NORMAN The University of Oklahoma announced its football tailgating plans for the 2026 season on Wednesday.The school is keeping the North Oval as the centerpiece of Sooners gameday and will continue to keep the area free and open for public tailgating, according to a release. Fans are encouraged to continue bringing their own tents, chairs and tailgating equipment following the success of last season's debut in the area.Football is so back. For the first time ever, #Sooners fans are allowed to tailgate on the North Oval. pic.twitter.com/Jjuk4btMyJ Colton Sulley (@colton_sulley) August 30, 2025OU also announced a new addition to its tailgating scene turnkey packages at nearby Boyd Lawn. Fans looking for a hassle-free experience can now reserve professionally managed turnkey tailgating packages, which includes fully furnished tailgating setups, allowing groups to simply arrive and enjoy gameday without the work of setup or teardown."The response to opening the North Oval for public tailgating last season exceeded our expectations," OU president Joseph Harroz Jr said in a release. "Sooner Nation embraced the opportunity to gather on one of the most iconic places on campus, creating an incredible gameday atmosphere. As we continue to enhance the fan experience, we're excited to add a new turnkey tailgating option at Boyd Lawn while preserving the North Oval as a free tradition that every fan can enjoy."More: OU football coach Brent Venables' seat has cooled, but not his intensity to succeedThe North Oval will also continue to feature performances from the Pride of Oklahoma, the marching band and mascots, while also offering food trucks, giveaways, LED videoboards showing games from around the country and nearby indoor restrooms and dining.Boomer Bash, the school's official alumni tailgate will also return to the North Oval.Colton Sulleycovers theOklahoma Soonersfor The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached atcsulley@oklahoman.comor on X/Twitter at@colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing adigital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football tailgating remains free on North Oval for Sooners' 2026 season

Report: Arsenal still in the race to sign La Liga forwardJulian Alvarez Transfer Latest: Arsenal Hold Strong Position as Barcelona Make Final PushBarcelona are making one more run at Julian Alvarez, and the message from Madrid still looks pretty simple, pay huge money and probably still get told no. According to TeamTalk, the Catalan club are trying to force the issue before Joan Laportas August 10 deadline, while Arsenal are staying close enough to act if the door opens.This is where the story gets interesting for Arsenal. Barcelona may be making the noise, but Arsenal appear to have the cleaner route if Alvarez genuinely wants out. TeamTalk reports that Arsenal are ensuring they remain firmly in the picture and have continued to position themselves as the leading alternative should Barcelonas pursuit ultimately collapse. That matters, because transfer sagas are rarely won by the club making the most headlines. They are won by the club best placed when reality bites.Photo IMAGOBarcelona Bid Meets Atletico Madrid ResistanceBarcelonas senior transfer staff have reportedly travelled to Madrid to try to break the stalemate. Deco and Joao Amaral are said to be meeting Alvarezs agent, Fernando Hidalgo, and hoping for progress with Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil. The problem is obvious. Atletico have already shown their stance, and it has not shifted.The opening Barcelona offer was worth around 100million (85.7m / $115.4m). That was not enough. A fresh bid is now expected at around 115million (98.6m / $132.7m). Even that may change very little. Atletico have no intention of selling Alvarez and, crucially, have no desire to strengthen either Barcelona or Real.That line cuts to the core of this story. Money is one part of the discussion. Club politics is the other. TeamTalk adds that relations between the clubs have become increasingly strained and that Miguel Angel Gil has been left frustrated by Barcelonas repeated efforts to test Atleticos resolve. If that picture is accurate, Barcelona are trying to land a striker from a club that does not want to sell, does not want to sell to them, and is tired of hearing the question.Arsenal Advantage in Alvarez RaceArsenals position is more practical. The report states that The situation is markedly different with Arsenal. Atletico are willing to maintain dialogue with the Premier League champions, as well as Paris Saint-Germain, should circumstances change. That is not a green light, but it is a lot better than a slammed door.There is also a key figure involved, Andrea Berta. TeamTalk describes the Arsenal sporting director as Arsenals ace card, with his longstanding Atletico connections helping keep communication alive. In deals like this, relationships matter. They do not guarantee success, but they can keep you in the room when others are being frozen out.Just as important, Arsenal believe Alvarez would consider a move to London. That gives the club a realistic foundation for planning. Their approach appears straightforward, wait, stay close, and move fast if Barcelona fail and the player pushes for an exit. As TeamTalk puts it, Arsenal want to be first in line with a proposal that Atletico are prepared to seriously consider.Photo IMAGOTransfer Strategy Could Suit ArsenalThis feels like a case where patience may suit Arsenal better than theatre. Barcelona are trying to force a dramatic conclusion. Arsenal are working on the assumption that leverage can change quickly once a players position becomes clear. Alvarez is due back for Atletico pre-season on August 10, although it remains unclear whether he will do so should negotiations continue. If he stays quiet, Atletico hold all the cards. If he pushes, Arsenal may suddenly look like the sensible answer.For now, Alvarez remains one of Artetas top targets, and Arsenal have no intention of walking away. That is the right message. Elite forwards do not come along often, and when one does, you stay ready.Our ViewFrom an Arsenal fans perspective, this is the sort of report that gives you hope without making you stupidly overconfident. Julian Alvarez is exactly the level Arsenal should be chasing. He is proven, he is intense, he works without the ball, and he has the quality to raise the ceiling of the attack. If Mikel Arteta wants a forward who can press, combine, finish and play across the front line, this makes sense.The encouraging part is not Barcelonas money. It is Atleticos attitude. If they really have no desire to strengthen either Barcelona or Real and if The situation is markedly different with Arsenal, then Arsenal have a genuine opening. That does not mean it is easy. It means there is a path.Bertas presence matters too. Arsenal have often looked more coherent in the market when there is a clear internal plan, and this sounds like one. Stay in contact, avoid public panic, and be ready if the player decides Madrid is no longer right for him. That is smart.Supporters would love a glamorous striker signing, but this is about more than glamour. Alvarez looks like a serious football fit. If Arsenal can turn that into a real bid at the right moment, then this could become one of the defining deals of the summer. For now, the sensible view is cautious optimism. Arsenal are in it, and in a market full of noise, that is a good place to be.Source: TeamTalk

The San Francisco Giants were on the clock to improve their roster or create future spending flexibility before the MLB trade deadline on Monday, Aug. 3.They did both.San Francisco (48-66 entering Wednesday, Aug. 5) spent deadline season reshaping a roster that failed to meet expectations, moving veterans in exchange for younger talent and future upside.Whether those moves ultimately pay off will depend on the development of the prospects acquired in those deals.Here's a grade for every trade the Giants made before the deadline, along with an overall team grade of C+.Luis Arraez, Caleb Kilian to Phillies for RHP Ramon Marquez and RHP Marty GairThe Giants did right by Luis Arraez and sent him somewhere he could have a chance to make the postseason and even win. Caleb Kilian was also shipped to Philadelphia. In return, San Francisco got building blocks to develop a bullpen. Ramon Marquez is only 20 years old, while Marty Gair just turned 23 in July.They can get acclimated within the Giants system as they develop their game. If they become key players down the line, this trade would be a surefire success, especially considering Arraez was only signed on a one-year deal.Marquez quickly blossomed into one of the best pitching prospects in the Phillies system, according to MLB.com, and he's the highest-rated prospect coming to the organization from the trade deadline deals. That type of potential has to make the Giants excited for what could be.As for Gair, he has put up a 4.50 ERA in 30 relief appearances between Single-A Clearwater and High-A Jersey Shore in 2026.GRADE: B-Robbie Ray to Padres for RHP Miguel Mendez and SS Joniel HernandezOnce the Giants knew they were dealing Robbie Ray, they needed to replace him with potential.Miguel Mendez is a 24-year-old, right-handed pitcher who can throw heaters. His fastball velocity is rapid. His four-seamer sits between 95-99 mph and touches 101 mph at times. An underrated pitch is his slider, which comes in near the mid-80s. When followed by his fastballs, he gets right-handed batters to swing late.Joniel Hernandez is a shortstop from Cuba with some offensive potential. He's a slugger with lots of bat speed and easy power. And he's only 17 years old. He stands at 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, and still hasn't put on his grown man strength yet.GRADE: C+Heliot Ramos to Yankees for LHP Henry Lalane and SS Kaeden KentThe Giants sent outfielder Heliot Ramos across the country to play in the Bronxcfor the Yankees. In return, the Giants received left-handed pitcher Henry Lalane and shortstop Kaeden Kent.The 6-foot-7 Lalane becomes the Giants' No. 9 prospect, and he is said to be fully healthy coming off shoulder surgery. Last year his fastball sat around 91-92 mph, but this year it has hovered around 94 and topped out at 98. Additionally, he has a changeup that gets around low-80s with fade and depth, but he throws it for strikes. Other pitches include a mid-70s slurve to a 78-82 mph sweeper.Kent's dad, Jeff Kent, was just enshrined in Cooperstown at the Baseball Hall of Fame as a San Francisco Giant. The MLB scouting report says Kent has the same profile as an offensive-minded infielder who fits best at second base, despite playing shortstop.Overall, his best attributes are his high baseball IQ, quality left-handed swing and tendency for making line-drive contact. It's a full-circle moment that will be a story to come if he pans out to have any similar contribution as his pops.GRADE: BErik Miller to Red Sox for INF Marcelo MayerFor the second consecutive year, the Giants do business with the Boston Red Sox. In 2025, they acquired Rafael Devers. They spun the block in 2026, receiving infielder Marcelo Mayer after sending left-handed pitcher Erik Miller to Boston.Mayer was the top prospect in 2023, so San Francisco landing him is a big win for its development. According to MLB.com, the consensus among many scouts was that Mayer was both the best hitter and best defender in his draft class. The baseball comparison he was given was a combination of Corey Seager's bat and Brandon Crawford's glove. That's high praise. If Mayer can be that then the Giants got a steal.GRADE: B+Tyler Mahle to Braves for RHP Anthony MolinaThe Giants swapped right-handed pitchers with the Atlanta Braves as they sent Tyler Mahle to the South and in return received Anthony Molina, who they immediately assigned to the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats.Molina, 24, is an interesting study. There's not too much of a "wow" factor, but he does show promise with his fastball, which sat around 94 mph last year and touched as high as 97. He could just be a shoo-in to the Giants bullpen in years to come, and maybe even a starter. But right now, Molina has to make it out the minor league and back to The Show.GRADE: C-This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Trade grades: Giants tore up their roster, but did they get enough back?

ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO - AUGUST 1: A general view of the facility as Denver Broncos players participate in training camp at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit on August 1, 2026 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesWelcome to Day 5 of Denver Broncos training camp.After back-to-back intense practices with the pads on, the defense came away with the upper hand in both of those days. The offense has made some big plays of their own, but they have yet to establish a consistent output against one of the NFLs best defenses. I hope to see that change a bit to help the offense find some measure of confidence and chemistry ahead of the first preseason game next week. Scotty Payne will keep you updated from the live practice with posts below as I wont be fully back in action until next week either.Broncos training camp Day 5 live updatesLuke Wattenberg observing again today Ryan Edwards (@redwardsradio) August 5, 2026Courtland Sutton is not in pads for a second-straight dayYesterday, Sean Payton said it was a vet day but two in a row? Zac Stevens (@ZacStevens) August 5, 2026Referees out for #Broncos camp practice today. Should be a good one. Sean Payton said yesterday itll go 2.5 hours. pic.twitter.com/D2XY3jbTn1 Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) August 5, 2026Nik Bonitto is not in pads or a helmet but is out here, walking onto the field just now. Good sign. Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) August 5, 2026

Alabama was ranked No. 11 in the country in the preseason college football coaches poll which was released on Tuesday. If the AP poll has them in a similar spot, that will be the first time the Crimson Tide will enter the season ranked outside the top 10 since 2008. For some perspective, 2008 was Nick Sabans second season in Tuscaloosa and the Tide were coming off a 7-6 season that had culminated with a win in the Independence Bowl. Now, two years after Saban left to spend more time with his family and ESPN, Alabama seems like they might be headed back towards the middle. Saban was asked about the low preseason ranking earlier this week and said that he never liked when Alabama was highly ranked. He also sounded hopeful that they could now sneak up on some teams this season. Paul Finebaum was having none of that on Get Up this morning saying, Stop it. Stop it coach already. I mean, were talking about the University of Alabama here. Not some off-brand school in the middle of nowhere.Finebaum on Alabama excusesMORE: Alabama named college footballs most overrated teamAlabama was number one in the country for at some point, 15 straight years, Finebaum continued. They were the favorite I think in all but one game during a 16-game stretch and Nick Sabans now trying to dumb down the DeBoer expectations and Im not having it. Alabama still has great players. They still have everything that you have to have. And I just dont like that the former coach is trying to soft-pedal his successor. Its like the dad telling the young son its okay if you strike out at the Little League game. Its not okay at Alabama! And thats the problem a lot of people have with Kalen DeBoer. They question whether he has the right DNA and when Daddy Saban comes in and puts his arms around after eight losses in two seasons. Inexplicable losses. It just doesnt play very well in Sweet Home Alabama.While we wait to see how good Alabama actually is this season, its good to know that Finebaum is already in mid-season form. Saban appeared to be sleepwalking through that answer and Finebaum was still able to get up for that segment like he was taking on a bitter rival at homecoming. Just wait until they actually lose a game. Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter

On Thursday night, for the first time in approximately six months, there will be NFL action as the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals open the preseason when they clash in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. And while there is never too much to take away from this game (or most preseason games), and neither team is expected to be a top Super Bowl contender this season, there are some things to keep an eye on Thursday night.Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the game will be the battle between the two "starting" quarterbacks. The term "starting" is in quotation marks because we know that neither announced starter for the game, which will be Kenny Pickett for the Panthers and Carson Beck for the Cardinals, is expected to start this season for their respective teams. But both men have something to prove.The quarterback matchup for Thursday's Hall of Fame Game between Carolina and Arizona is set pic.twitter.com/5LBRDSYuR0 FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) August 4, 2026What's on the line for QB starters during Cardinals/Panthers Hall of Fame Game clash?For Pickett, who was a first-round draft pick in 2022 for his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers, every preseason is the window for the now-fifth-year signal-caller to prove he belongs in the league. He went 7-5 as a starter during his first two seasons in Pittsburgh, but the statistics were worse than the admittedly average record, and he eventually was benched and traded.Since then, he has only started three games in the past two seasons and hopes to prove he can compete with Bryce Young for the starting job. If he wants that to happen, it starts on Thursday night in Canton.Meanwhile, Beck was a third-round draft pick this year after leading Miami (FL) to a national runner-up finish, but he has some obstacles in his way if he hopes to be an NFL starter. But even though one of those players, Jacoby Brissett, finally settled his contract dispute with the Cardinals, he is still relatively unproven and inconsistent as an NFL starter.Veteran Gardner Minshew is also ahead of him, but he very well might not be cut out to be an NFL starter again. So there is a feasible path for Beck to earn a starting job early in his career. The first step, however, comes by showing he has that ability with a strong performance against Carolina.This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Carson Beck & Kenny Pickett must seize the opportunity in HOF game

Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta never attempted to hide the organizations intentions regarding Zay Flowers.When the Ravens exercised Flowers fifth-year option, DeCosta said the goal was to complete a long-term agreement and that he fully expected the two sides to reach one. Baltimore delivered Tuesday, signing Flowers to a four-year, $140 million extension containing $108 million guaranteed. The timing matters. Flowers missed Tuesdays practice, creating immediate questions about his availability. Hours later, ESPNs Adam Schefter reported the agreement through Flowers agency, WIN Sports Group. Baltimore had not announced whether the absence was directly related to the negotiations, but the contract eliminated any broader uncertainty surrounding his future.DeCosta has emphasized retaining premium players drafted and developed by the organization. The Ravens followed that model with safety Kyle Hamilton and have applied it again to Flowers, the No. 22 overall pick in the 2023 draft.Flowers has rewarded Baltimore with 237 receptions for 3,128 yards and 14 touchdowns through three seasons. He reached the Pro Bowl in each of the past two years and established a franchise-wide receiver record with 1,211 yards in 2025.His $35 million annual average ties Justin Jefferson for fourth among NFL receivers. The deal also makes Flowers the highest-paid receiver in Ravens history.DeCosta established the expectation publicly and completed the agreement before negotiations became a regular-season distraction. Baltimore identified Flowers as a foundational player and acted accordingly.This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Eric DeCosta delivered on the Ravens promise to extend Zay Flowers

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 9: Teofimo Lopez smiles during the press conference to announce his fight versus Rolly Romero on July 9, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesTeofimo Lopez takes some time to catch up and discuss his ongoing training camp as he prepares for a welterweight title fight against Rolly Romero. Here, Teofimo explains how hes taken lessons from past fights and has worked to improve on his deficiencies, and looks forward to demonstrating a better form in this upcoming fight. Check out some excerpts below. Teofimo on how training camp has been for the Rolly fightWell, Im feeling like a champ. Thats for sure. Camps been going great. We got sparring later today but we just been persistent, weve been consistent as well. Were just focused on this one. My welterweight debut, Im looking forward to taking over this division and it starts with Rolando Romero.On only having one stoppage since 2022I think that its comforting [that Im moving up in weight]. I think mentally, Im there when it comes to the physicality part. And I just cant wait to express that on that night, fight night. So its been great, I feel much better, and Im excited for everyone to tune in.On how he thinks he fits in at 147 considering hell be facing bigger, longer fightersI think Im going to fill out just right. I think what I did in 35 at lightweight, thats whats going to occur, if not better at 47 now with experience. So I look forward to it. No matter the reachif [Pacquiao] can do it, why not Teofimo?On the keys to facing longer-armed fightersPunch output. The punch output is going to really distract you to really get in there closer and step in. So those are the things that you see with PacquiaoThe more you blur them, the more theyre not going to notice youre actually creeping up on them at the same time. So those are things that were really working on and looking to capitalize, for sure.On how he assesses Rollys styleRoly is really focused on getting his shots in and making sure that he gets in counts, and it matters. And it makes the fighters himself think about coming in or not. But I dont think thats going to be the case here. I really dont. I think those one, two potshots, those three potshots I learned from my experience in the past fights.I didnt start with the jab to close that gap [in the Stevenson fight]. So thats really what we been working on. My left arm is killing me right now from the amount of jabs were working on but its to strengthen that arm and remind it what is the most important punch in boxing? The jab. So by doing those things were going to capitalize on closing that gap. Without that jab I really cant find the range of throwing that right hand or the uppercuts, right hooks, anything like that.So weve been really technical with this camp.On Rollys trainer Ismael Salas believing hes an aging opponentHis assessment is just on my previous fights and at 140. But I think they have a big surprise coming, for sure. Im very hard on myself with regards to criticizing myself and what I need to do in my craft, so those things that he mentions, I make sure that those dont occur on August 22.On the chances we get a dull fight because theyre actually friends and respectful of one anothers powerNo, I think were at a point now where I think he believes hes better than me and I know Im better than him, and were going to have to really have to show that on that fight night. So I dont think its going to be one of those being careful type of fights.

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