Going into last season, it certainly was easy for Detroit Catholic Central to be driven and motivated through offseason workouts.After suffering a heartbreaking loss to Detroit Cass Tech in a 2024 state semifinal, Catholic Central returned a senior-laden team that was beyond hungry after that loss, and it played out perfectly with Catholic Central finishing unbeaten, winning its first state title since 2009 and beating Cass Tech in the Division 1 state championship game.It might seem impossible for Catholic Central to duplicate that level of hunger and motivation heading into its title defense this fall, but head coach Justin Cessante insists there has been no letdown in the months since Catholic Central left Ford Field as champions and started its offseason program.I think weve had one of our best offseasons as far as efficiency and hard work, said Cessante, who along with other coaches and players spoke Monday at the media day for the Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State on Aug. 27-28.Despite the graduation of a stellar senior class that included Samson Gash (Michigan State) and Ben Eziuka (Virginia Tech), the cupboard is hardly bare for Catholic Central entering a season that will begin on Aug. 27 against Clinton Township Chippewa Valley at Wayne State.More: Watch list: Top 10 rising seniors for 2026 high school football seasonSenior Gideon Gash (Texas Tech) is one of the states best overall athletes and a top-100 recruit nationally, while senior Duke Banta returns as the teams starting quarterback for an offense that has nine starters back.The defense might be a work in progress initially with Gash one of just two starters back, but one thing Cessante and Catholic Central want to make known is that basking too much in last years glory wont be an issue.Weve worked really hard to put that behind us, Cessante said. Everybody wants to keep talking about it. I feel like the undertone of our team is that we dont really care much about last year and what happened. These seniors really want their own identity and legacy left at the end of the day.Cass Tech seniors hungry to prove their worthThe team that lost to Catholic Central in last years Division 1 championship game, Detroit Cass Tech, also will be playing its first game at Wayne State, doing so against Michigan City (Indiana) at 7 p.m. on Aug. 28.This year, a lot of the focus for Cass Tech will be on a ballyhooed junior class, which has seven players ranked in the top-20 of Rivals state rankings for the 2028 class.With much less fanfare, this years senior class at Cass Tech is determined to prove their worth and leadership, led by senior linebacker Collin Sumpter (Miami Ohio).This senior class doesnt have a lot of hype, but it has some underdogs, Sumpter said. Dogs who want this and might not have a lot of offers, but guys who love this team and believe in it and will do anything to win. Do anything to help our staff, help our players and help everybody around it. Guys who want to be great. Its more than offers and stars.More: Trieu: Mylan Griggs, MSU target, embracing No. 1 role at Cass TechRunning back DeMari (Curly) Hendrix and lineman Martez Livingston are two other notable seniors that will be big contributors for Cass Tech.This class isnt the biggest class, but its starting to remind me of two years ago when they gave themselves to help the team succeed, Cass Tech head coach Marvin Rushing said. If you want to win a state championship, it rests and lies with your senior class.Chippewa Valley hoping good ending to last year is a springboardChippewa Valley obviously hopes this seasons opening matchup against Catholic Central at Wayne State goes a lot better than last years season opener, which Catholic Central won 41-7 on its home field in Novi.Chippewa Valley started last year 0-7, but finished with wins against Harrison Township LAnse Creuse and Southfield A&T, and head coach Terry Wilson feels that provided the program with some good vibes going into the offseason.We used the momentum with the way we ended last season to spearhead our offseason program this year, Wilson said. We changed up some things in the weight room and just in our football discussions with the kids. I think well be competitive in the (Macomb Area Conference). We always are. I dont pay too much attention to the teams we are playing on our schedule until its that week. My biggest concern is getting our kids ready for Game 1.North Farmington, Groves to play each other, but as non-league opponentsNeighboring schools North Farmington and Birmingham Groves will open the season at 4 p.m. on Aug. 28 in the third game of the Prep Kickoff Classic, but it wont be an all-OAA matchup.North Farmington is entering its first season as a member of the Lakes Valley Conference. Farmington went with North Farmington and also will be competing in the LVC for the first year.It will be a new opportunity and a good opportunity for our guys to showcase what they are about, North Farmington head coach Jon Herstein said.Keith Dunlap is a freelance writer.This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Detroit Catholic Central not resting on laurels of state title

We want your predictions forFridays PFL New York event, where the vacant welterweight title is up for grabs.Our staff picks feature includes the consensus picks from MMA Junkie readers. Simply cast your vote for each bout below, and we'll use the official tallies that are registered by Thursday at noon ET (9 a.m. PT).Those reader consensus picks will be part of the staff predictions we releaseahead of PFL New York (ESPN+), which takes place at UBS Arena in Belmont Park on Long Island.Make your main card and featured prelim picks below.Omar El Dafrawy vs. David MartinezRecords: El Dafrawy (15-6), Martinez (17-6)Division: WelterweightRankings: NoneOdds (as of 07.27.26): N/A

While none expect it to happen during their time in college football, Stanford players hope their efforts will one day lead to a players' union in the sport

These players have a chance to significantly improve their NBA Draft stock with a big 2026-27 season

How Brewers can afford expensive starting pitcher trade targets with limited payroll originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Milwaukee Brewers have one of the best, if not the best, farm systems in all of Major League Baseball right now. With so many good prospects at their disposal, it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see the Brewers add to their team using the farm system.In pursuit of pitching help this summer to upgrade the rotation, the Brewers might be running into an issue with Tarik Skubal, Robbie Ray, and Kevin Gausman. All three are on expensive contracts and will cost a lot to acquire financially.Fortunately, there's a solution. Jesse Rogers of ESPN highlighted how the Brewers can utilize their strong farm system to upgrade the rotation, asking teams to take on more of the contract by offering more from their elite farm system in a trade.Brewers can afford expensive SP trade targets by using better prospect capital"With the exception of Freddy Peralta, most of the good pitching rentals - like Skubal, Gausman and Ray -- come with a hefty price tag for the final two months," Rogers writes. "The better prospect return a team can offer, the better the chance the trading team sends cash with a pitcher."The Brewers can land an expensive starting pitcher not by taking on more of their contract, but by giving up a better prospect package to have the other team take on the move of the remainder of the contract.For example, instead of sending just two top prospects to acquire Skubal from the Detroit Tigers, the Brewers could send a third top prospect and have the Tigers take on more of Skubal's remaining salary.This is a way for the Brewers to upgrade their roster with a significant move while still keeping payroll to a minimum.MORE:Tigers expected to trade Tarik Skubal but still try to contend without himThey could still take on some of a new contract, but parting with more prospect capital to ease the financial burden is very much in play for Milwaukee this summer.A controllable starter might cost too much for the Brewers, so a rental like Clay Holmes or Freddy Peralta, both not making too much money, would make more sense for Milwaukee.But, if the Brewers want to pursue a Skubal, Ray, or Gausman without spending too much money, they can part with extra prospect capital to get the other team to eat more of the contract.It will be very interesting to see what the Brewers wind up doing at the trade deadline, as they could see this as their all-in season, or they could have a quiet deadline while trying to build a long-term contender.More MLB news:Yankees are leading candidate to trade for Twins Ryan JeffersRed Sox would love to trade for Angels Zach Neto or Astros Jeremy PenaGiants willing to trade Heliot Ramos in big news for many MLB clubsPadres likely not to trade Mason Miller amid latest updateMets desperate to trade Luis Robert Jr. after trade failure

Seattle Seahawks undrafted free agent rookie nose tackle Uso Seumalo has reportedly been catching the eye of the coaching staff at the beginning of training camp. @hawkblogger posted this YouTube short yesterday in which he said hes heard rumblings in and around the team that theyre particularly excited about Seumalo.Seumalo got a perfect storm to hit the ground running these past couple days. Training camp is still only for rookies until Friday, so its not as if he was the first choice behind Leonard Williams or Byron Murphy II. Hed still rank behind Jarran Reed (who looks as strong as ever benching 4 plates yesterday), Brandon Pili, and Rylie Mills when the teams at full strength.As far as rookie camp goes, Seumalos main competition at nose tackle was set to be seventh-round pick Deven Eastern. Unfortunately, Eastern was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list yesterday after his opening physical came back. This thrust Seumalo into the spotlight, and if he performs well enough, maybe he can pull closer to even with the draftee despite going undrafted.Seumalo only began playing football as a high school senior, in a tiny, 8-man league. Once he did, he displayed the prototypical traits of a successful polynesian lineman- willingly physical and violent, yet disciplined enough to overcome agility and technical concerns.As he realized that talent, he worked his way up from Garden City CC to Kansas State and now the Seahawks. Hes already making up for what he lacks in proven track record and Speed, Agility, and Quickness (SAQ) testing by making an impression on the practice field.This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks UDFA Uso Seumalo made waves among rookies at training camp

Auburn men's basketball conference schedule has been announced for the 2026-2027 season.The Tigers, after finishing their 14 game non-conference, will open league play against Texas A&M in College Station, Texas on Jan. 2. Auburn returns home Jan. 5 or 6 for defending home court versus Tennessee and continues with Georgia visiting on Jan. 9.Auburn heads back to Texas, this time Austin, to face the Longhorns on Jan. 12 or 13. Ole Miss comes to the Plains on Jan. 16, followed by two road games against Vanderbilt on Jan. 19 or 20 and LSU on Jan. 23.Back to home court with Mississippi State visiting on Jan. 26 or 27. The Tigers then back on the road to face Alabama on Jan. 30. The Tigers host Oklahoma on Feb. 6 and Florida on Feb. 9 or 10. Auburn head to South Carolina to take on the Gamecocks on Feb. 13 and then to Arkansas on Feb. 16 or 17.Two games back home to play Missouri on Feb. 20 and LSU on Feb. 23 or 24, and two road games one at Kentucky on Feb. 27 and the other at Ole Miss on March 2 or 3. The Tigers close their season at home against Alabama on March 6.Auburn's SEC scheduleJan. 2 at Texas A&MJan. 5 or 6 TennesseeJan. 9 GeorgiaJan. 12 or 13 at TexasJan. 16 Ole MissJan. 19 or 20 at VanderbiltJan. 23 at LSUJan. 26 or 27 Mississippi StateJan. 30 at AlabamaFeb. 6 OklahomaFeb. 9 or 10 FloridaFeb. 13 at South CarolinaFeb. 16 or 17 at ArkansasFeb. 20 MissouriFeb. 23 or 24 LSUFeb. 27 at KentuckyMarch 2 or 3 at Ole MissMarch 6 AlabamaContact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jac on Twitter@Jac_MyrickThis article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn basketball challenging 2026-27 schedule is revealed

Watford sign Welsh international forward PooleWatford have completed the signing of Welsh international forward Phoebie Poole on a free transfer.WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from The Golden Girls this evening.The 22-year-old joins Watford on a free transfer after leaving former club Plymouth Argyle at the end of last season. Poole netted seven goals in 19 league outings for The Pilgrims as they pushed Watford all the way in the FA Womens National League Southern Premier Division title race.Poole started out with Barry Town United before being snapped up by Cardiff City. She netted almost a goal a game for The Bluebirds before joining Cheltenham Town. A move to Oxford United was up next where the forwards goalscoring exploits again caught the headlines before she joined latest club Plymouth Argyle last summer.On the international stage, Poole has been capped by Wales on two occasions. She made her senior debut for The Red Dragons back in April.Poole is a player who has proved her quality season-on-season in the early stages of her career and she will now be hoping to hit the goal trail at Barclays WSL2 level.The forward is Watfords sixth signing of the summer transfer window.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. The Indoor Football League (IFL) announced today that all seven games of the 2026 IFL Playoffs, including the 2026 IFL National Championship, will stream live for free on Yahoo Sports Network, giving fans across the country unprecedented access to every moment of the league's championship chase.Every playoff game will receive broad promotion across Yahoo Sports, one of the world's largest digital sports ecosystems, further expanding the IFL's reach as the league continues its record-setting growth in 2026. Yahoo Sports Network is powered by C15 Studio, responsible for the channels end-to-end management, distribution and monetization across the leading FAST platforms."Our vision has always been to make the IFL as accessible as possible to fans everywhere," said Jared Widman, President of the IFL Business Division. "Yahoo Sports Network gives us exactly that. Whether you're watching on your television, your phone, your tablet or your computer, every playoff game is free and just a few clicks away. Combined with Yahoo's promotional reach, this gives our teams, players and partners an incredible national stage."The announcement comes on the heels of a historic regular season in which the IFL surpassed 4.5 million total streams and generated more than 30.6 million minutes watched on Yahoo Sports Network through June 30. This marks a 5X increase in hours viewed and an 18X increase in total streams for the leagues live game broadcasts year over year. In addition, 26 IFL broadcasts attracted audiences of more than 50,000, including seven that exceeded 200,000, highlighted by the league-record 454,134 live viewers for the May 16 matchup between the Jacksonville Sharks and Fishers Freight.Fans can watch every 2026 IFL Playoff game free on Yahoo Sports Network via leading FAST services, including Amazon Fire TV, Fubo, LG Channels, Plex Prime Video, Roku, Samsung TV Plus, Google TV Freeplay, Xfinity and VIDAA. Fans can also watch the games live via yahoosports.tv on the web and in the Yahoo Sports app."This is one of the most significant media announcements in league history," said Eric Van Beek, Chief Operating Officer of the Indoor Football League. "Every postseason game, including the 2026 IFL National Championship, will be available free on Yahoo Sports Network, giving our teams and players the largest possible stage while making it easier than ever for fans to follow the road to the championship. When you combine Yahoo's unmatched accessibility with the strength of its marketing platform, it's a tremendous opportunity to continue growing the Indoor Football League on a national level."From the opening round through the 2026 IFL National Championship on Sunday, Aug.16, at the Tucson Convention Center, every game will be available nationwide without a subscription, making it easier than ever for fans to follow the race for the United Bowl.Get tickets and information regarding the IFL National Championship at www.IFLNationalChampionship.com.###About the Indoor Football League (IFL)Led by Commissioner Todd Tryon, the Indoor Football League (IFL) is in its 18th season in 2026 as the premier professional indoor football league in the United States.The league includes the Arizona Rattlers, Green Bay Blizzard, Fishers Freight, Iowa Barnstormers, Jacksonville Sharks, New Mexico Chupacabras, Orlando Pirates, Northern Arizona Wranglers, Quad City Steamwheelers, San Antonio Gunslingers, San Diego Strike Force, Tulsa Oilers, Tucson Sugar Skulls, Vegas Knight Hawks (2025 IFL National Champions).For additional information, please visit GoIFL.com

The Philadelphia Eagles have occupied the citys largest national television stage for years. LeBron James arrival gives the 76ers an opportunity to challenge that position. Front Office Sports reported that the Sixers will receive the maximum allotment of 34 nationally televised games during the 2026-27 season. That represents 41.5% of their 82-game schedule, meaning more than two of every five Philadelphia games will be shown nationally.LeBron James puts Sixers alongside Eagles as national TV drawThe increase is dramatic. The Sixers appeared in 14 national games last season, but James has transformed them into the NBAs premier marketing attraction. Only the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors received the maximum 34 national appearances in 2025-26.Philadelphia should immediately join that group. The NBA delayed completing portions of its schedule while waiting for James to choose his next team. His decision also makes the Sixers a likely candidate for opening week and the leagues Christmas Day schedule.The Sixers will receive the maximum allotted 34 nationally televised games next season, per @FOS.Philadelphia will now become the NBAs top marketing draw after signing LeBron James. pic.twitter.com/xaZxJREd8G Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 27, 2026The Eagles remain an NFL television powerhouseThe Eagles have five formally scheduled primetime games during their 17-game season, representing 29.4% of the schedule. That comparison does not tell the complete story.Philadelphia will also face Jacksonville in a standalone London game, visit Dallas on Thanksgiving and play on Christmas Eve. The Eagles official announcement listed eight games in exclusive national windows, accounting for 47.1% of their schedule. Additional games could be moved through flexible scheduling. The NFL and NBA distribute television exposure differently. Every NFL game reaches a large regional audience, while primetime and standalone windows eliminate most competition. The NBAs national schedule elevates selected games from a much larger 82-game inventory.The Eagles have earned that placement through sustained success, star power and Philadelphias strength as a television market. Games involving Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley and a perennial NFC contender consistently attract viewers, particularly against rivals such as the Dallas Cowboys.The Sixers appeal is more directly connected to James. Philadelphia already had Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, but adding one of the most recognizable athletes in sports changes how networks view the franchise. Every James appearance could carry historical significance if the 2026-27 season becomes the final chapter of his career.That creates a rare dynamic. Philadelphia will have an NFL team regularly featured in the leagues most valuable broadcast windows and an NBA team receiving the maximum national exposure.The Eagles remain the citys most established television draw. The Sixers may have the most marketable individual athlete. The debate will ultimately be decided by performance, but national networks have already reached one conclusion: Philadelphia will be difficult to avoid.This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Sixers to receive Eagles-level TV exposure after signing LeBron James