RADIO
Geraldo Perdomo Returns to Friday's Lineup
Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (hand) is back at the 6 and is hitting second for Friday's series opener against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals and right-hander Michael McGreevy at Chase Field, per MLB.com. Perdomo has been dealing with a recurring left-hand issue recently and had a cortisone injection during the All-Star break, but he's feeling better now and will begin the second half of the season in Arizona's starting lineup. Fantasy managers have to wonder if the 26-year-old switch-hitting Dominican's hand issues have been the reason why he has struggled at the plate in 2026. In 323 at-bats in the first half of 2026, Perdomo had a disappointing .241/.354/.356 slash line with a .710 OPS, only six home runs, 34 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 46 runs scored in 92 games after a career-high 20 homers, 100 RBI, and 27 steals in 161 contests in a breakout 2025. Fantasy managers are hopeful that Perdomo can pick things up in the second half, but his xBA of .251 and xwOBA of .326 don't point to a massive turnaround coming.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jack Sommers
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jack Sommers
Julio Rodriguez Remains on Injured List to Begin the Second Half
Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez (concussion) remains on the seven-day concussion injured list for the start of the second half of the season in the team's series finale on Friday against the San Francisco Giants, according to MLB.com. Victor Robles is making the start in center field and will bat eighth for the M's against Giants right-hander Landen Roupp. Rodriguez has been on the shelf with a concussion since July 3, but he could be reinstated by Seattle during the team's homestand to begin the second half. The 25-year-old Dominican center fielder should remain stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy baseball leagues while he recovers from his head injury. When healthy, J-Rod, a three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner, can contribute in all five categories. He finished the first half of 2026 with a .259/.323/.424 slash line, .747 OPS, 14 home runs, 40 RBI, 46 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases across his 344 at-bats. Rodriguez is a rare offensive talent who already has two 30-30 campaigns in his first four years in the majors.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Will Smith Shut Down Again With More Neck Issues
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith's neck continued to bother him as he tried to ramp up his baseball activities recently, so the Dodgers decided to shut him down again this week, manager Dave Roberts told The California Post's Jack Harris. The Dodgers remain hopeful that Smith can start to ramp up again after this and still expect him to return in 2026. It has quickly turned into a lost season for Smith, who initially was expected to avoid a trip to the injured list because of his neck injury. The 31-year-old veteran and three-time All-Star has been sidelined since June 5, and in a best-case scenario, he probably won't be back with the Dodgers until sometime in mid-August. Remember, the Dodgers have a big lead in the National League West going into the second half of the season this weekend and aren't in a hurry to rush any of their injured stars back. Smith's ongoing neck issues have created a prolonged audition period for backup Dalton Rushing. When healthy, Smith was underwhelming offensively in his 173 at-bats, hitting .249/.338/.382 with six homers, 23 RBI, and 23 runs scored in 52 games.
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Dodgers Expect Shohei Ohtani to Pitch on Wednesday Against Philadelphia
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that the team expects two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) to make his next start on the mound in Philadelphia on Wednesday against the Phillies, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. The Dodgers kept Ohtani from making his final start on the mound before the All-Star break due to ongoing irritation in his left knee. The four-time MVP had his knee drained just before the All-Star break, and he's not missing any time as a hitter, so fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried going into the second half. It's not an ideal matchup for fantasy purposes for Ohtani in his first start back on the mound, but the six-time All-Star has been a must-start in all leagues when he toes the rubber for the Dodgers. The Japanese sensation has been excellent on the mound in his first 14 starts in 2026, going 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA (2.61 FIP) and 0.95 WHIP with a 95:26 K:BB in 85 2/3 frames.
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Brandon Woodruff's "Outlook Isn't Good"
Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy said the plan is for right-handed veteran Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) to address the media on Sunday regarding his right-shoulder injury, but the skipper said "the outlook isn't good," according to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "I'm going to let Woody get specific with you and let him be the one to announce what he wants to announce," Murphy said. The 33-year-old veteran has made only nine starts this year due to recurring shoulder problems, and he landed on the injured list in early July with an injury to his right anterior shoulder capsule. It's looking more and more likely that Woodruff could be heading toward another season-ending shoulder surgery, so fantasy managers who have been stashing him might need to be ready to cut him entirely in single-year formats. Despite shoulder issues and a drastic dip in velocity before being shut down again recently, Woodruff had pitched well with a 2.98 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, and 47 strikeouts in 45 1/3 frames across nine starts. Even if surgery isn't needed, the earliest Woodruff can return from the 60-day IL is in September.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
Samuel Basallo a Priority Catcher Addition for the Second Half?
Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo reached the break at .248/.309/.464 with 16 home runs, 46 RBI, and 34 runs in 301 plate appearances. He was only 10-for-48 over his final 15 games, but four of those hits left the yard and he drove in 11. Basallo remains available in half of Yahoo leagues. Baltimore has found room for his bat alongside Adley Rutschman, using Basallo at catcher, first base, and designated hitter. The power checks out: a 91.5 mph average exit velocity, 46.2% hard-hit rate, 13.1% barrel rate, and .482 expected slugging percentage. He does chase too much, at 40.2%, so the average may come and go. That is a manageable trade-off at catcher. RotoBaller ranks Basallo 22nd overall for the weekend, second among catcher pickups, and recommends him in 10-team leagues. He is a priority add for managers still searching for second-half power at the position.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Friday's Game Between Guardians-Pirates Postponed
The Cleveland Guardians announced that their game on Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Progressive Field has been postponed due to poor air quality. The contest will be made up as part of a split doubleheader on Saturday. The scheduled starters for the two teams -- right-hander Gavin Williams for Cleveland and right-hander Jared Jones for Pittsburgh -- will most likely be pushed back to the first game of the twin bill on Saturday. Both hurlers should be kept in starting fantasy lineups in traditional leagues for their first starts of the second half this weekend. Williams comes out of the All-Star break with a 10-4 record, 3.81 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 134:37 K:BB in his 113 1/3 innings while sporting a career-high 29.1% strikeout rate and career-low 8.0% walk rate through his first 19 starts in 2026. Jones has only made eight starts after returning from right-elbow surgery. He has high-end fantasy upside, but he's unsurprisingly been up and down through his first 35 innings in 2026, posting a 4.37 ERA (3.67 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with a 39:11 K:BB for the Bucs.
Source: Cleveland Guardians
Source: Cleveland Guardians
Jake Bauers' Breakout Is Built to Last
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman/outfielder Jake Bauers carried a .268/.373/.508 line, 18 home runs, 56 runs, 59 RBI, and six steals into the break. He had never hit more than 12 homers in a major-league season. This is not hanging on luck alone. Bauers owns a 92.5 mph average exit velocity, 53.1% hard-hit rate, and 14.1% barrel rate, all career highs. Some of it may come back. His .258 expected average and .481 expected slugging percentage sit below the real marks, and Milwaukee still shares first base between Bauers and Andrew Vaughn. Bauers has made himself harder to bench, though. He owns an .809 OPS against left-handers and has also started in both corner-outfield spots. Add a 13.6% walk rate, and the profile still plays even if the average slips. The breakout is real enough to trust for the second half.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jake Cronenworth Is a Deep-League Buy After Concussion Return
San Diego Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth went into the break at .196/.286/.280 with three home runs, 17 runs, 12 RBI, and three steals in 45 games. Awful on its face. He also spent nearly two months on the concussion injured list after a 97 mph fastball hit him in the chin April 18. Cronenworth later described vision problems that made it difficult to track pitches, and he went 4-for-31 before San Diego finally shut him down. The return has been encouraging, not conclusive. Cronenworth hit .333/.349/.500 with two homers, eight RBI, and two steals in 43 July plate appearances before the break. His season-long contact quality still points to a limited ceiling, including an 87.6 mph average exit velocity, 32.4% hard-hit rate, and .345 expected slugging percentage. San Diego expects him to start against right-handers, with lefties potentially trimming the role. That is enough for a deeper-league buy, not a standard-league priority.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Derrick Henry Has Become a Sneaky Sleeper Option in Redraft Leagues
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry turned in yet another highly productive season in 2025, recording 1,595 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on 307 carries across 17 games. As he enters his age-32 season with nearly 15,000 career touches under his belt, the aging curve is an obvious red flag in Henry's profile. However, Henry has shown little sign of slowing down to this point in his career, and he should have a better offensive ecosystem around him in Baltimore this season after Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson missed four games due to injury in 2025. Henry has played in all 17 games in three consecutive seasons and recorded double-digit rushing touchdowns in eight straight campaigns. As long as he's on the field, Henry is a solid bet to provide top-12 fantasy production. At his current redraft ADP of RB13, Henry should be a draft-day target for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Robert Suarez Plays Catch on the Field on Friday
Atlanta Braves right-handed reliever Robert Suarez (elbow) played toss at Truist Park on Friday before the series opener against the visiting Texas Rangers, according to Harrison Smajovits of Sports Illustrated. Suarez's return isn't imminent, but he's slowly working his way back after landing on the 15-day injured list almost a month ago with inflammation in his right elbow. The next step for Suarez will be getting back on a mound and facing live hitters before going on a minor-league rehab assignment. He almost certainly won't be ready to rejoin the back end of Atlanta's bullpen until at least early August. The 35-year-old veteran Venezuelan hurler only has four saves in his first year in Atlanta in 2026 after racking up 76 saves the previous two seasons with the San Diego Padres, but he has still been plenty useful in fantasy as a setup man with a 4-0 record, 0.56 ERA (2.44 FIP), 0.84 WHIP, and 26:6 K:BB in 32 innings in Atlanta. Suarez is now rostered in under half of Yahoo leagues, but he can definitely help your pitching ratios in deeper fantasy leagues when he's ready to return.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Harrison Smajovits
Source: Sports Illustrated - Harrison Smajovits
Jose Ramirez Could Skip Rehab Assignment
Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (left hand) is progressing well and may be activated without a minor-league rehab assignment. Ramirez had surgery June 16 to remove the hook of a fractured left hamate bone, and the club originally expected him to miss about six weeks. There is still no firm return date, but even discussing a direct jump back to Cleveland is a good sign. Ramirez was batting .239/.339/.418 with 10 homers, 42 runs, 33 RBI, and 24 steals through 72 games before the injury. Fantasy managers should keep him locked into an IL spot. Gabriel Arias was activated when Ramirez went down and has covered most of the work at third base, but that playing time will dry up once the Guardians star is cleared.
Source: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
Source: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
Wan'Dale Robinson May Be Undervalued by Current Redraft ADP
After spending the first four seasons of his NFL career with the New York Giants, wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson signed a four-year, $70 million ($38 million guaranteed) contract with the Tennessee Titans this past spring. Robinson is coming off his best season as a pro in 2025, as he recorded 92 catches for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns on 140 targets across 16 games. After star Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 4, Robinson emerged as the number one option in the New York passing game. The 25-year-old may not be the WR1 in Tennessee following the Titans' selection of wide receiver Carnell Tate with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, Robinson's ability to win from the slot should make him a high-usage security blanket for young Tennessee quarterback Cam Ward. As the 45th wide receiver off the board by current redraft ADP, Robinson may be a value selection for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Corey Seager Doing Straight-Line Running on Friday
Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (back) is doing some straight-line jogging/running on the field at Truist Park on Friday before the team's series opener against the Atlanta Braves, according to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News. Between injuries and poor performance at the plate, it has been an extremely disappointing year for the 32-year-old veteran shortstop. Seager has played in just four games since June 11 due to a concussion, and more recently, inflammation in his lower back that put him back on the injured list. There's no current timetable for his return, and given his health issues in 2026, fantasy managers who have been stashing him shouldn't expect Seager to be back with the Rangers until August. The five-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger winner has struggled to a .182/.292/.374 slash line with a .667 OPS, 10 home runs, 25 RBI, 28 runs scored, and one steal in his 187 at-bats this year when healthy. Seager can bounce back if he can finally get fully healthy, but at this point, fantasy managers have to be wondering if that will happen in the second half. He's currently rostered in 81% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Evan Grant
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Evan Grant
Tyler Shough Looks Like a Prime Redraft Sleeper Entering 2026
The 40th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough took over as his team's starter under center in Week 9 of his rookie season. The 26-year-old held his own in his first taste of NFL action, completing 67.6% of his pass attempts for 2,384 yards and 10 touchdowns while rushing for 195 yards and three scores across 11 games (nine starts). From Week 9 through the end of the season, Shough ranked as the fantasy QB12 by measure of per-game scoring. Entering 2026, Shough is the unquestioned QB1 in New Orleans and has some new weapons at his disposal after the Saints added wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (undisclosed) in the 2026 draft and running back Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency. If Shough can continue his development as a passer while also adding some extra fantasy juice with his legs, he could be a steal for fantasy managers at his current redraft ADP of QB21.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyle Harrison Planning to Throw a Bullpen on Saturday
Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Kyle Harrison (elbow) had an MRI exam over the All-Star break "because it gives me the confidence to just hit it in the second half, full speed ahead," according to MLB.com's Adam McCalvy. Harrison will get a reading from the doctor shortly and is planning to throw his first bullpen session on Saturday afternoon. It sounds like Harrison should be cleared of any structural damage in his left elbow after he was put on the 15-day injured list last weekend due to left-elbow tightness. The 24-year-old southpaw doesn't have a firm timetable to rejoin Milwaukee's starting rotation at this time, but barring a setback as he begins to ramp back up, he could be back in early August. Harrison is rostered in 83% of Yahoo leagues while he rehabs after a strong first half in his first year with the Brew Crew, going 8-2 with a 3.01 ERA (3.10 FIP) and 1.08 WHIP with 101 strikeouts and only 20 walks in 83 2/3 innings across his 17 starts. Given the state of the Brewers' banged-up starting rotation, Harrison will be inserted back into a starting role when he's cleared to return.
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Clarke Schmidt Set to Face Hitters for First Time Since Elbow Surgery
New York Yankees right-handed pitcher Clarke Schmidt (right elbow) is scheduled to face hitters Saturday for the first time in his Tommy John rehab. Schmidt underwent a UCL repair with an internal brace on July 11, 2025, rather than a full reconstruction, and remains on the 60-day injured list. The live session is a meaningful step, but he still needs to build toward a minor-league rehab assignment before activation. Schmidt made 14 starts last season, going 4-4 with a 3.32 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 73 strikeouts in 78 2/3 innings. The Yankees have listed August as a possible return window, though his role remains unsettled. Brian Cashman has said Schmidt could return as either a starter or reliever. Fantasy managers with IL space can keep monitoring him, but a return is not yet close enough to treat as imminent.
Source: Greg Joyce
Source: Greg Joyce
Garrett Wilson Carries Dynasty Buy-Low Appeal After Injury-Marred 2025
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson had his 2025 season ruined by a season-ending knee injury that limited him to just seven games played. However, the 25-year-old is healthy heading into 2026 and remained a productive player when on the field last season, finishing the year with 36 catches for 395 yards and four touchdowns on 59 targets. The Jets added some talent to their pass-catching corps in the 2026 NFL Draft, using first-round picks on tight end Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr. Still, Wilson is by far the most established option in New York's passing game and has a chance to average over nine targets per game for the third time in the last four seasons in 2026. The offensive ecosystem around Wilson with the Jets is definitely a concern, but New York should at least have more competent quarterback play after adding Geno Smith in free agency. In dynasty formats, managers may want to explore buying low on Wilson ahead of the 2026 season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
George Lombard Jr. Activated From Minor-League Injured List
New York Yankees shortstop prospect George Lombard Jr. (fingers) has been activated from the seven-day injured list at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday, according to Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. Lombard will return to the RailRiders after playing in a couple of rehab contests in the rookie-level Florida Complex League during the All-Star break. He's been on the shelf since June 16 with finger injuries, but he's good to go now and will carry a .231/.381/.385 slash line with four home runs, 15 RBI, 30 runs scored, and eight stolen bases in 42 games at Triple-A into the second half of the season. The Yankees continue to say that they think their top prospect, per MLB Pipeline, will be ready to join the big-league roster well before rosters expand in September. The 21-year-old 6-foot-2, 190-pounder is the future at the position in the Bronx, and the Yankees seem ready to move on from Anthony Volpe. Lombard's contact abilities are less-than-ideal right now, but he takes his walks and has plus raw power and speed at a premium position, making him a priority stash candidate in most fantasy leagues for an inevitable second-half debut.
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Aaron Judge Shows Healing But Still Not Cleared for Baseball Activities
New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (right rib) said Friday that follow-up imaging showed some healing in the stress fracture of his first rib on the right side. It was not enough to clear him for baseball activities, and additional doctors still need to review the results. Judge remains confident he will return this season, saying, "I don't see why I wouldn't," but there is still no timetable. Judge has not played since May 31 and is hitting .248/.375/.533 with 17 home runs, 43 runs, 38 RBI, and five steals in 59 games. Fantasy managers should continue holding him in every format. The lack of baseball work still makes an August return uncertain, while Jasson Dominguez should remain in the outfield mix as long as Judge is sidelined.
Source: Bryan Hoch
Source: Bryan Hoch
Brian Thomas Jr. is Capable of Outperforming His Current Redraft ADP
After recording 1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie in 2024, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. entered 2025 as a consensus top-12 fantasy wideout. Unfortunately, Thomas Jr. put together a disappointing season, hauling 48 catches for 707 yards and two touchdowns on 91 targets across 14 games. Entering 2026, Thomas Jr. has plenty of target competition in Jacksonville between wide receivers Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington, and Travis Hunter, as well as tight end Brenton Strange. However, Thomas Jr. is clearly the highest-upside pass-catcher on the Jaguars' roster. He also should be healthier this season than he was in 2025, at least to open the year. Thomas Jr. played through early-season shoulder and wrist issues in 2025 and then missed time with a high-ankle sprain late in the season. As the WR31 by current redraft ADP, Thomas Jr. has the potential to significantly outperform his draft-day price.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Shohei Ohtani Serving as DH After Having Knee Drained
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) had his bothersome left knee drained earlier this week, but he will serve as the designated hitter and bat leadoff for the Dodgers for Friday's series opener in New York against Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole, according to MLB.com. The Dodgers are playing it safe with Ohtani on the mound and skipped his final start before the All-Star break as a precaution, but he will be good to go to continue DH-ing for L.A. to start the second half of the season. The Dodgers aren't very concerned, so fantasy managers shouldn't be either. Although Ohtani is hitting just .200 in 20 career at-bats against Cole, he does have a home run and three RBI against him. The four-time MVP is a must-start in all fantasy lineups when he's active in the Dodgers' starting lineup. The six-time All-Star enters the second half of the 2026 season with a cool .293/.403/.549 slash line with a .953 OPS, 22 home runs, 58 RBI, 65 runs scored, and six stolen bases across 88 games. The numbers aren't as gaudy as we've become accustomed to from Ohtani over the last few years, but he's still a must-start in fantasy.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Chris Olave Could Be Poised for a Career Year in 2026
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave put together the best season of his career in 2025, recording 100 catches for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns on 156 targets across 16 games. Olave was held out of Saints OTAs in the spring due to a blood clot issue, but he's expected to be full go for the start of training camp. The 26-year-old will get some new target competition in New Orleans this season from rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (undisclosed), whom the Saints selected eighth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, Olave should still be the number one option in his team's passing game, at least to start the year. New Orleans also looks to be on track to have their best offense in a while, as the team will have emerging quarterback Tyler Shough under center for his first full season as the starter. Olave could be in line for a monster year in 2026 and profiles as a prime target for dynasty contenders even with his value surging.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Could Keelon Russell Be Sleeper Heisman Contender?
Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell has very limited experience at the college level, but he has dazzled when given opportunities. Russell still has to earn the starting job over Austin Mack, but the redshirt freshman has reportedly wowed throughout the spring and summer. Last season, he completed 11-of-15 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns. That action did come late in blowout wins over UL Monroe and Eastern Illinois, but Russell continued to show a spark in Alabama's spring game. He completed 21-of-33 passes for 240 yards with four touchdowns and an interception, scoring points on seven of nine possessions. Should Russell beat out Mack to officially win the starting job, the budding star could be a deep sleeper to be one of the nation's top players in 2026.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Duce Robinson Eyeing Florida State Turnaround
Florida State receiver Duce Robinson could have been one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, but instead opted to return to the Seminoles for his senior season. The 6-foot-6 receiver broke out last season, catching 56 passes for 1,081 yards and six touchdowns after transferring in from USC. Rather than going to the NFL, Robinson returned to Tallahassee with the goal of turning the program back around. Robinson stated that, "College football is better when Florida State is at their best. That's just a proven fact. Florida State, Tallahassee, has changed my life. I just want to see Tallahassee be great again." The Seminoles enter the season with head coach Mike Norvell on a scorching hot seat, and with unproven veteran quarterback Ashton Daniels set to start under center.
Source: Sports Illustrated
Source: Sports Illustrated
Jayden Maiava Due for Career Year?
USC quarterback Jayden Maiava is entering his third season in Lincoln Riley's program. Maiava broke out last season, throwing for 3,711 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while running for six more scores on the ground. He will be without his top two targets from a year ago in Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane, but the Trojans have no shortage of young talent in the receiving room. Tanook Hines, who recorded 561 yards as a true freshman, projects as the top option with NC State transfer Terrell Anderson running alongside him. Star freshman tight end Mark Bowman and freshman receivers Trent Mosley and Kayden Dixon-Wyatt figure to mix into the rotation as well. With more mouths to feed, the sky is the limit for Maiava in his senior season. The high-flying Trojans' offense will open the season against San Jose State on Saturday, August 29th as Maiava looks to catch the attention of NFL scouts during his senior campaign.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Texas Tech Inks Deal with Galaxy on Stadium Naming Rights
Texas Tech has agreed to a 15-year, $75 million deal with Galaxy to rename Jones AT&T Stadium to Galaxy Stadium, effective this year. The deal also includes NIL opportunities for players. Galaxy is an AI company that operates out of Dickens County, 70 miles from Lubbock. The stadium has been named Jones AT&T Stadium since 2006, and will open its new era on September 5th as the Red Raiders host Abilene Christian in the season opener.
Source: On3
Source: On3
North Carolina Quarterback Competition a "50-50 Battle"
Bill Belichick's first season at the helm of North Carolina's football program was a disaster, as the Tar Heels finished 4-8 (2-6 in conference play). Quarterback play was inconsistent from Gio Lopez, who threw 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. Lopez has since transferred out as Belichick reconstructed the roster, bringing in Wisconsin transfer Billy Edwards Jr. and Texas A&M transfer Miles O'Neill as potential solutions. Edwards is the most experienced of the two, starting the 2024 season at Maryland before suffering an early-season injury at Wisconsin last year. He has thrown 512 passes in his four-year career, compared to the 20 thrown by O'Neill. O'Neill has the physical traits and the relationship with new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, which puts him squarely in the competition to start in Week 0's matchup against TCU in Ireland.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Christopher Vizzina, Tait Reynolds Competing for QB1 Job at Clemson
With Cade Klubnik off to the NFL, Clemson football enters a new era. Klubnik had started every game but one for the Tigers dating back to 2023. Head coach Dabo Swinney is not ready to name a starting quarterback quite yet, but On3's Pete Nakos would be shocked if third-year quarterback Christopher Vizzina was not the Week 1 starter. Vizzina did start the SMU game this past season, finishing the loss 29-for-42 for 317 yards and three touchdowns. Vizzina was a four-star quarterback in the class of 2023. He is competing with true freshman Tait Reynolds, a three-star out of Arizona. Reynolds has reportedly impressed Coach Swinney this spring and will continue to push Vizzina for the starting job, but it sounds as if the job is Vizzina's to lose.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Mets Unlikely to Trade Francisco Lindor
There is a possibility that the New York Mets will trade All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor, but multiple executives across the industry told The Athletic's Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal that it's unlikely to happen. The Mets are in full-on sell mode to open up the second half of the 2026 season and are willing to listen to offers on nearly all of their players, including Lindor. But any team that shows interest in Lindor "would have to clear a high bar." Despite an injury-plagued and frustrating season to this point, New York still views Lindor as valuable, and at 32, he has the power to veto any trade. He's also owed more than $160 million after this season through 2031. The Mets think he can still be part of a winning team in 2027, which makes them unlikely to be interested in paying down his contract in a potential trade. A person close to the 32-year-old Puerto Rican said he is comfortable with the team and loves the city, and he wants to win with the Mets. In addition to hitting .210 (33-for-157) with only five home runs, 12 RBI, 22 runs, and two steals on the year, Lindor hasn't been as strong defensively at shortstop. Lindor could be showing some signs of a decline, but his buy-low window is firmly open, and he could easily turn things around in the second half if he's healthy.
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal
