General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

College Football Season Previews and Predictions

2026 college football season promises excitement, with Ohio State opening the year as the No. 1 team in the AFCA Coaches Poll. This ranking sets the stage for the Big Ten's attempt to extend its national championship streak to four consecutive years. Notre Dame Marcus Freeman is urging his players to concentrate on the immediate opener rather than the College Football Playoff. Freeman wants his team focused on winning now, beginning with their first game. USC Notre Dame are set to renew their rivalry starting in 2030, but the Fighting Irish's home-and-home series with Indiana, also scheduled to begin that year, has been canceled. Miami coach Mario Cristobal has agreed to a long-term contract extension with the school, having led the Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff title game last season. Bill Connelly identified the Power 4 games with the highest combined SP+ ratings and a projected scoring margin under eight points, highlighting potential thrillers. ESPN's preseason evaluation breaks down which teams face the toughest and easiest stretches of their upcoming slates. A.J. Williams No. 1-ranked player in the 2028 class, has announced his intention to reclassify into the 2027 class. Thirty-one teams are identified as having the best chance to make the College Football Playoff in 2026, based on their players and schedules. Stephen Daley defensive end, practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday as he recovers from a season-ending knee injury sustained in December.

Player News and Transactions

San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet demonstrated his helpful nature by stopping to assist a stranded motorist in San Antonio whose car had broken down in the rain. Brock Lesnar, a 10-time WWE world champion and former UFC heavyweight champion, has announced his retirement from combat sports, stating his match at WWE Summer Slam was his final bout. UFC flyweight Nascimento tragically passed away from an apparent heart attack at the age of, the promotion announced Monday. WWE superstar couple Bianca Belair and Montez Ford welcomed their first child together. William Zepeda ascended the lightweight rankings after his dominant performance against Lamont Roach to capture the WBC title. The latest ESPN divisional boxing rankings reflect these changes. Coby Bryant, a new safety for the Bears, is expected to miss eight to 10 weeks due to a leg injury. Yankees GM Cashman stated that Aaron Judge's availability ultimately depends on the results of his next rib imaging, declining to provide a timeline for when that scan will occur.

International Soccer and Rugby Updates

The 2026-27 Irish League season is scheduled to commence on time, following an overwhelming approval of three proposals at an Extraordinary General Meeting held Tuesday night. Larne's Europa League qualifier, the first leg against Georgian side FC Iberia 1999, might be delayed by 24 hours at Inver Park on Tuesday. Scarlets managing Jon Daniels has dismissed the idea of a merger with the Ospreys and is seeking greater transparency from the Welsh Rugby Union amidst uncertainty regarding their future. Former rugby Joe Marler will be known as "Mauler" when the fourth series of the BBC's Gladiator airs in 2027. Television presenter Knowles has become a shareholder in the Champ Rugby side, Cornish Pirates.

Cycling and Tennis Tournaments

Demi Vollering secured victory in stage five of the Tour de France Femmes, with Marlen Reusser retaining the yellow jersey. Marlen Reusser Switzerland claimed her first yellow jersey of her career by winning a 21km time trial to Dijon in the fourth stage of the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift. Sigrid Haugset from Norway won stage three of the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift after a 68km solo breakaway. Officials at the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift are planning to inspect rider clothing to prevent attempts at gaining aerodynamic advantages through specific garments. Tadej Pogacar, the recently crowned five-time Tour de France champion, is set to compete in this month's Vuelta a Espana, aiming to win all three Grand Tours of cycling. Emma Finucane identified as a "generational talent" in cycling, already holding Olympic, world, and Commonwealth titles at just 23 years old. Alex Eala is preparing for the US Open, returning to the hard court surface where she has achieved many significant career moments. Eala made in Washington, and BBC Sport has documented her journey to her first title, highlighting her "Filipino heart." Cameron Norrie advanced to the last 32 of the Canadian Open by defeating Ignacio Buse in straight sets.

Golf and Other Sports News

Robert Mac Intyre, Patrick Reed, Francesco Molinari, and Sepp Straka are confirmed to participate in the Irish Open, which will take place from September 9-13 at the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, County Clare. LIV Golf secured funding from an unnamed outside investor, which will allow the circuit to continue operating beyond the current season, according to league CEO Scott O'Neil. The Preakness Stakes will now occur three weeks and one day after the Kentucky Derby and will be run on a Sunday for the first time in its history. Chad le experienced a devastating fire that destroyed his apartment in South Africa, a tragedy that occurred the night after he became the most decorated athlete in Commonwealth Games history. Mary Falconer, a bouldering athlete, is pursuing a dream of competing in the 2028 Olympics, finding solace in the sport following her mother's death. Jemima Lines been selected as the first woman to join the British America's Cup team in 90 years, calling it a "pivotal moment" for her sport.

Cricket and The Hundred Updates

Jos Buttler has become the highest run-scorer in men's T20 cricket, a feat explored by BBC Sport. Buttler starred in the Manchester Super Giants' nine-wicket victory over Welsh Fire in The Hundred, breaking the T20 runs record. Dunkley's fifty runs were instrumental in the Trent Rockets' victory against Birmingham Phoenix. In another match Orla Prendergast took four wickets to lead Welsh Fire to a win over Manchester Super Giants. Surrey defeated Kent by 95 runs, positioning them level with the Foxes at the top of the standings in their push for a home semi-final in the One-Day Cup. Phil Salt of Welsh Fire, expressed his desire for The Hundred to be a week longer, noting his team played three matches in five days.

WNBA and Basketball Developments

A'ja Wilson widely considered the front-runner for the WNBA MVP award, with four other players, including a rookie, expected to receive votes. The Cleveland Sirens have unveiled their official name and branding for the expansion team that will join the WNBA in 2028. The Minnesota Lynx and Indiana Fever are ranked first and second, respectively, following an offensive showcase game, with the Las Vegas Aces rounding out the top three in the latest Power Rankings. Plum's trade to the Mercury is being evaluated, with her long-term impact on the team's playoff aspirations and retention beyond 2026 being key factors in the trade grade. Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham stated her desire for the focus to return to basketball after her comments regarding transgender athletes ignited significant national discussion. The planned launch of a dedicated NBA Europe league has the potential to significantly elevate the level of basketball in the United Kingdom, according to New York Knicks player OG Anunoby.

Other Sports News and Features

Winter Olympic medallist Eve Muirhead has decided to revoke her retirement from curling, inspired by her role as Team GB's chef de mission at this year's Games to return to the sport after a four-year hiatus. Longtime college announcer Dick Vitale reported positive progress following his fifth cancer diagnosis, which was announced in April. The World Series of Poker main event was won by 22-year-old poker professional Lucas Jumalon from Spokane, Washington, who defeated Lauri Saaskilahti of Finland heads-up to claim the $10 million prize. ESPN's 75-hour "The Ocho," will celebrate its 10th anniversary by showcasing obscure competitions, including T. rex races, pumpkin tossing, death diving, and sign spinning. The new variation of chess, described as "the strangest sport in the world," will be broadcast on The Ocho on August 8th at 8 a.m. ET. A powerlifter who was disqualified following an alleged racially motivated incident has expressed feeling unsafe in competitions, citing frequent booing of black athletes. Gloucestor sprinter James Arminio is competing in the Under-20 World Championships, having only started athletics two years ago. Great Britain players have had to seek alternative employment and teams to continue playing since their contracts were reduced to part-time last summer. UEFA has indicated it might take legal action against Gianni Infantino regarding his World Cup sell-off plan, according to sources. The Irish powerlifter Ayeisha McFerran will miss the upcoming Hockey World Cup due to injury. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has invited Scottish swimmer Archie Goodburn to a meeting following his appeal for increased funding for brain cancer research. UK Sport no longer provide investment in skiing and snowboarding through GB Snowsport, the governing body for those sports in the UK.

Combat Sports and Professional Wrestling

A flyweight title rematch between Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja is scheduled to headline UFC 331 in September, officials confirmed Thursday. Ian Machado Garry attributes his welterweight title shot against Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 on August 15th to switching to a plant-based diet. owners incurred a $30 million loss from staging the Freedom 250 event at the White House in June, which was attended by U.S. President Donald Trump. PFL lightweight world champion Usman Nurmagomedov, now a free agent, is expected to announce his future plans "very soon," according to his cousin and coach Khabib Nurmagomedov. Reigns successfully defended his World Heavyweight Championship against Seth Rollins at Summer Slam Night, concluding their rivalry. Chad Gable secured a title win on the same event.

MLB and Other Professional Sports

MLB trade deadline saw several significant deals, and the fantasy implications of these transactions are being tracked. Analysis is being provided on how teams like the Cubs, Orioles, Red Sox, Mets, and Phillies fared in the conclusion of the trade season. Aaron Judge's status remains uncertain, Yankees GM Brian Cashman is not ruling out any possibilities, pending further imaging of his rib.

Player Performance and League Standings

maintained their push for a home semi-final in the One-Day Cup with a 95-run victory over Kent. Cameron Norrie advanced to the Canadian Open's last 32 by defeating Ignacio Buse in straight sets. Jos Buttler's was key in the Manchester Super Giants' win against Welsh Fire in The Hundred, where he also set a new T20 runs record. Dunkley's fifty runs were crucial for the Trent Rockets' victory over Birmingham Phoenix. Orla Prendergast four wickets for Welsh Fire in their win against Manchester Super Giants. A'ja Wilson is the leading candidate for the WNBA MVP award, with other players expected to garner votes. The Minnesota Lynx and Indiana Fever are currently ranked first and second, respectively, in the WNBA Power Rankings, with the Las Vegas Aces in third place.