
CFP Expansion Stalled as 2026 Deadline Looms
With a December 1 deadline approaching, the College Football Playoff’s expansion to 24 teams remains unresolved, leaving the future of the format in the hands of the two most powerful conferences.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Chicago across Football, Baseball, Basketball.

With a December 1 deadline approaching, the College Football Playoff’s expansion to 24 teams remains unresolved, leaving the future of the format in the hands of the two most powerful conferences.

The National Beep Baseball Association will host its 50th annual World Series in Aurora, Illinois, highlighting the sport’s origins, its inclusive impact, and Chicago’s enduring presence.

At just 18, Amira Hondras is stepping onto the diamond for the L.A. Queens in what promises to be a landmark debut in the Women’s Professional Baseball League. Her journey reflects a broader resurgence of women’s baseball in the United States, a sport shaped by pioneers and historic leagues.

The university announced new hires that bring WNBA experience and a strong recruiting background to a program that finished last season with a 21‑12 record and postseason success.

A report by Jordan Bianchi reveals a tentative 2027 calendar that could move Bristol back to the regular season, drop Darlington and World Wide Technology Raceway from the Chase, and add Chicago as a new venue. Fans are already voicing discontent over the possible loss of North Wilkesboro and the inclusion of Richmond in the playoffs.
The Hoosiers are moving Adedamola Ajani to right guard, shifting Joe Brunner to the outside, and giving Bray Lynch reps at center, while Drew Evans and Carter Smith remain on the left side.

Iowa State Cyclones, led by T.J. Otzelberger, are projected to field the nation’s best defense in 2026‑27, driven by a deep, versatile roster and a recruiting model built around defensive intensity.

With the trade deadline set for Aug. 5, a handful of former Gators are poised to move, sparking speculation across the league.

Kyle Whittingham, head coach at Michigan, called for a seismic change in college football, proposing a salary cap, regulated NIL deals, and collective bargaining to restore competitive balance.
A young Mitchell High School player helped South Dakota United Spirit clinch the U-16 national championship, highlighting the club's growth and the player's aspirations for the upcoming high school season.

A dispute over a high‑profile transfer has escalated between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, involving a formal complaint, an appeal plan, and public accusations that could reshape the summer market.

The Boston Red Sox traded pitcher Connelly Early for infielder Curtis Mead, hoping to bolster their roster, but the move turned sour when Mead fractured his wrist in his second game, sidelining him for the season. The episode joins a long list of deadline deals that have backfired.

From August 20 to 29, ESPN’s High School Football Kickoff presents seven marquee matchups that pit the nation’s elite recruits against each other, highlighting commitments, rankings and the legacy of dominant programs.

Key relievers are shifting roles, and front offices are weighing moves that could reshape the late‑inning landscape before the deadline.

NASCAR's return to Chicago's lakefront street race has stalled over a disputed state subsidy, with legislators allocating only $5 million instead of the $15 million sought. The missed June announcement and looming 2027 schedule deadline add urgency to the negotiations.

With the 2026 draft signed and the deadline passed, five analysts break down the most influential selections, from the Giants' collegiate arms to the Rays' high‑upside prep talent.
The University of Iowa confronts the challenge of replacing recent Rimington Trophy winners at center, with Kade Pieper and other emerging players vying for the role.

The Shoreland League saw the Green Bay Blue Ribbons dominate the Ashwaubenon Lookouts 13‑3, while the Casco A’s secured a 10‑4 win over the Kewaunee Chiefs. In Major League Baseball, the San Francisco Giants erupted for 16 runs, and the St. Louis Cardinals edged the Chicago Cubs 3‑2 in ten innings, among a series of other decisive games.

Edwin Díaz rejoined the Los Angeles Dodgers after a three‑month injury layoff, while a flurry of saves and blown saves across the league highlight a volatile closer market and potential trade moves.

Tim Bankston, a longtime basketball coach and mentor, was discovered shot and killed in an Auburn Gresham home. His legacy of generosity and dedication to youth endures as authorities investigate.

NASCAR plans to announce its 2027 Cup Series schedule in the coming weeks, with Daytona International Speedway expected to host the Clash. Speculation surrounds the future of the Chicago Street Course and Chicagoland Speedway, while the series hints at a 10‑race Chase and a continued appetite for daring calendar moves.

The USC Trojans, led by coach Lincoln Riley, are poised to return to the College Football Playoff in 2026, driven by returning star quarterback Jayden Maiava and a challenging schedule that includes key matchups against Oregon, Ohio State, Penn State and Indiana.

SportsLine’s massive simulation of the 2026 NFL season identifies Josh Allen, Bijan Robinson, Puka Nacua and Trey McBride as the leading figures at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end, while underscoring the model’s proven accuracy.

MLS is reshaping its schedule and leadership as global stars join the league, with Commissioner Don Garber set to step down and a new summer‑to‑spring calendar slated for 2027.