On Friday, USC opens up its 2026 fall camp. The Trojans held their first official practice this morning in preparation for next months season opener.Earlier this week, USC put out its updated football roster. As noted by Shotgun Spratling of 247Sports, it contains several significant developments regarding the weights of players.Three Trojans saw changes of 20 or more pounds. Tight end Walter Matthews is up from 285 pounds to 305, while cornerback Carrington Pierce rose from 165 to 185. On the other side, offensive lineman Elijah Vaikona dropped from 385 pounds down to 360.In addition, defensive lineman Zuriah Fisher is now listed at six feet four inches, two inches taller than he was previously. Fisher is 24 years old, so the notion of him growing two inches since the spring is a bit questionable, but crazier things have happened.Finally, as pointed out by Marc Kulkin and Chris Trevio of On3, redshirt freshman Cash Jacobsen has moved to offensive line. He was listed as a defensive lineman last year, appearing in one game.USC will kick off its 2026 season on August 29 at the Coliseum against San Jose State.Contact/Follow@TrojansWireon X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage ofUSC Trojansnews, notes and opinion.This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC releases updated football roster ahead of fall camp

The UFC is in Serbia for the first time this week, and a home-grown fighter headlines the card.UFC Fight Night 282 (Paramount+) takes place Saturday at Etihad Arena in Belgrade.Get pick results from our 11 editors, writers, radio hosts and videographers, as well as additional analysis, below.Noah Gugnon vs. Milos JanicicRecords: Gugnon (9-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC), Janicic (19-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC)Division: LightweightRankings: NoneOdds (as of 07.31.26): Gugnon -120, Janicic +100Junkie pick results: Janicic 7, Gugnon 4Vlasto Cepo vs. Gilbert UrbinaRecords: Cepo (14-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Urbina (7-4 MMA, 1-3 UFC)Division: MiddleweightRankings: NoneOdds (as of 07.31.26): Cepo -350, Urbina +275Junkie pick results: Cepo 10, Urbina 0Dusko Todorovic vs. Robert ValentinRecords: Todorovic (13-6 MMA, 4-6 UFC), Valentin (12-6 MMA, 1-3 UFC)Division: MiddleweightRankings: NoneOdds (as of 07.31.26): Todorovic +130, Valentin -155Junkie pick results: Todorovic 10, Valentin 1Aleksandar Rakic vs. Marcin TyburaRecords: Rakic (14-6 MMA, 6-5 UFC), Tybura (27-11 MMA, 14-10 UFC)Division: HeavyweightRankings: NoneOdds (as of 07.31.26): Rakic -370, Tybura +290Junkie pick results: Rakic 10, Tybura 1Jan Blachowicz vs. Navajo StirlingRecords: Blachowicz (29-11-2 MMA, 12-8-2 UFC), Stirling (10-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC)Division: Light heavyweightRankings: Blachowicz No. 7, Stirling No. 15Odds (as of 07.31.26): Blachowicz +260, Stirling -330Junkie pick results: Stirling 8, Blachowicz 3Uros Medic vs. Daniel RodriguezRecords: Medic (13-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC), Rodriguez (20-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC)Division: WelterweightRankings: Medic honorable mentionOdds (as of 07.31.26): Medic -380, Rodriguez +300Junkie pick results: Medic 10, Rodriguez 1Individual staff member picks, main cardReaders122-56: Medic(81%), Stirling(67%), Rakic(78%), Valentin (56%), Cepo(92%), Janicic(78%)Danny Segura129-52: Medic, Blachowicz, Rakic, Todorovic, Cepo, GugnonNolan King 121-60: Medic, Stirling, Rakic, Todorovic, Cepo, JanicicMike Bohn 120-61: Medic, Stirling, Rakic, Todorovic, Cepo, GugnonSimon Samano119-62: Rodriguez, Stirling, Rakic, Todorovic, Cepo, JanicicFarah Hannoun 119-62: Medic, Stirling, Rakic, Todorovic, Cepo, JanicicMatthew Wells 119-62: Medic, Stirling, Rakic, Todorovic, Cepo, JanicicBrian Garcia116-65: Medic, Blachowicz, Rakic, Todorovic, Cepo, JanicicKen Hathaway116-65: Medic, Stirling, Rakic, Valentin, Cepo, GugnonMatt Erickson 115-66: Medic, Stirling, Rakic, Todorovic, Cepo, JanicicGeorge Garcia 114-67: Medic, Blachowicz, Tybura, Todorovic, Cepo, GugnonJero Guerra 32-13: Medic, Stirling, Rakic, Todorovic, Cepo, JanicicPreliminary card picksAlthough they don't count toward the standings, MMA Junkie staff members still pick the fights on the prelims. Here are the results:Ludovit Klein vs. Tofiq Musayev: Klein 8, Musayev 3Oban Elliott vs. Michael Oliveira: Oliveira 11, Elliott 0Borislav Nikolic vs. Mark Vologdin: Nikolic 9, Vologdin 2Dennis Buzukja vs. Bogdan Grad: Grad 10, Buzukja 1Kyle Prepolec vs. Mateusz Rebecki: Rebecki 10, PrepolecHailey Cowan vs. Nina Milosevic: Milosevic 11, Cowan 0Jovan Leka vs. Alexander Poppeck: Leka 6, Poppeck 5Stephanie Luciano vs. Marina Spasic: Luciano 10, Spasic 1This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Theres but a single close fight in our UFC Belgrade predictions

New England Patriots left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker foresees teammate Will Campbell taking the next step in his career next season.Speaking to the media, Vera-Tucker lauded Campbell as being a player due to have a big year in 2026.I think that hes a very smart two-year guy, Vera-Tucker said. And I can see him making that very big two-year jump. But I only say that because he is a competitor. I know what kind of talent he has.Campbell had a good year in 2025 despite dealing with his share of highs and lows throughout the season. The LSU product gave up 14 pressures in the Super Bowl at the end of last season, which briefly placed his starting job on the offensive line into question.The 22-year-old Campbell approaches next season with Vera-Tucker as his new running mate on the left side of the offensive line, and first-round draft pick Caleb Lomu behind him in the lineup at left tackle. Campbell has been productive through the six training camp practices, and will get his next opportunity when the team steps back onto the field on Saturday. Follow Patriots Wire onTwitterandFacebook.This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots veteran OL sees 'very big two-year jump' for Will Campbell

Florida State took to the practice field for the third time this fall, the first day of pads for the Seminoles.Head coach Mike Norvell, who was eager to get the Seminoles out of pajamas, told local media that his squad did a good job of the way they attacked practice.It was very competitive, Norvell said. Some heightened emotions, just your first day with shoulder pads on, so couple things we get to clean up and just control.Among the developments Norvell described was the first padded work for true freshman linebacker Izayia Williams, who missed his senior season at Tavares High School with a torn ACL and was cleared for full participation entering camp. Norvell said Williams stood out on his opening repetition of a tackling drill.I mean his very first rep. I mean speed, explosive, violent, and I was jumping on him, draped all over him, Norvell said. Hes got the skill set, the traits. You can see theres no hesitation.Asked about the offensive line, Norvell said the group has high potential and pointed to its communication and combination blocking in the opening days of camp.I mean there were some really good IDs, some really good things where you see guys working combinations, Norvell said. Obviously our defense has presented a lot of challenges, just with the explosiveness they have on the D-line.Speaking further about a defensive line group that has been characterized as undersized, built to slant and stunt, he said the front held up in the first padded practice without needing movement on every snap.Its a powerful group. I mean, some guys might not weigh 300 pounds, but I mean, theyre strong and they hold the point. They can knock people back, Norvell said.He added that the units get-off has been a bigger factor than its scheme.You dont have to move this group every play for them to be explosive, and theyre showing that.Norvell said the speed of the second level showed up as well.I like the closing unit and Im saying basically from linebackers, safeties, just seeing them fit the box, the speed that was showed up, he said.Offensively, Norvell singled out freshman wide receiver Jasen Lopez for an impressive day, saying he had three big plays throughout the day, while adding the receiver group is benefiting from matchups it did not get in the spring, when defensive backs Quindarrius Jones and JaBril Rawls were both limited.When you get JaBril and and Duce out there, two of the best in college football, competing, its fun watching that, Norvell said of Rawls and senior wide receiver Duce Robinson.He also pointed to the tight ends as a group he is watching closely.I think our tight end group, thats the group Im really excited about, Norvell said. Just the speed, the fight that they show.The full interview can be seen below, courtesy of Warchant.Head coach Mike Norvell, post-practice interview: July 31, 2026

Flushing, N.Y.: New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga throws in the 5th inning of his game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field on June 28, 2026. (Photo by Thomas A. Ferrara/Newsday RM via Getty Images) | Newsday via Getty ImagesMets LineupA.J. Ewing LFFrancisco Lindor SSBo Bichette 3BCarson Benge RFLuis Robert CFJared Young 1BBrett Baty 2BJorge Polanco DHFrancisco Alvarez CSP: Kodai Senga RHPMarlins LineupLiam Hicks DHXavier Edwards 2BOtto Lopez SSKyle Stowers 1BGriffin Conine RFHeriberto Hernandez LFJakob Marsee CFJoe Mack CJavier Sanoja 3BSP: Janson Junk RHPBroadcast InfoFirst pitch: 7:10 PM ETTV: WPIXRadio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2

View this post on Instagram A post shared by hookem.com (@hookemdotcom)One of the topTexas baseball pitchers from 2026 won't be at full strength thisoffseason.Texas announced Friday that right-handed pitcher SamCozart "underwent minor foot surgery as a preventative measure to address a previous injury." The surgery on Cozart's right foot will limit his participation in UT's offseason workouts. The Longhorns expect Cozart to be fully healthy when the 2027 season begins. Texas Longhorns pitcher Samuel Cozart (35) throws in the seventh inning as the Texas Longhorns play their first game of a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, April 17, 2026. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman) More:Sam Cozart could star for Texas baseball. First, he had to make custom, size 18 cleatsA 6-foot-6 North Carolina product, Cozart enjoyed a breakout season as a freshman in 2026. He went 6-0 with a 1.72 ERA and 0.73 WHIP, and eight of his nine saves were recorded in either SEC play or the postseason. Cozart also struck out 77 batters over the 52 1/3 innings that he pitched for UT's College World Series qualifier.For his efforts, Cozart was named the NCBWA Stopper of the Year. He was also a first-team pick on the SEC honor roll.Cozart made threemidweek starts this past spring, and it is expected that he will be promoted into UT's weekend rotation in 2027. Despite being just a rising sophomore, Cozart will be adraft-eligible prospect in 2027 and is seen as a potential first-round pick in the next draft.Sign up for the Daily Briefing from the Austin American-Statesman. Start your day with the must-read headlines from Austin's most trusted news source.This article originally published at Texas baseball pitcher Sam Cozart recovering from foot surgery ahead of sophomore season.

Carson Haislip grew up listening to the cars at Wake County Speedway long before he stepped onto the track."Just hearing it every Friday inspired me," he said.He started racing at 11 years old when he was a student at Wake Christian Academy."I definitely have to say Wake County Speedway really drew the passion for me," Haislip said."I would definitely like to make it to NASCAR," Carson Haislip saysIt doesn't matter whether Haislip is driving a bandolero, a Legends car or a late model stock; that feeling behind the wheel doesn't change."It's purely adrenaline," he said.In 2023, Haislip won the U.S. Legend Car Semi-Pro national championship.In 2025, he won the Wake County Speedway Late Model Stock Track Championship after earning 11 wins.He's taken home four wins in 2026."It's definitely been cool to come as far as we have in seven years," Haislip said.When Carson isn't racing, you can find him at the track helping coach the next generation of drivers.The 18-year-old said it's super cool to help people in the community.Carson has taken home four wins in 2026."Especially the younger divisions because they're gonna be the ones racing in five, 10 years," he said. "I had that when I was starting out, and I think it helped me out a ton."Whether he's on the track, working his full-time job or taking college courses, Haislip is chasing the checkered flag with one dream in mind."I would definitely like to make it to NASCAR," he said.Haislip is a finalist for the Kulwicki Driver Development Program, a premier development program for aspiring stock car drivers across North America. The program provides financial assistance and training in areas such as networking, marketing, fitness and personal development to help create young ambassadors, like Haislip, in the racing world.You can stay up to date with Haislip's race schedule and learn more about Carson Haislip Racing on his website or social media platforms.Website: https://carsonhaislipracing.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@carsonhaislipracingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/carsonhaislipracing/Download the ABC11 News app

The Los Angeles Dodgers are squaring off against the Boston Red Sox on Friday, July 31st, for the first game of a three-game homestand. Tonight, the Dodgers will be giving away a Kyle Tucker Bobblehead, one of many giveaways that the team has done so far this year.Tucker is going through a rough season thus far, but there is still time to turn things around over the course of his four-year deal, making his bobblehead a possible buy-low opportunity. Even more notable than Kyle Tuckers night will be the return of superstar Shohei Ohtani, who missed the last game due to left knee soreness.Jul 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts to a foul ball during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn ImagesOhtani was available as a pinch hitter, according to Dave Roberts, on Thursday, but he was not put into the game. Following their series win over the Mariners, he made it clear that Ohtani would be back on Friday, and true to his word, that is exactly what happened. The Dodgers have a tough Red Sox team in front of them, a team that was really bad at the start of the season, but they have gone on a tear in the middle portion of the year, looking like the contenders they were expected to be. Dodgers Lineup vs. Red Sox1. Shohei Ohtani, DH2. Andy Pages, CF3. Miguel Rojas, 2B4. Freddie Freeman, 1B5. Mookie Betts, SS6. Teoscar Hernandez, LF7. Kyle Tucker, RF8. Kike Hernandez, 3B9. Dalton Rushing, CView this post on InstagramA post shared by Dodgers Nation (@dodgersnation)Out of the batting order is Max Muncy, given the Dodgers are facing an elite lefty in Ranger Suarez. He boasts a 3.02 ERA over 95.1 innings of work this season, and should give all of the Dodgers lefties fits at the plate for however long he is in. For the Dodgers, they will need righties Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernandez to step up like they did on Thursday vs. Seattle. Both had timely hits against a righty, but they are the two hitters, along with Andy Pages, poised to do the most damage.Additionally, dont sleep on Miguel Rojas having his signature super-sub game against his favored matchup. Who is pitching for the Dodgers?Since Shohei Ohtani is out of the rotation and there is no sixth starter, the Dodgers will be doing a bullpen game, with Edgardo Henriquez as the opener.Jul 8, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edgardo Henriquez (60) throws against the Colorado Rockies during the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesFollowing the flame-throwing righty will be Will Klein as the piggyback man who can possibly handle two to three innings if needed. The Dodgers bullpen is very good, and at this juncture, they should be trusted to hold their own against a red-hot Red Sox team.

Club FriendliesBirmingham City 2 - 2 Barcelona AET (3 - 2)Hamza Abdelkarim is yet to make his senior competitive debut for Barcelona [Getty Images]Jude Bellingham watched on as another wonderkid took centre stage in Birmingham for a change. The Real Madrid midfielder, back in the city on his post-World Cup break and wearing Blues' new home shirt, saw Barcelona's Hamza Abdelkarim shine for his La Liga rivals.The 18-year-old forward's clinical penalty and poacher's finish at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park on Friday night gave the Spanish champions a glimpse of what could be. It may not have been enough for a friendly win in the 2-2 draw - which Blues ultimately won 3-2 on penalties - but there was enough intent with the statement. August Priske opened the scoring in the 31st minute for Birmingham before Abdelkarim levelled from the penalty spot shortly before half-time.The youngster then gave Barca the lead in the 60th minute, before Jhon Solis equalised eight minutes later to take the match to penalties."I think he [Abdelkarim] is very humble, he has a good character, his mentality is good," said Barca manager Hansi Flick. "He has potential - a lot of a potential. As a striker you have to be there. If there is a situation in the box you have to be there and he was. It gives him a lot of confidence for the next week. "You can see he has a lot of potential, like a lot of the players. The most important thing is they show their quality. I appreciate this a lot. The quality is good, the intensity and atmosphere with these young guys, its a pleasure to work with them."Abdelkarim cost just 1.5m euros plus add-ons when signing from Al-Ahly this summer, having initially joined Barcelona B on loan in February.He helped Los Azulgranas' under-19s to the title and scored five goals in seven games, netting a hat-trick in the league to clinch a 9-0 win over Montecarlo.It earned him a senior international call-up and he made four appearances for Egypt at the World Cup this summer - where he was one of the five youngest players at the tournament. At 34, Mohamed Salah - still yet to sign with a new club after his departure from Liverpool - will need replacing as Egypt's talisman. Manchester City's Omar Marmoush will stake a claim, but Abdelkarim, his country's youngest player to play at a World Cup, clearly has the composure to take on the mantle. He may have the opportunities at the Nou Camp this term after Robert Lewandowski's exit, the Poland forward joining Chicago Fire, and the potential departure of Tottenham-linked Ferran Torres. Lamine Yamal remains the star but is a different player to Abdelkarim, while new signings Anthony Gordon - still on his break - and Karim Adeyemi, who played the first half, offer the service. Missing Spain's Lamine Yamal and Barca's seven other World Cup winners it was an opportunity for the forward to make his mark, especially with Marcus Rashford's loan from Manchester United not being made permanent. "You don't know what happens with players who are on loan - our situation is not easy for that," added Flick. "I appreciate working with him [Rashford]."He is a fantastic player and fantastic person. The team miss him, I will miss him but it's life and this is what we have to accept."Abdelkarim was perhaps fortunate to earn a soft penalty after Christoph Klarer's first-half challenge, but confidently sent James Beadle the wrong way. A second arrived after the break when he turned in after Beadle spilled Roony Bardghji's shot - and Flick feels the striker's profile offers something different.He added: "He pressed with a lot of intensity and what you can see in training with the crosses, he is there and he is really good in the air and this is what we need. "He is very young but we tried to give him everything we have to improve and this is the most important thing. "We have a lot of talent with huge quality but it's important they play and we see their potential."