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Chicago State University is less than a month away from launching its first football season, with the Cougars set to play the program's inaugural game Aug. 29 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.More than three years in the making, the Far South Side university is on the verge of fielding the city's first Division I college football program. For players from Chicago, the opportunity to represent both their hometown and a new program carries added significance.ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch"Every time I put these pads on, I think I'm representing the city," said Kaymen Coleman, a graduate of Von Steuben.Arshawn Powell, an Evergreen Park graduate, said the chance to play close to home is meaningful."I get to come out in my hometown and build something new," Powell said.The team's enthusiasm was on display during Wednesday's practice, where players stopped mid-practice to huddle around and sing "Happy Birthday" to Chicago State President Z Scott.University leaders say the football program is part of a broader transformation at the school under Scott's leadership. According to the university, enrollment increased 12% from 2024 to 2025."If you look at the trajectory of the university over the last eight-plus years under President Scott's leadership, that tells the story of why we're not the same old Chicago State," said Monique Carroll, Chicago State's vice president and director of athletics.Carroll said the university was able to launch the program through fundraising and donor support, covering approximately $4 million in startup costs."We wanted to make sure that even in the startup phase, we didn't tax the students with the fee. We didn't lean on the university to develop additional revenue streams. So I think we really did it in a fiscally responsible way," Carroll said.Carroll said head coach Bobby Rome II has a full complement of scholarships available for recruiting and that the program believes it can compete immediately."This isn't a boys and girls club. We're going to build a competitive, winning football program here at Chicago State," Rome said.Players say the goal extends beyond wins and losses in the program's first season."Lay a foundation, brick by brick for something that's bigger than me," Powell said. "It's not about us. It's bigger than us. It's about the city of Chicago."University administrators, coaches and players say they are focused on building a successful program and generating excitement for football at Chicago State.

Wide receiver Zay Flowers agreed to a four-year, $140 million contract extension on Tuesday, but quarterback Lamar Jackson has not been able to reach common ground with the team on one of his own. Jackson has two years left on his current deal, but is set to have a cap number north of $84 million next season and that's made the prospect of an extension a popular talking point around Baltimore. Flowers didn't wade into any discussion about numbers or where things stand at a Wednesday press conference, but he did make it clear that he's hoping to see Jackson remain in town for many years to come. "I would love for him to be my quarterback until I am done playing," Flowers said, via the team's website. "No matter whether it is 12 years or 13, it does not matter how long; I want him to be my quarterback, because to me, he is the best in the world."Jackson declined to discuss contract matters at the start of training camp and it's unclear how close the two sides might be to a deal that would get Flowers closer to his goal of being a one-quarterback receiver for his entire career.

LA Chargers Justin Herbert (10) participates in drills during Chargers training camp at USD on .Wednesday August 5, 2026 in San Diego, California.SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Mike McDaniel apologized for wearing Tony Stark-style glasses when he began his press conference on Wednesday, but his 27-minute session with reporters turned out to be one of the more interesting media availabilities of training camp.He praised both quarterback Justin Herbert and running back Omarion Hampton for the way they have started camp.When it comes to Herbert, McDaniel believes his quarterback is fully committed to learning the new offense, and that has been one of the most encouraging parts of camp."Full lean-in, full buy-in and I can't stress it enough, it's very difficult for high performers to do things outside of what's given them success," McDaniel said.Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) greeting running back Omarion Hampton (8) during Chargers training camp at the Bolt on Wednesday, July 29th in El Segundo, CA.Jessica Cryderman - The Sporting TribuneLos Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) greeting running back Omarion Hampton (8) during Chargers training camp at the Bolt on Wednesday, July 29th in El Segundo, CA.McDaniel has asked Herbert to make several changes, including adjustments to his footwork and even his shotgun stance, something that is uncommon for a quarterback entering his seventh NFL season.Herbert has embraced the challenge. After all, this is his fifth offensive coordinator in the NFL and his ninth offensive system since becoming Oregon's starting quarterback."He's really progressing as fast as one could even picture, much faster than I was planning for," McDaniel said.One of Herbert's most impressive traits since Jim Harbaugh took over has been his ability to protect the football during training camp. No matter how talented the Chargers defense is, they rarely force turnovers against him.That changed during Tuesday's first padded practice.On a pass intended for rookie receiver Tre Harris, safety Kendall Williamson battled for the ball and ripped it away for Herbert's first turnover of camp.It [The interception] was a great rep, McDaniel said.Why?"He threw a pick simply because he's leaning into the process and getting comfortable with all the things we're asking him to do, McDaniel said. On that particular play, he has his eyes set on an eligible here and reset the throw and got an incredible learning experience that will benefit him in the game."McDaniel later explained that Herbert executed exactly what the coaching staff wanted, even if the play ended in a turnover."It was the first time he executed in a live situation, that reset high-low I'm asking him to do," McDaniel said. "He had the timing, he got the space where it should be completed and he didn't get rattled by the result, which is what is so key for guys in training camp if you're trying to do something special during the year."As for Hampton, much of training camp has been conducted at less than full speed, but the second-year running back has looked noticeably different.During Tuesday's practice, Hampton bounced a handoff outside, found a crease and, despite defenders not tackling to the ground, showcased the burst that had the crowd buzzing.His offensive coordinator has noticed the improvement as well.LA Chargers Alec Ingold (30) and LA Chargers Omarion Hampton (8) participates in drills during Chargers training camp at USD on .Tuesday August 4, 2026 in San Diego, California.Ardie Crenshaw - The Sporting TribuneLA Chargers Alec Ingold (30) and LA Chargers Omarion Hampton (8) participates in drills during Chargers training camp at USD on .Tuesday August 4, 2026 in San Diego, California."From the first day we've gotten on the field to [Tuesday], you could argue and crown he's had as much, if not the most growth, of any player," McDaniel said.Hampton was especially excited to finally practice in pads after going months without wearing them."It had been so long," Hampton said Wednesday. "It was exciting to get out there with all the guys and have pads on."Hampton flashed his potential as a rookie when healthy, despite dealing with multiple injuries throughout the season.At 6-foot and 220 pounds, he has the size and speed to become the physical presence the Chargers have been searching for in their running game."In and around contact, some of the things we can work with ball carriers is how they approach tacklers," McDaniel said. "For him and his skillset, no one wants to tackle that guy, that is a massive human moving very fast. The less we can get him to stop his feet and do what we call slash and pick edges of defenders and shoulder punch him, the better.McDaniel's run-heavy scheme should also help Hampton maximize his talent.The offensive coordinator believes running backs coach Max McCaffrey is the ideal coach to help Hampton continue his development."He's a perfect pairing for... Max McCaffrey, because this guy [Hampton] is completely obsessed and focused," McDaniel said. "His track and the urgency with which we're trying to get him to start the play at the beginning of the play, it has been phenomenal.One final note from practice: left tackle Rashawn Slater participated in everything, from individual drills to 11-on-11 work.The Chargers will practice in pads again on Thursday. If Slater is a full participant once again, any concern about his status can likely be put to rest.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has apologized for his attempt to sell stakes in the World Cup -Credit:DeFodi Images, DeFodi Images via Getty ImagesA groveling Gianni Infantino has issued an apology for attempting to sell the FIFA World Cup, confirming that the controversial proposal has been SCRAPPED. Infantino has faced fierce backlash since FIFA announced last week following media reports breaking the story a plan to sell its competitions to private investors, igniting fury across the soccer community at every level.UEFA members unanimously voted to boycott FIFA tournaments if the proposal moved forward, while FIFA chief Arsene Wenger publicly opposed it. An emergency meeting was convened in Morocco on Wednesday amid relentless criticism and continuous leaks surrounding the plans, as per The Mirror.Infantino has now conceded defeat with a formal apology though he intends to fight on and retain his position as FIFA President, despite widespread demands for his resignation. A letter co-signed by Infantino and FIFA General Secretary Mattias Grafstrom states: "We acknowledge that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media.Donald Trump sparks outrage with Harry Kane World Cup commentsDonald Trump addresses Gianni Infantino's World Cup sale plans, amidst Kushner links -Credit:Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto, Getty Images"We sincerely apologise for these errors and commit to them not happening again. With this in mind, we will conduct a necessary review, and a report will be presented to the FIFA Council at its next scheduled meeting."The letter further states that Grafstrom and FIFA's Management Board 'reaffirm their full support' for Infantino, who faces re-election next March. It continues: "With the project withdrawn, FIFA will no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity, good governance and due process and will take all necessary measures to protect and safeguard its name and reputation."FIFA has also confirmed that its leadership held a constructive and positive meeting in Rabat. This follows a bombshell report alleging that Infantino had offered Morocco the opportunity to host the 2030 World Cup final which they are co-hosting with Spain and Portugal in exchange for their backing of his proposal.Federations that supported the scheme were reportedly promised 30 million (around $40 million), with a portion available in January for those who responded favorably ahead of a September deadline. To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HEREInfantino even faced accusations of bribery from the president of the Jordan FA, who publicly voiced his outrage on social media.Prince Ali bin Al Hussein posted: "We pride ourselves in Jordan in upholding ethical values. We did not endorse him before and certainly will not now. But the whole situation amounts to blackmail and we refuse to give in to that."

On Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers released its first preseason depth chart after the first full week of training camp. The Steelers are just over a week away from their first preseason game of the year when they will welcome the Green Bay Packers to town. We were surprised to see how the first depth chart played out and here are the big takeaways.Keeanu Benton benched for his own goodBenton has been the team's starting nose tackle since being drafted but we've always contended that he was out of position. New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham agrees. Benton was moved to defensive end as a backup but in a position where he can flourish and Yahya Black is listed as the starting nose tackle in his place.Nick Herbig is the most expensive backup in the NFLWe weren't sure if McCarthy might try to find a way to make Herbig a co-starter with T.J. Watt but instead just has him listed as second string despite signing a massive contract extension this offseason.Eli Heidenreich a longshot to make the teamWe are the biggest Eli Heidenreich fans you will find but seeing him with Travis Homer as fifth string is confusing. Not just because he means Heidenreich is a longshot to make the roster but Homer, who has been the team's personal protector on punt teams is as well.Roman Wilson is carpe-ing those diemsWilson came into training camp battling rookie Germie Bernard for the slot receiver spot and is currently listed ahead of Bernard after showing a strong connection with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.Rookie defensive backs pushing for repsThe Steelers list rookie cornerback Daylen Everett as the No. 2 cornerback behind Jamel Dean and rookie safety Robert Spears-Jennings as DeShon Elliot's backup. Both rookies have had great offseasons. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Big takeaways from Steelers' first official depth chart

Two years after walking away from the game, Aaron Donald might be ready to put the pads back on. The former Los Angeles Rams All-Pro defensive tackle officially worked out with the team on Wednesday, perthe NFL Wire. Aaron Donald wanted to do a workout in a football helmet, even though he did not wear pads during it, according to ESPN. He ended up using the Rams team equipment at their facility during training camp, requiring them to report his activity to the NFL. It's the latest development in Donald's long-rumored comeback. His workout came less than a week after Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters that Donald was trending toward a return to the team. A league source recently told our Erc D. Williams that Donald was leaning toward returning. However, Los Angeles hasn't given Donald a date he has to make a decision. When McVay told reporters last week that Donald could be returning to the Rams, he indicated that the star defensive tackle likely wouldn't rejoin the team until later in August. If the 32-year-old Donald opts to return, he'll join arguably the league's top defense. The Rams acquired reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett in June after adding former Kansas City Chiefs standouts Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson at cornerback. Those names join a talented Los Angeles defensive line that includes Byron Young, Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske and Poona Ford. Donald retired from the Rams following their wild-card loss against the Detroit Lions in the 2023 season. At the time of his retirement, Donald was already one of the most decorated defensive players in NFL history. The Super Bowl champion has won Defensive Player of the Year three times, recording 542 tackles, 111 sacks and 24 forced fumbles in three seasons.

Tarik Skubal is a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers. But the Dodgers are reeling. Following a 7-6 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, the Dodgers have now lost six consecutive games. They also lost Skubal's debut in Dodger blue on Tuesday night and are going through the teams longest losing streak of the season. Furthermore, the Dodgers (69-46) have lost 15 of their last 25 games and have been knocked off the pedestal by the Milwaukee Brewers (70-43) for the best record in both the National League and MLB altogether. What gives? Colin Cowherd, for one, thinks this dry spell is exposing the Dodgers as a flawed club. "Stop staring at the paint job. Look under the hood: the Dodgers are a mess," Cowherd asserted on Wednesday's edition of "The Herd." "The Skubal acquisition was much more life-raft than adding a helipad to the yacht. The Dodgers have bullpen issues and age issues." As for some of the struggling bats, star shortstop Mookie Betts is having arguably the worst offensive year of his MLB career. He entered the team's Wednesday afternoon game against the Cubs with a .223/.280/.390 slash line. Right fielder Kyle Tucker, who the Dodgers signed to a four-year, $240 million deal in the offseason, entered Wednesday with a career-low in batting average (.243), slugging percentage (.381) and OPS+ (101); center fielder Andy Pages who blasted 10 home runs, drove in 39 runs and boasted a .304/.357/.530 slash line over his first 46 games this season entered the day with a .245/.318/.405 slash line over his last 67 games. Over the last 30 days, the Dodgers are 20th in MLB in runs (93), tied for 21st in on-base percentage (.306), tied for 17th in home runs (26), tied for 15th in slugging percentage (.399) and 12th outright in hits (196) Meanwhile, on the rotation front, left-hander Blake Snell has made one start this season due to shoulder and elbow injuries; right-hander Tyler Glasnow has been limited to seven starts due to a back injury; second-year starter Roki Sasaki has struggled to turn a corner, finding difficulty in finishing off hitters and sporting a 4.64 ERA and an 89 ERA+. In the bullpen, closer Edwin Daz, whom the Dodgers signed to a three-year, $69 million deal in the offseason, recently returned from a roughly three-month absence due to elbow surgery; as a collective, Los Angeles is 16th in the sport in bullpen ERA (4.08) and has blown 16 save opportunities. "This team is winning on the margins the last two years, and now they're broken," Cowherd said. As for their championship success in recent memory, the Dodgers were just the third seed in the NL playoffs last season). They trailed the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 in the World Series and 3-1 in the eighth inning of Game Seven before pulling off the series comeback. Still, Los Angeles is seeking to become the first MLB team to three-peat as World Series champions since the New York Yankees did so from 1998-2000.

Fall practice is underway for the No. 4 Texas Longhorns. UT officially kicked off preparations for the 2026 season under under a hot Austin sun. The Longhorns have exactly a month to prepare for the season opener against Texas State on Sept. 5 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. While coaches have an idea of the Longhorns depth chart after spring drills, the true position battles happen over the next few weeks. There are multiple positions that could change between now and the start of the season. Laurence Seymore is battling for the starting spot with Jaydon Chatman and Devin Coleman at left guard. Starting safety opposite Jelani McDonald is still in play, with Kobe Black and Derek Williams Jr. fighting for the starting spot. Newcomers Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers will hold an epic duel this fall to see which highly regarded transfer will be the starting running back. And there are a lot of possibilities at linebacker. QuarterbackArch ManningKJ LaceyDia BellMJ MorrisRunning BackRaleek BrownHollywood SmothersDerrek CooperJames SimonMichael Terry IIIWide ReceiverCam ColemanRyan WingoEmmett Mosley VSterling BerkhalterKaliq LockettJermain Bishop Jr.Daylan MutcheonTight EndMichael MasunasSpencer ShannonEmaree WinstonNick TownsendWill RandleCharlie JilekLeft TackleTrevor GoosbyJordan ColemanLeft GuardLaurence SeymoreJaydon ChatmanDylan SikorskiCenterConnor RobertsonJackson ChristianRight GuardBrandon BakerCole Hutson (if eligible) Paris Patterson Jr.Right TackleMelvin SianiAndre CojoeEdgeLance JacksonZina UmeozuluJamarion CarltonDefensive TackleHero KanuAlex JanuaryJustus TerryMuron CharlesNose TackleIan Geffard Maraad WatsonJosiah SharmaZion WilliamsLinebackerColin SimmonsRasheem BilesTy'Anthony SmithBrad SpenceJustin CryerMarkus BoswellColton VasekTyler AtkinsonRichard WesleyRocky CummingsKosi OkpalaSmith OrogboCornerbackKade PhillipsBo MascoeKobe BlackWarren RobersonSamari MatthewsHayward Howard Jr.John Meredith IIISafety Jelani McDonaldXavier FilsaimeDerek Williams Jr.Jordon Johnson-RubellJonah WilliamsJonathan CunninghamZelus HicksNicklebackGraceson LittletonWardell MackKickerGianni SpeticJake CollettSpencer BarnettPunterMac ChiumentoMike BukauskasKick returnerRyan NiblettRaleek BrownPunt returnerRyan NiblettRaleek BrownHollywood SmothersThis article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas Longhorns Football Fall Practice Depth Chart

Bruno Guimaraes joined Newcastle from Lyon in 2022 (Paul ELLIS)Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta gave little away Wednesday following reports the Premier League champions have agreed a 75 million ($101 million) fee to sign Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes.The Brazil midfielder's future has been the subject of fevered speculation for weeks since it emerged he wanted to leave Tyneside for the Emirates Stadium.Arteta, asked about a possible move for Guimaraes following Arsenal's 3-1 friendly defeat by Spanish side Real Betis in Dublin on Wednesday, replied: "I'm not going to talk about any players who aren't Arsenal players."He added: "I can tell you at the moment that something happens and we can announce it. I will give you my straight answer."Guimaraes, 28, who joined Newcastle from Lyon in 2022, scored nine goals and provided eight assists in all competitions for the Magpies last season.After a break following Brazil's World Cup campaign, he linked up with Newcastle on the club's pre-season training camp in Spain.Eddie Howe, who quit as Newcastle manager last week, had admitted he was concerned about losing Guimaraes.Arsenal have been relatively quiet in the market compared with Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea as the new season approaches.Arteta previously said Arsenal were "very active" and "very ambitious in what we want to do"."We need to increase the competition internally. We need to make sure we identify the things that we don't have in the team," the Spaniard said.Arsenal were punished for defensive errors in Dublin, falling behind to first-half goals from Rodrigo Riquelme and Nelson Deossa.The Gunners hit back through Piero Hincapie but Pablo Fornals struck a third for Betis before the break.Arteta rung the changes at half-time, making seven substitutions, with Louie Copley, who captained Arsenal's Under-21 side last season aged 19, among those who came on.But the highly-rated midfielder, deployed at right-back, only featured for 10 minutes before landing awkwardly while chasing the ball. The teenager had to be helped off the pitch as he struggled to put weight on his leg."It doesn't look good," said Arteta of Copley. "So let's hope that tomorrow the news is better."Arsenal open their title defence against Coventry at the Emirates on August 21.jw-jdg/ea