General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: July 24, 2026, 2:31 AM ET

College Football Landscape and Player Development

Texas quarterback Arch Manning has focused on health and leadership this offseason, aiming to take more ownership of the team. In simulations of the EA Sports College Football 25 video game, national titles, Heisman winners, and coaching changes were tallied across 26 seasons. The NCAA Division I Board has maintained its stance on the age-based eligibility rule, despite some athletes challenging it in court. LSU coach Lane Kiffin has expressed regret over his departure from Ole Miss, while also focusing on quarterback Sam Leavitt's transition into the Tigers' offensive system. At Arkansas, new coach Ryan Silverfield is working to change a perceived 'loser mentality' within the program. Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer described the quarterback competition between Keelon Russell and Austin Mack as a 'tough decision' ahead of the upcoming season. Similarly, Florida coach Jon Sumrall stated that his starting quarterback, whether Aaron Philo or Tramell Jones Jr., does not need to emulate a player like Tim Tebow to succeed. Georgia coach Kirby Smart acknowledged that the Bulldogs need to 'play bigger' in the College Football Playoff as they prepare for the season. Meanwhile, Michigan's investigation into alleged recruiting violations has been called a 'strange waste of money' by an ESPN writer, who believes the university could have handled the investigation differently given the findings. The SEC is not focused on breaking away from the NCAA, but rather on improving the current system, according to Commissioner Greg Sankey, who noted that "frustrations are real" but the focus is on reform. Auburn's new coach Alex Golesh is aware of the clock ticking as he aims to return the Tigers to national relevance. On the recruiting trail, top running back prospect Gabriel Georges has committed to Tennessee over Ohio State. Georgia running back Dante Dowdell is recovering in the hospital after an ATV accident.

WNBA Season Progress and Player News

The WNBA season is approaching its midpoint, with the Minnesota Lynx and Golden State Valkyries leading the pack. The Las Vegas Aces, Indiana Fever, and Washington Mystics have all shown improvement in the first half of the season. Napheesa Collier is set to make her 2026 debut for the Minnesota Lynx, and her integration with Olivia Miles and adjustments within the frontcourt are key storylines to watch. Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark is after receiving her seventh of the season. The WNBA and its players' association recently held a videoconference to address various issues, including "racist, hateful, and abusive messages directed at players" on social media. Brianna Turner has stated that her former team, the Indiana Fever for sexual harassment. Sophie Cunningham, despite not being a starter, has become a notable player for the Fever, drawing attention for her performance and polarizing impact on the league. Azzi Fudd has been named to the WNBA 3-point contest as part of All-Star Weekend, joining other notable shooters like Rhyne Howard and Marina Mabrey in the competition. The New York Liberty secured a key win, impacting the WNBA Power Rankings, which now see Minnesota replacing Golden State at the top.

International and Multi-Sport Events

The Commonwealth Games are set to begin in Glasgow, with King Charles III making a memorable entrance from a Tardis during the opening ceremony. Athletes from 74 countries and territories will compete for 215 gold medals over 10 days of competition. Team Wales is aiming for success at the Games, with Rosie Eccles and Daniel Daniel Salmon named as flag and baton bearers for the opening ceremony. Five Northern Ireland boxers are at the Commonwealth Games. Double Olympic champion Matt Richards is hoping to complete his medal collection by winning Commonwealth gold in his event. Teenage sisters Astrid and Ursula Carroll are set to compete against each other in swimming at the Commonwealth Games, representing different countries. Para-swimmer Rebecca Redfern is heading to the Commonwealth Games just four months after giving birth, describing her training as "unconventional" given the circumstances. Cyclist Matt Richardson is unfazed by past controversy regarding his nationality switch as he prepares to defend his Commonwealth Games titles. Bowler Alex Marshall and judoka Sarah Adlington will carry the Scotland flag at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. Josh Kerr's dream is to win Commonwealth gold in the mile, fulfilling a childhood ambition to represent Scotland. Katarina Johnson-Thompson has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games due to injury, and Natalie Metcalf has also been ruled out of the England netball squad due to an injury.

The Tour de France is underway, with Richard Carapaz winning stage 18 after a breakaway, while Tadej Pogacar's team has been affected by sickness during the race. Remco Evenepoel significantly cut Tadej Pogacar's lead in the general classification by winning the time trial on stage 16 of the race. Jasper Philipsen secured victory in stage 17 of the Tour de France with a bunch sprint finish in France. The use of nighttime anti-doping tests at the Tour de France has drawn attention to the sport's testing procedures. American rider Brandon McNulty was involved in a road rage incident at the Tour de France, but he emerged unhurt. In other cycling news, Fernando Alonso is optimistic about a major upgrade for Aston Martin at the Hungarian Grand Prix, which could influence his future in Formula 1. Formula 1 correspondent Andrew Benson addresses questions regarding penalties, specifically why Lewis Hamilton was penalized but not Charles Leclerc at a recent race.

In rugby, the concussion legal battle for hundreds of players remains unresolved following a High Court hearing in the UK. England's record points-scorer Emily Scarratt has committed her coaching future to the Red Roses. Head coach Aaron Ramsey is "fully committed" to Oxford United despite the club facing a temporary transfer embargo. Former Wales and British and Irish Lions full-back Leigh Halfpenny has committed his coaching career to Cardiff as he transitions to coaching.

In boxing, Anthony Joshua is preparing for his comeback fight on Saturday, embracing the spotlight and encouraging the Albanian contingent supporting his opponent. He is set to face Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. Denzel Bentley has been elevated to WBO middleweight champion after Janibek Alimkhanuly relinquished the belt in the division. Caoimhin Agyarko aims to become Ireland's first black professional boxing champion when he challenges Josh Kelly for the IBF light-middleweight title on Saturday. Jessica Andrade is working as a delivery driver to earn money while recovering from injury as she seeks to return. A man arrested for manslaughter in the death of boxer Hannah Rapp has a lengthy criminal record dating back over a decade.

In other sports news, the PGA Tour, European tour, and Asian Tour have announced an alliance, which is seen as a setback for LIV Golf in its partnerships. Martin Kaymer expressed doubt over LIV Golf's future, stating it is "highly unlikely" the 2027 team championship will take place as planned. Ryan Fox's quick play at The Open Championship has made him a proponent of faster play in golf a sport that could benefit from it. Charlie Woods failed to reach match play in the U.S. Junior Amateur after being distracted by camera clicks during a playoff hole in the tournament.

Rugby League and Other Football Updates

Hull KR managed to by defeating city rivals Hull FC in a heated derby match in the Super League. Huddersfield Giants, who are struggling in Super League, will announce their 2027 home ground plans at a free-entry game against the Catalans Dragons next month. Wrexham is set to return to the United States for a pre-season tour, a prospect manager Phil Parkinson described as "privileged" to be invited. Derry City has been given a suspended partial stadium closure by Uefa following an incident at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Europe. Manager Gary Haveron expressed pride in his players' efforts despite a 4-0 home defeat by Red Star Belgrade in their Champions League qualifying match on Thursday.

In American football news, the Los Angeles Rams have unveiled new "Classic Sol" and "Fearso" uniforms, celebrating franchise history through modern design according to a team release. The New York Jets will wear all-white "White Out" uniforms against the Green Bay Packers on September 20th this season. Former Jets players Feely and Shah have won their primaries in Arizona and will face their opponents in the general election later this year.

In European football, Coleraine manager Ruaidhrí Higgins stated that his team "contributed to their own downfall" in a 5-0 away defeat to HJK in the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round tie on Thursday. Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch views their UEFA Conference League match against HNK Rijeka as a "great opportunity" and "great experience" for his side in the competition.

In college football news, LSU coach Lane Kiffin stated he regrets his "messy exit" from Ole Miss before the Rebels' run in the CFP last season as he reflects on his past. Ole Miss coach Pete Golding defended his program and stated his relationship with LSU coach Lane Kiffin is good.