RADIO
Mets Reinstate Marcus Semien From the Injured List
The New York Mets announced on Thursday that they reinstated infielder Marcus Semien (hip) from the 10-day injured list and designated infielder Zack Short for assignment in a corresponding move. The Mets have not released their starting lineup for Thursday's series opener against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, but Semien should be back at the keystone to face veteran right-hander Aaron Nola. Semien is back from a Grade 3 hip-flexor strain that landed him on the IL on June 25. Despite a rough first half of the season, he should pick up as the Mets' starting second baseman to begin the second half, although fantasy managers in deeper leagues may want to keep him on their benches on Thursday against Nolan, whom he's hitting .111 in his career against in nine at-bats. The 35-year-old Semien slashed just .214/.271/.341 with a .613 OPS in 290 first-half at-bats, adding nine home runs, 29 RBI, 30 runs scored, and six stolen bases across 80 games and 318 plate appearances. His offensive profile is nearing rock bottom in his first year in Queens.
Source: New York Mets
Source: New York Mets
Harold Fannin Jr. May Be a Steal at Current Redraft ADP
A third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. recorded 72 catches for 731 yards and six touchdowns on 107 targets across 16 games as a rookie. Even while splitting reps with veteran tight end David Njoku, Fannin Jr. finished the year as the TE8 in per-game PPR scoring. Entering 2026, Fannin Jr. profiles as the unquestioned TE1 in Cleveland following the offseason departure of Njoku in free agency. While the Browns used a pair of top-40 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft on wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, Fannin Jr. may still profile as the most reliable and consistent target in the Cleveland passing game. The Browns' quarterback situation remains one of the NFL's worst on paper, which is a definite concern for Fannin Jr.'s fantasy upside. However, the 22-year-old specializes in winning in the short and intermediate areas of the field, which should make him a security blanket for whoever is lining up under center for Cleveland. Fannin Jr.'s track record as a high-volume target-earner dates back to his final year in college at Bowling Green, when he led the country in both receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,555). As the seventh tight end off the board by current redraft ADP, Fannin Jr. profiles as a value selection for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Aidan Miller Worth Stashing as Window to Return Nears?
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop prospect Aidan Miller (back) has been sidelined all season with a back injury that cropped up late last season. Although it didn't keep him off the field in 2025, it has prevented him from playing in any games so far in 2026, and the Phillies top-ranked prospect looks like a long shot to return before the end of July after undergoing a procedure at the beginning of June that had a six-to-eight-week return timetable, but has yet to begin a rehab assignment. The former first-rounder had a good chance to make an MLB debut this season after a strong 2025 campaign in which he hit 13 home runs and stole 52 bases before a late-season promotion to Triple-A, but a 2027 debut is looking more likely at this point. Either way, fantasy managers in redraft leagues should keep tabs on his progress because even if there is a small chance he can make it to the majors in 2026, the 22-year-old has a strong all-around skillset that would make him a viable fantasy asset when he finally arrives in the Show and would make him stashworthy ahead of a potential call-up.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Jose Altuve's July Power Spike Opens a Sell Window
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve reached the break at .235/.307/.404 with 11 home runs, 45 runs, 27 RBI, and two steals in 74 games. He did give fantasy managers something to sell. Altuve homered three times in 44 July plate appearances, including the first-half finale, after missing 17 games with a left oblique strain. The bigger picture has not changed much. His 85.8 mph average exit velocity is among the weakest marks of his career, and Statcast sits at a .228 expected average with a .342 expected slugging percentage. Altuve is also striking out at a career-high 22.1% clip. Jeremy Peña returned July 10 and immediately reclaimed the leadoff spot, pushing Altuve to fifth for the final three games. The name still matters, and so does the recent power. This is a good time to see what both can fetch.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen McMillan Emerging as a Sneaky Redraft Sleeper Ahead of 2026
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan's 2025 season was derailed by a preseason neck injury that kept him out until Week 15. However, the 24-year-old should be healthy heading into 2026, and he will have an opportunity to earn a larger role in the Tampa Bay passing game following the offseason departure of former Bucs' wideout Mike Evans. McMillan has flashed upside across the first 17 games of his NFL career, recording 49 catches for 639 yards and eight touchdowns on 73 targets. While Emeka Egbuka is likely locked into the WR1 role in Tampa Bay, presumed Bucs WR2 Chris Godwin Jr. is entering his age-30 season and has battled both injuries and declining production in recent years. As the WR59 by current redraft ADP, McMillan profiles as a sneaky sleeper for fantasy managers to target in drafts ahead of 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
George Lombard Jr. Could Join Yankees Well Before September
The Athletic's Chris Kirschner and Brendan Kuty write that if New York Yankees shortstop prospect George Lombard Jr. (fingers) shows that his sprained fingers are no longer an issue, he "could find himself playing shortstop in the Bronx well before the calendar turns to September." Lombard, the Yankees' top prospect per MLB Pipeline, began a rehab assignment on Monday, and the team is hoping that he will return to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre soon. "He's been pushing himself before the injury," general manager Brian Cashman said last week. "Definitely was thriving and conquering the final level. Looking forward to getting him back and active. He might be a choice at some point." The 21-year-old former first-rounder in 2023 has hit .263/.396/.475 with an .870 OPS, 10 home runs, 27 RBI, 12 stolen bases, and 51 runs scored in 64 games across three minor-league levels in 2026 and is the clear shortstop of the future in the Bronx, perhaps as early as the next month or two to take over for Anthony Volpe at the 6. Lombard is one of the best shortstop stashes in all fantasy baseball formats for the second half.
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner and Brendan Kuty
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner and Brendan Kuty
Ketel Marte Is a Second-Half Buy After Cold July
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte went into the break batting .256/.311/.461 with 17 home runs, 51 runs, 54 RBI, and four steals across 92 games. The final stretch was ugly. Marte hit .196 with no homers in 49 July plate appearances, ending the half on an 0-for-9 skid against the Dodgers. That is the opening for a trade offer. His expected line still looks like Ketel Marte. Statcast has him at a .293 expected average and .496 expected slugging percentage, with a .364 xwOBA against a .332 actual mark. The contact quality has backed off from 2025, but a 91 mph average exit velocity, 44.9% hard-hit rate, and 10.9% barrel rate are hardly warning signs. Arizona gave him 364 of 405 plate appearances in the leadoff spot. Buy the cold finish, not the idea that Marte suddenly stopped being a difference-maker.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyle Pitts Sr. a Risky Pick at Current Redraft ADP?
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. put together the best season of his career in 2025, recording 88 catches for 928 yards and five touchdowns on 118 targets across 17 games. Atlanta rewarded Pitts Sr. with a three-year, $54 million contract extension over the offseason, and he now enters 2026 as the clear number two option in the team's passing game behind star wide receiver Drake London. Pitts Sr. finished 2025 as the TE5 in per-game PPR scoring, so his current redraft ADP as the sixth tight end off the board is defensible. However, Pitts Sr. has an extended history of fantasy underperformance, failing to record more than 53 catches, 667 receiving yards, or four touchdowns in any season between 2022 and 2024. The Falcons also have one of the more questionable quarterback situations in the NFL, with Michael Penix Jr. (knee) working his way back from injury and Tua Tagovailoa coming off a brutal season with the Miami Dolphins in 2025. Pitts Sr. has definite upside, but he may be a player for redraft managers to avoid at his current price.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josue Briceno Rehabbing, is a 2026 Debut in Play?
Detroit Tigers catching/first baseman prospect Josue Briceno (wrist) continues to work his way back from wrist surgery that he had before the season began, and is 10 games into his rehab assignment that has thus far been split between Single-A and with the team's Complex League affiliate, going 7-for-29 (.241) with a pair of doubles, a home run, and a 5:6 BB:K. The Tigers' third-ranked prospect is coming off a promising 2025 campaign in which he impressed at High-A to the tune of a .296/.422/.602 slash line through 55 games, which included an 11-game stretch in which he blasted eight home runs, before earning a promotion to Double-A midseason. Though Double-A proved more challenging, he still hit .232 with a 12.6 percent walk rate as one of the younger players at that level. The 6-foot-4 Venezuelan possesses highly rated hit and power tools, and although a 2026 debut is unlikely, the 21-year-old is worth monitoring, and he could be making a fantasy impact in 2027.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Tyler Glasnow Throws a Bullpen Session
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Tyler Glasnow (back) is progressing slowly in his recovery from lower back spasms, but he was able to throw a bullpen session last weekend, according to The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya, and he's hoping to clear each step in his rehab without his back flaring up. The Dodgers initially thought Glasnow wouldn't need to go on the injured list in early May, but he hasn't pitched since and is currently on the 60-day IL. The good news is that the hard-throwing right-hander is making progress in his throwing progression, although he still has plenty of boxes to check and will likely require at least a couple of minor-league rehab starts before he's cleared to rejoin L.A.'s starting rotation at some point in August. Fantasy managers need to remain patient and keep the high-upside strikeout arm stashed in all league formats. The 32-year-old veteran and former fifth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011 went 3-0 with a 2.72 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings in seven starts before his back injury sidelined him.
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Drake Baldwin Is Built for a Second-Half Rebound
Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin still carried a .254/.345/.437 line with 15 homers and 46 RBI into the break, even after an oblique injury scrambled his summer. He was activated June 15, then went 3-for-48 with 22 strikeouts during the rest of the month. July looked more normal: 11 hits and a .396 on-base percentage in 53 plate appearances. The bat is still loud. Baldwin owns a 51.2% hard-hit rate, a 15.3% barrel rate, and a .512 expected slugging percentage, well above the actual mark. Atlanta has also kept him busy, starting him 44 times behind the plate and 27 more at designated hitter. The swing decisions have slipped, with his chase rate up to 34% and his strikeout rate at 22.3%. That is the blemish. It is not enough to fade a catcher with this much impact and this secure a role. Baldwin remains a strong second-half rebound target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tucker Kraft's Dynasty Upside Remains Sky-High Despite Injury Setback
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft's (knee) 2025 season came to a premature end when he suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 9. However, the latest reporting indicates that Kraft is on track to be fully ready to go for the start of the 2026 season. The 25-year-old looked to be on his way to a breakout campaign before getting injured last year, recording 32 catches for 489 yards and six touchdowns on 44 targets across eight games, ranking as the TE4 by per-game PPR scoring. While Kraft may not be the highest-target-volume tight end in the NFL, he averaged a ridiculously efficient 15.3 yards per reception in 2025. If Kraft gets back to full health and continues along the development arc he was on before the injury, he could have TE1 overall upside. With his current injury status, now might be the last buy-low window dynasty managers have on Kraft.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mike Sirota's Arrow Pointing Way Up in Dynasty Leagues
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect Mike Sirota produced a very impressive first half between High-A and Double-A, posting similar stats at both levels while slashing .319/.475/.562 with 14 home runs, 11 steals, and nearly as many walks (74) as strikeouts (79). His elite 21.1 percent walk rate (and eight hit-by-pitches) has helped the Dodgers' second-ranked prospect to an incredible stretch of 72 consecutive games reaching base at least once. The former third-round draft pick was having a strong 2025 between Single-A and High-A, in which he slashed .333/.452/.616 with 13 home runs and five steals in 59 games before a knee injury in July ended his season prematurely, so it is good to see that the injury is clearly behind him and hasn't hampered his play this season. The Northeastern University product could see time at Triple-A later this year, and with an ability to hit for contact, power, and steal bases, the 23-year-old has emerged as a high-end dynasty asset and a name to monitor in redraft leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Dodgers Have "No Idea" When Will Smith Will be Back
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (neck) has been swinging a bat, but "his recovery is stagnant," according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. "Certainly expect him back this year," manager Dave Roberts said of Smith. "Just have no idea when." The Dodgers went from Smith not needing a stint on the injured list to him missing more than a month with a neck issue. Thankfully for the Dodgers, they can take their time with their starting backstop because of their healthy lead over both the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres in the National League West division, and it has also given them a chance to give Dalton Rushing extended playing time. Before his neck injury, the 31-year-old Smith was hitting a disappointing .249 (43-for-173) with six home runs, 23 RBI, and 23 runs scored across 52 games and 201 plate appearances. We'd say that he's a solid buy-low candidate for the second half, but that's a hard sell because of his uncertain timetable and the fact that the Dodgers are in no position to rush any of their injured stars back.
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Lamar Jackson's Dynasty Value on the Rise with New Coaching Staff in Baltimore?
Thanks largely to hamstring and back injuries that caused him to miss four games, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson put together an underwhelming season by his own lofty standards in 2025. Across 13 games, the 29-year-old threw for 2,549 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 349 yards and two scores. After a QB1 finish in 2024, Jackson fell to QB16 in per-game scoring in 2025. Entering 2026, Jackson will be working with a new offensive coordinator in Declan Doyle and a revamped wide receiver corps that includes 2026 draftees Ja'Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt. As he enters his age-29 season, Baltimore may look to utilize Jackson's legs less often in order to keep him healthy. Even still, Jackson has proven he's the most dangerous dual-threat quarterback in fantasy football when Baltimore's offense is fully operational. With a new coaching staff around him, Jackson remains an elite dynasty asset.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dylan Cease Is Back in the Fantasy Ace Tier
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Dylan Cease went into the break with a 2.56 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and an AL-best 148 strikeouts in 98 1/3 innings. He followed that by striking out three in a scoreless first inning as the American League starter on July 14. The 4.55 ERA from 2025 is getting harder to recognize. Cease has pushed his strikeout rate to a career-high 36.9%, and hitters have managed a .264 xwOBA with a 33% hard-hit rate against him. The walks have not disappeared. His 11% rate is actually up from last year, and rest-of-season projections land closer to the low-3.00s than his current ERA. That is the risk. The rest looks ace-level, including a changeup that has jumped from barely 1% usage in 2025 to 11.5% this season. Cease is not someone to move just because the first-half price is high. Hold him and keep collecting strikeouts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rainiel Rodriguez Resolidifying Status as Strong Dynasty Asset
St. Louis Cardinals catching prospect Rainiel Rodriguez put an exclamation point on the end of a strong first half by blasting another home run at Double-A Springfield in his last game before the break. The Cards' top-ranked prospect (MLB No. 12) was promoted to Double-A in mid-May and really found his footing there over the last month. From June 10 through July 10, the 5-foot-10 Dominican went 31-for-95 (.326) with five doubles, seven home runs, and four stolen bases in 23 games. The 19-year-old is slashing .262/.361/.436 overall at Double-A with eight home runs in a total of 44 games there, an impressive feat for one of the youngest players at that level, joining MLB's No. 1 and No. 2 prospects, Jesus Made and Leo De Vries, as the only players under the age of 20 at Double-A. Look for a strong second half from the young backstop, with a potential late-season promotion to Triple-A, and he could be knocking on the door to the majors in 2027, so even redraft fantasy managers should be familiar with the name.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Jacob deGrom Lined Up to Return on Sunday?
Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom's (glute) next start is still to be determined, but he said he was going to play catch during this week's All-Star break and will probably throw off the mound in Atlanta to begin the second half of the season, according to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. The Rangers have listed their starter for Sunday's series finale against the Braves as TBA, so it's possible that deGrom could return to the starting rotation to take that start. The Rangers scratched deGrom from his final start of the first half with a mild left-glute strain, but if he can get through a bullpen session in the next few days, he could get the green light to return on Sunday. If he needs more time, deGrom could make his first start of the second half next week versus the Chicago White Sox. Either way, the matchups won't be ideal for the two-time Cy Young winner and oft-injured hurler. In 18 starts (100 2/3 innings) in the first half of 2026, the 38-year-old went 7-5 with a 3.49 ERA (3.40 FIP) and 1.01 WHIP with 122 strikeouts and 22 walks for the Rangers. deGrom will continue to be an injury risk for fantasy managers, but he still has high-end strikeout upside and is mostly a must-start when he takes the mound for Texas.
Source: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
Source: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
Quentin Johnston May Be Undervalued by Current Redraft ADP
Across 14 games in 2025, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston recorded 51 catches for 735 yards and eight touchdowns on 84 targets. The 24-year-old appeared to be on his way to a superstar breakout after getting off to a hot start to the season, but his production slowed down, and he finished the year as the WR34 in per-game PPR scoring. Entering 2026, the Chargers have a deep group of pass-catchers between Johnston, wide receivers Ladd McConkey and Tre' Harris, and tight ends Oronde Gadsden II and David Njoku. However, veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen currently remains unsigned after leading Los Angeles in targets in 2025. The Chargers also have a new offensive coordinator in Mike McDaniel, who could help unlock Johnston's full potential. As the WR39 by current redraft ADP, Johnston could be a player for fantasy managers to target in drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bryson Stott Can Outrun His First-Half Price
Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Bryson Stott finished the first half at .249/.308/.393 with seven homers, 42 RBI, 37 runs, and 17 steals in 353 plate appearances. Not one caught stealing. That speed has kept the fantasy line useful while the bat slowly comes around. Stott hit .287/.374/.415 in June, and the contact underneath looks better than it did a year ago. His hard-hit rate jumped from 29.5% to 38.3%, with the barrel rate up from 5.1% to 6.8%. Statcast has him at a .264 expected average and .407 expected slugging percentage. Nothing here screams middle-of-the-order breakout, especially with Philadelphia usually batting him sixth and dropping him to ninth against Tarik Skubal on July 12. Still, 17-for-17 on steals with better contact is worth buying. A modest lift in average and power could make Stott a real second-half asset.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Trevor Lawrence Having the Best Offseason of his Career?
John Shipley of Sports Illustrated writes that Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence "just had the best offseason he's had with the Jaguars ever." Lawrence looked "as confident and in command" of head coach Liam Coen's offense as ever, displaying "improved accuracy to each level of the field" while also improving as a vertical passer and gaining chemistry with receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who disappointed in Year 2 in 2025 after an impressive rookie showing. It's now time to see if Lawrence's improvements in the spring can carry over to training camp this summer as he heads into the sixth year of his NFL career. The 26-year-old former first overall pick out of Clemson in 2021 hit the 4,000-yard passing mark in 17 regular-season starts in 2025 for the third time in his career, delivering a career-best 29 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions. After rehabbing from offseason shoulder surgery last year, Lawrence is at full health and could be on the verge of a career year in his second season in Coen's offense. Not only is Lawrence looking great, but this is perhaps the best offense he's had yet in the NFL in terms of weapons around him. RotoBaller has Lawrence ranked as the No. 9 fantasy QB in 2026.
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Michael Hawkins Jr. a Potential Quarterback Sleeper with Change of Scenery
Former Oklahoma quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. is viewed as the favorite to emerge as the starter at West Virginia, as the camp battle with Scotty Fox Jr. is set to kick off. Hawkins showed some flashes in two seasons with the Sooners as the primary backup to Jackson Arnold (2024) and John Mateer (2025), totaling 950 passing yards, 262 rushing yards, and eight touchdowns in limited action. Hawkins has legitimate rushing upside, but his development as a passer is a big question as he potentially enters his first season as a starter. There have been plenty of examples of quarterbacks breaking out with a change of scenery later in their careers, and Hawkins could fit that bill in 2026. The Mountaineers open their schedule with home games against Coastal Carolina and UT-Martin, which should give him time to get his feet wet before Power 4 competition begins.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Nathan Carter Once Again Competing for RB3 Role in Atlanta
Running back Nathan Carter operated as the Atlanta Falcons' No. 3 back in 2025 behind starter Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, and he will once again compete for the same role in training camp this summer behind Robinson and newcomer Brian Robinson Jr., according to Will McFadden of AtlantaFalcons.com. The 24-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Michigan State only had nine carries for 60 yards over seven games in his first year in the NFL, though, so he's still well off the fantasy radar going into his sophomore campaign. The majority of Carter's snaps in 2025 came on special teams. He'll have more competition for the No. 3 job in the form of Tyler Goodson and Cash Jones. McFadden writes that the Falcons' RB3 battle could be one of the more underrated competitions of camp. Carter will only pop up as a waiver-wire consideration in fantasy football in 2026 if one or both of the Robinsons miss time with injury in Atlanta.
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Will McFadden
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Will McFadden
Cole Ballard Projected to Win Kansas QB1 Job
After six seasons on the roster, Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels is gone. The veteran leaves behind 49 games of experience that saw him pass for over 9,000 yards and score 90 touchdowns. Entering camp, quarterbacks Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall are competing for the starting job, and Pete Nakos of On3 projects Ballard to come out victorious. The son of Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard has played in 15 games over the last three seasons, compiling 445 passing yards, 209 rushing yards, and three total touchdowns. Marshall is entering his third year with the program and has seen action in nine games. Both have experience in Lance Leipold's offense, but Ballard has more live reps and has been ahead of Marshall on the depth chart. Leipold believes the position is in good hands, regardless of who is under center to start the year.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Michael Carter Might Have Inside Track on Final RB Spot
The Tennessee Titans signed veteran running back Michael Carter this offseason, and he could have the inside track to the final RB spot on the 53-man roster due to his history with new head coach Robert Saleh with the New York Jets, according to Mark Mihalko of Titans Wire. However, Kalel Mullings was drafted by general manager Mike Borgonzi, and when healthy, he gives the Titans backfield a different skill set. The 27-year-old Carter spent the last two seasons in the desert with the Arizona Cardinals and had 92 carries for 333 yards (3.6 yards per carry) and one rushing touchdown in 13 games (five starts) in 2025 in his fifth year in the league. Carter added 33 receptions on 45 targets for 267 yards and no touchdowns as a pass-catcher. Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears are the Titans' unquestioned top-two RBs heading into the 2026 campaign, so Carter will be competing for a depth role with Mullings and rookie Nicholas Singleton this year. Most likely, Carter will not be fantasy relevant unless injuries hit Tennessee's backfield hard.
Source: Titans Wire - Mark Mihalko
Source: Titans Wire - Mark Mihalko
Is Dave Aranda on the Hottest Seat in the Country?
Baylor head coach Dave Aranda checked in at No. 1 on CBS's college football hot seat rating entering 2026. The former LSU defensive coordinator got out to a hot start in Waco following the COVID-affected 2020 campaign, winning 12 games and a Big 12 Championship in 2021. However, Baylor followed that up with 6-7 and 3-9 seasons before briefly rebounding to 8-5 in 2024. Last year, the Bears had high expectations with veteran quarterback Sawyer Robertson but posted just five wins. Many believed Aranda would be relieved of his duties following the 2025 season, so he's clearly coaching for his job in 2026. Much of Aranda's fate is dependent on how former five-star recruit DJ Lagway performs at quarterback after struggling last season with Florida. Baylor's win total is set at 6.5 (FanDuel) this season.
Source: CBS Sports
Source: CBS Sports
Roman Wilson has a Lot to Prove in Training Camp
Jack Markowski of Sports Illustrated writes that Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson has a lot to prove this summer in training camp after failing to take advantage of his opportunity in the passing game in 2025, finishing with just 12 catches on 21 targets for 166 yards and two touchdowns in 13 regular-season games (four starts). The key for Wilson is to build up his chemistry with future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers in new head coach Mike McCarthy's offense. But even if Wilson can do that, he won't be guaranteed a regular role on offense after the offseason additions of veteran Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie Germie Bernard. The only advantage Wilson has is the fact that he played with Rodgers last year, which could give him a leg up over the polished Bernard going into Week 1 of the 2026 season. The 25-year-old former third-rounder in 2024 out of the University of Michigan is blessed with quickness and the ability to play inside and outside, but he's currently outside of RotoBaller's top-100 WR rankings after his disappointing 2025 finish.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jack Markowski
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jack Markowski
DeAndre Moore Jr. Due for Breakout with Colorado?
Colorado wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. joined Deion Sanders' program this offseason after three years at Texas and is expected to be one of Julian Lewis' top options in this year's passing game. Last year, Moore ranked second among Longhorns' pass-catchers in receptions (38) and receiving yards (532). Although he'll have to compete with San Jose State transfer Danny Sceduro, who tallied 1,297 receiving yards last year, there is potential for a breakout campaign in 2026. Moore was the No. 8 wide receiver in this year's transfer portal (On3) and will take on a feature role for the Buffaloes right away.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Zay Flowers a Threat to Break Franchise Mark for Receiving Yards
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is one of the league's top pass-catchers and is the top target for quarterback Lamar Jackson after two straight Pro Bowl seasons in 2024 and 2025. Clifton Brown of the team's official website writes that Flowers is a threat to break the franchise record for most receiving yards in a season, which was set by tight end Mark Andrews in 2021 with 1,361 yards. The 25-year-old former 22nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft out of Boston College has had back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons with nine total touchdowns in 34 regular-season games for the Ravens. There isn't much depth behind Flowers in Baltimore's passing attack, which gives Flowers a pretty safe volume floor as a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 target in fantasy football drafts, even with the Ravens implementing a new offense under head coach Jesse Minter. General manager Eric DeCosta said on 105.7 The Fan on Thursday that the team "definitely" wants to sign Flowers to a contract extension before the start of the 2026 regular season in early September. With a bounce-back season likely coming for QB Lamar Jackson if he can stay healthy, Flowers is a fine target in the early rounds of fantasy drafts, especially in PPR formats.
Source: BaltimoreRavens.com - Clifton Brown
Source: BaltimoreRavens.com - Clifton Brown
Austin Romaine Stepping in for Jacob Rodriguez at Texas Tech
Former Kansas State linebacker Austin Romaine enters his senior season with Texas Tech after transferring to Lubbock this offseason, and although he's an established Big 12 linebacker, he has big shoes to fill. Last season, the Red Raiders' linebacker Jacob Rodriguez stuffed the stat sheet with 128 total tackles, six pass deflections, seven forced fumbles, four interceptions, and a sack. He won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, and Chuck Bednarik Award, and finished fifth in the 2025 Heisman Trophy voting. Romaine is a two-time second-team All-Big 12 linebacker and has tallied 184 tackles, four pass deflections, one interception, and 3.5 sacks in his career. He'll be playing with the most surrounding talent of his career, setting him up for a productive season in the middle of the fierce Tech defense in 2026.
Source: On3
Source: On3
