Duarte, Cross Country

Washington
Jonah Coleman, Football
Maeve Stiles, Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field

Wisconsin
Isaac Gard, Men’s Basketball
Maria Sholokhova, Women’s Tennis

The Big Ten Conference is an association of world-class universities whose member institutions share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service. Founded in 1896, the Big Ten has sustained a comprehensive set of shared practices and policies that enforce the priority of academics in the lives of students competing in intercollegiate athletics and emphasize the values of integrity, fairness and competitiveness. The Big Ten Conference sponsors 28 official sports, 14 for men and 14 for women, and the broad-based programs of the 18 Big Ten institutions provide direct financial support for more than 14,000 student-athletes. For more information, visit www.bigten.org.

Fifty Big Ten Players Selected in 2026 MLB Draft

By

Stephen Patrick

-

July 13, 2026

0

r1687822_1296x729_16-9 — Photo Cred: Big Ten

UCLA’s Cholowsky goes No. 1 overall

ROSEMONT, Ill. – A total of 50 players with ties to the Big Ten Conference were selected in the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft, which took place July 11-12 at the Philadelphia Convention Center. The selection number is a Big Ten record and marks a 28 percent increase from last year’s draft class.

UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky became the first Big Ten player to be selected No. 1 overall, going to the Chicago White Sox. He is the second Bruin chosen No. 1 during Head Coach John Savage’s tenure.

Fifteen Big Ten programs had either active players or signed recruits chosen over the weekend, as prospects were distributed among 23 MLB teams. UCLA produced a conference-high 10 picks while Minnesota had eight selections and Oregon seven draftees. USC extended its streak of having a player selected in every MLB Draft (dating to 1965), a milestone that stands just ahead of streaks by UCLA (56 years) and Minnesota (39 years).

A complete list of Big Ten players from this year’s MLB Draft:

2026 MLB DRAFT

NAME	SCHOOL	ROUND	PICK	MLB TEAM
Roch Cholowsky, SS	UCLA	1	1	Chicago White Sox
Logan Reddemann, RHP	UCLA	2	38	Colorado Rockies
Mason Edwards, LHP	USC	2	47	Athletics
Mulivai Levu, 1B	UCLA	CB-B	70	Cincinnati Reds
Peyton Bonds, OF	Rutgers	3	90	San Francisco Giants
Ty Horn, RHP	Nebraska	3	94	Cincinnati Reds
Carson Jasa, RHP	Nebraska	3	98	Chicago Cubs
Ryan Cooney, SS	Oregon	3	103	Toronto Blue Jays
Roman Martin, SS	UCLA	4	111	Athletics
Cal Scolari, RHP	Oregon	5	137	Chicago White Sox
Cal Randall, RHP	UCLA	5	146	St. Louis Cardinals
Michael Anderson Jr., TWP	Penn State	5	149	Texas Rangers
Will Gasparino, OF	UCLA	5	161	Philadelphia Phillies
Nolan Higgins, RHP	Michigan State	5	164	Toronto Blue Jays
Alex Weingartner, OF +	Penn State	6	166	Chicago White Sox
Cole Selvig, RHP	Minnesota	6	176	Miami Marlins
Maddox Molony, SS	Oregon	6	187	Detroit Tigers
Isaac Morton, RHP	Minnesota	6	188	Chicago Cubs
Gable Mitchell, SS	Iowa	6	193	Toronto Blue Jays
Dean West, OF	UCLA	7	222	Toronto Blue Jays
Lance Williams, RHP	Maryland	8	247	Chicago Cubs
Mason Eckelman, C	Ohio State	8	250	Seattle Mariners
Miles Gosztola, LHP	Oregon	8	253	Los Angeles Dodgers
Cashel Dugger, C	UCLA	9	256	Washington Nationals
Nick Williams, OF	Michigan State	10	286	Washington Nationals
Augie Lopez, C	USC	10	305	San Diego Padres
Devin Bell, RHP	Oregon	10	313	Los Angeles Dodgers
Gavin Swartz, RHP +	Indiana	11	314	Colorado Rockies
Brayden Martin, 3B	Maryland	11	342	Toronto Blue Jays
Colby Turner, 2B	Michigan	12	347	Minnesota Twins
Marcus Kruzan, RHP	Minnesota	12	371	Milwaukee Brewers
Jack Spanier, SS	Minnesota	13	386	Arizona Diamondbacks
Will Whelan, LHP	Minnesota	13	387	Texas Rangers
Zack Konstantinovsky, RHP	Rutgers	14	406	Washington Nationals
Drew Smith, 3B	Oregon	15	448	San Francisco Giants
Ryan Kucherak, SS	Northwestern	15	455	San Diego Padres
Charlie Sutherland, OF	Minnesota	15	460	Seattle Mariners
Keaton Maiorana, RHP +	Minnesota	15	461	Milwaukee Brewers
Grant Govel, RHP	USC	16	468	Pittsburgh Pirates
Dalton Harper, C +	Penn State	16	472	Atlanta Braves
Jack Lausch, OF	Northwestern	17	512	Cincinnati Reds
Adam Troy, RHP	USC	17	519	Philadelphia Phillies
Jackson Bergman, RHP	Indiana	18	525	Chicago White Sox
Jack Brooks, OF	Oregon	19	556	Washington Nationals
Weber Neels, C	Minnesota	19	566	Arizona Diamondbacks
Noah Miller, C	Michigan	19	571	Houston Astros
Michael Barnett, RHP	UCLA	20	587	Minnesota Twins
Kooper Schulte, SS	Iowa	20	600	New York Mets
Justin Lee, RHP	UCLA	20	609	Philadelphia Phillies
Zach Bates, LHP	Illinois	20	613	Los Angeles Dodgers

Indiana’s Mendoza, UCLA’s Betts Named Big Ten Athletes of the Year

By

Stephen Patrick

-

July 8, 2026

0

ROSEMONT, Ill. – Indiana University football quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been selected as the 2025-26 Big Ten Conference Jesse Owens Male Athlete of the Year, and University of California, Los Angeles basketball center Lauren Betts has been recognized as the 2025-26 Big Ten Conference Female Athlete of the Year, the conference announced Wednesday.

Mendoza is the sixth Indiana student-athlete to earn the Big Ten Jesse Owens Male Athlete of the Year honor and the first since track and field student-athlete Derek Drouin in 2013. This is the second such honor for the Hoosiers’ football program, as Mendoza joins Anthony Thompson, who won the award in 1990.

Mendoza is the eighth football student-athlete to claim the honor, joining Iowa’s Chuck Long (1986), Thompson (1990), Michigan’s Desmond Howard (1992) and Charles Woodson (1998), Ohio State’s Eddie George (1996) and Chase Young (2020), and Wisconsin’s Ron Dayne (2000). Betts became the first Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year award winner from UCLA and the 12^th basketball student-athlete to capture the honor.

Other basketball recipients have included Purdue’s Joy Holmes (1991), MaChelle Joseph (1992), Stephanie White (1999) and Katie Douglas (2001), Penn State’s Kelly Mazzante (2004), Ohio State’s Jessica Davenport (2007), Minnesota’s Rachel Banham (2016), Iowa’s Megan Gustafson (2019) and Caitlin Clark (2023, 2024), and USC’s JuJu Watkins (2025).

Mendoza led the Hoosiers to the first-ever 16-0 season in FBS history and Indiana’s first football national title during the 2025 season. The Miami native won the 2025 Heisman Trophy, the first player in program history to win the award and the first Big Ten player to receive the honor in 19 years. Following the campaign, Mendoza was taken as the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, a feat not accomplished by a Big Ten student-athlete in nearly 20 years.

With his selection atop the NFL Draft, he is just the fourth player in the common draft era, and first from the Big Ten, to go No. 1 overall, win the Heisman Trophy, and claim a national title in the same season. He is among a group that includes Joe Burrow (LSU, 2019), Jameis Winston (Florida State, 2013) and Cam Newton (2010, Auburn).

Mendoza led the FBS in passing touchdowns (41), passing efficiency (182.9) and points responsible for (288), behind an FBS-best 48 touchdowns accounted for. He was the only FBS quarterback with six games of four-plus touchdown passes and zero interceptions and accounted for at least one touchdown in all 16 games, including 14 with a touchdown pass.

Betts delivered one of the most dominant seasons in UCLA Bruins women’s basketball history, leading the program to its first NCAA Championship title. Anchoring the Bruins on both ends of the floor, Betts recorded 14 points and 11 rebounds in the national title game and was named the 2026 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player.

Betts led the Bruins with 17.1 points and a Big Ten-best 8.8 rebounds per contest, as UCLA finished the season 37-1, including 18-0 in conference play. Betts became the third player in NCAA history to tally at least 600 points, 300 rebounds, 100 assists, and 75 blocks in a single season, joining Connecticut’s Breanna Stewart and USC’s Cheryl Miller. As one of 45 Division I women’s basketball players 6-foot-6 or taller to play at least 2,500 minutes since 2000, Betts is the only one to never foul out of a game.

The Bruin center was named the 2026 Big Ten Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first player in conference history to claim both honors in the same season. Betts earned WBCA First Team All-America honors for the second time in her career and was named the Honda Sports Award winner for Basketball. The Centennial, Colo. native also collected her second Lisa Leslie Center of the Year Award, her third All-Big Ten First Team honor, and was named a finalist for the 2026 Wade Trophy, Naismith Trophy, and Wooden Award.

Mendoza and Betts were among a high-powered field of 36 nominees (one male and one female per Big Ten school) that included 16 national champions, 31 All-Americans, 16 conference champions, 19 conference players of the year, 14 standouts who collected at least one national player of the year accolade, and three Olympic gold medalists.

The Big Ten Conference has recognized a Jesse Owens Male Athlete of the Year since 1982 and first honored a Female Athlete of the Year in 1983. The Big Ten Athletes of the Year are selected by a panel of conference media members from nominations submitted by each institution.

The complete list of 2025-26 Athlete of the Year nominations, as well as the list of all-time winners for each award, can be found below.

2025-26 BIG TEN ATHLETE OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

SCHOOL	MALE NOMINEE	FEMALE NOMINEE
Illinois	Keaton Wagler, basketball	Sophia Beckmon, track & field
Indiana	Fernando Mendoza, football	Avery Parker, softball
Iowa	Bennett Stirtz, basketball	Hannah Stuelke, basketball
Maryland	Lasse Kelp, soccer	Kori Edmondson, lacrosse
Michigan	Yaxel Lendeborg, basketball	Bella Sims, swim & dive
Michigan State	Trey Augustine, ice hockey	Nikki Smith, gymnastics
Minnesota	Max McEnelly, wrestling	Anthonett Nabwe, track & field
Nebraska	Dyson Wicker, track & field	Jordy Frahm, softball
Northwestern	Nick Martinelli, basketball	Maddie Zimmer, field hockey
Ohio State	Caleb Downs, football	Joy Dunne, ice hockey
Oregon	Simeon Birnbaum, track & field	Aaliyah McCormick, track & field
Penn State	Mitchell Mesenbrink, wrestling	Tessa Janecke, ice hockey
Purdue	Braden Smith, basketball	Moriah Polar, softball
Rutgers	KJ Duff, football	Katie Buck, lacrosse
UCLA	Roch Cholowsky, baseball	Lauren Betts, basketball
USC	Makai Lemon, football	Jazzy Davidson, basketball
Washington	Richie Aman, soccer	Hana Moll, track & field
Wisconsin	Ben Dexheimer, ice hockey	Caroline Harvey, ice hockey

.st0{fill:#FFFFFF;} .st1{fill:#E52E2E;} Sports Radio America

Hot topics

Finance

Marketing

Politics

Strategy

Hot topics

Finance

Marketing

Politics

Strategy

1. Philadelphia 76ers

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

3. Miami Heat

Final Thoughts

Company

Headlines

Newsletter

Sports Radio America