Wildcats Strike Back: Arizona Overwhelms Kansas in Tucson

College

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March 2, 2026

OGY4MDI0YmEtM2Y-620x420 — Photo Cred: Big News Network

On Saturday, the #14 Kansas Jayhawks (21–8) opened their final road stretch of the regular season, traveling to Tucson to take on the #2 Arizona Wildcats (27–2). The two programs met earlier this month at Allen Fieldhouse, where Kansas snapped Arizona’s undefeated record with an 82–78 win. In that first matchup, Kansas dominated the paint, imposing superior physicality and energy. Since then, the Jayhawks went 2–2, with each result decided by double digits, while Arizona posted a 3–1 stretch with all games kept within a few possessions.

Photo Cred: Arizona

Several key differences separated the rematch. First was the return of Darryn Peterson, who missed the Lawrence meeting due to flu-like symptoms and faced criticism regarding his availability for “big” games. This time, Peterson was cleared to play and eager to quiet that narrative in a top-15 showdown. The second difference was home-court advantage. Allen Fieldhouse is widely considered the best environment in college basketball—a factor evident on February 9. This time, Kansas entered the McKale Center and failed to show the same edge without its home crowd.

The game also marked the return of first-round pick Koa Peat and depth addition Dwayne Aristode, both of whom missed the previous three games due to illness and injury. Their absences had raised concerns about Arizona’s chemistry entering the stretch run toward the conference tournament and March. Meanwhile, Kansas remained comfortable rotating lineups despite injuries; Peterson missed nearly half the season, yet the Jayhawks still contended for the Big 12 title prior to a recent blowout loss.

First Half:
From the opening tip, Arizona’s priority was to disrupt Kansas’s ball movement and eliminate touches in the paint. In the first meeting, Flory Bidunga exploited Arizona’s interior, dominating the glass and generating extra possessions. Seeking revenge, the Wildcats conceded perimeter looks and funneled possessions toward Peterson. Kansas accepted those chances early, but open shots failed to fall. Defensively, the Jayhawks struggled to contain Arizona inside; mistimed doubles and well-timed screens created mismatches and clean looks. Arizona controlled the paint throughout the half, outscoring Kansas 24–10.

Photo Cred: KU Sports

Peat’s impact was immediate on both ends—anchoring the paint defensively and attacking inside offensively. Arizona’s transition game surged, holding the Jayhawks scoreless for over five minutes during a blistering 21–2 run. Kansas couldn’t find rhythm, fouling on defense and turning the ball over on offense. Arizona’s elite defense held Kansas to just 10 points at the 10-minute mark. Midway through the half, Kansas adjusted, slowing Arizona’s pace and forcing the Wildcats into more set-heavy possessions. Arizona grew sloppy with fouls, allowing Kansas’s guards to attack the rim. Peterson and Melvin Council Jr. combined for 20 of Kansas’s 28 first-half points. Even with a late lull, Arizona carried an 11-point lead into the locker room, 39–28.

Second Half:
After a disastrous opening half—Kansas shot just 29%—an offensive push was required to stay within striking distance. Peterson answered, scoring the Jayhawks’ first seven points while his teammates went scoreless for the first five minutes. Arizona responded by doubling Peterson, forcing the ball out of his hands. That adjustment briefly backfired as Kansas found rhythm through ball movement, cutting the deficit to two.

Photo Cred: Big News Network

Arizona recalibrated, leaning into its strengths. After missing several threes, the Wildcats attacked the paint and reasserted their suffocating defense, igniting a decisive 19–2 run that effectively iced the game. Peterson checked out with more than five minutes remaining as Arizona built an 18-point cushion. The Wildcats drained the clock, extended the margin to 23 in the final minute, and closed out an 84–61 victory.

Overview:
Kansas failed to match Arizona’s intensity, allowing the Wildcats to attack the rim, draw fouls, and dominate the paint. The Jayhawks committed 21 fouls, sending Arizona to the line 34 times, compared to just 11 free throws for Kansas. Kansas’s big men were largely neutralized—every first-half point came from guards. Rebounding proved decisive: Kansas lost the battle by eight in the first half and by 14 in the second. Arizona center Motiejus Krivas collected nine second-half rebounds, while Braden Burries led all players with 12 despite standing just 6’4”.

Arizona’s tempo overwhelmed Kansas from tip-off, handing the Jayhawks their worst loss of the season by 23 points. The win further strengthens Arizona’s grip on the Big 12 race, eliminating Kansas and Iowa State from contention. The remaining challengers are Arizona, Houston, and Texas Tech, with the Wildcats controlling their destiny. A single win in their next two games clinches the conference. Arizona faces Iowa State on Monday, while Kansas heads to Tempe to take on Arizona State.

Free Agency Fallout: Cap Space, Contenders, & New Blood

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James McCaffrey

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March 2, 2026

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NFL draft season is in full swing, with the final day of the NFL Scouting Combine set for March 1. Free agency opens ten days later on March 11, and that period has become just as important as the draft itself. Last year, it allowed the Chicago Bears to completely rebuild their offensive line, which had been putrid the prior season. Through several key acquisitions, the unit immediately became a top-five group in the league and served as a driving force behind the team’s overall turnaround and success, alongside new head coach Ben Johnson.

Photo Cred: The Sporting News

The NFL has also announced that the salary cap will increase by $22 million for the upcoming season, an 8% jump from 2025. Most teams near the top of the cap-space rankings are struggling franchises in the midst of rebuilds, but there are a few notable exceptions. One is the Los Angeles Chargers, who rank in the top five in cap space for the second straight offseason with roughly $100 million to spend. LA is coming off two consecutive 11–6 seasons and back-to-back Wild Card round losses, and they have several important free agents to address. Retaining edge rushers Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh will be critical if the defense is to remain a top-ten unit next season.

Their starting left guard, Zion Johnson, is expected to command around $20 million per year, placing the Chargers in a difficult position. Johnson has been mediocre through his first four seasons as a former first-round pick. It’s forcing the team to choose between overpaying an average player or letting him walk and hoping to upgrade through free agency or the draft.

Complicating matters further, LA also desperately needs a center and right guard. The interior of their offensive line has ranked among the league’s worst for two consecutive seasons. The most likely path is letting Johnson go, signing one high-end guard or center in free agency, and attempting to fill the remaining holes through the draft.

The Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams also rank in the top ten in cap space, which should concern the rest of the league given that they were arguably the two best teams last season. The Rams are especially well positioned, holding two first-round picks while bringing back virtually every key player and coach from last year. They can build on a ready made team to make one more Super Bowl run their QB.

That continuity comes after offseason concerns that league MVP Matthew Stafford might retire and that offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase and defensive coordinator Chris Shula could depart after drawing multiple head-coaching interviews. Their situation is reminiscent of the 1996 Broncos, who exited the playoffs early before rebounding with dominant back-to-back seasons in 1997 and 1998, winning the Super Bowl both years and sending MVP quarterback John Elway out on top.

Seattle faces a different outlook after losing offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who accepted the head coaching job with the Las Vegas Raiders. He will be replaced by Brian Fleury, who has never called plays before. The Seahawks finished last season as the 11th-ranked offense, so expecting them to replicate a 14–3 season and another Super Bowl run appears unrealistic. A modest step back seems likely, while the Rams appear poised to take another step forward.

NFL Scouting Combine Results

By

Stephen Patrick

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March 1, 2026

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Here’s a summary of key 2026 NFL Scouting Combine stats and top performances from the workouts in Indianapolis.

🏃‍♂️ Fastest 40-Yard Dash Times

Brenen Thompson (WR, Mississippi State): 4.26 seconds — fastest overall at the combine.
Arvell Reese (LB, Ohio State): 4.46 seconds — tied fastest among defenders.
Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State): 4.46 seconds — led multiple drills for his group.
Other notable times: Kaleb Elarms-Orr (LB, TCU): 4.47.

⚡ Record-Setting Performances

Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon) ran 4.39 seconds in the 40 (fastest 40 ever by a tight end at the combine) and posted a 43.5″ vertical jump & 11′-1″ broad jump.
Eli Stowers (TE, Vanderbilt) set an NFL combine record with a 45.5″ vertical jump and posted an 11′-3″ broad jump.

🎯 Other Standout Measurements

Bryce Lance (WR, North Dakota State):
• 40-yard dash – 4.34 seconds
• Vertical – 41.5″
• Broad jump – 11′-1″
• 10-yard shuttle – 4.15 seconds (one of the top marks)
• Estimated athleticism score among WRs: 99.

🔁 Running Back Testing

Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame): 4.36 seconds in the 40-yard dash (top for RBs).
Demond Claiborne (RB, Wake Forest): 4.37 seconds.
Other RB drills showed solid 10-yard splits and overall athleticism.

🧠 Quarterback Combine Stats

Cole Payton (QB, North Dakota State) ran 4.56 seconds in the 40 and posted a 40″ vertical and 10′-10″ broad jump, ranking him among the top athletic QBs tested.
Taylen Green had a reported 40 time ~4.36 seconds along with elite jumps for a QB (though this report isn’t from the official combine timing).

🧪 Defensive Line / Front Seven Metrics

Zane Durant (DT, Penn State) — 4.75-second 40 (quick for a DT).
Other linemen and linebackers posted competitive 40 times, verticals, and agility drills across the group.

Young Depth Delivers as Marquette Secures Long-Awaited Road Win

College

By

Charles Burgess

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February 25, 2026

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Young Pieces Propel Marquette Toward Victory

Coach Shaka Smart can breathe a bit easier after his team secured its first road win in 360 days. Injuries disrupted the flow of the game for both sides. Marquette’s ascending forward Royce Parham experienced back spasms during warmups, while Chase Ross exited late after falling awkwardly on his shoulder. Georgetown Hoyas suffered a major blow as guard KJ Lewis left the contest in the first half and later appeared on crutches during the second half. Regardless, Marquette’s incredibly balanced offensive attack was more than enough to propel the Marquette Golden Eagles to victory.

Photo Cred: Anonymous Eagles

What We Liked

Parham’s absence created ample opportunities for young players to gain valuable experience. Demarius Owens received his first career start and did not disappoint. The athletic sophomore showcased his defensive versatility, locking down both guards and forwards throughout the night. Nigel James continued to prove his stardom, finishing with an efficient 20 points on 56% shooting. James also delivered another highlight-reel moment—a stadium-silencing windmill dunk with five minutes remaining.

As noted, Marquette’s offense came from all angles. The win marked the first time all five starters scored in double figures since the second game of the season against Southern University Jaguars. Opponents have increasingly keyed in on James defensively, and Georgetown was no different. The Hoyas alternated between 2–3 and 1–3–1 zone looks to throw multiple defenders at him. In response, Marquette consistently moved the ball, shooting an efficient 51% from the field and 33% from three.

Though Ross took a scary fall with just one minute left, it appears he will be alright. The play initially looked vicious, but trainers were able to pop his shoulder back into its socket. While lingering pain is likely, he appears to have avoided significant missed time.

Photo Cred: Field Level Media

Areas for Improvement

While the win was an undeniable step in the right direction, no performance is flawless. Parham’s absence revealed holes in Marquette’s frontcourt. His development has given James a reliable pick-and-roll partner and added a needed physical presence inside. Without him, Marquette lacked toughness in the paint and struggled to control the glass. With frontcourt depth already a question since the departure of Oso Ighodaro, Smart will need to bolster the big-man rotation for Marquette to truly compete in the Big East.

Women of Troy Extend Win Streak With 66–59 Victory Over Wisconsin

By

Emily Nichols

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February 21, 2026

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LOS ANGELES, CA – USC entered the Galen Center with high hopes of extending its five-game winning streak. After early-season struggles with injuries and young leaders adjusting to new roles, the Trojans have found their footing, securing a smooth 66–59 victory over Wisconsin. The first quarter proved to be slow for USC, as the Trojans were outscored 6–4 in the opening six minutes.

Photo Cred: USC

Following key adjustments, USC took control of the game, gained the lead over Wisconsin, and never looked back. Freshman Laura Williams played a pivotal role for the Women of Troy, recording career highs with 14 rebounds and four blocks. Williams recently returned to action after sitting out last season due to injury.

“Laura [Williams] was an absolute dynamo on the boards with a career high in blocks,” said USC head coach Lindsey Gottlieb. “She is only a redshirt freshman coming off an injury, so everything’s new. Her instincts have always been good. Her athleticism is elite, her length, and just her will.”

USC entered halftime with a 30–22 lead. The Trojans continued to dominate in the second half, with Wisconsin trailing closely but unable to keep pace. USC outmatched the Badgers, who struggled against the Trojans’ fast-paced ball movement. Davidson led the Women of Troy with 24 points, followed by senior Kara Dunn’s 14 points.

“I think we’ve gotten a lot better with execution, and the team is starting to understand the progression of reads,” Gottlieb said. “We didn’t make enough shots tonight, but our execution was key because when you’re not making shots, you can still execute out of bounds, and that makes a difference.”

The fourth quarter concluded smoothly as USC maintained its steady lead. The Lady Badgers made a late push, but it was not enough to overcome USC’s strong offensive performance, as the Trojans closed out the victory. The evening also marked Cancer Awareness Night, with sophomore Kennedy Smith and coach Beth Burns spearheading a fundraiser for Play4Kay, the largest fundraising initiative of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.

Photo Cred: USC

“[It’s a] special day to be able to play for things that are bigger than ourselves,” Gottlieb said. “[We’re] proud of the fact that we’ve raised a bunch of money, led by Coach [Beth Burns] and [Kennedy Smith], to help preventative options and screenings for women in underserved communities to get the testing that they need. It’s always great to win on the pink game.”

Both teams face major matchups ahead, as USC Trojans women’s basketball heads to Columbus, Ohio, to take on Ohio State Buckeyes women’s basketball on Sunday, Feb. 22. Wisconsin will travel across town to face UCLA Bruins women’s basketball on the same day. March Madness is almost upon us.

What To Look At for These Eastern Conference Contenders

By

Earl Spence

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February 20, 2026

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Photo Cred: NBA

All-Star Weekend has officially wrapped up in the NBA as the season resumes tonight. The Eastern Conference remains as wide open as ever, but which teams are best positioned to take advantage—especially those benefiting from injuries that impacted last season? Several teams now have a clear opportunity to capitalize in the second half of the year.

Eastern Conference

Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons own the East’s best record at 40–13 and have controlled the top spot all season. Led by Cade Cunningham, a two-time All-Star, Detroit is ushering in a new era of basketball. Last season, the Pistons made a surprising postseason push, finishing 44–38 as the sixth seed.

As the final stretch approaches, Detroit will be without Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart for a few games due to suspensions stemming from a brawl against the Charlotte Hornets. Experience could be a factor for this group, as their biggest flaw remains the lack of a true secondary scorer. While Duren has made a leap, he isn’t known as a go-to offensive option. When the game slows down in the playoffs, who will step up to help Detroit make a deep run?

Photo Cred: Detroit Bad Boys

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have endured a roller-coaster season. They won the NBA Cup earlier in the year but also suffered a stretch where they lost nine of 11 games. Heading into the All-Star break, however, New York rebounded by winning 10 of its last 12.

The Knicks made key moves by trading for Jose Alvarado and signing Jeremy Sochan after he was waived by the Spurs. Alvarado fills in for Miles McBride, who is out with an ankle injury but could return before the postseason. Jalen Brunson continues to lead the way, with pressure at an all-time high. Karl-Anthony Towns is the X-factor—when he’s on, the Knicks are extremely difficult to beat. New York has depth, but the key question remains: can anyone besides Brunson consistently score late in games? If so, the Knicks may be the favorite to come out of the East.

Boston Celtics

It has been a surprising season for the Boston Celtics, as few expected them to currently sit as the second seed. Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles last postseason and has missed the entire year so far. In his absence, Jaylen Brown has played at an MVP level, averaging a career-high 29.3 points per game.

Boston addressed its frontcourt by acquiring Nikola Vučević from the Chicago Bulls at the trade deadline. Over the summer, they moved on from key contributors Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis, both members of the 2024 championship team. Encouragingly, Tatum has begun controlled 5-on-5 scrimmages with the Celtics’ G League squad. With strong depth—including Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Jordan Walsh, Neemias Queta, and Sam Hauser—it wouldn’t be shocking to see Boston make another deep playoff run.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers made a bold, win-now move by trading Darius Garland for James Harden. Since the deal, Cleveland is 3–0. Evan Mobley is expected to return tonight against the Brooklyn Nets after missing time with an injury.

Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell is playing arguably the best basketball of his career, averaging 29.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. Cleveland also bolstered its depth by trading De’Andre Hunter for Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis. The Cavaliers are legitimate contenders, but questions remain: will chemistry hold up down the stretch, and could another playoff disappointment lead to future changes?

Wild Cards

Several teams have flashed potential but remain held back by youth, injuries, or inconsistency.

Toronto Raptors feature two All-Stars in Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, but their young core—Jamal Shead, Gradey Dick, Collin Murray-Boyles, and Jakobe Walter—still needs development. Toronto may be a year away but could make noise.
The Philadelphia 76ers are enjoying a resurgence behind Tyrese Maxey, who is having a career year, and Joel Embiid, who has recently looked like his old self. Rookie VJ Edgecombe appears to be a future star. The concern remains injuries and uncertainty surrounding Paul George, whose suspension and long-term contract loom large.
The Orlando Magic have also been hurt by injuries. After trading for Desmond Bane, Orlando hoped to boost its offense, but the star duo of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner has been inconsistent. With Wagner now out indefinitely due to ankle soreness, can the Magic re-enter the Eastern Conference race?

0.1% Chance Teams

The teams with the slimmest but not impossible paths forward include the Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets, and Atlanta Hawks.

Miami finds itself in the play-in tournament once again and, despite being linked to the Giannis sweepstakes, remains a team nobody wants to face. The Hornets are 9–1 over their last 10 games, with LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel leading a young core that could push for its first playoff appearance since 2016. Atlanta, led by Jalen Johnson, is entering a new era, but their ceiling likely tops out at the eighth seed—raising the question of whether that will be enough.

NFL Women’s Forum Presented by AWS Returns at the 2026 NFL Combine to Connect Women with Professional Opportunities in Football

By

Stephen Patrick

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February 18, 2026

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NEW YORK – Feb. 18, 2026 – The NFL will host its tenth annual NFL Women’s Forum presented by Amazon Web Services (AWS) on February 24 in Indianapolis during the 2026 NFL Combine as part of league-wide efforts to make football inclusive for all. The program connects 40 women across college football roles to leaders in professional football providing knowledge and networking opportunities for careers in scouting, data & analytics, coaching and football operations.

Since the Forum began in 2017, 450 participants have gone through the program with over 250 opportunities created for women in all levels of football — including fellowships, internships, full-season roles, training camp opportunities, promotions and more. Currently, women are represented in all 32 teams’ scouting departments and the NFL has more women in coaching roles than any male professional league in the world. During the 2025-2026 season, the NFL had 39 women in scouting and scouting related positions and 23 women on coaching staffs across clubs – both figures are a record for the league.

Over the Women’s Forum ten-year history, its past participants have gone on to become the first female positional coach in college football history (Heather Marini), the NFL’s first black female scout (Salli Clavelle) and coach (Jennifer King), a Super Bowl winning coach (Autumn Lockwood) and one of the league’s first Latina coaches, (Isabel Diaz). Additionally, over the past 5 years, there has been a 289% increase of women in football operation and coaching roles, while a total of 358 women are in football operations and coaching roles this season.

“As the NFL advances the game of football on and off the field, the Women’s Forum is a key component of how the league opens doors and expands pathways to opportunity,” said Jonathan Beane, NFL senior vice president of league leadership and inclusion. “Each year, the Forum propels more women into roles across all levels of football, and we are proud to support its growing impact.”

As the presenting sponsor of the NFL Women’s Forum, AWS will host a roundtable with NFL leaders to provide participants an introduction to data-driven decision making and its applications across various areas of football including scouting, player personnel, football administration, coaching, equipment, football operations and player health and safety. Since 2017, the NFL has leveraged AWS’s artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) services to innovate together to shape the future of football. By collaborating on the Women’s Forum, the NFL and AWS aim to empower participants with the knowledge necessary to leverage data and analytics to optimize their impact on the game.

For the third year in a row, the NFL will honor the life and legacy of Buddy Teevens, former Dartmouth College head football coach and advocate for the inclusion of women in football, with the presentation of the Buddy Teevens Forward Progress Award Presentation. Alongside Women Leaders in Sports, the NFL has developed a specialized curriculum for this year’s Women’s Forum participants.

The Forum will take place during the NFL Combine and feature candid conversations, panel discussions and roundtable networking with NFL executives, coaches, media personalities and representatives from across all 32 clubs. For the first time, the Forum will include a fireside chat with Indianapolis Colts owners and sisters Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, all representing a new generation of women in leadership. The chat will be moderated by sports media personality and Indianapolis Colts legend, Pat McAfee. Additionally, the second panel discussion will take participants through the progress of women in football since the inception of the Women’s Forum ten years ago. This conversation will be led by NFL Network’s Kimmi Chex and speakers will represent six different teams and three generations of women in football.

Full schedule and speakers are outlined below. To learn more about this year’s participants and programming, visit the link here.

2026 Women’s Forum Agenda

Tuesday, February 24 – Indianapolis, IN
(Times outlined are in Eastern Standard Time)

10:00-10:15 a.m. Opening Remarks: Welcome to the 2026 Women’s Forum presented by AWS

10:20-11:00 a.m. Setting the Tone from the Top: A Fireside Chat

Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Colts Owner & CEO

Casey Foyt, Colts Owner & Executive Vice President

Kalen Jackson, Colts Owner & Chief Brand Officer

Moderated by Pat McAfee, Host of the Pat McAfee Show

11:05 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. A Decade of Progress: How Three Generations of Women in Football Was Born

Isabel Diaz, Indianapolis Colts

Jennifer King, North Carolina Central University

Chesney McClellan, Las Vegas Raiders

Joy Tapajcik, Cleveland Browns

Ashton Washington, Chicago Bears

Milli Wilson, Buffalo Bills

Moderated by Kimmi Chex, NFL Network Talent

11:40 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Buddy Teevens Forward Progress Award Presentation

*Speaker attendance is subject to change

For media RSVPs to the NFL Women’s Forum, please contact A’Maiya Allen AMaiya.Allen@nfl.com

For more from NFL Communications, visit media.nfl.com

2026 NFL Draft: Elite Talent & Franchise Changing Prospects

By

James McCaffrey

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February 17, 2026

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As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, analysts are buzzing about one of the most intriguing and deepest prospect classes in recent memory. The NFL Scouting Combine is on the way with hundreds of prospects meeting teams in Indianapolis. Clubs around the league are beginning to dial in on players who could shape their futures—from potential first-round stars to key depth pieces in the middle rounds.

At the top of many draft boards is Rueben Bain Jr., a disruptive defensive end from Miami Hurricanes who grades out as one of the class’s most complete defenders. Known for his explosive first step and relentless motor off the edge, Bain is consistently ranked near the top of overall boards and could be the first player selected in April. Close behind is Caleb Downs, the versatile safety from the Ohio State Buckeyes who has impressed scouts with his range, football instincts, and ability to impact both run support and coverage.

Rueben Bain Jr. draft profile: Freeney comparison, stats & analysis - CBS Sports

Downs has the blend of athleticism and playmaking ability NFL defenses covet and is widely considered a top-three pick by analysts. =Another elite prospect generating buzz is Jeremiyah Love, a dynamic running back from the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Love combines breakaway speed with receiving skills out of the backfield, making him a rare multidimensional rusher who can change the complexion of an NFL offense. Whether deployed as a traditional feature back or in a hybrid role, teams view Love as a top-tier offensive weapon.

Quarterback play is always a headline storyline in drafts, and Fernando Mendoza from the Indiana Hoosiers has emerged as one of the more intriguing signal-caller prospects. Standing 6’5” with a strong arm and a modern pocket presence, Mendoza’s blend of size and upside aligns with what many franchises seek in a future QB. Skill position players also anchor the top tiers of draft boards.

Carnell Tate (Ohio State) and Jordyn Tyson of the Arizona State Sun Devils offer length, contested-catch ability, and playmaking traits that translate well to the NFL, pushing wide receiver into one of the deeper position groups in this class. Offensive line prospects are no slouch either. Francis Mauigoa, a standout tackle from Miami, brings rare size, strength, and athleticism for the position. His place atop offensive line rankings has scouts buzzing about his potential to anchor a tackle spot early in the draft.

Carnell Tate Declares for 2026 NFL Draft, Where Does Ohio State WR Rank on Big Board?

Photo Cred: Bleacher Report

Defensive playmakers beyond Bain and Downs also populate early Big Boards. Linebackers like Arvell Reese provide sideline-to-sideline range, while cornerbacks such as Mansoor Delane and Jermod McCoy are valued for the coverage versatility that fits today’s pass-heavy schemes. This class is deep.

With 319 prospects invited to the Combine, this draft class runs deep at nearly every position—from receivers and defensive backs to frontline pass rushers and offensive linemen. Teams are still refining their boards, and as free agency and pro days unfold this winter, rankings will continue to shift. What’s clear is this: the 2026 NFL Draft class offers a compelling mix of elite talent at the top and strong contributors throughout, setting the stage for an exciting April where franchise futures will be shaped and fan expectations raised.

Seattle Seahawks Return to the Promise Land

By

James McCaffrey

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February 15, 2026

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The 2025 NFL season has come to a close, with the Seattle Seahawks capturing their second Super Bowl victory in franchise history. Much like their first title twelve seasons earlier in 2013, Seattle’s dominant, No. 1–ranked defense carried the team throughout the season. That 2013 unit memorably held a historically great Denver Broncos offense to just eight points. This time around, the Seahawks’ defense delivered a similar performance, stifling the New England Patriots and holding quarterback Drake Maye to 8-of-18 passing for only 60 yards, with no touchdowns and no points through the first three quarters.

Photo Cred: Forbes

Maye padded his numbers in the fourth quarter, going 19-of-25 for 235 yards and two touchdowns, but it all came in garbage time. This Seahawks victory has brought renewed focus to what truly wins games in the National Football League. Despite two decades of rule changes designed to favor offenses, defenses have been ascendant since 2022. During that span, total offensive production has declined sharply, as has the overall quality of quarterback play across the league.

The prevailing perception is that the NFL is an offense-first, quarterback-driven league, yet defenses continue to decide championships. This season underscored that reality: eight of the league’s top ten defenses reached the playoffs, and only three teams without a top-ten defense won a postseason game. None of those teams advanced past the divisional round. Even in today’s NFL the ability to consistently limit an opponent’s scoring remains a far more reliable path to winning at the highest level than relying on a high-powered offense.

Photo Cred:

An elite offense dragging along a bad defense is simply not sustainable in the playoffs. Eventually, something goes wrong: bad weather, an off day, or a defensive matchup that disrupts timing and rhythm. It is far easier for a mediocre offense to score 17 to 21 points a few times while a strong defense holds opponents to 13 or fewer—and provides favorable field position—than it is for a great offense to score on every possession because its defense can’t stop anyone.

Davidson Leads USC to Beat Indiana in 79-73 Victory

By

Emily Nichols

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February 12, 2026

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LOS ANGELES, CA – USC entered a tough matchup against Indiana University on Feb. 12. The Lady Trojans came in looking to keep a four-game winning streak alive after a season marked by injuries and the loss of key players. Indiana, meanwhile, hoped to extend its newly established three-game winning streak. USC ended that short-lived run with a 79–73 victory. Through it all, freshman Jazzy Davidson led the way with 24 points, followed by junior Kara Dunn with 16 points. Both players added six rebounds apiece.

Photo Cred: USC

“[Jazzy] makes ridiculous stats look fairly ordinary for her, and they’re not ordinary,” head coach Lindsey Gottlieb said. “Her impact on both ends of the floor as a freshman—we’re talking about overdelivering. To be a freshman and carry the load the way she does—we’ve seen for a long time she’s capable of doing almost anything on the basketball court.”

USC initially struggled, trailing Indiana 37–35 at the half. The Trojans had difficulty settling into their defense early, but they flipped the switch coming out of the locker room. The Women of Troy carried strong momentum into the second half, with Dunn opening the period with a three-pointer. USC outscored Indiana in the third quarter and built a 57–54 lead. USC owned the fourth quarter, maintaining a narrow advantage and using the free-throw line to secure the final victory.

“I’m proud of our fight and the way we got to the free-throw line,” Gottlieb said. “I appreciate the growth of the team and our confidence to get it done, even if it’s not always the prettiest. That’s something we’re proud of, and we’ll take the bye weekend to get better.”

The game marked Davidson’s team-high 24-point performance and her 22nd game scoring in double figures. Sophomore Kennedy Smith also surpassed 500 career points. The night was also special for USC, as the team sported JuJu Watkins’ debut Nike NXXT Gen shoe, created in collaboration with LeBron James. Watkins is the first athlete to co-create a basketball shoe within the Nike LeBron NXXT Gen line with Nike.

Photo Cred: USC

“I think it’s really been comfortability for me and the support of my teammates and coaches,” Davidson said. “They put all the confidence in me, and I’m really grateful for that.”

“Everyone is wearing the JuJu Watkins NXXT Gen collaboration with LeBron James,” Gottlieb said. “It was a really special day for the whole team to be part of her shoe release in Watts. It’s been an incredible journey with JuJu, her family, and her team at Nike and her agency. To have something be a first for women’s college basketball, we’re really proud—for her, for us, and for the authenticity of what she said she wanted to do, which was impact the community.”

“We took accountability and fought to get better,” Gottlieb added. “We’ve gotten people in rhythm together, and I’ve always believed the potential of this team is big. I think we’re clicking more now because of how we handled the losing streak.”

With confidence growing and chemistry strengthening at the right time, USC continues to show signs of a team finding its stride as the season progresses. Behind the steady leadership of its veterans and the emerging star power of its freshmen, the Women of Troy are turning hard lessons from earlier in the year into meaningful momentum. If the Trojans remain committed to the process and continue to build on performances like this, they appear well-positioned to make a strong push down the stretch and into postseason play.

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