The argument over the greatest mens college basketball player ever never really ends. It just shifts to a new barstool, and any credible list has to run through the same core group of legends.This one sticks to what they did on campus: awards, numbers, dominance in their own era and how much they defined the sport while they were actually in school. Pro careers do not matter here.MORE: ESPNs Dick Vitale blasts NCAA for college basketball tournament expansionWe start at 25 and work our way to the top spot, where a 7-foot-2 skyhook still casts a pretty big shadow.25. Patrick Ewing, Georgetown (198185)Patrick Ewing was the anchor of the Georgetown program that came to define 1980s college hoops. He played in three national title games, won one in 1984 and was the defensive terror in the paint opponents game-planned around every March. He was a three-time first-team All-American, a two-time Big East Player of the Year and the face of coach John Thompsons intimidating Hoyas.24. Anthony Davis, Kentucky (201112)Anthony Davis only needed one season, but he squeezed a full legacy into it. He was a consensus national player of the year, SEC Player of the Year and the centerpiece of a 382 Kentucky team that won the 2012 national title. His offensive numbers (14.2 points, 10.4 rebounds per game) were good; his defensive impact (4.7 blocks per game) was smothering. The image that sticks is him blocking everything in sight in New Orleans, even on a night when he barely scored in the title game.23. Bill Bradley, Princeton (1962-65)A Rhodes Scholar on his way to a long career in the U.S. Senate, Bill Bradley stopped off to lead the Princeton Tigers to three Ivy League titles and a berth in the 1965 Final Four. The 6-foot-5 forward averaged 30.2 points and 12.1 rebounds for his career. He was a two-time All-American and the 1965 national player of the year. Bradleys 58 points during a third-place game against Wichita State remains the second-most points ever scored in an NCAA Tournament game.22. David Thompson, NC State (197275)Before the dunk was legal, David Thompson was already playing above the rim. The 6-foot-4 wing led NC State to an undefeated season in 1973 and a national championship in 1974, ending UCLAs run of seven straight titles in the process. He was a three-time first-team All-American and a two-time national player of the year, a vertical threat in an era that did not quite know what to do with him. Thompson averaged 26.8 points per game for his three-year career, including 29.9 points per game in his final season.21. Shaquille ONeal, LSU (198992)Shaquille ONeal did not win a title or a national player of the year award, but good luck finding a more overwhelming physical force in the college game. At LSU, he averaged a double-double (21.6 points, 13.5 rebounds) across three seasons and led the nation in rebounding in 1990-91. His sophomore year, he put up massive scoring (27.6 points per game) and rebounding (14.7 rebounds per game) numbers and turned routine SEC games into events.20. Kevin Durant, Texas (200607)Kevin Durant is another one-and-done whose single season forced his way into the all-time conversation. As a freshman with the Texas Longhorns, he averaged over 25 points and 11 rebounds per game, was a unanimous national player of the year and made it look almost casual. At 6-foot-9 with guard skills and deep range, he simply did not look like anything the Big 12 had seen before.19. Oscar Robertson, Cincinnati (195760)Before he was the triple-double machine in the pros, Oscar Robertson was a scoring and playmaking force at Cincinnati. He led the nation in scoring three straight years, averaged 33.8 points per game for his college career and collected three national player of the year awards. Titles eluded him, but the all-around production was unmatched for his era.18. Austin Carr, Notre Dame (1968-71)Austin Carr was a scoring machine during his three years with the Fighting Irish, averaging 34.6 points per game. During his final two seasons in South Bend, the 1971 national player of the year averaged 38.1 and 38 points per game, respectively. Carr seemed to be at his best when the lights were brightest. He scored an NCAA Tournament-record 61 points in a first-round game against Ohio State in 1970 and averaged 41.3 points per game in tourney contests. Carr poured in 46 points in January 1971 when Notre Dame handed UCLA its only loss of that season.17. Bill Russell, San Francisco (195356)Bill Russell was a defensive and rebounding monster who turned a small program into a national power. San Francisco won back-to-back national championships in 1955 and 1956 and rattled off a 55-game win streak with Russell protecting the rim and controlling the glass. Russell averaged 20.3 rebounds for his three-year career, just short of his 20.7 scoring average. Official blocks were not tracked back then, which actually understates how thoroughly he controlled games.MORE: Top 10 most-watched games of the 202526 mens college basketball season16. Danny Manning, Kansas (198488)Danny Mannings entire college career was excellent, but his senior season is why he shows up this high. The 1988 Danny and the Miracles run is one of the best solo-driven title stories in the sport. Manning averaged 24.8 points and nine rebounds per game as a senior and led a 6-seed Kansas team past higher seeds round after round, winning Final Four Most Outstanding Player and national player of the year. Manning turned in a 31-point, 18-rebound classic in the title-game victory over the rival Oklahoma Sooners.15. Tim Duncan, Wake Forest (199397)Tim Duncan stayed four years and kept getting better. By the time he left Wake Forest, he was a two-time ACC Player of the Year, a national player of the year and one of the most fundamentally sound bigs the college game had seen. He led the country in rebounds (14.7 per game) as a senior, blocked shots (3.8 per game for his career) without chasing them and carried the Demon Deacons to multiple tournament runs.14. Michael Jordan, North Carolina (198184)The pro legacy can overshadow the college version, but Michael Jordan was very good long before Chicago. He hit the game-winner for the Tar Heels in the 1982 national title game as a freshman, then grew into a national player of the year by his junior season. At UNC he was an efficient scorer, elite defender and part of one of the most talented college rotations ever. Coach Dean Smiths system kept his raw numbers modest but his impact obvious.13. Grant Hill, Duke (199094)Grant Hill was the ultimate do-everything forward on a Duke team that became the defining program of the early 1990s. He played in three national title games, winning two, and ended his career as a consensus first-team All-American. He defended multiple positions, handled the ball, scored when needed and made the kinds of plays, like his 1991 dunk against Kansas, that stick in tournament highlight reels for decades.12. Christian Laettner, Duke (198892)Christian Laettner might be the most hated player ever, a badge of honor that speaks to how much he won. Duke went to four straight Final Fours with him, winning back-to-back titles in 1991 and 1992. He hit the iconic turnaround jumper against Kentucky, finishing 10-of-10 from the field and the free-throw line in the 1992 Elite Eight, and was a two-time national champion, Final Four MOP and national player of the year.11. Ralph Sampson, Virginia (197983)Ralph Sampson is the rare player who won three straight national player of the year awards. At 7-foot-4 with soft touch and mobility, he was nearly impossible to handle in the early 1980s. Virginia never broke through for a national title, but the Cavaliers were a consistent top program because Sampson controlled both ends averaging 16.9 points, 11.4 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game for his career and made the Cavaliers a must-watch team.10. Pete Maravich, LSU (196770)Pete Maravichs numbers still look made up. He averaged 44.2 points per game for his career and won three scoring titles, and he did it without the 3-point line or shot clock. He won multiple national player of the year awards after the 1969-70 season and was a three-time consensus All-American. Maravich turned LSU into a scoring show. The defensive side was another story, and team success was limited, which keeps him just outside the top 10 here.9. Jerry Lucas, Ohio State (195962)Jerry Lucas was a dominant inside presence for an Ohio State program that lived at the top for three years. The Buckeyes won the 1960 national title and went to the title game the next two seasons. Lucas was a two-time national player of the year, a Final Four MOP and a relentless rebounder who combined touch, positioning and strength. Lucas averaged 24.3 points and 17.2 rebounds for his career.8. Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina (200509)Tyler Hansbrough is the face of four-year dominance in the modern era. He left UNC as the ACCs all-time leading scorer (and still holds the record with 2,872 career points), a four-time first-team All-American and a national champion in 2009. He won every major national player of the year award in 2008, played with a constant edge and seemed to seek out contact rather than avoid it.7. Larry Bird, Indiana State (197679)Larry Bird took a mid-major program to the sports biggest stage. In 1979 he led Indiana State to a 330 start and a national title game appearance against Magic Johnsons Michigan State Spartans, a game that helped launch the modern era of the sport. Bird averaged a double-double for his career (30.3 points, 13.3 rebounds), collected national player of the year honors and did everything for the Sycamores: score, rebound, pass and control tempo.6. Bill Walton, UCLA (197174)Bill Walton was the dominant big man on a UCLA machine that was already rolling when he arrived and somehow got better. He led the Bruins to two national titles and a 73-game win streak, won two AP national player of the year awards and put together what is still one of the best title game performances ever with a 21-of-22 shooting night during a 44-point performance against Memphis State in 1973. Walton averaged 20.3 points and 15.7 rebounds per game for his career.5. Elvin Hayes, Houston (196568)Elvin Hayes was a scoring and rebounding force for Houston and a central figure in one of the most important regular-season games the sport has seen, the 1968 Game of the Century against UCLA in the Astrodome. He dropped 39 points and 15 rebounds that night in front of a massive crowd and a national TV audience. For his career he averaged 31 points and 17.2 rebounds per game. Hayes carried Houston to the 1967 and 1968 Final Fours.4. Magic Johnson, Michigan State (197779)Earvin Magic Johnson turned Michigan State into a national powerhouse and helped change how big guards were used. At 6-foot-9 running point, he orchestrated the Spartans 1979 national title run and recorded 24 points, seven rebounds and five assists in the championship game against Bird and Indiana State. Over two seasons, he was an All-American, the Big Ten player of the year and the engine of a team that dictated tempo on its terms.3. Jerry West, West Virginia (195760)Jerry Wests college legacy is built on scoring, clutch play and a sustained run of excellence. He averaged 24.8 points and 13.3 rebounds per game for his career, unusual numbers for a guard, and led West Virginia, hardly a blue-blood program, to the 1959 national title game. He was a two-time consensus first-team All-American and shared Final Four MOP honors in that 1959 run.2. Wilt Chamberlain, Kansas (195658)Wilt Chamberlains college numbers are almost as cartoonish as his pro stats. He averaged 29.9 points and 18.3 rebounds per game at Kansas. Chamberlain led the Jayhawks to the 1957 national title game, a triple-overtime classic won by North Carolina. He was an All-American and a matchup nightmare in an era that had no real physical answer for a player with his size and athleticism.1. Lew Alcindor, UCLA (196669)Lew Alcindor, who later changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, was so dominant that the NCAA banned the dunk after his sophomore season. That pretty much sums it up. UCLA went 882 in his three varsity seasons and won three straight national titles. He was a three-time national player of the year and a three-time Final Four MOP, averaging 26.4 points and 15.5 rebounds per game while basically breaking the sport for a few years.

Advanced stats say this Guardians slugger is primed for a big second half originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Cleveland Guardians are right in the thick of things in the American League Central. While they have the same number of wins as the Chicago White Sox, the Sox edge out the Guardians in terms of win percentage.And with the return of Munetaka Murakami, Cleveland knows they are going to have to be at their best the rest of the way out if they want to overtake the South Siders.Luckily for the Guardians, they did just get back their big bopper, Jose Ramirez, after he spent a good chunk of time on the IL after fracturing his left hamate bone during a swing. An injury that has become quite common across hitters.MORE:Guardians' Gavin Williams achieves rare Immaculate Inning vs. TwinsAdvanced stats say this Guardians slugger is primed for a big second halfOne player who may not be the biggest name, but is certainly known around Cleveland, is Brayan Rocchio. He has been playing well this season and could be one to watch during the second half.With his elite glove and hot bat, Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly projects he could have a massive breakout the rest of the way."Not only does Rocchio have 10 outs above average at shortstop, but he's driven in 47 runs and has a 3.1 WAR. According to FanGraphs, Rocchio's WAR is tied with All-Star CJ Abrams, and among qualified shortstops, trails only Bobby Witt Jr., Otto Lopez and Elly De La Cruz. Despite currently having a neutral run differential, the Guardians find themselves atop the AL Central with the White Sox. Rocchio's strong all-around campaign is a major reason why."Rocchio is a big reason why Cleveland has remained competitive this season, and he could be a major reason why they either win the division or hold onto one of the top wild-card spots in the AL.More MLB news:Yankees can pivot to .712 OPS Reds catcher if Ryan Jeffers, Hunter Goodman trades don't work3 Cubs hitters who could be logical trade targets for MarinersMariners' Emerson Hancock rumor throws twist into Luis Castillo trade talksBrayan Bello continues to thrive in relief as Red Sox face another roster decision

Milan sign Troyes Sankhoun Diawara, player to join first-teamSerie A side Milan have signed a possible replacement for Strahinja Pavlovic, with Troyes talent Sankhoun Diawara having arrived on a permanent deal.Rangers had tried to sign the defender and were offering an attractive project that wouldve drafted him directly into the club first-team.La Gazzetta dello Sportnote that after a push, Milan have secured Diawaras services. Initially, they had played to have him as part of the Futuro side but the clubs management have decided to make him a part of the first-team, as someone who will replace Pavlovic in the future.The two players are very similar left-footed and tall, while possessing a reliable ability on the ball. Milan want to see Diawara grow into the player the Serbian is, with the player expected to cost around 3 million.Good, ambitous dealFor quite a while, it seemed like Rangers would seal the move. Milans plan suggest a long-term plan which they also somewhat followed for Davide Bartesaghi and their academy graduates in recent years have done quite well. Diawara comes at a key point in his career and Ruben Amorim likes the profile of young defenders that can play on the left side of the back three. This will put him in good stead during his time at the Rossoneri.Kaustubh Pandey GIFN

Nic Scourton injury update: Latest news on Panthers LB carted off field in tears after 'significant' knee injury originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.On Thursday, Carolina Panthers linebacker Nic Scourton went down with what appeared to be a serious right knee injury.The 2025 second-round pick was reportedly in tears and could not put any weight on his right leg, according to Cameron Wolfe. Scourton underwent tests to determine how severe the injury was and how long his absence will impact the team's defense.Tests revealed the worst: a torn ACL for the second-year player, which would sideline him for the entire 2026-27 season.Here's the latest on Carolina's young defensive starter going down on the first day of training camp.MORE:Which NFL teams earned the best offseason grades?Nic Scourton injury updateOn Thursday morning, news broke regarding Scourton's injury during the first day of the Panthers' training camp. The linebacker went down and was carted off after being unable to put any weight on his right leg, according to Cameron Wolfe.Nic Scourton was unable to put any pressure on his right leg. It appears significant. Trainers were looking at his right knee. Teammates near him were very emotional with their frustration.Scourton, 2025 2nd rd pick, had 5 sacks last year & was expected to have huge Year 2. https://t.co/V0rb0X6Prr Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) July 23, 2026The 2025 second-round pick underwent tests after the injury, where it was shared that the linebacker would be out for the entire 2026-27 season with a torn ACL, according to Ian Rapoport. Scourton will also receive a second opinion; if his torn ACL is confirmed, he will get surgery, per Rapoport.#Panthers promising young LB Nic Scourton, who went down in practice with a knee injury that left him in tears, suffered a torn ACL, sources told me and @CameronWolfe. Hes done for the season. pic.twitter.com/7zf0bpFWNb Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 23, 2026Along with Scourton being moved to tears, his Carolina teammates were reportedly "very emotional with their frustration," and the entire team came to give him an embrace before he left.Here's what Panthers head coach Dave Canales said about the injury, including that he didn't want to speculate.Dave Canales said Nic Scourton will undergo testing this afternoon, on what appears to be a right knee injury.I asked him about the decision to stop practice for teammates to see him off.I just know how much these guys mean to each other. #Panthers | @wsoctvhttps://t.co/tAqKDfm9hYpic.twitter.com/YMc8MMzctz DaShawn Brown (@DaShawnWSOC9) July 23, 2026MORE:Grading every team's NFL free agencyWhat happened to Nic Scourton?During team drills on the first day of Carolina's training camp, Scourton reportedly went down with a right knee injury. The 21-year-old was heading into his second season in the NFL after accumulating 47 tackles and five sacks during his rookie season.According to Canales, the linebacker underwent further tests to determine what the specific injury was and how much time he will miss, per Adam Schefter. It was later determined he had torn his ACL and would miss the entire 2026-27 NFL season.Panthers HC Dave Canales said LB Nic Scourton suffered a right knee injury and he will undergo additional testing to determine the severity of the injury. Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 23, 2026MORE:Is Tom Brady actually joining the WWE?Nic Scourton statsGamesTacklesSoloAssistSackForced fumbles1747202751

NEW DELHI: India captain Shreyas Iyer reserved special praise for teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the 15-year-old produced a breathtaking match-winning knock to power India to a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the opening T20I in Harare on Thursday.Sooryavanshi smashed 50 off just 19 balls, bringing up his maiden international half-century in only 18 deliveries as India chased down 126 in just 13.2 overs. The left-hander's explosive innings also saw him become the youngest player in men's international cricket to score a fifty, eclipsing a record previously held by Nepal's Kushal Malla.Following the emphatic victory, Iyer was full of admiration for the teenager's fearless approach."He is fearless, the way he approaches the innings is amazing. He possesses immense confidence when he steps onto the field," Iyer said after registering his first victory as India's T20I captain.A perfect response after a quiet England tourSooryavanshi's international career had begun quietly earlier this month during India's tour of England, where scores of 14, 13 and 15 saw him dropped for the final T20I as India lost the series.However, a return to the Harare Sports Club where he had blasted 175 off just 80 balls in the Under-19 World Cup final earlier this year proved to be the perfect stage for the youngster to announce himself.ALSO READ:Sooryavanshi's emotional 'A' celebration steals hearts after historic world-record fifty - WatchAfter taking four deliveries to settle in, Sooryavanshi launched a stunning counterattack. He hammered four boundaries and four towering sixes, dismantling Zimbabwe's bowling attack with a fearless display of strokeplay.His innings effectively ended the contest inside the Powerplay before Richard Ngarava eventually dismissed him one ball after he reached his half-century.Ishan Kishan (35) and captain Iyer (28 not out) then completed the chase with ease.Iyer celebrates first win as India captainThe victory also marked a significant personal milestone for Iyer, who finally tasted success after enduring a difficult start to his tenure as India's T20I captain.Having lost all seven of his previous matches in charge during tours of Ireland and England, the 31-year-old celebrated his maiden win as skipper in style.Iyer praised both his bowlers and batters for executing the team's plans perfectly."Exceptional. They were tremendous in their execution. Can't be more happier to get my first win," he said.The captain also explained his decision to bowl first after winning the toss."I was anticipating the bounce and there was a decent amount of bounce. Exceptional start given by Mayank. Didn't give them room," he said.Mayank Yadav set the tone by dismissing Brian Bennett with the very first ball of the match before finishing with two wickets, while Prince Yadav also claimed two scalps as Zimbabwe were restricted to 125 for seven. India then made light work of the chase thanks largely to Sooryavanshi's stunning assault.

TAMPA, Fla. -LSU linebacker Whit Weeks couldn't help but grin in anticipation.When asked about a rare visit by Texas football to Baton Rouge, La., on Nov. 14, Weeks reeled off the reasons why the game seems special for both fan bases during an interview Thursday at the SEC's media days.Senior night for the Tigers in Death Valley, the locals' preferred moniker for Tiger Stadium; the final home game for the Tigers; Texas quarterbackArch Manning's first game as a starter in his home state.Oh, and a late-season meeting between two teams with expectations for an SEC championship and a College Football Playoff berth."That's going to be a fun one, for sure," said Weeks, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound senior who returns as one of the best linebackers in the SEC. "Death Valley will be rocking. I mean, two legendary programs going at it. What more could you ask for?"MORE: 'We respect that team': What Texas A&M football players, Mike Elko had to say about UT Linebacker Whit Weeks of the LSU Tigers speaks at the SEC's media days at Tampa Marriott Water Street on July 23, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Parker S. Freedman/Getty Images) (Parker S. Freedman/Getty Images) The Longhorns could ask for more success when it comes to Death Valley. Texas leads the overall series 9-8-1 but has won just once in five games in Baton Rouge. But only the most seasoned Longhorn fans remember those trips to the bayou; Texas hasn't visited Tiger Stadium since the second of back-to-back games in 1953.LSU linebacker TJ Dottery admitted to some bias but said the Tigers have the best home-field advantage in the SEC. Tight end Trey'Dez Green said his team has "one of one of the best fan bases, if not the best fan base, in college football."GOLDEN: Will the Texas Longhorns, Steve Sarkisian ever solve the Kirby Smart riddle?"They (the Texas Longhorns) have an amazing program over there," Green said. "They have a wonderful team. But they're coming to Death Valley. They just can expect a heck of a game, man."And what does Green think about the homecoming of sorts for Manning?"I know Arch is a good player," he said. "I've been watching him. I'm not really on the media like that, but I've seen him," he said. "How could you not know about him?Sign up for the Daily Briefing from the Austin American-Statesman. Start your day with the must-read headlines from Austin's most trusted news source.This article originally published at Why LSU football eager to welcome Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns to Death Valley in 2026.

TAMPA, Fla. If the rest of the world could be as normal about Arch Manning as he is, there never would have been Heisman Trophy expectations at the beginning last season or a bandwagon exodus of insane proportions when he looked like a typical first-year starting quarterback for nearly half the season.Manning didnt ask to be anointed as the biggest star in college football before proving anything on the field, but it defined everything about the reaction to Texas 2025 season. From the crush of publicity in August, to the doom-and-gloom that followed early losses, to the idea that Texas was wronged by the College Football Playoff committee after finishing with a flourish, every narrative turn felt emotionally overwrought.Now, as Texas enters another season with a loaded roster and a Manning-led offense, one of two things will happen: Either we will learn that the expectations came one year too early or we are about to make the same mistake twice.I think last season he found out a lot about himself, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday at SEC media days. Any time were faced with adversity and we get on the other side of it, you gain confidence. I think you see a different leader in him. The work ethic hasnt changed, but I think the ability to lead vocally is much different than before and I think hes very comfortable with who he is.With Manning returning for his second go-round as a starter, arguably the most dangerous (and expensive) wide receiver room in college football and a defense that All-American edge rusher Colin Simmons called stacked, Texas will enter the season right there with Georgia as favorites to win the SEC and among the small group of teams that could contend for the national title.Those expectations feel legitimate. Some programs can boast about their continuity with returning players, while others derive hope from what they got out of the transfer portal. Texas is one of the very few that, at least on paper, can marry both.But it really comes down to this: Is Manning going to be who everyone thought he was?The goal is to get more comfortable in the offense every day, and I think going through game experience last year has helped me, Manning said. Were trying to get more comfortable every day going forward.Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning ended last season with a flourish and is a Heisman Trophy favorite heading into this season. (Scott Wachter-Imagn Images)IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / ReutersManning did not come to SEC media days with a bunch of spicy one-liners. He answered every question but mostly kept it brief and noncontroversial. If you were comparing it to a round of golf, he seemed determined to hit a lot of 3-irons off the tee.In Mannings world, however, steady and boring must seem like quite a relief from the circus that engulfed him last year as he was struggling and social media decided he was an overhyped bust.I tried to stay away from the media during it, but you know, I wasnt playing very well, he said. People have opinions and they shared them, and thats totally fine. But I think I learned a lot about myself and Im trying to have a good year this year.Manning may have been able to block out some of the noise when Texas was 3-2 to start last season, but the level of scrutiny was almost unprecedented. College athletes rarely become lead debate topics on the ESPN morning shows, but Mannings stardom reached such a level that any mention of him could drive ratings and Internet pageviews especially when he was playing poorly.With the amount of money college athletes make these days, you can argue its fair game. It was jarring to watch Manning unable to make basic plays against Ohio State one minute, then see him starring in Warby Parker commercials the next.But at the same time, Mannings rsum 12 months ago did not justify being a preseason Heisman favorite or the crashout when he didnt meet that standard right away. Take away his last name, and he would have simply been viewed as a very good recruit with minimal game experience in his first two seasons, playing behind a shaky offensive line, who was probably going to need some adjustment time as a starter.Arch Manning wasnt going around posting on social media [that] Im going to be the first pick or Im going to be the Heisman Trophy winner, Sarkisian said. Quite frankly, he just worked really hard and tried to be the best player and teammate he could be. Then he doesnt play great and we dont play great and he takes, in my opinion, some real tough criticism and some would say disrespectful criticism. because he didnt live up to what they thought he was going to be.What he got put through probably would have destroyed 99 percent of people in his shoes.Manning wasnt destroyed. In fact, he progressively got better at taking care of the football (just two interceptions over the last seven games), improved his accuracy on short and medium throws and had a much better feel for when to run, which was a key factor in wins over Texas A&M and Michigan to end the season.By the end, the pendulum had swung all the way from Hes a bust! to If he wanted to enter the draft, he might be QB1! While both extremes were unfair, having the Manning name on the back of his jersey means the temperature will probably be a little hotter or colder than reality most of the time.Theres always going to be outside opinions of that guy, and that comes with the territory, Sarkisian said. He understands that. But I think he learned a lot about overcoming adversity and his teammates. I think right now hes a very dangerous player because of what he learned from last season.A dangerous player, perhaps, but not one who has truly arrived yet. Yes, given the trajectory he was on at the end of 2025, Manning deserves to be thought of as one of the more promising quarterbacks in the country. Theres a lot to like.But Manning still has not demonstrated that hes an elite college player. There were a couple times at the end of last season when he looked like he was on the cusp, but theres also a chance he struggles against Ohio State in Week 2 and we're right back in the same toxic place we were a year ago.Ultimately, it's up to him whether the Heisman/No. 1 pick talk comes to fruition.And its up to the rest of us not to overreact positively or negatively to every plot twist in his story.

No matter what position of strength the UFC finds itself in, the promotion constantly faces questions about what the future looks like, and what fighters will be part of it.There have been times throughout history when it has felt like the UFC had star names in hefty supply. At other moments, their well has seemed drained, and there's cause for concern about which athletes will carry the sport.As the UFC sits in mid-2026, there's an argument to be made that the truly valuable names on the roster are in questionable supply. That means it's an important time to distinguish who will be the immediate faces of the UFC in the coming years.That was a focal point of discussion between MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn and longtime combat sports analyst Luke Thomas on "The Bohnfire" podcast, with the pair ranking their individual top 10 of the most valuable UFC fighters as of July 2026.Check out the video above for the full discussion and rankings from Bohn and Thomas.This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Video: Ranking the UFC's most valuable fighters of 2026

BOSTON: Ranger Surez of the Boston Red Sox poses for a photo at Fenway Park before a press conference announcing his contract agreement on Jan. 21, 2026. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe Boston Red Sox made it clear last winter that pitching would be the key to their 2026 season. Their pitching performance during a recent record 15-game winning streak proved the plan was prudent.The Red Sox gave up only 32 runs during the streak, an average of 2.13 per game. Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow was the architect of the blueprint. Even when his job appeared in jeopardy when the Red Sox tumbled into last place with a 2-8 start in April and stayed there, he remained confident that good pitching could turn it all around. He told Kaley Brown of Boston.com on June 26:We have to win a lot of baseball games and we dont have a ton of time to do it. I believe that were capable of doing it. Its going to require more consistent play on the field. But I see no reason that with the pitching that we have and the consistency of the starting pitching, with the strength of the backend of the bullpen, we cant get ourselves in a position where we do win these games.Guess what? Since waking up on June 25 with a 32-46 record, the Red Sox went 20-2 until dropping the second game of a doubleheader to the Baltimore Orioles on July 22. They outscored the opposition 115-44 in the wins and were outscored 18-3 in the losses.Overall, Boston has allowed 381 runs, fewest in the American League.The Pitch For PitchingA year ago, Boston claimed a wild-card spot in the playoffs with an 83-79 record. The Sox scored 786 runs, third in the AL, and allowed 676, fifth fewest.Breslow added first baseman Willson Contreras from St. Louis and third baseman Caleb Durbin from Milwaukee in off-season deals, but his main focus was on upgrading the entire pitching staff. The plan to pile up premier pitchers to help veteran ace Garrett Crochet (18-5 in 2025) and closer Aroldis Chapman (32 saves in 2025) was steadfast. Boston added, in order:NEW YORK: Sonny Gray of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the New York Mets at Citi Field on July 10, 2026. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)Getty ImagesNov. 25: RHP Sonny Gray in trade from Cardinals.Dec. 4: RHPs Johan Oviedo and Tyler Samaniego in trade from Pirates.Dec. 10: RHP Ryan Watson in trade from Athletics.Dec. 15: LHP Jake Bennett in trade from Nationals.Dec. 18: LHP Alec Gamboa signed minor-league contract.Jan. 9: RHP Tayron Guerrero signed minor-league contract.Jan. 21: LHP Ranger Suarez signed for five-years, $130 million.Mar. 13: LHP Danny Coulombe for one-year, $1 million.Mar. 19: RHP Tommy Kahnle signed minor-league contract.All of these pitchers worked during the recent streak, though Coulombe and Kahnle were recently released. Kahnle subsequently re-signed a minor-league deal with Boston and is at Triple-A Worcester (MA).In addition, Patrick Sandoval made his Red Sox debut on July 9. The lefty signed a two-year, $18.25 million contract with Boston in December 2024 and missed all of 2025 and the first half of 2026 rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.CHICAGO: Patrick Sandoval makes his much-awaited debut with the Boston Red Sox against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on July 9, 2026. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)Getty ImagesA five-game win streak June 25-29 signaled something big was on the horizon. It started with a four-game sweep of the New York Yankees Bostons first four-game wipeout of their arch-rivals since August 2018. The Red Sox tacked on a 6-3 win over Washington before the pitching went sour for two games, 8-1 and 10-2 loss to the Nationals.Then came nine consecutive road wins. Boston gave up only 14 runs (1.55 a game) in winning three apiece over the Los Angeles Angels, Chicago White Sox and New York Mets. The Red Sox scored 48 runs (5.33 a game).Back at friendly Fenway Park, The Sox swept four from the first place Tampa Bay Rays by an accumulated 28-10 score and beat Baltimore in two see-saw battles, 6-5 and 6-3.The streak tied the team record for consecutive wins set 80 years ago. Boston was in first place every day in 1946 and went 104-50. Their Opening-Day 6-3 triumph at Washington was sparked by a home run by Ted Williams.It Was Not EasyThe streak was accomplished without five men expected to team leaders in 2026. That includes Alex Cora, who guided the Red Sox to a World Series win in 2018 but was fired as manager with a 10-17 record. Ironically, it came after a 17-1 win at Baltimore. Chad Tracy has managed them to a 42-32 record since.Oviedo pitched only 3 2/3 innings after being acquired. He hurt his right elbow on March 30, has avoided surgery and recently resumed throwing on the sidelines.BALTIMORE: Garrett Crochet of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 25, 2026. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)Getty ImagesCrochet went 3-3 before being shut down April 29 with an inflamed left shoulder and lat muscle strain. He recently said he may not pitch again this season unless Boston makes the playoffs.Shortstop Trevor Story has been out since May 14 after hernia surgery and said today he hopes to start a minor-league rehab assignment in August. Outfielder Roman Anthony, one of the Red Sox most exciting players, has yet to swing a bat after tearing a ligament in his right ring finger on May 4.Boston Red Sox FutureThe Red Sox have 61 games to play and cant quit now. They are seven games behind Tampa Bay and 4 1/2 in back of the second-place Yankees in the AL East. They lead the race for the first wild-card spot by 1 1/2 games over Texas with Seattle, Minnesota, Baltimore, Houston, Detroit and Toronto all within 6 1/2 games.You cant ask for more from Gray, who has a 12-1 record.The Red Sox could use some offense and a return to health by two key starters.SACRAMENTO, CA: Connelly Early, in his MLB debut for the Boston Red Sox, reacts to striking out Lawrence Butler of the Athletics with the bases loaded to end the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park on Sept. 9, 2025. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)Getty ImagesSuarez, out with a groin strain, is due back in the rotation this weekend. Left-hander Connelly Early has not pitched since June 30 due to an inflamed elbow. Tracy said yesterday the rookie has been throwing on flat ground and could get some mound work this weekend and then perhaps go on a minor-league rehab.Rookie Peyton Tolle has pitched well (3.31 ERA) in 16 starts since being called up in April to help the injury-riddled rotation. Guerrero, who pitched in Japan last season, has walked only 2 and fanned 27 in short relief outings to help.Contreras has 22 homers and put on a show in the 2026 All-Star Home Run Derby. But the Red Sox are just 12th in the AL in scoring and last with only 96 home runs. That is almost unheard of for a franchise playing in hitter-friendly Fenway Park since 1912. Thus far, Breslow has avoided the urge to call up top prospect Franklin Arias. The 20-year-old infielder has 18 homers and .319 average at Triple-A. Breslow may seek to add a bat or two at the trading deadline.But dont discount adding a pitcher. Thats what clearly has gotten thye Boston Red Sox this far in 2026.This article was originally published on Forbes.com

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