PHOENIX — In one of the most tumultuous days in the Major League Baseball Players’ Association’s proud history, union chief Tony Clark resigned after an internal investigation revealed an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law – a union employee – with players debating later in the day who should take over his job on an interim basis.

The union had a conference call with their 30 player representatives and eight executive council members to discuss Clark’s forced resignation and vote on whether Bruce Meyer, the union’s lead negotiator, should be his replacement. While the executive council expressed support for Meyer, there was pushback from at least three different players on the call who opposed Meyer, according to one player, and no vote was taken.

The players are scheduled to convene again Wednesday on a conference call after player representatives are able to speak to their teammates, with the executive council expected to push for a vote. If Meyer is not approved, the union could promote an attorney from its general counsel for a vote taken of players. Meyer would be asked to remain as their lead negotiator with the collective bargaining agreement set to expire Dec. 1.

Meanwhile, after the union postponed its first spring training meetings with the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago White Sox on Tuesday, Meyer and union officials are scheduled to meet at 10:30 a.m. ET Wednesday with Kansas City Royals players. Meyer is expected to address the media after speaking to the players.

Clark, who was cleared by the union’s internal investigation for handling its finances, still faces a federal investigation by the Eastern District of New York. The federal investigation uncovered the relationship between Clark and his wife’s sister, who has worked at the union’s Scottsdale, Arizona, office since it opened in 2023. She earned $83,101 in 2023 and $96,524 in 2024, according to union financial statements.

The union issued a release late Tuesday night confirming Clark’s resignation, but did not specify the reason, saying only that their union staff, outside counsel and players had discussed the next steps.

“As always, the players remain focused on their ongoing preparations for collective bargaining this year,’ the statement read. “The strength of this union is – and will always be – the solidarity of our membership. We have a long history of fighting for the rights of every player, and we’re committed to making sure we can continue that fight successfully.’

Several members of the executive subcommittee, speaking to reporters Tuesday, insisted that Clark’s departure would not leave the union in disarray as they’re about to embark on negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. The owners are expected to seek a salary cap like the other three major sports, while the union is vehemently opposed to even discussing the concept.

“I don’t think it has any impact on negotiating,” Detroit Tigers Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, a member of the subcommittee, told reporters in Lakeland, Florida. “Bruce has been our lead negotiator. He’s done it in the past. Although Tony has been the face of the PA in terms of negotiating, I’m still as confident as ever in Bruce and everyone else that we’ve got behind him.”

Follow Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale

Sweden is 2-0 against the USA in the NHL era of the Winter Olympics.

The United States will try to change that history when it faces Sweden (3:10 p.m. ET, NBC, Peacock) in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, Feb. 18.

Sweden defeated the USA 4-2 in 1998 in the first Olympics to use NHL players and it also won in 2006 on its way to a gold medal.

The USA is the higher seed in 2026 in the NHL’s first Olympics participation since 2014. The Americans finished 3-0 in the preliminary round and earned a bye to the quarterfinals. Those wins came against teams with fewer NHL players, so Sweden will be the United States’ toughest opponent to date.

Sweden lost to NHL-stocked Finland in the round robin and is playing on back-to-back days. It beat Latvia 5-1 in the qualification round, the same score as the USA’s win over the Latvians.

Which team will advance to the semifinals? USA TODAY Network staffers weigh in:

Watch USA vs. Sweden men’s hockey on Peacock

Mike Brehm, USA TODAY

USA 4, Sweden 2: The Americans are getting balanced scoring and played a near-perfect game against Germany, shutting down superstar Leon Draisaitl and getting two goals from Auston Matthews. Sweden will be a tougher test, but the Americans’ depth and goaltending will get the job done.

Kevin Skiver, USA TODAY

USA 5, Sweden 3: Though the Swedes managed to find life against Latvia in the qualification playoff round – helped along by Gabriel Landeskog and Lucas Raymond – long flat stretches plagued them throughout the preliminary round. The United States have also looked slow on the ice at times, but the scores haven’t reflected it to date. Ultimately, talent wins out and Team USA manages to find the net enough to move past Sweden with relative ease, but not without wishing for more from its top players ahead of the semifinals.

Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press

USA 5, Sweden 3: The USA has the better goaltending and overall depth in general, so expect the Americans to advance to the semifinals. This should be the best test of their tournament so far, though the Swedes haven’t looked as good as they arguably should given the stars on their roster.

Athletes from more than 90 countries will compete for Winter Olympic medals in 116 events over 16 days, and USA TODAY is keeping a tally of every nation finishing on the podium. Here’s a look at the latest medal standings on the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 18, as well as when each medal event will take place.

USA TODAY Sports has a team of more than a dozen journalists on the ground in Italy to bring you behind the scenes with Team USA and keep you up to date with every medal win, big moment and triumphant finish. Get our Chasing Gold newsletter in your inbox every morning and join our WhatsApp channel to get the latest updates right in your texts.

Broadcast coverage of the 2026 Milano Cortino Winter Olympics is airing exclusively airing across NBC’s suite of networks with many competitions airing live on its streaming service, Peacock, which you can sign up for here.

What is the medal count at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics?

All data accurate as of Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at 8:19 a.m.

Meet Team USA 2026: Get to know the athletes behind the games

• 1. Norway: 32 Total (15 Gold, 8 Silver, 9 Bronze)
• 2. Italy: 25 Total (9 Gold, 4 Silver, 12 Bronze)
• 3. United States: 23 Total (6 Gold, 11 Silver, 6 Bronze)
• 4. Germany: 21 Total (5 Gold, 8 Silver, 8 Bronze)
• 5. Japan: 19 Total (4 Gold, 5 Silver, 10 Bronze)
• 6. Austria: 17 Total (5 Gold, 8 Silver, 4 Bronze)
• 7. France: 16 Total (5 Gold, 7 Silver, 4 Bronze)
• 8. Netherlands: 13 Total (6 Gold, 6 Silver, 1 Bronze)
• 8. Sweden: 13 Total (6 Gold, 5 Silver, 2 Bronze)
• 10. Canada: 12 Total (3 Gold, 4 Silver, 5 Bronze)
• 11. Switzerland: 11 Total (5 Gold, 3 Silver, 3 Bronze)
• 12. China: 7 Total (1 Gold, 3 Silver, 3 Bronze)
• 12. South Korea: 6 Total (1 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze)
• 14. Australia: 5 Total (3 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze)
• 15. Czech Republic: 4 Total (2 Gold, 2 Silver, 0 Bronze)
• 16. Slovenia: 4 Total (2 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze)
• 17. Poland: 4 Total (0 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze)
• 18. Finland: 4 Total (0 Gold, 0 Silver, 4 Bronze)
• 19. Great Britain: 3 Total (3 Gold, 0 Silver, 0 Bronze)
• 20. Latvia: 2 Total (0 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze)
• 21. New Zealand: 2 Total (0 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze)
• 22. Bulgaria: 2 Total (0 Gold, 0 Silver, 2 Bronze)
• 23. Brazil: 1 Total (1 Gold, 0 Silver, 0 Bronze)
• 24. Kazakhstan: 1 Total (1 Gold, 0 Silver, 0 Bronze)
• 25. Georgia: 1 Total (0 Gold, 1 Silver, 0 Bronze)
• 26. Belgium: 1 Total (0 Gold, 0 Silver, 1 Bronze)

2026 Winter Olympics medal events schedule

Feb. 13

• CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: Men’s 10km Interval Start Free
• SNOWBOARDING: Women’s Cross Final
• SPEED SKATING: Men’s 10000m
• FIGURE SKATING: Men’s Free Skate
• SNOWBOARDING: Men’s Halfpipe Final
• SKELETON: Men’s Heat 4

Feb. 14

• FREESTYLE SKIING: Women’s Dual Moguls Final
• CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: Women’s 4×7.5km Relay
• ALPINE SKIING: Men’s Giant Slalom Final
• BIATHLON: Women’s 7.5km Sprint
• SPEED SKATING: Men’s 500m
• SKELETON: Women’s Final
• SKI JUMPING: Men’s Large Hill
• SHORT TRACK: Men’s 1500m

Feb. 15

• BIATHLON: Men’s 12.5km Pursuit
• FREESTYLE SKIING: Men’s Dual Moguls Final
• CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: Men’s 4×7.5km Relay
• ALPINE SKIING: Women’s Giant Slalom
• SNOWBOARDING: Mixed Team Cross Final
• BIATHLON: Women’s 10km Pursuit
• SPEED SKATING: Women’s 500m
• SKELETON: Mixed Team
• SKI JUMPING: Women’s Large Hill

Feb. 16

• SHORT TRACK: Women’s 1000m
• ALPINE SKIING: Men’s Slalom
• FIGURE SKATING: Pair Skating Free Skate
• FREESTYLE SKIING: Women’s Big Air Final
• SKI JUMPING: Men’s Super Team Final Round
• BOBSLED: Women’s Singles

Feb. 17

• NORDIC COMBINED: Large Hill/10km: 10km
• SNOWBOARDING: Women’s Slopestyle Final
• BIATHLON: Men’s 4×7.5km Relay
• SPEED SKATING: Men’s, Women’s Team Pursuit Finals
• BOBSLED: Men’s Doubles

Feb. 18

• CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: Women’s, Men’s Team Sprint Free Final
• FREESTYLE SKIING: Women’s Aerials Final
• SNOWBOARDING: Men’s Slopestyle Final
• ALPINE SKIING: Women’s Slalom
• BIATHLON: Women’s 4x6km Relay
• SHORT TRACK: Women’s 3000m Relay
• SHORT TRACK: Men’s 500m

Feb. 19

• FREESTYLE SKIING: Men’s Aerials Final
• SKI MOUNTAINEERING: Women’s, Men’s Sprint
• NORDIC COMBINED: Team Sprint/Large Hill 2×7.5km
• ICE HOCKEY: Women’s Final
• SPEED SKATING: Men’s 1500m
• FIGURE SKATING: Women’s Free Skate

Feb. 20

• FREESTYLE SKIING: Women’s Cross Final
• BIATHLON: Men’s 15km Mass Start
• SPEED SKATING: Women’s 1500m
• CURLING: Men’s Bronze Medal Game
• FREESTYLE SKIING: Men’s Halfpipe Final
• SHORT TRACK: Men’s 5000m Relay Final
• SHORT TRACK: Women’s 1500m Final

Feb. 21

• CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: Men’s 50km Mass Start Classic
• FREESTYLE SKIING: Mixed Team Aerials Final
• FREESTYLE SKIING: Men’s Cross Final
• SKI MOUNTAINEERING: Mixed Relay
• CURLING: Men’s Gold Medal Game, Women’s Bronze Medal Game
• BIATHLON: Women’s 12.5km Mass Start
• SPEED SKATING: Men’s, Women’s Mass Start
• FREESTYLE SKIING: Women’s Halfpipe Final
• ICE HOCKEY: Men’s Bronze Medal Game
• BOBSLED: Women’s Doubles: Heat 4

Feb. 22

• CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: Women’s 50km Mass Start Classic
• CURLING: Women’s Gold Medal Game
• BOBSLED: Men’s Quads Final
• ICE HOCKEY: Men’s Gold Medal Game

MILAN — Entering the 2026 Winter Olympics, Team USA had only won four cross-country skiing medals in Olympic history. The Americans have nearly matched that in Milano Cortina alone after picking up another medal.

Team USA claimed silver in the men’s team sprint free on Wednesday. Ben Ogden and Gus Schumacher posted a time of 18:30.35 for the U.S. cross-country skiing team’s third podium finish after Jessie Diggins claimed bronze in the women’s 10km and Ogden won bronze in the individual sprint.

In team sprint, each pairing is made up of two athletes who alternate laps. In the final round, teams start at the same time and complete six total laps (three per team member). Whoever crosses the finish line first wins.

Ogden and Schumacher finished 1.37 seconds off the top pace of Norway. Italy claimed the bronze medal.

Norwegian sensation Johannes Høsflot Klæbo won another gold medal with partner Einar Hedegart with a time of 18:28.98. Klaebo has won gold in every men’s cross-country event so far at the 2026 Winter Games, with one more event to go. Klaebo improves to 10 total gold medals and joins Michael Phelps (23) as the only Olympians, Summer or Winter, to reach double-digit gold medals.

This silver medal is the second of the 2026 Games for Ogden. He also captured silver in the men’s sprint classic, finishing with a time of 3:40.61, less than a second behind Norwegian star Johannes Høsflot Klæbo. Norway’s Oskar Opstad Vike finished with the bronze medal with a time of 3:46.55.

Ogden’s silver in the classic sprint ended a nearly 50-year Olympic medal drought for the American men. He became just the second American man to win an Olympic cross-country skiing medal and the first to make the podium since Bill Koch captured silver in 30km at the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Olympics.

Now, Ogden and Schumacher have added another entry to the American history books.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news sfast—Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

The United States cricket squad’s run in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup has officially come to an end.

Following Pakistan’s victory over Namibia on Wednesday, Feb. 18, the U.S. was eliminated from the Group A standings, finishing in third place with a 2-2 record. It opened the tournament with back-to-back losses against India and Pakistan.

Team USA bounced back with wins over the Netherlands and Namibia. However, with India winning four matches and Pakistan three, the U.S. finished behind the two countries it lost to due to points in the standings and in the win column.

As the top two teams from each of the four groups advance to the Super 8 round ― the round the U.S. reached in the 2024 T20 World Cup ― Pakistan and India will play on, while Team USA returns home following a strong showing.

The Super 8 phase for the T20 World Cup 2026 begins on Feb. 21 and will conclude on March 1.

Here’s a look back at how Team USA performed in the 2026 T20 World Cup:

How did Team USA cricket perform in T20 World Cup?

• Feb. 7: India defeated the United States by 29 runs
• Feb. 10: Pakistan defeated the United States by 32 runs
• Feb. 13: United States defeated the Netherlands by 93 runs
• Feb. 15: United States defeated Namibia by 31 runs

The United States opened the tournament by giving India all it could handle, limiting the defending champions to a score of 161 with nine wickets in the full 20 overs. However, while the bowling did its job, the batting struggled against India’s strong bowling attack.

Against Pakistan, the final score made the match seem closer than it was, as the USA was never competitive after Pakistan posted a 190 score on the batting side. But until the final bowl, the United States hung around.

Following the back-to-back losses, Team USA had its best batting performances against the Netherlands and Namibia. The U.S. scored 196 in 20 overs and lost just six wickets vs. the Dutch, and then the bowling attack got the Netherlands all-out for 103 runs in 15.5 overs.

Against Namibia, the U.S. bested its highest score ever in the T20 World Cup two days after setting the record with a 199 score for the loss of just four wickets. The United States used the strong batting performance to pick up a 31-run win over Namibia to both help its net-run rate and keep itself alive in the tournament.

Top Team USA performers in T20 World Cup

Captain Monank Patel, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Saiteja Mukkamalla and Shubham Ranjane each recorded a run score of 50 in a T20 World Cup match. Patel and Krishnamurthi each scored 50s in the win over Namibia. Krishnamurthi had 68 off 33 balls in that match.

Mukkamalla recorded the highest single-game score of 79 runs off 51 balls in the USA’s win over the Netherlands, while Ranjane was the most consistent player with scores of 37 (off 22 balls), 51 (30) and 48 (24) over the first three games.

In the four games for the U.S., Shadley van Schalkwyk led the bowling attack with 13 wickets taken, with four-wicket performances against India and Pakistan. Harmeet Singh recorded seven wickets, while Mohammad Mohsin added four wickets.

USA cricket stats leaders

Most runs:

• 1. Shubham Ranjane, 141 runs
• 2. Sanjay Krishnamurthi, 106 runs
• T-3. Saiteja Mukkamalla, 98 runs
• T-3. Monank Patel, 91 runs

Most wickets:

• 1. Shadley van Schalkwyk, 13 wickets
• 2. Harmeet Singh, 7 wickets
• 3. Mohammad Mohsin, 4 wickets

Things got so bad during UCLA’s blowout road loss to Michigan State on Tuesday night that Bruins coach Mick Cronin apparently felt the need to eject one of his own players.

The incident occurred late in the second half of an eventual 82-59 loss on Feb. 17 when UCLA center Steven Jamerson II picked up a flagrant foul for hacking a Spartans player from behind on a dunk attempt.

Cronin explained afterward he didn’t appreciate Jamerson’s actions, especially coming with just 4:26 to go and the Bruins trailing 77-50.

‘I was thoroughly disappointed,’ Cronin told reporters after the game. ‘The guy was defenseless in the air. I know Steve was trying to block the shot, but the game’s a 25-point game. You don’t do that.’

Frustrations continue to mount for the Bruins, who lost to top-ranked Michigan by 30 points on Saturday after entering the weekend winning five of their last six.

Cronin also had a testy exchange with a reporter after the game. When asked about the Michigan State student section chanting the name of former Spartans player Xavier Booker − who transferred to UCLA last year after two underwhelming seasons in East Lansing − Cronin fired back angrily.

‘I would like to give you kudos for the worst question I’ve ever been asked,’ he said. ‘You really think I care about the other team’s student section?’

The loss dropped UCLA to 17-9 overall and 9-6 in the Big Ten. Michigan State improved to 21-5 and 11-4 in Big Ten play.

MILAN – USA goes into the quarterfinals of the men’s hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics with a distinct advantage. Two, actually.

The Americans are well rested after having two days between the preliminary round and the games on Feb. 18, which will decide who plays in the semifinals. But they’re also used to the 9:10 p.m. Italy time starts, which normall in the NHL would be around when the third period begins.

‘We just went through a stretch where we played three games in four nights,’ coach Mike Sullivan said. ‘We had a nine o’clock game every night. So guys weren’t getting to sleep very early. But I thought the guys played extremely hard. I thought the last game was our best against Germany, certainly our most complete on both sides of the puck. That’s the game that we’re trying to get to more consistently, and that’s the game you’re going to need to get to have success moving forward when the competition gets stiffer.’

The competition doesn’t get any stiffer than win or go home. USA plays Sweden, Canada plays Czechia, Slovakia plays Germany and Finland plays Switzerland.

There haven’t been any upsets so far, but Czechia hopes to change that despite losing to Canada 5-0 in its opener.

‘We let them win the first one because we knew that we’re not going to win two in a row against Canada,’ Martin Necas, who plays for the Colorado Avalanche, said jokingly.

Follow along for Olympic men’s hockey quarterfinal action as teams either win or go home:

Slovakia 6, Germany 2

The Germans, confident they were hitting their stride, stumbled instead, losing to plucky Slovakia, who went from group winner to Olympic semifinalist. The Slovakians, well-rested from having two days between games, made it 1-0 in the first period on a goal from Pavol Regenda. Slovakia really took over in the second period, with goals from Milos Kelemen and Oliver Okuliar 33 seconds apart early in the second period, prompting Germany to take a timeout. 

Dalibor Dvorsky furthered the damage to 4-0 before Lukas Reichel put Germany on the board.

Regenda scored again in the third period, and Frederik Tiffels edged Germany within three goals with 11 minutes to play. Tomas Tatar put his Slovaks back up by four with an empty-net goal with 3:27 to play.

The Germans looked tired from having played the previous day, needing to advance to the quarterfinals by beating France in a qualification game.

Olympic men’s hockey scores and schedule today

All times Eastern and accurate as of Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at 5:36 p.m.

• 6:10 a.m. – Slovakia vs. Germany, quarterfinals on Peacock
• 10:40 a.m. – Canada vs. Czechia, quarterfinals on USA, Peacock
• 12:10 p.m. – Finland vs. Switzerland, quarterfinals on Peacock
• 3:10 p.m. – USA vs. Sweden, quarterfinals on NBC, Peacock

Where to watch Olympic men’s hockey

Watch Olympic men’s hockey on Peacock

How the Olympics men’s hockey tournament works

The 12 teams are divided into three groups. They are:

• Group A: Canada, Switzerland, Czechia, France
• Group B: Finland, Sweden, Slovakia, Italy
• Group C: USA, Germany, Latvia, Denmark

Teams play one game each against the other three teams in their group. Countries get three points for a regulation win, two for an overtime win, one for an overtime/shootout loss and zero for a regulation loss.

After the preliminary round is complete, teams are seeded 1 through 12 under the following criteria:

• Higher position in the group
• Higher number of points
• Better goal difference
• Higher number of goals scored for
• Better IIHF world ranking

The top four teams (group winners and best second-place team) get a bye to the quarterfinals. Teams 5-12 play in a qualifying round, with the winners going to the quarterfinals.

Playoff qualification games are on Feb. 17, quarterfinals are Feb. 18 and semifinals are Feb. 20.

The bronze medal game is Feb. 21 and the gold medal game is Sunday, Feb. 22.

DAVIDSON, NC — WNBA scouts attended the Richmond women’s basketball’s 11th consecutive win, over Davidson on Feb. 14, to get a look at one player.

They had their eyes on Maggie Doogan, who put on a show by scoring 26 points on 10-of-14 shooting and had six rebounds. The Spiders senior forward also reached a career milestone, becoming the third player in program history to score 2,000 points.

“People don’t realize, like, this was done in four years, right? This is not 2,000 points over five years,” Richmond coach Aaron Roussell told USA Today Sports. “It was just a calm. She made the right decisions, and it helps when you’re making shots. Just really, really proud of her overall, what she’s done at this level and what she’s done for this program. It’s really hard to top.”

It’s becoming increasingly likely Doogan will become the first Richmond player to be selected in the WNBA draft. One WNBA staffer likened her game to Maddy Siegrist, the former Villanova forward who now plays for the Dallas Wings after being selected in the first round in 2023.

Both Doogan and Siegrist are 6-foot-2, can score inside and out and come from outside the Power 4 conferences. Doogan is averaging of 21.9 points and 8.1 rebounds. As a senior at Villanova in 2023, Siegrist led the nation in scoring with 29.2 points a game and averaged 9.2 rebounds.

While Siegrist might be the better rebounder and inside scorer, a case can be made Doogan is a more efficient player and superior passer. Doogan is averaging 4.1 assists per game this season and shooting 51% from the floor, 41% from 3-point land and 88% from the free throw line. Siegrist never averaged more than two assists a game or shot better than 36% from behind the arc.

Doogan and Richmond’s Rachel Ullstrom are the only teammates in the country who attempt more than 6.5 3-pointers per game and shoot better than 40% from behind the arc. Doogan is also the only player in the nation averaging at least 21 points, eight rebounds and four assists a game while shooting north of 50% from the floor.

One WNBA scout who spoke to USA Today Sports complimented Doogan’s basketball IQ and competitiveness, pointing out how vocal she is on the defensive end. Another WNBA staffer said simply, “She won’t be available when the third round (of the draft) starts.”

‘The skill set that she has, I think she’s already ready…’ Roussell said. ‘She’s had some of her best games against some of the best players that are going to be in the WNBA. So I think her game translates And she’s a hard worker.”

Indeed, Doogan has often plays well in big games. She had 30 points and 15 rebounds in an NCAA Tournament upset of Georgia Tech last season, scored 27 points against UCLA in the second round and scored in the 20s against both TCU and Texas this season. She also participated in trials for the AmeriCup last summer with Team USA.

Doogan turned heads the last time she faced Davidson too, scoring 48 points in a triple-overtime win that set the single-game scoring mark for the season.

Despite losing at George Mason on Monday afternoon in a makeup game postponed due to a winter storm last month, Richmond is one of two teams in the Atlantic-10 with a resume worthy of consideration for an NCAA Tournament at-large bid, joining Rhode Island. The Spiders are now 39th in NET, 40th in WAB and a perfect 20-0 in Quad 3 and 4 games — meaning they don’t have any bad losses.

Doogan’s draft stock will likely continue to rise if the Spiders can get that NCAA bid.

“Her best games are ahead of her,” Roussell said of Doogan’s WNBA prospects. “People are seeing what she is now, but she’s going to get stronger and she’s going to get more athletic.’

The dust has settled on the 2025 NFL season with the Seattle Seahawks earning their second Super Bowl title in franchise history. The final whistle of Super Bowl 60 cleared the way for the NFL to fully look ahead to the offseason.

Up first on the offseason schedule is the NFL scouting combine. Every year, hundreds of draft-eligible players come to Indianapolis for athletic and medical testing, interviews and measurements.

We have a good idea of who will be the top picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, regardless of how the scouting combine goes. Many of the top players are locks barring a shockingly bad performance in some drills or medical issues.

As always, some players will be standouts during testing and potentially increase their stock ahead of the NFL Draft. Ahead of those potential changes, here’s our latest prediction for how the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft will go:

2026 NFL mock draft

1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

This will continue to be the projected pick all the way until Las Vegas is on the clock to open the draft. Mendoza is by far the top quarterback in the group who plays with shades of Joe Burrow. He’ll usher in a new era for the Raiders.

2. New York Jets: LB/Edge Arvell Reese, Ohio State

If you can’t get a quarterback, get the best player in the class. Reese can do everything and would immediately be a key contributor for the Jets’ defense. He’d be a force multiplier for the unit on the second level.

3. Arizona Cardinals: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

Arizona is one of the toughest teams to predict. After going almost all-in on defense in their last draft class, the Cardinals bolster the offense with Fano, our top offensive lineman prospect. He could be a plug-and-play starter at right tackle.

4. Tennessee Titans: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

Tennessee has one of the best interior duos on the defensive line with Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat. They need help off the edge and get just that with Bailey, the most productive edge rusher in college football in 2025. His smaller frame will raise some run-defense concerns, but you can’t argue with his pass-rush production.

5. New York Giants: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

We’re sticking with prior thinking and putting Tate with the Giants once again. He’s a contested catch merchant with the route-running chops to be a solid fit opposite Malik Nabers. If Tate is your No. 2 wideout, things are looking pretty good on offense.

6. Cleveland Browns: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

With Tate off the board, Cleveland chooses the next-best wideout in Tyson (some would argue the No. 1 WR in the class). He consistently separates against coverage and is a touchdown machine. Whoever plays quarterback for Cleveland in 2026 will appreciate that.

7. Washington Commanders: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)

The Commanders’ defense needs youth on every level and Bain feels like the powerful presence on the defensive line Dan Quinn would like. His arm length may force him inside, but his power sets him apart in a strong edge-rusher class.

8. New Orleans Saints: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

New Orleans needs more offensive playmakers around second-year quarterback Tyler Shough and Love is the best offensive prospect in the class. He’s the ideal modern back who can take it the distance as a rusher or receiver out of the backfield.

9. Kansas City Chiefs: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

The Chiefs have more pressing needs than safety but Kansas City can’t pass up a chance at one of the best players in the class. Downs is a game-changer in the secondary who reminds many of former Chiefs star Eric Berry.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

The top edge rushers are off the board and it feels like a stretch to reach for another. Instead, Cincinnati opts for the best cornerback on the board. Delane was a shutdown technician for LSU in 2025 and is as pro-ready as they get in this class for a team that desperately needs more out of its pass defense.

11. Miami Dolphins: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

New head coach Jeff Hafley’s background is in the secondary and the Dolphins need talent everywhere in the back end. McCoy has the skillset to fit multiple schemes with prototypical size. The only question mark is his health.

12. Dallas Cowboys: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Styles is one of the best athletes in the class which the Cowboys need in the second level of their defense. It is a deep linebacker class but the Cowboys only have two picks in the top 100 and should use a premium asset on a premium talent at a position of need.

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta): OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)

As soon as Rob Havenstein announced his retirement, this pick feels more likely. Mauigoa started the last three years at right tackle for the Hurricanes and missed just one snap in that time. His power and anchor will fit what the Rams want to do in the run game.

14. Baltimore Ravens: IOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

Two of Baltimore’s five offensive line starters from last year are hitting free agency, including left guard Daniel Faalele. Ioane is the best pure-interior offensive line prospect in the class and would be a road-grading presence in the middle for the Ravens’ run game under new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

Tampa Bay needs more from its edge rushers and Howell has the track record. He tallied 75 pressures and 16 sacks in his last two seasons with the Aggies. His shorter frame raises questions about run defense but his pass-rush production is undeniably a benefit for the Buccaneers’ defense.

16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis): WR Makai Lemon, USC

Who will play quarterback for the Jets next year is far from settled. Whoever it is would love to see Lemon lining up in the slot. The USC product is nearly allergic to drops and has a knack for finding extra yards after the catch.

17. Detroit Lions: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

This feels like a near-lock. Proctor is an elite athlete for his size and may be best starting out at guard before moving outside with time to develop his immense raw talent. Based on their performance on Thanksgiving alone, Detroit could use more bodies on the interior of the offensive line.

18. Minnesota Vikings: DT Caleb Banks, Florida

Cornerback is a popular pick for the Vikings here at No. 18 but we’re trying something a bit different. Banks looks to be fully healed from a foot injury and showed off his talents at the Senior Bowl. At a nimble 6-foot-6 and 334 pounds, he could be a headache for the run games of the NFC North.

19. Carolina Panthers: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

Carolina has several options here. Considering the board, we’re opting for the top edge rusher left in the group. Faulk has inside-out versatility thanks to his size and athleticism. He’s young as well and can develop alongside Derrick Brown.

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay): CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

If Dallas stays put at No. 20, it has to address the secondary, specifically at cornerback. Hood shined with teammate McCoy sidelined for all of 2025 and offers ideal size for the outside (6-foot, 195 pounds). He operates best in man coverage or Cover 2 assignments thanks to his burst and leverage.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

Pittsburgh has many needs, but improving the secondary’s speed and athleticism has to be high on the priority list. Terrell plays bigger and more aggressively than his 5-foot-11, 180-pound frame. He’s a turnover machine in both coverage (3 INTs, 17 PBUs) and run defense (8 forced fumbles) in his career.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

Los Angeles’ troubles on the interior offensive line are well-documented. Lomu played left tackle for the Utes but should start his career at guard to develop his impressive raw tools. His athleticism should complement new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s run schemes.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Philadelphia usually reserves its top picks for the trenches, wide receiver or secondary. We’re making an exception for the top pass-catcher on the board. Sadiq is a dynamic threat at tight end who has plenty of runway to develop and fill free agent Dallas Goedert’s shoes in time.

24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville): OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

All five starters from the Browns’ offensive line in 2025 are free agents. They need help everywhere and Freeling may be the best option at this point. His massive frame at 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds and athleticism give him the tools to develop into a starter for Cleveland.

25. Chicago Bears: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson

Chicago’s defense can’t rely on turnovers again in 2026. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s defenses in New Orleans were at their best with long, powerful edge rushers like Parker. He needs to develop beyond his speed-to-power moves but offers a lot even as a rookie for the Bears.

26. Buffalo Bills: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

Buffalo promoted Joe Brady to head coach to continue being a top-five offense in the league. The Bills desperately need more dynamic weapons in the wide receiver room and Concepcion is one of the most explosive in the class. He’s a threat in space and will complement the players already in-house for Buffalo.

27. San Francisco 49ers: WR Denzel Boston, Washington

The 49ers need more help at the wide receiver position with Brandon Aiyuk all but certain to play elsewhere in 2026. Boston is a big body (6-foot-4, 209 pounds) who has just five drops on 204 career targets. He wins with physicality and route-running and is a better value on the board at this point for the 49ers’ needs.

28. Houston Texans: DT Peter Woods, Clemson

Houston’s defense was one of the best in the NFL in 2025 but could use more help along the interior defensive line. Woods looked like a top-five pick coming into the 2025 college football season but underperformed. He’s shown flashes and would be in the environment to improve with time.

29. Los Angeles Rams: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State

The Rams relied on their defensive front to overcome deficiencies in the secondary. Not anymore. Johnson is a small-school riser with the ideal size and impressive production; he’s allowed just two touchdowns in three years as a starter and notched six interceptions.

30. Denver Broncos: LB CJ Allen, Georgia

Denver’s dominant defense will have some holes to fill in 2026, specifically at linebacker and defensive tackle. We’re opting for the former here. Allen lacks the size of the Ohio State duo but stands out versus the run and is a sideline-to-sideline defender.

31. New England Patriots: OT Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern

New England’s offensive line took a beating in the Super Bowl, so the team bolsters the position here with Tiernan. The massive four-year starter for Northwestern has the ideal length and movement skills for pass protection.

32. Seattle Seahawks: CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina

Seattle will likely lose their long, athletic cornerback Riq Woolen in free agency so they draft his potential successor here. Cisse is one of the best athletes at the position in the class but often gave up too many big plays in college. Seattle could be the right place to mold his skills into a long-term starter.

LIVIGNO, Italy – A devastating trampoline accident as a teenager left United States men’s snowboarder Jake Canter without the ability to hear out of his right ear.

So say it loud and proud – Canter is an Olympic medalist.

Canter won bronze in the men’s slopestyle competition Wednesday at the 2026 Winter Olympics. He was in 10th after the first two runs but went all out for his third and final run of the day. He flipped an extra rotation off the last rail element, stomped his last two jumps and raised both arms in excitement as he went to the finish area. Awaiting his score, he made the sign for ‘prayer hands.” The shred gods delivered a nice number on his behalf — 79.36.China’s Su Yiming took gold and was by far the most consistent rider of the day. His best score was 82.41 on his first run. Taiga Hasegawa from Japan took silver with 82.13, also secured in his first run.

Team USA veteran Red Gerard placed sixth with a best score of 76.60. And 17-year-old Ollie Martin came in ninth with a 75.36.

After Canter won the Aspen World Cup slopestyle competition in January to make Team USA, he was overcome with emotion.

‘Just can’t believe this is happening … to be in this position I’m in, I’m so grateful, so thankful,’ he told USA TODAY Sports. ‘It really means the world. It’s everything I wanted.’