Phil Parker’s Defensive Mastery Shapes Iowa’s Future
Phil Parker has built Iowa’s defense into a turnover machine, leveraging the transfer portal and developing NFL‑ready talent to keep the Hawkeyes competitive.
Aug 8, 2026
Organization
USA TODAY Sports
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning USA TODAY Sports across Football, Basketball, Baseball.
Ole Miss Eyes Top 25 Spot as 2026 Preseason Coaches Poll Looms
The 2026 preseason Top 25 poll, released on August 4, will spotlight Ole Miss’s quest for a playoff return under new head coach Pete Golding, with quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and a fortified roster leading the charge.
Aug 4, 2026
LSU’s New Era Under Lane Kiffin Ahead of 2026 Season Opener
With Week 0 games set for late August and the US LBM Coaches Poll set to be released on Aug. 4, LSU is preparing for a transformative season under new head coach Lane Kiffin.
Aug 3, 2026
Iowa Hawkeyes’ Quarterback Hype Outpaces Reality
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.
Aug 3, 2026
Ranking the Big 12 Stadiums: Tradition, Atmosphere, and Home‑Field Edge
A deep dive into capacity, design, and gameday rituals reveals which Big 12 stadiums stand out for tradition, aesthetics, and atmosphere.
Aug 3, 2026
Court Ruling Expands Eligibility, Threatens Basketball Programs’ Financial Stability
A recent decision granting a fifth year of eligibility has created financial uncertainty for college basketball programs, affecting NIL budgets and roster planning, with star players like Mark Mitchell poised to influence the upcoming season.
Aug 2, 2026
Five-Star Running Back Landen Williams-Callis Commits to Texas
Landen Williams-Callis, a five-star running back, pledged to the University of Texas, bringing the program a third five-star commitment in the 2027 class and reinforcing a strategy focused on retaining elite in-state prospects.
Aug 2, 2026
2026 High School Football Season Kicks Off Nationwide
The 2026 high school football season begins in August, with Hawaii opening on August 3 and IMG Academy in Florida, the preseason No. 1 team, set to play on August 21. State by state, kickoff dates vary, reflecting a packed schedule across the country.
Aug 1, 2026
Gators brace for nation’s toughest 2026 slate under new leadership
The 2026 Florida Gators face one of the most demanding schedules in college football, featuring a mix of SEC rivals and top Big Ten programs as they adjust to a new head coach.
Jul 31, 2026
2026 College Football Season Set to Launch with Dublin Opener, Preseason Poll to Debut Aug. 4
The 2026 college football season begins in just over a month, opening with a game in Dublin, Ireland, while the preseason US LBM Coaches poll will be revealed on August 4 and updated weekly starting September 8.
Jul 29, 2026
Western Michigan Broncos Set for September Clash with Michigan
The Broncos will meet the Wolverines on September 5, with coach Lance Taylor leading the charge and a preview featured in The Wolverine’s 2026 football preview magazine.
Jul 28, 2026
Jon Sumrall Climbs to No. 22 in 2026 Coaches Top 25
Jon Sumrall’s rise to No. 22 in the 2026 top 25 head coaches rankings reflects his success at Tulane, his recruiting acumen, and early impact in the SEC.
Jul 28, 2026
Jon Sumrall climbs to No. 22 in 2026 coaches rankings
The latest USA TODAY Sports ranking places Florida's head coach Jon Sumrall at No. 22, reflecting optimism about his recruiting and portal strategies.
Jul 28, 2026
Iowa Hawkeyes Ranked No. 6 in Big Ten Ahead of 2026 Season
USA TODAY Sports’ latest Big Ten rankings place Iowa at No. 6, highlighting a program defined by stability, a historic championship by Indiana, and a promising start to the 2026 schedule.
Jul 28, 2026
NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament to Expand and Rethink Seeding for 2026‑27 Season
The NCAA announced sweeping changes to the women's basketball tournament, including a true‑ranking seeding model for the top 16 teams and an expansion to 76 participants, set to take effect in the 2026‑27 season.
Jul 28, 2026
NCAA rewrites women’s tournament seeding and expands March Madness field
Starting in the 2026‑27 season, the NCAA will seed the top 16 women's teams by true ranking, expand both men's and women's tournaments to 76 teams, and continue distributing tournament units to conferences over three years.
Jul 28, 2026
Midwest high school football 2026: marquee in‑state clashes set for summer
USA TODAY Sports spotlights the most anticipated in‑state high school football contests that will shape the 2026 season across the Midwest, highlighting historic rivalries, key dates and the stakes for playoff runs.
Jul 28, 2026
Kirk Ferentz’s Long‑Term Success Defines Iowa Football
After nearly three decades at the helm, Kirk Ferentz remains a cornerstone of Iowa football, blending defensive mastery with program stability and a contract that secures his leadership through 2029.
Jul 28, 2026
Kirk Ferentz’s Enduring Reign at Iowa
For nearly three decades, Kirk Ferentz has built a winning legacy at Iowa, blending defensive mastery with player development while securing a lucrative contract extension through 2029.
Jul 28, 2026
The Most Hated Figures in NHL History: Inside The Athletic’s Villain Rankings
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.
Jul 28, 2026
Five-Star Prospect Jermaine Cobbins Juggles Dozens of College Offers
With over 40 scholarship offers and a packed schedule of visits, Jermaine Cobbins is navigating the recruitment process with the help of his parents, focusing on development and competition.
Jul 28, 2026
Lincoln Riley’s Quest to Reclaim Top‑Tier Status in College Football
A USA TODAY Sports panel has placed Lincoln Riley 19th among college football coaches for the 2026 season, highlighting both his past brilliance and the challenges he faces at USC.
Jul 28, 2026
UNC Football Eyes Bowl Return as 2026 Schedule Unveiled
The North Carolina Tar Heels open the 2026 campaign in Dublin against TCU, then face Clemson, Notre Dame and Miami, hoping to rebound from a 4‑8 year and secure a bowl berth under second‑year coach Bill Belichick.
Jul 27, 2026
UNC’s Ambitious 2026 Football slate tests Belichick’s rebuilding project
The North Carolina Tar Heels open their 2026 campaign in Ireland, face a challenging ACC schedule, and rely on new transfers and returning star Melkart Abou‑Jaoude as coach Bill Belichick seeks to translate recruiting promise into wins.
Jul 27, 2026