Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning USA TODAY Sports across Football, Basketball, Baseball.
Though retired from the sidelines, Nick Saban remains a pivotal voice in college football, influencing discussions about structure, leadership and the sport’s evolving landscape.
A look at the judges, coaches, executives and politicians whose decisions will define college football in the coming season.
Veteran defenseman Brad Hunt, 37, has called time on his pro hockey career following two years with the Colorado Avalanche, closing a 15‑year journey that included stints with seven NHL franchises.
The 2026 college football season begins with Week 0 games on Aug. 29, featuring North Carolina vs. TCU in Dublin, while the US LBM Coaches Poll will be released on Aug. 4. LSU, under new head coach Lane Kiffin, hopes to break into the preseason rankings after a 7‑6 2025 season and a major roster overhaul.
While the Hawkeyes' quarterback battle between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski dominates early‑season headlines, the team's history shows that wins have continued even when the signal‑callers underwhelm. Recent statistics reveal modest passing numbers, yet Iowa has posted a winning record and remains a fixture in the Big Ten. The path to a playoff berth, however, may hinge on finally elevating the position.
The Avalanche announced the acquisitions of forward Fabian Lysell and forward‑center Georgii Merkulov, highlighting their offensive pedigree and the coaching staff's expectations for defensive growth.
Three‑star quarterback Lonnie Andrews III, a Virginia commit and key figure in Oscar Smith High School’s recent championship run, will miss his senior season due to an undisclosed injury, prompting a roster overhaul and a new quarterback transition.
Head coach Eric Morris is steering a revamped Oklahoma State roster through fall camp, where three transfer standouts vie for key roles ahead of the season opener.
North Carolina is preparing for its season‑opening game against TCU in Dublin, with head coach Bill Belichick shaping a roster that blends veterans, transfers and a large freshman class. Emerging talent such as JacQawn McRoy, Travis Burgess and Joseph Mupoyi could define the team’s fortunes.
The 2026 schedule pits USC against a string of top‑ranked teams, testing a program that has invested heavily in facilities, leadership and recruiting while aiming to break new ground under Riley.
A look at the five standout players set to challenge Iowa's football team in 2026, from Nebraska's rising star Justin Evans to Ohio State's dynamic duo of Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin.
Under head coach Jimmy Rogers and defensive coordinator Jesse Bobbit, Iowa State is building a defense that could reshape its conference standing.
Michigan head coach Mike Boynton Jr. announced the hiring of G-League veteran Dylan Murphy as his second assistant, citing the coach's extensive NBA and analytics background that could reshape the program's player evaluation and roster building.
Coach Mike Elko looks to capitalize on an 11‑2 season, leveraging a 2022 eligibility ruling that could bring back key defensive talents while navigating a demanding schedule.
USC Trojans prepare for a marquee 2026 schedule that could shape the College Football Playoff picture.
Macklin Celebrini’s historic contract with the San Jose Sharks, along with a broader trend of mid‑term deals, signals a strategic pivot in how NHL teams manage talent and salary cap space.
A new ESPN power‑index projects the 2026 SEC order of finish, highlighting Georgia’s lead, Texas’s climb and a tightly contested field of contenders.
The latest simulation of the 2026 College Football Playoff, run 100 times in the College Football 27 video game, shows Miami leading with 91 playoff appearances, while a host of traditional powerhouses and mid‑major programs also break through.
Two modest‑sized players are rewriting the narrative of the All‑Star Game with stellar batting averages, defensive brilliance and a steadfast belief in human talent over analytics.
The Athletic’s recent feature dissects the most notorious villains across the league, spotlighting figures like Patrick Roy, Darren McCarty and Todd Bertuzzi, and exploring how their actions shaped team dynamics and fan perceptions.
The Cyclones finished the season with an 11‑6 road record, the best in the Big 12, but must replace every starter as they head into a demanding slate of away games under first‑year coach Jimmy Rogers.
From Alabama’s Thompson‑Central showdown to Florida’s top‑ranked St. Thomas Aquinas versus Chaminade‑Madonna, the 2026 Southeast slate features rematches, nationally ranked teams and a pipeline of future SEC talent.
Pedro Avila's move to the Korean Baseball Organization offers a financial boost and a fresh start after his recent release from the Cleveland Guardians.
Coach Kirby Smart discusses the factors behind Georgia’s recent playoff exits and the steps the team is taking to finally break through in the upcoming season.