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  • Who will be Wisconsin’s breakout player in 2025-26q

    Who will be Wisconsin’s breakout player in 2025-26q

     

    The Badgers are turning a page next season with a number of new faces.

     

    The 2025–26 Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team is set to look very different from last season, especially when it comes to who will be carrying the scoring load. With leading scorer John Tonje heading to the NBA, a significant number of offensive opportunities are now up for grabs.

     

    While junior guard John Blackwell is expected to take another step forward from his already impressive 15.8 points per game, his improvement will not be the most impactful on the team. Instead, expect sophomore forward Nolan Winter to be poised to have the biggest breakout season for the Badgers.

     

    Winter already showed promise during the 2024–25 campaign, averaging 9.4 points and leading the team with 5.8 rebounds per game. What’s especially encouraging is that he achieved those numbers despite splitting nearly equal minutes with veteran forward Carter Gilmore.

     

    Winter played just over 21 minutes per game this season. But, with Gilmore now gone, Winter will likely see a significant increase in playing time, potentially closer to 30 minutes per game. More minutes will naturally lead to more opportunities to contribute on both ends of the floor.

     

    Efficiency was one of Winter’s strengths as a freshman. He shot 56.4 percent from the field and 35 percent from beyond the arc, showcasing a rare ability to stretch the floor as a big man. That versatility is exactly what Wisconsin’s evolving offensive system needs.

     

    Head coach Greg Gard and assistant coach Kirk Penney made a noticeable shift in the team’s offensive strategy last season, emphasizing perimeter shooting and offensive spacing. The result? A record-breaking year in terms of points scored and offensive efficiency for the program.

     

    Winter fits this new system perfectly. As a seven-footer who can shoot from deep, he forces defenses to guard him on the perimeter, which opens up lanes for others and helps keep the offense flowing.

     

    Wisconsin’s offensive identity is becoming more dynamic and guard-driven, and the additions of transfer point guard Nick Boyd and forward Andrew Rohde only add to that vision. Both players are strong ball-handlers and capable scorers who can drive into the paint and kick the ball out to open shooters.

     

    With three interchangeable guards who can penetrate and create, Winter will benefit from a steady stream of catch-and-shoot opportunities from beyond the arc. One of his weaknesses has been his weight and post scoring, but Winter has continually gotten bigger and stronger each season and will get opportunities in the post as well, giving him even more chances to score.

     

    Winter’s ability to hit outside shots, finish inside, rebound, and defend multiple positions gives him the tools to be one of the most improved players in the Big Ten. If he continues to build on the confidence and momentum from his freshman and sophomore years, Nolan Winter won’t just be a reliable starter—he’ll be a focal point of Wisconsin’s offense in 2025–26.

  • Florida football lands two more OL commitments for 2026 class

    Florida football lands two more OL commitments for 2026 class

     

     

    Florida football picked up its 11th and 12th commitments for the 2026 class, landing a pledges from three-star offensive tackle Javarii Luckas and three-star offensive tackle Tyler Chukuyem on June 16.

     

    The 6-foot-5, 305-pound Luckas, from Glades Central High in Belle Glade, chose the Florida Gators over offers from USF, West Virginia, FIU and Florida Atlantic. Per 247 Sports, Luckas is rated as the 97th-best offensive tackle in the 2026 class.

     

    Chukuyem (6-6, 290) is a three-star recruit from Douglasville, Ga., rated as the 36th-best tackle and 554th-best prospect in the 2026 class. He chose Florida over offers from Florida State, Cincinnati, Ole Miss and Appalachian State.

     

    Luckas joins St. Pete Lakewood offensive lineman Chancellor Campbell and IMG Academy guard G’Nivre Carr as the third and fourth offensive line commitments in UF’s 2026 class.

     

    Under offensive line coach Rob Sale, Florida has produced two offensive line All-Americans in three seasons ― right guard O’Cyrus Torrence (2022) and center Jake Slaughter (2024). UF returns four starters, including Slaughter, on its offensive line for the 2025 season.

     

    Luckas took his official visit to UF on May 30. Here’s more information about him, courtesy of of Gannett Florida’s USA Today recruiting database:

     

    Javarii Luckas

    School: Glades Central

     

    Commitment: Florida

     

    Height, Weight: 6-5, 305 pounds

     

    2024 Stats: 10 pancake blocks, 1 tackle (MaxPreps)

     

    USA Today Florida Network Star Rating: 3 ★★★

     

    USA Today Florida Network grade: 84.25

     

    247Sports Composite: N/A

     

    Scouting report: Luckas is a project of a prospect. His size is undeniable, but his strength, movement, and technique are not to the level of his peers yet. The foundations are there, but he struggles to handle even smaller defenders and takes a while to generate momentum from his base.

     

    This story was updated with new information.

     

    Kevin Brockway is The Gainesville Sun’s Florida beat writer. Contact him at kbrockway@gannett.com. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1. Read his coverage of the Gators’ national championship basketball season in “CHOMP-IONS!” — a hardcover coffee-table collector’s book from The Sun. Details at Florida.ChampsBook.com

  • 8 Detroit Lions players with the most to prove in training camp and preseason in 2025

    8 Detroit Lions players with the most to prove in training camp and preseason in 2025

    Detroit Lions training camp is still over a month away, but the positional battles and roster competitions are already taking shape. After offseason workouts and the recent OTAs, as well as a spate of new signings and draft picks, several holdovers from the 2024 Lions face new challenges to keep their roles in 2025.

    These Lions have the most to prove in the coming training camp and preseason to ensure their roles, or even their place on the 53-man roster in some cases. They are listed in alphabetical order.

    Graham Glasgow

    Glasgow has an incredible range of potential outcomes for the 2025 season. The veteran could very well win the starting center job, replacing long-time running mate Frank Ragnow. Glasgow could also seize the right guard competition over a host of aspirants. The 33-year-old (in July) has the veteran presence and experience on his side.

    However, the Glasgow who played as Detroit’s starting left guard from about Week 10 on through the playoff loss to Washington isn’t fit to start. Whether it was injury, fatigue, a loss of range or a motley stew of those factors, No. 60’s play fell off precipitously as 2024 progressed.

    Glasgow has earned the benefit of the doubt and the right to be considered a starter until proven otherwise…but the Lions aren’t going to give him the job unless he actually proves it. With Ragnow gone, Glasgow’s experience and contract through 2026 appear to make him safely on the 53-man roster as a versatile interior reserve, albeit an expensive one.

    However, they drafted college RGs Tate Ratledge (who has played center all offseason) and Miles Frazier, brought in former Cardinals starter Trystan Colon and still have holdovers Kayode Awosika, Colby Sorsdal (more on him in a bit) and Kinglsey Eguakun, who coach Dan Campbell cited as one of the biggest winners of the spring sessions.

    Hendon Hooker

    The 2023 third-round quarterback got a pass in his rookie season as he recovered from a knee injury suffered late in his final season at Tennessee. Last summer was Hooker’s first real taste of the NFL, and while he showed some potential, Hooker didn’t exactly assuage fears about his ability to adjust to the more complex and fast-moving NFL after playing in a simplistic college offense.

    Detroit brought Teddy Bridgewater out of retirement to back up Jared Goff in the postseason. The organization’s explanation of wanting an experienced presence in reserve certainly holds water.

    The move to bring in a viable competitor for the No 2 spot in vet Kyle Allen should be seen as an indication that Hooker needs to show more heading into his third NFL season, although just his second healthy offseason. With a new OC and passing game coordinator making some tweaks to the offense, Hooker will need to adapt quickly. Allen is a much more viable challenger than David Blough, Nate Sudfeld or Jake Fromm have been to Hooker in Detroit.

    Brodric Martin

    Martin was something of a surprise as a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Coming out of Western Kentucky, the burly Martin was a developmental nose tackle with intriguing size and athleticism.

    Thus far, the Lions have seen very little return on their developmental investment with Martin. He’s struggled with injuries and pad level in his two seasons, playing just 53 defensive snaps in five career games. For Martin, it’s time to show more than just athletic potential. Detroit signed veteran Roy Lopez to bolster the DT depth with DJ Reader, and first-round pick Tyleik Williams can also plug the A-gap. The affable Martin will need a strong summer to stick on the initial 53-man roster in 2025.

    Trevor Nowaske

    Nowaske enters his third summer in Detroit in a position where his Lions career can go sharply in either direction.

    His transition from D-II off-ball LB to NFL SAM backer, which in Detroit involves a lot of pass rush responsibility, has shown promise–but not enough to ensure his long-term presence. His two sacks and INT in 2024 showed some playmaking panache, but there were also instances where Nowaske got stuck on blocks or was a half-count late to read and react to the play.

    If the recognition and reaction quickness step up, Nowaske has more than enough athleticism to hang as Derrick Barnes’ backup at SAM and even get on the field with him in packages. Nowaske, a local product, has done well on special teams, too. However, Detroit brought in vets Grant Stuard and Zach Cunningham this offseason, who have shown more on defense in their careers. When given a shot during last year’s injury-ravaged Detroit season, Nowaske wasn’t as impactful as hoped, other than in small doses.

    If those doses ramp up, Nowaske can be an integral depth piece. If not, he could be destined for the practice squad/weekly promotion carousel–if he doesn’t get poached by another team. That, of course, happened in his rookie season when the Arizona Cardinals claimed him off waivers.

    Josh Paschal

    A second-round pick in 2022, Paschal came to Detroit from Kentucky as a versatile defensive lineman with the potential to make a dent as a pass rusher and a run defender from multiple alignments. Through his first three seasons, Paschal hasn’t had a lot to show for it, unfortunately: five sacks, 62 total tackles and two fumble recoveries–neither of which he forced the fumble.

    Injuries have been a constant issue for Paschal dating back to his college days. It’s hindered his all-around development. So has his lack of a true positional fit in former coordinator Aaron Glenn’s defense.

    Paschal was not big enough to play inside, not quick enough or athletic enough to play EDGE. New coordinator Kelvin Sheppard presents a fresh chance for Paschal to prove himself and seize the opportunity to capitalize on a fresh start. Entering the final season of his rookie contract, Paschal needs to find a true role and stay on the field full-time to make that happen.

    Ennis Rakestraw

    Rakestraw has generated a lot of positive momentum during the spring. The second-year cornerback earned public praise from coaches and teammates throughout OTAs, notably new Lions CB DJ Reed. It’s a good start for Detroit’s second-round pick in 2024 after a rookie season lost to multiple injuries.

    The opportunity is there for Rakestraw to seize the No. 3 outside CB role, behind Reed and 2024 first-rounder Terrion Arnold. It won’t be handed to Rakestraw, however.

    He’ll need to stay healthy and fend off vets Rock Ya-Sin and Khalil Dorsey, who is a proven special teams asset. Rakestraw has a high ceiling in coverage and his willingness in run support is appealing, no doubt about it. It behooves him to stay on the field and show his talents and developmental arc. He has a real chance to make a big step in his second year.

    Colby Sorsdal

    Another recent developmental draft pick that hasn’t exacty panned out in the first two seasons, Sorsdal enters his third year in Detroit still in search of a position on the Lions offensive line. A tackle at William & Mary, Sorsdal has bounced between tackle and guard with minimal success thus far. Sorsdal started two games at guard as a rookie in injury-related duty, then didn’t play an offensive snap after sliding back to reserve tackle in 2024.

    During the recent OTAs, Sorsdal was seen playing some center–even before Frank Ragnow’s retirement.

    He appears to have lost the developmental tackle role to Giovanni Manu, and the Lions have drafted three collegiate guards and vet Trystan Colon in the last two offseasons to bolster the guard ranks, which still also includes Kayode Awosika and Netane Muti (and perhaps Kingsley Eguakun). This could be Sorsdal’s last chance to prove he can be a Lion. Expect him to fight firecely for it, and the potential is there for Sorsdal to win a job, too.

    Loren Strickland

    Last season’s undrafted rookie safety made the initial 53-man roster after impressing with his hard-hitting, relentless style. Strickland was good enough to stick on the active roster until December, but he never played a snap on defense. While he did play on special teams in seven games, Strickland didn’t stand out on the punt or kick units.

    Detroit drafted a longer, faster version of Strickland in Dan Jackson in the seventh round. While draft pedigree alone won’t decide a spot, it would make for an interesting tie-breaker in a battle for the No. 4 (and No. 5 if the Lions keep five) safety behind Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph and Avonte Maddox.

    With Morice Norris, Ian Kennelly and Erick Hallett all being more coverage-oriented safeties and with similar special teams potential, Strickland is on the spot to prove the Lions need him as an extra strong/box safety.

  • Motocross 2025 450 results, highlights, finish at High Point: Jett Lawrence wins overall, Eli Tomac Moto 2

    Motocross 2025 450 results, highlights, finish at High Point: Jett Lawrence wins overall, Eli Tomac Moto 2

     

    Jett Lawrence and Eli Tomac split the motos at High Point Raceway in Mount Morris, Pennsylvania, but a dominant performance in the first race by Jett as Tomac struggled made the difference in the overall. Jett scored his fourth Motocross win of the season and continues to race virtually unchallenged in the outdoor series.

     

    The Moto 2 gate drop and rain fell at the same time, which did what the riders have been unable to. Challenged by conditions, Jett tiptoed through the first corner and was running as low as 10th on Lap 1. He slowly worked his way through the field until he found his comfort level and then methodically picked off the competition. Persistent roost in the first seven laps forced Jett to use all of his tear-offs with a quarter of the scheduled distance remaining. That might have required him to pull into the pits for a goggle change, had it not been for a red flag that waved with seven minutes still on the clock.

     

    Jett moved into the third position with one lap to spare, and combined with his Moto 1 win, he scored the overall victory by one point. Jett finished four seconds ahead of Aaron Plessinger and 12 seconds ahead of Justin Cooper, so his third-place result might have been in question if he was forced to pit.

     

     

    Jett’s good fortune was bad for his brother Hunter Lawrence. Finishing second in both motos, Hunter had enough points to score the overall victory until the final credited lap, when Jett passed Plessinger to score one point more than Hunter. After finishing fifth in the Hangtown Motocross Classic and the Thunder Valley Nationals, Hunter was undoubtedly pleased to be back on the podium.

     

    Tomac rocketed to the lead as the rain fell on Moto 2 and rode unchallenged until lightning shortened the race. His fifth-place finish in the first moto came back to haunt him in the overall, especially when he reflected on finishing one second out of third. With those two positions, Tomac would have scored the overall on a tiebreaker. This is the same podium fans saw in the season opener at Fox Raceway.

     

    Relive Moto 1

    Plessinger kept his streak of moto top-fives alive with a third-place result in Moto 1 and fourth in Moto 2. He took the lead in the first race when Jett stalled his bike, but lost pace in the closing laps after pressing hard to keep up with Jett.

     

    Cooper also swept the top five in his two High Point races with results of fourth in Moto 1 and fifth in Moto 2. If he continues to put himself in a position to win, he could capitalize if Jett ever stumbles.

     

    Here are the 450 Motocross results, lap times, and points standings after Round 4 at High Point in Mount Morris, Pennsylvania:

     

    Here is the finishing order of Round 4 in High Point (points earners):

     

    1. Jett Lawrence, Honda [1-3]

    2. Hunter Lawrence, Honda [2-2]

    3. Eli Tomac, Yamaha [5-1]

    4. Aaron Plessinger, KTM [3-4]

    5. Justin Cooper, Yamaha [4-5]

    6. Joey Savatgy, Honda [8-6]

    7. Jason Anderson, Kawasaki [7-7]

    8. RJ Hampshire, Husqvarna [6-8]

    9. Coty Schock, Yamaha [10-9]

    10. Cooper Webb, Yamaha [9-11]

    11. Benoit Paturel, Suzuki [11-10]

    12. Colt Nichols, Suzuki [13-12]

    13. Mitchell Harrison, Kawasaki [14-14]

    14. Valentin Guillod, Yamaha [17-13]

    15. Grant Harlan, Yamaha [15-16]

    16. Harri Kullas, Husqvarna [16-18]

    17. Jorge Prado, Kawasaki [12-23]

    18. Freddie Noren, Kawasaki [18-17]

    19. Bryson Gardner, Beta [24-15]

    20. Brad West, Yamaha [40-19]

    21. Lorenzo Locurcio, GasGas [21-20]

    22. Jeremy Hand, Honda [20-21]

    23. Romain Pape, Yamaha [19-36]

     

     

  • 4-star WR returning to Madison this week after official visit two weeks ago

    4-star WR returning to Madison this week after official visit two weeks ago

    The Badgers got some good news regarding their top receiver target in the 2026 class.

     

    The Wisconsin Badgers got a big boost to their 2026 recruiting class on Sunday, when four-star wide receiver Zion Legree committed to the program.

     

    Now, they could be looking to cap off the room with another major addition, as four-star wide receiver Jayden Petit is headed to campus once again, this time for an unofficial visit.

     

    Petit was in Madison during the weekend of June 6th for his official visit, and he’ll stop by for a midweek unofficial visit on Monday and Tuesday, according to 247Sports’s Nick Osen.

     

    It’s big news for the Badgers, who have been looking for three receivers in their 2026 class. Petit may be the biggest of them all. The four-star is getting significant interest elsewhere, as Oklahoma got an official visit during the last weekend of May, while North Carolina had theirs this week, and Missouri is up next weekend.

     

    But, Wisconsin has clearly made its mark on the Florida native, as the 6’4, 195-pound wideout would be a great fit on the outside for the Badgers. Petit could be Wisconsin’s biggest receiver recruit over the past few years, ranking just outside the top-200 in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports.

     

    Wisconsin also has three-star wide receiver Tayshon Bardo in their 2026 class, so Petit would be the third addition alongside Zion Legree.

     

    If the Badgers can wrap things up this week, that would be a big boost to their growing 2026 recruiting class. But, regardless, they seem to be in a good spot for the Florida native heading into the latter half of June.

  • Arsenal would lose Bukayo Saka for just £20.3m with new FIFA transfer rule suggestio

    Arsenal would lose Bukayo Saka for just £20.3m with new FIFA transfer rule suggestio

     

    Arsenal will be sweating over the future of Bukayo Saka if a proposed FIFA transfer rule change comes into effect in the near future.

     

    The England international has just two years remaining on his contract at the Emirates Stadium, putting pressure on the club to agree a new deal.

     

    Bukayo Saka has been in talks with Arsenal over a contract extension, as sporting director Andrea Berta looks to deal with the situation before it is out of his control.

     

    If the Gunners aren’t quick, then they could face a fresh problem in the near future.

     

    A potential FIFA rule change could well impact Arsenal and Bukayo Saka, depending on if it comes into action.

     

    Bukayo Saka reacts during Arsenal vs PSG

     

    Bukayo Saka would leave for just £20.3million if FIFA contract rule change goes through

    While Arsenal are looking to seal the long-term future of Bukayo Saka at the club, any delay could be costly if the rules change.

     

    That’s because, according to The Sun, FIFA could be forced to introduce a rule where players can buy the rest of their contract value out.

     

    Transfer fees could be scrapped, due to EU laws surrounding contracts and employment, which could throw the ecosystem of football transfers into chaos.

     

     

    It would put a larger value on the length and cost of the overall contract, with the report claiming that Saka’s deal is worth £10.15 million per year, meaning his deal could be bought out for just £20.3 million if it was to go through this summer.

     

    Fortunately for Arsenal, it seems extremely unlikely to go through any time soon, let alone this summer.

     

    It means the Gunners have time to get their contract situation under control, with Saka being a key part of the plan going forward.

     

    Arsenal contract situation is key to the future

    With a relatively young squad still at Mikel Arteta’s disposal, it’s clear that tying down those key players to a long-term contract is important.

     

    Gabriel Magalhaes has already extended his deal with the Gunners, but there are more players to consider beyond him and Saka.

     

    Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli are present and future prospects who have dwindling deals that must be addressed.

     

    If the landscape of football transfers changes again, then it’s down to Arsenal to have their best players on longer deals.

  • Richardson, Alfred and Jefferson Set for Thrilling 100m Rematch

    Richardson, Alfred and Jefferson Set for Thrilling 100m Rematch

     

    Julien Alfred defeated Sha’Carri Richardson and Melissa Jefferson to clinch Olympic 100m gold in Paris i Julien Alfred defeated Sha’Carri Richardson and Melissa Jefferson to clinch Olympic 100m gold in Paris.

    Tha Paris Olympic podium finishers of Julien Alfred, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Melissa Jefferson are set for a thrillling rematch.

    Nearly ten months after Julien Alfred’s stunning 10.72-second victory in the women’s 100m final at the Paris Olympics, a highly anticipated rematch is on the horizon.

     

    Alfred, the 24-year-old Saint Lucian sprinter, will face off against Sha’Carri Richardson and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, the silver and bronze medalists from that memorable night in Paris, at the Nike Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon on July 5.

     

    Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

     

    Our Athletes Deserve Better – Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s Coach Slams Grand Slam Track Cancellation

     

    Sha’Carri Richardson vs Julien Alfred

    Melissa Jefferson won 100m bronze medal behind Sha’Carri Richardson and Julien Alfred at the Paris Olympic Games

    Since their Olympic showdown, the trio haven’t competed together.

     

    Alfred and Richardson have raced twice, splitting the wins as Alfred holds a 4-3 head-to-head advantage over Richardson and a commanding 5-0 lead over Jefferson-Wooden, although they haven’t met since the Olympics.

     

    Richardson had announced her participation earlier this year, and Jefferson-Wooden, fresh off a win in Philadelphia, recently joined the lineup, setting the stage for a rematch of the Olympic podium.

     

     

    Athletics Kenya Justifies Hosting Trials for World Championships in the US

    The competition is expected to be fierce, with Jefferson-Wooden currently holding the world lead at 10.73 seconds.

     

    Alfred’s recent performance in Stockholm demonstrates her excellent form, while Richardson will be looking to regain her peak performance after a slower time of 11.47 seconds in May.

     

    Richardson Eying Redemption on Familiar Ground

    Sha’Carri Richardson

    Sha’Carri Richardson won the 2023 world 100m world title in Budapest

    The Prefontaine Classic holds significance for both Richardson and Alfred as they previously raced at the event in 2024, with Richardson taking the victory.

     

    Richardson has a history of strong performances at Hayward Field, including a fourth-place finish in 2023 and a memorable, albeit disappointing, return to competition in 2021.

     

    The Prefontaine Classic has been a witness to Richardson’s journey, marked by both triumphs and setbacks.

     

    This year’s event could provide the platform for a powerful statement as she faces off against Alfred and Jefferson-Wooden in what promises to be a thrilling race.

     

    Harambee Starlets Coach Plots Next Move After Commanding CECAFA Opener Against Burundi

  • Lions rookie DT Tyleik Williams appears to have already changed his jersey number

    Lions rookie DT Tyleik Williams appears to have already changed his jersey number

     

    Back during rookie minicamp, Detroit Lions first-round pick Tyleik Williams was wearing number 78. When asked why he was sporting that number—something he didn’t wear in college—it was pretty clear he didn’t want to rock 78.

     

    “Trying to get 91, but it’s already taken,” Williams said. “But hopefully, I can get out of 78. I don’t want (it), but right now, it’s 78. Now, I’m going to stick with it, make it look good. But for right now, that’s my number.”

     

    The problem for Williams is that veteran defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike is currently sporting the number 91—Williams’ number he wore at Ohio State. However, it appears he won’t be wearing it for long.

     

    Williams posted on his Instagram a text from someone telling him that his number has been officially changed to 91—suggesting Onwuzurike gave it up.

     

     

    As of right now, it’s unclear what number Onwuzurike is taking. He has previously worn 75 with the Lions, but that is currently taken by Colby Sorsdal. In college, he wore 95 (currently held by Pat O’Connor) and No. 9 (Ennis Rakestraw). There aren’t a lot of numbers available with the roster at 90 players, but some currently vacant options include 79, 77 (don’t do it), and 56. During the offseason, teams are allowed one set of duplicate numbers, so it’s possible Onwuzurike is still sporting the 91… for now.

     

    Typically, when there is an exchange for numbers, there is a certain amount of compensation involved. We’ll have to see what Tyleik Williams had to offer Onwuzurike to give up his newly acquired jersey number.

  • West Virginia Football Lands Another 2026 Commit Following Official Campus Visit

    West Virginia Football Lands Another 2026 Commit Following Official Campus Visit

    The WVU offensive line shields quarterback Nicco Marchiol during the 2024 season matchup against Arizona. If you weren’t aware, you might think WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez had some help from Swiper, the sneaky character from Dora the Explorer. That’s because the Mountaineers have pulled off a number of recruiting flips lately, including commitments from Noah Tishendorf and Antoine Sharp. Now, they’ve added another surprise: Class of 2026 offensive lineman Camden Goforth has switched his commitment to West Virginia.

    Goforth, a three-star lineman out of McMinn County High School in Tennessee, received his offer from WVU in May and described his reaction as “pure excitement.” However, just a few days later, he committed to Coastal Carolina on June 2.

    Despite that commitment, Goforth honored a previously scheduled official visit to Morgantown this past weekend, as reported by Jeff Cobb of Blue Gold News. That visit clearly made an impression, as Goforth publicly announced his flip to WVU before the end of his trip.

    “I can’t even explain how thrilled I am. This is a huge moment for me,” Goforth said in an interview with Rivals prior to the visit. “West Virginia has always been high on my list, and now it’s real. That means a lot.”

    WVU was one of just two Power 4 schools to offer Goforth, with NC State being the other. Goforth had an official visit to NC State set for June 20, though it remains to be seen whether he still plans to attend. He also made an unofficial trip to Louisville in March.

    The Mountaineers aren’t done yet, either — they’re now trying to flip Texas Tech commit Aaron as their next target.

  • Reports suggest the Lakers are showing interest in a top-tier shot blocker.

    Reports suggest the Lakers are showing interest in a top-tier shot blocker.

    Lakers Could Pursue Walker Kessler as Long-Term Big Man Option
    The Los Angeles Lakers are in search of a stable, long-term solution at the center position. Luka Doncic thrives alongside rim-running bigs who can finish lobs, but he can also flourish with a tough, physical presence in the paint.

    General Manager Rob Pelinka is expected to explore numerous possibilities to find a center capable of solidifying the Lakers’ interior. As reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin on ESPN Radio 700, Los Angeles is still “intrigued” by Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler.

    “The only thing I’ve heard… is that Walker Kessler continues to be a name the Lakers are interested in,” McMenamin noted. “Last season, the Jazz’s demands were too high, and those trade talks fell through when the Lakers decided to redirect their assets into the Luka deal. That took the Kessler conversation off the table. If those talks start again, he’s still viewed as a potential solution at center. I’m not saying a trade is imminent or anything is heating up, but he’s still on the Lakers’ list.”

    Kessler, age 23, put up 11.1 points and 12.2 rebounds per game last season. He connected on 66.3% of his field goals, but his free-throw percentage was low at just 52%. Though not known for high-flying plays, he can still be a force around the basket playing next to stars like Doncic and LeBron James.

    Kessler Would Be a Bold Move for L.A.
    Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes recently described Kessler as an “ambitious” trade candidate for the Lakers.

    “Walker Kessler has placed in the 95th percentile or higher in block rate among centers each of his first three years,” Hughes wrote. “That elite rim protection could completely reshape a Lakers squad that ranked 21st in blocks per 100 possessions and 25th in opponent field goal percentage at the rim last season.”

    Hughes added:

    “Besides providing top-tier defense for a team lacking a true starting center, Kessler also adds value on offense with his 4.6 offensive rebounds per game and elite lob-finishing ability.”

    With Austin Ainge now serving as the Utah Jazz’s new President of Basketball Operations, it’s unlikely he’ll part with one of the franchise’s top young talents. For Pelinka to land Kessler, he’ll need to get aggressive and creative; otherwise, the Lakers might need to consider other options.

    Brook Lopez a More Realistic Short-Term Fit
    Should the Lakers fail to acquire Kessler, they may seek a more temporary answer. Brook Lopez could be that player. The veteran big man, originally from Los Angeles, will hit the open market this summer as an unrestricted free agent.

    Though Lopez isn’t as quick as he once was, he remains a dependable shooter and rim protector. Last season, he logged 13 points, 5 boards, 1.8 assists, and 1.9 blocks over 80 games. He also shot 37.3% from three on 4.7 attempts per contest and made 63.6% of his two-point tries. Lopez previously played with the Lakers during the 2017-18 campaign.

    A reunion with the Lakers could be a logical fit for both Lopez and the team—especially as a short-term fix.