Los Angeles Dodgers fans don't have to sit on the panic button. If Dodgers majority owner Mark Walter sells his stake in the team, superstar Shohei Ohtani is considered unlikely to opt out of his contract, according to The Athletic. Why is this relevant? Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in Dec. 2023, but the deal included $680 million deferred, with Ohtani's average annual value on the team's payroll being just $2 million. Another wrinkle is that Ohtani was given a "key man" clause in the deal, allowing him to opt out of the contract if Walter sold the team or Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman was no longer in his position. Speculation on Ohtani's future in Los Angeles comes after Walter sold the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers for a reported $12.5 billion earlier this week after buying a majority stake in the franchise in Oct. 2025 for roughly $10 billion. Walter is under federal investigation for potential loan fraud. Through 112 games this season (513 plate appearances), Ohtani has totaled 27 home runs, 74 RBIs, a National League-high 157 OPS+ and 3.4 wins above replacement, while boasting a .292/.391/.544 slash line. Ohtani ranks in the 97th percentile of MLB in average exit velocity (93.4 mph), the 96th percentile in barrel percentage (16.7%) and the 95th percentile in hard-hit percentage (52.4%), according to Statcast. As a starting pitcher, the two-way superstar has recorded a 1.79 ERA, an 0.95 WHIP and a 231 ERA+, while totaling 95 strikeouts and three wins above replacement across 85 innings pitched (14 starts). That said, he hasn't pitched since July 3 due to a knee injury. Ohtani has won NL MVP honors in each of his two complete seasons with the Dodgers (2024-25) and figures to be a finalist for the award again this year. Los Angeles stands atop the NL West at 73-49 and is two games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the best record in the NL.

For the first time since January, the Los Angeles Rams will play a football game, which has everyone excited about Saturday's matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. Of course, it's just the preseason, but it'll be fun to see the Rams on the field in a game setting. The young talent on their roster makes this an even more intriguing afternoon for the Rams.With the team's starters and main backups getting the preseason off, the attention turns to rookies and guys fighting to make the 53-man roster. Here are seven players to keep an eye on this Saturday when the Rams take on the Chiefs.QB Ty SimpsonStetson Bennett will get the start but all eyes will be on Simpson. After making just 15 starts in college, these next three weeks could be the only game action Simpson gets until next summer, so every rep will be important. Things to watch are his arm strength driving the ball down the field, his pocket presence when defenders are bearing down and his accuracy.There's a lot of excitement about the Rams' first-round rookie, as there should be. He's by far the franchise's highest-drafted quarterback since Jared Goff in 2016. With very little to lose, hopefully he lets it rip and plays freely without trying to protect against costly mistakes.RB Jarquez HunterThe pressure is on Hunter to perform. In addition to Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, Rivers is also likely to get the preseason off, given the experience he's accumulated in his career. That leaves Hunter as the lead back for the Rams, giving him a golden opportunity to prove he's deserving of a roster spot. He's an explosive, powerful back with breakaway speed, but he has to display better vision at the line in order to find space at the second level. If he struggles, he could be in danger of getting cut by the Rams.WR CJ DanielsMcVay already said Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield won't play in the preseason, which will give Xavier Smith and Daniels increased opportunities. Daniels should make the team but in the preseason, he'll have a chance to turn some heads and make plays on offense. The Rams could use a receiver with his ability to come down with contested catches, something Mumpfield struggled with last season. Daniels excels in that department and that should be on display Saturday against the Chiefs.OL Keagen TrostRookies are expected to play a lot this preseason, and that includes third-rounder Keagen Trost. Although he's listed at right tackle on the depth chart, it'll be interesting to see how the Rams deploy him. Will he exclusively play tackle? Will he get any chance to play guard? Will he get a shot to play left tackle if David Quessenberry is held out as expected?Trost was one of the best tackles in college football last season and he'll try to prove he can hold up against NFL edge rushers on Saturday.DL Ty HamiltonHamilton didn't play much as a rookie last season and he'll need a good preseason to secure a roster spot for Year 2. The Rams added Tim Keenan III at nose tackle in the draft and while he's also on the bubble, Hamilton has higher expectations as a second-year player who the Rams traded up for in 2025.The Rams could use some depth behind their top four defensive linemen, which could turn into a top five if Aaron Donald returns. Hamilton must show improvements after a quiet rookie year.OLB Wesley BaileyBailey is an undrafted rookie who has already earned first-team reps in practice. The Rams like to rotate their edge rushers, especially in an attempt to keep Byron Young and Myles Garrett healthy, so it's not as if the team views him as one of the top outside linebackers on the team. However, he's a terrific athlete with an NFL-type frame. And he must be doing something well enough in practice to get snaps with the starters.Keir Thomas has been a preseason standout multiple times for the Rams, and now it could be Bailey's turn to stand out this summer. He could make a real push for a roster spot with a strong performance over the next three weeks.CB Cam LampkinLampkin could be a breakout star of the preseason for the Rams. After going up against Los Angeles' receivers in practice all summer, he'll have an opportunity to cover other wideouts on Saturday in Kansas City. He has the frame and skill set to be an NFL cornerback and given the question marks Los Angeles has on the outside, he could be someone who steps up behind Emmanuel Forbes Jr. as a key backup.Look for Lampkin to make at least a couple of plays on the ball Saturday and throughout the team's three preseason games.This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 7 players to watch in Rams' preseason game vs. Chiefs

PREVIEW | Racing Santander vs Villarreal CF: team news, lineups, predictions (La Liga 16/08)Racing Santander and Villarreal CF face each other this Sunday at the Campos de Sport de El Sardinero on Match Day one of the La Liga. Racing Santander mark their 45th participation in the competition, whilst Villarreal CF go into their 27th.In their last outing, Racing Santander drew 1-1 against Alavs (Pre-season 2026/27). Last time out, Villarreal CF triumphed 1-2 against Galatasaray (Pre-season 2026/27).The last meeting between the two teams ended with Racing Santander winning 2-1.UnavailableRacing SantanderVillarreal CFLast starting XIsRacing Santander ( vs Cdiz 2026-05-31): Jokin Ezkieta, Marco Sangalli, Alvaro Mantilla, Javi Castro, Mario Garca, igo Sainz-Maza, Aritz Aldasoro, Andrs Martn, Peio Canales, Iigo Vicente, Juan AranaVillarreal CF ( vs Atltico de Madrid 2026-05-24): Arnau Tenas, Santiago Mourio, Rafa Marn, Pau Navarro, Alfonso Pedraza, Nicolas Pp, Dani Parejo, Pape Gueye, Alberto Moleiro, Ayoze Prez, Georges MikautadzeDid you know...by playmaker statsHEAD TO HEADRacing Santander and Villarreal CF have already faced each other 33 times, with Villarreal CF holding the advantage: 16 wins, compared with eight victories for Racing Santander.At Campos de Sport de El Sardinero, Racing Santander have the edge in their meetings with Villarreal CF: seven wins in 17 matches. Villarreal CF have five victories.In La Liga, the two teams have met 24 times, with five wins for Racing Santander, six draws and 13 victories for Villarreal CF.

Credit: 'PFT Live'For those watching PFT Live on Friday morning, the broadcast took an alarming turn when co-host Michael Holley became overheated and fainted on camera.Before losing consciousness, Holley appeared visibly unwell as Mike Florio discussed Troy Aikmans recent comments about his alleged conflict of interest in his dual role as a Monday Night Football analyst for ESPN and a consultant with the Miami Dolphins.With Florio in the middle of a diatribe, Holleys eyes widened, and his body began to sway as he blinked repeatedly before he tipped backward in slow motion and slumped out of the side of his chair, disappearing from the frame in his home studio, which immediately alerted Florio.PFT Live cut to commercial pretty shortly after.Michael was in the studio at his home, Florio told Awful Announcing in a statement. Its very warm in there. He hadnt had anything to eat or drink before the show. He became overheated during the show and passed out. I didnt notice until he slumped in his seat, because I was looking at the camera, not the monitor. We went to break right away to try to get him assistance, if he needed it. Fortunately, he recovered quickly and is fine.On Fridays @PFT_Live, Michael Holley became overheated and fainted in the studio in his home. We immediately went to a commercial break in order to get him assistance. Fortunately, Michael recovered quickly and is fine. ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 14, 2026For obvious reasons, we wont be showing that portion of the show. Clips of Florio and Holley discussing Jeremiyah Love running like prime Adrian Peterson, Mike Vrabel aggressively throwing a challenge flag, Anthony Richardson needing a change of scenery,the Jayden Daniels-LSU situation, the Steelers quarterback room, and Fernando Mendoza, among several other topics, are available on the NFL on NBCs YouTube channel, but nothing from the moment itself.Going forward, the control room will reportedly keep emergency contact numbers for hosts loved ones on hand as an added precaution.The post Michael Holley faints live on PFT Live, show says hes fine after brief scare appeared first on Awful Announcing.

This past Wednesday, we saw the end of one of the most legendary careers in recent memory. Russell Westbrook announced his retirement from the NBA. He leaves the game as one of the brightest era-defining superstars of the 2010s.Westbrook played in 18 NBA seasons from 2008-26. In that span, he turned into a polarizing NBA superstar where everybody had an extreme opinion about his playing style. You either absolutely loved how intense he played on the court. He was ride-or-die for his faithful. And if you were part of it, you felt like you were in a family.Or his inefficiency and critical mental mistakes absolutely stressed you out. To the point that every ill-advised shot attempt or careless turnover had your blood pressure spike to dangerous levels.For the Oklahoma City Thunder, they happily sat in the former's camp tent up and everything.Westbrook enjoyed his best years on the Thunder. He spent his first 11 seasons in OKC. In that time, he ascended into a global celebrity lifting the small market with him. NBA fans from across the world quickly learned Oklahoma's get-to-know-you facts. Something that wasn't feasible before their 2008 relocation.Alongside Kevin Durant, Westbrook co-starred on OKC's title contender. The Thunder were a constant main character in the 2010s. They had one NBA Finals trip and four Western Conference Finals appearances. Sure, they never sat on the NBA's golden throne, but a decade-long chase of it created core memories for the first generation of OKC fans.In that time, Westbrook stacked up his resume. He was a one-time MVP winner, nine-time All-Star and nine-time All-NBA member. He grabbed two scoring titles and three assist titles along the way. Most famously, he completely redefined the value of a triple-double. What was once a mythical achievement and basketball's version of hitting for the cycle turned into an every-other-night occurrence.On his epic vengeance tour following Durant's shocking departure, Westbrook broke a 55-year drought as the follow-up act to Oscar Robertson's legacy-defining accomplishment. He averaged a video-game-esque 30-point triple-double in the 2016-17 season en route to his sole MVP award. He then rattled off the triple-double average feat four times in a five-year span.As things stand right now, Westbrook comfortably sits atop OKC's franchise record for total points and assists. He also owns the all-time triple-double record. With the combination of a high winning rate, postseason success and marvelous individual stats/accolades, should the Thunder retire his No. 0 jersey?I mean, duh. This article could've been a lot shorter with just a one-word 'yes' response. Seldom do you see the sports world have a consensus opinion. The NBA invokes your competitive juices. But this rhetorical question is a no-brainer. Westbrook is one of the greatest players in OKC history. About everybody has him in their Mt. Rushmore of franchise faces which is quite the feather in his cap, considering how stupidly rich the young franchise is with success at both the individual and team level.Westbrook helped put the Thunder on the NBA map. And when Durant left, he had every reason to do the same. Instead, he committed to being in OKC for over a decade. In that time, he steadied the ship amid rocky waters. Sure, the three solo Westbrook seasons following Durant's departure didn't yield playoff success, but he kept them competitive and relevant enough to segue them into their current golden era of hoops.Westbrook was OKC's first true NBA superstar. When he makes the Basketball Hall of Fame in three summers, most will fondly remember him for his time on the Thunder. Because of all that, his No. 0 should hang in the Paycom Center rafters sooner rather than later.This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Should OKC Thunder retire Russell Westbrook's No. 0 jersey?

Former Kentucky running back Jamarion Wilcox pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual misconduct stemming from an incident that occurred Aug 20. 2025, in Lexington. Wilcox entered his plea on July 31, according to Fayette County Circuit Court records. His sentencing hearing is set for 8:30 a.m., Sept. 18.Sexual misconduct has a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $500 fine, according to Wilcoxs plea documents.Wilcox was suspended from the program for the entire 2025 season after the event.The woman, whom The Courier Journal is not identifying as a victim of alleged sexual assault, filed for a protective order after saying Wilcox entered her room at 1 a.m. without her consent while he was visiting her roommate in their apartment. The victim told Wilcox he was in the wrong room after he walked in while she was sleeping.After she asked Wilcox where her roommate was, the petition alleges the running back proceeded "to laugh" and attempted "to start touching me again."The woman said she ran out of her room and spoke with her roommate. While the petition states the roommate tried to get Wilcox to leave the woman's bed, "he refused for a couple of minutes."The petition states the woman then called 911."The police came to my apartment to escort him out," she wrote, "in which he refused to do so for at least 20 minutes."Per court documents, after the woman filed a temporary interpersonal protective order against Wilcox, Fayette District Court ordered him to "be restrained from committing further acts of abuse or threats of abuse, stalking or sexual assault" and that he refrain "from any unauthorized contact" with the alleged victim. The court also ordered Wilcox to stay at least 500 feet away from the woman.Wilcox led Kentucky in rushing yards with 590 rushing yards and two touchdowns during the 2024 season. After being suspended for the entire 2025 season, he entered the transfer portal and signed with Marshall. Wilcox is no longer on the Thundering Herd's roster.Reach Kentucky mens basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.Reachsports trending writer Alaina Morris atamorris@gannett.comand follow her on X at @alainammorris.This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Former Kentucky RB Jamarion Wilcox pleads guilty to sexual misconduct

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A year ago, looking ahead to Week 11, Indiana was set as a 16.5-point underdog for its game at Penn State.By the time that game was actually played, James Franklin was looking for a new job, and the eventual-champion Hoosiers were 14.5-point favorites.While thats a cherry-picked example of drastically how things can change, even at the top of the sport, it ended up historically significant, as Indiana pulled off a dramatic win with arguably the play of the year: Omar Cooper Jr.'s incredible, back-of-the-end-zone catch.Note: Betting the underdog early or late was a no-doubt winner, as the actual separation between the two teams was likely somewhere in-between the 30-point shift in perception.The fundamental point of betting the Game of the Year (GOTY) lookahead lines is to secure a ticket that increases in value by the time the game actually kicks off. So, last seasons exercise in obtaining closing line value was a success, as we had the best of the number in nine of 13 games. Of course, while marginally profitable, a 7-6 split in what actually matters (you know, winning) was disappointing, as the two games that swung the wrong way might have actually had the most value, only to end in disaster:Week 7: Oklahoma (bet at +10.5, closed +2.5); lost by 17Week 9: Kansas (bet at +4, closed -3.5); lost by 25In betting any futures market, were willing to tie up capital on the premise that were backing (or fading) a team whose value will change enough to get paid out later. So, were back again to look beyond the long list of betting lines available for Week 0 and Week 1 using those data points, along with regular season win total markets, to determine estimated market ratings for the teams noting where there could be a shift in perception that creates a line-move in our direction.For simplicity, we compare teams on a rating scale out of 100 at THE WINDOW using regular-season win-total markets and cross-referencing GOTY spreads in order to land on an estimated market rating for each team.Conference betting previews: SEC | ACC | Big 12 | Big Ten | Group of FiveWeek 2: Iowa State at Iowa (-11.5, 41.5)Projected line: Iowa -11.5Weve already seen this lookahead line go from -12.5 to -11.5, and while thats not a huge move, its in the direction of our theory that Cyclones tickets will be valuable.This is less about the projected line, and more about the change in team rating for Iowa State in the post-Matt Campbell era. At the end of the 2024 season, the Cyclones had a power rating in the betting market in the high-60s, but in Campbells last season, Iowa State stumbled in October, finishing with a rating in the high 50s. Now Campbells left for Penn State, and the Cyclones are barely being rated like an average team nationally.Kirk Ferentz, of course, hasnt gone anywhere, but with the lowest returning production in the Big Ten, why are we assuming the Hawkeyes are going to be at the same level theyve been at over much of his tenure?Bet: Iowa State +11.5Week 3: Houston at Texas Tech (-13.5, 54.5)Projected line: Texas Tech -11.5Bad news: The premise of this article precludes us from being able to wait and shop for a possible key number, like Houston +14. However, theres already enough potential value on the Cougars, who could very well move into the role as second-best team in the Big 12.Much of Texas Techs status as the Big 12 favorite is based on assumptions like:Will Hammond will step seamlessly in as a star quarterback after the Brendan Sorsby situation went south.The Red Raiders defense will pick up where it left off last season.Willie Fritz and Conner Weigman quietly only lost three games last year, and have just as much roster continuity as the Red Raiders, only they didnt see their most dominant defender drafted in the first round, and a big-money portal QB effectively banned from the sport this season.Bet: Houston +13.5Week 4: Oklahoma at Georgia (-10, 52.5)Projected line: Georgia -10For this line to be fair come its eventual close by the last Saturday in September, you need to assume two things:Georgias worthy of a 90/100 rating a number flattering the Bulldogs compared to where theyve finished the last two seasons (in the mid-80s)Oklahomas not a team that should be rated in the 80s, and that is outside the 12 in the countryJust focusing on No. 2, the Sooners were rated as an 80 at the end of last season when, in their final game, they closed just under a field-goal favorite against Alabama at home. With a healthy John Mateer (assuming he makes it to Week 4), OU should be perceived better than that, especially if they can win in Ann Arbor. After all, getting road wins was something of a Sooners specialty last year.Bet: Oklahoma +10Week 5: Miami (-7, 55.5) at ClemsonProjected line: Miami -7The worst part about losing the last game of the season, in any sport, is knowing you have to start fresh to get back there.Thats not the case for Miamis power rating in the betting market, as they carry the same estimated rating (85) as they had when they closed just shy of touchdown underdogs to the wagon that was Indiana last January.No games have been played to hurt Miamis perception, but it doesnt take much for things to change. Just ask Clemson, who went from among the favorites before last season, to everyone selling the Tigers before this season. Lets take a program thats regularly the ACC title favorite, but is now being valued as long as 16-to-1, to give Miami everything it can handle in Death Valley.Bet: Clemson +7Week 6: Georgia (-3, 50.5) at AlabamaProjected line: Georgia -2The same rating system that makes Georgia -10 at home versus Oklahoma (even if we think thats a valuable number), has Alabama inside of a field goal at home against the Bulldogs. With +3 being such a key number, grabbing the Tide now is a good bet.Getting Florida State and South Carolina at home in the lead-up to this showdown could result in an increase in perception for Bama, and the heat that seems to be surrounding Kalen DeBoer could relent enough for this to be closer to a pick-em at kick.Bet: Alabama +3COLUMBUS, OHIO - AUGUST 7: Quarterback Julian Sayin #10 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs drills during fall football camp at Woody Hayes Athletic Center on August 7, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images)Ben Jackson via Getty ImagesWeek 7: Ohio State at Indiana (PK, 48.5)Projected line: Indiana -1.7Lets play the percentages here.Texas is favored (slightly) at home against Ohio State in Week 2. So, the betting market thinks its better than 50/50 that the Buckeyes lose on the road.If they do, its hard to believe that wont affect the perception for their next big-time road game: Week 7 at Indiana.Meanwhile, because of a soft schedule to start the season, its likely the Hoosiers will be undefeated heading into this matchup. If thats the case, even a Buckeye win in Austin shouldnt take this game off of pick-em.Bet: Indiana PKWeek 8: Duke at Virginia (-6.5, 53.5)Projected line: Virginia -6.8Despite making the ACC title game last year, there arent many GOTY offerings involving Virginia. Its this, or the regular season finale with Virginia Tech.Prior to seeing a game this season, we know more about Duke than we do about James Franklins version of the Hokies, so well fade the Cavaliers with the Blue Devils.Why pick on Virginia?Their run to Charlotte last season was rife with regression signals for 2026, specifically a four-game stretch that included three overtime wins and a 2-point home win over Washington State on a game-winning safety.Add in significant roster turnover in Charlottesville, thats a recipe for a team that jumped more than 60 spots in ESPNs SP+ from 2024 to 2025, to slide back just enough for this point spread to shorten by Week 8.Bet: Duke +6.5Week 9: Ohio State (-7.5, 54.5) at USCProjected line: Ohio State -6.7Weve already referenced two road games that could change the perception of Ohio State in the first eight weeks of the season. For USC, barring multiple losses (or a significant injury), the Trojans shouldnt see their market rating fall that much.With a point spread here of +7.5, and how infrequently games land on 8 or 9, it would take quite the plunge to push Ohio State up to the next key number at -10.However, if Jayden Maiava and the Trojans surpass expectations, maybe in the form of an upset over Oregon, this could easily re-open inside of a touchdown.Bet: USC +7.5Week 10: Miami at Notre Dame (-6.5, 54.5)Projected line: Notre Dame -7.3Both teams might have been happier if this matchup had happened later in the 2025 season. Notre Dame was probably one of the five best teams in the country, but with so few challenging games on the schedule, they had no leg to stand on to make their case for CFP inclusion.This time around, both teams will know where they stand, but its easier to envision Notre Dame coming into Week 10 with the betting market in a fervor about the Irish, knowing they need to put a stamp on their resume, driven by revenge for 2025. All while their biggest issue last season being unable to stop Rueben Bain Jr. and Ahkeem Mesidor is no longer on the scouting report.Bet: Notre Dame -6.5Week 11: Michigan at Oregon (-13.5, 53.5)Projected line: Oregon -11.9Kyle Whittingham as an underdog in some sort of grimy, November weather conditions, getting almost two touchdowns with a mobile, play-making quarterback? Sign me up.Again, wed prefer the full two touchdowns, but, by mid-November, this line could very well by single digits. Both teams will have been through much of Big Ten play, but the Wolverines best opponents will have come to the Big House, giving them a better chance for a rating-boosting upset.Dan Lannings group will be coming off their showdown with the Buckeyes in Columbus, so there could be an opportunity for Michigan to catch the Ducks whose current rating couldnt be much higher a little ragged.Bet: Michigan +13.5Week 12: Virginia Tech at Miami (-16.5, 56.5)Projected line: Miami -15.3If I came from the future to tell you that Franklin had built Virginia Tech back up into a contender a few years into arriving in Blacksburg, it wouldnt be far-fetched to think that the rebuild truly began with scrappy effort, even in a losing cause, against the 2026 Miami Hurricanes.Play Yahoo's new College Fantasy Football game: Create or join a league now!Franklin has managed to combine picking off a handful of players from his Nittany Lions, with the ACCs most returning production a rare scenario for an incoming coach. Even rarer, Franklins got his offensive coordinator from State College, and some continuity on defense, by hiring the coach he replaced Brent Pry to coordinate that unit.It all might take some time to jell, but securing more than two touchdowns now for a late-season game between the Canes and the conferences newest cash-infused program is worth our own investment.Bet: Virginia Tech +16.5Week 13: USC (-10.5, 55.5) at UCLAProjected line: USC -9.6Is the Crosstown Rivalry back!?!As much as we might think highly of the potential for USC, the Lincoln Riley era has regularly featured high expectations in the summer, followed by a slow petering out over the course of the season.If thats the case again, UCLAs decidedly lower expectations means that the start of Bob Chesneys tenure should have positive vibes that sustain even through a handful of losses. Of course, its also possible the Bruins, with Chesneys James Madison core, and incumbents like Nico Iamaleava, are still playing hard, as competing with the Trojans is a bigger goal for UCLA than the other way around.Bet: UCLA +10.5Heres hoping that last years 9-4 record in beating the market is not only at least matched this season, but that the betting results align as well.You can find more valuable betting analysis from Yahoo! Sports betting contributor, Matt Russell, at THE WINDOW.

Jun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko (left) talks with quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza (15) and Kirk Cousins (8) during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesLas Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak didnt outright name a starting quarterback after Thursday nights preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, but he made it pretty clear who its going to be.While the Raiders selected Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the team also added veteran Kirk Cousins to compete for the starting job. While that competition is technically still ongoing, it became apparent on Thursday night that Cousins will be the starter.During his postgame press conference, Kubiak pointed out that Cousins has been the quarterback taking the reps with the first-team offense during practice, and he hasnt done anything that would cost him the job.Kubiak went as far as to say that it was his job to lose.Kirks been getting the reps with the ones. I think hes had a solid training camp and its his job to lose, Kubiak said via Pro Football Talk.Cousins completed five of his six passing attempts during Thursday nights preseason game, including a touchdown pass before he made his way to the bench for the remainder of the game.Mendoza, meanwhile, played much more extensively in the game what you would expect from a young quarterback who needs reps before hes ready to play. While Kubiak was happy with some of the things he saw from Mendoza in the game, he also made it clear that he still has work to do, which is another sign that Cousins will be the teams starter.He led a good scoring drive, Kubiak said of Mendoza. As far as getting and out of the huddle, commanding the group, getting the play calls down, I saw the same guy I see in practice. I saw an ascending player whos got to keep getting better.Obviously, the Raiders see Mendoza as their future quarterback they wouldnt have drafted him with the No. 1 overall pick if they didnt. However, it certainly looks like hes going to be behind Cousins, at least at the start of the season.The larger question is now whether or not Mendoza will be ready to unseat Cousins throughout the regular season as he continues to grow and develop, or whether Cousins will play well enough to hold onto the starting job throughout the 2026 NFL season.The post Its his job to lose: Raiders appear to have made quarterback decision appeared first on The Comeback: Todays Top Sports Stories & Reactions.

For more than half a century, the Pittsburgh Steelers followed an unwritten ironclad rule: find a promising young defensive coordinator in his 30s and hand him the keys to the franchise for the next two decades.It worked with Chuck Noll in 1969, Bill Cowher in 1992, and Mike Tomlin in 2007. However, following Tomlins storied 19-year run in the Steel City, Pittsburgh deliberately abandoned its legendary playbook.Rather than developing another unproven, rising coordinator from scratch, the Steelers pivoted to Super Bowl-winning veteran head coach Mike McCarthy. The move marks a seismic operational shift, trading patience and internal development for immediate, proven structure.Addressing the philosophical departure on The Rich Eisen Show, host Rich Eisen highlighted how most observers expected Pittsburgh to identify another long-term, first-time coaching candidate."Following up Tomlin without another 30-some coordinator that's never done it before somewhere else. Noll was that guy, Cowher was that guy, Tomlin was that guy, pointed out Eisen.But the bottom line is if you're going to follow up Tomlin after 19 years, do you want to have somebody who's never done it before or somebody who's just like, 'I know the way you've done it here for 19 years, but I know how to do my way and I'm going to bring that way here.'"By bringing in a head coach with extensive experience leading blue-blood franchises like Green Bay and Dallas, Pittsburgh bypasses a standard rebuilding phase. McCarthy hopefully delivers an established offensive infrastructure and a rigid operational standard."So the whole idea of a culture change, you kind of take that off the table," Eisen noted. "How are you going to establish yourself? Well, McCarthy is going to be like, 'What are you talking about? Here's my system. Here's the way I run things. I've proven it for two other blue-blood franchises.'"By choosing McCarthy, Pittsburgh signals that winning right now takes priority over chasing the next 20-year legacy.This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Why Mike McCarthy breaks Pittsburgh's 50-year coaching rule