Sports
NFL Execs, Coaches Identify 10 Breakout Players to Watch in 2026
Each year, a few young stars can make or break the NFL season. Nick Emmanwori, a rookie defensiveback with the Seahawks last year was an excellent example. As rookie starters, Quinyon Mitchel and Cooper DeJean cornered the Eagles to their second Super Bowl in 2024. Rashee rice, a rookie wide receiver and Trent McDuffie along with Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie were second-year cornerbacks who helped confirm the Chiefs’ dynasty in 2023.
Not all of the best performances happen during a championship year. Most don’t. We saw many first-year talent have fantastic seasons in 2025.
As part of Sports Illustrated’s training camp tour, I traveled the East Coast this summer and took note of the top rookies that I saw. In addition, I reached out to over a dozen people on the coaching staffs or in front office to ask their opinion on which first-year and second-year rookies they think are going to be breakout players.
The list below contains 10 names that you should earmark.
David Bailey, DE, Jets
The Jets selected Bailey as their No. Jets selected Bailey over linebackers Arvell reese, and Sonny Styles. Darren Mougey took a risk, but the early results show he will not regret his decision.
Bailey’s dominance in 1-on-1 reps during a practice joint with the Buccaneers was such that Luke Goedeke, right tackle got into an argument with him. The two got into a second fight, mainly because Bailey was winning the reps.
Goedeke should not feel guilty. Bailey, who graduated from Texas Tech in 2025, when he was the top player nationally with 14.5 tackles for losses and 14.5 sacks, has already looked like a first-round draft choice. Bailey recorded two tackles and his first sack against Pittsburgh during the preseason.
Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Buccaneers
Bain spent the majority of August warning offenses. Bain was criticized throughout the draft for having 30 7/8-inch arms. He is now showing that he may be an exception to the rule stating pass rushers must have longer arms.
Bain’s power was on display in Tampa Bay’s second preseason match against the Chiefs. He used an “inside hump” to send right tackle Kahlil Benjamin skating. Fans were reminded of the Miami years, when he had 9.5 sacks in his junior year. Bain regularly sat in the backfield of the Jets’ joint practice, both during individual and team exercises.
Bain, who is currently dealing with an injured MCL will start the match on one side with YaYa Diby and Al Quadin Muhammad rotating into position on the opposite.
Josh Cameron, WR for the Jaguars
Cameron has a fascinating name and is one of the Jaguars’ lesser-known wide receivers. Jakobi Meyers Parker Washington, Brian Thomas Jr.
The Baylor sixth-rounder has still made waves in Jacksonville. Cameron, who is 6’1″, 223 pounds, and will be a contributor on special teams, can also rotate into the offense. The 23-year old has a large frame, with the capability to block off defenders in particular in the red zones. Cameron’s Baylor career saw him catch 121 passes for 1,626 yard and 19 touchdowns.
Cameron was able to run with the first-team at times when Thomas and Meyers had injuries, and he performed very well. If Jacksonville needs to call on its depth in the season, Cameron’s name could be called.
Charles Demmings, CB, Vikings
They are searching for secondary players. Demmings may be the one they are looking for.
Demmings, a fifth-round rookie out of SF Austin has already shown promise. Demmings is not expected to start, as veteran Isaiah Rodgers will be ahead of him. However, he could play a bigger role if he builds more trust. Demmings, who is 6’1″, 193 pounds and can play an aggressive brand of football, which Brian Flores enjoys, has shown this throughout the camp.
Demmings, who is expected to be a key player for Minnesota as they try to stabilize the position in both the short-term and the long-term, should be watched.
Kaleb Elarms-Orr, ILB, Bills
Buffalo has talked about the new coaching team led by Joe Brady, and the offense that is infused with veteran receiver DJ Moore. Elarms Orr was the story of the camp, as he tried to make his way onto the roster.
Elarms Orr, a Horned Frogs senior, recorded 110 tackles. This included 11 tackles for loss, and four sacks. The 23-year old showed flashes as a pro in his first months playing for the Bills. Expect the rookie to get snaps with Terrel and Dorian Williams in Jim Leonhard’s 3-4 system.
Elarms Orr had a relatively low profile in the preseason with just three tackles. However, after a successful summer, you should keep an eye on the TCU product.
Matthew Golden, WR, Packers
Packers’ 2025 selection is the first player on this list who does not qualify as a rookie.
Green Bay made a major change to its receivers room this offseason by trading Dontayvion Wicks, and allowing Romeo Doubs leave in free agency for the Patriots. The Packers did this because they were confident in the other receivers, such as Jayden Reed and Christian Watson. Golden was also a viable option, but he only had 29 receptions on 44 targets, 361 yards, and no touchdowns.
Golden, who is now poised to play a larger role in Green Bay’s team, has stood out as one of the camp standouts. Golden will have plenty of opportunities to showcase his improvement from last year, as the Packers may throw more passes than usual with Josh Jacobs being on the Commissioner’s Exempt List.
Romello Height, DE, 49ers
The No. The long journey to the NFL began with the 70th pick of April. The defensive end played 50 games in six years of college at Auburn, USC Georgia Tech and Texas Tech. He also accumulated 16.5 sacks.
The Niners are confident that despite his preseason stats not being impressive, he will be a valuable player in the future. He hasn’t had the chance to show his full potential due to an ankle injury that he dealt with for most of August. In Week 1, he’ll get an opportunity to show off his skills when the 49ers play the Rams, the Super Bowl favorites in Australia.
Height is hoping that if things work out, both in terms of health and performance, he can complement Joey Bosa, Osa Odighizuwa, and help the Niners surpass their league low 20 sacks.
Anthony Hill Jr.
Hill was all over Tennessee’s field when Robert Saleh, the former defensive coordinator of the 49ers, visited.
Hill, a second-round selection out of Texas has been able to shine. Hill was asked to be an inside linebacker in the Titans final preseason match against the Bears. He showed off, making a total of six tackles including five solos. Hill had 13 tackles in the preseason and one interception. His collegiate career included 312 tackles for losses and 17 sacks.
Hill is a potential long-term solution for the Titans, who are retooling their entire roster. He will be competing with veterans Cedric Grey and Cody Barton to win snaps. Gray may be a rising star, and Barton a steady tackler with experience, but Hill’s potential will keep him on the field.
Ja’Kobi Lane is a Ravens wide receiver
Lane is one of the few rookies who has enjoyed more attention this summer. He comes from USC and will give Lamar Jackson a new weapon to use in Baltimore’s pass-attack.
The Ravens may have hit gold by selecting their third rounder. With Zay flowers and not much else to look forward to on the outside in recent seasons, they could be onto something. Lane impressed during the off-season and caught four passes this summer for 47 yards, as well as a touchdown. This included 38 yards in preseason’s opener against the Eagles.
Lane, who is 6’4″ tall and weighs 200 pounds, has shown that he can make acrobatic grabs while skying for the ball. This feat was repeated in training camp. Lane looked like he was ready to play when I watched a Ravens-Commanders joint practice in Baltimore. Flowers didn’t take part that day. He ran crisp routes and always gained separation.
Declan Doyle’s new offensive coordinator could see the direction of the team change if Lane becomes a weapon to Jackson.
R Mason Thomas DE, Chiefs
The Chiefs did something they never do: draft a small edge rusher with the 40th pick. The Chiefs drafted a smaller edge rusher with the No.
Thomas’ weight of 239 pounds is approximately 25-30 pounds less than that of the defensive end coordinator Steve Spagnuolo employed in Kansas City. This includes Frank Clark, Carlos Dunlap, and George Karlaftis. Early results suggest that the Chiefs would have been better off considering this option sooner.
Thomas was destructive all through the preseason. Thomas has four tackles in three games. He’s also had three quarterback hits and two passes defended. The Chiefs are hopeful that they have found a player who is able to create chaos on the other side of Karlaftis. Chris Jones, a perennial All-Pro, will be working in the interior.
Thomas, along with fellow rookie corner Mansoor delane will likely buck the trend.
Sports
Ice Spice Sports Red-Hot Tattoos Under Her Backside, Social Media Is Thirsty
Ice Spice kept busy with singles in the past year, and fans are eagerly awaiting her follow-up album to 2024’s major label debut. She set off the Internet after she debuted a pair tattoos under her rearside, and online fans have joined in the excitement.
Ice Spice, 26 shared on Facebook a photo of a tattoo beneath her lower thigh that read “Saint” and ‘Sinner’ in bright red. The cursive writing was dramatic.
Ice’s caption reads “For the Love of the Game,” but the message is unclear. The New York rapper is clearly visible in the video because of her bottom, and we think that’s what’s causing the fans’ rabid response.
Ice has not revealed the reason for revealing his tattoos. It’s also unknown if this means that new music will be released soon. It has however highlighted the fact that people on Internet streets are feeling Ice Spice.
See the reaction below.
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Photo: Getty
Sports
College Football Rankings: Where Michigan Landed After Its Week 1 Hail Mary Win
You’ve been watching Michigan for two years if you feel that it can’t seem to do anything without provoking controversy.
The Wolverines were able to pull off a victory by stealing a second from their opponent’s clock. The result is accepted by all official parties. Fans of college football are another story.
Now the Wolverines face Oklahoma, which will bring a team with more talent and better defensive capabilities to the Big House. This is a much better program than Kyle Whittingham’s squad that showed up in week 1. Dare I say, this is because the rest of the college football world is helping the Sooners avenge a perceived wrong. Michigan shouldn’t have lost Saturday night. The Sooners can turn the sentence above from conditional to declarative.
Here are the top 25 rankings for Week 1 before we start Week 2.
Week 1 game: 13-12 win vs. Western Michigan
Michigan beat a Broncos squad that was not even in the same weight category as it. Quarterback Bryce Underwood looked shook. The Wolverines had three turnovers and he was responsible for both. His Hail-Mary touchdown to win the match can be mostly attributed to chance. The Wolverines will not be saved by luck when they play Oklahoma on Saturday.
Week 1 game: 38-0 win vs. Fordham
It’s hard to beat them. The only FBS program to have never lost an FBS match — clever, I know — is looking like it’s going to run the table after two games.
Week 1 game: 56-9 win vs. Furman
Faizon Brandon, the Vols’ first-ever true freshman quarterback since 2004, finished the game with 13 completions on 17, 294 yards total and 5 touchdowns. Watch him closely.
Idaho wins 66-14 in Week 1.
Utah scored 633 total yards in the opener of the new season, with 364 being on the ground. Idaho only managed 225. It could be an offensive powerhouse this year.
Week 1 game: SMU vs. Florida State | Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
SMU and Florida State will play on Monday, so my rankings for Week 1 will be updated accordingly.
Washington State wins 24-10 in Week 1.
Demond Williams, Jr. has done that Kyler Murray trick I have been telling you for over a year. This game was 17-10 up until two minutes before the end because Huskies were as disorganized as puppies: twelve penalties totaling 130 yards is enough to lose in Big Ten games.
Week 1 game: 66-21 win vs. Florida Atlantic
The Gators of Jon Sumrall put up 624 yardage against the Owls. Jadan Baugh, the running back for the Gators, showed that he is one of five top tailbacks with 160 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Week 1 game: 33-20 win vs. Oregon State
Conner Weigman looked the part of a Big 12 championship-contending quarterback for Houston after completing 20 of 30 pass attempts for 305 pass yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Week 1 game: 54-14 win vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Austin Simmons, the Tigers’ quarterback, made a great debut. Austin Simmons completed 17 out of 19 passes, resulting in 252 yards and four touchdowns.
Marshall wins Week 1 match 45-0
Matt Campbell’s Nittany Lions are tied with the number one scoring defense in the country, even though they have a brand new coach and more than 60 new players. The Nittany Lions will enter Week 2 tied for the No.
Week 1 game: 63-7 win vs. Utah Tech
In their first game, the Cougars rushed for 308 yard.
Week 1 match: Abilene Christian wins 33-10
Will Hammond, quarterback of Texas Tech looked like a man in leading the Big 12 champions defending with an outstanding performance. He completed 26 out of 33 passes with 298 yards and a touchdown with one interception.
East Carolina wins 48-10 in Week 1.
Keelon Russel, the Alabama quarterback who is aiming to lead his team to its first SEC title since 2023, had a stellar debut. He racked up 256 yards passing and 86 yards rushing.
Week 1 game: 41-38 vs. Louisville
Louisville did not just collapse when quarterback Trinidad Chambliss found his form. Eight penalties, including four within six minutes in the fourth quarter, contributed to Louisville’s collapse and Ole Miss’s season opening win. Chambliss also put up Heisman stats, including more than 300 yards passing, 50 yards rushing, and four touchdowns.
Week 1 match: 51-0 victory vs. UTEP
With true freshman Noah Best at the center, and 170 yard rushing game with the Sooners’ ground attack that could be worth bragging in SEC games.
Week 1 game: 39-0 win vs. Fresno State
Is it important that less people have watched the Trojans in two games at the Coliseum (104 and 158) than saw Penn State against Marshall on Saturday (108,489)? Angelinos don’t care about college football.
Week 1 game: 50-0 win vs. Missouri State
Ampersand U won its first shutout of the season since 1993 (24-0, LSU).
Week 1 match: Clemson wins 51-10
Amateurs only.
Stanford wins Week 1 match 45-6
Malachi Toney, the Hurricanes’ wide receiver, became the first since LSU Malik Nabers’s 180-yard performance in one halves. He also had two touchdowns on receptions. He had 11 receptions for 229 yard, 3 touchdowns, and a lead early in Heisman Trophy discussion.
Wisconsin wins 41-13 in Week 1.
CJ Carr, Notre Dame’s quarterback, found the weak spot in Wisconsin’s defense – the middle of field. He and the Fighting Irish pelted the Badgers until they broke under the pressure of keeping up with a Notre Dame team that clearly was punching above its weight, even in Wisconsin.
Week 1 match: Texas State wins 59-7
Texas has talent. Texas has talent. Texas is capable. But will it be mentally strong enough to beat the AP No. The No. The answer is only a few short days away.
Week 1 game: 34-27 win vs. Boise State
Oregon has survived. They get to remain here for the time being. Are Boise State’s one-loss team to Oregon more worthy of a CFP invitation than North Dakota State, which is undefeated? I’m just throwing out a thought. The Broncos are owed $1.4M by the Ducks for the threat they pose to the College Football Playoff chances.
Tennessee State wins 63-3 in Week 1.
This isn’t John Merritt Tennessee State but any college football defense can limit a team to just 10 galling rushing yards in 60 minutes. Kirby Smart and his Dawgs achieved this feat in the opener.
Week 1 match: Ball State wins 56-3
Jeremiah Smith, the Buckeyes’ wide receiver, did not waste any time in reminding people why he is the top player in football. He had eight catches in one-half of the game for 151 yard and two touchdowns.
Week 1 match: North Texas wins 52-16
The Hoosiers conceded more than they did to North Texas, which is rebuilding — and at home! The Hoosiers gave up more points to a rebuilding North Texas — at home! The Big Ten championship game was played against No. Curt Cignetti and I both dislike that.
Sports
Michigan-Western Michigan: Inside how Broncos leadership accepted controversial loss to Wolverines
Lance Taylor, who was in Western Michigan’s football facility on the day after Western Michigan’s devastating loss to Michigan, attended a university press conference called by the president of his school. The purpose: To discuss the most unlikely and controversial finish in the history of college football.
Russ Kavalhuna, WMU’s president said: “Truly, I think he’d rather train with his children.”
Western Michigan’s head coach and president spent an hour with reporters. They repeated a common theme, after Big Ten officials decided that one second was to be added to the clock as a result of re-watching the replay, which led to Michigan’s Hail Mary victory 13-12.
Kavalhuna stated, “I’ll say that I have looked at this fairly closely and was a former federal prosecutor.” I don’t see anything wrong or unfair in the process. Could the process be made better by making sure that what is seen by the public and what officials are reviewing the video match? Maybe. “Frankly, it’s not up to me.”
Western Michigan chose acceptance and understanding in a sport that has become a place where players and conferences are suing each other, schools are suing conferences and schools sueing conferences. Western Michigan has the most compelling case to be outraged, yet its president and coach chose peace even when people in the football program demanded more anger.
Kavalhuna explained that “our students, our coach and the university we work for live in a society where we do not always get our way.” Kavalhuna said, “It’s a chance for us to demonstrate that we don’t always get what we want. We live in a world where people aren’t happy with what they have. We will move on. “We can use this to strengthen us.”
One second can change everything
Michigan was victorious Saturday after officials who reviewed the replay restored one second of the clock to the timer following an incompletion Hail Mary that seemed to have ended the game, with Western Michigan winning 12-7. Bryce Underwood, after the Big Ten reviewed the play, was allowed one last shot. He found JJ Bucanan among a crowd of players at the middle front of the endzone for the 47-yard game-winning touchdown. Two hours after the match, the conference issued a press release along with a video showing what their officials saw. They determined that Broncos Safety Micah Davis – a former Michigan scout-team player – leaped out of bounds and touched the football with just one second left.
What is the reason for the lack of time displayed on the game clock during NBC’s broadcast? Kavalhuna said to CBS Sports that the school had not talked to NBC.
In a Sunday afternoon statement, NBC explained that “Our cameras (NBC) are not the official arbiter for timekeeping in the game.” This is Big Ten’s and the game officials responsibility.
According to the Big Ten, the decision was based on a direct view of the stadium clock synchronized via strobes with the broadcast cameras and replay system, 85 minutes prior to the match. NBC’s broadcast of the national game had already reached zero. The broadcast clock was different from the one in the replay centre.
Western Michigan was a 4-touchdown underdog when it entered Michigan Stadium and won for the majority of the evening. Kavalhuna claimed that the Broncos “dominated for forty minutes” after Michigan’s first touchdown.
WMU chooses acceptance over outrage
Western Michigan’s president claimed he had spent hours in Ann Arbor, Michigan Stadium after losing the game looking for ways to challenge it. At 1 a.m., he spoke to MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher before speaking with Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti.
Kavalhuna stated that there are currently no appeals for either the Big Ten or MAC. I had asked if a review system should be implemented, but it is not.
How to turn disappointment into an opportunity
Taylor and Kavalhuna discussed the game for nearly an hour and answered reporters’ queries Sunday afternoon. The players were taught to use the failure as an opportunity to learn about life.
Taylor replied, “because life isn’t always fair.” You don’t get every promotion you desire. “You don’t get the promotion you want even if you are the best qualified. You worked very hard to earn it.”
Even so, it doesn’t remove the pain or belief that some people have that they had been wronged. They believe that Western Michigan won the match.
Kavalhuna stated, “Maybe it’s true that they were unfair. But this is an opportunity to move forward.” Western Michigan University is known for teaching people to take a punch in the face and gut and get back up. That’s exactly what we will do.
In a press release issued after Big Ten released a video explaining the process of review and the audio and video from the center, the MAC expressed its gratitude to the Big Ten, accepted the explanation and Steinbrecher congratulated Michigan.
Taylor stated, “Even though they didn’t agree with us on everything, they still cooperated.”
Both men said that they did not believe the decision was right, but they both firmly supported the Big Ten system and its integrity. They both said that people from Western Michigan wanted to push the issue Saturday night.
Kavalhuna said in an interview with CBS Sports on Sunday that “there are many people who are asking us to strike out. That’s not something Broncos does.” We’ll go ahead and show that we are the superior team.
Taylor stated that “there were many people upset because we did not address this issue more”. I didn’t speak out more strongly in my presser or on the table. “We stood up for our team and our players and our children, as well as for the integrity and fairness of the game. We wanted to know why the call was made and if it was correct.
Western Michigan knew the result of this game would remain unchanged.
Kavalhuna explained that when people feel they have been unfairly treated, they don’t appreciate the situation. It would be bad management to keep looking backwards and trying to find a solution to the problem.
Taylor took ownership of the defeat, as he had done just minutes earlier at the post-match press conference. He said that Western Michigan could have won the game before it got to a Hail Mary. He also said that his clock management could’ve been improved.
Taylor stated that “the refs didn’t cost the game and making excuses allows us to remain bitter rather than improve.” Taylor said, “I think we should aim to be that football team.”
Taylor held a Sunday morning meeting with his team’s staff and leadership council. He also planned an afternoon team gathering. After winning the MAC title by winning 10 out of 11 games in 2025, the Broncos have the best chance to do so this year.
Taylor stated, “I believe that on the national stage our team proved to be able to play against anyone in the nation.”
There are still other hypotheticals and obstacles to be considered. What will the College Football Playoff Selection Committee do if Michigan’s loss is a factor in determining whether the Broncos get a spot on the playoffs, versus another Group of Six team or an envious Power Four program with multiple losses?
I’d describe the football match as a game between two strong teams. Michigan is a great team. Kavalhuna said to CBS Sports that he thought Western Michigan was a good team. “I don’t think they’ll even consider that a defeat, but I wouldn’t call it anything else than a great loss. I have never lost a game as bad as going to the Big House as 28-point underdogs and controlling the ball that way, winning for 60 minutes, and then losing at the very last second.”
Sports
Has National Championship picture in college football already changed after a stunning first week?
The 2026 college season has only just begun, but already the picture of playoffs and the National Championship is upside-down. After some surprising performances, the power balance within both the top conferences may have changed.
The Indiana Hoosiers, defending national champs who finished a season 16-0 and recruited another impressive class of transfer players under Curt Cignetti were expected to be the Big Ten Champions, but the Ohio State Buckeyes or Oregon Ducks have been the favorites.
Ohio State delivered on its promise with a resounding victory over Ball State. The Buckeyes were far from the top team, yes, but they did what was needed as the number one nation’s team for their first game. Oregon, though? No, not exactly.
OREGON RALLIES FROM A SLOW START AND THWARTS BUILDING STATE BOISE’S UPSET Bid In Season Opener
After a Broncos’ field goal, the Ducks were tied at the end of just eight minutes after the Boise State first-half. After a touchdown drive that gave Oregon a lead of 34-27, their defense tightened up and won with two consecutive stops. The Ducks were more dominant than their score indicated. Boise State was only allowed 4.2 yards per play on average, while the Ducks had an eight yard per play average. The Ducks averaged 10 yards passing per pass attempt, and had 28 completions out of 38 attempts, for a total 378 yardage. They also added three sacks, four tackles, and a loss for gain on the defense. Ducks supporters can take heart from the close scoreline, as they feel that their team “deserved” to win.
Michigan and USC are two of the teams in the Big Ten’s “second tier,” who have been hoping that coaching changes and an extra year to develop their starting quarterbacks would make a difference. SC hired defensive coordinator Gary Patterson in order to make the Trojans’ defensive unit champion-quality. After a turbulent year following the dismissal of Sherrone Moor, Michigan hired Kyle Whittingham, Utah’s head coach, who is known for being consistent and steady.
The results of the two races on Saturday could not have been any more different.
No one who has watched Michigan outside of fans, believes they won at the last second against Western Michigan. The Broncos were better, but they couldn’t keep the Broncos off the field. They also benefited frequently from questionable officials. It took a Hail Mary that shouldn’t have been necessary to win. The Wolverines’ offense was only 276 yards, even with the 47-yard touchdown pass. Home. Western Michigan is a 28 point favorite.
CLOCK CONTROVERSY ALLOWS MICHIGAN WOLVERINES TO AVOID MASSIVE UPSET AGAINST WESTERN MICHIGAN
Again, they averaged 5,8 yards per game, including the 47-yard passing. Bryce Underwood looked terrible, despite making a lot of money from a highly-publicized recruiting battle. Underwood completed 11 of 21 passes for 123 yard, excluding the Hail Mary. At home, against Western Michigan. Ann Arbor has long been proud of the Michigan running game. It had 16 running back attempts for 59 yard. Home. Against Western Michigan. Jalen Buckley, the Broncos’ running back, had 19 attempts for 62 yard. All by himself.
Ask Notre Dame 2024. They lost to Northern Illinois 16-14, but then went on to play in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Michigan is not a contender to make the playoffs, as most people consider their performance a failure. They also have a difficult schedule, with games next week against Iowa, Penn State and Indiana as well as Ohio State and Oregon.
USC, though? The defense delivered the performance that fans had been waiting for.
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Fresno State may not be Oregon but it was expected that the Bulldogs would be among the best Group of Six squads. The Bulldogs finished the 2025 season with a 9-4 record, beating Boise State by 30-7 and Oregon State by 36-27. They were considered a contender for the G6 Playoffs in the new Pac-12 Conference. Greg McIlroy, an analyst at ESPN, picked them to be near the top.
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The Trojans pushed them to the sidelines. SC was a 21-point favorite, but outgained Bulldogs by 552-116. The Bulldogs averaged 8.1 yard per play while only allowing 2.6. Fresno dominated the offensive statistics in the final drive against SC’s backups. The Trojans’ defense allowed less than 50 yards of total offense at the halfway point in the fourth quarter. They also averaged 1.7 yards per offensive play. Fresno State doesn’t belong to the FCS. The team was ranked No. They were ranked 73rd in the preseason SP+ ranking, which is one of best available analytics-based rankings systems. This is ahead of Stanford, USF and Iowa State.
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USC also has some tough games ahead against Oregon, Washington and Penn State. But if their defense is real, then they could be “back” in a flash.
LSU WON A REVIVAL AND CLEMSON WAS IN A FUNERAL: KIFFIN’S DEBUT SENDS A CLEAR MESSAGE TO COLLAGE FOOTBALL
The LSU Tigers were the clear winners of the weekend. Lane Kiffin’s debut was perfect despite the controversy that surrounded the program. LSU destroyed Clemson who had no offensive ability and were barely able provide any opposition on the defensive side. They treated Clemson like a FCS and cemented their place as the top SEC contenders along with Texas, Georgia, and Georgia.
Week one didn’t decide anything, but the playoff picture was already rearranged. LSU and USC may be more competitive than anticipated, and provide more of a challenge to Ohio State and Georgia.
Oregon “deserved” to win the championship, but they are a little further from being championship-caliber than most expected based on Dan Lanning’s talent. If poll voters had been honest, Michigan deserved to be dropped from the top 25.
Sports
Martin Brundle: George Russell must question Mercedes over Italian GP VSC call
Martin Brundle, former Formula 1 driver for Sky Sports and Sky Sports’ analyst Martin Brundle says that George Russell should get an answer from Mercedes about a strategy involving a virtual security car which could have cost him the Italian Grand Prix.
Russell was on track to close the gap between himself and his teammate Kimi Anthonylli, who is also a championship contender. While Russell was out in the virtual safety-car period on his hard tyres, Antonelli had to be brought back for new mediums. The 20-year old used his tyres to climb back up and win his own race.
Brundle said, “George Russell has had a difficult day.” He will need to sit with the team and discuss how that happened. I led the race. “Why was it that I wasn’t given the cheap and preferential pit stop here?
Russell had a great opportunity to reduce the distance in the standings after Antonelli was penalized by a power-unit penalty during the Italian Grand Prix.
Brundle said that Brundle had added, “George’s chance to address the deficit grew as the World Championship approached.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, George Russell, Mercedes
Sam Bagnall via Getty Images.
Naomi Schiff, a Sky Sports commentator and former W Series driver, echoed Brundle. I think he is probably also questioning his own abilities and wondering why he didn’t get a better advantage.
But I believe that in hindsight he’ll ask questions like ‘Why didn’t I get pit time during the VSC’?
The victory could have been saved by a new set of tires.
Antonelli now has a lead of 66 points over Russell, the second-placed driver, after claiming his seventh F1 victory at Monza.
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Fall Movie Guide 2026: Here are the films coming out through November
