The approach of a new NFL season means a new Madden game. Another year of updated rosters, improved graphics, more microtransactions, and meaningless changes to gameplay.Nowadays, the most eye-popping thing to come out of the Madden franchise is the ratings. Every year, the list of the top players at each position is released and sends fans into a frenzy.How could [insert supposedly underrated player here] not be in the top 10?! they scream.In what world is [insert supposedly overrated player here] a 90 overall?! they clamor.Much like death and taxes, the controversy is certain and we are here for it. Here are the top 10 running backs in Madden 27:Top 10 running backs in Madden 2710) Kyren Williams, Rams: 89Development Trait: Superstar2026 Rating: 862026 stats: 1,252 rushing yards, 10 rushing TDs, 4.8 YPA, 36 receptions, 281 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs9) Kenneth Walker, Chiefs: 90Development Trait: Superstar2026 Rating: 882026 stats: 1,027 rushing yards, 5 rushing TDs, 4.6 YPA, 31 receptions, 282 receiving yards, 0 receiving TDs8) Josh Jacobs, Packers: 91Development Trait: Superstar2026 Rating: 902026 stats: 929 rushing yards, 13 rushing TDs, 4.0 YPA, 36 receptions, 282 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD7) Saquon Barkley, Eagles: 92Development Trait: X-Factor2026 Rating: 992026 stats: 1,140 rushing yards, 7 rushing TDs, 4.1 YPA, 37 receptions, 273 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs6) Derrick Henry, Ravens: 93Development Trait: X-Factor2026 Rating: 982026 stats: 1,595 rushing yards, 16 rushing TDs, 5.2 YPA, 15 receptions, 150 receiving yards, 0 receiving TDs5) James Cook, Bills: 94Development Trait: Superstar2026 Rating: 892026 stats: 1,621 rushing yards, 12 rushing TDs, 5.2 YPA, 33 receptions, 291 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDs4) Bijan Robinson, Falcons: 95Development Trait: X-Factor2026 Rating: 922026 stats: 1,478 rushing yards, 7 rushing TDs, 5.1 YPA, 79 receptions, 820 receiving yards, 4 receiving TDs3) Jonathan Taylor, Colts: 96Development Trait: X-Factor2026 Rating: 882026 stats: 1,585 rushing yards, 18 rushing TDs, 4.9 YPA, 46 receptions, 378 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDs2) Christian McCaffrey, 49ers: 97Development Trait: X-Factor2026 Rating: 942026 stats: 1,202 rushing yards, 10 rushing TDs, 3.9 YPA, 102 receptions, 924 receiving yards, 7 receiving TDs1) Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions: 98Development Trait: X-Factor2026 Rating: 952026 stats: 1,223 rushing yards, 13 rushing TDs, 5.0 YPA, 77 receptions, 616 receiving yards, 5 receiving TDsMadden 27 release dateMadden 27 will be available on Xbox, PlayStation and PCon Aug. 13, 2026.Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is this years cover athlete.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Madden 27 ratings: Gibbs, McCaffrey top running back rankings

Florida State cornerback Ja'Bril Rawls had his best season in 2025. He's currently participating in the Seminoles' fall camp, and he'll be one of the most important defenders for the program in 2026. Rawls could potentially go the NFL with a healthy and productive season, and one person feels that he's better than most would think. According to former Dallas Cowboys scout and current executive director of the Senior Bowl, Drew Fabianich, Rawls is a player that should be drafted on the first day.I put on the tape, and you know Im going, OK, why is this guy not getting talked about very much?' Fabianich said via Warchant. As soon as I watched the tape, I said hes a first-round corner.Rawls missed five games due to a season-ending shoulder injury, but he was still ultra productive. He amassed 40 tackles, two tackles for loss, one interception, two pass breakups, and one fumble recovery. He looked a lot more comfortable in his ability to read and diagnose plays.Every player can improve, after all, that's what it's all about. Fabianich mentioned he feels that Rawls needs to improve on, and surprisingly, it's not much.He needs to improve his strength, overall strength, Fabianich said. Id like him to improve his mass. But seeing him in person, thats not going to happen probably much more than seven to eight pounds. Hes just a thin-hipped, thin-shouldered guy. Youd like him to be stronger, especially when shedding blocks and when he is in press (coverage).But, hes really good in press. Hes really good in off (coverage). Hes got really good eyes and instincts in zone. Theres not a lot of holes in his game.Rawls taking another leap in his play will be essential for FSU's defense this season, and if that happens, their chances of being a better defense go up significantly.This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU's Ja'Bril Rawls regarded as a first-round CB by former NFL scout

CHICAGO As Wisconsin football coach Luke Fickell went through his litany of interviews at the Big Tens annual football media days, he recalled getting a question about his 2011 season as Ohio States head coach.That was when the Buckeyes were reeling from NCAA violations and Jim Tressels resignation. Fickells Buckeyes went 6-7 and lost to Florida in the Gator Bowl. (Ohio State then hired Urban Meyer as head coach, and Fickell returned to his past role as defensive coordinator.)I guess I learned what a hot seat really was, Fickell said.Fast-forward 15 years, and Fickell is back on the hot seat after an underwhelming first three seasons as Wisconsins head coach. Hes not shying away from the unsavory label either.I know its a hot seat, Fickell said while thanking the reporter in apparent jest for bringing it up.Of course, it is hard for Fickell to not notice his unsightly reality.He has overseen UWs first back-to-back losing seasons since the early 1990s. His Badgers suffered back-to-back shutout losses in 2025 a 37-0 loss to Iowa and 34-0 loss to Ohio State for the first time since 1977. His all-time record at UW is 17-21 overall and 10-17 in Big Ten play.Ex-Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh backed him through the losing seasons, but McIntosh made the move down Interstate 90 to the Big Ten Conference offices to accept a new role as deputy commissioner for strategy.At the time of McIntoshs departure, Fickell said that losing a friend is not easy. Theres no guarantee that McIntoshs replacement, Shawn Eichorst, exercises that same level of patience if Fickells promised improvement does not pan out.Fickells buyout if he is fired on Dec. 1 of this season would be roughly $21.3 million and could be somewhat of a deterrent. (Thats barring any potential buyout negotiations or buyout mitigation if Fickell finds comparable employment.)But there also would be a cost associated with growing fan apathy. The athletic departments projected ticket sales total in its 2026-27 budget was 11.6% lower than the projection for the 2025-26 budget. Fewer fans in the seats can affect other areas of revenue, including alcohol sales.It is what it is, Fickell said of his hot seat reality. If we could avoid it, we would.More than anything, I learned that if youre not authentic about what it is that youre doing in your leadership, youre going to struggle. And maybe in the first couple years, I havent embraced some of the things that need to be embraced.Fickells players have fully acknowledged the apparent do-or-die circumstances for their fourth-year head coach.We all know it, Wisconsin wide receiver Chris Brooks Jr. said. No point in going around it. But I think that is what embodies Coach Fick. Thats what makes him such a great coach because hes not going to sugarcoat anything.That also serves as motivation for Brooks and the rest of the Badgers in 2026.We dont want him gone, Brooks said. We love Coach Fick. We think that he is the right person for Wisconsin, but the real reason that he is on the hot seat is because of us. And when you take that accountability and understand that we may be costing a man his job, you go harder.Wisconsins offensive line consists of some players who Fickell believes have taken some shots and understand what a hot seat looks like in their own ways.He mentioned Colin Cubberly an offensive lineman who started most games as a redshirt freshman and someone who Fickell is sure people wrote about that didnt do a great job. Emerson Mandell took a lot of smacks and maybe some criticism, and Kevin Heywood is coming off a missed season due to a knee injury.But you know how you learn in this league or in this world? Fickell said. Sometimes you got to get your ass beat a little bit, and sometimes you got to take some shots.Wisconsin appears to have a substantially easier schedule in 2026 than it did in 2025.Four of the Badgers 12 opponents in 2025 appeared in the College Football Playoff. While Notre Dame will present a marquee nonconference challenge immediately, only three of UWs nine Big Ten foes in 2026 had winning conference records in 2025.Even with that easier schedule, though, turning around a program that has fallen from a streak of 22 consecutive bowl appearances to five and four-win seasons in back-to-back years will not be easy. UW was picked to finish 13th out of 18 Big Ten teams in a preseason poll of USA TODAY NETWORK reporters who cover the conference.Some people, Fickell said, may suggest that we can pawn this thing off and take a potentially easier off-ramp. But the 52-year-old coach instead has adopted a burn the boats approach.There are people out there that do take some easier ways, and we sure as hell arent going to do that, Fickell said later in the day. Whether that means youre on a hotter seat than you were before I dont know if it can get much.As Fickell tries to work his way off the hot seat in Madison, he at least has a lesson that he can take from when he was in a challenging spot as a head coach in Columbus and a lesson that he perhaps needed a reminder of earlier in his UW tenure.This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin football coach Luke Fickell acknowledges hot seat reality

Niall Adams became just the second Guernsey boxer to win a Commonwealth Games fight, after Billy Le Poullain won in the last 16 in 2022 [Getty Images]Niall Adams' hopes of winning Guernsey's first Commonwealth Games boxing medal are over after he lost his quarter-final bout.The 28-year-old lightweight lost a unanimous points decision to Namibia's Tryagain Morning Ndevelo in Glasgow.Had he won he would have been guaranteed a bronze medal for making the semi-finals. Adams started the first round aggressively but Ndevelo used his reach advantage to take control and win it unanimously. It was a similar story in the second as Adams struggled to make an impact on the Namibian. Knowing he needed a stoppage, Adams tried to up the tempo in the final round but he could not do enough to make it through.Adams had progressed to the last eight after winning a split decision over Sri Lanka's Ravindu Jayanath on Monday."It was tough, he was awkward to get into," Adams told BBC Guernsey."I should have just done better. I hate losing, so it's a bit gutting."But it's not bad considering I only started boxing again eight months ago, so I'm happy, but obviously I wish I could have done better."It was quality to box in front of everyone and have everyone here watching and everyone back home."

Anthony Smith arrest details: What to know about former UFC fighter facing domestic violence charges originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Former UFC fighter Anthony Smith is facing three felony charges after an arrest Monday night in Nebraska.The 38-year-old was arrested on domestic violence charges and held in custody until Wednesday, when he appeared before a judge and was released on a $500,000 bond.Smith challenged for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in 2019 and last fought on a UFC card in 2025, when he lost to Zhang Mingyang in his retirement fight.Here's what we know about Smith's arrest.MORE:Updated MMA schedule for 2026Anthony Smith arrest detailsSmith was arrested Monday night in Nebraska on charges ofdomestic violence causing serious bodily injury, false imprisonment and terroristic threats.Details about the alleged incident that led to Smith's arrest are limited, but his release comes with the condition that he can't have contact with his wife, Mikhala. Smith also can't leave Nebraska without permission and must stay out of other legal trouble if he wants to remain out of custody.This is Smith's first reported run-in with the law. He found himself on the other side of the coin in 2020, when he said he fought off a home invader in a bizarre incident.Anthony Smith chargesSmith is facing three felony charges:Domestic violence causing serious bodily injuryFalse imprisonmentTerroristic threatsSmith could face up to 26 years in prison if convicted, according to TMZ, though maximum sentences are extremely rare.Anthony Smith UFC careerSmith has a 39-22 career record as an MMA fighter. He made his UFC debut in 2013 but didn't become a UFC regular until 2017.Smith challenged Jon Jones for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in 2019, losing by unanimous decision in Las Vegas, but he went on to win four of his next six fights.Earlier in 2026, Smith made his heavyweight debut with a win over Chase Sherman in the Dominican Republic. It was Smith's first non-UFC fight since 2016, as he retired on a loss to Zhang Mingyang in 2025.

There was business to discuss as the Philadelphia Eagles opened their sixth training camp under coach Nick Sirianni. They have a new offensive coordinator yes, another one and players in new roles and ones playing on hefty new contracts. So Jordan Davis, one of the biggest offseason beneficiaries of a contract extension, cut to the chase Wednesday and got straight to the topic of the day. "I will be asking the questions," Davis said with laugh as he took his seat for a news conference. "How we feeling about LeBron being in town?" Yes, in a sports city that each time this summer turns as green in team colors as the cash spent on Davis and fellow defensive tackle Jalen Carter, the Eagles have been overshadowed by the arrival of the most famous active American athlete in LeBron James. An image of the NBAs career leading scorer could be seen on the video board outside the Philadelphia 76ers' arena across the street from the Eagles practice facility. The newest Sixers superstar had no immediate plans to travel to Philadelphia, but if he does, the Eagles will roll out the red carpet on the green grass for James. "He can come out to practice any time he wants," Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said. The Eagles welcomed him to Philly with arms as wide open as they are for James' pregame chalk toss. Super Bowl MVP-winning quarterback Jalen Hurts and 2,000-yard rusher Saquon Barkley both rank somewhere on the short list of most accomplished and most famous Philadelphia athletes. Even they turned into wide-eyed fans much like the rest of Philadelphia when they found out the 41-year-old James had indeed signed a two-year contract with the Sixers. "I think for what he represents in sports and sports culture," Hurts said, "its huge. And I think its huge for the city of Philadelphia. Itll be exciting to have a figure like that in the city. Whats he done. One of the greatest to ever do it. Im excited to be a part of that." James could do worse than duplicate Barkley's free-agent results when he left the New York Giants after six seasons and signed with the Eagles ahead of the 2024 season. He rushed for a franchise-record 2,005 yards and won a Super Bowl in his first try with the Eagles. Barkley pitched James at his youth football camp earlier this month on the appeal of playing in Philadelphia. "If you want to go out with a bang," Barkley said, "I feel like a great spot would be in Philly, and bringing a championship to Philadelphia, youd be remembered forever." James already had the "remembered forever" stamp in sports thank to his peerless resume in the NBA. Barkley who played golf with former President Barack Obama and also invited James on social media to " tee it up " demurred when pressed on his influence in James signing with the Sixers. Playing with All-Stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown surely swayed James more than Barkley. The running back didn't care much how exactly James made his Philly decision, or if James was even aware of his endorsement. He's just thrilled James has joined Philly's star-studded athlete roster. "I think the city of Philadelphia is a super cool place to be for sports, with how involved the fans are," Barkley said at training camp. "Having LeBron here is just great for the culture." Barkley, Hurts and other Eagles players still on the roster from two seasons ago are among the relatively few in Philadelphia sports history with championship rings. The Eagles won their only two Super Bowls in the last 10 years. The Flyers haven't won the Stanley Cup since 1975 and the Phillies since 2008. James joins a 76ers franchise that has not won an NBA title since 1983. He's not here for second place. The Eagles say, go get 'em. "Looks like the Sixers are trying to go win one," said Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith, a Boston Celtics fan. "Can't be mad at that." Reporting by The Associated Press.

India's teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has added another milestone to his rapidly rising career after being appointed vice-captain of the East Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy 2026. Fresh from winning the Player of the Series award during India's tour of Zimbabwe, Sooryavanshi will serve as deputy to Ishan Kishan, who has been named captain of the East Zone side for the prestigious red-ball tournament beginning on August 23 in Bengaluru.The vice-captaincy marks another major achievement for the youngster, who made his international debut during India's tour of England earlier this month. Following a string of impressive performances for India and in domestic cricket, Sooryavanshi has now been entrusted with a leadership role in one of India's premier domestic tournaments.He is expected to open the batting alongside experienced Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, who returns as the most seasoned player in the squad with more than 100 first-class appearances.Ishan Kishan to lead experienced East Zone squadWicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan will captain an East Zone side that blends experienced international cricketers with emerging talent. Veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami returns to the domestic circuit after missing international action since the 2025 Champions Trophy final. The 35-year-old featured for Bengal in the 2025-26 domestic season and also played 13 matches for the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026.The squad also includes India fast bowler Mukesh Kumar, all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed, Jharkhand batter Virat Singh, wicketkeeper Kumar Kushagra, and spin all-rounder Anukul Roy, who impressed during India A's successful tri-series campaign in Sri Lanka earlier this year.Riyan Parag, Akash Deep miss outEast Zone will be without two prominent names, Riyan Parag and Akash Deep, both of whom continue their rehabilitation after undergoing surgeries. Parag is recovering from right shoulder surgery, while Akash Deep remains sidelined following back surgery. Neither player was considered for selection as they continue their recovery programmes.East Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy 2026Full Squad: Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sudip Gharami, Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Suraj Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan (captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (vice-captain), Virat Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Shikhar Mohan, Subranshu Senapati, Abhijit Sarkar, Anukul Roy and Denish Das.Standbyes: Ayush Loharuka, Sridam Paul, Sambit S Baral, Sharandeep Singh and Swastik Samal.The Duleep Trophy, one of India's premier first-class competitions, gets underway in Bengaluru on August 23.

Los Angeles Sparks guard Rae Burrell (12) dribbles the ball and looks for a teammate during a match between New York Liberty and Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at Crypto.com ArenaAfter the final buzzer rang on Tuesday night's loss to the New York Liberty, Rae Burrell gave the Los Angeles Sparks plenty of reason to believe better days are ahead.In a back-and-forth battle, Burrell turned in one of the best games of her career, matching her career high with 24 points while adding three rebounds, three assists, and four steals. This marks her season average being 13.4 points per game. Although the Sparks came up just short in a 113-109 loss, Burrell's aggressive play stood out from start to finish.She attacked the basket with confidence, made plays in transition, and brought energy on the defensive end. Every time New York threatened to pull away, Burrell seemed to answer.Head coach Lynne Roberts loved what she saw from the fifth-year guard, especially the way she responded after making mistakes."Rae was phenomenal attacking," Roberts said. "A couple times she had a turnover, she got both of them back. That's winning basketball. We didn't get the reward of the win, but I'm proud of the team."For Burrell, though, the career night didn't mean much because it didn't end with a win."I just feel disappointed," Burrell said. "I obviously don't want to lose ever, so that just sucks."Even after one of the best offensive performances of her career, Burrell's focus immediately shifted to what she could improve to help finalize those important last minutes in a game."I definitely want to clean up those turnovers," she said. "I was able to get them back, but I just want to take care of the ball better. Whatever my team needs from me, just staying aggressive."Burrell also believes the All-Star break gave the Sparks exactly what they needed. After a difficult five-game losing streak pre All-Star, the team returned looking refreshed against one of the WNBA's best teams right now."I think everybody needed a reset," Burrell said. "That was the goal before we went on break, to come back ready to be the team that we want to be. We didn't get the result we wanted, but we definitely showed improvement."That improvement showed up across the stat sheet. The Sparks recorded a franchise-record 35 assists, forced 18 Liberty turnovers that turned into 30 points, and shot better than 51 percent from the field. They simply ran into a New York team that made enough big plays down the stretch and ultimately more free throws to escape with the win.The loss stung, but Burrell's performance was another reminder of how she has played at a different caliber this season. As the Sparks begin an important road trip, they'll be hoping Tuesday night wasn't just a career-high performance, but the start of something they can count on every game as the playoffs near.