The San Jose Sharks have one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL, and they added quite a bit of talent to it this summer. Over the next few weeks, we'll be taking a look at their top 20 prospects and how they project to impact the organization in the long-run.
Note: Due to the lack of consistency for what constitutes a prospect, for this list we're excluding anyone who is no longer considered a rookie by the NHL. As a result, players like Igor Chernyshov will not be included.
Kicking off the countdown is a bit of a polarizing player, Alexander Karmanov isn't expected to be an impact player at the NHL level, if he ever plays an NHL game at all. With that being said, if he's able to overcome the odds and develop perfectly, he could become one of the most unique players in league history.
Karmanov was the Sharks' 201st overall selection this past summer, and realistically there were a few players who could've overtaken him on this list, but I opted to include him simply due to the intrigue of his development. As a 7-foot-1 defenseman, if he plays a single NHL game, he'll make history as the tallest player in league history.
With that being said, it's going to take a lot of effort and coaching to even give Karmanov a slight chance to make it to the show, to put it simply. His skating leaves quite a bit to be desired:
On top of that, the NHL is faster than ever and Karmanov's game certainly isn't defined by blazing speed. If he's able to become even a below-average skater though, his size and reach could make him an interesting prospect to watch as he reaches the ECHL and potentially the American Hockey League.
With that being said, Karmanov's size gives him a major advantage if he happens to be in the right place at the right time. His reach significantly limits options for opposing players and makes it very difficult to get around him.
"Even without speed, all he has to do is get in the way of an incoming rusher, or lean on them as he's skating back to his zone, to erase them from the play," Lauren Kelly wrote in a scouting report for Elite Prospects. "He angles well with his stick, checking and poking at puck carriers or disrupting passing lanes."
It's very difficult to really see where Karmanov's ceiling is at this stage, as he's such a unique prospect. More than likely, he'll top-out as an AHL or ECHL level defenseman, but if he's able to somehow make it to the NHL, he could be a very effective stay-at-home defenseman, assuming his skating allows him to keep up with the opposition. Regardless, we'll see where he ends up, but it'll likely be quite a while before we even see him in the conversation for a role at any professional level.
The charges – one for battery and the other for criminal damage to property – were filed via a complaint from Brown County District Attorney David L. Lasee on Thursday, Aug. 27. Both charges stem from Jacobs' arrest in Brown County, Wisconsin, on May 26 after an incident occurred on May 23.
"On May 23, 2026, at approximately 8:37 a.m., the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department was dispatched to a disturbance complaint involving Josh Jacobs," Hobart-Lawrence Police Chief Michael Renkas said in a statement on May 26.
Jacobs faced five counts after his initial arrest: battery (domestic abuse), criminal damage to property (domestic abuse), disorderly conduct (domestic abuse), strangulation and suffocation, and intimidation of a victim. The Packers' veteran running back denied the initial allegations in a statement from his attorneys – David Z. Chesnoff, Richard A. Schonfeld and Clarence Duchac – following his arrest in May.
"Josh vehemently denies the allegations, and this matter is in the early stages of investigation with important evidence that has not yet been made public," the statement, via NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, read. "We ask for fairness and restraint while the judicial process takes its course."
Months after his arrest, Jacobs now faces the two misdemeanor charges after the formal complaint: one for battery, one for criminal damage to property. An initial appearance in court for Jacobs is set for Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 9 a.m.
It is unclear whether Jacobs will face discipline from the NFL or the Packers.
"We are aware of the matter involving Josh Jacobs," a Packers spokesperson said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports in May. "As it is an ongoing legal situation, we will withhold further comment."
Jacobs is due to enter his third season with Green Bay in 2026 after joining the Packers on a four-year, $48 million deal in 2024. In two seasons with the Packers, the 28-year-old has tallied 2,258 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns across 3 games.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 22: Kedon Slovis #12 of the Arizona Cardinals looks to throw the ball during a preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys at State Farm Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Arizona Cardinals will play the Green Bay Packers Friday night at Lambeau Field in the first “LaFleur Bowl.” It could be coined the “Melton Bowl,” as Max Melton is a cornerback for the Cardinals while his brother Bo Melton is a Packers receiver.
Newly minted head coach Mike LaFleur of the Cardinals will face off against his older brother Matt, head coach of the Packers. The two have faced off twice when Mike was the OC of the Los Angeles Rams, but this will mark the first time the siblings have squared off while each was an NFL head coach.
Traditionally, NFL teams do not play any starters in the final preseason game. The coaching staff already knows what they have with their starting players, and the big question marks are involved within the bottom third of the roster.
“The Turk” arrives on Sunday, August 30, as NFL teams must announce their 53-man rosters. Currently, teams can have as many as 90 guys in camp. The difficult aspect for the coaches is to find out which players to retain. No coach wants to cut a guy who becomes a valued member of another franchise at some point. Think Kurt Warner.
With this in mind, how many starters on offense, defense, and special teams will be playing?
The Arizona version of LaFleur answered that question and stated that none of the starters will play. That includes rookie RB Jeremiyah Love, who is still nursing an ankle injury.
As far as the quarterback room, only Gardner Minshew and Kedon Slovis will play. Rookie Carson Beck hasn’t thrown a pass in any recent practice as he is healing from a rib injury he suffered in the Hall of Fame Game and has been sidelined ever since. Because Jacoby Brissett is the starting QB, he will not even suit up.
Mike LaFleur confirmed that most of the starters will not play, but might be a couple exceptions of a player or two starting Sept 13 playing Friday in Green Bay #AZCardinals
Although we stated that none of the other starters will play, well, that just might be incorrect. It is possible to see DE Josh Sweat out there for a couple of series. He hasn’t been practicing and has zero snaps in the three other exhibition games. Perhaps the coaching staff will want him to dust off the rust a bit. Then again, they could just sit him and let the Week 1 outing become his dust-off.
LaFleur did touch a bit on Sweat despite him getting in only one workout:
“It was great to have him out there. When you get some of those pieces out there, you can feel it with the other guys, too. They were happy to see him again. He’s according to plan. It’s right on schedule in terms of when he was going to get out there. He’ll be out there again today doing some individual drills, and we’ll just kind of take it one practice at a time.”
This match will be strictly for jobs. The game will feature backup players, rookies, and roster bubble candidates fighting for final spots on both sides of the ball before roster cuts. That includes backup punter Jack Browning, who played for the Orlando Storm of the UFL this past spring.
How to catch the game
Watch
@ 7:00 p.m. (Eastern), 4:00 p.m. (Mountain)
Arizona Family / KPHO Ch. 3
ABC/NBC affiliates in the Packers broadcast regions: WKOW
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 28: Rigoberto Sanchez #8 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On Thursday, the Indianapolis Colts announced that they have re-signed longtime punter Rigoberto Sanchez to a contract extension that will currently make him one of the top five highest paid punters in the NFL:
Two-year extension for #Colts P Rigoberto Sanchez that makes him a top-5 paid punter at age 32. https://t.co/LH5DjvMr6U
Per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, it’s confirmed to be a 2-year contract extension, which will keep the otherwise pending free agent punter, in Indianapolis through the 2028 campaign.
Originally signed by the Colts as an undrafted rookie in 2017 out of Hawaii, the 9-year veteran has become one the league’s better punters, if not arguably among the best players at his position.
While Sanchez may not have quite the booming leg of some of elite punting peers, he makes up for it with his elite accuracy and ball placement off his leg, as 50% of his punts were pinned with the 20-yard line last season (which was a career high). His punting skill-set plays really well with half his games inside a roof under Lucas Oil Stadium, where he can play the home turf to his punting advantage.
Last season, he had 44 punts for the Colts, averaging 48.8 yards per punt (*8th most in the NFL in 2025), as well as handled a few kickoffs (9) in relief for Indianapolis’ special teams units. Per PFF, he was their 9th best graded punter with a +76.7 overall grade.
Even though Sanchez surprisingly hasn’t made a Pro Bowl yet, it’s good to see that the Colts will be keeping one of their longstanding special teams standouts in Indianapolis for at least three more seasons.
The Lions gave Jahmyr Gibbs a new contract this month that made him the highest-paid running back in the NFL. Packers outside linebacker Micah Parsons thinks that was a wise investment.
"He's the fastest person I've ever seen on the field," Parsons said of Gibbs as part of the NFL's Top 100 Players feature.
Parsons has seen Gibbs on the field three times: Twice last year when the Packers faced the Lions, and once in 2023, when Parsons and the Cowboys faced Gibbs as a rookie. Gibbs hasn't had big numbers in any of those games, which Parsons attributes to the whole defense being focused on him.
"You need 11 people running to the ball every play," Parsons said. "If you don't rally tackle, there's no way you're beating the Lions with him at running back."
The Packers and Lions play in Week 7 and Week 18 this season. Parsons says he and his teammates will have their hands full.
"You're watching the tape like, 'We've got this dude again this week?'" Parsons said. "He's for real."
A’ja Wilson and Olivia Miles. (Photo by Matt Krohn) | Getty Images
Last year, in addition to becoming the first four-time MVP in WNBA history, A’ja Wilson became just the second back-to-back MVP. Cynthia Cooper accomplished the feat 27 years earlier in the league’s first two seasons.
Now, Wilson is the frontrunner to win an unprecedented third MVP in a row. It would be her fifth total, which is mind-boggling, especially considering she just turned 30 years old and likely has quite some time left in her career.
𝑀'𝑽𝑃 in her element 🫡
For the 32nd time in her career, A’ja Wilson earns @wnba Western Conference Player of the Week honors. pic.twitter.com/cKQcE61mac
Wilson leads the player many consider to be second in the running, Olivia Miles, by a whopping 8.3 statistical points when you add up their averages in points, rebounds, assists times 1.5, steals and blocks. Miles has a slightly higher effective field goal percentage and a slightly higher free throw percentage, but Wilson’s lead in stat score is overwhelming.
Should voters think outside the box and give the MVP to Olivia Miles?
Miles has led a Minnesota Lynx team that nobody expected to have best record in the league. The Lynx are 3.5 games ahead of the next closest team in the current WNBA standings and five games ahead of Wilson’s Las Vegas Aces, who were considered to be one of the frontrunners at the beginning of the season.
Miles has done it all, all while facing the pressure of being a rookie. These circumstances will undoubtedly be factored in when the media votes; already, major media outlets have been portraying the race as closer than the numbers indicate it should be.
"Wins. I love helping my team win."
Impacting the game on every level, Olivia Miles takes the most pride in helping her team earn the dub ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/GkAXj5HGFx
Then there’s the historic bias against guards that has to be taken into consideration. Miles, a 5-foot-10 point guard, shouldn’t be expected to rebound the ball at the same rate as Wilson, a 6-foot-4 forward/center. That’s not part of her job description.
As I wrote about in my 2025 MVP ladder 2.0, the WNBA MVP award has only been given to a true guard three times: Cooper twice and Diana Taurasi once.
Clearly, the stat score method I use when determining my MVP favors frontcourt players, even though I multiply assists by 1.5. Other analysts have their own formulas or considerations when trying to capture a player’s statiscal impact, but they keep coming up with the same answer: The most-deserving MVP candidates are almost always versatile 3s, 4s and 5s.
Shooting guard Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever is a great example of someone whose stat score is always low for a star because she doesn’t fill out the box score beyond scoring. But she is rightfully in the MVP conversation this season alongside Wilson and Miles because basketball experts who watch the games can see that she affects the game beyond the box score because of how much of a threat she is to score. Sometimes doing one job (in this case scoring) really well is all a player should need to gain consideration.
Miles is probably a more gifted passer than she is a scorer, and that may always be the case. But she has turned into someone who loves to score. As a result, her assist average (6.1 per game) isn’t a top-five mark in the league, but it’s still very good. Plus, she’s averaging nearly 20 points per game, which good enough to be in the conversation for the scoring title most years.
And the intangibles have been phenomenal. “The Spectacle” has electrified the league with thrilling performance after thrilling performance. Again, all this has come while dealing with the challenge of getting used to the professional level.
“I haven’t seen anything like her coming in as a rookie and being as dominant since Candace Parker.”@tinacharles31 is a big Olivia Miles fan 👏 pic.twitter.com/tVqQb2jbvA
What if it’s not yet someone else’s turn? Isn’t A’ja Wilson still the best?
Let’s argue Wilson’s case though.
It seems Miles has a legitimate shot at getting some first place votes. But if Miles wins the award, that won’t properly reflect that Wilson is still in the midst of her reign as the best player in the world.
Are we subconsciously discriminating against Wilson because we think it’s someone else’s turn?
The MVP award can only go to one person, and years from now, when we see that one name listed, we will automatically think that player was the clear-cut best player in the league that year. The name on the list doesn’t tell the true story of all the arguments that were had for other players. When future generations look back on 2023, they will see Breanna Stewart’s name and not be aware of the intense debate that occurred between Stewie, A’ja and Alyssa Thomas. It’s unlikely many people will dig deeper, look at the voting and realize that AT actually got the most first-place votes.
So Miles’ name may go down in history as the MVP this year. She would be the second rookie to win the award, after Candace Parker in 2008. And she might be deserving.
But it would be a shame for people to not remember how close Wilson came to three MVPs in a row and five in seven years.
We should celebrate the accomplishment that has been A’ja showing up and being A’ja Wilson yet again.
We shouldn’t take it for granted.
Yet, it will likely be forgotten if she doesn’t win MVP.
In my stat score, what Wilson gains in having 9.5 rebounds per game is pretty much canceled out by multiplying Miles’ assists per game by 1.5, which comes out to 9.2.
The real difference between the two is Wilson’s incredible scoring average of 26 points per game being 6.3 pointes higher than Miles’ scoring average. Wilson is on track for the second-highest points per game in the history of the W, trailing only her own mark of 26.9 in 2024. It’s hard to vote against that.
Personally, I’m a fan of both players.
I’m happy my prediction that Miles would be a great player in the W has come to fruition so quickly. I’m also enjoying watching Wilson ascend to GOAT status in real time. On the men’s side, most experts have, unfairly or not, refused to crown a new GOAT, instead insisting that Michael Jordan is still better than LeBron James.
On the women’s side, A’ja has left no doubt in surpassing Taurasi, and we’re lucky to be witnessing it.
Diehard Jordan fans in the 90s didn’t get tired of him winning award after award. That’s what I’m experiencing with A’ja right now. It just doesn’t get old.
Gabriel Bannigan said he was "disappointed" to be stepping down from his role as Monaghan manager after two years at the helm but said the "goalposts have been moved" and he could not continue.
Bannigan initially joined Monaghan as part of Vinny Corey's management team in 2022 before succeeding Corey as boss in 2024.
Under Bannigan, Monaghan won the Division Two title in 2025 and reached successive All-Ireland quarter-finals where they were knocked out by Donegal and then Louth.
The Farney men were relegated from Division One this year after a tough league campaign in which they failed to pick up a point.
They bounced back well in the Ulster SFC with wins over Cavan and Derry but suffered an extra-time defeat against Armagh in the decider.
"I ma very disappointed to announce that I am stepping down as manager of the Monaghan senior football team," Bannigan said in a statement.
"When I was appointed two years ago, I accepted the challenge of leading the Monaghan team through an inevitable period of transition and it has been an absolute privilege to do so.
"I have always been 100% honest with the Monaghan people since I was given the honour of managing our senior footballers, I did not want to walk away from this project that I have put so much into.
"Over the last number of weeks, I worked hard on my plans for 2027 to build on the excellent foundations now in place. During this period, I have come to realise that the goalposts have moved, and the conditions are not right for me to continue and therefore I believe a new management team and fresh voices are now required to take Monaghan football forward."
The Steelers head to Orchard Park tonight to close out their preseason slate against the Bills (7:00 p.m. ET, NFL Network).
Even with starter workloads up in the air, Buffalo is laying -2.5 on home turf. Our Steelers vs. Bill prediction and NFL picks are backing Joe Brady's squad to cover the short spread and cap off a perfect 3-0 preseason run on Thursday, Aug. 27.
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Who will win Steelers vs Bills: Bills -2.5
The Buffalo Bills are 2-0 and have outscored opponents 60-21 in Joe Brady's first preseason at the helm.
Though Brady did say, "There will be some guys who are starters that are going to be playing in the game," backing Buffalo to cover against the Pittsburgh Steelers is all about the backup. Ninth-year vet Kyle Allen has been efficient behind center for the Bills, putting up a spectacular 96.2% adjusted completion percentage and committing zero turnover-worthy plays.
Allen has had support from his backfield, too, with running backs Ray Davis, Ian Wheeler, and Frank Gore Jr. combining to rush for 231 yards and three scores this preseason. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh's young and inexperienced backups on offense could struggle to keep up.
Drew Allar and Will Howard both struggled in a loss last week and will likely see the bulk of the snaps again. Allar was sacked three times and had an adjusted completion percentage of just 56.5%, while Howard had two turnover-worthy plays.
The loss took Mike McCarthy's preseason record since 2020 to 5-10.
TOP PICK Steelers vs Bills Over/Under pick: Over 35.5
In Brady's three preseasons as the Bills' offensive coordinator/head coach, Buffalo's average final game total has been 41. Only once in those eight games has the game total hit a number below 35.5, and with the way Allen and Buffalo's running back room has played this preseason, the high-scoring should continue.
Those receivers could put in work in the second half against a Steelers third- and fourth-string secondary full of undrafted rookies who were torched by the New York Jets late in Week 2.
Pittsburgh's offensive depth is less proven, but if Allar or Howard can settle in, the Steelers' pass catching depth could shine. Rookies Germie Bernard and Kaden Wetjen have made splashy plays while veterans Robert Tonyan and Ben Skowronek have been consistent threats.
Buffalo has allowed 22.3 PPG across its last three preseasons.
There's a chance weather has an impact in Buffalo on Thursday night, with the forecast calling for rain earlier in the day and the potential for thunderstorms around 8 p.m. ET. In wet conditions (and a delay due to thunderstorms) last week, the Bills still managed to win 31-7.
How to watch Steelers vs Bills
Location
Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
Date
Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026
Kickoff
7 p.m. ET
TV
NFL Network
Steelers vs Bills latest injuries
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Former NBA G League guard Bryson Warren has entered the NCAA transfer portal, according to a report from On3’s Pete Nakos. Warren had committed to Texas A&M earlier this year, before the SEC passed a rule preventing players from professional leagues from suiting up for member schools.
The SEC’s new professional sports rule carries heavy penalties for teams who roster former professional players, making it untenable for Texas A&M to have Warren on the team this fall. So what are the new rules, exactly?
Violating the new SEC-pro sports rule will result in a coach suspension of 50% of contests and a hefty fine, On3’s Wilson Alexander confirmed and the league later announced. The fine will amount to 50% of that sport’s annual operating budget, and the head coach’s suspension will include all coaching, recruiting and administrative duties. The punishment is similar to the one the NCAA has in place for “ghost transfers,” or players who leave one school for another without entering the transfer portal.
As for Bryson Warren, he’s a 21-year-old prospect who averaged 19.9 points, 5.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game in 21 games, including 17 starts, with the Westchester Knights this past season. From 2023-2025, Warren averaged 11.8 points across 51 combined games with the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
Before joining the G League, Warren was a product of Overtime Elite where he played for both Team OTE and the YNG Dreamerz. He won the OTE title in 2022 and was named second-team All-OTE in 2023. The 6-foot-3, 191-pound Warren entered the 2024 NBA Draft but ultimately went undrafted.
Bryson Warren isn’t the only former professional player who has looked to enter the NCAA ranks this offseason. A handful of prominent court cases have granted eligibility to a certain subset of players, paving the way for a return.
Warren was one of several who sought to take advantage. He will still likely be able to, but he’ll have to find a welcoming home. Multiple leagues, including the Big 12, Big Ten and ACC have passed similar rules as the SEC in recent days preventing professional players from joining their leagues.
On3’s Alex Byington also contributed to this report.
The Chicago White Sox are having a pretty magical season. Despite losing more than 100 games in each of the last three seasons, the ChiSox suddenly find themselves in first-place in the AL Central with fewer than 30 games remaining.
It amost feels like too quick a turnaround. This team would've needed multiple high-end acquisitions or multiple elite prospects to graduate. They've certainly had a few between Colson Montgomery, Braden Montgomery and Munetaka Murakami, but it didn't seem like that would be enough to turn around what has been a basement-dwelling franchise in just one year.
It's almost like ... they've been the beneficiaries of divine intervention.
On Thursday, Aug. 27, the team gave renowned fan and Chicago native Pope Leo XIV his own White Sox-branded mitre (the tall, ceremonial hat worn by the Pope), a solid offering to someone who perhaps was sending daily prayers to his favorite franchise.
Once the five-star dominoes start to drop, they often fall in heaps. That was the case with the 32 best in the 2027 cycle. All 32 are already committed, as of Aug. 27. A majority have been off the board for months with their recruitments shut down.
The old school recruiting timeline has vanished. The December signing period will, of course, come with its fair share of drama as flips and decommitments occur, but it’s not as if there will be many fresh decisions to be made.
The 32 five-stars — according to the Rivals Industry Ranking — have dispersed among 16 schools. Nine of those schools have landed multiple. Rivals takes a look at those programs that reeled at least two big fish over the spring and summer:
Mike Elko and the Aggies have the nation’s No. 1 class, according to the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. They’ve assembled an elite haul that currently features a quintet of five-stars, three of whom are the top-ranked prospects at their respective positions.
Dorsey has been in the mix since last November and his stock has soared since. The hard-hitting safety is also the No. 3 senior in Georgia. Forstall was next to follow at the end of March. The IMG Academy standout one of three A&M five-star commits who plays in Florida, alongside Matthews and Henderson.
Matthews ended a high-profile recruitment with a May decision, choosing the Aggies over Miami and plenty others. He’s long been the top-ranked tackle in the cycle and forms an elite duo in the trenches alongside Brown, who committed in April and ranks as the No. 2 senior in the Lone Star State.
Then there’s Henderson, who jumped in the mix during official visit season in June. What really makes A&M’s class so stacked, though, is the additional six commits who rank inside the top 60 nationally. Cornerback Raylaun Henry and wide receiver Eric McFarland are both currently on the cusp of five-star status, too.
The Miami Hurricanes have formed the nation’s No. 3 class this cycle. No coaching staff have pulled off bigger flips than Mario Cristobal and Co. as two of their four five-star pledges were previously committed elsewhere.
It starts with Wright, the top-ranked senior in California. The Long Beach Poly playmaker made a very early commitment to Georgia, but Miami was among the many teams in pursuit throughout the spring. He flipped in May and has since shut down his recruitment and is also now the No. 4 prospect in the updated Rivals300.
Wright was then flanked by Sears at the end of July. Considered one of the top prospects in the 2028 cycle, Sears caught most off guard when he announced his decision to reclassify up to the senior cycle. He simultaneously set his commitment date with all arrows pointing toward Coral Gables. He’s a two-way standout at the high school level and could try to play both sides at the next level.
Bryant was the other massive flip back at the beginning of June. The one-time LSU commit opted to flip after logging his official visit. He’s the No. 1 overall prospect in South Carolina. Lennear was a classic Miami recruiting win. The in-state pass-catcher was trending toward The U for months before pulling the trigger on his commitment in March.
Ohio State now has the nation’s No. 5 recruiting class in the nation and No. 2 class in the Big Ten heading into the fall. The Buckeyes’ trio of five-star commits showcase how many different ways you can win a recruitment.
Brown is the best senior prospect in the state of Ohio. He was prioritized early by the OSU staff and made a very early commitment on Nov. 23, 2024. Despite the departure of longtime receivers coach Brian Hartline, Brown remains rock-solid.
Jacobs was a Miami lean heading into his Dec. 29 decision. It was known that Ohio State was still in the mix, but just minutes before he revealed his commitment, the Buckeyes overtook the Hurricanes and swiped one of the biggest pledges of the cycle. Making a switch like that would make one think that his recruitment would carry a few twists and turns down the stretch, but Jacobs has been rather quiet since coming off the board.
OSU then went out to the West Coast this summer to pluck Fakatou, the No. 3 senior prospect in the Golden State. He considered numerous high-profile programs and named multiple leaders throughout his recruitment, but the Buckeyes emerged as the team to beat leading into his June 29 commitment and they got over the finish line.
The Notre Dame class remains at No. 2 nationally thanks to three five-stars and five more top-100 overall prospects. The Fighting Irish also inked a top-two class in the previous cycle and continue to recruit at a truly elite level.
May was a massive month on the trail for Marcus Freeman and his staff. Olubobola pledged on May 12, choosing the Irish over a slew of blue bloods. The 6-foot-6, 300-pounder reminds Rivals’ Scouting and Rankings Team of former Notre Dame star Ronnie Stanley.
Olubobola, the No. 1 senior in New Jersey, was a classic Notre Dame target. So was Sesay, the No. 3 prospect in Pennsylvania. The Downingtown East standout was trending toward South Bend for some time before locking his commitment during OV season.
Simien joined Olubobola in the trenches at the end of June. The No. 3 prospect in Louisiana spurned the usual SEC suitors and is headed for the Midwest. Notre Dame’s class also features DL David Folorunsho, a five-star in the Rivals300 rankings.
This was expected. Nick Richards had been working out in the Heat facility for a while, it was just a question of timing.
Now with the Klay Thompson signing complete, the Heat and Richards have come to terms on a one-year deal for Richards to be a backup center behind Bam Adebayo, the team announced Wednesday. This contract is not fully guaranteed until the season opens, notes Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel. The Heat did the same thing a year ago with Precious Achiuwa, and it gives them flexibility if a player they are interested in becomes available.
Richardson will be the third center on the roster, playing behind Adebayo and Bobby Portis.
Richardson is a six-year NBA veteran, originally a second-round pick out of Kentucky. Last season, he split time between Phoenix and Chicago, appearing in 48 games and averaging 5.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.
This signing also puts the Heat at 14 standard contracts, which could be their roster heading into the season. They have the cap space to add a 15th player on a minimum contract, and veteran guard Gabe Vincent has been mentioned, but the Heat may choose to keep that roster spot open and see what develops. The non-guaranteed nature of Richardson's contract, and the fact that only $500,000 of Myron Gardner's $2.6 million deal is guaranteed, gives the Heat flexibility.
The Heat also agreed to bring back Keshad Johnson on a two-way contract (he was on a standard contract with the team last season), Winderman reports.
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - MARCH 22: Kate Koval #13 of the LSU Tigers warms up prior to a game against the Texas Tech Lady Raiders in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 22, 2026 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If you haven’t heard by now, Kate Koval is leaving the LSU Tigers. The former Notre Dame women’s basketball player was not happy that LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey signed a Russian player, and 10 days after… Koval decided to leave.
With Koval’s father being in the Ukrainian military and being part of the war aginst the Russian invasion — you can understand how she feels about all of this. Despite any offical statement from Koval on the matter, I think the reasons are fairly clear because it’s all so personal.
We can debate about Kim Mulkey being… well, Kim Mulkey, at any other time, but right now I’m wondering where Koval might end up. Given the timing of everything, Koval won’t be able to transfer and play this season and will have to wait until spring to decide where she will be going with the remaining three years of eligibility.
Is there a chance Koval returns to Notre Dame? To be honest, I don’t quite remember the reasons for her departure from Niele Ivey’s program, but she’s a 6’5” center with two years of experience playing big girl basketball. They don’t grow that on trees — so is there a chance?
Ukrainian player Kate Koval is leaving LSU's women's basketball program after Kim Mulkey signed a player from Russia.
Last week, Mulkey even suggested the two could help end the war between the countries. Days later, Koval, whose father is in the Ukrainian military, is leaving.
Retailers have pulled Good Good products from shelves
Garrett Clark says controversial skit was in ‘poor taste’
Callaway has ended its relationship with Good Good Golf amid mounting fallout from an advert that many believe made light of violence against women.
The golf equipment manufacturer announced the decision on Thursday, cutting ties with one of the world’s most popular YouTube sports channels effective immediately. Callaway also said it would donate $1m to organizations working to prevent violence against women and support survivors of domestic violence.
In a statement released by his agent, Ray Petkau, on Thursday, Aug. 27, Hellebuyck said, "Several months ago, I privately requested a trade. I have tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully while giving the organization time to explore its options. With training camp approaching, I felt it was important to publicly confirm my request. My position has not changed, and I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family.
"I appreciate everything Winnipeg Jets fans have meant to me throughout my career and hope that a resolution can be reached soon."
The Jets put out a statement in response to Hellebuyck's trade request.
“Connor has been open with us about his desire for a change," general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said. "He has been an important part of the Winnipeg Jets organization for many years and we have tremendous respect for what he has accomplished here. While we will continue to work through the situation in a thoughtful manner, there is no update at this time.”
What Connor Hellebuyck trade request means
Hellebuyck's confirmation means a game-changing goalie is on the market. He is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner who won the award for outstanding goalie back-to-back in 2024 and 2025. He was voted the Hart Trophy winner in 2025.
He also was named the best goaltender at the 2026 Winter Olympics and was particularly strong in the championship game, making 41 saves in a 2-1 overtime win against Canada that gave the USA its first gold medal since 1980. He wasn't as strong in the regular season as the Jets missed the playoffs one season after having the league's best record.
The goalie is entering the third year of a seven-year deal that averages $8.5 million a year.
The Jets signed Stuart Skinner to a two-year deal in the offseason and he would be the No. 1 goalie in Winnipeg unless the team lands a goaltender in a trade.
Cheveldayoff said at the draft that he had been listening to offers on Hellebuyck but didn't answers questions about whether the goalie had asked for a trade.
“What I’ve been hearing hasn’t made me act,” he said in June.
U.S. Olympians' trade requests
If moved, Hellebuyck would join Brady Tkachuk as a traded player from the 2026 U.S. Olympic men's hockey team. The former Ottawa Senators captain has joined brother Matthew on the Florida Panthers.
Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, another U.S. Olympian, also has requested a trade.
