It was the final Day 3 of Big Ten football media days 2026 in Chicago, and with it, we heard from the last third of the league's coaches and teams, after hearing from Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and players on Wednesday. On Thursday, we heard from Matt Rhule (Nebraska), Mike Locksley (Maryland), Kyle Whittingham (Michigan), David Braun (Northwestern), Jedd Fisch (Washington), and Curt Cignetti (Indiana).If you are like us, we are interested in what all the head coaches in the conference have to say, and if so, then we have all of the press conferences from each head coach on Thursday for you. In this case, we've got one very interesting to Ohio State fans: new Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham and what he had to say about where the Wolverine program is and what might be in store for this year.Have a listen. Can Whittingham turn the page from all the drama the Michigan program has seen over the last few years and get quarterback Bryce Underwood to take the all-important next step in development this season?We'll continue to bring you sound bites, news, and commentary from the next couple of days at Big Ten media days, so be sure to check back.Contact/Follow us@BuckeyesWireon X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. FollowPhil Harrison on X.This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham Big Ten media days press conference

Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesNBC Sports Philadelphia is budgeting to add a courtside voice to its Sixers broadcasts ahead of LeBron Jamess arrival this season, network vice president of content Alexandra Matcham told the Philadelphia Inquirer.I think you need a voice on the court where Alaa [Abdelnaby] and Kate [Scott] cant be to give us insight, do pre- and postgame interviews, analysis, all of that, Matcham said. Its a very hard job to do.For years, NBC Sports Philadelphia and its predecessor, Comcast SportsNet, used reporters like Serena Winters and Taryn Hatcher to fill that kind of role for the Sixers. That stopped in 2020, when the network began eliminating in-arena and in-game reporting jobs across its properties as basketball and hockey seasons wrapped that year, according to Crossing Broads Kevin Kinkead. Hatcher stayed on covering the Phillies for five more seasons after that before her contract lapsed at the end of 2025 and NBC Sports Philadelphia cut the position rather than renew it. Kinkead later reported that the network and Hatcher had discussed a freelance arrangement that would have let her take on other work at the same time, but the talks ended without an agreement over what Kinkeads sources described as a standard contract disagreement, not any real conflict between the two sides.That left NBC Sports Philadelphia without anyone in that role for the entirety of the Sixers 2025-26 season, and the roster now taking shape gives the network far less room to go another year without one.If you get a generational talent on your team, it could easily become a situation where the people that work for us are burnt out by December, and you dont want that, Matcham said. You need extra help.The shape of the new role hasnt been decided, and Matcham said shes been deliberate about not defaulting to the title NBC Sports Philadelphia has used for that kind of position in the past. The network cut its last remaining in-arena reporting jobs across its properties, including the Sixers, starting in 2020, and whatever gets added back now wont simply be a return to that old model.As Im talking to my colleagues, Im not even calling it a reporter role because I feel like its going to give them a stereotype I dont necessarily mean, Matcham said.Among the options Matcham described is bypassing a generalist Sixers reporter altogether in favor of someone hired specifically for Jamess orbit, someone with an existing relationship built from prior coverage of him rather than of the team broadly.The Scott-Abdelnaby broadcast finished 29th out of 30 teams in AAs 2025-26 local NBA announcer rankings, the third straight season in that spot. The most common grade fans gave them was a C, and roughly six in ten voters gave them a passing grade at all. Fans praised Scotts professionalism and criticized Abdelnaby as too much of a homer. Several comments also cited the absence of Hatcher as a drag on the broadcast.Hatcher spent eight years at NBC Sports Philadelphia covering all four major Philadelphia teams, most recently working Phillies home games alongside Tom McCarthy and John Kruk, but since her departure has been selective about new roles while managing a health situation. Matcham defended the decision at the time, telling the Philadelphia Business Journal the network wanted to add to our storytelling in new ways and that the position was being eliminated.Whatever title the network settles on, it will be trying to recreate, under different terms, the exact kind of presence it decided a year ago it could do without.The post NBC Sports Philadelphia weighing adding courtside voice for Sixers after LeBron James arrival appeared first on Awful Announcing.

After Memphis football's first preseason practice, coach Charles Huff was in the middle of answering a question about how the Tigers had come together throughout the offseason.The first-year coach was talking about preparing players to be better husbands and fathers, and then he said this."Don't get me wrong: I need to win. Fast. I get it."It was a pretty good encapsulation of where the program sits as the Tigers officially began their preparation for the 2026 season that begins at UNLV on Aug. 29. On one hand, the Tigers have a roster made up almost entirely of transfers and have position battles going on at multiple spots on each side of the ball.On the other, there are legitimate championship expectations.Huff has embraced it since he left Southern Miss, declaring at his introductory press conference in December that he was in Memphis to "close the gap" between being one of the best teams in the American Conference and actually winning the title, something the Tigers have not done since 2019."If we're shying away from championships and CFP and big goals and big dreams, then that's what (the players are) going to do in life," he said on July 30. "So instead of them wanting to be the CEO, they're going to be okay being the foreman. Or they're going to be okay just being in the organization. They're not going to strive to be the top of it."There's a clear sense of urgency around the entire team, even though it's still July. The Tigers play Week 0, so the preseason practice period has gotten compressed and the high stakes of the first game in Las Vegas means there won't be a lot of time to work things out.The Tigers still have a quarterback competition to figure out and plenty of other questions that will need to be answered. The expectations and goals, though, have been crystal clear."Will we make it there or not? I'll tell you in December," Huff said. "But if we make it, it'll be because they were able to understand that the bigger the goal, the harder the work. If we don't they'll leave here learning that if you set high goals, you've got to work."Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.comor on X @thejonahdylan.This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Why Charles Huff isn't shying away from high expectations for Memphis football

SANTA CLARA, Calif. Deebo Samuel is returning to the San Francisco 49ers after spending one season with the Washington Commanders.Samuel agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $7 million, according to multiple reports. The agreement was negotiated by Tory Dandy of Athletes First and gives the veteran receiver an opportunity to revive his career in the offense where he became one of the NFLs most versatile playmakers. San Francisco selected Samuel in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft. He spent six seasons with the franchise before being traded to Washington for a fifth-round pick in March 2025.Samuel caught 72 passes for 727 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games with the Commanders last season. He also carried the ball 17 times for 75 yards, continuing to provide the hybrid receiver-running back ability that defined his first stint with the 49ers.Reunion: Free agent WR Deebo Samuel is signing back with the #49ers, sources say. The former #Commanders and SF pass-catcher returns where it all began.1-year, up to $7M in a deal done by Tory Dandy of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/eGgs4jHdnr Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 31, 2026His best season came in 2021, when Samuel earned first-team All-Pro honors after producing 1,405 receiving yards, 365 rushing yards and 14 total touchdowns. His eight rushing touchdowns established an NFL single-season record for a wide receiver. Samuel has not replicated that production in recent years, but his familiarity with San Franciscos offense should reduce the adjustment period. He can align outside, in the slot or in the backfield while giving the 49ers another experienced option capable of creating yards after the catch.The short-term contract limits San Franciscos financial risk while providing Samuel with an opportunity to rebuild his value before returning to free agency. It also removes one of the most accomplished receivers from a veteran market that still includes Stefon Diggs and Keenan Allen.Diggs is coming off an 85-catch, 1,013-yard season, while Allen remains one of the leagues most accomplished route runners. Both could attract increased attention as teams evaluate injuries and roster needs during camp.Samuel will not have to learn a new organization. He is returning to the coach, system, and franchise that helped make him an All-Pro.This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Deebo Samuel returns to 49ers on one-year contract

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RENTON, WASHINGTON - JULY 25: AJ Barner #88 of the Seattle Seahawks runs with the ball during practice at Virginia Mason Athletic Center on July 25, 2026 in Renton, Washington. (Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe Seattle Seahawks returned to the practice field after taking Wednesday off. Thursday marked the first padded practice of training camp, which means the intensity can ramp up and the feel of real football is getting closer. Fans wont get a glimpse of padded reps until Friday, so media-only accounts will have to suffice for today.Lets go through the notable events from Day 5 of Seahawks training camp!Seahawks training camp news and notesDeven Eastern returns to practiceSeahawks rookie nose tackle Deven Eastern had been largely absent from mandatory minicamp and OTAs due to injury, and started this year on the PUP list. He passed a physical on Thursday and is all good to go, which means just Nick Emmanwori and Zach Charbonnet are still on PUP.Rookie Deven Eastern has been activated from PUP list. #Seahawkspic.twitter.com/K7i9J7yeBi Corbin K. Smith (@CorbinSmithNFL) July 30, 2026Mike Macdonald: Tyrice Knight having a great training campAfter taking over as a midseason starter as a rookie, Tyrice Knights injury issues in 2025 led to some early season struggles before Drake Thomas took over his starting job. The third-year player out of UTEP has started camp well enough for Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald to sing his praises.Tyrice has had a great camp. He really has. Hes done a great job. Theres ways to get him out there. Thats a great example of how you dont need to be counting the people ahead of you and where do I stand in depth chart and all this. Just put my best foot forward and let us figure out how to get you on the field. Put that burden on the coaches to make sure that we got the best guys out there. Hes definitely applying pressure right now, which is really great.Mike Macdonald addresses currently injured Seahawks playersThe likes of Jake Bobo and Julian Neal have been absent from recent practices due to injury. It doesnt sounds like Mike Macdonald is too concerned about any of the injuries.Nothing long term. Just a couple of things theyre working through, camp type of stuff. Its a bummer, but we will get them back soon.Brandon Pili, Jamie Sheriff, and Jared Ivey were new non-participants on Thursday, and similarly there doesnt seem to be reason to sound the alarm bells.Well, theyre dealing with some things. Some training camp things, but theyll be back. Nothing crazy going on right now, just some training camp stuff.Nick Emmanwori attends practice from the sidelinesSeattles star defensive back is on the mend after ankle surgery, which is why hes on PUP. While its been reported that it wont likely be a long-term absence for Emmanwori, Coach Macdonald is playing it close to the vest as far as a timetable for his return.Hes in an adverse situation. Hes attacking it. Thats all you can ask him to do. Hes made a lot of progress, which is exciting. Its one of these things where you dont want to put a timetable on it because you dont want to limit him but just go rip it every day. We got great people surrounded by him and lets go see where we get. Hes returned so far. Hes done a great job. Its not going to be easy, but hes just the man for the job.Andre Fuller, Michael Dansby level up in padsWhile Julian Neal did not practice, Seattles other two rookie corners did participate. Dansby has raised eyebrows with his ball skills and general performances in 1-on-1s and in team reps. Heres what Coach Macdonald had to say about their first practice in pads.To see them make plays, playing football, its great. Its an indication of the work they have put in. Theyve done a great job up to this point. Theyre rookies, so they are swimming a little bit schematically, but thats as expected, and they just got to kind of work through the fog until we start making plays, like today, and gain more confidence and just keep rolling.Sam Darnold on having running backs more involved as receiversFor the first time during camp, Sam Darnold had a media availability session. The Seahawks second-year starting quarterback was asked about his stable of running backs and the benefits of having them as legitimate receiving threats.I think it helps the quarterback a ton because it does present a different problem for the defense. Sometimes the defense assumes, especially on third down, that the running backs going to stay in and protect so they can build their pressures off of that. But when youre getting five guys out on a route and youre in scat protection, sometimes youve got to throw hot, and the defense is going to make it hot. If you get the protections right, youre not hot, and the running backs out on a route, sometimes thats a mismatch with a linebacker, especially with a guy like [Jadarian Price] or George [Holani]. Weve got a ton of backs in the backfield this year that can make linebackers and safeties miss. So, its going to be really fun to see what those guys can do coming out of the backfield.O-line vs. D-line gets more competitiveYou love to see the give-and-take. And you love to read about both of these things regarding Rylie Mills and Anthony Bradford especially Mills.1-on-1 pass-rush drills in full pads=the most real football in #Seahawks training camp.Byron Murphy bull-rushed into Christian Haynes' chest, blew him into the backfieldRylie Mills beat Anthony Bradford with an inside rip move. Bradford came back, stopped Mills' spin move Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) July 30, 2026George Holani shows off his pass protection chopsIts expected that third-year Seahawks running back George Holani will feature more in the offense. One of the reasons? His pass protection.One of the reasons John Schneider raved about George Holani after the Super Bowl was how he fared in pass protection during the playoffs. The GM called it elite.A good example in this blitz pickup drill during the Seahawks first padded practice of camp. Holani is first up. pic.twitter.com/W61PnZFJ0m Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) July 30, 2026George Holani going against Ernest Jones in pass pro 1-on-1s. #Seahawkspic.twitter.com/FJyt5pzYo7 Corbin K. Smith (@CorbinSmithNFL) July 30, 2026Some familiar work for Robbie OuztsRobbie Ouzts was a tight end in college and a fullback in the NFL. With Brian Fleury as offensive coordinator, I would anticipate Ouzts having more of a role outside of being an I-formation fullback. Fullback Robbie Ouzts, whom the #Seahawks converted from tight end last year as a rookie, is getting back to his University of Alabama position at his second #Seahawks training camp. Ouzts getting right-end work on duo blocks with offensive tackles in position drills. pic.twitter.com/kl0yJ5UoAY Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) July 30, 2026As noted earlier, fans return to practice on Friday, July 31 at 1 pm PT. Reminder: Field Gulls live at Seahawks training camp!In just a few days Field Gulls will be on site as part of the Seahawks Syndicate crew, which features myself, Bryce Coutts, Dan Viens, and Brandon Cain (who wont be attending in-person this year). Well be at three practices on Aug. 5, 7, and 8, with live podcasts streaming from Fast Fashion Brewing in SoDo! Youre invited to a special Town Hall style show on Aug. 7 at 7:30 pm. Myself, Bryce, and Josh Hite are among the Field Gulls staff that will be at camp in some capacity during these days. Come hang with us at Fast Fashion and/or meet us at the berm on those two VMAC days.Its more fun when we can do our own reports instead of aggregating from others.

Under-15, 17 and 20 coaches hail meeting with Carlo AncelottiPatetuci, Ancelotti, Dalla Da and Paulo Victor: national teams in harmonyCredits: Rafael Ribeiro / CBFThe meeting between head coach Carlo Ancelotti and the managers of CBFs three Brazilian mens youth national teams, held on Thursday afternoon (30) at Granja Comary in Terespolis (RJ), marked the beginning of a new phase in the integration process among all levels of the Canarinho.For nearly two hours, Ancelotti and Paulo Victor, of the Under-20 team, Carlos Eduardo Patetuci, of the Under-17s, and Guilherme Dalla Da, of the Under-15s, discussed strategic topics related to the development of Brazilian football and player training. The meeting also served to establish the guidelines that will steer the joint work of the coaching staffs in the coming cycles.The initiative reinforces CBFs commitment to an integrated sports management model, in which the constant exchange of information, methodologies and concepts strengthens talent development and makes it easier for young players to transition to the senior national team, ensuring greater continuity in the work carried out across all age groups.Also present at the meeting, among several representatives of the youth coaching staffs, were the general executive coordinator of the mens national teams, Rodrigo Caetano, and the mens national teams manager, Ccero Souza.It was very important. Ancelotti wants increasingly frequent contact with the youth teams. He wants to encourage that. And when you see how simple and humble he is when speaking, for a coach who has won so many titles, that is very positive. He said he would really like to hear from us, to know how we see Brazilian football and the development of our youth game, with the intention of maximizing our players potential more and more, so that they can be prepared in the best possible way to make the transition to the senior national team, said Guilherme Dalla Da.For Carlos Eduardo Patetuci, of the Under-17 national team, the meeting will bear fruit through this integration work among the national teams.It is a very important process, given the moment we are living through. It is truly an honor to be with Mister Carlo Ancelotti, Rodrigo Caetano, Ccero Souza, all the coaches, and all the youth staff. This integration is essential so that we can map out the path forward. It is a process, and we need to stay within a single methodology that integrates the youth teams and the senior national team. The main goal is to keep developing and training in the best possible way, Patetuci said.Paulo Victor, of the Under-20 national team, highlighted the same points as his colleagues, stressing that this was the first of many meetings that will contribute to strengthening Brazilian football."It was extremely positive. It shows the direction the institution has been taking with regard to integration in this process of renewing the senior national team. It is a very important part of understanding exactly how Mister Ancelotti sees this renewal process, what the main points are, what is being sought most, and how we can contribute to this process, from the Under-15s to the Under-23 national team. The conversation moved very much in that direction, and I am sure it was the first of many we will have in order to deal with alignment, ideas, identity, methodologies, characteristics, and player profiles. It is a path of no return, and we are happy with the simplicity and humility with which he treats us and all the matters related to this renewal," said Paulo Victor.This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in here.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 04: Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel (1) enters the field before the game between the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles on January 04, 2026 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe San Francisco 49ers are bringing back an old friend. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel is signing a 1-year deal worth $7 million. This comes after the news that Ricky Pearsall might not play in 2026. Earlier on Thursday we asked what Deebo was up to. Were about to find out.Deebo needs no introduction. He spent the entireity of his career in the Bay Area before a one-year stint with the Commanders last year. Samuel saw more targets last season than he had since 2021. He finished the season with 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns.Most of Deebos targets came near the line of scrimmage. His average air yards per target was the lowest since 2022, at 5.3. Of those 99 targets, 67 came under 10 yards.Washington used Samuel primarily as a slot receiver. He ran 260 routes in the slot, compared to 141 out wide. Its worth noting that Samuel also ran 15 routes from the backfield. If the 49ers are looking for somebody to take some of the workload off Christian McCaffrey with Jordan James sidelined, who better than the player who we coined the term wideback for?Were projecting here, but Samuel would likely play in the slot while Stribling gets familiar with Z. That is, unless Demarcus Robinson or Christian Kirk prove that they can contribute as outside receivers in this offense. Itll be interesting to see how much Deebo plays over the likes of Jacob Cowing, Jordan Watkins, Kirk (once hes healthy), and Robinson. The good news is Stribling is versatile and Deebo knows the offense, so you can use both players are multiple spots, with Mike Evans as the true X receiver.

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 19: Seth Henigan #19 of the Jacksonville Jaguars throws a pass during Training Camp at Miller Electric Center on August 19, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe Pittsburgh Steelers hosted seven free agents for tryouts on Thursday, the most notable name being former Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan. Henigan has spent time with the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars.In four seasons with the Tigers, Henigan threw 104 touchdowns in 50 games, including 32 in 2023, which led the American Conference. In addition to Henigan, the Steelers hosted six other free agents:WR Cam CamperTE Zach DavidsonDB Keenan GarberTE Heinrich HaarbergRB Jarveon HowardRB JaQuinden JacksonWR Jakobie Keeney-JamesCamper caught 58 passes and four touchdowns in 2023 while at Boise State. He spent the 2026 UFL season with the Orlando Storm, catching 25 passes and three touchdowns.Davidson appeared in one NFL game in 2025 with the New York Giants and two games in 2024 with the Buffalo Bills. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.Garber recorded two interceptions across six collegiate seasons and was most recently on the Detroit Lions practice squad.Haarberg had eight receptions in 2025 at the University of Nebraska and briefly spent time with the Carolina Panthers earlier this year.Howard has spent the last two UFL seasons with the St. Louis Battlehawks, totaling 831 yards and four touchdowns in two seasons. Jackson signed as an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars in April, 2025. He spent that season on their practice squad before being waived this past May.Keeney-James appeared in one game with the Green Bay Packers last season, catching two passes. He was released in June.Let us know what you think in the comments.Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!Steelers training camp: Will Howard takes command of backup QB battleFormer Steelers linebacker signs with 49ersSteelers interested in signing veteran safetySteelers stock report after Day 1 of training campSteelers training camp: Drew Allars touchdown, Roman Wilson highlight first practice

At a time when a 49ers receiver badly wants to join the Commanders, a former Commanders receiver is rejoining the 49ers.Via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Deebo Samuel is returning to San Francisco. It's a one-year deal worth up to $7 million. (The base value has not yet been disclosed.)A second-round pick of the 49ers in 2019, Samuel became a first-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler in his third season, with 1,405 receiving yards and 365 passing yards in 2021. Things got ugly between Samuel and the 49ers in the 2022 offseason, with Samuel asking to be traded. He eventually signed a three-year, $73.5 million extension.Before the final year of the deal in 2025, the 49ers traded Samuel to the Commanders for a fifth-round pick. He also agreed to a reduced contract, with a $17 million base salary and up to $3 milion in incentives.With 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall's season in doubt due to the lingering effects of a knee injury, the 49ers needed help at the position. Samuel joins a depth chart that includes Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, De'Zhaun Stribling, Jordan Watkins, Jacob Cowling, and Demarcus Robinson.Samuel, 30, has one career 1,000-yard season. Last year in Washington, he caught 72 passes for 727 yards and five touchdowns.