General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: August 14, 2026, 2:39 PM ET

College Football Rankings and Quarterback Analysis

ESPN has released its 2026 preseason rankings for all 138 FBS teams, providing a tiered outlook for the upcoming season. The rankings are presented with a disclaimer that they are subject to change as the season unfolds. In parallel, a debate is ongoing about the ideal physique for college quarterbacks, with players like Oklahoma's John Mateer drawing attention for their muscular builds. The financial aspect of college football is also being examined, with an analysis of how much a Power 4 starter earns. Northwestern University's football program received a significant boost with a $35 million donation from Liz and Dick Uihlein over three years.

NFL and NASCAR News

Former NFL player Efe Obada has announced his retirement from the league to pursue what he calls his "true calling," launching a foundation. In NASCAR news, Ty Gibbs will honor former driver Kyle Busch by driving an M&M's-themed car at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Basketball Updates

The Los Angeles Lakers' record $12.5 billion sale was reportedly agreed upon over a single weekend, a deal that has left the NBA world in shock. The schedule, format, and groups for the 2026 NBA Cup have been revealed, marking the fourth annual in-season tournament. In WNBA news, teams are intensely jockeying for playoff seeds as the regular season winds down, with time running out for some to make a dramatic run. The Indiana Fever's coach, Stephanie White, defended her players against criticism after they were booed, receiving support from Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham.

Soccer and Rugby Developments

Manchester United and Leeds United are set to play in a historic pre-season encounter at Croke Park, marking the first association football match between two English teams at the Dublin venue. Cardiff City boss Brian Barry-Murphy is aiming to prove doubters wrong, as the team is not expected to be a contender in the 2026-27 season. In rugby, former Wales captain Jonathan Davies is calling for the WRU board to step down. The Ospreys rugby team has publicly responded to WRU plans, believing that four professional Welsh sides is the correct structure.

Golf and Tennis News

LIV Golf players have been informed that the season-ending Team Championship is likely to be cancelled. Rory McIlroy expressed confidence in maintaining his PGA Tour status despite having only 14 starts, aiming to reach the minimum qualification of 15 events. The 2026 FedEx St. Jude Championship is underway, with tee times for the first and second rounds released. The playoffs are beginning in Memphis, with critical spots in the Tour Championship on the line. In tennis, Elena Rybakina mounted a comeback to defeat Naomi Osaka in a three-set thriller in their Canadian Open quarter-final match.

Track and Field Achievements

Britain's Amy Hunt secured her second European Championships gold medal by winning the 200m race, and she has her sights set on a historic quadruple. Great Britain's Matthew Hudson-Smith made history at the European Championships by winning the 400m gold, becoming the joint-most decorated man at the event. In the women's 800m at the European Championships, Keely Hodgkinson advanced to the final. The world record for the women's 800m remains one of the most challenging in athletics, having stood for 43 years. Great Britain's Romell Glave and Jeremiah Azu achieved a sensational one-two finish in the men's 100m at the European Championships. Ireland's Kate O'Connor is in contention in the heptathlon after two events, sitting in second place. Great Britain's Katarina Johnson-Thompson improved her medal chances in the heptathlon with a strong high jump performance.

Swimming and Athletics

Adam Ramsay-Peaty expressed confusion regarding his early exit from the 50m breaststroke at the European Aquatics Championships, as his performance struggles continue. British teenager Filip Nowacki claimed a dramatic gold medal in the men's 200m breaststroke final at the European Aquatics Championships. Great Britain's Angharad Evans won her first European Championship gold medal in the 100m breaststroke final. There has been criticism regarding empty seats and ticket prices at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, with nearly 10,000 seats unfilled on one day.

Cricket News

Tanzid Hasan Tamim has become the first Bangladesh cricketer to score a Test century in Australia, as his team continued to dominate on the second day of the match. Australia batter Steve Smith received a reprieve, but Bangladesh otherwise controlled the first day of the Test series. Scotland secured a commanding 170-run victory over Canada in a World Cup League 2 match, led by captain Richie Berrington and debutant Lyle Robertson. England has scrapped its midnight curfew for players, with only wins now expected to repair the team's reputation. Moises Henriques stated that helping Portugal qualify for their first-ever men's T20 World Cup would be "nirvana" for him. Welsh Fire and MI London have been eliminated from The Hundred competition after failing to reach the knockout stages. Birmingham Phoenix secured a victory over MI London, with Ellyse Perry scoring an unbeaten. Afghanistan comfortably sealed a series victory over Ireland in a one-day international series.

Other Sports News

Legendary LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman, a five-time Men's College World Series champion, has passed away at the age of. The Great Britain women's flag football team has advanced as group winners at the flag football World Championships, aiming to secure an Olympic spot. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame will induct the 1996 U.S. Olympic team, Elena Delle Donne, Chamique Holdsclaw, and Candace Parker. In UFC news, Islam Makhachev stated he "does not have much time" left in the sport as he prepares for his title defense against Ian Machado Garry at UFC. Ian Machado Garry was heavily booed at the UFC 330 news conference but remains confident he will defeat welterweight champion Islam Makhachev. Mackenzie Dern believes her poker skills have helped her develop composure in the octagon as she prepares for her first strawweight title defense. The Great Britain dressage team has qualified for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles by winning silver at the FEI World Championships.

Player and Team Movements

Seth Trimble, a college basketball player, has transferred to Louisville following a court ruling that granted Class of 2022 high schoolers an additional season of eligibility. Swansea City defender Cameron Burgess is expected to miss the entire season after rupturing his Achilles tendon. Four Canadian hockey stars remain suspended despite their acquittal on sexual assault charges, as an appeals board found they violated Hockey Canada's code of conduct.

Tragic News

Welsh cyclist Finlay Tarling has died at the age of 19 following an accident during the Volta a Portugal. Promising Australian golfer Jessica Bang, aged, has died after suffering a brain haemorrhage. Prichard Colon, who sustained a severe brain injury during a 2015 fight, has died at the age of.

Other Sports Briefs

The Horse Racing Integrity and Security Authority (HISA) is investigating five races due to unusual betting patterns detected by bookmakers. A high school football player in Arkansas discovered a venomous snake inside his helmet during practice. The Irish League's European hopes now rest heavily on Larne, as Northern Ireland has fallen outside the top 50 of Uefa's coefficient ranking. Former All Blacks player Ma'a Nonu performed a solo haka in response to the All Blacks' haka before his side, the Sharks, played a match in Durban. England's Red Roses rugby team is undergoing pre-season training for the WXV Global Series, utilizing smaller balls. Arne Slot, former Liverpool head coach, confirmed talks for the Netherlands managerial vacancy but says his next job will be in club football. A judge has upheld a decision to remove a Tulsa, Oklahoma, team from the Southwest Region, preventing them from competing for a spot in the Little League Baseball World Series.

Fantasy Sports and Player Rankings

Matt Bowen has released his tight end tiers for the upcoming fantasy football season, helping identify value throughout the draft. Bowen has also detailed his favorite fantasy football targets for the year. ESPN MLB experts have updated their top 50 player rankings, reflecting current performances in the 2026 regular season. For fantasy baseball managers, Tristan H. Cockcroft offers advice on late-season trade targets.

Olympic Preparations

The Great Britain dressage team has secured qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. British gymnast Ruby Evans is focusing on her training ahead of the 2026 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships.

Rugby Union

England has awarded central contracts to five players for the first time as part of Steve Borthwick's squad adjustments. England's women's rugby team, the Red Roses, are in pre-season training for the WXV Global Series and have been using smaller balls.

Player Performance and Analysis

ESPN's Dan Orlovsky has ranked the top 10 quarterbacks by skill, evaluating aspects like arm strength and pocket presence. Lamar Jackson is reportedly embracing a new vision under new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle for the Ravens. ESPN's updated MLB Rank 2026 identifies the top 50 players in baseball right now. Bill Connelly's final preseason SP+ rankings for 2026 offer insights into what the projections mean heading into the season.

Team Standings and Playoff Picture

The PLL Power Rankings ahead of Week 13 show Boston and Philadelphia finishing strong in the East as the playoffs approach. The men's playoffs are underway in Philadelphia, while the Charm and Palms will compete for the Women's Lacrosse League (WLL) title.