General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: July 23, 2026, 8:31 PM ET

NCAA and College Football Landscape

The NCAA Division I Board has indicated no immediate plans to alter the age-based eligibility rule, a stance that has faced legal challenges from athletes seeking extended college careers. Meanwhile, the Protect College Sports Act is not expected to be brought to a vote in the U.S. Senate before the August recess, according to a congressional source not expected to be put. In college football, Texas QB Arch Manning has focused on health and leadership this offseason. LSU coach Lane Kiffin expressed regret over his departure from Ole Miss, acknowledging the messy exit preceding the Rebels' College Football Playoff run last season. Kiffin is also concentrating on QB Sam Leavitt's offensive integration, with Leavitt's health no longer a primary concern. New Arkansas coach Ryan Silverfield described the program as having a "loser mentality" upon his arrival, with changing expectations being his main challenge. Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer anticipates a "tough decision" in determining the starting quarterback between Keelon Russell and Austin Mack. Florida coach Jon Sumrall stated that his starting quarterback, whether Aaron Philo or Tramell Jones Jr., does not need to emulate Tim Tebow's past success. In the SEC, Commissioner Greg Sankey clarified that discussions about a potential conference breakaway stem from "frustrations" and a desire to improve the existing NCAA system, rather than a drive to secede. Georgia coach Kirby Smart acknowledged the Bulldogs must elevate their performance in the College Football Playoff to "play bigger" on the national stage. Michigan's extensive investigation into potential infractions, costing millions, has been questioned as potentially wasteful given the lack of "widespread" issues found. Auburn's new coach Alex Golesh is aware of the pressure to quickly restore the program's national relevance, aiming to attract recruits with a compelling vision. Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea believes his next starting quarterback does not need to replicate the performance of former NFL-bound signal-caller Diego Pavia. USC is projected to make the College Football Playoff, according to simulations of the 2026 season, which also accounted for national titles, Heisman winners, and coaching changes. Meanwhile, Georgia running back Dante Dowdell is hospitalized with serious injuries following an ATV accident. ESPN's No. 2 running back and No. 14 overall prospect for 2027, David Gabriel Georges, has committed to Tennessee over Ohio State.

WNBA and Professional Sports

The WNBA's midseason assessment sees Minnesota and Golden State at the top of the league, with Las Vegas, Indiana, and Washington showing improvement. Napheesa Collier is slated to debut in 2026, and her integration with Olivia Miles and the Lynx's frontcourt will be a key storyline. Caitlin Clark is one technical foul away from a one-game suspension after receiving her seventh of the season following an interaction with Connecticut's Saniya Rivers. Azzi Fudd has been named to the WNBA 3-point contest as part of All-Star Weekend, joining other notable participants like Rhyne Howard and Marina Mabrey. The WNBA and its players' association recently held a meeting to address issues including recent "racist, hateful, and abusive messages directed at players". New York has secured a key victory, impacting the latest WNBA Power Rankings, which now feature Minnesota at the top, replacing Golden State. Sophie Cunningham has emerged as a prominent and polarizing figure for the Fever, regardless of her starting role. In other professional sports news, LIV Golf faces a lawsuit from Mobii Systems Group Ltd. for over $1 million in unpaid invoices related to broadcast technology. The PGA Tour, European tour, and Asian Tour have announced an alliance, which could impact the Asian Tour's partnership with LIV Golf. Former UFC champion Jessica Andrade is working as a delivery driver to earn income while recovering from injury. Conor McGregor's recent injury is highlighted as part of a trend of inconclusive fight results in the UFC over the past five years. The injury of professional boxer Hannah Rapp has led to the arrest of a Texas man with a significant criminal history, including charges for reckless driving and hit-and-run.

International and Multi-Sport Events

The Commonwealth Games have commenced in Glasgow, with King Charles III making a notable entrance during the opening ceremony. Teenage sisters Astrid and Ursula Carroll are set to compete against each other in swimming at the Games, representing different countries. Double Olympic champion Matt Richards is aiming to secure Commonwealth gold to complete his major medal collection. Olympic silver medallist Katarina Johnson-Thompson has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games due to injury. England's Natalie Metcalf has been ruled out of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, stating it will take time to process. Para-swimmer Rebecca Redfern is heading to the Commonwealth Games just four months after giving birth, describing her training as "unconventional". Cyclist Matt Richardson is unfazed by any potential animosity regarding his switch to Team GB as he prepares to defend his Commonwealth Games titles. Bowler Alex Marshall and judoka Sarah Adlington have been honored with carrying the Scotland flag at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. Five Northern Ireland boxers are one win away from securing a medal at the Commonwealth Games following Wednesday's draw. Athletes from 74 countries and territories will compete for 215 gold medals over 10 days at the scaled-back Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Reigning Commonwealth Games champions Rosie Eccles and Daniel Salmon have been named as Team Wales' flag and baton bearers for the opening ceremony. Josh Kerr's lifelong dream is to represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games, rather than just being the fastest miler. The 2026 Commonwealth Games, opening in Glasgow, are being viewed with questions about their future and potential for a revamp after doubts about their occurrence. In football, Hull KR secured a derby victory over Hull FC, ending their losing streak in a spirited match. Coleraine manager Ruaidhrí Higgins attributed his team's 5-0 defeat to HJK in a UEFA Conference League qualifier to their own "downfall". Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch views their upcoming UEFA Conference League tie against HNK Rijeka as a "great opportunity" and "great experience" for his side. Derry City has received a suspended partial stadium closure from UEFA. Larne manager Gary Haveron expressed pride in his players' efforts despite a 4-0 home defeat to Red Star Belgrade in their Champions League qualifier. In rugby news, the concussion legal battle involving hundreds of players remains in limbo following the latest High Court hearing. England's record points-scorer Emily Scarratt is permanently joining the Red Roses' coaching team. Former Wales and British and Irish Lions full-back Leigh Halfpenny is committing his coaching career to Cardiff. England are assessing their progress under Steve Borthwick ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with performances in the Nations Championship under scrutiny.

Other Sports News

Anthony Joshua is embracing the spotlight ahead of his comeback fight, encouraging the energy of his opponent's supporters. Former UFC champion Jessica Andrade is working as a delivery driver to support herself while recovering from injury. In cycling, Richard Carapaz won stage 18 of the Tour de France, while Tadej Pogacar's team experienced sickness. Remco Evenepoel significantly reduced Tadej Pogacar's lead in the general classification with a dominant time-trial victory on stage 16 of the Tour de France. American rider Brandon McNulty was confronted by an angry motorist before a Tour de France time trial but was unharmed. Jasper Philipsen secured victory in stage 17 of the Tour de France with a bunch sprint. Questions are being raised about the timing of anti-doping tests in the Tour de France, with several high-profile riders subjected to night-time testing. In golf, Ryan Fox, the Open Championship winner, is being highlighted as a positive example of playing quickly. Charlie Woods missed match play in the U.S. Junior Amateur after being distracted by camera clicks during a playoff hole. In boxing, Denzel Bentley has been elevated to WBO middleweight champion after Janibek Alimkhanuly relinquished the belt. Caoimhin Agyarko aims to become Ireland's first black professional boxing champion when he challenges Josh Kelly for the IBF light-middleweight title. In Formula