General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: May 21, 2026, 5:59 AM ET

College Football Staff Changes & Governance

Ed Orgeron, the 2019 national championship architect at LSU, is returning to Baton Rouge as a special assistant to recruiting and defense on Lane Kiffin’s staff, reuniting with his longtime friend. The move comes as the sport grapples with roster churn; a growing trend sees quarterback competitions dwindling as programs invest heavily in portal transfers, locking in veteran starters. Meanwhile, Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti defended the 24-team playoff model in his first extensive public comments, arguing it enhances access while firmly rejecting a return to a 16-team format. In political news, former Auburn coach and current U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville secured the Alabama Republican gubernatorial nomination, setting up a general election bid.

Tennis Governance & Player Actions

The world’s top players are capping pre-tournament media sessions at 15 minutes for the French Open, a protest against unequal prize money distribution. Their action coincides with the All England Club’s announcement that women’s prize money at Queen’s Club will increase by 35% this June. On the court, Britain’s Toby Samuel moved within one win of a Grand Slam debut by defeating David Goffin in French Open qualifying, while Thailand’s Panchaya Channoi, 19, claimed the Women’s World Snooker Championship with a 6-2 victory over six-time winner Reanne Evans.

Golf Circuits & Business

Bryson DeChambeau’s agent, Brett Falkoff, confirmed the CJ Cup at Byron Nelson presents ideal conditions for long hitters, influencing betting models. At the PGA Championship, Aaron Rai’s victory prompted analysis of his strategic approach heading into the U.S. Open. Former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell, 50, secured a qualifying spot for this year’s championship at Shinnecock Hills. Off the course, Garrick Higgo split with his caddie following a two-shot penalty for tardiness at the PGA, and discussions continue over the division of World Cup costs between New York and New Jersey, with New Jersey bearing the expense burden while New York receives top billing.

Rugby & Cycling Updates

Ulster Rugby appointed former All Blacks prop Clarke Dermody as forwards coach ahead of the Challenge Cup final. Prop Angus Bell expressed eagerness to create history for Ulster, seeking their first trophy in 20 years against Montpellier. Montpellier’s Billy Vunipola, contemplating a move to Tonga, now focuses on the final after a season of personal doubt. In cycling, Ecuador’s Jhonatan Narvaez won Giro d’Italia stage 11, continuing his team’s dominance, while Filippo Ganna blasted to victory in the stage 10 time trial, opening a near two-minute margin. Spain’s Jaume Guardeno, however, remains in a neurological clinic following a March crash with a vehicle.

Basketball & WNBA Moves

Former St. John’s star RJ Luis, the 2025 Big East Player of the Year, committed to LSU but faces eligibility uncertainty after a season on two-way contracts. In the WNBA, the Chicago Sky saw Rickea Jackson’s season end due to a torn ACL, while the New York Liberty continue their early success amid Chicago’s injury woes. The Sky now scramble to fill the void left by Jackson and other absences. On the men’s side, Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. will remain in the NBA draft, and athletic director Warde Manuel called for greater steadiness across the athletic department after a period of national titles and controversies.

International Football & Other Sports

Great Britain’s ice hockey team suffered a 5-0 defeat to Hungary at the 2026 World Championship, while Scotland’s cricketers endured a heavy ODI loss to USA in their Cricket World Cup League 2 campaign. In club football, Cardiff City secured long-term deals for Perry Ng and saw Ryan Wintle depart due to circumstances beyond his control. Manchester City Women’s manager Gareth Taylor questioned the appointment of Marcus North as England’s new selector, warning it could further divide the national team from domestic structures. World Gymnastics lifted its ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes with immediate effect.

NASCAR, Hall of Fame & Indy 500

Kevin Harvick, the 2014 Cup Series champion, was elected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame on his first ballot, capping a career that transitioned smoothly into broadcasting. At the Indianapolis, Alexander Rossi was hospitalized after a practice crash, and Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark was named Grand Marshal for the 110th running. In soccer, VAR analysis determined Kai Havertz should have been sent off for a reckless tackle against Burnley, a decision that could impact the Premier League title race.

Baseball, Cricket & Other Headlines

Kansas baseball, reliant on junior college transfers, has built a top-25 program through strategic recruiting. In the IPL, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi blasted 93 off 38 balls to boost Rajasthan Royals’ playoff hopes. Former England cricket captain Mike Smith died at age 92, remembered as MJK, the leader of the 1970-71 Ashes-winning side. At the collegiate level, the NAACP launched a boycott campaign targeting public universities over voting restrictions, urging Black athletes and fans to withhold support.