There are two clear favorites in the SEC ahead of the 2026 college football season.Georgia and Texas received the vast majority of first-place votes in the leagues annual preseason media poll that was released on Friday. The Bulldogs easily took the top spot with 88 of the 164 first-place votes. Texas was voted second with 57 other first-place votes.No other team received more than six votes to finish first.Georgia and Texas played each other in the 2024 SEC championship game before both teams made the College Football Playoff. The Bulldogs won that game 22-19 as starting QB Carson Beck suffered a season-ending elbow injury before halftime. That backed up Georgias regular-season win in Austin earlier in the season.The Bulldogs faced Alabama in last seasons SEC title game and dominated the Crimson Tide after Alabama won 24-21 in September. Georgia beat Alabama by three touchdowns in the rematch before losing to Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff.The Rebels were the team with six first-place votes in the preseason poll and finished third ahead of Texas A&M (five first-place votes) and LSU (two) in fifth. Alabama was voted sixth with three first-place votes and Oklahoma, which received two first-place votes, was seventh.This seasons outlier first-place vote went for Kentucky.The SEC had five teams in the College Football Playoff a season ago but Ole Miss was the only team to advance to the semifinals. The Rebels, who played the postseason without coach Lane Kiffin, lost to Miami in the Fiesta Bowl.Kiffin, of course, left Ole Miss for LSU. His arrival along with the addition of QB Sam Leavitt and players like former Colorado OT Jordan Seaton are a big reason why LSU is higher than both Alabama and Oklahoma in the poll this season.Below is the complete poll. Three of the five teams that made the playoff from the SEC a season ago were outside the top six in the 2025 preseason poll, while two teams in the top six LSU and Florida each made coaching changes after disappointing seasons.2026 SEC preseason football poll1. Georgia (88 first-place votes)2. Texas (57)3. Ole Miss (6)4. Texas A&M (5)5. LSU (2)6. Alabama (3)7. Oklahoma (2)8. Tennessee9. Florida10. Missouri11. South Carolina12. Auburn13. Vanderbilt14. Kentucky (1)15. Mississippi State16. Arkansas

"It's been 84 years ..."Finally, after waiting and waiting, LeBron James has found a new home, where he will play his 24th NBA season.The Philadelphia 76ers, a franchise that recently acquired All-Star Jaylen Brown, will now feature arguably the most potent starting lineup in the league, adding James to their roster and likely installing him as their new power forward.Joel Embiid, James, Brown, V.J. Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey will now try to slay dragons in the form of the Knicks, Thunder and Spurs in their quest for the 2027 NBA title.James, 41, has signed a two-year deal with a player option worth a total of $8 million, attaching his name to a roster for the purpose of fit and quality, as opposed to optimizing his own salary.The 22-time All-Star averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists for the Los Angeles Lakers last season, where he spent a grand total of eight years and won a championship after playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat.This marks James' fourth NBA franchise, and should he succeed in securing a title for the 76ers, that will make him 4-for-4 in winning titles for the teams he's represented.He won two titles in 2012 and 2013 for the Heat, and titles for the Cavs and Lakers in 2016 and 2020, respectively.James is the only player in NBA history to score more than 40,000 points, as well as topping both 10,000 rebounds, and 10,000 assists.Broadly viewed as the "Statistical GOAT," James will attempt to build on those numbers as he enters the 2026-2027 campaign.The Sixers, who also signed Dean Wade and Anfernee Simons, also drafted Labaron Philon Jr., and have both Dominick Barlow and the recently signed Ariel Hukporti on the roster, which should provide them with a solid boost off the bench.The star-studded roster likely means the Sixers will see a notable down tick in individual stat lines, as potentially five stars now will share the floor.But given that the goal is lifting the Larry O'Brien Trophy next June, that should serve as an easy sacrifice.The major factor will be health. Embiid averaged 32 regular-season games the past three seasons. And while James has been relatively healthy the past few seasons, he did struggle with injuries in the 2021-22 and 2022-223 seasons, and we assume things wont be any easier for his age-42 season.Brown has been a workhorse for his 10-year career, but with numerous deep playoff runs, you have to wonder if all the mileage will catch up to him. Still, a franchise cant necessarily worry about that and must try to put together the best combination of talent it can.Its safe to say the 76ers did just that.

The long wait is over and LeBron James has reportedly chosen to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers for his 24th NBA season. James sent out a a message on X on Friday morning, saying that he thought hed played his final game after the end of last season and that he needed time to decide if I still love this game.James apparently found the answers he was looking for and the announcement that he would be heading to the 76ers surprised bettors and bookmakers alike. Over $226 million was traded on the prediction market Kalshi on where James would pick as his next team, and the Miami Heat were the clear favorite on Friday morning at nearly 45%. The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers had also spent time as the favorite to land LeBron at various points since the market opened back in late January.Philadelphia briefly had the second-best odds (18% to Clevelands 43%) late in the evening on July 3, but that was the high-water mark for the 76ers. There was no indication in the market that James was going to Philadelphia, as on Friday morning at 11 a.m. ET the 76ers still had the fourth-best odds behind Miami, Cleveland and Golden State) at only 8.9%.The 76ers moved from 20-1 to win the NBA title to 10-1 after the announcement at BetMGM sportsbooks, giving Philadelphia the fourth-best odds to win next seasons championship. The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs (+275) are clear co-favorites, followed by the New York Knicks at +850.It puts them in the 1-1A conversation with the Knicks in the East, one veteran oddsmaker told Yahoo Sports via text message on Friday. Sixers will go as far as Joel Embiids health will take them, though.To that point, the 76ers now have the second-best odds to win the Eastern Conference (+400), just behind the Knicks (+350) and ahead of the Boston Celtics (+500). BetMGM reported that Philadelphia (23%) has the most wagers of any team to win the East.There is going to be an overreaction locally, but we moved from 17-1 to 10-1 [to win the title], Thomas Gable, sportsbook director at The Borgata in Atlantic City said via text. I thought the Sixers were in the mix, but not one of the favorites as I wasnt sure how he would mesh with Jaylen Brown, [Tyrese] Maxey and especially Embiid. Its going to be interesting to see how many games both him and Embiid play together.Thats a problem for Philadelphia to figure out another day. Today, the 76ers celebrate winning the LeBron James sweepstakes.

For the most part, the Houston Texans are a near-perfect roster going into the 2026 NFL season.After having questions with the offensive line, the Texans prioritized fixing the woes in free agency. They return 10 starters from the No. 1 defense and feature a better rushing attack with the arrival of former Lions Pro Bowler David Montgomery.But let's say there was a concern. What would it be? NFL.com's Matt Okada recently published his list of thetop issues remaining on every rosterin the 2026 NFL season for all 32 teams. For the Texans, Okada identified the No. 2 running back role end as it still remains a mystery on what Woody Marks could be in Year 2."On paper, the Texans have fewer roster issues than most teams after upgrading their O-line and retaining essentially their entire defense this offseason," Okada wrote. "But if were going to pick a nit, Id point to the running back room. Houston addedDavid Montgomeryas a thunder element, but his Detroit success came in tandem with the lightning-esque play ofJahmyr Gibbs. Both Montgomery andWoody Markswere below league average in explosive run rate last year, and I worry Houstons run game will lack spark in 2026."One of the biggest surprises of the offseason was Houston's lack of targeting depth at running back. Yes, Montgomery joined the crew and should be a promising lead back, but he's also be a No. 2 for most of the past three seasons. He was also the only running back added outside of the Oregon's Noah Whittington, who was signed as an undrafted free-agent. Whittington could be a surprise, but it still remains a big if for Houston. Injuries could also limit the Texans from being a team trustworthy of running the ball. This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans' biggest issue remaining before 2026 season? NFL.com weighs in

The Seattle Seahawks have officially placed running back Zach Charbonnet on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list ahead of training camp. This is the latest in a few moves related to the PUP list, as safety Nick Emmanwori, rookie nose tackle Deven Eastern, cornerback Tyrone Broden, and fellow running back Kenny McIntosh were all placed there as well. Charbonnet was a force for the Seahawks in 2025, proving to be an incredibly valuable cog in their championship machine. The former UCLA standout became the first Seattle running back since Marshawn Lynch in 2014 with double-digit rushing touchdowns as he scored (fittingly) 12 times. Charbonnet's heavy workload, which resulted in 730 rushing yards in the regular season, kept eventual Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker's body preserved so he could make his impact in the playoffs the way he did.Unfortunately, Charbonnet's season ended tragically in the Divisional Round when he tore his ACL, cutting an end to his playoff run. However, an argument can easily be made the Seahawks don't become Super Bowl champions without him. It was Charbonnet who smartly picked up the football in the wild Week 16 game against the Rams, which resulted in a two-point conversion to help the Seahawks in their comeback efforts. There is no current timetable for Charbonnet's return to action, but head coach Mike Macdonald is reportedly pleased with his progress. Considering how late he suffered his injury, it doesn't seem likely we'll see Charbonnet back on the field any time soon to start the 2026 campaign, but it is reassuring to know a considerable reinforcement will be on its way at some point during Seattle's championship defense season. This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks place RB Zach Charbonnet on the PUP list before training camp

CHICAGO As WNBA All-Star practices were set to begin on Friday at the new Obama Presidential Centers basketball court, players gathered on the court with WNBA dignitaries and Obama Foundation representatives. It was only fitting that the first person to ever play on the court show up to welcome them. Former President Barack Obama made a surprise appearance to welcome the 22 All-Stars, who are the first professional athletes to take the WNBA-regulation Home Court. In his remarks, Obama praised the players for the trajectory of the league.The way the game has been going lately, the way its been picking up, and people paying attention to your excellence, I think has been something for basketball fans generally a sight to see, he said. Its been making me happy. All of you have been not just operating with some excellence on the court, but I know many of you are involved in some wonderful ventures off the court, looking out for young people and inspiring them. So I just want to say thanks.Barack Obama links with Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers during WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago pic.twitter.com/css3TpZhHx Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 24, 2026He went on to rib the players as they began practice for their exhibition.This doesnt look like the toughest practice Ive ever seen, Obama joked. But its All-Star break, yall arent supposed to be working too hard, although I suspect it may get a little competitive toward the end of the game.Obama concluded by reiterating how impressed he is with the growth of the game.Could not be prouder of what you guys are doing, he said. Youre well deserving of all your success, and seeing the fan base grow and the attention grow, thats exactly where it should be.The All-Stars practiced and held media availability at the Obama Center ahead of Friday nights 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge at Wintrust Arena. Obama said he is not able to attend Saturday nights All-Star Game at the United Center.The Obama Presidential Center, which opened on Chicagos South Side in June, features a separate, 60,000-square-foot building with a dedicated basketball court that he christened with a game of H.O.R.S.E. upon the centers opening. Obama is famously a basketball fan and has played the game recreationally throughout his career. He and former First Lady Michelle Obama attended the 2026 NBA All-Star Game earlier this year in Los Angeles, and he joined NBA Africa as a strategic partner and minority owner in 2021. He also hosted several WNBA championship teams during his eight years in the White House.

Enzo Maresca responds to James Trafford transfer links amid Leeds United interestManchester City manager Enzo Maresca has issued an update from his side on the future of James Trafford.Having played as the clubs No.2 choice last season behind Gianluigi Donnarumma, Trafford has been expected to depart.Despite interest from Newcastle United and Aston Villa, it is Leeds United who appear to be leading the race.Enzo Maresca has issued a clear update on the future of James Trafford, amid recent links to a move to Elland Road and Leeds United this summer.Trafford returned to the Etihad Stadium having developed through the clubs Academy system only last summer, re-joining from Burnley in a deal reportedly worth 27 million plus further add-ons.The belief at the time was the Englishman would come in as the clubs new No.1 between the posts, replacing Ederson at the time, and started all of the clubs first three Premier League matches against Wolves, Tottenham Hotspur, and Brighton.However, a late opportunity to secure Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain saw the Italian instantly installed as the clubs new first-choice, leaving Trafford restricted predominantly to Carabao Cup and FA Cup appearances.With the 23-year-old holding clear ambitions of becoming Englands new number one ahead of Jordan Pickford, the expectation is that James Trafford would seek a move this summer in search of increased opportunities as a first choice at the top of the game.James Trafford gives go-ahead for next club as Manchester City enter formal talks over saleNow, despite a belief in various quarters that Newcastle United would revisit interest from recent windows, it is Daniel Farkes Leeds United who are in direct talks with Manchester City over the goalkeeper who is in favour of an Elland Road move.What has Enzo Maresca said on James Traffords future?Speaking during his first press conference as Manchester City manager, Enzo Maresca was asked for his thoughts and updates surrounding the future of James Trafford amid developments on the England international this week.I know James because he was my keeper when I was with the Under-23s, so I know James very good, said Maresca.The Manchester City manager continued, But again, when the transfer window is open, now or in January, anything can happen.So well see, but at the moment hes one of our keepers.How would Traffords exit affect Man Citys transfer plans?Should James Trafford formalise a move away from Manchester City as expected this summer, the Englishman would likely spark further movement from Hugo Viana in the transfer market.Manchester City have already invested in their goalkeeper ranks once this summer, re-signing former Academy starlet Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday, but opting to loan the Northern Ireland international to Championship side QPR for the 2026/27 campaign.At present, it remains to be seen what options City could turn to in their search for a new back-up goalkeeper behind Gianluigi Donnarumma, whilst it will also intrigue fans as to whether the club will install any favourable terms in an agreement with Leeds for Trafford.

Mississippi football quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was voted first-team All-SEC by the conference's media poll, the league announced Friday, July 24.Chambliss was joined by Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy on the first team, as Ole Miss is set for one of the best backfield tandems in college football this season. Texas quarterback Arch Manning was selected to the All-SEC second-team by media.REQUIRED READING: SEC predicted order of finish: Who did media vote to win conference in 2026?Texas and LSU led all teams with four first-team All-SEC selections. Texas put receiver Cam Coleman, offensive lineman Trevor Goosby, defensive lineman Colin Simmons and linebacker Rasheem Biles, a transfer from Pittsburgh, on the list. LSU placed tight end Trey'Dez Green, offensive lineman Jordan Seaton, linebacker Whit Weeks and defensive lineman Princewill Umanmielen under first-year coach Lane Kiffin.Here's a look at the preseason first-, second- and third-team All-SEC selections for 2026:Preseason All-SEC football team 2026First teamOffenseQuarterback: Trinidad Chambliss, Ole MissRunning back: Kewan Lacy, Ole MissRunning back: Ahmad Hardy, MissouriWide receiver: Cam Coleman, TexasWide receiver: Ryan Coleman-Williams, AlabamaTight End: Trey'Dez Green, LSUGuard/Tackle: Trevor Goosby, TexasGuard/Tackle: Cayden Green, MissouriGuard/Tackle: Jordan Seaton, LSUGuard/Tackle: Earnest Greene III, GeorgiaCenter: Drew Bobo, GeorgiaAll-purpose: Mario Craver, Texas A&MDefenseDefensive line: Colin Simmons, TexasDefensive line: Will Echoles, Ole MissDefensive line: Dylan Stewart, South CarolinaDefensive line: Princewill Umanmielen, LSULinebacker: Whit Weeks, LSULinebacker: Xavier Atkins, AuburnLinebacker: Rasheem Biles, TexasDefensive back: KJ Bolden, GeorgiaDefensive back: Zabien Brown, AlabamaDefensive back: Bray Hubbard, AlabamaDefensive back: Ellis Robinson IV, GeorgiaSpecial teamsKicker: Tate Sandell, OklahomaPunter: Grant Chadwick, LSUReturner specialist: Ryan Niblett, TexasKickoff specialist: Tate Sandell, OklahomaLong snapper: Ben Anderson, OklahomaREQUIRED READING: What's best SEC college football stadium? LSU's Tiger Stadium leads rankingsSecond teamOffenseQuarterback: Arch Manning, TexasRunning back: Jadan Baugh, FloridaRunning back: Nate Frazier, GeorgiaWide receiver: Mario Craver, Texas A&MWide receiver: Isaiah Sategna III, OklahomaTight end: Lawson Luckie, GeorgiaGuard/Tackle: Dontrell Glover, GeorgiaGuard/Tackle: Michael Fasusi, OklahomaGuard/Tackle: Michael Carroll, AlabamaGuard/Tackle: Lance Heard, KentuckyCenter: Mark Nabou Jr., Texas A&MAll-purpose: Ryan Niblett, TexasDefenseDefensive line: David Stone, OklahomaDefensive line: Elijah Griffin, GeorgiaDefensive line: Taylor Wein, OklahomaDefensive line: Quincy Rhodes Jr., ArkansasLinebacker: Raylen Wilson, GeorgiaLinebacker: Suntarine Perkins, Ole MissLinebacker: Kip Lewis, OklahomaDefensive back: Kelley Jones, Mississippi StateDefensive back: DJ Pickett, LSUDefensive back: Ty Benefield, LSUDefensive back: Eli Bowen, Oklahoma *Defensive back: Peyton Bowen, Oklahoma *Special teamsKicker: Lucas Carneiro, Ole MissPunter: Grayson Miller, OklahomaReturn specialist: Isaiah Sategna III, OklahomaKickoff specialist: Lucas Carneiro, Ole MissLong snapper: Trey Dubuc, TexasThird teamOffenseQuarterback: Gunner Stockton, GeorgiaRunning back: DeSean Bishop, TennesseeRunning back: Hollywood Smothers, TexasWide receiver: Ryan Wingo, TexasWide receiver: Nyck Harbor, South CarolinaTight end: Willie Rodriguez, KentuckyGuard/Tackle: David Sanders Jr., TennesseeGuard/Tackle: Patrick Kutas, Ole MissGuard/Tackle: Brandon Baker, TexasGuard/Tackle: Wendell Moe Jr., TennesseeCenter: Braelin Moore, LSUAll-purpose: Jadan Baugh, FloridaDefenseDefensive line: Kam Franklin, Ole MissDefensive line: DJ Hicks, Texas A&MDefensive line: Gabe Harris, GeorgiaDefensive line: Jayden Woods, FloridaLinebacker: Arion Carter, TennesseeLinebacker: TJ Dottery, LSULinebacker: Yhonzae Pierre, AlabamaDefensive back: Keon Sabb, AlabamaDefensive back: Champ Anthony, AuburnDefensive back: Khalil Barnes, GeorgiaDefensive back: Jelani McDonald, TexasSpecialteamsKicker: Alex McPherseon, AuburnPunter: Ethan Pulliam, Mississippi StateReturn specialist: Vernell Brown III, FloridaKickoff specialist: Terry Bussey, Texas A&MLong snapper: Brett Le Blanc, Missouri* TiedThis article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Preseason All-SEC football teams: Who got nod between Arch Manning, Trinidad Chambliss?