The ESPN High School Football Kickoff will include a highly anticipated matchup between a couple of big-name quarterbacks.Gunner Rivers and St. Michael Catholic will host Bo Bryan and Battle Ground Academy on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 1:30 p.m., ESPN announced Thursday. The game will be televised by ESPN2.Gunner Rivers is the son of NFL great Philip Rivers. He is committed to NC State. Philip is also the head coach at St. Michael Catholic. He is entering his sixth season leading the Cardinals program. Bo Bryan is the son of country music star Luke Bryan. He holds multiple Division I offers.Bo Bryan is ranked as a three-star quarterback in the class of 2027, according to 247Sports. He holds offers from North Alabama, Eastern Kentucky, East Tennessee State and Austin Peay.Bo is entering his senior season at Battle Ground Academy. He threw for 336 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions as a reserve in 2025. Bo spoke to the Times-Georgian about what its like being the son of Luke Bryan.Ive been born into it, so Im just used to it by now, he said. The thing Ive kind of always been taught by my parents is to not be stuck in a shadow and just build your own thing. Make a name for yourself.I feel like Ive done it pretty well. Ive still got a ways to go, but Im just going to keep going and just keep loving while Im doing it. Im enjoying this journey a lot.Gunner Rivers is a four-star quarterback who is also in the class of 2027. He is ranked as the No. 4 quarterback in the country, according to 247Sports. Gunner completed 69.1 percent of his passes last season, throwing for 3,176 yards and 46 touchdowns in 14 games. He also rushed for 196 yards and a score.Stories by Matt ConnollyFormer ESPN broadcaster still calling games for network after being laid offPGA Tour player banned from competing for 6 monthsHeres what the WNBA said about its social media post showing star players betting on a gameWayne Gretzkys daughter gets engaged to former college football playerRead the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

In March, EverPass announced that NFL Sunday Ticket would become an exclusive streaming property in commercial establishments, like bars and restaurants, removing the option to capture the games via satellite. That has now changed.It was announced on Friday that Sunday Ticket will return to DirecTV in 2026 for commercial establishments.David Rumsey of Front Office Sports reports that the agreement runs through at least the 2028 season.The shift was going to be problematic for plenty of bars and restaurants that don't have the infrastructure to ensure that sufficiently effective Internet service will be available to stream the various games to the various monitors.The issue was front and center at the June 10 hearing before the House Judiciary Committee. Many bar and restaurant owners wanted to continue to rely on DirecTV to provide Sunday Ticket to their customers.While EverPass continues to hope to eventually convert all of its services to streaming-only, the business realities and the political climate pointed to pressing pause on the project. Which will allow more commercial establishments to provide Sunday afternoon games to its customers without having to work about the expense of converting or about the possibility that the NFL fans watching NFL games will be suffering through constant buffering.Which wouldn't be good for business. And wouldn't be good for anybody.

Scot Hoist LTD sponsor The Lions' View Sensory RoomCeltic FC Foundation are delighted to announce that Scot Hoist LTD, a local company led by owner Robert Steele, has become the new sponsor of the acclaimed Lions View Sensory Room at Celtic Park.Scot Hoist LTD is a Glasgow-based lifting equipment specialist and proud supporter of Celtic FC Foundation, with Robert and the team delighted to get behind this important initiative.The sponsorship will run throughout the 2026/27 season, covering the management and operational costs of the Sensory Room. This specially designed facility provides a full matchday experience for children, young people and adults with sensory needs, as well as individuals and groups with complex physical and learning needs. Thanks to this support, Celtic FC Foundation can continue to offer this unique matchday experience free of charge to all participants.Located in Celtic Parks Lisbon Lions Stand, the pitch-facing facility opened in April 2019. It offers a safe and secure environment and viewing area on matchdays, with a capacity to host 14 people along with two Celtic FC Foundation staff members who support participants. At full capacity, around 300 children, young people and adults will benefit from the matchday experience each season. Additionally, the facility can be used for midweek project sessions, significantly increasing the total number of potential annual beneficiaries.Following a recent visit to the Lions' View Sensory Room, Robert Steele said: Being a lifelong Celtic supporter has given me the privilege of experiencing so many unforgettable moments at Celtic Park, creating special memories with family and friends that I will always cherish. Sponsoring the Lions View Sensory Room is our way of helping other families enjoy those same experiences in an environment designed to meet their individual needs.The facilities within the Lions View Sensory Room are exceptional and help make the experience of one of the worlds most iconic football atmospheres even more memorable and accessible. We are incredibly honoured and proud to support such a wonderful initiative.Head of Celtic FC Foundation Jane Maguire said: We are incredibly grateful to Robert and everyone at Scot Hoist LTD for their generous sponsorship of the Lions View Sensory Room. Their support enables us to continue making a meaningful difference for supporters with sensory needs, as well as individuals and groups with complex physical and learning needs."Scot Hoist LTD are a valued new supporter of Celtic FC Foundation. Their decision to sponsor the Lions' View Sensory Room marks the beginning of what we hope will be a strong and lasting partnership. We are delighted to be working together and look forward to collaborating on future initiatives.There is currently a waiting list forthe Lions View Sensory Room on a matchday. Those who would like to learn more about the facility or register their interest in attending, please contact cfcfoundation@celticfc.co.uk

A mobile app can look attractive and still fail to meet business or customer expectations. Many companies launch an app only to discover that users need features that were not included during the initial development stage. Missing payment options, weak security, poor navigation, limited integrations, slow performance, or a lack of personalized experiences can reduce user satisfaction and affect...

Need a catcher? Want one that rakes and is under contract through 2029? Give the Colorado Rockies a call about Hunter Goodman! The Rockies are tied for the worst record in MLB (42-67), and Goodman, a two-time All-Star, is among their compelling position players who could move the needle for a contender, specifically one that wants a catcher. Here are three best trade fits for Goodman. Boston's offense has slumped, and it could use more power from behind the plate. Enter Goodman. Goodman leads MLB catchers with 31 home runs which is tied for third in MLB altogether a .545 slugging percentage and a .871 OPS. He has overwhelming power from the right side and is arguably the best hitting catcher in the sport. Goodman would add needed slug to a Boston offense that's tied for 28th in MLB in home runs (104), tied for 24th in runs (454) and tied for 22nd in slugging percentage (.393). Moreover, the Red Sox have received a combined five home runs and 33 RBIs from the catching combination of Carlos Narvez, Connor Wong and Mickey Gasper. Suffice to say: Goodman would be a monumental upgrade in the batter's box for Boston at the position. All that said, the Red Sox may prefer to just ride out the season with Narvez and Wong behind the plate, who has had his moments as a hitter, and keep continuity intact between said catchers and their pitching staff, as Boston (57-51 and winners of 20 of its last 23 games) continues to chug toward a playoff spot. On that note, Goodman's prospects behind the plate continually come into question, as he's tied for 57th among MLB catchers with -1 defensive runs saved and tied for 21st among catchers in runners caught stealing (10). The Texas Rangers find themselves squarely in playoff contention (first place in the American League West at 55-54). What could they use to build separation in the AL West? Offense behind the plate, a void that Goodman would fill with ease. Goodman, who ranks in the 97th percentile of MLB in barrel percentage this season (17.0%), per Statcast, would instantly become the Rangers' most dangerous hitter from either side of the plate. Prior to this season, Goodman blasted 31 home runs, drove in 91 runs and finished with a .520 slugging percentage in 2025, helping him earn a Silver Slugger honor. Texas has dealt with injuries to catchers Kyle Higashioka (.218/.306/.370 slash line) and Danny Jansen (.171/.277/.309 slash line), who have each struggled at the plate, while Elias Daz and Austin Wynns have been unable to provide a lift. Meanwhile, Goodman has five multi-home run games this season, including two three-homer games. All that said, Texas or any team for that matter may refrain from offering a considerable trade package for Goodman to be their long-term catcher, potentially seeing him as more of a first baseman in the wake of his shortcomings behind the plate compared to his catching counterparts (Goodman has also made 29 MLB starts in right field, 10 at first base and five in left field). Plus, would acquiring Goodman make the Rangers a true AL contender or just the best team in a division where they're the only team with a winning record? Even with his defensive shortcomings, Goodman would improve the Red Sox and Rangers, but neither club makes the most sense to acquire the catcher because the Yankees have a screaming need for Goodman. Austin Wells boasts a reputable seven defensive runs saved this year, but the bat has been a major problem for the Yankees' starting catcher (.162/.260/.273 slash line). Goodman would be the team's best hitting catcher since the peak version of Gary Sanchez and provide elite power to an offense that's currently without Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton. If New York loves Goodman's bat but has alarms sounding on his glove, it could remove him for Wells in the final two-to-three innings of games where they have a lead behind the notion that his spot in the order likely wouldn't reach the plate again. Another option is having Wells start multiple games a week, with Goodman serving as the designated hitter on those days until Stanton, who's the team's primary designated hitter, when healthy, returns. The Yankees could offer the Rockies a trade package for Goodman centered around right-handers Luis Gil who was the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year and Elmer Rodriguez and catcher Ali Snchez, among other prospects. Both Gil and Rodriguez likely don't have a short-term path to getting back in New York's starting rotation, whereas they could each theoretically join Colorado's starting rotation from the jump. If and when the Yankees' offense gets back to 100% health wise, Goodman would add another impact bat to a high-octane, power-hitting unit, which complements an elite starting rotation and a bullpen that's tied for the MLB lead in ERA (2.98).

The wide receiver position is absolutely loaded in both fantasy football and reality. It's so hard to put together any sort of position ranking list without feeling like you left someone off or slighted a really good player or two. And yet, I'm going to give it a shot for yet another season in this annual exercise and I'll absolutely feel the aforementioned regret, shame, etc.After pouring hours into charting a ton of the guys drafted the last few years for Reception Perception, I decided to sit down and rank the top-15 wide receivers who are currently 25 years old or younger heading into the 2026 NFL season (not including rookies).Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2026 NFL seasonNote: These are not simply fantasy rankings. Instead, this is how I view these guys as pure individual NFL players removed from the context of their situations. One player I did not include here was Travis Hunter, who is quite likely to play more cornerback than wide receiver this season (key distinction) for the Jaguars. As a wide receiver only, however, I'm a big fan and think he could compete for a top-10 spot if he got the developmental reps he needs.1) Puka Nacua, RamsSince he entered the league in 2023, Puka Nacua leads all wide receivers with 600 or more routes in yards, first downs and successful targets per route run. Every season he gets a little bit better, with 2025 being the year he added more vertical separation to his bag.Even if Matthew Stafford ever misses time, Nacua is good enough to stand on his own talent and plays an extremely quarterback-friendly role in the Rams offense. He's a clear top-five player overall at the position, bare minimum.Nacua has had a troubling last 365 days or so off the field and does need to be more professional (I'm being kind in describing it that way). But when he's between the lines, he's on pace to put together a Hall of Fame career and is still getting better.2) Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SeahawksThe Seahawks receiver dominated the league last season en route to a Super Bowl win and Offensive Player of the Year honors. Jaxon Smith-Njigba did that while going from a 67.6% and 77.4% slot rate in his first two seasons to 17.5% in Year 3. His 35.8% target share was the highest for any wideout from 2015 to 2025.Jaxon Smith-Njigba 2025 #ReceptionPerception Profile Some highlights:- 77.8% success rate vs. man coverage (94th percentile)- 82.5% success rate vs. zone - 80% success rate vs. pressRP helps show that JSN was pretty convincingly among the best, if not the premier, route pic.twitter.com/8Vo7xYQN7v Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) June 30, 2026It was an all-time season for the Seattle receiver. We've watched him become, arguably, the best route runner in the entire NFL; capable of dominating at all three levels. While the Seahawks could spread out the targets in 2026, I still expect JSN to be one of the top receivers in the sport. Technicians and separators like this have premier staying power.3) Malik Nabers, GiantsBefore Malik Nabers got hurt last season, everything about his film indicated he was knocking on the door to be considered a true Tier 1 wide receiver in the NFL. That is a small and exclusive club but Nabers has the freak-show athleticism and release work at the line to back it up.The following WRs have hit or cleared the 98th percentile in success rate vs. press coverage while taking fewer than 30% of their sampled snaps from the slot in #ReceptionPerception history (2014 to current): - A.J. Brown- Davante Adams- JaMarr Chase- Justin Jefferson pic.twitter.com/rqnlQeigXq Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) July 24, 2026While most of the injury headlines have been negative on Nabers all offseason, he's been active at training camp so far. I'd still be cautious in assuming he's all the way himself for the entirety of the season, just to at least prepare oneself. However, let's be clear: Nabers "himself" is a guy who could be considered to have an open-and-shut case as a top-five wide receiver by the end of this season.4) Drake London, FalconsHe wouldn't be my pick for best in the NFL but Drake London very well may be my favorite receiver in the league. For one, I just love a big wideout who dispatches nonsense narratives that they can't separate, as London did right away in the pros. He is also perfectly aligned with the modern archetype of a WR1 who can win as an X but is truly maximized as a hulking, movement Z who kicks into the slot.In the right offensive environment Atlanta hasn't come close to constructing that he could push to be a Triple Crown winner. That's how strong and diverse a skill set he brings to the table.5) George Pickens, CowboysThe Cowboys were a perfect fit for George Pickens, and vice versa. Not only did he dominate for Dallas, but he also did so while handling one of the lowest slot rates we've seen in recent memory for a receiver with his level of production.On another note, George Pickens having the season he did while taking 7.6% of his snaps from the slot (the lowest rate from 2023 to 2025 for a WR with over 200 routes in a season) is wild. He averaged 84.1 yards per game, while no one else pictured cleared 48 YPG. Only WR with https://t.co/rTRzvVWSEjpic.twitter.com/OOldLSJgfA Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) July 22, 2026Pickens has gone from a guy who struggled to separate early in his NFL career to an absolute menace against press-man coverage. While he has his frustrating moments, they are fewer and farther between than in his early days. Overall, they don't hurt his case as one of the premier X-receivers in the NFL, either.6) Zay Flowers, RavensZay Flowers is one of the best young receivers in the NFL and I'm tired of pretending like he's not. He's explosive, useful and has been flat-out one of the best zone-beaters since he entered the league.Zay Flowers since he entered the NFL in success rate vs. zone coverage, via #ReceptionPerception: 2023: 90th percentile2024: 89th percentile2025: 91st percentile https://t.co/csTCuNybc6 Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) July 31, 2026Flowers is a strong bet to outkick his production expectations once again this season as the clear-cut best pass-catcher on the Ravens roster. He is a dangerous three-level threat who should eat on downfield play-action shots in the new offense. You don't see nearly the amount of mental mistakes on his film, either.7) Ladd McConkey, ChargersLadd McConkey took a statistical step back last season but was generally the same player on film from his dynamic rookie season. He just lost layup work to Keenan Allen, Justin Herbert's security blanket and couldn't be accessed on big downfield breaking routes thanks to the injury-mired offensive line. The only area where you could criticize McConkey was for some whiffs in the contested catch game, after he ran white-hot on those targets in 2024.With most of the structural issues addressed and Mike McDaniel in town as the OC, McConkey is the most obvious bounce-back candidate in the NFL. He's a perfect fit in this system and I won't be shocked if he's one of the most efficient receivers on a per-route basis in 2026.8) Rome Odunze, BearsI bet this will likely be viewed as my most aggressive and controversial ranking. However, I have seen more than enough to place Rome Odunze at this position. In the first eight weeks of the season, he ranked 19th in yards per route run, 15th in yards per game and trailed only Amon-Ra St. Brown, Michael Pittman Jr., Davante Adams and George Pickens in touchdown catches. Frankly, I believe his film is even better than some of those numbers indicate; he remains one of the more talented young wideouts in the game, especially if he can clean up some mistakes at the catch point from 2025.He popped up on the injury report heading into Week 9 with what ultimately turned out to be a foot/heel injury that ruined his season. Had that not happened, I don't think this ranking would seem strange at all. Odunze can separate at will as an X-receiver but is versatile and smart enough to move all over the field and play multiple roles, as he did before the foot injury.9) Tetairoa McMillan, PanthersThe rookie receiver was everything the Panthers could have hoped for after taking him in the top 10 last season. He was a fantastic starting X-receiver who dominated as a separator on digs and out-cuts in the intermediate area. McMillan even left some plays on the field as a rookie and could stand to add some nuance off the line to stack corners on vertical patterns.In other words, he could be even better in future seasons.The Panthers have said they want to play him from the slot more in 2026, which shouldn't be hard. One hundred and seventeen WRs ran at least 200 routes last season; Tetairoa McMillan's 15.2% slot rate on passing plays ranked 101st. It will be more tactically difficult to get there with field-stretcher Chris Brazzell out for the season but Jalen Coker's emergence should be enough to get McMillan closer to 20%. That would be a big enough deal to help him take the next step.10) Jameson Williams, LionsJameson Williams was almost completely invisible for large stretches of the first nine weeks of the season, as he was targeted on just 15.6% of his routes and averaged 44.4 yards per game with a mere 21 receptions. Then, from Week 10 on, Williams was targeted on 18.9% of his routes and caught 44 passes while averaging 84.7 yards per game. Was that because Dan Campbell took over play-calling in Week 10 or because Sam LaPorta got hurt?The answer doesn't really matter. What's consequential about Williams is that while he's a volatile player and likely always will be, he's one of the most dangerous threats at the position league-wide. He's also developed into a strong zone-beater who punishes defenses on in-breakers.11) Marvin Harrison Jr., CardinalsYou can hold two thoughts in your head at the same time.Marvin Harrison Jr. has been disappointing in the NFL relative to the overly lofty expectations based on his name and draft capital, and he's also not been anywhere near as bad as the social media doomscape paints him.I am, admittedly, "Cardinals Curious."Both the social media doomscape algorithm and @justinboone are attempting to bait me further down this dark path. pic.twitter.com/30BRaqt5Xv Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) July 31, 2026Harrison has certainly had issues at the catch point but his former quarterback also turned down countless open over-the-middle throws to Harrison while he operated in one of the most static X-receiver roles imaginable. Now that the circumstances have changed, I'm quite excited about his possible deployment in a Rams-style offense under Mike LaFleur that suits his game. Harrison is a detailed technician who separates way better than public perception suggests.I don't know how good the Cardinals offense is going to be, but I like Harrison to get on track in his third season.12) Brian Thomas Jr., JaguarsA faller from this exercise last season, Brian Thomas Jr. had a disastrous second season. However, I'm pretty willing to give him a pass for what we saw, as he clearly played with injuries all through 2025. As he said in OTAs regarding his health, "it doesn't hurt to run anymore." While drops were an issue last season, that could easily be a fluke.When Thomas is right, he has alien-like athletic gifts and can explode off the line to get open against press-man coverage. He does need to improve his spatial awareness and overall coverage recognition skills against zone. Even if the high drop rate comes down, Thomas also must correct some of the mistakes he made working over the middle. The 2026 season will go a long way to seeing if Thomas can play a more multi-faceted role in a healthy offense or if he's best suited as a complementary vertical X-receiver. I still want to bet on his talent.13) Emeka Egbuka, BuccaneersWe know that few receivers started as hot as Emeka Egbuka last season, as he looked like the right answer at the position in the first six weeks of 2025. He dramatically tailed off after that, thanks to a hamstring injury; Baker Mayfield also got dinged up. As he enters his second season, Egbuka should be able to stabilize his production over the course of a full year.The biggest variable here is that Mike Evans' targets will be up for grabs but Egbuka won't be sliding back into the X-receiver role, as Zac Robinson has him ticketed for the Z and slot. This is much better suited to Egbuka's skill set, considering it's the role he played in college. He's a strong zone-beater who can create big plays on downfield routes when he gets a free release. If you're looking for an example of this deployment, just look at Drake London under Robinson in Atlanta the last few years. Egbuka is a dark-horse option to clear 140 targets in 2026.14) Luther Burden III, BearsLuther Burden III came on strong at the end of his rookie season after an understandably slow start. He is outright deadly with the ball in his hands and I believe he could be considered one of the four or five best run-after-catch receivers in the game by the end of this season. People misunderstand Burden's game, trying to paint him as a slot when he profiles as much more of a Z-receiver who can win at all levels.Luther Burden's top comp in the #ReceptionPerception Player Comparison Tool is Robert Woods' 2020 season.Hardcore Burden Bros may not think this is good enough but if he is used as a Z receiver in a movement role like Woods was and approaches the former Rams wideout's level of https://t.co/rCuQ8bRTMGpic.twitter.com/8LA9RpOdid Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) May 19, 2026One of my comparisons for Burden as a prospect was DJ Moore, whom he will replace in Year 2. He fits the system better and got the exact type of hard coaching he needed from Ben Johnson and Co. Burden has a solid feel for zone but is best expressed as a separator when snapping off routes against man coverage in the intermediate area. While I'm placing a big bet on Rome Odunze and feel great about his future, that does not for one second mean I need to be down on Burden as a player. These two guys complement each other and bring unique skill sets to the table. The Bears offense is simply going to cook in 2026 and beyond.15) Josh Downs, ColtsJosh Downs is one of the best separators in the NFL and is an excellent route runner. He just didn't get enough snaps last season with the Colts playing more 12-personnel, Michael Pittman Jr. returning to full health and the team playing in so many run-heavy scripts the first chapter of the season. As he enters Year 4, Downs is set to play the highest rate of his career as the team's Z in two-receiver looks and dominate targets from the slot.As long as Downs can stay healthy, he's a strong bet to lead the Colts in catches with Alec Pierce operating in the vertical game and coming off an injury. I have always viewed Downs as more of a Tyler Lockett-type of downfield slot, not just a popgun option. He has strong hands and toughness in tight coverage.Honorable mentions, in orderJalen Coker is an awesome player. He wins against man coverage but brings a power slot's frame and mindset. His ascension late last year is real. Should be a household name if the surrounding variables cooperate.Ricky Pearsall has gotten one of the worst injury runouts to start his career after staying healthy in college. When he's right, he separates with ease and makes tough catches. Unfortunately, it looks like he's in danger of missing all of 2026 after not getting surgery on his PCL injury from last season.Parker Washington could go flying up this board based on how he finished last season. Once the Jaguars moved him into the slot, he smoked zone coverage. Excellent hands and YAC skills.Jordan Addison is a bit more inconsistent than his reputation and struggles against press. However, he's a good No. 2 answer across from Justin Jefferson.Wan'Dale Robinson developed more downfield chops last year on big breaking routes. I won't be shocked if he catches more passes than Carnell Tate thanks to layup targets.Quentin Johnston has taken some big steps after a disastrous rookie season. I now view him more as a league-average boundary receiver who has real strengths, despite volatility.Jayden Higgins is a possible riser if he can lock down the Texans WR2 gig for 2026. He is fluid and plays well as a Z-receiver across from Nico Collins.Kayshon Boutte was a sacrificial X-receiver for New England last year, but I hope he gets a chance to play off-ball and show there's more to his game in 2026.Xavier Worthy should get a slight pass for how his 2025 season was ruined with a shoulder injury after just a few snaps. However, even when healthy, he's a limited, albeit useful, player.Other names to note:Matthew Golden, Tory Horton, Jalen McMillan, Adonai Mitchell, Isaac TeSlaa, Dontayvion Wicks, Troy Franklin, Jaylin Noel

Jul. 31GRAND FORKS Some college football players arrive on campus with the immediate ability to be factors in the lineup.Others take time to mature and develop, patiently waiting for an opportunity in the second half of their college eligibility.Crookston's Ethan Boll is in the second category in the UND football program. However, the time is now for the junior linebacker.During the first week of fall camp, Boll has been running with the starting defense alongside second-year Old Dominion transfer Michael Devereaux."I've seen him take a level up in knowledge of the defense, and he's really come a long way since January or February of 2025 when we first got here," UND linebackers coach Ben Watkins said. "He has gone from learning football and the position to really understanding, at a conceptual level, what we're trying to do, but also what offenses are trying to do against us in terms of the defense."Boll was Mr. Everything at Crookston High School. He had 38 sacks and 65 tackles for loss during his prep career. On offense, he ran for 3,645 yards and 50 touchdowns. He also competed in wrestling, baseball and track."It has been a process, right?" Boll said. "I give credit to a ton of older guys, helping and leading and kind of taking me under their wing and pointing me in the right direction. Coaches, too. Coach Watkins is great. He's really big on development, and it has been awesome."Boll redshirted in 2023, then appeared in six games in 2024 primarily on special teams. In 2025, Boll had 10 tackles and a fumble recovery at Kansas State in the opener.It wasn't until spring ball this past season that Boll started to gain steam as a strong option at linebacker."He plays with really good technique," Watkins said. "It's his former wrestler in him. He's really good with the physical skills. Athletically, he can bend. He's fast and can move. He's strong and explosive. He's got all the tools, and everything's really in front of him here to have a really good year."Despite the glowing report from Watkins, he doesn't always make life easy on Boll."He allows himself to get coached really hard," Watkins said. "I don't know if I've been harder on anybody in my whole career than him. He's really come a long way. It's not anything I've done. It's just his work ethic and what he's learned growing up, applying that to the football field and classroom. It's impressive."As UND prepares for the 2026 season, the Hawks are considered a national championship contender and one of the top challengers to South Dakota State's position as the preseason No. 1 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.Boll is an important piece in a defense that holds those expectations."It's super exciting," Boll said. "Trust is a big thing, right? It's hard to get and easy to lose. When we're all out there, you've got to trust every single one of you. That's why football is such a cool thing because there's 11 guys out there. One guy doesn't do their job and everything is screwed up, so it really falls back on who they trust to have out there."One hurdle for Boll in the past has been a struggle to gain weight, but he's now up to 6-foot-1 and 227 pounds.What has been the key to reaching the needed size?"Mama Jen," Boll said of UND dietician Jennifer Haugen. "She got me on smoothies, vitamins, everything. It's just great nutrition."The only thing left now is for Boll to prove the trust from the coaching staff is valid."I'm really fired up for him to have a really good year," Watkins said. "Everything is in front of him. Now, we just have to go prove it."

Jul. 31GRAND FORKS Jade Hastings sat next to his 8H sprint car outside Cookie's Lounge on Tuesday night.A steady stream of fans approached him to buy his t-shirts, get an autograph, express their appreciation for his 13-year racing career and ask, "Is this really it?"The Grand Forks driver, who has won the last three Northern Outlaw Sprint Association titles, posted on social media last Friday that he's stepping away from racing after a dust-up with NOSA over a Facebook post.What started with a critique of track surfaces blew up into a fine, a point reduction, and ultimately, one of the region's top drivers planning an exit from the sport in the prime of his career."Nothing's final yet," Hastings said when asked if there's any chance he races again this season. "I'd say I'm for sure going to take a couple of weeks off here, because I feel that's what I need. . . just relax and then see how I feel after that. Right now, I don't necessarily want to race too bad. I think that's why I need some time to figure it out. In a couple weeks, if I feel different, we'll probably go to Huset's once or twice and maybe Cedar Lake in Wisconsin at the end of the year."But the two-time defending points champion at River Cities Speedway won't be at The Bullring on Friday night.Outside of potentially competing in the World of Outlaws show on Aug. 28, he does not plan on competing in Grand Forks or in any NOSA races the rest of the season "unless something absolutely crazy changes.""I haven't missed a NOSA race in Grand Forks in about 10 years," Hastings said. "It will be different, for sure. I don't know how I'll feel once I hear the cars going around the track, but I'll find out."The ordeal stems back to the night of July 17th.Hastings finished eighth in a King of the Wings feature at River Cities Speedway that night. After the show, Hastings posted on Facebook about track conditions, though he didn't mention the track by name."Hey race tracks!! Fans want racing not follow the leader. Maybe it's not easy, but it's not rocket science either. Stick a screw driver in the ground once in awhile!" Hastings wrote on Facebook.He didn't think much of it, but two days later he received a call from a NOSA official informing him of a $250 fine and a 25-point deduction in the standings for the post. Hastings declined to say which official called him.According to the NOSA rulebook: "Drivers who make public comments that constitute personal attacks against trucks or NOSA officials will not be tolerated. The first violation will result in a $250 fine, loss of 25 points. 2nd violation will result in $500 fine, loss of 50 points. The penalty for a 3rd Violation will be decided by the board of directors."The short call did not sit well with Hastings."My original post, I didn't think was serious enough for anyone to really talk to me or talk to anyone about, let alone get mad and fine me over it," Hastings said. "I kind of knew I was done at that point, no matter what happened after that. So, I let all my fans hear it and they let everyone hear it, and then it blew up, for sure."Hastings said it didn't take him long to reconsider his racing future."I didn't want to race here anymore if that's how I was going to be treated, but I wasn't sure," Hastings said. "I thought about it all week. I grew closer to the decision that I didn't want to race anymore. Friday morning when I woke up, I didn't want to race. I knew I needed to make that decision. I'm sure I'll regret it at points. But also, I'm sure there will be times I'm happy I made the decision."Hastings, 28, has developed into one of the region's best sprint drivers.He's won 36 NOSA features, ranking fifth all-time behind Mark Dobmeier, Wade Nygaard, Austin Pierce and Lou Kennedy Jr.Hastings won his first NOSA points title in 2020. He followed it up with NOSA championships in 2023, 2024 and 2025.Nygaard is the only other driver to win three consecutive NOSA titles. He won six in a row from 1997-02.Hastings also has won the last two points titles at River Cities Speedway."I wouldn't say I've reflected too much," Hastings said. "A lot of fans have with me. I've heard a lot of cool stories. But I'm sure over the next week or two, it'll probably set in a little more and I'll think about all the good times and all the bad times. I'm sure it will be bittersweet."Hastings said he considered scaling back his schedule last season, but it hadn't been a thought this summer."Last year, I wanted to dial it back pretty much the whole year," Hastings said. "We had a very successful year, but I still wasn't really having any fun. Sometimes, the most fun you have is when you're chasing things. This year, we haven't had the most success, but we're trying a new race car, new engine combo, all kinds of new things that make it fun. I feel like we were really starting to get it dialed in. So, I had no thoughts of quitting at all this year."What would it take for Hastings to return to the race track on a regular basis?He said he's thought about that."Right now, I pay to race, I work on the car and I drive," Hastings said. "I do it all, kind of me and two other guys. I think I'd have to race someone else's car. It wouldn't be my stuff anymore. I'm committed to selling my stuff. I'd want to drive for someone else and possibly even be paid, just because this is such a commitment and with a kid coming, and my health is more important than racing."Hastings said his wife, Bryce, is due in November. Because of health complications with their child, they are expecting to spend at least four months in the Twin Cities before and after the birth.With that going on, Hastings said, "racing doesn't seem as important as it used to."Hastings said if he's not racing next summer, he will have plenty on his plate between being a father and fishing."I'm just in a spot in my life and old enough now that I realize I've missed out on a lot of things," Hastings said. "And if they don't want me there, I'll find something else to do."

Jul. 31EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. Jackson Blake spent his day with the Stanley Cup in the Twin Cities on Thursday, celebrating with family, friends and former teammates.Blake won the Stanley Cup last month with the Carolina Hurricanes.Every member of the Stanley Cup-winning team gets to spend a day with it wherever they want.Blake chose to take the Cup to several spots in the Twin Cities.The Cup's first stop was Eden Prairie Community Center, where Blake played games as a member of Eden Prairie High School. He won a state championship with the Eagles in 2021.It was a public event. About 1,200 fans stood in line to take pictures with Blake and the Cup.Blake also walked the Cup onto the ice and held it over his head for a photo.After a little more than two hours there, they loaded the Cup on a bus and made a 15-minute stop at Bearpath Golf and Country Club in Eden Prairie.Then, it on to Lake Minnetonka, where more than 100 friends and family joined the party.Some of Blake's Eden Prairie High School teammates were with him, including Carter Batchelder, Luke Mittelstadt and Mason Langenbrunner.Former UND head coach Brad Berry also was at Lake Minnetonka to celebrate with Blake.Blake filled the Cup with High Noons and helped his friends and family members take drinks from it.Blake took the Cup out for a 45-minute boat ride on Lake Minnetonka, too.A little after 7 p.m., the Stanley Cup traveled to Maynard's in Excelsior, Minn.That's when most of the UND crew showed up both those who played with Blake and those who preceded him.Among those in attendance: Ryan Duncan, Taylor Chorney, Zach Parise, Cameron Berg, Mark Senden, Chris Jandric, Clarke Saunders, Owen McLaughlin, Paul LaDue, Zane McIntyre, Gage Ausmus and Kristo, who is now one of Blake's agents.UND head coach Dane Jackson also was at Maynard's.Blake, who turns 23 years old on Monday, just completed his second full season in the NHL.He led Carolina in scoring in the playoffs, tallying seven goals and 20 points in 19 games. Blake had a goal and an assist in Carolina's 3-0 Stanley Cup-clinching Game 6 win over Vegas.On Friday, the Stanley Cup moved to Owatonna, Minn., for Carolina Hurricanes scout Eric Fink. He is the regional scout who advocated for drafting Blake in the fourth round in 2020.On Saturday, the Cup will be back in the Twin Cities for Carolina Hurricanes defenseman K'Andre Miller of Minnetonka, Minn. Miller joined Blake's party at Maynard's.

Jul 24, 2025; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesFor the first time in 19 seasons, the Pittsburgh Steelers have new leadership on the sidelines, following Mike Tomlins stepping down after last seasons Wild Card round loss to the Houston Texans.McCarthy is now in his first training camp with the Steelers, and its the first time the changes in his approach have been noticeable by people outside of the organization. One of the most notable changes has been the absence of live tackling.We wont do live tackling, McCarthysaid, via Pro Football Talk. No, Ive done live tackling in the past. . . . Every drills been evaluated. Theres a GPS component behind everything that we do. You know, theres more stress that we need to apply to our training situations than just going (on) the ground.The footworks the priority. It always will be about the feet and everything that we do whether tackling, blocking, you know, ball security, all those things. So the footwork component about it is important.Sweeping changesChanges have also come to some of Tomlins more physical drills.You have to assess stress in everything you do, McCarthy said. Thats (what) I look at as one of the primary responsibilities of being a head coach, and one of the primary focal points of being in charge of a training regimen for your football team. So tackling is a good way to go. Ive done it.But I feel like, you know, well be able to get it done in other ways of training, particularly in our tackling drills, in the team drills. So, injuries are part of the game, you know? And I think youve clearly got to do the best you can. And its a judgment. You try to reduce risk.The changes under McCarthy have not just been philosophical. He touched on moving his players on the defensive front more than Tomlin and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin did.Mike McCarthy says its easier to run assignments and schemes to players when they line up in the same spot on the defensive front. McCarthy talked about moving around Clay Matthews and allowing him to find matchups. Theyll do the same with Watt, Herbig, and Highsmith, PennLive.coms Nick Farabaugh reported on Wednesday.Mike McCarthy says its easier to run assignments and schemes to players when they line up in the same spot on the defensive front.McCarthy talked about moving around Clay Matthews and allowing him to find matchups.Theyll do the same with Watt, Herbig, and Highsmith. Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) July 29, 2026Everyone is doing their best to adjustFor his part, star pass rusher T.J. Watt is doing his best to adjust to his first season as a professional without Tomlin as his head coach.Im just trying to be open-minded, just trying to do anything to aect [the opposing offense] whether its how they are doing protection schemes, how theyre running the ball, Watt said, per Steelers Depot.Wherever I can move around or just knock down inside, be able to allow Herbig to come outside, whatever it takes to win football games, whatever it takes to mess up the oensive scheme, Im willing to do.The new-look Steelers open the season on September 13 hosting the Atlanta Falcons.The post Trying to be open-minded: T.J. Watt doing his best to adjust to Mike McCarthy appeared first on The Comeback: Todays Top Sports Stories & Reactions.