General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: July 17, 2026, 2:31 PM ET

College Football and Recruiting Buzz

North Carolina coach Bill Belichick expressed optimism about the trajectory of the Tar Heels' football program, stating they are "way ahead" of where they were a year ago, despite a 4-8 season optimistic tone. In recruiting news, Monshun Sales, a five-star receiver and top-20 overall recruit for 2027, has committed to Indiana, marking the highest-rated recruit in the Hoosiers' history committed to Indiana. to the 2026 season, NC State coach CJ Bailey believes quarterback Bailey could be the country's best. The ACC has implemented a new tiebreaker policy for its football championship game, aiming to ensure the two best teams are featured new tiebreaker. Meanwhile, Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman has received a contract extension through 2036, including a significant raise contract extension.

Golf's Major Championship and Tour Action

At the Open Championship, Rory McIlroy made the cut after a second-round 3-under, moving to 1-under par overall, though he admitted "too many stupid mistakes" marred his opening round made the cut. Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns both shot record-equalling rounds of 8-under, with Herbert matching the lowest score in men's major history. Dan Brown led the English contingent at the Open, while Scottie Scheffler recovered from an errant shot to post a 2-under 68 in his first round. Bob Mac Intyre also carded a "exactly" what he wanted three-under 67 in his opening round. Fantasy baseball players can look to the Week 16 forecaster for pitcher rankings, hitter ratings, and schedule observations. In the Tour de France, Tom Pidcock moved up to fourth place overall after Mauro Schmid won stage 13 in a breakaway.

Rugby Union and International Competitions

Scotland coach Gregor Townsend is prepared for another high-scoring encounter with Fiji in the Nations Championship, provided they are on the winning side. England are considering walking off the pitch if any players suffer racial abuse against Argentina, with captain Jamie George stating the team's stance considering the prospect. England will field the same starting XV against Argentina, with Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Noah Caluori earning their first caps. Wales captain Dewi Lake has recovered from injury to be named for their Nations Championship match against South Africa recovers from injury. Ireland captain Dan Sheehan stressed the importance of the team making "our own history" against New Zealand. Ireland have recalled key players, including fit-again wing Robert Baloucoune, for their game against the All Blacks. Scotland have made numerous changes for their Fiji game, with forwards coach John Dalziel emphasizing learning from past experiences. Wales' midfield partnership of Ben Thomas and Max Llewellyn will have another opportunity to impress against South Africa. Former Bristol lock Chris Vui is "devastated" after receiving a ban until July 2027 for a contested doping violation. Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit is aiming to make a greater impact next season after his first year back in rugby. Rugby union is experiencing rapid growth in Argentina, according to Pumas head coach Felipe Contepomi. Scarlets have signed former New Zealand U20 lock Tom Allen from the Hurricanes.

Basketball and WNBA Updates

NBA commissioner Adam Silver suggested that the debate surrounding Caitlin Clark has become a "political football" and is not solely about officiating. Clark herself expressed frustration over a missed call during the Fever's 88-75 loss to the Valkyries, which led to her playing with a leg contusion. In WNBA Power Rankings, the Indiana Fever have moved up to No. 4, with Kelsey Mitchell scoring 25 or more points for the sixth consecutive game, while Golden State remains at the top. Fantasy Women's Basketball rankings have been updated, with Marina Mabrey entering the top 10. WNBA All-Star general managers exchanged playful barbs during the draft, with Teresa Weatherspoon highlighting her team's competitiveness.

Other Sports News and Notes

The winners of the World Cup will now receive championship rings in addition to the traditional trophy and gold medals. Lionel Messi stated that the win over England in the semifinals was most meaningful to their fans, after setting up two goals in their 2-1 victory. Max Verstappen topped the times in first practice at the Belgian Grand Prix, while Hadjar received a grid penalty. In Super League, Wakefield Trinity moved into second place after a hard-fought win over Bradford Bulls go second. Former England captain Ben Stokes is slated to play his first game since retiring from international cricket in the One-Day Cup. Olympic champion Sunisa Lee announced her return to competition after a two-year absence. Mollie O'Callaghan is deemed fit to compete at the Commonwealth Games despite doctors previously advising her to "stop swimming immediately". British stars Keely Hodgkinson and Josh Kerr are aiming to break world records at the Diamond League meeting in London. Swansea City's proposed purchase of their stadium moves closer after the owner council agreed to the sale. Swansea City midfielder Goncalo Franco faces up to three months out with an ankle ligament injury. Former Bristol Bears lock Chris Vui expressed devastation after a doping ban until July 2027. French tennis player Samuel Bensoussan's ban for match-fixing has been extended to three years. Jak Jones secured his first professional title by defeating David Gilbert in the Championship League final. Grace Ballinger previewed the Women's T20 Blast Finals Day in her latest column. West Indies completed a 3-0 ODI series win against Ireland. BBC Sport has released new guidelines for camera operators covering female athletics events, advocating for more respectful angles.